President Johnson's speech in Miami was a resounding success, drawing a crowd of over 100,000 people. The impressive turnout was largely thanks to Hardy's influence and the efforts of the Lukese family in Miami. The head of the Lukese family had mobilized his network to ensure a lively and supportive audience, doubling the expected numbers.
Monroe performed before Johnson's lecture, and her appearance instantly elicited cheers from the crowd. She had become a national icon, celebrated for her allure and charisma.
During her performance, Monroe caught Hardy's gaze from the audience. A flicker of panic crossed her face, and she momentarily faltered before quickly regaining her composure. Hardy noticed her reaction and found himself amused by her nervousness.
After the Miami speech, Johnson's team departed for the next city. They had three more speeches planned before the election, which kept them on the move. Hardy, on the other hand, decided to return to Los Angeles.
The seven "Super Idol" contestants who had come to Miami to support the event were also preparing to head back to Los Angeles for the top 24 competition. To save on travel expenses, they joined Hardy on his private plane.
On the plane, as Hardy retreated to his private quarters, the contestants relaxed and marveled at the luxurious surroundings. They whispered among themselves about the opulence of the aircraft.
"This plane is incredible. The seats are so comfortable, almost like you can lie down," one of the girls remarked.
"Absolutely. I bet the room where the boss stays is even more luxurious. By the way, didn't Monroe visit his room before? What was it like?" another girl asked.
This question sparked some private laughter among the group. The incident involving Monroe's awkward situation on the plane had become a running joke in the company.
Monroe, overhearing the conversation, felt a flush of embarrassment and looked away, trying to ignore the topic.
---
Upon returning to Los Angeles, the atmosphere at the entertainment company was charged with rumors. It was said that Monroe had slept with the boss, and the rumor spread quickly across HD Brokerage, HD Pictures, and ABC TV.
Monroe noticed the odd glances from people at the TV station where she was scheduled to appear. Concerned, she confided in her friend, Shania Dunn.
"Shania, why is everyone looking at me strangely today?" Monroe asked.
Shania grinned and whispered, "The crew is buzzing with rumors about you. Some are curious, others are jealous."
"What rumors?" Monroe inquired.
Shania leaned in closer, her voice low and teasing. "They're saying you were involved with the boss. Looks like there might be some truth to it."
Monroe stiffened at the suggestion. She had been late returning, but it was only because of an incident, not anything more intimate. However, trying to explain herself seemed futile in the face of spreading gossip.
Monroe's reputation had been built on her provocative performances rather than her singing talent. Despite her popularity, many were critical of her and saw her as getting ahead through her associations rather than skill.
As Monroe and Shania entered the recording hall, Monroe noticed a shift in the staff's demeanor. They treated her with newfound respect, a stark contrast to their previous indifference.
Monroe realized this change in attitude was likely due to her association with Hardy. Although she was not officially his partner, she enjoyed the perks of being linked to him. The staff's respect and the improved treatment were clear indicators of his influence.
The contrast in how she was treated by staff versus other contestants was striking. While the staff were accommodating and respectful, her peers were increasingly distant or resentful.
During the show's recording, Ava, one of Hardy's significant associates, was present as a judge. When Monroe performed, Ava's feedback was unexpectedly positive. Ava praised Monroe's performance and awarded her a high score of 9.5, much to the surprise of the other contestants who had anticipated a conflict.
Ava was aware of the rumors but chose not to let them influence her judgment. She knew the importance of maintaining her own reputation and did not wish to create unnecessary conflict.
Monroe's popularity and high ratings made her a valuable asset to the show, and the production team had no intention of eliminating her prematurely. However, rumors continued to swirl, suggesting that Monroe's connection with the boss might secure her a higher ranking than her talent alone would justify.
When these rumors reached Hardy, Edward reported the situation to him. Hardy instructed Edward to address the rumors firmly and to suppress any further gossip.
Hardy remained unperturbed. "It's not just about managing perceptions. I'll have Henry and his team investigate further," he said.
Edward asked cautiously, "Should we consider eliminating Monroe from the top 12 to avoid any suspicion?"
Hardy chuckled. "Do you think I need to worry about that? Even if I did sleep with her, what does it matter? Does anyone in Hollywood dare to question it?"
Edward smiled, understanding Hardy's confidence. "So, what's the plan for Monroe?"
Hardy contemplated for a moment. "I originally considered having her stop at the top 12, but given her popularity, it's better to let her reach the semifinals. Let her place third to maintain the show's ratings."
Edward agreed and would arrange for Monroe to receive high-quality songs to support her performance.
The next day, one of Monroe's competitors was eliminated, and an investigation revealed that she had been contacted by NBC TV. She had been promised a better contract in exchange for quitting the competition, driven by jealousy over Monroe's success.
Hardy, having heard this, instructed Henry to send additional personnel to NBC and Columbia TV stations for further investigation and potential future leverage.
In the competitive world of business and entertainment, Hardy knew the value of being prepared and maintaining a strategic edge.