[Chapter 575: Plot Fail]
At 10 a.m., Linton boarded the car sent by Hillary to take him to the Chaperco Estate. With Pfizer's headquarters destroyed, New York's traffic was somewhat disrupted. Police checkpoints were everywhere, stopping cars and pedestrians for inspections.
What usually took 20 minutes to get there took half an hour. As always, Hillary greeted him warmly with a hug and a kiss before they headed into the study.
"Darling, did you really cause the destruction at Pfizer's two locations this time?" she asked.
"Why do you say that?"
"Because Kester from the FBI's New York Division, and the chairmen of three pharmaceutical firms -- Hoffman, Robert, and Gittens -- well, their entire families were beheaded last night."
"Does their murder automatically mean it was me?"
"The killing method is too specific. They died exactly like the Bronfman family in Japan and the five gang leaders who were massacred in LA. No one else has the capability to replicate it."
"I only saw news about Hoffman's family being killed."
"Kester's family was discovered by the FBI themselves. When they saw the scene, they immediately linked it to you, reported it to Washington, and kept it under wraps. Later, after Hoffman's family was found dead, those with some influence connected the case to you, but since it leaked to the media, it was reported publicly. When police searched Robert's and Gittens' homes, they sealed off all news, preventing media coverage."
"So, when President Clinton made his public speech earlier, he already knew, didn't he?"
"Yes. In fact, by 8 a.m., the authorities had found the crime scenes where the four families were killed."
"Then why wasn't it made public?"
"Because at 7 a.m., Washington had already decided these bombings and mass murders were terrorist attacks orchestrated by Middle Eastern extremists. It conveniently gave them an excuse to launch military action in the Middle East. If the murder scenes had been publicized, who would believe Middle Eastern terrorists had the capability to do such brutal killings?"
"Given that, you still suspect these cases are linked to me?"
"Not just me -- almost everyone with any influence believes you did this."
"If they think that, why haven't they arrested me?"
"First, even if they believe it, there's no evidence to make an arrest. Second, you're a national idol, a global billionaire, and the inventor of Vitality and Beauty Pills. Who dares take you down? Most importantly, your killing method is so terrifying that no one wants to risk their own family's safety by ordering your capture."
"So, it's really that third reason? Their genuine fear stops them?"
"Exactly. These were major players. Three of them lived in Long Island, one of the world's most exclusive and secure communities. The neighborhoods are gated, patrolled 24/7, with police rounds no more than 15 minutes apart, even late at night. Yet, someone silently beheaded over 600 residents, including guard dogs, across two estates and a villa, without leaving a trace. You've shown the world a killing method that's impossible to guard against -- who would dare provoke you?"
"Since you're already part of my inner circle, I'll be honest: I did have them killed."
Despite having mentally prepared, Hillary still found it hard to believe. "My God, darling, you really ordered it? How did they pull it off?"
"Don't worry about how. Do you know why I killed their entire families and destroyed their corporate headquarters?"
"Did they offend you?"
"More than that. They formed an alliance to conspire against my health company." Linton explained in detail how the nine conspirators plotted against him.
"Well done. I didn't expect them to be so bold to target you. Too bad you acted too quickly -- we lost a chance to make a fortune."
"What do you mean?"
"If you'd told me earlier, we could have positioned ourselves in the stock market to short all three pharmaceutical companies massively. Do you know how their stocks tumbled today? They're already down 70%, and it looks like a 90% drop is inevitable."
"These companies each have market caps over $100 billion. If we played it right, we could've made tens of billions -- and maybe even over a hundred billion."
"You've got small-time smarts but lack big-picture wisdom. That money's not worth chasing."
"Why not?"
"Because a large-scale short like that can't stay secret. If it leaked, you'd be in deep trouble -- how would you explain it to the public? You'd face intense backlash, damaging any political ambitions."
"You're right, darling. I just thought it was such a good opportunity, it's a shame we missed it. I guess I was greedy."
"As long as you hold ultimate power in Washington, money is no problem. Wealth will flow naturally."
"Exactly. Now that the White House has decided on military action in the Middle East, do you know where the real money's at?"
"Tell me."
"The stock and futures markets. This is a rare opportunity. Today, I allocated $1 billion into defense stocks and another $1 billion into futures on gold and oil contracts, betting they'll soar when the conflict kicks off. I expect to at least double my money. Do you want to join?"
"Wow, you are the White House Stock Mastermind!"
"I like that name."
"See? Power brings wealth easily. It's better than shorting pharma stocks and comes with fewer risks."
"Got it. You said there were nine in the alliance, four down. What about the other five? Especially Roger, Carol, and Cody -- they're senior senators and real power players in Washington."
"Do you think I should let them live?"
"If we could kill them as cleanly as you did Kester's group, I wouldn't hesitate. But they live in Washington's high-security districts -- protection there's no joke."
"They plotted against me, so they must die. No one can save them. You'll see soon enough."
"That's bad -- they probably know you're coming for them. With politicians' ruthless nature, they'll try to strike first. You need to beef up your security these days. Is your concert still on tonight?"
"Of course. I have a responsibility to my fans and partners."
"Then be extra careful. I'm sure they'll try to attack you at the concert."
"How do you think they'll do it?"
"No clue. But I suggest canceling the show."
"No way, absolutely not."
"Then I'll introduce you to my security company in New York. Have them re-inspect the venue and add extra personnel to guarantee safety."
"Sounds good. It's already 11 a.m. -- call him now and have him head to the Hilton."
...
When Linton arrived at the Hilton Hotel, Robert was there along with Jerry Hammiss, who claimed to be general manager of an elite security firm.
"Robert, Jerry, I heard there might be a terror attack during the concert -- even attempts on me. What's your plan?"
Robert's face turned pale. "Boss, I strongly advise canceling tonight."
"Canceling is out of the question. We need to prevent anything dangerous. Jerry, you're the expert -- what do you suggest?"
Jerry was already mentally prepared. "I know Madison Square Garden well, having handled security for similar events. We should focus on three main things."
"Please be specific."
"First, a complete inspection of the arena this afternoon to ensure no bombs or weapons are planted. Second, security screening at every entrance and exit, strictly barring weapons. Third, thorough checks of all staff -- anyone leaving and returning must be re-screened. Also, if the threat targets you specifically, there's a risk of snipers on nearby high-rise buildings. But that's a huge task requiring police cooperation -- which may not be straightforward with private property."
"Alright, Jerry, implement those three points. Deploy more armed personnel. Once the concert starts, guard the doors tightly -- no weapons allowed inside. I will pay your company according to your rates.
Robert, after lunch, take Jerry to coordinate with the arena. Tell them that given New York's current situation, we're strengthening security measures on top of the existing setup, with your elite team leading."
"What about checking exterior buildings?"
"I'll handle that."
Linton wasn't worried about snipers outside. With his spiritual perception, one sweep would find any hidden threat. If snipers appeared, one slash from his flying sword would end it.
His greater concern was inside the arena. If someone pulled a gun and started shooting, handling it would be difficult amid the crowd. Even if he killed the shooter mid-action, the panic and stampede risk could ruin the entire concert.
He appreciated Jerry's plan and trusted his team -- Hillary's family had trained them, so their reliability was assured.
...
After lunch, Linton called Winnie, instructing her to allocate funds to the stock and futures markets as planned.
He also honored his promise to Mariah Carey, spending two long hours with her in her room. Unfortunately, the timing didn't allow them to invite Jennifer Aniston for a shared night.
...
Evening came quickly. Though New York had suffered a terror strike overnight with Pfizer's headquarters destroyed, the attack happened late enough to avoid serious casualties. The few injured caused minimal public trauma.
The daily gun violence is distressingly common, and deaths in double digits happen regularly. People had long grown numb to such losses.
The press flooded coverage of the terror attack, and the public furiously condemned the Middle East, demanding government action.
But beyond Lower Manhattan, city life and traffic remained unaffected, and fans were eager for tonight's Linton concert.
Security checks were tighter than usual, drawing some fan complaints.
Still, when security explained the gravity of the situation and the real threat of extremists not yet caught, most fans reluctantly consented.
Some tried to sneak weapons inside and incite others to protest inspections. But when Jerry's heavily armed elite team displayed their firepower, order was restored swiftly. All dangerous items were confiscated.
...
By 7:30 p.m., Madison Square Garden was packed with a roaring crowd.
As the host introduced Linton, he recalled Jerry's warning and scanned the area within a two-mile radius with his spiritual awareness.
To no surprise, three sniper teams were lurking in nearby high-rises, each paired with spotters. Damn -- had snipers become so cheap?
No matter. Since they came, all would die. He took out missile-like flying sword that vanished instantly.
In moments, the sword appeared beside the first sniper team, and with a flash, two heads flew off, the sniper and spotter split cleanly.
The same fate befell the second and third sniper teams, all beheaded and sent straight to hell.
Just then, the host shouted, "Welcome the king of superstars, Linton!"
...
Lights went dark, powerful music blared, and the concert began.
The stage remained a dark void as Linton's passionate voice soared.
As the crowd searched for him, a spotlight suddenly illuminated the stage center from above.
Like his last show in Los Angeles, Linton appeared clad in shimmering stage attire, gripping a microphone in one hand while holding a rope with the other, slowly descending from the ceiling.
Bathed in light, he looked like a god descending to Earth, exuding nearly overwhelming charisma.
This striking, stylish entrance sparked wild screams from the audience.
Unlike the LA concert, media and fans were fully prepared -- many brought binoculars and kept their eyes glued to his every move.
Reporters had set up long lenses early, while several broadcasters with live rights maneuvered high-definition cameras on cranes for close-ups.
Linton paid no mind. Left hand gripping the mic and singing loudly, right hand holding the rope as he slowly descended.
Three meters above the stage, he flicked his wrist, dropped the rope, executed a perfect flip, and landed effortlessly center stage. His powerful vocals never faltered.
After the controversies before, Linton masterfully completed this difficult stunt under the spotlight.
Fans went wild, their screams building wave upon wave, even drowning out his voice.
Viewers watching from home were equally stunned, letting out astonished cries that the superstar was back in full force.
*****
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