The Wolf of Los Angeles.

Woodland Hill, Ferguson Estate.

The spacious study was brightly lit, and eight people were scattered around.

Hawke and Erica sat on the same sofa, opposite Carter and Mary.

On the other side, Brian and his father Gordon were deep in thought.

At the desk, Paul and his wife had just finished a private conversation.

There was no one else in the study.

Although the Ferguson family is large and powerful, like many large families, its younger generations include both elites and a number of spoiled brats.

The core personnel who can truly determine the future of the family have all arrived.

Paul looked at Brian and asked directly, "The biggest pressure in this matter will ultimately fall on your shoulders. Are you prepared?"

Brian didn't answer immediately. Instead, he thought about it carefully for a moment and said, "There's never a time when you're fully prepared, but when the opportunity arises, I'm confident I can step up."

Gordon looked at his son with considerable satisfaction. The playboy who used to only know how to flirt with Hollywood actresses had actually made it this far.

He had just mused to himself when his gaze shifted to Hawke.

All of this began to change after Brian met Hawke.

Paul ignored Brian and instead asked Hawke very seriously, "What's your opinion?"

In his eyes, the real key figure wasn't Brian, but Hawke.

If Hawke objects, Paul would rather wait another term.

Hawke said, "The most important point is how do we secure our interests for the next few years? The battle between Tom Emer and the Walker family will have an immeasurable impact on next year's election. If the Democratic Party wins the election and Obama or Joseph comes to power, it will be very disadvantageous for us."

These things are not hard to imagine, Mary continued, "The series of events that happened to Sillari may happen to us."

Paul sighed: "It wasn't this extreme before. Since the beginning of the new century, the disputes between the two parties have intensified, and the contradictions have become irreconcilable. In the eyes of both the Democrats and Republicans, the biggest enemy has become each other."

Carter also considered this: "America is too powerful, and it lacks sufficiently strong competitors outside. Its biggest enemy will naturally come from within."

Paul tapped his fingers slowly on the mahogany table and said, "Now that the two parties have come to this point, we certainly cannot compromise."

The Ferguson family has reached this point and can only move forward; there's no turning back.

Gordon said, "If we back down, what happened to Sillari today could be what happened to us tomorrow."

Everything Hawke did left no room for compromise in the struggle between the two parties; once either side came to power, their first thought was to suppress their rivals.

It is no exaggeration to say that the series of events surrounding Hillary set a very bad precedent for the war between the two sides.

The Ferguson family had no room to back down.

Paul's attitude was very clear as he asked Hawke again, "Shall we join the competition?"

All eyes were on Hawke.

This is a leading figure among America's tech elite, a mastermind behind manipulating public opinion and social movements, a sharpshooter who strikes at the heart of his opponents, and a top expert at causing trouble.

Each item may not seem like much on its own, but when combined, their impact is enormous.

Hawke looked at Brian, and the two quickly exchanged glances. He said, "Situations are always changing. Tom Emer's move will trigger a chain reaction. It's time for Brian to step down."

Paul received a definitive answer and added, "Tom Emerson's actions have caused a serious split within the Elephant Party."

Carter said, "We need to find a way to unite the majority of people."

Hawke thought for a moment and said, "The Ferguson family belongs to the traditional power in California. It's about uniting the traditional power..."

Paul replied, "I'll take care of it."

This is a super variety show, a money game, and a competition for exchanging benefits.

Brian looked at Hawke: "The new technology camp can only be entrusted to you."

Hawke nodded slightly: "I'm preparing for the New Year's party of the Tech Revolution."

Several years ago, Hawke spearheaded the formation of the Tech Revolution organization, which has since included figures such as Peter Thiel, Reid Hoffman, Elon Max, Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, and Sergey Brin.

In some respects, these people share common interests and all hope that the federal government can increase its support for new technology industries.

Since taking office as governor of California, Brian has also been actively supporting Silicon Valley and Silicon Beach.

These tech upstarts are very pragmatic; their primary consideration is profit.

Hawke's Twitter network, aiming to further exploit the American economy, inevitably pushes Brian into power.

The internal meeting did not last long; after everyone had assigned their tasks, Paul announced the meeting was over.

Erica was called away by her mother, Mary, to speak.

Paul kept Hawke and Brian behind and talked privately for a while.

Election campaigns are a massive and systematic undertaking.

Paul will be taking Brian to Bel Air this week to visit the Reagans, who are enjoying their retirement there.

This Hollywood-born president launched his political career by serving as president of the Screen Actors Guild, and later served two terms as governor of California, winning the 1980 election.

Paul Ferguson is one of his key allies in California.

“Back then, California was completely red. The Democratic Party was extremely weak there and was suppressed by us.” Paul, like many older white men, likes to reminisce about their golden age: “No one could have imagined that in the early 1990s, red California would turn blue.”

He looked at Hawke and Brian: "Fortunately, you two turned the tide again."

This was, after all, Erica's grandfather, Hawke said eloquently, "It was a fascinating and turbulent era."

Paul waved his hand: "I'm old. When you get old, you like to reminisce. I always miss the old days. Now it's your time. I can only help you get through this last leg of your journey."

Brian's eyes reddened: "Grandpa..." "Don't worry, I'm fine. If people see you like this, they'll think I'm dying." Paul first scolded his grandson, then looked at Hawke: "When I first heard about you, I told them not to care where a person comes from or what they say, but to look at what they do and what they can do."

The old men who directly confronted the former Soviet Union in the past were indeed outstanding in terms of ability.

One of the important reasons why Hawke's rise to power was so smooth was the patronage of the Ferguson family.

Without the Ferguson family background, he might have encountered even more difficulties.

Hawke said, "Paul, you can rest assured."

Paul smiled and nodded: "You are just like Erica, ruthless and merciless. Once you strike, you show no mercy, but you are both very kind to your own people."

Brian couldn't help but say, "I once suspected that these two would argue and shoot each other."

Hawke laughed: "We're not that crazy yet."

He stopped laughing, his face gradually becoming serious, and said to Paul, "Brian's curse is very effective. The first few times Erica and I went on vacation, we were all cursed by him, and without exception, an attack occurred."

Paul had heard all of these things and had even asked Erica about them personally, so he knew quite well: "After you started your security company, things changed."

“Yes,” Hawke said, revealing his true intention: “This ability cannot be wasted; we must make full use of it during the campaign.”

Brian's eyes widened: "Wait, I'm not the leader of the Cult of the Cursed God..."

Paul interrupted him directly: "Hawk makes a lot of sense. There are some things that you just have to believe. When I ran for Reagan, Reagan went to church many times and had dealings with several folk religious groups."

The United States is a theistic country, and in past elections, there have been numerous instances of candidates being linked to so-called mysticism.

Paul said, "Zipperton is a ready-made success story, and then Sillari colluded with Satanism."

Hawke patted Brian on the shoulder: "For the sake of the election, even a one percent chance is worth trying."

Paul completely agreed: "Hawk makes a very good point. There's no harm in trying, and there's no loss if it doesn't work out."

Brian was completely defeated by the two of them and said, "Okay, I agree to try it, but there's one thing, I don't know how to use it either."

"I will ask Erica for a detailed understanding of what happened to Hawke and Erica." As a religious person, Paul can find people with expertise in this area: "I will have someone design a detailed ritual based on what happened, and choose a suitable time to officially launch the curse ritual."

Hawke nodded: "You're more professional in this area. Feel free to contact me if you need anything."

Brian had no choice but to listen attentively.

Paul made the final decision: "Okay, that's settled."

Hawke and Brian left the study together.

As soon as they came out, Brian grabbed Hawke's arm and said, "You're getting revenge on me, aren't you?"

“How could that be?” Hawke would never admit it, instead arguing vehemently: “The conflict between Tom Emer and the Walker family will inevitably cause a major split within the Elephant Party. Our advantage is shrinking, and may even be wiped out. To win, we must mobilize all resources and use every conceivable method.”

Brian didn't believe Hawke's nonsense and was absolutely certain: "You're just getting revenge on me! You couldn't find an opportunity before, but now that you have, you won't let me go."

Hawke was too lazy to argue, but suddenly remembered Frank. The old guy knew a lot of things, and Hollywood was a place where cults were rampant. Maybe he could ask him for advice on how to curse a current president.

However, Brian still had some doubts about the title of leader of the Cult of the Damned, since Hawke and Erica would always be attacked after he said or thought about it.

Perhaps we could give it a try? There's no harm in failing.

Brian got back to the main topic and said to Hawke, "The date for the Tech Revolution camp's New Year's party is set. Remember to let me know."

Hawke said as he walked, "I'll probably start planning tomorrow and send out invitations. They're all important figures, so I need to give people time to coordinate. It can't be too fast. It'll probably be set for late January."

“I should have time then.” Brian then remembered something else: “I remember Director Eric is preparing a biopic about Hillary?”

Eric, a very clever director who likes to choose topics closely related to current social events, would call Hawke from time to time to report on the progress of the film project, afraid that Hawke would forget to repay his little brother.

Hawke stated, "The script for the film project is complete, and we are currently casting auditions. Filming is expected to begin in March, with a release date before the end of the year, in competition for next year's Hollywood awards season."

This timeframe coincides perfectly with the election, and Brian emphasized, "We must thoroughly smear the Democratic Party."

Hawke shook his head directly: "No, we can't fabricate. We have to base our filming on facts. At least 90% of the content of the film must be true so that it can stand the test of time and play its due role in publicity."

Brian was no longer the playboy he once was. After a moment's thought, he understood Hawke's meaning: "The content was carefully selected, specifically choosing to film the most shameful aspects of Hillary's life. This ensures authenticity while also nailing the Democrats involved to the pillar of shame in America."

Hawke praised, "You could go to Hollywood and be a screenwriter; you'd definitely win an Oscar for Best Screenplay."

Brian looked up at the sky: "Don't forget, I used to be a Hollywood guy and witnessed the real side of many Hollywood actresses."

Hawke asked seriously, "Tell me the truth, have you had any illegitimate children or anything like that?"

“No, absolutely not.” Brian had no reason to lie to Hawke: “Ever since you reminded me, I’ve broken up with all those lovers and given them enough benefits, so they won’t gossip.”

Hawke said directly, "Give Campos a copy of their names and addresses."

Brian, knowing the importance of the matter, said, "I will have someone deliver it directly to Campos, but one thing is certain: don't attract their attention."

Hawke said, "I didn't expect you to be a Leonardo DiCaprio-esque man."

Brian scoffed, "I'm married. Is Leonardo married?"

Upon arriving at the plaza in front of the villa, they encountered Brian's father, Gordon.

The father and son clearly had something to say, so Hawke went to the other side, beckoned Raul over, and asked, "Is everything ready?"

Raul replied, "It's ready. They've notified us that we can pick it up anytime."

Hawke nodded and prepared to go find Erica.

Raul then added, "Henderson called about a rather urgent matter concerning the Indians. Abhishek came all the way from New Delhi to Los Angeles."

Hawke took the phone and dialed Henderson's number.

After hearing Henderson's brief description, Hawke thought for a moment and said, "Alright, bring your men to the Coast Building tomorrow morning, and we'll talk in person." (End of Chapter)