The Wolf of Los Angeles

[Chapter 283: First-Mover Advantage]

"Beckham and Victoria are still making headlines," Caroline said as she switched the projector screen in the conference room to display an official announcement from Real Madrid. "Real Madrid announced that David Beckham would miss the next two games for personal reasons, notifying media and fans."

Hawke wasn't particularly interested in that news. He cut right to the chase, asking, "How much have we invested in this, and what's the data looking like?"

Technical Director Harland replied, "We've seen a significant uptick in overseas user registrations. As of yesterday, during the Beckham scandal, we gained six million new users globally, with about 17-18 percent coming from outside North America."

Caroline adjusted the projector to show the statistical data section.

Harland continued, "Over this period, Twitter's global user base surpassed 45 million, with nearly 35 million active users. The growth trend has been consistent."

Hawke nodded slightly and inquired, "What about our competitors?"

Caroline responded, "Currently, LinkedIn is in second place among social networks. It launched earlier this year and now has 2.24 million users. Originally, Reid Hoffman wanted to invest in LinkedIn, but we placed restrictions on him and Peter Thiel during negotiations, preventing them from investing in similar companies again."

Hawke instructed, "Keep an eye on LinkedIn."

But it wasn't just LinkedIn; he privately sent someone to Harvard University to meet with Zuckerberg, applying pressure behind the scenes.

Twitter's lead was steadily expanding.

With each passing headline, users flocked to the platform. The ease of interaction and user-friendly features cultivated a habit among them.

As long as they didn't make any major missteps, Twitter could maintain a strong growth trajectory in the short term.

...

In the San Francisco Bay Area, at Clarium Capital.

Inside his office, Peter Thiel browsed Twitter, noting that Beckham and Victoria seemed to have reconciled, leaving Los Angeles together.

In the reception area, Reid Hoffman was sipping coffee when he remarked, "It turns out you had a good eye after all."

He shifted topics. "I've been getting some pressure from a few calls lately. What about you?"

"I've received some too," Thiel replied nonchalantly. "In the next five years, we're potentially looking at a huge asset appreciation. Are you really going to walk away from that?"

Reid Hoffman stated directly, "I'll hold firm and continue our investments. If they dare to break the rules first, I'll pull out five hundred million dollars to confront them directly."

Thiel shared Hoffman's view; such an opportunity was extremely rare, even in Silicon Valley.

Empty promises meant nothing. To get their cooperation, it was simple: offer a good opportunity for a billion dollar asset appreciation.

Hoffman added, "Twitter has rejected the initial valuation of five billion dollars, believing it to be worth more."

Thiel sighed. "Thirty-six million active users is indeed astounding."

Hoffman replied, "This company is growing at an astonishing rate. Users translate into immense market value, thanks to the Ice Bucket Challenge by Tom Cruise and Beckham's infidelity scandal, which have both brought enormous traffic and built user habits."

"Goldman Sachs and Merrill Lynch are also eyeing Twitter," Thiel noted, sounding well-informed. "There's also Bill Gates. He mentioned Twitter during Microsoft's latest board meeting."

Hoffman had heard the same: "Pacific Investment Group is also raising funds."

Thiel paused for a moment before saying, "It's hard to predict. Given Hawke Osment's age and ability, Twitter will likely maintain its upward trajectory for the next fifteen years, potentially becoming the new Yahoo before 2001."

"It's an AB share structure. While we'd gain a seat on the board, Hawke Osment maintains absolute power," Hoffman expressed his concern. "He could put Twitter on the fast track to success or plunge the company into chaos."

However, Thiel remarked, "Based on the past year's performance, Hawke's internet operations are just as strong as his strategic planning."

Hoffman thought for a while and nodded slightly. "Without Hawke Osment, there wouldn't be a Twitter today."

Thiel stood up. "Let's reevaluate and accelerate negotiations."

The development of internet companies was often rapid, and Twitter was at the forefront.

...

In Malibu, in an independent mansion that dominated a cliffside.

In a private cinema, the latest Harry Potter movie was playing.

Sean Ackerman had his arm around a blonde woman, playfully squeezing her soft spots while watching Hermione Granger on the screen. "If you could get her here, securing funding for the movie wouldn't be an issue."

The blonde flirted back, "Am I not enough?"

"Not the same, not the same," Sean thought of the Venice Beach Club while looking at Hermione and felt his desires intensify. "You're not fresh enough."

The blonde reminded him, "This Hermione was born in 1990."

Sean laughed, "Thirteen? Thirteen is the best age, I love it."

Fernando Crane, the assistant, eavesdropped, thinking to himself, "Thirteen-year-old Hermione? I like that too."

But he knew better; those brought over from Latin America were his to enjoy. Famous figures like Emma Watson were the playthings of the high-profile.

As for age, in all his years with the Ackerman family, Fernando had seen that in Hollywood, age was never an issue.

The reason why so many Hollywood child stars have fallen was not just the influence of fame and fortune but also the greed of their guardians.

What they experienced far exceeded ordinary imagination.

Those who emerged victorious, maintaining fame into adulthood, typically had powerful backers or had endured intense trials.

Fernando hurried to Sean and said, "Sir, the people outside are back."

Sean released the blonde and, trying to mimic his father Buddy Ackerman, patted her shoulder. "Get Hermione here as soon as possible; my check will always be waiting."

The blonde had worked with Warner Brothers before and hesitated, saying, "I can try."

She wasn't naive. She'd need to find out which executive at Warner managed Hermione.

If it was Producer David Heyman, she'd think of some ways to persuade him.

...

Sean left the screening room with Fernando, taking the elevator to the second floor and entering the seaside study.

Fernando stopped by the door, waiting outside.

Inside the study, Sean glanced at Vaughns, who had been waiting. "Did you meet Barack Bernanke in Rosario?"

"I did. We've talked a few times," Vaughns quickly organized his words. "Barack seems friendly and had no ill will toward us."

Sean chuckled. "Without Melissa, he has to choose someone else."

Vaughns added, "And you're the best choice."

Sean's laughter grew more genuine.

Compared to his sister Melissa, Sean wasn't as capable or shrewd, which made Buddy's disdain towards him understandable.

Sean asked, "Was Barack in Rosario long enough to find leads on Melissa's disappearance?"

"Found a few leads," Vaughns explained. "The trail leads to a valley on the outskirts of Rosario, where a burned-out car was found. It's a common Mexican model, and all the VINs were scrubbed. No weapons or bodies were discovered."

"Great news!" Sean hoped Melissa would never be found.

Vaughns continued, "The area around Rosario is vast and sparsely populated, and it's chaotic. Once the assailants leave the city, it becomes nearly impossible to track them. Barack has hired Pinkerton professionals but still can't find leads. That Pinkerton detective suspects the assailants have strong counter-surveillance skills and are likely professionals just like them."

Sean asked, "Is Barack still searching?"

Vaughns replied, "He hasn't given up; he's still looking for Melissa."

Sean contemplated for a moment. "You should return to Mexico and keep an eye on Barack Bernanke. Maintain contact with him."

He imagined, "As time passes since Melissa's disappearance, Barack will gradually lose confidence, and he'll have no choice but to support me."

Vaughans promptly said, "I'll book a flight to Rosario right away, following Barack's team closely for their movements."

"Go ahead," Sean affirmed.

Vaughns left the seaside villa at a faster pace than when he arrived.

...

Sean sat by the desk and felt an urge to call Buddy Ackerman.

But remembering his father's explosion of anger with no news on Melissa the day before, he decided it was best to keep his distance for now.

With Melissa vanishing in chaotic and backward Mexico, having found no useful leads for so many days and no ransom calls, it was likely she was in dire straits.

With Buddy Ackerman's direct descendants reduced to just one, Sean believed that even if his father underwent an organ transplant, he wouldn't live long. In that case, the family's entire inheritance would rest solely on his shoulders.

Fernando then walked into the study.

Sean said, "Keep recruiting; we need to prepare to take full control of the Ackerman Charity Foundation."

Fernando replied, "As long as the money is right, staffing won't be a problem."

Sean suddenly thought of something. "If we get the chance, find the blood packs and organ bank raised by the family."

*****

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