American Gossip King

Chapter 217 Natalie Portman has finally arrived.

With the arrival of Galbraith, the Afghans finally became more generous.

They transferred another three billion as seed money for Redstone Group—mainly because Ian promised that the money would be used for the company itself, at least in the short term.

For an arms and pharmaceutical company, this amount of money is nothing, but the greatest value of fraud lies in its ability to be amplified and leveraged.

So soon after, a new group was officially and openly established, claiming that its pharmaceutical company possessed a new and powerful painkiller.

Painkillers are among the most popular and valuable drugs in the United States, a typical American approach that prioritizes immediate needs over long-term sustainability.

Low production cost, but significant harm.

This is a good thing!

Yes.

Only in this way could Galbraith openly intervene in politics to give them money and pave the way for his businesses—giving money also requires a reason.

With these connections, Galbraith could further penetrate the business world and cultivate good relationships in various places.

With the help of Afghanistan's three billion, he could borrow another three billion, and then, with the scale of six billion and huge profits, he could borrow from Linuo Bank at high interest rates, and at the same time be the first to repay... The profits were real, and the repayment was a reasonable and legal transfer of benefits.

This would also allow him to attract Madoff's investment and build a strong network of connections in the process.

Madoff was a fraud, and so was Galbraith. In terms of skill level, Madoff was superior to Galbraith, but unfortunately, no matter how skilled a player is, if their hand is known to their opponent from the beginning, they cannot defeat the weak.

Moreover, Galbraith was no weakling; he had powerful backers.

Media: Ian Carr; Finance: Gaskell!

Ian simply watched all of this silently, without interfering.

This is a long-term plan, and it's not time to reap the rewards yet.

………………

Today, as usual, Ian was driving his Lamborghini down the streets of Los Angeles.

I hadn't driven far when I saw a sports car parked on the road, and a beautiful woman standing there waving at me.

Natalie Portman!

Despite wearing a loose black T-shirt and a mask, Ian recognized her at a glance.

It's finally here!

Ian smiled and stopped the car, pretending not to recognize her, and glanced at her driveway: "Looks like you need help, miss."

Natalie Portman looked at him, her eyes filled with surprise: "Ian Carl?"

She took off her mask and said naturally, "It's me."

Ian raised an eyebrow: "Miss Portman?"

Natalie naturally got into Ian's car. "My car broke down, and I've already called a tow truck, but I have urgent business at Fox Studios. Could you give me a ride?"

Ian smiled and said, "No problem."

He drove Natalie towards 20th Century Fox, casually asking, "What urgent business do you have there?"

Natalie tossed her hair: "What else could it be? The clones' attack, and the Sith's revenge. They said I'd die very early in the third movie, so I wouldn't have much of a chance to act. I have to fight for it."

Good reason!

Attack of the Clone Man was released this May, while Revenge of the Sith will have to wait until 2005.

This is not critical.

The key point is that the film was made in collaboration with 20th Century Fox, and Ian Carr is now a major shareholder of Fox!

So Natalie Portman ran into Ian, and conveniently asked him to give her a ride—the perfect excuse!

Sure enough, the next moment Natalie seemed to suddenly remember something, and looked at Ian with a look of surprise: "Oh, I forgot you're the big boss of Fox. Maybe you can help me. I can die, but not so soon. Let them change the script a little."

As she spoke, her little face flushed red: "Okay, I know this request is a bit excessive. You just helped me, so I made an excessive request."

Her voice was gentle, with a pitiful and helpless look, so touching that any normal man would probably soften his heart.

Ian turned to look at her.

Regardless of how scheming this woman is, she is undeniably a beauty, and her acting skills are indeed quite good!

At that moment, her bright eyes looked at Ian, her gaze carrying a fatal allure.

Ian laughed and said, "I'm not in charge of Fox, I just have some shares. Of course, I don't deny that I should have some influence."

Natalie laughed. "You mean you're willing to help me?"

Ian continued driving, shrugging, "I don't understand the script either, I can only say I'll do my best."

The word "try your best" is perfect!

How much effort you put in is up to you.

Natalie sighed softly, "Thank you so much for your support, Mr. Carl."

As she spoke, she leaned back slightly in the back seat, adjusted the seat back a bit, and revealed a pair of long, beautiful legs.

She looked at Ian and suddenly said, "I heard that in an interview you said your favorite celebrity is Natalie Portman?"

Hearing this, Ian laughed.

Because of his role in hiring lawyers for the Palos Bank robbers, Ian was forced to give an interview. In an attempt to clear his name of being anti-Jewish, he publicly stated that his favorite actress was Natalie Portman.

It's just bragging.

With so many beautiful women out there, why bother targeting Jews?

But now Natalie Portman has come to her doorstep herself, and even used that as an excuse.

Ian nodded: "Yes, I've always admired you. Ever since Léon: The Professional, I've been a huge fan of yours."

Natalie scoffed, "Liar. We've met twice, and you've never shown me any interest."

"That's because Kate was there one time and Scarlett was there the other time, I couldn't help it."

"So what now?"

"They're making a movie."

The latest novel is first published here!

"You know that's not what I'm asking."

Ian laughed heartily: "I think we have a lot to talk about. How about this, instead of going to Fox? Since you're going to discuss scripts with Fox executives anyway, why don't I represent Fox and we find a room to have a proper discussion about the script?"

Natalie chuckled softly: "You said you don't understand scripts."

Ian casually replied, "I can understand for you."

Without expecting a reply from Natalie, Ian turned the car around and headed towards the nearest luxury hotel.

The car stopped near the hotel, and Ian led Natalie inside.

Both of them covered their faces with masks. Ian walked to the bar and said, "Ian Carl, room 2401."

"Okay, Mr. Carl." The bartender quickly handed him the key.

Natalie looked at Ian with a puzzled expression. Ian smiled and said, "I have a long-stay room here."

Natalie snorted but didn't say anything, and just followed him into the elevator.

Interestingly, as soon as Ian stepped out of the elevator, he saw Galbraith emerge from the room with a beautiful woman.

Ian's eyes lit up, and he grinned, "Hey, Ryan!"

Galbraith was slightly taken aback.

He actually called out to me first? What does that mean?

Ian Karl should be keeping his distance from me on the surface.

Ian stepped forward and gave him a hug, holding his hand and saying, "Your Redstone company is doing well. Are you really not going to accept my investment?"

Galbraith glanced at Natalie next to Ian, and as intelligent as he was, he instantly understood.

He laughed and said, "Redstone has already reached a preliminary cooperation agreement with Madoff Securities, so we don't need to invest for the time being."

Ian shook his head repeatedly: "That's such a shame, I hate Madoff."

Galbraith immediately laughed and said, "Then why did you lend him money?"

Ian shook his head decisively: "No, I didn't!"

Galbraith gave me a look that said, "Sorry, I spoke out of turn. But it's alright, Mr. Carl, businesses always need funding. I'll let you know when Redstone needs to expand further."

"Okay." Ian nodded, looking reluctant.

Galbraith bowed politely: "I have to go see a friend, so I'll be going now."

Watching them enter the elevator, Ian smiled slightly and led Natalie towards the room.

Upon entering the room, Ian closed the door.

He casually took off his coat, walked to the liquor cabinet, and asked, "What would you like to drink?"

Natalie smiled at him: "You have investments in Madoff Securities?"

Ian glanced at her and shook his head: "I don't want to discuss this."

He handed over a glass of wine, saying, "Have some."

(End of this chapter)