[Chapter 341: Outlaw Logic]
After Christmas, all the women left one after another, except for Madonna, who stayed at the estate to rest and prepare for motherhood. Linton also headed to Universal Music to get ready for the release of I Know.
The two songs released in October and November, You Are Not Alone and Water Runs Dry, had already achieved remarkable success.
You Are Not Alone had topped the Billboard singles chart for four consecutive weeks, and Water Runs Dry had also dominated the chart for two weeks.
In terms of sales, You Are Not Alone had surpassed 23 million copies worldwide, and Water Runs Dry had exceeded 17 million copies.
The achievements were impressive, but Universal Music's president Daniel was not satisfied. He believed that if Linton had more time for promotion, the results would be even better.
Thinking of the last single, which Linton had even less time to promote, his frustration was evident. He grumbled like a downtrodden wife whenever they met.
But there was no choice. Linton was genuinely busy, and no matter Daniel's dissatisfaction, Linton only had two days left for promotion. On the 28th, he had to report to the Independence Day film crew.
In the following two days, Daniel pushed him to the limit, scheduling 25 media interviews, two talk shows, and two variety shows.
However, for Linton, who was at the Celestial Presence stage, these tasks were nothing.
---
On the afternoon of the 27th, Hillary quietly arrived in Los Angeles and checked into the Hilton Hotel, but she didn't take the presidential suite. Instead, she booked an executive suite.
Upon receiving the news, Linton had his assistant book an executive suite next door to hers.
At 10 pm, after finishing his last promotional interview, Carter carefully lost all the paparazzi and quietly drove to the Hilton's underground parking garage.
On the way, Linton rarely opened his spiritual awareness to ensure no paparazzi were tailing them. After all, Hillary was someone of considerable importance. If the press got wind of their meeting, it would be a scandal.
On the 13th floor, he didn't go to his room but knocked on the door next to his.
As soon as he entered, an eagerly awaiting Hillary threw herself into Linton's arms and planted a fragrant kiss. "Master, why are you so late? Your Hilly couldn't wait any longer."
Linton noted the difference. Today, Hillary was meticulously dressed, looking several years younger, wearing an incredibly sexy white translucent silk nightgown that accentuated her beautiful figure. Black stockings adorned her legs, paired with black high heels, exuding seductive allure.
...
A sweet, cheerful song began playing...
---
Three hours later, after their passionate encounter, Hillary lay softly on Linton, a flushed glow on her cheeks. "Master, you were amazing."
"You're not bad yourself, such impressive endurance."
"Master, Hilly wishes she could be with you every day."
"Don't get your hopes up; three days a month is already the limit, and that depends on your performance," Linton coldly dashed her hopes.
"Master, are you satisfied with my performance?"
"Not bad. This time, I will extend your reward by another six months. You have already accumulated a year's worth of rewards, allowing you to stay three days each month in Los Angeles throughout the year."
"Thank you, Master. I will continue to work hard to keep earning this privilege."
"Oh, you didn't leave any loose ends during this operation, did you?"
"Don't worry, Master. I've taken care of everything. The two participants have already been dealt with."
"Dealt with?" Linton was shocked. "So ruthless?"
"Yes, this is the only way to eliminate future troubles."
"How did you handle it?"
"Simple. The two who caused the plane crash took the money and left America that very day, headed to Sweden. I arranged for an assassin there to finish them off." As expected, Hillary was as ruthless as ever, one of the infamous deadly duo from his past life. The assassin working for her was exceptionally unlucky.
"Is the assassin reliable?"
"Absolutely. He's part of our family's overseas private militia. He has no knowledge of the victims' previous actions, completely separate from the plane crash incident. Plus, several layers of aliases separate us from the assassin."
"How did the Douglas family react?"
"You tell me. The previous heir mysteriously died in Los Angeles not long ago, the new heir hasn't been named, and now the current patriarch died in a sudden plane crash with no will left behind. What do you think will happen next?"
"A battle for the inheritance?"
"Exactly. The entire Douglas family is in chaos. I've heard they've split into factions fighting over the inheritance. The factions have turned hostile, and a courtroom showdown is likely next."
"What about The New York Times?"
"Their chairman and CEO suddenly vanished. The internal power struggle naturally plunged the company into turmoil."
"Do you have a plan for the next steps?"
"Already in motion. Don't worry. Within three months, The New York Times will face serious problems. The prime assets held by the Douglas family will be put up for grabs."
"You're already planning how to divide the Douglas family's assets?"
"Of course. Once you make a move, you don't leave any loose ends. Besides, our allies who are involved deserve their share."
Classic outlaw logic. "Right, you guys are ruthless. That puts my mind at ease."
"Master, don't you dislike Hilly's way of doing things?"
"I like it. Go ahead and execute your plan."
"Master, when the assets are divided, do you want to join in and take your share?"
"No thanks. It might expose our connection."
In truth, Linton was uncomfortable profiting from such ill-gotten gains. With his abilities, he didn't need to resort to shady methods for wealth. Still, he wasn't naive enough to oppose Hillary's core intention, which was to clear out his enemies.
"Master, the Douglas family holds many valuable things, especially The New York Times and stakes in other important media outlets. These could benefit you."
"Don't worry about me. I truly don't need it. Now, can you elaborate on your specific plan?"
"Certainly. Our investigation found that The New York Times has been fabricating fake news to boost circulation and obtaining news through illegal means..."
Linton understood. Whether it was fabricating fake news or acquiring it unlawfully, both were serious crimes. Does the truth really matter?
"Forget it. Just focus on the outcome."
"Master, have you rested well?" Hillary's hand started to wander downward.
"Of course."
...
The sweet, joyful melody played again.
*****
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