The Tyrant Billionaire

After the party ded, Johnny Fontaine personally drove Hardy and Taylor back to their respective hotels. Taylor was reluctant to part with Hardy.

As soon as Hardy returned to his room, the phone rang. It was a call from Michael.

"I just found out you're in New York. Why didn't you call me? Ar't you interested in your career anymore?" Michael teased.

"I gave a promise to Taylor, so I came to see her. I didn't plan to stay long; I was planning to return tomorrow," Hardy explained with a smile.

"Wh are you heading back th?" Michael asked.

"I have some minor matters to handle, probably need to wait two more days," Hardy replied.

"Got time to meet? The old man wants to invite you over for dinner," Michael said.

Hearing the godfather's invitation, Hardy didn't dare refuse. "I'll visit Mr. Vito tomorrow afternoon."

...

The next day.

The Lauder couple arrived early, and the three of them discussed the agreemt in the hotel room.

Hardy would invest $0,000 in exchange for % of Estée Lauder's shares. The operation of the company would be managed by the Lauders.

The company would hire Ava Gardner as a spokesperson with an annual fee of $00,000, though this paymt would be deferred.

Estée Lauder would place large advertisemts in Playboy magazine to reflect its high d brand status, costing $40,000 for the year, also deferred.

Hardy would help set up counters in top tier malls in the 0 largest cities across the U.S.

In the next movie, an Estée Lauder product would be featured as a gift from the male lead to the female lead, costing $50,000, again deferred.

The investmt would be used to expand production and invest in R&D for new products.

Both parties were satisfied and signed a formal agreemt. Hardy now owns % of Estée Lauder's shares.

The Lauder couple retained 5% of the shares and left happily, ready to put in the hard work.

A 4 p.m., Michael drove to the hotel to pick up Hardy.

They discussed the television company in the car. The old factory's sales remained strong, and the installmt sales strategy sured they no longer worried about sales, with higher profit margins.

The new factories in New York and Los Angeles were under construction and expected to be completed by October next year.

The car stopped at the Corleone estate. It was Hardy's third visit.

The old godfather stood in the yard, smiling wh he saw Hardy. Hardy greeted him respectfully, and the godfather gave him a hug and patted his back.

The Godfather was increasingly pleased with Hardy due to his intelligce, decisivess, and sse of gratitude.

Last time, during the promotion of "The Wild Bunch," he warned the singer who tried to sabotage them and had Fontaine support them. Soon after, Hardy arranged a movie role for Johnny Fontaine, showing his loyalty and appreciation.

This trait was reminisct of Sicilian values, which the Godfather admired in young people.

Dinner was simple, just a regular family meal. After dinner, they smoked cigars in the backyard, and the Godfather asked, "Did you attd Sigel's casino oping?"

"I did, wt a day early," Hardy replied.

The Godfather paused and said, "I heard the casino had issues during the oping and has be losing money ever since."

"That's true," Hardy confirmed.

The Godfather sighed, "Sigel is smart but sometimes too arrogant and stubborn, believing he's always right. This will harm him in the long run.

Hardy said goodbye at a nine o'clock, and Michael st him back to the hotel.

"Are you leaving tomorrow?" Michael asked.

"Yes, everything's settled. I've booked a flight for tomorrow afternoon," Hardy said.

"Th I won't see you off. Call me if you need anything."

They both smiled.

During the day, Hardy spt time with Taylor on the set. She was reluctant to see him go.

Hardy patted her cheek and said, "Don't worry, you'll be back in Los Angeles in about twty days. Didn't Hitchcock say the movie was almost done?"

Taylor looked up at Hardy and said, "Mr. Hardy, I'm already 5 this year."

"In three years, I'll be an adult."

"And th?"

Taylor bit her lip and mustered the courage to say, "Mr. Hardy, please don't get married in the next three years."

Hardy finally understood her inttion.

"Don't worry, not just for three years, but i won't be marrying anytime soon." Hardy said with a smile.

"Why?" Taylor asked in surprise.

Hardy patted her head and said, "Because I have an ambition i am determined to accomplish, and before that i won't get married. But I might have many girlfrids, and maybe ev childr."

Taylor was astonished.

She had hoped to marry Mr. Hardy wh she grew up, but he turned out to be much more devoted to his dream than she expected.

She suddly made a decision.

She looked up at Hardy and said, "Th, Mr. Hardy, can I be your girlfrid wh I grow up?"

Hardy laughed.

"Of course."

...

In the afternoon,

Hardy flew back to Los Angeles.

The next day, at the company, Andy excitedly reported, "Boss, Barbie dolls are selling like hotcakes. The toy company's stock has ris significantly, reaching over $3 per share. You've made a big profit."

Hardy handed Andy the signed agreemt with Mrs. Lauder, "I invested in a cosmetics company in New York. You're in charge of the next steps."

"A cosmetics company?" Andy asked.

"Yes, I see great pottial in it," Hardy said.

...

Later, Hardy was discussing gang matters with Bill.

Bill's gang had grown rapidly, with over 500 members, half of whom were veterans. The combat strgth of the Austrian gang, the Irish gang, and the Mexicans couldn't compare to Bill's gang.

"A few days ago, the Irish approached me, wanting to sell drugs on our turf. What do you think, boss?" Bill asked.

Previously, the Spanish gang controlled half of Los Angeles' drug market. After Hardy dismantled them, the market was quickly tak over by the Irish and Mexicans.

The Irish were greedy and now aimed at Bill's territory.