The Power Struggles of Hollywood's Golden Era
In the office, Douglas blushed, his eyes glowing with anger. Unable to contain himself, he stormed out of the room without saying a word.
Bang!
The wooden door slammed against the wall as Louis Mayer snapped out of his rage. He realized his behavior toward Douglas had been irrational, but he brushed it off without concern.
"Ask Joan to come to my office," Louis called out to his assistant. He needed a release for his anger, and in his mind, women were the answer.
Moments later, a fashionably dressed woman with a seductive aura entered the office. Heavy breathing soon filled the air, but the staff outside remained indifferent and continued their work. Such events were commonplace in every studio, company, and office in Hollywood. No one found it unusual.
The title of "King of Hollywood" had made Louis a bit reckless. If there were no looming threats like the Oscars, he might have continued on this path of indulgence, eventually leading MGM to a more glorious future. But now? Only time would tell.
"Charlie, you need to give me an explanation for New York," came the grim voice of William Dover over the phone.
"William, I don't know what you're talking about," Charlie Lee replied, feigning innocence.
"Don't play dumb with me, Charlie. Damn it, you're going to get me killed!" William growled, his voice filled with panic.
For a politician, being linked to gang feuds was disastrous. A single revelation could destroy his career.
"If George had known this mission involved such risks, I would have stayed far away!" William exclaimed, his voice trembling with frustration.
"William, my friend, you're overthinking. Tomorrow, I'll invite Senator Damon to lunch. Join us, and we'll clear things up," Charlie replied smoothly before hanging up the phone.
Charlie knew what William was referring to. News of Luciano's mysterious death was spreading rapidly. However, there was no evidence linking it to him, and Charlie wasn't worried.
If he had any concerns, it was George. "I just hope George doesn't breathe a word about this to Dwight," Charlie muttered to himself.
At a lively banquet hall, Charlie Lee smiled brightly, raising his glass to Carl Madson, who had just entered the party.
"Carl, are you satisfied with the arrangements?" Charlie asked enthusiastically.
"Charlie, everything is perfect. The reception is top-notch," Carl replied, raising his glass.
According to Aria, Charlie's trusted aide, his boss planned to expand his businesses into Los Angeles in the coming year. This was good news for Carl, who saw opportunities in such ventures.
"Aria must have mentioned that my security company, Aegis, will establish operations in Los Angeles next year. I hope I can count on your support, Mayor Carl," Charlie said confidently.
The rapid expansion of Aegis had strained its resources. Many employees had already been reassigned to other ventures, including providing security for bars, nightclubs, and similar establishments.
"I'll ensure the town planning bureau finds the perfect site for your training camp. I can't wait to see Aegis operating in Los Angeles," Carl replied enthusiastically, raising his glass in agreement.
"Charlie, Aegis is recruiting extensively in Los Angeles, right?" Carl asked, his tone reflecting both curiosity and urgency. Rising unemployment was a significant issue for the city.
"Yes, I plan to hire 500 people initially, but this is only temporary. If you can assist in securing a suitable site for our operations, we'll increase our recruitment significantly," Charlie assured him.
Carl's face brightened at the prospect. With unemployment rampant and security in the suburbs deteriorating, Aegis's arrival promised both jobs and safer neighborhoods.
"I'll handle it personally," Carl declared.
They clinked glasses again, savoring the lively atmosphere of the reception.
"Hi, what are you two discussing so seriously?" Laura asked, joining them with a cheerful smile.
"Just some local matters. Carl here was telling me about the charm of Los Angeles and its endless opportunities," Charlie quipped, flashing a playful grin.
The conversation lightened, but Charlie's mind remained focused on the bigger picture. He was laying the groundwork for his ambitious expansion plans, using charm and strategy to win allies.
Later in the evening, honorary mayor Garrio approached Charlie with a proposal.
"Charlie, I'd like to join the foundation. Perhaps as a supervisor?" Garrio suggested, his tone hopeful.
"Go to hell," Charlie thought to himself, suppressing a smile. He knew Garrio was eyeing a critical role within the foundation, but Charlie had no intention of handing over such authority.
"I'm sorry, Mayor Garrio, but the foundation's finances and operations are managed by professional teams. Even I don't interfere," Charlie replied diplomatically.
Garrio pressed on, asking for any position within the foundation. Charlie maintained his stance, politely excusing himself from the conversation.
As the night progressed, Charlie returned Bergman to her room, where she expressed her reluctance to part ways with him.
"Come with me to Chicago," Charlie suggested, though he already knew her answer.
"I'll stay here," Bergman said firmly. She had decided to pursue her dreams in Hollywood, and Charlie respected her decision.
"I'll always support you," Charlie whispered, gently kissing her forehead.
Later, Charlie visited Lawrence, who had been holed up with two women since their arrival. Opening the door just a crack, Lawrence looked pale and exhausted.
"Put on some clothes and get out here, or stay and die," Charlie said, barely concealing his irritation.
Charlie left the banquet with Bergman's decision weighing on his mind. His plans for Hollywood were ambitious, from establishing the Oscars to building the Avenue of Stars. But his heart was equally invested in ensuring Bergman's success.
As the night ended, Charlie's focus shifted back to Chicago, where pressing business awaited him. The restructuring of ACE, the acquisition of Bechtel, and the launch of new ventures demanded his attention.
Yet even as he prepared to leave Hollywood, Charlie knew his presence there would leave an indelible mark.