King of Hollywood
Chapter 632 - 40 Ivanka’s Troubles

Chapter 632: Chapter 40 Ivanka’s Troubles

The turmoil caused by the arrival of the new head of the planning department soon subsided, but nobody dared to publicly discuss her relationship with the chairman of the board of the parent company anymore. Her immediate dismissal of Mr. "Bruto" Sean Fassbinder, with the consent of Vice President William Aden, was enough to indicate the parent company’s—or rather, the famous, always creatively brilliant chairman’s—attitude towards her.

Even though office culture couldn’t be eradicated, in this case, even a fool would know that it was inappropriate; no one would want to become the next Fassbinder. Additionally, there were some who were not quite convinced—like other department heads. Removing that unpopular fellow didn’t prove much; to run a division here, one needed capability—thus generally, the employees of the subsidiaries weren’t too fond of the executives who parachuted in.

However, the lady referred to as "the Iceberg"—a nickname that had quickly spread within the company—immediately surprised everyone. The very proposal she presented upon taking charge of the planning department, which had also caused the conflict with Fassbinder, after being supplemented by a few people from the department, unexpectedly received support from other departments. Surprisingly, among the three main contributors to finalizing the document was Fassbinder’s aide Jeff Felman, which meant that the planning department didn’t experience any turmoil due to Fassbinder’s departure.

"This is unbelievable," some said. Most people in the company were aware of this new manager’s prior secretarial experience, even though much of it was exaggerated. The fact that she hadn’t received higher education was true, and also true was her nearly seven-year stint as the chairman’s secretarial assistant. To walk into ABC’s planning department and produce a creative proposal that caught most senior executives’ attention was somewhat exaggerated, wasn’t it?

"Don’t forget, what sort of relationship she holds with that endlessly creative big boss," someone else mentioned. After all, the most popular reality shows at the moment, from "Survivor" to "Big Brother," from "Millionaire" to "America’s Next Top Model," were all initially conceived by that extraordinarily titled boss. Notably, at the end of "Survivor" season two, viewership had once peaked over 50 million!

Since he could support his woman exercising power so freely, paving her way with such creativity seemed quite normal—and indeed... quite enviable.

Yet, there were dissenting opinions: "If it were just that, it would be a grave mistake. How could merely firing Fassbinder ensure the compliance of the planning department personnel without some skill?"

"Exactly, think about how much that big boss has done since the early ’90s, he couldn’t possibly deal with company matters every day. The woman who served by his side for seven years as a secretarial assistant couldn’t just be an ornament," someone agreed.

Thus, office gossip gradually shifted from the "Iceberg" lady’s relationship with the chairman to her capabilities. And it was expected that for a long while she would remain a hot topic among employees, at least until a show called "American Idol" premiered and achieved success.

"Could this program reach 50 million viewers?" Charlize asked in Adrian’s office, dressed formally yet seated in his lap. Adrian thought that with her transition to ABC, the opportunities to have her in his embrace would decrease, so he intended to savor every moment.

Although Charlize found his behavior somewhat childish, she never rejected him, and indeed, hardly ever did nowadays. Besides, Adrian was right. Now that she had joined ABC, their meetings would diminish substantially. While Ivanka would likely occupy this spot for a long time, though she was fairly open-minded, she wasn’t entirely so.

"Of course not, ’Survivor’ achieving such high ratings was just good fortune," Adrian said while kissing her neck, enjoying the intimacy. "Firstly, the initial season faced Waterloo due to some of its setups, and they wanted to prove themselves in producing the second season. Plus, there weren’t many reality shows at that time. Don’t worry, if this show is well-produced, an average viewership of 20 million is definitely achievable."

Naturally, this was "American Idol," a national entertainment television talent show, the most straightforward realization of the American dream. If ABC’s executives couldn’t see the potential of this show, they might as well step down. Moreover, the UK’s "Pop Idol" hadn’t even started production yet. Some old shows might only resemble it in the selection process, so now it had become a truly original American creation, set to make ABC’s mark in history.

If Fox knew that this program was originally meant to be theirs, they’d likely be fuming—and what of it? The upcoming comprehensive competition between AC Media and News Corporation was inevitable, and striking the opponent first was a tactic anyone would use.

"Speaking of which, ABC’s planning department does have quite some talent, at least they understand that for a brand-new program, the judges’ characteristics outweigh their fame," Adrian added, feeling Charlize’s soft and delicate body. "By the way, I have a good candidate to recommend—Simon Cowell, a Brit, senior consultant at BMG with his own music label. This guy doesn’t mince words when it comes to criticism, he’s sure to be a major highlight."

Additionally, Adrian was considering poaching Ryan Seacrest, who seemed to still be hosting at a small TV station. With him and Cowell, they should be able to maintain a standard of hosting and judging. As for the rest, he’d leave it to ABC to handle; he couldn’t monopolize everything. Otherwise, it would defeat the purpose of paving the way for Charlize.

"I know," Charli said with a nod, indicating she took note. "but someone suggested that it would be a good idea to include a humorous black judge, thinking Randy Jackson would be perfect."

"Really? He indeed is a good choice," Adrian said, raising his eyebrows slightly in surprise. Was it a coincidence, or something else? But it didn’t matter; there was only one issue now.

"Don’t be too aggressive, it’s better to take it slow, we have plenty of time. We can set the auditions for the fall season and then schedule the finals for the spring season," he said earnestly.

The initial proposal given to the planning department had been revised, many of Adrian’s suggestions were removed. It was at Charli’s request, a means to test reactions and abilities of the planning department’s staff, but...

Her eyes slightly narrowed, the lady rested her forehead against his head and asked in an unapologetic tone, "Am I the kind of woman who doesn’t know who she is?"

Adrian couldn’t help but laugh silently; he worried that Charli was too eager to demonstrate her capabilities, leading to unexpected issues in "American Idol" that might affect viewership, as all the creative inputs were his after all. Of course, he understood that his worries were unnecessary. Charli had insisted on taking full charge of the planning department’s affairs, having been well aware of its various situations and having considered various strategies, well-prepared indeed.

For instance, the affair of booting Sean Fassbinder out of the planning department, everyone saw him only as the nephew of William Aden, the ABC Vice President, so they kept their disdain to themselves. However, Charli alone noticed the phrase "distant relative." With a little effort in investigating, she had made sure that even if she fired Fassbender, Aden wouldn’t have much to say about it.

The fact was just so—Aden had more than one distant relative, and his relation with Fassbinder wasn’t particularly close; employing him at ABC was nothing but a favor. Besides, as a high-ranking executive at ABC, he knew Charli’s status and capability better than those below him, and of course, he wouldn’t offend Adrian over an incompetent relative—who had been a deputy chief of the planning department and, despite having some competency, showed no ambition and was therefore expendable.

Although Charli had used her advantage of having better access to information, controlling Adrian’s team of assistants, and sometimes acting as almost a co-chairman of the board, it was she alone, who had been gathering this information over the years and dealing with opponents, proving that opportunities come only for those who are prepared.

Furthermore, her methods of integrating the planning department were noteworthy—merely getting rid of Fassbinder without delving into other’s issues, and then promoting Jeff Fermain, the former deputy assistant along with two other colleagues to set examples; so Adrian’s concerns were totally unnecessary.

Yet, he had still reminded her, and very seriously so in front of Charli, which meant something, and thus she immediately wrapped her arms around his neck and passionately kissed him, until they were interrupted by a knock on the door.

At this moment, it could only be the newly appointed secretary showing up without prior notice. Although Ivanka was surprised when she came in, she quickly composed herself, presenting a document to Adrian for his signature, ignoring his intentional acts of fondling Charli in front of her.

"She seems to have run into some trouble," Charli said the moment Ivanka left, dropping Adrian’s hand, "her brows were slightly furrowed the whole time."

"She does have trouble, but it’s not too serious," Adrian chuckled slyly, proud yet slightly naive, and Charli soon realized what Ivanka’s trouble was.

"Poor Donald," she said, instantly empathizing.

Right, Ivanka’s trouble was that her father had learned about her current job. It was normal—she had been an intern before, so most of the time, Charli was the one who had been observed around Adrian. Many weren’t aware he was planning to change his secretary. But as Charli left for ABC and Ivanka officially took over as secretary assistant, this information could no longer be concealed, especially because "The Apprentice" was set to air this fall, making it likely that Donald Trump would visit Los Angeles at least once a month—although most of ABC’s shows were produced in Hollywood or Burbank, the headquarters was still in New York, which also retained a studio that could produce shows if needed.

"However, now, Trump would do anything to maintain a close relationship with AC Media, so he naturally knew about this immediately."

"I don’t understand, Innie, I don’t understand. Why? If you want to work part-time to earn some pocket money, there are plenty of job opportunities, and didn’t you do well as a model? If you want to earn credits through an internship, there are many opportunities in my company too, so why must you go... go to AC Media, go... be Adrian’s secretary?" In their Los Angeles home, Trump was having a headache talking to Ivanka.

Although he could be considered a playboy, having pursued more than a dozen models, as a father, he certainly wouldn’t want his daughter to date a playboy, even if it was just working by his side.

"What’s the problem with that? Or do you think I’m not capable enough to handle the role of a secretary assistant?" Ivanka asked indifferently in return.

"No, of course not, with your academic performance at Stanford College, there wouldn’t be any issue with you taking up any related position. I just want to say... just want to say..." Trump struggled to organize his words.

"Your father means that you should still focus primarily on your studies. And AC Media is a large corporate group; if you spend too much time at work, no matter how good your internship performance is, if you can’t complete the necessary subjects, you might not be able to graduate," Melania then stepped in to help Trump explain.

"Yes, no matter what, you have just spent one semester at Stanford, there is still much to learn; it’s not possible to work full-time in the company," Trump quickly nodded. _{fr\(e)ew(e)b.(n)o (v)(e)l.com}

"Your information is outdated, Dad," Ivanka remained nonchalant, "If you would spend some time at Stanford Business School, Dad, you would see that I’ve already self-taught most of the required courses. My internship is also approved by the college, so you really don’t need to worry about this."

Seeing that her father was about to speak again, Ivanka quickly interjected, "Alright, Dad, I’m already an adult, I know what I’m doing, and I have the right to choose my own path and arrange my life. I won’t give up the job now, you don’t know how important it is. Think about the salary and benefits."

After saying that, she turned around to go upstairs, "I need to rest now. We can talk later, okay? It’s been very busy ever since Charli went to ABC."

Trump gave a wry smile, exchanged a look with Melania, then suddenly hurried after his daughter.

"Innie..." he called her, hesitated for two seconds, then lowered his voice to ask, "Are you and... are you and Ed..."

"Yes, we’ve slept together," Ivanka didn’t pause a bit. "He’s indeed a playboy, but he’s always gentle and considerate towards women—don’t worry, Dad. I know what I’m doing."

Even so, Trump rolled his eyes, wanting to say something else, but ultimately he just opened his mouth and closed it again.

"By the way, Dad, in a few days, I might move out," Ivanka mentioned suddenly.

"Why?" Trump immediately asked, "Isn’t it good to live at home? Besides, Melania and I don’t come to Los Angeles often."

"Ed told me that I should try to be completely independent. You can’t always make me do things your way, Dad, even if it’s for my own good," Ivanka said earnestly.

"Damn, that’s Ed talking again," Trump sighed deeply, his tone tinged with a hint of sorrow.

"If what he says is right, then why not listen to him?" Ivanka looked composed and did not notice her father’s expression.

"So, where do you plan to live?" Trump asked after a few seconds of silence.

Ivanka, who was always articulate, paused before responding uncertainly, "It should be somewhere close to the company, so it’s easier to handle work matters."

After saying this, she turned and walked upstairs, not stopping until her daughter’s figure had disappeared from view, when Trump finally let out a long sigh.

"Don’t be like that, dear. Kids grow up and have their own ideas. You can’t consider everything for her," Melania walked over and comforted him.

"Yes, I know, but..." Trump sighed deeply again, "Ed, that guy... I must talk to him, right now!"

Although Trump visited Adrian’s office the next day, it was to no avail.

"What are you worried about, Don? Innie is a lovely girl, and when sparks fly between a man and a woman, anything can happen, right?" Adrian sincerely said, purposely sitting on the sofa and talking to Trump.

"Yes, I know," Trump occasionally crossed and uncrossed his legs, "but you’re not going to marry her, are you?"

"Yes," Adrian admitted outright, knowing Trump was aware of his children, so there was no point in denying it.

"This is what I’m worried about. If it were just a one-night stand, that would be one thing, normal for men and women. But you clearly can’t give her a promise and still keep attracting her, keeping her close. What father could tolerate that? I don’t want Innie to get hurt by this!" Trump got visibly agitated by the end.

"That’s exactly what I wanted to say, Don," Adrian became serious as well, "Don’t you think you’re overprotecting Innie a bit? Yes, she’s a fine girl, well-mannered, doesn’t overstep, doesn’t have bad habits, she’s practically a role model compared to other rich girls her age who like to squander. But at the same time, she’s like a polished stone, smoothed down since birth. I’ve seen the first episode of ’The Apprentice,’ you know, I really like that line you say, ’You’re fired.’ The tone fully shows the confidence and authority of a businessman who has been through various ups and downs, but can you imagine Ivanka saying that?"

Trump remained silent.

"Perhaps with your arrangement, she could smoothly enter your company to work and then marry a suitable man as you wish. But doing so will only make her more and more mediocre," Adrian continued, "Once she faces a real setback, that kind of damage won’t be easy to heal. Done poorly, it might fester periodically, causing prolonged pain. And you, can you protect her forever?"

Adrian’s words were incredibly persuasive. It wasn’t until after he left that Trump realized, what did all this have to do with his relationship with Ivanka? Yet, thinking about it after leaving showed that he had partly accepted it internally, considering his daughter’s attitude. Clearly, it was difficult to recover for the time being. If so, better to think about how to get more benefits out of this situation; he couldn’t just let it be. Besides, thinking about his daughter’s arguments, she seemed to have quite some authority at AC Media. (To be continued. If you like this work, please vote for it or give a monthly ticket at qidian.com. Your support is my greatest motivation.)