The press room fell into a sudden, tense silence. All eyes turned to Amber Heard, making her the undeniable focus of everyone present. Even the cameras broadcasting live online and on television swiveled to capture her every move.
In this moment, Amber Heard was the center of the universe in the press room.
She took the microphone, drew a deep breath, and began speaking into it. "I... I..."
She appeared nervous, but in reality, she was barely able to contain the exhilaration bubbling inside her.
How many people in Hollywood—or anywhere—could say they had personally brought down one of the industry's most powerful figures?
And now, she was doing just that.
Amber Heard worked hard to suppress her emotions, disregarding Harvey Weinstein's prior instructions. Following the plan she had prepared beforehand, she said directly, "I have a video here that I'd like everyone to see."
Hearing this, Harvey Weinstein turned to Amber Heard, his brow furrowing slightly. What's wrong with her? He had specifically instructed her to begin with an emotional, tearful denunciation of Matthew Horner's alleged abuse before unveiling the video.
But as he noticed the apparent trembling of Amber Heard's arms, he quickly surmised what was going on. She's inexperienced with such a high-pressure situation. Facing so many reporters and cameras had clearly made her nervous.
No matter, he thought. Once the video played, the prearranged journalists could use their questions to steer the narrative in the intended direction.
Only Harvey Weinstein, Amber Heard, Matthew's team, and a select few others had seen the contents of the video in advance. Everyone else in the room—including those aligned with Harvey, like Meryl Streep—had no idea what was coming.
Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and others turned to face the massive projection screen at the back of the room, their curiosity piqued.
Nobody knew what Harvey Weinstein was about to reveal.
But with such an unusually large screen already prepared, it was clear to anyone with half a brain that this had been planned well in advance.
Who is he targeting?
Uma Thurman, who had worked with Harvey Weinstein for years, knew the man well. She glanced at Amber Heard, then at Harvey Weinstein. When it came to harming women, who could surpass him? She had never liked this bloated, self-important man.
In the front row, a journalist from the Los Angeles Times named Richardson—known for his sharp instincts—briefly turned to look at Matthew. Everyone was aware of the escalating feud between Matthew Horner and Harvey Weinstein. Could this be aimed at Matthew?
Harvey gave Bob Weinstein a slight nod and said softly, "Play it."
Bob Weinstein signaled to the staff member operating the projector. Much like how he had handled the day-to-day operations of Weinstein Company for years, he had also orchestrated every detail of this press conference—from logistics to personnel.
All of the Weinstein Company staff present were his people. Even the security personnel had been personally hired by him.
After his conversation with Amanda, Bob Weinstein had realized just how easy it was to sideline Harvey completely.
The next moment, the lights in the press room dimmed slightly, and the giant projection screen lit up.
The cameras streaming the event live online and on television turned their lenses to focus on the screen.
"What could this be?" Richardson whispered, his curiosity piqued.
He wasn't alone. The reporters seated further back were equally intrigued, their eyes glued to the screen.
As the screen lit up, Matthew felt his phone vibrate. He pulled it out and glanced at the screen. It was a text message with a single line: The public service ad has been aired.
Calmly, Matthew put his phone away. By now, the screen had begun playing the video.
The footage showed a lavishly decorated bedroom. The lighting was bright, but the video quality wasn't particularly high. Anyone with experience could immediately tell that the footage had been secretly recorded.
A hidden camera video? Many turned to look at Harvey Weinstein, wondering what the man was up to.
At first, the video was silent. Then footsteps could be heard, followed by a conversation between a man and a woman. One of them seemed to be under the influence of drugs.
Richardson thought the voices sounded familiar. When the woman spoke again, it clicked. The voice was almost identical to Amber Heard's.
Moments later, when the man spoke, Richardson recognized it immediately.
This voice was unmistakable—he had heard it countless times in theaters, on television, and during interviews. It was Matthew Horner.
The conversation in the video escalated into an argument. Soon, the man and woman appeared in the frame.
Richardson's eyes widened. Anyone who had seen Matthew Horner's films would have no trouble recognizing that the man in the video was him.
The woman, meanwhile, was undeniably Amber Heard.
As a journalist who admired Matthew Horner, Richardson closed his eyes briefly. The moment Matthew in the video raised his hand, Richardson could already predict what was coming. He found it hard to continue watching.
But he forced himself to reopen his eyes. As a journalist, he couldn't ignore a story like this.
The press room erupted in gasps and whispers as the shocking content of the video unfolded.
On the screen, Matthew Horner appeared highly agitated, his face a mix of anxiety and rage, as though he had been provoked. His actions were violent, and every blow landed on the seemingly helpless woman.
He grabbed Amber Heard by the throat, slamming her back against the wall. Despite her attempts to resist, she seemed utterly powerless against the physically imposing man. Eventually, her shirt was torn off, and she was thrown to the ground.
The camera shook violently as Amber's body collided with it, and then the screen went black. The audio cut off as well.
It seemed the force of Amber's fall had damaged the hidden camera.
As soon as the video ended, the press room erupted into chaos. All eyes turned to Matthew.
The footage appeared authentic, with no signs of manipulation. Many in the room were experienced enough to recognize that the video had not been edited.
Hollywood's biggest star was now facing accusations of drug use and assault.
Several reporters' minds raced with the implications, excitement coursing through them. After all, what could be more thrilling than watching a Hollywood powerhouse fall from grace?
Richardson turned to look at Matthew again, only to find him sitting calmly in his chair. He showed no reaction whatsoever, as though the video had nothing to do with him.
No panic. No shock. Nothing.
It was as if the footage hadn't affected him in the slightest.
How strong must someone's mind be to remain unfazed by such a damning video, the outcry of hundreds of reporters, and the severe consequences this would undoubtedly bring?
Drug use and assault.
These were the key takeaways everyone had drawn from the video.
Richardson felt a wave of disappointment, anger, and even resentment. Why couldn't these stars and wealthy elites exercise a little self-control? Must they destroy themselves to find some twisted satisfaction?
Shifting his gaze to Amber Heard on stage, Richardson thought, As long as she presses charges, Matthew Horner will be in deep trouble. If there's additional evidence, prison isn't out of the question.
He had no doubt about this possibility. After all, Amber Heard had a powerful ally backing her: Harvey Weinstein.
It was well known that Harvey and Matthew had a bitter, irreconcilable feud.
Richardson could already see where this was headed. This incident would likely mark a turning point in Matthew Horner's life. Once a rising star, he now seemed poised to plummet.
Others in the room shared similar thoughts. Some looked at Matthew with sympathy, others with disdain. But most were reveling in schadenfreude.
The downfall of Hollywood's biggest star—how delicious.
Why? They couldn't quite articulate it. But when a peer—especially one far above them in status, reputation, and influence—crashed and burned, it brought them satisfaction.
If we can't be as successful as you, then you should fall.
Meryl Streep turned her gaze from Matthew to Harvey Weinstein and nodded subtly. Harvey is still as formidable as ever.
No wonder he had spoken to her so cryptically before the press conference. It turned out he had prepared solid evidence to take Matthew Horner down.
As a prominent leftist and ardent feminist, Meryl Streep immediately grasped the social implications of the video. This footage was enough to ruin Matthew Horner completely.
Matthew, however, remained eerily calm, sitting amidst the accusatory stares as though oblivious to their weight. His face was expressionless, and his demeanor unshaken.
Years of life-or-death struggles and climbing from obscurity to becoming a billionaire had forged his unshakable inner strength.
True strength, after all, wasn't in the body—it was in the mind.
Even the tallest, strongest man could crumble if his spirit faltered.
"That was quite a performance," David Ellison whispered. "Matthew, your acting is truly outstanding."
"Thank you," Matthew replied coolly.
Barely ten seconds had passed since the video ended, and Harvey Weinstein had been watching Matthew the entire time. He had hoped to see panic, shock, or even despair on Matthew's face—anything to show he had broken him.
But none of that came to pass. Matthew Horner sat calmly, even chatting casually with David Ellison.
If that's how it is, I'll push you even further, Harvey thought, steeling himself. He leaned forward and turned on his microphone.
_________________________
[Check out my Patreon for +200 additional chapters in all my fanfics! $5 for all!!]
[w w w . p a t r e o n .com / INNIT]
[+100 PowerStones = +1 Chapter] [+5 Reviews = +1 Chapter]