The Wolf of Los Angeles

[Chapter 215: Generous Tom Cruise]

Facing Hawke, Tom Cruise spoke about some current troubles he experienced.

Since the Oscars wrapped up this year, the media had been filled with unfriendly, even hostile, comments about Tom Cruise. Among the most vocal critics was Nicole Kidman.

The power of an ex-wife should not be underestimated; she could easily turn the tide against her former husband. Over a month ago, Nicole Kidman posted a photo on Twitter of her Oscar win, alongside a snapshot of her celebrating wildly on the streets after their divorce. The intent was clear.

From traditional entertainment media to gossip tabloids on the streets, and all over the internet, praises for Nicole Kidman thrived, heralding her as someone who embraced her true self after kicking Tom Cruise to the curb. The reports that savagely tore into Cruise flooded in.

On one hand, someone was orchestrating the onslaught from behind the scenes; on the other, when a celebrity found themselves in trouble, the media didn't think about giving them the benefit of the doubt. Instead, they rushed in to stomp them down -- that's how they created buzz.

The last time Hawke met Tom Cruise, the latter considered the issues to be minor inconveniences. But as time dragged on, those inconveniences morphed into major headaches.

...

Tom Cruise said, "This has affected my reputation. I had been looking to collaborate with Spielberg on a major sci-fi project, War of the Worlds, and things were going smoothly. However, now Spielberg and DreamWorks are a bit hesitant, and the negotiations have stalled."

"I've seen some of the news about you," Hawke remarked thoughtfully. "Before and after the Oscars, it was like night and day."

Tom Cruise continued, "After the Oscars, I fired my former manager Pat Kingsley. CAA operates under a co-management model for high-profile clients, and Kingsley was a founding partner of PMK's PR firm. She handled my public relations, essentially functioning as my PR manager."

Hawke pondered for a moment before asking, "Are you planning to leave CAA?"

"In fact, leaving CAA is inevitable; my contract with them is about to expire." Tom Cruise forced a smile. "That's also one of the reasons for my troubles; CAA isn't going to waste resources on a client who is leaving."

He added, "The moment I fell out with Pat Kingsley, all these troubles started piling up. My people discovered her direct involvement -- using her years of media contacts and CAA's influence, paired with the media's eagerness to drag me down, she orchestrated this whole mess."

Hawke remarked, "She even teamed up with your ex-wife, who knows too many of your personal secrets."

Tom Cruise could not deny that and replied, "There's nothing I can do; she knows me too well."

The issue of who was right or wrong in this former marriage was a murky one. However, it was undeniable that without Tom Cruise's resources, Nicole Kidman wouldn't have reached her current heights.

Ten years of youth traded for A-list Hollywood status -- who's at a disadvantage and who gained from it is difficult for outsiders to judge.

Tom Cruise stated, "Currently, Nicole is accusing me of controlling her life, manipulating her beliefs, and restricting her basic freedom. In media coverage about her, I have become a straightforward villain, even a super demonized one."

Hawke nodded, "I've seen that."

Tom Cruise went on, "Then there are those allegations claiming my beliefs are abnormal and that I'm a drug addict. All of those stories are orchestrated by Pat Kingsley from the shadows."

He had come to Hawke with a clear objective: "Help me deal with those stirring up trouble and turn around the public opinion."

Hawke needed clarification: "The ultimate goal is to turn around the public opinion, right?"

Tom Cruise chuckled, "Yes."

Hawke fell silent for a moment before saying, "From what you described and what I know, if I were to handle this, it would need to be divided into three parts."

"Please, go on." Tom Cruise completely trusted Hawke's capabilities.

Hawke outlined, "First, we need to address those causing you trouble; second, reduce your negative press and implement a series of actions to change the public perception; the current media narrative isn't solely in the hands of traditional print outlets."

Tom Cruise jumped in, "Including your Twitter?"

Hawke exuded confidence, "When it comes to individual audience reach, Twitter is no less than any mainstream media outlet in North America."

Tom Cruise had closely followed the Smith's situation along with Kobe Bryant's Eagle County incident and fully endorsed Hawke's statement.

Especially in the Eagle County case, Twitter, with its powerful immediacy and online influence, had essentially controlled the narrative, leading all media outlets.

Hawke continued, "Plus, maintaining your achievements in film and achieving greater success can also help -- if your commercial value is high enough, these minor problems will quickly fade away."

Tom Cruise acknowledged, "The current situation is that the first two issues have been affecting the latter, and they continue to do so."

Hawke nodded, "So, let's pinpoint the problems coming from two women: Nicole Kidman and Pat Kingsley."

"Exactly!" Tom Cruise didn't just have issues with these two; he harbored an intense grudge: "Resolving this starts with them."

Hawke said seriously, "It's best not to touch Nicole Kidman. Any misfortune that befalls her could serve as ammunition for her to attack you. Now with that Oscar, she can continuously attack you and gain massive media attention, elevating her own profile."

He explained, "If we were to launch a direct attack on Nicole Kidman, what do you think would happen? She is a woman, and the current social climate -- especially in places like Los Angeles -- grants them privileges. A woman like her, who champions freedom and independence, would have a protective army rally against any attacks."

Tom Cruise, who had experienced his share of adversity, wasn't naive; he agreed, "If those organizations protest publicly, Hollywood will take a hit, and my reputation would plummet."

"Therefore, our target is Pat Kingsley." Hawke had heard some things about this woman: "She has been deeply involved with Nicole Kidman and is the mastermind behind the scenes, rather than a sensitive public figure. If we can squash her with a strong approach, Nicole Kidman will have a much quieter existence because she can't withstand scrutiny either."

He directed a look at Tom Cruise, "This time, when Nicole Kidman snagged the Best Actress Oscar, how much did Harvey Weinstein contribute?"

Tom Cruise's emotions flickered slightly before he said, "As outsiders imagine, if the fat guy got no tangible benefit, how could he possibly push someone for an award? The things he desires are well known within the industry."

Hawke nodded, "So, our primary target is Pat Kingsley." He emphasized, "Tommy, this is our first formal collaboration, and I must warn you that my methods will be unconventional."

Tom Cruise responded, "That's not an issue."

Hawke replied, "No problem on that front means we have the groundwork for our collaboration."

Tom Cruise asked, "What's the next stage?"

"You'll have to give me some time," Hawke chuckled, "I need to think of a mature plan."

Tom Cruise opened his hands, "No problem, my friend." He switched subjects, "What about the PR fees? You set a price."

Hawke was straightforward: "For the Eagle County incident, Kobe Bryant hired me as his PR manager for $3 million. You're my friend..."

Without hesitation, Tom Cruise raised the stakes. "$3.5 million, and on top of that, any other expenses are on me."

His decisive nature made it sound pleasant to the ear and incentivized Hawke to act. He nodded in agreement: "Great, come to my office tomorrow, and we'll formalize the agreement."

Tom Cruise said, "See you tomorrow morning."

Hawke continued, "Come quietly, and keep it confidential. This isn't just anyone we're dealing with; it's best if we deliver a fatal blow before she even notices, leaving her no chance to retaliate."

Tom Cruise replied, "No problem."

Hawke stood and shook hands with him.

The two left the meeting room one after the other, with Tom Cruise meeting up with his driver to leave.

...

Hawke called Edward and drove back to the company in a Mercedes.

That evening, Erica went to Woodland Hills to be with her grandparents and wouldn't make it to Santa Monica.

Hawke decided to catch some sleep at the office.

On the way, he mentioned to Edward, "Tomorrow, after I sign the contract with Tom Cruise, you'll notify Campos to get him up to speed on the situation with Tom Cruise's former manager and PR person, Pat Kingsley."

Edward understood immediately, "Focusing on her shady dealings?"

"Exactly." Hawke realized that competing with someone who had been entrenched in traditional Hollywood and media for decades wouldn't yield great chances.

He thought for a moment, "Not just her but also those around her."

Edward responded, "Got it." He reminded Hawke, "Boss, don't forget we have an old reliable tool in our corner. He might know more."

Hawke recalled, "Frank? I haven't seen him lately."

Edward replied, "That guy's been living luxuriously. He recently went to get signatures from Miss Baa, borrowed a company car, and went camping with an old buddy. He probably won't be back for a while."

...

Hawke didn't press further and returned to the office, went upstairs, and checked online. He found that Dark Journey was receiving positive reviews.

"It's a great flick to watch for sheer enjoyment! Very satisfying and quite comfortable."

"Where did this director come from? I've never heard of him before, but he did a great job. The plot twists are striking, and all aspects were on point."

"Doesn't anyone care about the lead character's daughter? She's quite something!"

Hawke believed the film would likely be a moneymaker.

...

The next morning, Tom Cruise, along with his lawyer, discreetly arrived at Twitter to formally sign a public relations and business strategic planning agreement with West Coast Media Entertainment Studio.

The two signed and shook hands.

Tom Cruise was generous, immediately transferring $3.5 million to West Coast Media Entertainment Studio's account.

Who wouldn't want a client like that?

*****

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