Chapter 271 — Raising Political Capital
At the moment, the most shocking international crisis was undoubtedly the genocide unfolding in Rwanda—a catastrophe marked by extreme brutality, an atrocity against humanity itself.
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In Houston's River Oaks district, Aaron returned to his mansion after inspecting the construction site of Dawnlight's new arena in downtown.
On the sofa, Monica Bellucci was flipping through entertainment news in the Houston Chronicle—a headline caught her eye:
26-year-old model and stripper Anna Nicole Smith had married 86-year-old oil tycoon J. Howard Marshall II at the White Dove Chapel.
Meanwhile, Aaron was reading the Houston Post.
One particular advertisement stood out—
The newspaper was up for sale.
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In the United States, most major cities traditionally had at least two competing newspapers to avoid monopolies.
Houston had the Houston Post vs. Houston Chronicle
Los Angeles had Los Angeles Times vs. the Daily News
Chicago had Chicago Tribune vs. the Chicago Sun-Times
San Francisco had the Chronicle vs. the Examiner
This competitive structure was designed to prevent a single paper from dominating a city.
But in Houston, the situation was shifting.
The Houston Chronicle, backed by the powerful Hearst Corporation, had been steadily squeezing out its rival, the Houston Post, owned by MediaNews Group.
Their goal was clear: complete dominance—if not outright monopoly—in Houston's newspaper market.
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Aaron rose, poured himself a glass of wine, and began to think.
Dawnlight was expanding into a full-scale media conglomerate. Publishing and press were natural extensions of that vision.
With assets already in California and now Texas, acquiring the Houston Post could become Dawnlight's entry point into the newspaper industry.
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Soon, Aaron gathered detailed information and even arranged a meeting with MediaNews Group's CEO, William Dean Singleton.
At the InterContinental Houston, the two sat down for afternoon tea.
"It seems the Houston Post really is struggling," Aaron remarked.
Singleton shrugged.
"The Houston Chronicle has higher circulation and stronger appeal to advertisers."
There was no easy way around it—backed by Hearst, the Chronicle held advantages in both pricing and content resources.
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Aaron took a sip of coffee.
"I've heard Hearst is also looking to acquire the Houston Post's assets?"
Singleton's expression didn't change.
"That would be… difficult. It could trigger an antitrust investigation."
Aaron smiled faintly.
"Come on. What Hearst really wants is for the Houston Post to disappear. The method doesn't matter."
He knew exactly what kind of player Singleton was—pragmatic, even ruthless.
A quiet asset sale to Hearst, followed by shutting down the paper, would achieve the same result.
And Hearst, with its long history, certainly knew how to operate within the rules while bending outcomes in its favor.
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Singleton leaned forward slightly.
"So Dawnlight wants to acquire the Houston Post… and compete directly with Hearst?"
Aaron spread his hands.
"Why not?"
"The Houston Post has over a century of history. Even if it's currently losing money, it still has depth and value."
MediaNews Group might not be able to stand against Hearst—but Dawnlight was a different story.
If the paper was going to die anyway, selling it to Dawnlight was a far better outcome.
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Singleton fell into thought.
He had already met with Hearst representatives—and they were prepared to pay a high price for the Post's key assets…
…but to keep the Houston Post brand intact, only to later shut it down themselves. That way, its disappearance would have no direct, visible connection to the Hearst Corporation.
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"The Houston Post can be sold to Dawnlight," William Dean Singleton said plainly.
He wasn't particularly attached to the paper—his focus had already shifted toward California. With the Oakland Tribune secured in Northern California, he now wanted a foothold in Southern California as well.
"However," he added, "I need Dawnlight's help acquiring the Los Angeles Daily News."
Aaron raised an eyebrow slightly.
"The Los Angeles Daily News? A suburban paper with decent circulation," he said with a faint smile.
"How do you propose we cooperate?"
Singleton considered for a moment.
"We co-own it. MediaNews doesn't have much leverage in Southern California—but Dawnlight does. Your influence in Los Angeles is strong."
Aaron nodded.
"That works. Dawnlight will assist you in acquiring the Los Angeles Daily News."
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Compared to the Houston Post, the Los Angeles Daily News was far less significant—there was simply no comparison in scale.
But for Aaron, acquiring the Houston Post meant something more important:
greater political leverage in Texas.
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Buying a struggling newspaper wasn't difficult.
Once Aaron made his decision, he instructed Dawnlight's CFO, Jessica Parker, to arrange financing.
Dawnlight would issue over $500 million in corporate bonds.
The Houston Post deal itself was valued at $120 million, including its headquarters, printing facilities, and broadcasting assets.
In truth, Dawnlight didn't strictly need financing—but Aaron had bigger plans for the year ahead:
Expansion of the AMC cable network
Launch of new channels
Construction of the New York headquarters tower
Establishment of a publishing division
The company was in a rapid growth phase—capital would be put to work immediately.
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At Houston's Compaq Center, the NBA playoffs had begun.
In Game 1 of the first round, the Houston Rockets defeated the Portland Trail Blazers with ease.
Later, back in the River Oaks villa, Aaron lay beside Monica Bellucci, his tone relaxed.
"So, what do you think? Basketball's pretty intense, right?"
Monica smiled softly.
"In Europe, football is still the most popular sport. With the World Cup being held in the U.S. this year, though… you don't seem very excited about it."
Aaron shrugged.
"Soccer doesn't have a big audience here. You know that—American football and baseball are still king."
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Monica leaned closer, brushing a kiss against his ear.
"I need to report to the set of In the Mouth of Madness soon," she said.
"Are you staying in Houston—or heading back to Los Angeles?"
Aaron shook his head.
"I'll be going to New York."
The acquisition of the Houston Post would be handled by his team—he needed to oversee the financing negotiations personally.
And beyond that…
The New York headquarters project needed to move forward as soon as possible.