The Wolf of Los Angeles-Chapter 449: Found Someone to Bear the Burden Again

[Chapter 449: Found Someone to Bear the Burden Again]

On the first day of 2006, the Ferguson estate in the Woodland Hills was bustling with guests. Among the security personnel were numerous agents from the Secret Service.

The Ferguson family and the Walker Bush family were officially united in marriage today.

Current President George Walker and the former President Bill Clinton were both present at the estate.

The wedding was set to begin later, and Carter Ferguson stepped out of the villa, looking for his daughter, Erica, who was hosting the female guests. He asked, "Where's Hawke? I don't see him."

Erica pointed with her finger toward the crowd under the canopy. "He's over there."

Carter saw a group of people but didn't immediately spot Hawke. However, the group consisted of today's key guests: Chief of Staff Andrew Card, Office of Science and Technology Policy head Brad Smith, Arizona Senator Johnny McCain, California Representative Bonson, Whip Tom Emmer, among others.

Carter shifted his angle, peered through the crowd, and finally saw Hawke standing in the middle.

At that moment, Mary Ferguson approached from behind.

Carter said, "He's already building a network of connections."

"Because each of these families' companies can legally profit hundreds of millions or even more from Hawke's plan," Mary smiled. "One family's semiconductor company has already secured the bid for the Manhattan AI Project. As long as the project continues, the company will enjoy an endless stream of profits."

Carter admired, "I always thought Erica was carefree, only interested in playing with guns, but didn't expect her judgment to be so sharp."

Mary laughed, "Because she's your daughter."

Carter looked at his wife. "Are you bragging?"

Mary said, "I meant you have great vision."

...

Under the canopy opposite, the crowd gathered to discuss only one topic -- the Manhattan AI Project.

Under Hawke's deliberate steering, they quickly covered discussions on the second installment of funding.

The 2008 election was coming up; by 2009, George Walker would inevitably leave office, but what would happen afterward was uncertain.

They had to secure two more rounds of funding before George Walker stepped down.

Some of the people here were older or nearing the end of their terms, but each represented valuable resources.

Hawke also extended invitations: if anyone wanted a position at Twitter, he would offer generous salaries.

To expand the commercial empire, the political front needed to lead.

California Representative Bonson, related to the Ferguson family by marriage, spoke after exchanging a few words with Hawke earlier: "Are there any new plans? America needs to stay ahead globally. You tech elites must shoulder the responsibility of the era."

Hawke smiled, "America doesn't just want to be a global leader in technology but also in cultural values."

Johnny McCain bluntly asked, "Do you have a new plan?"

Hawke grinned, "Indeed, I have one that I personally believe will propel America into a new stage to continue leading the world. It's still in its early development; when it's time to push at the government level, I'll count on your support."

They all smiled broadly, freshly rewarded. "We're on board."

Hawke Osment's Marginalized Groups Plan ultimately aimed to become America's plan for marginal groups.

Of course, it wasn't just about empty slogans or hollow marches; it needed to penetrate every facet of American society -- military, Pentagon, government, even education.

It could secure more federal funding, like helping pay for Costa Rican individuals' gender reassignment surgeries.

Apparently, America had once initiated the famous "De-Masculinization Project."

Hawke believed that America having a few more outcasts and oddballs in the future wasn't a bad thing.

...

As the wedding was about to start, everyone dispersed.

Tom Emmer approached Hawke, and together they headed to the wedding lawn.

As they walked, Tom said, "Do you think Johnny McCain stands a chance in the election?"

The Arizona senator planned to run in the next election, just awaiting the official announcement.

Hawke replied, "I don't know. I haven't thought about it much."

Tom smirked, "From what I've heard, Hillary will run in the opposing party's primary. Though she's a woman, McCain's no match for her."

Hearing Hillary mentioned, Hawke stopped. "Mr. Emmer, are you planning to run?"

Previously, George Walker had stood Tom Emmer up for Secretary of State, and Emmer bore a grudge but knew it wasn't easy to challenge Walker, so he'd been patient.

The presidency, however, was an opportunity for payback.

Tom didn't deny it. "I plan to run. Preparation has already started."

Hawke, having heard about the Emmer-Condoleezza Rice Secretary of State dispute and speculated about Emmer's revenge, said, "Hillary is a very strong opponent."

Tom responded, "She's a woman, but no man dares underestimate her."

If Hillary or the San Francisco faction tried to stir trouble, Hawke could counter.

He said, "To hold the presidency, you must get past Hillary."

Tom, wily as ever, caught on. "You have ways to deal with her?"

Hawke said, "I'd suggest starting with the business friends around the Clinton couple; maybe you'll find something unusual on their puppets."

This sounded ordinary; top politicians usually had puppets. ƒrēenovelkiss.com

But Tom, who'd done some groundwork, immediately thought of Harvey Weinstein.

Apparently, he was a staunch supporter of the Clinton couple. Also, Clinton was often seen with Jewish tycoon Epstein.

Hawke saw Brian waving from a distance and signaled him. Turning back to Tom, he said, "We'll talk later."

Tom still smiling, said, "Your call."

...

Hawke found Brian. "Weren't you supposed to be with the groom?"

Brian glanced around and whispered, "Just got news that a massive women's rally exploded today in San Francisco. District Attorney Kamala and Mayor Gavin Newsom appeared at the event."

"That's good news." Hawke pulled out his phone, opened the Twitter app, and searched "San Francisco women's rally." Tweets, photos, videos, and live reports popped up.

Reports said over 3,000 women participated. Mayor Gavin Newsom gave a speech urging society to advance and protect women's rights.

Representing the Feminist Majority Foundation, Fiona was interviewed by the media. She specifically mentioned "Her Power," a term with a strong gender stance.

---

San Francisco, Civic Center area.

City Hall was a white-domed building resembling the Capitol, with a vast lawn in front.

Today, over 3,000 people gathered here, mostly women.

Media reporters were predominantly female too.

Dozens of cameras focused on the grand steps before City Hall, where Gavin Newsom had just finished his speech.

To show solidarity with women, he grabbed someone's hand, raised it high.

Siebel tightly held his hand, lifting it overhead, shouting with him.

What they shouted wasn't important -- the key was who held her hand.

Nearby, Fiona clapped vigorously, rallying the crowd into even higher spirits but kept her eyes on Gavin Newsom and Jennifer Siebel.

Their relationship was obviously special.

As applause subsided, Melanie whispered, "I heard the mayor is courting Jennifer Siebel."

Fiona smiled, "Let's wish them well."

Melanie turned to business, "It's time for your media interview."

Fiona nodded slightly and moved toward the media area, recalling the article draft sent from Los Angeles.

Supposedly, this draft was authored at Hawke's behest by Caroline Jones, Twitter's Operations Director.

Faced with dozens of reporters, Fiona's interview centered on "Her Power."

"The 21st century is an era led by intellect and knowledge, completely different from past times," she stated to cameras and mics. "Gender differences have never been a barrier to success. Women's gentle nature and rational approach better suit this era's needs, making success more attainable."

Though Fiona felt the piece was full of nonsense, she pushed through: "Last year, a survey by the Feminist Majority Foundation showed about one in every three executives is female. Her power is rising fast and will soon dominate society."

...

Before the interview ended, chaos broke out around the square.

A group of flamboyantly dressed LGBTQ+ individuals stormed the plaza, disrupting the rally.

They wore outfits bearing the Mattachine Society's emblem.

Enemies by nature, the scene quickly descended into confusion.

But this was San Francisco, not Los Angeles.

Police deployed for riot control reacted swiftly, separating both sides and arresting Mattachine Society members.

Castro District here, along with Hollywood in Los Angeles, was considered one of the two biggest LGBTQ+ hubs in America.

The LGBTQ+ community also had considerable influence.

The scene didn't calm; it became more chaotic.

But government backing eventually led to the Mattachine Society's defeat.

The City Hall square was left in disorder.

Feminist Majority Foundation members swiftly evacuated, leaving male janitors to clean the mess.

...

The Feminist Majority Foundation held a grand celebration party at the Luma Club.

With ample budget, Fiona made everyone feel elevated, as if the future belonged to them.

"Jennifer didn't come?" Fiona asked Melanie.

"She's out on a date with Gavin," Melanie answered.

...

At a Bay Area restaurant, Gavin finished dinner and planned to drop Siebel at her hotel and maybe visit her room.

But a call from a subordinate about urgent matters interrupted him.

So, he sent her back alone and returned home.

Earlier, he had sent a team to Los Angeles to assess the situation.

They suddenly rushed back today.

Gavin's date was cut short. With frustration, he said, "Pearson, don't tell me you rushed back because of the Ferguson and Walker family wedding."

*****

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