American Tax Officer

"Fine, as the IRS is a national enforcement agency, now that it suspects me of tax evasion, naturally, I have to cooperate. I'll go back with you!"

Julie was no fool; she was well aware that, even with her high status, she was still insignificant before the formidable IRS, and cooperation was the best choice.

David nodded in satisfaction and turned to another black Academy Award-winning actor: "Mr. Will Smith, you're also suspected of tax evasion, and you need to come back with us too."

"What, Will Smith too, suspected of tax evasion?"

"That's an Oscar-winning actor; how could he also be implicated in a tax evasion case?"

"Director David arrests Julie, and now he's even taking away an Academy Award-winning actor, and during the Oscars no less. Isn't he afraid of causing a media storm?"

In front of their televisions, upon hearing David's notification to Will Smith, fans around the world once again were in an uproar.

And that was not all; the more shocking news was still to come.

"Mr. Bruce Willis, sorry, but you're also involved in a tax evasion case. Please come back with us for an investigation!"

"What, I'm also suspected of tax evasion?"

The named Bruce was also stunned on the spot.

"Not just you, Mr. Bruce, but you too, Tom Hanks, Jennifer Lawrence, Director Cameron..."

David listed more than a dozen actors, directors, producers, and financiers in one breath.

Now, the global audience was totally shaken.

You should know, Tom Hanks is a treasured actor not only in Hollywood but all of America, and Jennifer Lawrence is a big sister figure in Hollywood.

And not to mention Cameron, an internationally renowned director.

Yet you, David, and your Western Suburb Branch, .had taken them all down in one fell swoop; if you don't provide an explanation afterward, can you expect their combined influence and their fans to let this slide?

Regardless of what everyone was thinking, David continued explaining: "As I said before, this involves a tax evasion case, so sorry, we need to take you all back for an investigation. Rest assured, I will give you a satisfactory answer tomorrow; if not, I, David, will resign voluntarily!"

The actors called out, looked at each other, and as the elder statesman of Hollywood, Tom Hanks finally said, "Since you, Director David, have put it that way, naturally I can only cooperate."

"Alright then, I will cooperate, too."

"I believe there are no errors in my taxes, but since the IRS has found me suspected of tax evasion, I will go with you,"

Seeing David risking his career, the resentment among the actors on site lessened somewhat, but they were eager to see how Director David would accuse them of tax evasion.

"Take them away!"

Following David's command, a group of Inspectors led the named actors out one by one...

...

Meanwhile, at the headquarters of the 20th Century Fox Film Corporation.

In the boardroom, CEO Hawner sat at the head seat, his face looking very grave.

Soon after, the senior executives summoned urgently began to enter one after another.

Once everyone had arrived, Hawner spoke: "Regarding the incident at the Oscars, I believe many of you have received the news. Any thoughts?"

"Director David is too reckless..."

"I don't know who gave him the confidence, but arresting a dozen celebrities at the Oscars is simply unheard of!"

"He's trying to turn Hollywood upside down!"

Many of the executives present had rushed back from the ceremony, and several were still shaken by the spectacle.

However, they still couldn't comprehend one thing: Where did David get such courage from?

Even if he were to arrest these celebrities, surely the Oscars, an event of global attention, wasn't the place to apprehend them, right?

Just because it would bring great publicity to the Western Suburbs Branch, but if it went wrong, not just the Branch, the entire IRS would be in hot water.

Such a huge risk, hadn't David considered it?

Or did he have absolute confidence he could pin charges on these celebrities?

"Stop talking about that; haven't you noticed something?"

"Mr. Hawner, you mean...?"

The executives looked at Hawner in confusion.

"The celebrities David's taken away, they've all worked with us and the other seven major film studios!"

Hearing this, the executives were visibly shocked.

Because they were still overwhelmed by the recent events, they hadn't given much thought to this detail.

Now, looking back calmly, it was indeed true; whether it's Tom Hanks, Jennifer Lawrence, or Bruce Willis, they had all worked with them or the other major studios.

So what did it mean for David to take away these actors who had collaborated with them? Was it a warning shot?

Or was it a sign of a deeper intent? Continue reading at empire

"McCauley, you're in charge here; think carefully if there have been any mistakes, we can't let David find an opening!"

Hawner looked towards Director McCauley.

McCauley's brow furrowed, as he replayed events from over the years in his head. Yet before he could pinpoint anything, the door was pushed open.

A Chief Tax Officer from the Western Suburbs Branch burst in, saying, "Director McCauley, we suspect you are involved in a tax evasion case and we would like you to come back and assist in the investigation!"n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om