The microphone clicked on, and Harvey Weinstein's booming voice filled the room. "Ladies and gentlemen! Quiet, please!"
His words quickly restored order to the chaotic press room. Everyone understood that this was a carefully orchestrated event. Harvey Weinstein was clearly aiming his blade at Matthew Horner.
Two Hollywood titans were clashing, and one of them had already unsheathed a sharp weapon, while the other appeared to be a lamb led to slaughter.
So this was the "explosive insider news" Harvey Weinstein had promised when he invited everyone here?
Explosive? It was beyond explosive. If this news broke, it would shake the entire nation. The fallout could surpass even the infamous Clinton scandal.
The journalists could feel it—a once-in-a-decade bombshell was unfolding before their eyes. They instinctively fell silent and readied their devices to record what was certain to be a historic moment.
Everyone knew that Matthew Horner's influence had long since surpassed the boundaries of Hollywood.
Harvey Weinstein glanced at Matthew again, who remained seated, calm and immovable, like a mountain.
"Just surface-level calm," Harvey muttered to himself, a triumphant smile tugging at his lips. "Actors—always so good at hiding their true emotions."
Tearing his eyes away from Matthew, Harvey raised his voice again. "The footage you just saw was bravely recorded by Ms. Amber Heard, who suffered terribly unjust treatment!"
His voice grew louder, more impassioned. "This is a shameful act of sexual assault! There is no excuse—none whatsoever—for sexual harassment or sexual assault, no matter who you are or what position you hold! We must seek justice to the fullest extent!"
His words, righteous and full of conviction, elicited nods of agreement and murmurs of approval from the room.
Yet, a few people in the audience couldn't help but smirk bitterly. The irony was too rich: the man with the most notorious reputation for abusing women in Hollywood was now grandstanding about fighting sexual assault.
But no one dared speak up. Over the years, those who knew the truth had chosen silence. As long as Harvey Weinstein remained one of Hollywood's most powerful figures, they would continue to keep quiet.
As Harvey finished speaking, he glanced at Meryl Streep, giving her a signal. Meryl, ever poised, turned on her microphone and said, "I'm appalled—truly appalled. This is an absolutely disgraceful act! If these allegations are true, this behavior is unforgivable."
The room erupted again, though this time in gasps and murmurs. While Meryl Streep hadn't mentioned Matthew Horner by name, everyone knew who her words were targeting.
With an air of moral authority, Meryl radiated an almost saintly glow, like a modern-day Mary. "I believe it is the responsibility and duty of the press to thoroughly investigate this incident and bring the truth to light!"
Matthew sighed softly. Hollywood stars, including himself, were little more than hollow shells. Back when he had lived across the Pacific, he had held Meryl Streep in the highest regard. He'd loved her performance in The Devil Wears Prada and had been among the countless fans who affectionately called her "Aunt Meryl."
To think that foreign fans referred to her as "Aunt Meryl" spoke volumes about the positive impression she had left on audiences.
But Hollywood was like a picturesque landscape seen through a computer screen: beautiful from afar. It was only when you stepped into it that you realized the idyllic scenery wasn't even as appealing as the small hill behind your own house.
"Boss," Bertie, seated in the second row, leaned over to ask Elena Boyar. "Is this the big news you were talking about today?"
Bertie was well aware of his boss's close friendship with Matthew Horner—a bond forged over more than a decade of mutual trust and support.
Why would his boss come here just to witness Matthew Horner's downfall?
Bertie couldn't figure it out. He glanced at Elena Boyar, then shifted his gaze toward Matthew. From his vantage point, he could see Matthew's profile. Matthew sat there, calm and composed, showing no signs of panic, shock, or helplessness.
It was as if the reporters, the damning video, and the accusations didn't exist.
"Don't rush," Elena Boyar said coolly. "The real show is just getting started."
Bertie immediately caught on. There was more to this than met the eye.
"What a bunch of fools," Elena muttered, shaking her head. "Celebrating without even understanding the situation."
She wasn't referring to the reporters but to the people on stage. While the journalists were buzzing with excitement, they hadn't yet lost control. After all, one video alone wasn't enough to bring Matthew Horner down.
Amber Heard, the key figure in the scandal, had yet to say anything incriminating about Matthew Horner.
The journalists waited with bated breath for Amber Heard to break down and accuse Matthew tearfully. But she remained silent.
George Clooney, Harvey's collaborator, stole a glance at Matthew before deciding to stay quiet.
Julia Roberts, however, found the situation puzzling. Unlike some of the other stars present, she had interacted with Matthew Horner and knew him to some extent. Based on how he had handled the London incident involving Emma Roberts and Anne Hathaway, Matthew didn't seem like someone who could be easily caught off guard.
She had even spoken to Emma privately. While Matthew was admittedly casual when it came to relationships, he was also extremely cautious and had a strong sense of self-preservation.
Suddenly, Julia Roberts remembered something: Matthew had been entangled with Amber Heard for over a year.
No wonder Harvey Weinstein had spent so long planning this.
Harvey, noticing Amber's silence, prompted her, "Ms. Heard, do you have anything to say?" He gestured toward the journalists. "These members of the press will ensure justice is served."
Once Amber spoke, and with a bit of guidance from the prearranged questions, Matthew would be swept away by a tidal wave of backlash.
Harvey glanced at Matthew again, only to see him chatting casually with David Ellison.
"Feeling the pressure, are you?" Harvey sneered internally. "Trying to beg for help from the Ellison family? It's useless—no one can save you now!"
But Amber Heard still hadn't spoken.
Growing impatient, Harvey urged again, "Ms. Heard, do you have anything to say?"
This time, Amber reacted. She glanced at Matthew, who gave her a subtle gesture.
"I..." she began.
Everyone leaned forward, expecting her to break into tears and launch a heartfelt accusation. Instead, she smiled and said, "I have nothing to say."
The room froze. Harvey Weinstein's face registered momentary confusion. What is this?
Amber Heard looked at Harvey's stunned, bloated face and felt an indescribable sense of satisfaction. After enduring his manipulation for so long, she could finally bring him down.
Harvey quickly recovered and was about to speak when a tall, blonde journalist stood up. She towered over everyone, nearly six foot three, and her gaze carried a mocking disdain as she looked toward Harvey.
"We're not taking questions yet—" Harvey started, but then he noticed one of his staff handing a microphone to the blonde woman.
"What are you doing?" Harvey barked. "It's not time for questions!"
The staff member ignored him and placed the microphone firmly in the woman's hand.
Elena Boyar took the microphone and, disregarding Harvey's protests, asked, "Mr. Harvey Weinstein, isn't it a bit reckless to accuse Mr. Matthew Horner based on a single video?"
Harvey, still glaring at his disobedient staff, turned and pointed to the frozen image on the projection screen. "Did you even watch the video? Doesn't it clearly show the severity of the situation?"
Elena replied matter-of-factly, "I recall seeing this footage in a public service announcement against drug abuse."
Her words rang out across the room, leaving everyone stunned.
The journalists stared at her, dumbfounded. They all knew who Elena Boyar was. Despite working for the gossip site TMZ, she was a senior executive there, and someone of her standing wouldn't make baseless claims in a situation like this.
Without waiting for Harvey to respond, Elena continued quickly, "This footage matches a segment from an anti-drug PSA I reviewed. Ah, yes, you'll find it featured prominently on TMZ's homepage—we've always been staunchly anti-drug."
Reporters immediately pulled out their phones and tablets, navigating to TMZ's website. Sure enough, they found a PSA with footage strikingly similar to what had just been shown.
"This is impossible!" Harvey roared, refusing to believe Elena's words.
He had spent over a year planning this. How could something so crucial go wrong?
Harvey instinctively looked at Amber Heard, only to see her smiling at him—a smile that reminded him of the way he used to mock starry-eyed actresses dreaming of fame.
Elena pressed on. "To my knowledge, this PSA was a collaboration between the UN Women's Fund, the UN Refugee Agency, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, the National Women's Association, and the FBI. It's widely available on many websites."
Turning to Harvey, she flashed him a dazzling smile. "I suggest we play the full PSA on the big screen for everyone to see."
Harvey suddenly felt a sinking sense of dread, though he still refused to believe her claims.
_________________________
[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]