"Third, investigate information on people close to Dewey, preferably with solid criminal evidence. Perhaps such individuals could be quite useful when the ti cos."
"I understand, Boss," Henry said and left to carry out the orders.
The Hardy Group being sued by the New York State Attorney's Office and the Federal Supre Court issuing a lawsuit notice couldn't be hidden from the public. Major newspapers promptly published articles.
The New York Tis: "New York State Attorney's Office Sues Hardy Group for Illegal Lottery Business; Hardy Group Receives Federal Supre Court Summons."
The Los Angeles Tis: "Will Hardy Group's Boss Face Jail Ti?"
Global Tis: "Hardy Group Receives Summons; CEO Andy Says He Is Not Worried About It."
...
"Ring, ring, ring."
The phone on the desk rang. Hardy picked it up, and Ava's slightly worried voice ca from the other end, "Hardy, are you okay?"
"Of course, why do you ask?" Hardy replied with a smile.
"I read the newspapers. The Supre Court has issued a subpoena against your company. So papers say you might be facing jail ti," Ava said with concern.
"Hehe, those newspapers just write sensational stories to grab attention. It's a small matter, and it doesn't involve at all. Don't worry. How is the promotional campaign going?" Hardy asked.
The movie Once a Thief was about to premiere, and Ava had been traveling with the crew for promotions, so she wasn't in Los Angeles.
"The promotional campaign is going very well. Since you're fine, I'm relieved. I was just thinking about flying back to be with you," Ava said.
"Don't worry about it. Finish the promotions. I'm looking forward to the movie's release and a great box office performance," Hardy said.
As soon as he hung up the phone, it rang again. This ti it was Hedy Lamarr. "Hardy, I read the newspapers. Is there going to be a problem?"
"No problem at all."
"Then tonight, would you like to co over for a drink and relax?" Hedy suggested.
"Hehe, sure."
Shortly after, Hardy received a few more calls, which he handled one by one. Finally, he received a call from President Johnson.
Johnson sounded a bit angry.
"I can guess who it is. This is absolutely despicable. I've already asked around, and this won't affect you much, though it might impact your business."
It was clear that Dewey was targeting Hardy to strike at Johnson's supporters.
"Don't worry, Mr. President. I can handle this. You should continue your nationwide tour. I saw that your recent approval ratings have significantly improved," Hardy said.
Hearing Hardy ntion the approval ratings, Johnson beca pleased. "The recent increase in approval ratings is largely thanks to your promotion efforts, Hardy. I must sincerely thank you. It's because of your dia campaign that we've achieved such results."
"Now, my confidence has grown even more. I won't give up until the very end," Johnson said.
After making arrangents, Hardy drove to Hedy Lamarr's studio. The place had been tidied up to feel even cozier than before. Hedy was in the kitchen frying steaks, while Hardy opened a bottle of wine. The two enjoyed a sumptuous dinner together.
...
A few days later.
Ava returned from out of town, and with Once a Thief ready to premiere, HD Films organized a grand premiere event, inviting guests and stars from all sides, making it a very high profile occasion.
As the head of the company, Hardy also attended the event.
During the interview segnt, a reporter didn't ask about the movie but instead directed a question at Hardy:
"Mr. Hardy, what do you have to say about the federal Supre Court issuing a subpoena to the Hardy Group?"
The atmosphere beca unusually quiet.
Hardy had long anticipated such a question. In fact, his appearance at tonight's event was a deliberate move, having prepared an answer for this question in advance.
Hardy smiled, took the microphone, and said:
"First, let clarify sothing. The subpoena was not issued to the Hardy Group, but rather to a subsidiary of the Hardy Group. The Hardy Group comprises over a dozen companies, and the actual recipient of the subpoena was the 'Hardy Grand Hotel.'"
"As for this matter, I have already instructed the company and the legal departnt to actively respond. As for myself, I am committed to upholding federal law. If there is any issue with a subsidiary company, I am willing to accept penalties and even appear in court for questioning."
"The New York State prosecutor accused the Hardy Grand Hotel of violating the lottery ban. First, let make one thing clear: we did not conduct any lottery activities. Gambling is legal in Las Vegas, and people place bets in the casino, that's all.
As for the 'TV draw,' it was just a show, where so out of town players asked others to place bets on their behalf, which is entirely different from a lottery."
"Here, I would like to specifically address the issue of lotteries. A lottery is a popular form of entertainnt among the public. The United States has now entered a new era, and people need more forms of entertainnt. I believe it is ti to lift the lottery ban. This could have a positive impact on advancing Arican society.
"Therefore, I have already instructed the company to submit a proposal to the Nevada State Legislature on behalf of the group, advocating for the lifting of the lottery ban. I believe that this ga, which is beloved by the public, will eventually return to the people. Of course, I also hope that other states will lift the lottery ban as well."
Hardy turned the Supre Court's subpoena against his company into a speech advocating for the lifting of the lottery ban. The reason the Supre Court had subpoenaed the Hardy Group was allegedly due to a violation of the lottery ban. If the lottery ban were lifted, would there still be any legal issues?
Nevada has already legalized gambling, so is there still a need to ban sothing as minor as a lottery, which is much less serious than gambling? Including other states, Hardy also felt that it should be lifted.
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