Donald Trump had just stepped out of his car when he was immediately surrounded by a group of reporters. As a super-rich businessman and reality TV show host, he was well-versed in handling such situations. However, the questions asked had little to do with his personal matters.
"Mr. Trump, have you seen today's news?"
A reporter, without waiting for his response, asked directly, "There are reports claiming that your daughter Ivanka spent last night with Duke Rosenberg. Do you know about this?"
"Of course, I do."
As soon as he gave this answer, the reporters erupted with excitement. The sound of camera shutters clicking became almost continuous, as if they had stumbled upon a rare major news story. However, Donald Trump remained nonchalant and casually said, "In fact, Duke and Ivanka are officially dating..."
The scene fell silent for a moment, followed by a flurry of questions erupting all at once.
"Donald, is this true?"
"How long have they been dating?"
"What do you think of Duke Rosenberg?"
"Will you bless their relationship?"
The area in front of Trump Tower turned into a noisy marketplace, but this kind of chaos was exactly what Donald Trump loved to see. Anything involving the name "Trump" was bound to dominate the headlines of every media outlet.
He worked hard every day to make headlines but rarely succeeded. Yet his daughter had achieved it effortlessly.
Donald Trump felt a bit emotional about this. Ivanka had clearly inherited his talent and was the best successor for the Trump empire. Who knows, she might even use some favorable situations to further expand the Trump Group in the future.
In his eyes, the wealthiest 1% of the population controlled more than half of the nation's wealth. Of this, one-third came from hard work, while the other two-thirds were inherited.
It seemed he needed to spend more time with his daughter and influence her future development. Duke Rosenberg's immense fame, which far surpassed his own, could also serve as a great topic of discussion moving forward.
Donald Trump made a gesture to calm the crowd and waited for the scene to quiet down before saying, "When you find out that your daughter's suitor is someone like Duke Rosenberg, it's hard to be dissatisfied. I will bless their relationship. At the same time, I will also have a good talk with him—a man-to-man conversation..."
"I greatly admire Duke Rosenberg."
On the TV screen, Donald Trump spoke eloquently during his interview with reporters. "If there's an opportunity, I'd like to act in his movies again. After all, I'm an excellent actor, aren't I? What? Appear together? Of course! If there's a chance, I'd love to appear on my reality show with Ivanka and him. So, you must always stay tuned to my program; otherwise, you'll miss the most exciting moments..."
Duke pressed the remote control button to change the channel. His face remained calm. Sitting beside him, Ivanka looked a little embarrassed. As someone who had once been his personal assistant, she knew some of Duke's habits.
Clearly, he wasn't entirely fond of her father.
"Sorry, Duke," Ivanka quickly explained, "I didn't know it would turn out like this. This morning, my father called after seeing the news online about us leaving the hotel together. He asked me a few questions, and I just..."
"Dear, it's okay," Duke shook his head at her. "It's just a small matter."
Then he smiled, "Alright, don't think too much about it."
Ivanka nodded lightly but still said, "My father meant no harm. He just enjoys using some news to expand the Trump brand's influence."
"I know." Duke stood up. "I'm going to the study to deal with today's emails. You can chat with Emma, or if you're bored, you can walk around the garden or the beach."
"Okay, you go ahead."
Watching Duke's back disappear through the bedroom door, Ivanka's eyes flickered. The only restricted area in the villa was that study. Except for Emma and Tina Fey, no one was allowed in without an invitation.
She picked up the remote and switched back to the earlier channel. Her father, Donald Trump, was still talking enthusiastically about her and Duke...
No one liked being used as a tool for someone else's publicity, and Duke was no exception. However, he understood Donald Trump to some extent. That was just the kind of person he was. Since he was dating Ivanka, Duke had mentally prepared himself for such things. With his current status, fame, and influence, it was impossible to keep this relationship strictly private. That was simply unrealistic.
As long as Donald Trump didn't cross certain boundaries, Duke could choose to ignore him.
Showmanship and greed were normal, but they needed to be kept within reasonable limits.
However, Christopher Rokenkort clearly couldn't control his greed. From the investigation report delivered by Edward Newgate, Duke discovered more names involved. Even Frank Pierson, the first vice-chairman of the Academy's Board of Governors, had invested $2 million in this scheme.
This kind of Ponzi scheme seemed simple and easy to see through, yet countless similar scams worldwide not only succeeded but often grew large. This demonstrated their powerful allure, especially the temptation they posed to human greed.
Sometimes, greed is unpleasant but necessary. All kinds of greed—whether for life, wealth, love, or knowledge—are imprints of human evolution.
But when greed completely blinds someone, tragedy often becomes inevitable.
After the weekend, Duke's main daily focus remained on the post-production of The Two Towers. Meanwhile, Nancy continued negotiations with Christopher Rokenkort. Both sides, trying to gain each other's trust, played their roles convincingly in what appeared to be a genuine Hollywood blockbuster negotiation. The process dragged on long enough to seem legitimate.
Had he not obtained sufficient evidence, even Duke might have believed a major production was being prepared.
By late August, Nancy Josephson and the other party had reached an agreement in principle. This utterly convincing yet entirely fake negotiation was nearing its conclusion. Duke also met Christopher Rokenkort one last time. Although they were about to sign a contract on the surface, the verbal agreements Nancy and Duke had reached would never be put on paper.
"I hope this is the beginning of a series of collaborations between us," Christopher Rokenkort said, shaking hands reservedly with Duke. Duke, on the other hand, smiled and said, "I hope so too."
"I've already activated my network in France," Christopher Rokenkort said thoughtfully. "Once the project officially starts, we can establish a good communication channel with the French government. The crew can even film on location in Paris and borrow some historical artifacts."
"I'll leave that to you."
After another exchange, Duke accompanied him into the golf course's lounge. Jessica Alba came up to greet him. "Hi, Duke."
"Hello, Jessica."
Duke lightly shook her hand. When her fingers deliberately grazed his palm as she pulled away, he frowned slightly.
In Hollywood social circles, this was a clear signal, and Duke understood its implications.
Nodding slightly, Duke sat opposite Christopher Rokenkort and continued their earlier conversation. As for Jessica Alba, someone who clearly didn't grasp the situation, he had no interest whatsoever.
Honestly, what normal man would be interested in someone with a history of certain health issues?
Moreover, once Christopher Rokenkort fell, Jessica Alba would fall with him. She had foolishly acted as his assistant all along. If his true nature was exposed, wouldn't the investors redirect their anger toward her?
There were only about forty investors, but all were well-known figures in Hollywood. Among them were directors like Steven Soderbergh and Academy members like Frank Pierson. These people had extensive connections, and the ripple effects could influence many others.
Even if James Cameron intervened, it would be useless. In such a severe situation, who would step up to help a minor actress who wasn't even B-list?
To some extent, Jessica Alba's fate was already in Duke's hands.
Unfortunately for her, even if she were Marilyn Monroe reborn, Duke wouldn't change his plans.
"Duke, you've probably heard that I've been raising funds," Christopher Rokenkort said strategically. "I've secured $30 million for the initial phase of the film."
"I've already sent the $1 million script deposit check to Nancy," he added.
Seeing Duke nod, Christopher continued with a smile, "Once we sign the formal agreement on September 1, the $45 million from Duke's studio will be transferred within three days."
The $1 million check, much like the proposed project, was merely bait. And with so many restrictions placed on the check, Duke had no fear of him disappearing, especially since someone was keeping tabs on him.
Christopher Rokenkort laughed. "I believe we'll create a great film together."
"I think so too," Duke replied, glancing at the time as he stood up. "Our collaboration will surely leave its mark on Hollywood."
The two shook hands again, each wearing a satisfied smile as they left the golf club.
"Tina, when we get back..."
Sitting in the passenger seat, Duke instructed his assistant, "Notify Panny, Nancy, attorney Richard, and Mr. Edward Newgate to come to the estate. This has dragged on long enough; it's time to wrap things up."
This so-called negotiation had been conducted entirely in Hollywood fashion. Both sides had acted professionally to gain each other's trust. Dragging it out this long was the most convincing approach. If either Christopher Rokenkort or Duke had agreed too readily, even a fool would've noticed something was wrong.
Now, as late August approached and the contract signing was scheduled, Duke had no reason to wait any longer.
The key players involved in this matter were numerous and significant enough already.