"Fight fire with fire."
This was Anson's idea: use the paparazzi's own tactics against them.
"What's the root of all this?"
"The Spider-Man suit? No, not exactly. It's the public's curiosity and interest. A sensational headline, a catchy topic—when something grabs attention and trends, it gains power."
"It could be the Spider-Man suit, or Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez's relationship, or maybe some high-up executive caught cheating in the Sony Columbia parking lot. The focus was never on the event or the people, but on the hype and attention."
"In a world where entertainment rules all, everyone can lose their minds over it. In the face of massive profits, life itself becomes insignificant."
"Now imagine when people realize there's a shocking secret hidden behind Spider-Man getting injured on set. What do you think they'd do?"
The answer is obvious—
Like vultures drawn to a carcass, they'd swarm. It's an instinct they can't control.
Lucas wasn't quick when it came to media strategies. He hesitated for a moment but soon caught up with Anson's thinking.
Lucas turned to Anson, "So, you deliberately let Kevin go?"
Harry: …
"And planted a seed of suspicion in his mind, waiting for it to grow?"
"That way, he'll get a taste of being hounded by the paparazzi, holding onto a gold mine but too afraid to release it, terrified of exposing himself. He'll be tormented by his own fear, jumping at every little sound, always on edge."
Paparazzi usually swarm around celebrities—and even regular people—doing anything for a headline. Now, it was time to let them feel what it's like to be the hunted.
The weapon he was once proud of was now turned against him.
This is truly reaping what you sow.
But even more significant is that the photos Kevin worked so hard to get are now a hot potato—he's sitting on a treasure he can't cash in.
That's true torment.
You have to hand it to him—Anson played his cards well.
Anson looked at Lucas. "Didn't you sense it too? That's why you stirred things up, letting the entire hospital know the paparazzi had invaded the room again."
Lucas had vaguely sensed Anson's plan. Although it wasn't crystal clear, their brotherly bond allowed him to follow along.
Lucas waved his hand, "I just went with the flow. Since you were letting him go, our plans for the day couldn't go to waste. If you're planning to release that Polaroid, the public needs to know. If not, today's events can't stay a secret."
Anson replied, "I'm not releasing that Polaroid. If we make it public, it's too solid a piece of evidence. People might start suspecting that we set the whole thing up. We need to play the role of innocent victims."
"You know how people always expect a 'perfect victim.' If the victim shows any flaw, it becomes a way to justify the actions of the perpetrators."
"For example, you're an actor. People think that if you enjoy the spotlight, you deserve to be harassed by paparazzi, even to the point of getting injured."
"We can't complain or fight back, or we'll become the targets. Unless, of course, I'm paralyzed or dead like Christopher Reeve. Then they might finally stop."
"So, we keep the Polaroid secret, as a thorn in Kevin's heart, to keep him anxious."
Lucas' expression darkened. Even though he knew Hollywood was a ruthless place, hearing Anson calmly discuss such cold-hearted tactics still left him unsettled.
But Anson was used to the madness and stupidity of the social media age from his previous life. He knew things could get far worse than what he was describing. So, to him, the relatively "simple" world of 2003 was nothing to be shocked by.
"Besides, I don't think Kevin will keep the suit photo hidden forever."
"If he does keep it hidden, we'll never be able to prove he was behind it, or even prove that the paparazzi caused the accident. Speculation will remain speculation, without evidence or witnesses. The chaos we've stirred will fade quickly."
"And we'll be left powerless."
"But if he can't resist and decides to release the photo—whether he sells it, leaks it anonymously, or under a pseudonym—that will prove our story is true. Once the photo is out there, the paparazzi will follow the trail and help us piece everything together."
"So, the real punishment is that Kevin is sitting on a goldmine but can't release it. If he does, he'll face the consequences."
"Like a moth to a flame."
That's why everything Anson said and Lucas' actions in the hospital were smokescreens. They created chaos, even unreasonable chaos, leaving gaps and inconsistencies for Kevin to ponder—forcing him to think and guess.
The nature of the paparazzi is to chase drama until the very end.
Now, Kevin would have to fight his own nature. Whether he overcomes it or not, the process itself will be pure agony.
Lucas, ever the sharp one, cleared his thoughts. "And if he doesn't cave in and release the photo? What's your backup plan?"
Anson paused for a moment. "How did you know I had another plan?"
Lucas shrugged slightly.
Anson grinned, letting out a light laugh. "The follow-up is Kevin's punishment. But putting Kevin aside, today's events were part of a plan I discussed with Eve."
He paused, then added, "Sony Columbia is considering a new Spider-Man."
"What!" Lucas lost his composure, for once. The look in his eyes turned deadly—literally.
Anson, lying in the hospital bed, found out that Sony Columbia was preparing to kick him out of the Spider-Man project?
Lucas didn't care about the reasons or circumstances. He wouldn't allow it, nor would he accept it.
But Anson remained calm. "Relax. Nothing's set in stone yet. No need to worry."
Lucas, however, wasn't having it. His face turned cold, not impulsive but focused. He knew that fighting Sony Columbia required more than just strong emotions. "We'll make them pay for this."
Anson nodded in agreement. "Yes, that's the plan."
Lucas' eyes remained locked on Levi. "So, what's your next move?"
Anson noticed Lucas was too tense. Lately, he hadn't been going to work, spending all his time at the hospital. While Anson was moved by his dedication, he still felt a bit uncomfortable.
He needed some space and time.
At the same time, Anson hoped Lucas would get back to his own life and not revolve entirely around him.
With that in mind, Anson decided to lighten the mood a bit. "Relax. First, let me introduce you to a friend."
Lucas shot Anson a suspicious look, clearly not following where this came from. "Anson, don't change the subject. What's your next move?"