Forbes had been ranking entrepreneurs as part of an exclusive roster for years, highlighting the status and fame they represented and their value as some of the wealthiest individuals in the United States. Billy’s position on the list was somewhat irregular due to the private control his company maintained. That afternoon, as Billy held Monica in his arms and filled her with promises, one phrase lingered in his mind: “You’ll never want for anything.” It was a vow he intended to fulfill, with past mistakes as lessons for the care he’d lost over time.
-None of that matters. - Billy murmured, kissing his lover’s chin. Monica leaned against him, naked and shy, basking in the protection and tenderness of a man who had once seemed ready to leave her, but now sought to shower her with love and compassion. She allowed herself to be carried along, uncertain about the future. She was not good at predicting what love might bring or navigating the emotional intricacies of others.
-So, you’ll take me on a tour of England this summer? - she asked, surprised.
-I will. Two weeks. I’ll speak with my assistant to organize the trip. And yes, it’ll just be the two of us. But as I’ve said, I’ll be swamped filming for quite some time, probably until next year. - Billy replied.
-Do you have to leave? - Monica whispered.
-I do. There’s so much to handle. I need to visit some companies personally. I’ve neglected the gaming enterprise and now it seems to operate without me. They’re creating projects, adhering to my formats, and developing their own. Negotiating strong contracts for the children’s channel partnerships is also on the agenda. - Billy tightened his embrace around her. It was his unique rhythm, a mix of concentrated focus and relentless effort, accustomed to working until he was utterly drained. We, , seemed deceptive, almost like a lie.
Such was the nature of his work.
As he waited for his flight, the modern design of Rome’s airport struck him, bustling with travelers. He spotted his image in a magazine—shining as the new sports magnate with an overview of his wealth. While not immediately visible to many, his constant transactions had drawn attention. Forbes calculated that the combined value of his four sports teams totaled at least $600 million. Or so they claimed.
It seemed Forbes’ math was designed to put a price on his fortune, but bank debts and tax obligations added complexity. His investment portfolio, including stock acquisitions, was far less transparent.
In a recent interview, Forbes asked Anne Halle, his right-hand woman, about Billy’s ventures in the sports world and his new project to construct a tennis stadium. Her response was firm and bold, laden with meaning: “We simply do what we must. As philanthropists, our goal is to improve lives by encouraging people to pursue what they love—from the young to the elderly.”
-Anne moves fast. - Billy muttered, noticing that she likely already had a sports complex in development near San Jose, where his proposed athletic facilities were based.
Anne, pregnant, crossed his mind fleetingly. He resisted the urge to call her, but a conversation with her was inevitable. Her ash-blonde hair, rounded cheeks, and toned figure played on his thoughts.
He arrived in Los Angeles at 5:00 a.m. on Monday, the weight of the journey and jet lag pressing on his shoulders. The tie he wore felt like a second skin, though he considered switching to bow ties in the coming months, having received a simplistic yet stylish collection from a sponsor.
Jim Waiit was waiting at the entrance with a coffee in hand.
-We have a lot to discuss. I negotiated the Titanic contract. Asked for a $10 million salary and secured a 7.5% share of the box office instead, just as you suggested. There’s also a clause that waives the salary if the movie doesn’t break even. I emphasized you’re not someone who does things halfway and will give your best to the project. - Jim reported as Billy sipped the coffee with satisfaction. A percentage of the box office was the sweetest reward.
-Additionally, they’ll pay you an extra $500,000 if you handle promotional efforts through your projects. - Jim added.
Billy proposed writing a book and using his comics for promotion. His comic sales, particularly in Spanish-speaking markets, were well-known in various outlets. Including a dedicated page for the film was innovative. He envisioned branding partnerships for the upcoming seasons.
-Let Anne know we’ll dedicate a single, meaningful page to this. Let the brands fight over the opportunity. - Billy said.
-You’ll need to deliver the book by October for the editors and producers to approve it. - Jim reminded him.
-I’ve thought about creating an illustrated version. I’ll design some of the settings and key scenes myself. Maybe ten drawings to add spirit to the book. - Billy added.
Jim shifted the topic.
-Arnon Milchan has a new project you might like. I spoke with him and suggested you’d be a great fit for one of Regency’s upcoming films. Thanks to your rapport with Al Pacino, he agreed to take a role. The film could be a surprise hit. -
-What’s the catch? - Billy asked.
-Salary. They’re offering $3 million. The budget is $50 million, but most of it is allocated to sets and locations. Production is scheduled for next year, giving you enough time to finish Titanic. -
-Do you like the film? - Billy asked.
-It’s excellent. Devil’s Advocate has all the elements of a major award contender. It’s a different tone than the romantic lead you’ll play in Titanic. - Jim remarked.
Billy’s eyes lit up. A great movie could elevate his career, and he could always earn money elsewhere. His growing filmography would secure him future opportunities.
-I’ll have to read the script. If the film is even half-decent, I’ll take it. - Billy said, finishing his coffee. They got into a car to meet with Arnon Milchan. Later, Billy would rehearse with Kate, who was brimming with energy. Filming was likely to begin next month.
-You’ll enjoy this project. There are other films on the table, but we’ll discuss them later. Next year looks like it’s shaping up to be a big one for movies. - Jim noted, observing how the industry seemed to be picking up momentum with numerous major productions on the horizon.