The Tyrant Billionaire

"Understood, Mr. Hardy. What should I do after signing her?" Edward cautiously asked.

Every move Mr. Hardy made carried a deeper meaning. Edward didn't believe the boss was calling him in just for an ordinary girl.

"After?"

Hardy tapped his fingers on the table.

Audrey Hepburn was still very young, and there was no rush. It would be better to let her grow for another year or two.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

"After signing her, arrange training, and get her involved in performances, whether in stage plays or as a supporting character in films. Let her gain experience for a while. During this time, have the agency's team provide her with training," Hardy explained.

"I understand, Mr. Hardy. I will personally take care of this."

Edward never dared to slack on Hardy's orders. He always remembered that he had once been a real estate salesman.

From being a small-time real estate agent to becoming the president of HD Films, Edward knew that Hardy was his sky. With one word, the boss could elevate him, and with another, strip him of everything.

"Edward, how are the other film companies responding to the Paramount Decree?" Hardy asked.

Not long ago, the Supreme Court ruled that the major film companies were violating antitrust laws and required them to separate production from distribution and exhibition.

Paramount, Universal, MGM, and other major studios were all sanctioned.

"Paramount has agreed to sell off their theaters and is negotiating with several chains. The other studios haven't made any moves yet, but all of them have been cutting back on film production, even canceling some projects that were already in the works.

"I've also heard that Paramount is in talks with NBC, so it seems they're planning to enter the television industry."

Paramount had always been interested in television. When Hardy bought ABC, Paramount had been one of the competitors. Now that ABC was booming, Paramount saw even more potential in the industry.

The Paramount Decree didn't affect Hardy's HD Films at all; in fact, it worked in his favor. With theaters becoming independent and part of a free market, studios without their own theaters had a better chance. Future screenings would depend on the quality of the films.

To be honest. Hardy had once considered forming a company to secretly acquire some theaters. But after thinking it over, he lost interest.

To be frank, the theater business required a large investment and offered slow returns. Hardy was no longer impressed by it, but that didn't stop him from planning his future strategy for the film industry.

After giving Edward his instructions, Hardy sent him away.

After being busy for so many days, Hardy was feeling a bit tired and decided to take a break and go on vacation. But where?

Suddenly, Hardy thought of a place.

The Rocky Mountains.

Hardy owned 8,000 acres of land at the foot of the Rockies, equivalent to 32 square kilometers. His Rocky Mountain Mineral Water Company was located there.

He also had a new ranch in the area.

Los Angeles generally stayed above freezing, and winter brought just a few showers, but Hardy had heard from the ranch manager that the Rocky Mountains were already covered in snow. Fortunately, the cattle sheds were set up, so the calves could spend the winter inside.

During a previous inspection of the Rocky Mountain water plant, Hardy had admired the mountain scenery and remarked that building a log cabin at the foot of the mountain would make for a fantastic winter retreat. The manager, Adams, a sharp old man, took the hint.

Three months after Hardy returned to Los Angeles, Adams called to tell him the vacation home had been built and was ready for him to visit.

In the U.S., most houses were built from wood, making construction fast. And there was no shortage of timber in the Rockies.

Hardy had verbally agreed to visit, but his busy schedule made him forget about it. Now, feeling a bit worn out, he remembered the vacation home and thought it would be a good place to relax for a few days.

Ava had mentioned shooting The Snows of Kilimanjaro soon, so Hardy thought it would be a good idea to let her experience the snow of the Rockies first.

When Hardy told Ava about the idea, she jumped up excitedly.

Hardy contacted Adams in advance, informing him that he would be coming to the vacation home in a few days. Adams happily agreed and immediately set about making preparations.

The vacation home was cleaned, fresh bedding was delivered, and food was stocked.

After Ava finished recording the latest episode of Super Idol, she and Hardy flew to New Mexico the next day. When they arrived at the Rocky Mountain Mineral Water Company, they could see the snow-covered Rockies in the distance.

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Manager Adams came out to greet them.

"Mr. Hardy, the vacation home is all ready. By the way, do you need a butler, cook, or servants?"

Hardy waved his hand.

"No need. I just want some peace and quiet for a couple of days."

The two of them didn't linger. They changed into appropriate clothing and began their hike to the mountain vacation home. The snow was thick, reaching up to their knees in places. They occasionally stopped to take in the scenery, feeling a deep sense of contentment in the majestic mountain landscape.

After hiking for over two hours, they finally reached the vacation home.

The vacation home wasn't small; it was more like a cottage. They shook off the snow and pushed open the door. Hardy and Ava lit a fire together, and soon the house was warm.

They made dinner together.

The fridge was stocked with food, and the shelves had all the necessary spices. Although Hardy wasn't an expert cook, grilling a steak was simple enough. Ava, having come from an ordinary family, set the table, opened a few cans, and a hearty dinner was soon ready.

A warm cabin.

A hot meal.

French red wine.

This was happiness.

After dinner, snow began to fall outside. The two of them snuggled under the blankets, their bodies pressed closely together. Their minds were free of distractions, leaving behind the noise and chaos of the city.

This peaceful and serene feeling was intoxicating.

Ava felt as though her soul was slowly floating away, drifting aimlessly.