[Chapter 267: Reactions]
"All guards will stop their training today. Arrange for personnel to be fully armed and form a 500-meter perimeter around the tower. Many outsiders might come today, but except for researchers from the National Weather Service, no one is allowed inside the restricted area. Essential personnel will remain to guard the military camp, and others will patrol the farm. No mechanical excavation is allowed on the farm. Anyone, including National Weather Service researchers, who disobey will have their legs broken and be thrown off the property."
"Yes, sir."
...
After hanging up the phone, Linton noticed his assistant staring at him blankly.
"What's with you? You're spacing out."
"Boss, why do I think you look even more handsome today?"
"Are you trying to get your bonus docked?"
"You really are more handsome. I was nervous coming downstairs and didn't look properly at first. If you don't believe me, ask Danny and the three ladies."
Hearing this, the others took a closer look at Linton.
"He's definitely more handsome and attractive," Winona agreed first.
"He hasn't changed, but he does look more handsome," Catherine added.
"This is too much! Linton, you were already attractive, now you're even more -- I can't look away," Jennifer gushed playfully.
"Boss, you seem changed. More majestic, but also approachable. It's a weird combo," even Danny and Carter remarked.
Several service staff blushed and kept stealing glances at him.
It seemed that after his breakthrough, Linton hadn't fully controlled his power yet. His life level had increased, causing him to unconsciously radiate a stronger aura and charm.
He realized he needed to hurry and fully master his power. But there was no rush; being more charming wasn't bad.
"Stop teasing. I've always been handsome and charming," Linton joked, making everyone laugh.
"Alright, down to business. Since such a big event happened last night, it'll definitely attract media attention today. I expect lots of media outlets across the U.S. to swarm here, and you all will be interviewed."
"Anything we should watch out for?" the young assistant asked.
"Tell the truth about everything else, but Jennifer, Catherine, and Winona are big stars. Don't spin any stories about my relationship with them."
"Got it. You are just good friends."
"Exactly."
"If a reporter asks why the three of them are here, what should we say?"
"They accepted my invitation and came here for a vacation because of the farm's beautiful scenery. Don't say anything else. Got it?" Linton used a slight Soul Induction.
"Understood," everyone answered loudly.
Danny returned carrying four thick stacks of cash. He handed one to each waiter. "Ten thousand dollars each. Watch your mouths, got it?"
The four waiters were thrilled. Their normal monthly income was just over $1,000. This bonus was half a year's salary.
They gladly accepted the money and promised in unison, "Don't worry, no nonsense from us."
"Jennifer, Catherine, Winona, I hoped to take you on a farm tour today, but it doesn't look like it will be possible."
"No problem. The weather's cold, snow everywhere. Nothing fun to do outside. You go on and take care of your things. Don't worry about us," the three women understood the severity.
"Besides, you three are public figures. Staying here might get you caught in a media whirlwind. Want to go back to Los Angeles?"
"I don't want to leave. Finally I am on vacation with you, I want to spend time together," Jennifer said affectionately.
"I won't leave either. The scandal's been hyped long ago -- I'm not scared. At worst, it just gets hyped again," Winona said fearlessly.
"I'm not leaving either. It's rare we get together, I can't leave early. Took a 15-day vacation and want to use it all," Catherine insisted.
"Alright, you all stay. But to avoid malicious media spins, we'll need a proactive PR plan. My darlings, call your agents immediately and update them on the situation. Get the PR plan rolling."
"Okay, calling now." Seeing Linton's seriousness, the three heads toward the phone.
"Meena, call Mira too. Tell her about our situation here. Get her to coordinate with Ellie and lead negotiations with Jennifer's, Winona's, and Catherine's agents -- try to agree on a solution everyone's happy with."
"Got it."
"Also, since we can't stop rumors about us four, don't leave our own people behind. When we have dinner, take photos and fax them to Sharon, editor-in-chief of Hollywood Gossip Daily. Tell her what's happening here and let her cover this first."
"Okay, boss. Sharon will be thrilled."
...
Linton's prediction was right -- the winter thunder event in Montana caught too much attention.
Top networks NBC, ABC, and CBS sent their best interview crews to Parker County, Montana to secure first-hand reports.
Other networks dispatched news teams too.
...
At the White House, Hillary was on the phone.
"Bro-Arwick, did you know there was a paranormal winter thunder event in Parker County, Montana last night?"
"Yes, I've seen the news."
"Good. Send your best agents immediately for a thorough investigation."
"Understood."
"If you find any valuable artifacts or cutting-edge technology, secure them immediately."
"Will do."
...
At the Pentagon, a four-star general was issuing the same order.
"Yarrick, assemble your team and head out on an urgent mission now. Expect lots of media. Conduct this undercover as researchers from Area 51's Alien Research Institute. Your credentials are prepared."
"Understood."
"If you discover any special artifacts or new tech, take control immediately."
"Will comply."
...
At Langley, CIA Headquarters...
At the FBI's Hoover Building...
The Rothschilds...
The Morgans...
The Rockefellers...
The DuPonts...
The Kennedys...
The Bushes...
...
Besides the National Weather Service, these agencies and top wealthy families all made similar arrangements, sending their elite forces to Parker County to investigate.
The difference was that government agencies secured special finds, while the wealthy families sought to acquire them outright.
*****
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