In the game room, Amber Heard knelt on the floor like a captive, looking up at Matthew, who sat across from her in a chair with a commanding expression. Her beautiful face displayed complete submission.
Matthew sat confidently, using this time to consider various ways he could make use of Amber as a pawn.
Just moments before, in an attempt to gain his trust, Amber had suggested letting him film her using cocaine on his phone.
It wasn't a heavy-handed leverage, but it did place a small piece of evidence in his control.
From the beginning, Matthew had been learning from "Teacher Chen," though he'd never admit that to Amber. Despite Amber's apparent sincerity, complete trust in her was out of the question.
Even if he wanted to play a double game, he couldn't involve her in any classified or core parts of his plans.
"Amber," Matthew said slowly, "what's your next move?"
"I… I…" Amber bit her lip. "I'll cut ties with Harvey Weinstein! I'll never associate with him again!"
Matthew looked at her, remaining silent.
Amber added, "Matthew, if you report him, I'll testify."
Matthew frowned slightly. Reporting such a matter wasn't exactly feasible.
Amber glanced at him and asked, "What should I do?"
"It's simple," Matthew replied evenly. "Pretend tonight never happened. Continue your contact with Weinstein and tell him I've become addicted."
Amber, sharp as ever, began to sense his intention. He wanted her to act as a double agent.
Matthew continued in a calm tone, "If I don't show any signs of addiction, knowing Weinstein, he won't be kind to you, will he?"
"That's right," she replied. "To someone like me, he's too powerful, too domineering, so…"
Matthew raised a hand to stop her. "Didn't he promise you a lead role? I'll help you get that role." This was the classic approach of a reward after a reprimand. "And my own promise still stands. You can play a supporting role in one of my projects—not a low-budget horror movie, but in The Twilight Saga series."
Within Hollywood's inner circles, Weinstein was notorious for breaking promises, exploiting others, and then discarding them once they'd served their purpose. Otherwise, there wouldn't be so many disturbing rumors about him.
For a budding actress, could Weinstein's promises be trusted? Perhaps he could deceive young actors desperate for fame, but would he actually hand over a precious Oscar-contending role to someone of Amber's level?
If things played out as Matthew anticipated, when Amber failed to entice him into substance abuse and Weinstein reneged on his offer, it would create the perfect setup.
Hearing The Twilight Saga mentioned, Amber's eyes lit up. That series had launched the careers of many young actors. Even those with smaller roles had gained significant fame.
Amber knew the cost of achieving her ambitions. "What do I need to do? Tempt Weinstein into drug use?"
"No need." Matthew shook his head. "I wouldn't make you do that."
He planned to see how Weinstein would treat her. Would he make her the lead in the project adapted from the novel Step Aside, Let Me Embrace Happiness?
Matthew's tone remained calm. "As I said, it's simple. The next time you meet Weinstein, record what he says."
Amber opened her mouth in surprise. "That's it?"
"Yes." Matthew smiled. "My team will give you a discreet audio and video recorder. It's unlikely to be detected."
This was military-grade equipment, originally obtained by Brown-Williams for testing signal jammers, and now it would serve them well.
Amber relaxed, inwardly comparing the demands. Compared to Weinstein's orders, Matthew's request seemed insignificant.
Women carried bags everywhere, and bags could hold many things.
This task would be remarkably easy with minimal risk.
"If… just if…" Amber hesitated, "what if Weinstein doesn't want to see me anymore?"
Matthew appeared unfazed. "Then do nothing. Isn't he supposed to reward you with a lead role if I fall into addiction?"
Amber nodded. She'd likely see Weinstein again soon.
"Stand up," Matthew gestured with a finger, indicating that Amber should rise. "Amber, I've always liked you—your beautiful face, your figure, and your open attitude…"
Relieved that she wouldn't have to go to extreme lengths or pay a heavy price, Amber smiled. Instead of standing, she crawled closer to Matthew, gazing up at him with a look of admiration, like a devoted pet. "I'm yours. I always have been, and I always will be."
She added, "My master."
Of course, Matthew's words were mostly…just words. In reality, Amber's role wasn't all that significant. Even if she switched sides again, it wouldn't impact him much.
Still, it wouldn't hurt to see if she could be of use.
He wasn't about to keep her locked in a room like a pet; sending her back to Weinstein would be enough of an annoyance.
Amber crept closer, whispering, "I'm all yours…"
Feigning concern, Matthew warned her, "Be careful dealing with Weinstein. He doesn't play by the rules and can be very aggressive."
"I will," Amber assured him, feeling a surprising sense of security around Matthew compared to the domineering Weinstein. "I know self-defense. Handling an old man like that shouldn't be a problem."
She glanced at Matthew, contrasting the image of him—a strong, good-looking man—with Weinstein, who was older and unpleasant. The choice was obvious.
She'd rather be around Matthew just for the view alone.
Matthew nodded slightly. "Remember, safety first."
"Got it," Amber agreed.
Matthew rose from his chair, extending a hand to Amber. "Come on, let's get some late-night food."
But Amber remained on the floor, her tone teasing. "Can't we keep the game going a little longer?"
With Weinstein offering no hope, her future now depended on Matthew. She wanted to strengthen her position with him.
Matthew, of course, didn't refuse. Dinner plans quickly transformed into something else entirely.
The next day, Amber didn't get up until afternoon, when Matthew finally had Brown-Williams escort her out, arranging for someone to continue monitoring her.
The cost was negligible for him, not even a drop in the bucket, and it also provided Brown-Williams' war buddies with work.
Later, Matthew mentioned the situation to Helen Herman, as she was also part of the plan against Weinstein.
Helen largely agreed with his approach, but she made sure to speak with Brown-Williams about getting more cooperation from his private investigator associates. As she told Matthew, a small investigation company like this could prove quite useful to both of them.
As a public figure, Matthew couldn't directly interact with such people, but Helen intended to invest in or even take control of the company.
Matthew didn't comment on her actions but appreciated her gesture. After working together for years, they had built a friendship beyond mere business partnership, and Helen was clearly acting in his best interests.
Hollywood's competition was never confined to what appeared on the surface.
Matthew had many entanglements. The Mexican drug cartel issue seemed resolved for now, but who could say it wouldn't resurface? There was also the underwear thief still at large—was it a fan acting impulsively, or something more sinister? And Weinstein was actively plotting his downfall, using tactics as extreme as drug addiction to try and ruin him.
For open competition, straightforward methods were enough.
But the shadowy threats lurking behind the scenes required more than simple competition.
Turning the other cheek was a principle for saints, but Matthew had long since accepted that he was playing the part of the villain.
In the following days, Matthew resumed filming G.I. Joe 2: Retaliation. News from Amber arrived soon; she had met with Weinstein's agent and reported Matthew's supposed drug addiction.
Matthew, meanwhile, went through the motions of staging a convincing front on set. Large productions like G.I. Joe 2: Retaliation had a complex network of people involved, and there was a good chance someone on the team would leak information to the right people.
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