American tax officials

Chapter 328 Just a Death Struggle

News Corporation.

At this moment, Murdoch was pacing back and forth in his office, occasionally glancing at his watch, which showed how anxious he was.

Just then, the phone rang, instantly making his face tense. He immediately picked it up and pressed the answer button: "How is it, Mr. Henrietta?"

"Listen to me, Murdoch..."

Five or six minutes later, Murdoch, who had been listening silently, froze. It wasn't until the person on the other end of the phone reminded him that he suddenly came to his senses and shouted, "Mr. Henrietta, you should know how important News Corporation is to us. How can you ask me to destroy it?"

Yes, Henrietta on the other end of the phone had just announced the final plan to him, but it was a plan he could not accept under any circumstances.

"I didn't want it to be Murdoch either, but there's no way around it now. It's better to destroy it than for it to fall into the hands of David and those Ansar people."

"Mr. No, there must be other ways. Let's think of something else!"

"Do you know why the FBI releases a little bit of information every day instead of all at once? It's because they want to gradually erode control of your group. Once they've done so, it'll be too late for us to act. We don't have time now. Do as I say, Murdoch. This concerns the interests of our entire group; we need to think about the bigger picture!"

"But……"

"alright!"

Before Murdoch could continue, Henrietta interrupted him, saying, "I know this group is your life's work, but there's nothing we can do about it. Murdoch, you're 90 years old this year. It's time for you to enjoy your retirement. There's no need to continue getting involved in this mess. Just do as the group says. That's all."

As he listened to the dial tone, Murdoch's gaze became vacant, but the thought of destroying his own company was as painful as killing his own son.

But that wasn't the most worrying thing for him.

What worries him most is that his current reputation and status are all built on News Corporation.

Once the group is gone, although he will still be a rich man, at his level, money is no longer the most important thing. For him now, the most important thing is status and the flattery of those around him.

But once he loses this group, not to mention the guys inside the group, even those outside who used to fawn over him might treat him like he doesn't exist.

This is something he cannot accept!

"Since you can't solve it, I'll solve it my own way!"

After some struggle, Murdoch seemed to have made a decision. He immediately called in his secretary and gave him a few instructions.

Seven or eight minutes later, the secretary came in and placed a small card in front of Murdoch, who immediately picked up his phone and dialed the number.

……

Los Angeles IRS.

"Director David, things are going very smoothly on our end. With your help, taking over the Wall Street Journal and its controlling company should be no problem."

"Director David, we owe this to your introduction; we have no problems on our end..."

"Once the FBI directly declares him guilty, Murdoch and his ilk will definitely have to step down. Then their shares will be diluted, and we can take control!"

Inside the director's office, David was staring at the large computer screen, where John Aaron, Ted Turner, and Sally were excitedly reporting on the battle situation.

"Okay... I got a call, so I'll leave it at that for now. You can continue!"

David ended the video call, picked up his phone, saw it was an unknown number, and immediately answered, "Who is this?"

"Director David? This is Murdoch from News Corporation!"

David was taken aback when he heard the other person's self-introduction.

The FBI is currently investigating News Corp., but the Freemasons certainly know that he is behind it.

In other words, the two sides are currently engaged in a major battle, so what does it mean for this old man to call me now?

Could it be that you want to make peace?

With a hint of doubt, he replied, "Oh, it's Mr. Murdoch. What brings you here?"

"It's like this, Chief David, I think we've had some misunderstanding..."

"A misunderstanding? Mr. Murdoch, what makes you say that?"

David has confirmed that the old man is probably at his breaking point, which is why he wants to negotiate with him.

"There was some controversy surrounding your promotion, Director David, within our group. After looking into it, I found out it was all orchestrated by that bastard Marion. Don't worry, Director David, I've already got him fired!"

"Regardless of any criticism your company may have of me, I respect freedom of the press and will not interfere excessively. As for personnel changes within your company... I think Mr. Murdoch, you don't need to inform me of them!"

Hearing David's ungrateful words, Murdoch's lips twitched, but remembering what Henrietta had asked him to do, he could only force himself to say, "Let's not beat around the bush, Director David. I know the FBI is investigating me, and it's definitely related to you. If you get them to drop the investigation, I can guarantee that from now on, neither I nor my company will speak ill of you!"

"What do you mean? I am the director of the Los Angeles IRS. The FBI's investigation into your group has nothing to do with me, and I have no authority to mobilize the FBI. Mr. Murdoch, don't talk nonsense."

His words made him laugh.

If this old man hadn't used his own company to suppress his promotion, he wouldn't have bothered with him. Now that he's been humiliated, he's acting like he's wronged. He's lived for almost a century, how can he still be so ridiculous!

Murdoch gritted his teeth and continued, "Director David, it was indeed my fault this time. So, if you can be lenient this time, I promise I won't speak ill of you again. In the future, if you ever need our group's help, I can also lend a hand. You should know that our News Corporation is a leader in the media industry, and our packaging and publicity skills are top-notch. This will greatly benefit your career."

Although the Freemasons and David are now mortal enemies, he can't care about anything else in order to protect the culmination of his life's work.

"If you've fallen into the hands of our IRS, then I'm not against discussing it, but I really can't interfere with FBI matters. I'm sorry, Mr. Murdoch!"

"Davi!"

Upon hearing this, Murdoch's eyes turned bloodshot and his face was filled with anger. He had already humbled himself so much and offered such a high price, yet the other party still wouldn't let him off the hook. This infuriated him.

"I know what you're up to. You just want to destroy me and take control of my company. But what if all you get in the end is a 'rotten building'?"

David's expression tightened upon hearing this, but he still pretended to be nonchalant and replied, "I don't know what you're talking about. Alright, Mr. Murdoch, I'm busy, so I'll stop here!"

"Okay, okay, I hope you won't regret it!"

After uttering those words through gritted teeth, Murdoch hung up the phone.

Inside the office, David's expression shifted several times before he picked up his phone, dialed a number, and ordered, "The fish is determined to go all out; hurry up and pull in the net..."

After ending the call, he called John, Ted, and Sally separately, reminding them to speed things up as well.

News Corp.'s top-floor office was now a mess, with scattered documents and broken cups everywhere.

At this moment, Murdoch was sitting in a chair with disheveled hair and a flushed face, his chest heaving, and some bloodstains on his fists.

After a while, he picked up the phone and called his secretary over.

The secretary was startled when he entered and saw the scene, but he dared not offend his boss, so he could only cautiously ask, "Sir... what are your instructions?"

"I'm holding a press conference; I'll be speaking personally this time! Also, I've arranged for some reporters to ask me questions, the content of which is..."

When he said these words, Murdoch's eyes were full of resentment.

He had never been so humble since he built News Corporation, but on the phone just now, he was practically begging, and that damned David still wouldn't let him off the hook.

Since the other party wants him dead, he won't let them have an easy time before he dies!

……

"What? News Corporation dares to hold a press conference? Haven't they embarrassed themselves enough already?"

"It's said that the group's boss, Murdoch, personally spoke at this press conference, so there must be some major news to announce!"

"Heh, the documents the FBI released these past few days, while not conclusive evidence, certainly establish strong suspicion. Even if that old man Murdoch is incredibly eloquent, how can he refute them?"

News Corp. quickly spread the news of its upcoming press conference, and the news that Murdoch would personally host and speak at the event sparked a heated discussion across the internet.

Meanwhile, various media outlets immediately rushed to the lobby of News Corporation, setting up their cameras and waiting for Murdoch's arrival.

Los Angeles IRS.

"What do you think this guy is trying to say by holding a press conference at this crucial moment?"

"No matter what he says, it's already a desperate struggle!"

"..."

Inside the director's office, Simmons, Buckinson, and the other two were chatting with a slightly puzzled expression, while David looked thoughtful.

He couldn't guess what Murdoch wanted to say to the media, but one thing was certain: it would definitely be detrimental to them!

"He's here!"

Hearing Nissen's reminder, the three of them put aside their thoughts and looked at the large television screen. Surrounded by a group of security personnel, Murdoch appeared.

Although his hair and clothes were neatly arranged, the ashen look on his face was still somewhat undeniable.

Once under the spotlight, he gestured for silence with his hands before speaking: "Good morning, everyone from the media and those watching. I am Murdoch. Regarding the recent series of events targeting our group, I feel it is necessary for me to say a few things."

"First, regarding the documents the FBI has filed against us, we may indeed have engaged in some misconduct, but as the investigation is still ongoing, we are not accepting these charges!"

"Secondly, regarding the wiretapping scandal, we resolved it years ago. At the time, the FBI concluded that there was no direct evidence, which proved our innocence. So why has it suddenly resurfaced this time? Is someone manipulating all of this behind the scenes? Or could it be that someone is deliberately manipulating public opinion to cover something up?"

Murdoch knew very well that the reason David didn't dare to take action against him in the name of the IRS, but instead went through the FBI, was simply because he was afraid of inciting public opinion against suppressing press freedom.

Alright, he'll just reveal the truth right now in front of the whole world!

Of course, he knew that his words were unsubstantiated and that this matter would likely not have a significant impact, but David was determined to destroy him, and he would feel relieved to be able to disgust the other party.

As soon as he finished speaking, the media and everyone watching were stunned.

What are they manipulating public opinion to cover up?

Soon, a reporter stepped forward and immediately asked, "Mr. Murdoch, before your company's scandal broke, the national focus was on Director David's promotion. Are you implying that the FBI released this information to cover up the controversy?"

"I didn't say that, and I don't have direct evidence to prove it. However, the FBI announced years ago that they had found no evidence regarding the wiretapping scandal, but now they suddenly have new evidence. As everyone knows, our Chief David is most skilled at gathering evidence. Perhaps... the FBI asked our Chief David for some advice, which is how they were able to dig up new evidence!"

Murdoch said with a forced smile.

"What? How did this get involved with Chief David again?"

"This is an FBI investigation, what does it have to do with David? Are you kidding me!"

"The FBI and the IRS are two different departments. Is Murdoch implying that Chief of Staff David instructed the FBI to leak this information?"

Amidst the heated discussion online, the Los Angeles IRS also faced criticism.

"Oh shit!"

"Fuck, that damn bastard!"

"..."

Seeing Murdoch's sarcastic remarks on TV, Simmons, Buckingham, and the other two were furious, their curses echoing throughout the office.

Now they finally understand why this old man suddenly held a press conference; it turns out he wanted to mislead the public into believing that he was suppressing press freedom.

"Let him say what he wants. He has no evidence anyway; he's just making a last-ditch effort."

David's expression was somewhat gloomy, but he quickly remembered something and said, "How about this, after he finishes speaking, we'll hold a press conference, and I'll come forward to clarify!"

Although the other party's desperate struggle will not be very damaging, after all, the FBI and the IRS are two separate agencies, his clarification is still necessary to prevent the situation from escalating.

(End of this chapter)