Hollywood Immortal

[Chapter 353: The Shocking Case]

While Linton was having a great time playing games with Charlize, chaos erupted outside.

Such a massive explosion had never occurred in Los Angeles' history, not even during the 1992 riots. The blast caused widespread panic throughout downtown, resulting in severe traffic jams. In some predominantly African-American neighborhoods, riots broke out with local residents flooding the streets and engaging in their traditional 'shoplifting spree.'

The Los Angeles Police Department was mobilized almost in full, working to clear traffic, maintain order, and calm the riots. More police cars along with fire trucks and ambulances rushed to the explosion site in Long Beach.

But an even more efficient team than the police and firefighters arrived first: the swarm of media reporters and paparazzi, who had somehow already made it to the scene through various means. Several TV stations even deployed helicopters to airlift reporters and live broadcasting equipment directly to the disaster location.

The news of the massive explosion and the tragic scenes at the site spread instantly via TV signals to every corner of America, capturing the nation's full attention. Was this a terrorist attack? Another riot? A gang war? A personal vendetta? Or just an accident?

Every network immediately brought in experts to interpret, analyze, and speculate.

---

Thanks to the joint efforts of the police and firefighters, some survivors were rescued from the ruins of the secondary building and put on ambulances. At the hospital, after simple treatment for minor injuries, police questioned the survivors.

When the names of those who were incinerated in the blast came out of the mouths of survivors who barely escaped death, the top brass of the Los Angeles Police Department nearly shut down from shock.

Among the victims were high-profile individuals: U.S. Senator Jennifer Cassito, California House Speaker Chelsea Corey, California State Attorney Nancy Brown, Macy from the Dupont family, Betty from the Rothschild family... a total of eleven people. All of them influential figures no one in the LA police dared to cross.

With so many powerful people reduced to ashes in Los Angeles, the consequences were unimaginable and far beyond what the local police could handle alone.

Furthermore, the sudden gathering of these big shots at the estate raised questions -- what was the purpose and hidden agenda behind their meeting?

The police realized they were in over their heads and decided to notify the FBI, hoping they would take over this hot potato. They were willing to assist but knew this was bigger than themselves.

---

Soon, the FBI's Los Angeles branch took control. However, when the branch chief, Blake Hans, saw the massive scope of the case, his knees shook, and he cursed under his breath.

"Fuck! We've been played by the LAPD -- they've been dragging their feet, and now there's no escaping this."

There was no other choice but to report the case to FBI headquarters.

Soon, not only did FBI Director Lawrence but even President Clinton himself knew about the LA explosion and the list of victims.

"Investigate thoroughly. We must find out who the culprit is and the truth behind this incident," Director Lawrence was immediately pressured from all sides.

That same night, FBI Deputy Director Anthony Lock arrived in Los Angeles with a team of elite agents and the most advanced equipment, vowing to solve the case conclusively.

---

Also on that night, at their respective homes, Dr. Cornell and Dr. Sandra suddenly suffered violent brain hemorrhages, leaving their brains splattered everywhere.

Frightened family members called the police. Upon arriving, the officers were baffled; their deaths appeared to be caused by a powerful sniper's bullet to the head, yet no bullet holes, no traces of bullet entry, and no trajectory could be found in either home.

---

Meanwhile, the outside turmoil did not disturb the sweet game between Linton and Charlize.

In the presidential suite of the Four Seasons Hotel, recently marked with the aftermath of a fierce battle, Charlize lay soft and relaxed on Linton's chest, a faint blush on her face.

"Honey, you haven't spent time with me in so long."

"Baby, you know how busy I've been. Why don't you move into my estate?"

"Honey, there are way too many women at your estate. I'm not ready to get over that just yet."

"No problem, if you don't want to come, then don't. But then I can't guarantee how often we'll get to see each other," Linton said, affectionately stroking her hair.

"Darling, give me a little more time, will you?"

"There is no rush. Just live your life true to yourself and make it wonderful." Linton had a special fondness for this blonde South African girl who had given herself to him for the first time.

"Baby, you're too good to me. What about the Oscars? Does A Fault in Our Stars have a chance?"

"Based on current news, it should get nods for Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay, but the chances of winning are quite slim."

"And me? Do I have a shot at Best Actress?" Charlize looked hopeful.

Linton silently stared at her, thinking, isn't she aware? With her amateurish acting, hoping for a Best Actress nomination was either naively confident or disrespecting the Oscars.

Seeing Linton smile mysteriously without a word, Charlize understood.

"You don't believe in my acting skills?"

"Baby, you performed well in A Fault in Our Stars, but honestly, your acting is still quite raw and needs improvement."

"If I improve, will I have a chance?"

"Don't worry. Once your acting meets the mark, I'll make sure you get your opportunity."

Linton knew she was determined and capable. In his previous life, she had sacrificed her image -- putting on weight and taking on an ugly role just to win the Best Actress Oscar for a villainess character. Now that she was with him, those drastic steps weren't necessary anymore. He would plan carefully, and with Harvey, their PR whiz, a Best Actress Oscar was definitely within reach.

"Is that really true? I didn't go to school much; you can't fool me."

"Absolutely true, but first your acting must be good enough."

"Honey, you're too good to me. Muah, did you rest well?" Charlize kissed him and teased him into playfulness.

The sweet, joyful melody rang out once again...

*****

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