The Tyrant Billionaire

Many people were shocked by this news, saying, "The actors union is truly formidable, they even dare to go after a major Hollywood studio like Columbia Pictures!"

Some people scoffed, "Have you seen who the current president of the actors union is? Jon Hardy. Does he fear Columbia Pictures? This will be interesting to watch."

Hardy's purpose in doing this is very clear, to establish authority.

And not just for the actors union authority, but also for himself he wanted to establish a firm and strong image of his authority in the entertainment industry.

...

Luke is a well known director, and the news about him immediately caused a great stir. People love this kind of gossip, and major newspapers reported on it extensively.

Gina submitted a lawsuit to the court and made it public.

She claimed that she was threatened and beaten while filming, and after returning to the hotel, she was again coerced. They threatened to halt the film and demand compensation for breach of contract if she did not comply, leaving her too afraid to resist. Subsequently, she was sexually assaulted, and this happened four times.

The news spread rapidly.

Luke felt immense pressure. He was currently filming a movie, but only a third had been shot before Columbia Pictures immediately halted production and replaced him with another director.

Columbia Pictures was also in a difficult position. The actors union sent a letter demanding a thorough investigation into the matter otherwise, they would mobilize all members to boycott Columbia, putting the company in a tough spot.

Admitting it would ruin their reputation, while denying it would definitely provoke the union.

They originally planned to drag it out and find a solution.

But the next day.

A group of demonstrators gathered in front of Columbia Pictures, protesting the company's lax management and failure to fulfill its responsibilities.

ABC News reporters came and filmed the protesting crowd, giving them fresh news to broadcast at noon.

Through media reports, the whole of America became aware of the situation. Many people expressed their opinions in newspapers, calling for Hollywood to be reformed to prevent such egregious incidents.

The impact caused Columbia Pictures stock price to plummet, angering shareholders who demanded the president quickly resolve the issue.

The president of Columbia Pictures approached Hardy, saying, "Mr. Chairman Hardy, Luke was just a contracted director for Columbia. We have now unilaterally terminated his contract and hope to disperse the protesters."

Hardy frowned, "I heard from the lawyers that the movie was initially invested in by Columbia, and all the staff were from Columbia. When the lawyers sought evidence from the staff, they faced significant resistance."

Gina's accusations included being beaten on set and deliberately arranging humiliating scenes.

Luke vehemently denied this, but with so many people on set, if they could get testimonies, it would surely be confirmed.

The president of Columbia gritted his teeth, "Fine, I'll instruct the staff from that time to fully cooperate with the lawyers in gathering evidence."

For the company's interests, sacrificing one director was no big deal.

Two days later, With the evidence gathered, Columbia staff confirmed that there was indeed no such humiliating content in the original script, the director had added it. Gina resisted due to the excessive exposure and the degrading nature of the scenes, such as shots of urinating on her body.

When Gina protested to Luke, he slapped her twice, witnessed by the entire crew.

With Columbia's cooperation, the union withdrew the protesters, allowing Columbia Pictures to finally breathe a sigh of relief.

Andy reported to Hardy that shorting Columbia Pictures this time had earned them $1.2 million, a modest profit.

Mainly, they couldn't be too blatant.

The incident continued.

The coercion and assault occurred in the hotel room, with no direct evidence, making it hard to prove. However, the existing evidence was enough to demonstrate Luke's threatening and abusive behavior towards Gina, severely damaging a director's integrity.

Even if he wasn't sentenced, his reputation was ruined. After the actors union's uproar, no one would dare hire him again.

This incident also served as a warning to others, likely causing them to restrain themselves. Hardy's status in the eyes of actors and media personnel rose, and many felt a slight sense of admiration for him.

With the union issue temporarily settled, Hardy started focusing on his own affairs.

After more than two months of preparation, Andy and his team finally organized the information and procedures for forming Hardy Group.

"Boss, as per our previous discussions, there are eight companies incorporated into Hardy Group, including HD Security, HD Film Company, HD Brokerage Company, Playboy Magazine, HD Toy Factory, HD Airlines, Global Times, and ABC Television."

"As for Estée Lauder, Wash Mining Company, 'N.Y.T' TV Factory, Rocky Mountain Spring Water Plant, the auction company, and two wineries, these are personal investments and will not be included in the group but will be part of your personal assets."

"I'm planning to set up a 'Personal Asset Management Company' specifically to manage your personal assets."

"There are also some investment projects, such as the motorcycle factory, clothing factory, and chocolate factory shares previously purchased. I'll create an 'Investment Company' to manage these investments."

"As for the Hardy Hotel, it will still be managed independently and won't be included in the group since it's a special asset."

"Additionally, my Andy Investment and Financial Management Company, and Baker & McKenzie law firm, where you hold shares but don't manage, will also be listed under personal investments."

With this setup, Hardy's assets became much clearer.

"Boss, I did a preliminary calculation. The total assets of Hardy Group can reach $150 million, personal assets $50 million, Hardy Hotel $50 million, totaling over $250 million. Of course, if you choose to list some industries, like the casino or ABC Television, your worth will increase several times."

Hardy shook his head, "I don't lack money now there's no need to play the numbers game. Remember, the core assets of Hardy Group will never go public. The only purpose of listing assets is to raise money, and any listed assets should be ready to be discarded at any time."

Andy nodded in understanding.