Naomi Watts sat beside Gilbert, massaging his temples.
"Don't worry, Gilbert. Our whole family stands firmly behind you," Naomi Watts said.
Looking at Charlize Theron and Jennifer Connelly, both of them stared at him with determination. Gilbert felt the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. For his family, he had to fight! Fight! Fight!
"At the moment, a single sexual harassment accusation isn't enough," Marco Wald continued. "Let's see how the other side reacts first. If it's just a warning, the harassment case will end there.
If they get serious, more charges could follow. Tax issues, monopoly concerns, and information security violations might come into play."
Ellie Mays added, "F.B.I has come several times, demanding that Watermelon and Banana Company submit our user data lists."
"I'm aware of that."
Gilbert had an understanding with multiple companies in Silicon Valley, using business operations and client privacy as reasons to refuse F.B.I's interference.
But over time, strong measures could be used, and information security would be a convenient justification.
"Also," Sheena Boone said, "to dismantle your influence in the media sector, they'll likely demand you give up your stakes in Warner and Disney.
Honestly, your holdings seriously affect some people's control over Hollywood."
At this moment, Naomi Watts reminded Gilbert, "Don't forget, there have always been claims that you were too close to foreign parties. Once they strip away your wealth and power, they could charge you with treason, leaving no way to recover."
After hearing everyone's analysis, Gilbert felt a looming crisis. However, this was just the worst-case scenario; things might not be so dire.
Gilbert held his teacup, took a sip, and then said, "Sheena, contact Mr. Eger and Mr. Walter, have them come over tomorrow.
Ellie, keep an eye on the Fruit Company, instruct David to temporarily scale back Watermelon and Banana Company's operations. Also, contact Steve and Mr. Gates—our medical center project cannot be left unfinished.
Marco, manage the PR for the harassment accusation case, and assemble a legal team to prepare for the lawsuit."
Everyone listened carefully to Gilbert's instructions, taking notes, and then went about their tasks.
Marco Wald suggested, "We should have Reggie investigate, see if there's any useful information."
"Good idea," Gilbert agreed.
At this point, Charlize Theron stepped forward. "Gilbert, I'll handle Jada Smith's side. I'm a lead in the Matrix series; I can speak up."
"Exactly," Naomi Watts agreed, "If you respond personally, you might even be accused of discrimination. But if Sally steps forward, she becomes the audacious woman teaching a lesson, which carries far less impact."
"All right!" Gilbert agreed immediately. "Thank you, Sally."
"These are small matters. We'll get through this together," Charlize Theron said assertively. "No one can bully or exploit our family under any pretense."
Gilbert was somewhat touched. The women silently supporting him behind the scenes was truly rare.
Hollywood might have countless transactions of power and money, and on top of that, various unsavory party deals occur. But at least the women under Gilbert's protection maintained commendable integrity.
A plan to respond was quickly devised and promptly executed.
Scarlett was on the EdgeRunner set and should be safe. Ivanka was in New York handling stock operations with David, requiring bodyguards.
Anne Hathaway, who debuted under Gilbert's wing, had not been corrupted by Hollywood's tainted environment.
Now filming outside, she could be targeted, so extra caution was needed.
Just as Gilbert was thinking about Anne Hathaway, she called. "Gilbert, I've been feeling unsafe lately. Someone's watching me.
And people keep inviting me to strange parties—I'm a bit scared."
Gilbert frowned. Anne Hathaway was filming Becoming Jane Austen, an independent film where these island-style and party-related risks were most likely to appear.
He immediately said, "Don't worry. I'll have Sheena go check on you, and we'll dispatch additional security."
"All right, please come quickly," Anne Hathaway said, relieved.
After reassuring Anne Hathaway, Gilbert turned to Naomi Watts. "Security forces need to be strengthened recently, especially to protect the family.
Notify the security company to screen a reliable team. If deception doesn't work, the other side will resort to force."
"All right, understood," Naomi Watts nodded.
The next day, Gilbert met with Robert Eger and Doug Walter. Both had heard the rumors and sensed an unusual tension.
Unlike their usual firm support for Gilbert, this time there was a subtle shift in their attitudes, which Gilbert noticed keenly.
"Gilbert, you should understand that even though you dislike discussing politics, politics has never been far from Hollywood," Doug Walter said.
"Most people in Hollywood are involved in politics, even deeply so in some aspects. Hollywood, Washington, Wall Street, financial capital, media capital—Hollywood has never been as complex as it is now.
Your position is unique. You're not only a renowned film director, but also a media tycoon, an internet enterprise magnate, and a leader in Silicon Valley tech capital.
Some have long tried to control Silicon Valley tech capital, but you, as a leading figure, resist. That makes it difficult for others to deal with."
"So, you mean I should submit? Let them tear me apart?"
"Given the current situation, that's the safest choice. Gilbert, staying alive preserves hope. Don't give them the chance to knock you down completely, leaving no way to recover."
Faced with the subtle persuasion of the two CEOs, Gilbert didn't respond immediately. He only said he needed time to consider.
After seeing the two CEOs off, Gilbert went alone to walk along the beach at the Melon Estate. Naomi Watts, concerned, instructed the bodyguards to follow.
Barefoot on the sand, Gilbert thought of his previous life. It had taken over a decade in the industry to become a major online film director—a hard-won achievement.
Honestly, even then, he had been a pushover, never daring to offend big names.
After crossing over this life, relying on some foresight and intuition, he had gradually reached his current position. He had offended many, yet Gilbert had always believed this was a world governed by rules.
But what had happened in his past life and what was happening to him now proved otherwise. There were no rules; in the Western world, it was the law of the jungle—survival of the fittest.
Though strong, he was not strong enough. A single group couldn't threaten him, but a coalition could.
Shares in Warner and Disney, several newspapers, and multiple internet companies were all prime assets.
The returns were so lucrative that people couldn't resist taking action.
So Gilbert faced only two paths: either yield and be completely stripped, or resist and fight for a slim chance of survival.
Images of various possible outcomes flashed through his mind. Gilbert finally solidified his resolve.
If one dies, let it be with no regrets. Go all out, treating it as a one-life-only game.
Time to fight…