The Tyrant Billionaire

In London, there were many business opportunities. Although Hardy wasn't very familiar with London at that time, he thought for a moment and said, "Check it out when you get there. Besides artworks, if you find other good businesses, send a telegram for approval."

"I understand, Mr. Hardy."

Victor was very shrewd and might come up with something unexpected.

"Also, get eight people from HD Security to go with you to England. They'll be your bodyguards and help with your work."

"You should be able to find professional appraisers there for the artwork business."

"I'll give you $50,000 initially: $49,000 in a Citibank account you can access in London, and $1,000 cash for travel expenses."

Victor nodded. Hardy remembered something else and said, "You'll probably acquire many artworks that can't be transported immediately. Find a suitable storage place."

"As more people move to London, the land will increase in value. If possible, buy some land."

"You can build a bigger storage facility later. If you need more people, send a telegram. I can send more from HD Security, even a hundred or two hundred people if needed."

Hardy gave a series of instructions, and Victor noted them all.

Elena watched Hardy. This man was decisive and quick to act. She had just made a suggestion, and in a few hours, Hardy had arranged everything.

Hardy turned to Elena and asked, "Anything else to add?"

Elena shook her head. "You've covered everything. Let Victor go to England first and see the situation. We can communicate via telegram if needed."

"Alright, Victor, go find Lancer for people, and Andy for money. I'll call them."

Victor left.

After Victor left, Hardy made calls to Lancer and Andy, instructing them about Victor's mission.

Hardy smiled at Elena, "All done. It's already evening. Let's go have dinner."

He took Elena's hand and led her out.

Blushing, Elena whispered, "There are still people in the company."

"I don't mind being seen." Hardy walked out of the office.

The secretary stood up as they exited. Seeing Hardy holding Elena's hand, she was momentarily surprised but then smiled.

It seemed appropriate.

At a French restaurant.

The pianist played soft music, and the lighting was gentle. Elena looked at the man before her, admiration in her eyes.

He was gentle, domineering, and smart, but also a philanderer.

She guessed those actresses were his women. He couldn't belong to just her, but since he saved her the first time, he had left an impression on her heart.

Her family had asked about her situation, but she had brushed them off. She liked her current state, with artwork being her passion. Doing what she loved was a form of happiness.

This was good.

After dinner, Hardy took Elena home, to a modest apartment. They said goodbye at the door.

Just as she was about to go upstairs, Hardy grabbed her hand.

She paused, turning to look at him.

Under the streetlamp, they kissed.

After parting, Elena, blushing, ran into the apartment.

Hardy smiled and drove away.

...

Three days passed in a flash, and George and Reagan reported to Hardy about the situation of the actors union.

"The actors union still has $450,000 in funds. Last year, we collected $1.35 million in membership fees, and this year should be even more," George said.

Reagan reported, "We have sorted out the union's complaints, and there are now more than seven hundred cases on hand. The types of complaints include wage disputes, low pay for ordinary actors, sexual harassment, unfair contract issues, forced labor issues, and cases of crew assault.

"Two recent letters were received yesterday. One was from a girl named Luna, who reported that she and her friend signed with an agency whose manager often forced them to sleep with clients. However, they couldn't escape because of their contracts."

"Another girl reported being abused and raped by a director. The director is a contracted director of Columbia Pictures and has directed several famous films, one of which received an Oscar nomination.

"The girl reported that she was a supporting actress in a film, and the director once slapped her in front of the entire crew and then forced a scene change so that the male actor had to shoot a rape scene."

"When they returned to the hotel, the director called her to his room and threatened her, saying that if she didn't obey, he had many ways to deal with her, including kicking her out and spreading rumors that she had poor acting skills. He even threatened to sue her for breach of contract if she was kicked out, making sure no one would hire her in the future."

"Under the director's threats, the girl had no choice but to sleep with him. During the filming period, this happened four times. In her letter, she mentioned that the director was impotent and used tools to torture her, often leaving her bruised and battered."

Hardy nodded thoughtfully.

After some consideration, he instructed:

"For those owed wages, have the union send letters to the film companies, giving them a deadline to pay. If they don't pay within the specified time, the union will take action."

"As for the agency case, hire HD Security and Intelligence personnel to investigate the agent. If we find evidence of him forcing the girls, document it and send him to jail."

"Also, have them take as many videos as possible during the investigation. We can make a documentary or news report later, which will be good publicity for the actors union," Hardy said.

The actors union has money, and it's normal to hire HD Security and Intelligence personnel to investigate and help the actors.

There is no such a thing as it costs money so use your own company's people?

In a capitalist society, different groups and companies need to be distinct. Even Hardy's companies charge each other. HD Security is involved in all of Hardy's industries.

As for filming, it's just making full use of the resources available, promoting the actors union, and giving ABC good material for a show.