[Chapter 569: The Schemes of the Puff Daddy]
January 11th.
Linton arrived in New York three days early on his private jet to prepare for the upcoming concert.
Madison Square Garden was the most famous arena in the world, located at the heart of Manhattan. It was the city's landmark venue, with a capacity of 19,763 seats -- making it the top choice for any major artist's New York performance.
Colleagues from Universal Records' performance department had already been here for over two weeks, setting up the stage, lighting, sound system, and makeup rooms. The concert band, backup singers, and dancers had also arrived ahead of time to familiarize themselves with the venue and rehearse on site.
Linton departed at 9 a.m. that morning. Due to the time difference, he landed in New York by 4:30 p.m.
After passing through the airport, he took a car sent by Universal Records' New York office to the Hilton Hotel near the arena.
...
Hillary had already flown in upon hearing of his arrival and invited Linton to visit her estate in New York for a private rendezvous.
After checking into his hotel, Linton instructed Li Xiaoran not to follow him this time.
Instead, his bodyguards Danny and Carter carried a large crate airlifted from Los Angeles downstairs. They then boarded a Dodge van sent by Hillary.
The drive sped through the city and, after about twenty minutes, they entered Long Island. Passing through neighborhoods lined with towering palm trees, they finally arrived at a massive luxury estate.
This estate was a trophy Hillary had acquired two years earlier with Linton during their takedown of the Douglas family, later renamed Chaperco Manor.
The property spanned 11 acres -- far larger than Linton's Los Angeles estate. It featured a main building, four guest houses, a swimming pool, tennis courts, basketball court, golf course, and even a helipad.
The van pulled up directly in front of the main house, where Hillary and the housekeeper were waiting.
Despite being over three months pregnant, Hillary's baby bump was just beginning to show. She wore a floral dress that complemented her alluring new-mother charm.
Seeing Linton step out of the car, she eagerly jogged over. Because of the staff present, she restrained herself from leaping into his arms and instead greeted him warmly with a firm handshake.
She then introduced housekeeper Lilith, and Linton responded by introducing Danny and Carter. He opened the crate to reveal fresh Wagyu beef, milk, and stored grapes -- products shipped directly from his farm just yesterday.
"Hillary, these are ingredients I brought straight from the farm. They'll do wonders for your health," Linton said.
"Thank you, Linton. Lilith, let's use these for tonight's dinner. Serve it in two hours."
...
After sending the housekeeper and bodyguards off, Hillary took Linton's hand and led him inside.
Once inside, she could no longer hold back and nestled into his arms, pressing a tender kiss to his lips. "Darling, both the baby and I have missed you so much."
After their passionate kiss, Linton scanned her carefully, sending a subtle pulse of energy through her body. The baby was perfectly healthy. "Isn't that why I came? You've really been taking good care of yourself."
Hillary twirled playfully before him. "Of course! My diet, routine, and workouts are all strictly according to doctor's orders."
She then threw herself into his arms again, kissing him deeply. "Darling, are you hungry?"
"A little," he admitted.
"Then why don't you start by having me? Come on, carry me upstairs -- I want you to love me."
Cradling her in his arms, Linton followed Hillary's playful lead to a spacious bedroom upstairs.
Soft, sweet music began to fill the room...
...
Two hours later, their singing finally came to an end, and they went downstairs for dinner.
Lilith had prepared a sumptuous meal in the dining room, with the centerpiece being juicy steaks made from the Wagyu beef Linton had brought.
Since Hillary was pregnant and abstaining from alcohol, the table was set with large glasses of fresh milk, also shipped from the farm.
"Huh, this milk tastes amazing," Hillary said as she sat down, already ravenous after their vigorous lovemaking. She sipped her milk and immediately noticed it was different.
"Of course, this is milk straight from my farm. It's special," Linton replied. "Now try the beef. See what you think."
"I'll savor it properly." Hillary gracefully cut a tender, juicy piece and tasted it.
"Wow, it's definitely better than any Wagyu I've had before. Darling, is this really from your own farm?"
"Absolutely."
"Oh, you're incredible. How did you manage that?"
"The most important thing is that if you eat them regularly, they will greatly benefit both your health and the baby's development."
"So, these aren't just tasty -- they're good for the body, too?"
"Exactly."
Feeling touched, Hillary nestled in Linton's embrace and fed him a small bite of the beef. "Darling, you're too good to me. Share a bite."
They fed each other for a full hour before finishing the meal.
"By the way, keep these ingredients to yourself. Don't let them get around."
"Don't worry. It's a secret. And can you send me more after these are gone?"
"Of course. I'll arrange a weekly private flight to deliver to either LaGuardia in New York or Reagan in Washington. You choose where your people pick it up."
"Darling, I heard your farm is beautiful. Can I visit? Maybe take a little vacation there?"
"Not now. You have to understand your current status is too sensitive. But when the baby's born, I'll be his godfather. Then you'll have every reason to bring him to my farm for a holiday."
"You always think of everything. You're too wonderful to me. I'll have to thank you properly." With that, Hillary pulled Linton lovingly upstairs.
...
Reaching the bedroom, they moved further into the walk-in closet filled with a dazzling array of clothes -- sheer nightgowns, Victoria's Secret lingerie, playful costumes of every style and color.
There were countless pairs of stockings and various accessories, an overwhelming selection.
Most strikingly, Linton noticed costumes from the five films he'd starred in -- each one worn by the leading lady in her most beautiful and sexy scenes.
For example, Naomi's sexy short dance outfit from the final stage scene in Step Up.
Catherine's blue evening gown from the final embrace scene in Speed.
Cristiana's sultry dancer costume from Independence Day.
Nicole Kidman's Dior business attire from her White House press secretary role in Independence Day.
Monica Bellucci's ultra-sexy dress as a striptease performer in The Man from Nowhere.
Catherine's Dior suit when pretending to be a CIA office worker in Mission: Impossible.
It was clear Hillary had put a lot of thought and effort into pleasing Linton.
"Darling, these are just for you. Which one do you like best?" Hillary purred in Linton's ear.
"I like them all. Why don't we try them on, one by one?"
"Sounds perfect..."
Joyful, sweet music filled the room once more...
---
The next morning, Linton returned to the Hilton. Accompanied by Daniel from Universal Records and Jimmy from the performance team, he headed to Madison Square Garden to rehearse with the band, backup dancers, and singers.
Mid-rehearsal, Daniel took a call and quickly excused the others. He then led in the Puff Daddy, Sean Combs.
Sean had already begun establishing himself in New York as a formidable underground figure -- a crime kingpin of sorts. Though he appeared well-behaved sitting politely next to Daniel and watching Linton rehearse, his eyes betrayed a fierce, rebellious streak.
During Linton's intermission, Sean respectfully approached. "Boss, I'm Sean."
After a brief chat, Sean pulled out two invitations. "To welcome you to New York, I'm throwing a grand party tonight. Please, you must come."
"Sean, thanks for the invite, but I've got plans with friends tonight. I'm going to have to pass."
"But boss, I've gone all out to prepare! This party's packed with surprises and fun. Everyone who's been raves about it. Could you please do me the favor?"
"Sean, you guys go have fun. I really don't have time. And Daniel here knows I seldom attend parties."
"Alright, what a shame. Next time I'll ask sooner. But Daniel, you'll come, right?"
Once Sean reluctantly left, Linton didn't intervene with Daniel's handling of the situation. He had advised Daniel earlier that Sean was trouble.
Right now, Sean was still just a rookie in the game -- nowhere near the recklessness he would display later. As long as Daniel kept a close eye, nothing major would happen.
...
After the afternoon rehearsal ended, Linton freshened up at the hotel then returned to Chaperco Manor with Danny in the van Hillary sent.
Hillary tried on various outfits and props from the walk-in closet, continuing their intimate play...
The joyful music played through the night...
Only after lunch did Linton finally return to the Hilton.
...
On January 13th, after receiving the backup singers at the hotel, Daniel reported on the final concert preparations.
"Boss, at noon, Sean Combs requested to change one of the backup songs. I don't think it's appropriate, but he's insistent and wants to discuss it with you personally, and make a last appeal. Do you want to see him?"
"What song does he want to switch to?"
"He originally planned to perform Can't Nobody Hold Me Down, but now wants to sing Ready to Die."
If Can't Nobody Hold Me Down was a gritty, gangsta-style hip-hop track, Ready to Die was an outright propaganda song promoting violence and drug culture on the streets, aggressively dissing West Coast rappers.
To have Sean pull this stunt during Linton's own concert suggested he had no respect or restraint. His prior deference was all an act.
"Daniel, do you think he should perform this song tomorrow night?"
"Absolutely not. It would seriously damage your image and create prejudice among the African American community in Los Angeles."
"Then why tell me this instead of just saying no?"
"I did say no, but he insisted on a personal report."
"Daniel, remember your position. You're the president of Universal Records. Sean is nothing more than the head of a small label under you and a popular artist. Why take his word so seriously?"
"You're right, boss. I'll send him away now."
"Hold on. Since he's here, let him in. I want to see what he's up to."
...
Daniel called Sean in from outside. Just as Daniel was about to exit, Linton told him to stay.
"Sean, I hear you want to change your song for tomorrow's concert?"
"Yes. I want to perform Ready to Die live."
"Why?" Linton asked, secretly casting Soul Induction on him.
Under the enchantment, Sean's usual excuses vanished. His true thoughts spilled out: "Because I want to use your concert -- this world-famous stage -- to fiercely diss West Coast gangsta rappers and reignite the East-West rap war."
"What benefit do you get by stirring up a gangsta rap war between coasts?"
"Because I want to be king of New York's underground. Last year, I orchestrated the East-West rap war, arranging the assassination of West Coast rapper 2PAC. His boss, the head of Death Row Records, retaliated by having my top artist BIG killed.
Then I rallied the East Coast rappers, calling them to unite and launch a bloody revenge on the West Coast.
Per my plan, the underground war between East and West gangsta rappers erupted. All the New York rappers gathered under me, and I became their leader.
Most importantly, as the war raged, gangsta rap sales soared, we made more money, and my crew stuck closer to me.
However, last August, Los Angeles's Bloods were mysteriously wiped out overnight -- top leaders slaughtered. West Coast rappers lost their backing and became scared, no longer daring to fight us.
Though we kept dropping diss tracks, they mostly held back. Without West Coast pressure, East Coast rappers grew loose, songs stopped selling well, and my hold weakened.
So, I want to perform this song at your concert, boldly dissing the West Coast gangstas. If they have any pride, they'll strike back and reignite the war.
That way, East Coast rappers will rally around me again, and on such a huge stage, I'll cement my status as the top NYC gangsta rap boss."
Daniel was stunned. Even as one of the elite white executives used to corporate schemes and intrigues, he was shaken by Sean's ruthless ambition. He glared anxiously at Linton and scolded.
"You, Sean, you dared lie to me. Worse, you dared scheme against the boss. You must want to die."
Sean was still under Linton's soul influence and couldn't hide his true intentions from Daniel's anger.
"I want to be king of New York. What's wrong with that? You're nothing but pawns, tools. What does lying to you matter? Do you know how many people have my back?"
Daniel's face turned purple with rage. Just as he opened his mouth to continue, Linton raised a hand to stop him and asked, "Oh? So tell me, if I decided to kill you, who would come protect you?"
*****
https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.
https://discord.gg/HjHHhUXPn7.