grace.

-Billy was doing his special job of organizing the comics that Raimon had picked up earlier to read. It was common for the boy to take all his books and read them; by disorganizing them, he would have to attend a meeting soon. Avi Arad was working in Santa Monica, conducting studies for Ronald Perelman to acquire the production studio temporarily moved to San Jose, where he had a meeting with Billy about crucial matters. He was trying to decide whether to continue with Ronald, abandon him, and who he would leave for.

Billy failed to meet Karl Ikam, the person looking to buy the bonds. He only discovered the information during a night of drinking with Ronald, who drunkenly shared all the details. Along with other partners, he saw the potential and decided to make a purchase, but he failed in two aspects. The first mistake Ronald made was auctioning the shares; the second was that his shares were overshadowed by a clinical failure because he wanted extra money—much extra money—for his various schemes.

Secondly, he completely offended the artists and recognized members who had been working at Marvel for their entire lives.

"The data from the musician's first week has arrived," Anne commented. The company was doing remarkably well. The blonde was refreshed; her shoulders were relaxed, her hair shone, and she looked simply stunning, like a hot woman who made her appear brand new.

"Leave them with Raimon. I have a meeting with Avi Arad. We'll need to allocate funds; we may have Marvel by June this year or August," Billy commented.

Anne frowned.

"I have a relevant issue. We've signed the agreement with the football team. If you keep buying like this, no wallet will withstand it. Last year, we organized our finances with the lucky break from the Ice Age. We have debt and have taken on even more debt than we already have," Anne stated.

Billy smiled at her while sighing indifferently; he was confident in the success of the animated films, at least. Many of the others were in a strange place; Jerry Maguire barely hit 200 million.

But buying the hockey team was the last of the Ice Age expenses after paying off debts, even though Lilo & Stitch was a success; numerous investments consumed money quickly. At the same time, for the San Francisco 49ers, he needed 290 million for payment.

With many investments piling up, many of them felt trapped because everyone needed funding or payments. ID Software managed to maintain its budget; however, many gaming satellites were barely reporting and required money every month. Like the food company that opened three branches, they were overwhelmed, and Anne sent money daily.

Meanwhile, the rest of the purchases were going to television production channels—Japanese, American, and Korean—which were the largest water filters. Generally, Billy divided the money among these companies into the first instances and the major general issues, like the Discovery Channel, which, despite not losing subscribers, was still affected by many premieres that were up in the air.

All the revenue from the musician would go to Discovery unless they earned three times what was expected. For now, they anticipated 130 million dollars with a base investment of 28 million; the cost covered was 50, and the remaining 80 million was allocated to Discovery. Everything earned above that would be used for remaining productions in Korea and Japan.

-We will make money, Raimon. He has managed to grow our funds with Poco; profits have already begun to show in the card factory, and it's possible that with Autodesk going public, we will recover more money than we already have. For now, the sale shares are at 37 dollars. According to our calculations, our income from last year was reported to be 800 million, and all of that was invested. By the time they see our financial stability, we'll go public. Many licenses expire next February; we'll see the updates, - Billy commented.

-Are you betting again? - Anne asked, to which he vehemently denied, looking somewhat inattentive and lost as he nodded, filled with plans to make calculations at home.

-Actually, yes. This year, we have a bet on Michael Jordan's success in his return; I bet on his victory at several casinos, but with my salaries, I think we'll earn enough to take advantage and cover some of the expenses, - Billy replied.

-I told you to stop gambling! It's not funny! Not a game! - Anne shouted, with total disdain.

-Monica is in San Jose. You'll come with me to dinner; I want you to measure up Avi Arad; I trust your instincts, - Billy said.

Anne felt naked for the first time; she had a nagging idea that Monica would find out right away because she always seemed to have X-ray vision. But seeing Billy's cynicism about what they had done— "it's just a contract"—she told herself as she looked at the guy. She sighed deeply and stepped forward to deliver the new comics.

-What about Monica? - Anne asked.

-We have a contract, Anne. - Those were the words she didn't want to hear but which reassured her that everything would be fine.

-Yes, I see, - Anne said, disappointed.

-Come here. -

She approached, somewhat hesitantly, but she did and took a seat next to him, filled with doubt about how everything had transpired, and felt punished.

-There are two of us, Anne. The contract is our difference; when the contract is not active, you are just Anne Hall, and when it's active, you are my wife, mine to possess, - Billy stated, gripping her jaw and tracing his lips. She couldn't help but suck her finger.

-Who am I now? - she asked in a whisper.

-You're Anne Hall, and until Sunday night, you will be my wife until Monday morning, Anne, - Billy said, recognizing the challenges he faced. -For now, you know we have meetings, and agendas to attend to, and of course, I'll handle the issues with Apple. I know someone who can lend me money at a low interest rate. -

That was the only account that troubled Billy. Many friends with a lot of money but no desire to lend it. He was sure the most important person on his contact list was now...

***

-I have a dinner to attend with a potential partner; you can join me or wait at a nearby table, - Billy stated.

-You're not giving me a choice! You're being domineering again! That doesn't matter; I'll wear that Prada dress that cost my entire allowance. You should know you'll have another companion, a friend who will spend the weekend with us. I think we can go to the nature park tomorrow afternoon, so don't schedule much, - Monica replied on the phone while Winona prepared a Spanish tortilla in the oven, which she had learned to make a few days ago.

-Very well; it's better this way, - Billy responded. It was already seven, and they were still in the office. Night would fall late, and normally the clear sky would give a little sun that faded into the horizon. It was a tradition to see the horizon that lay before them; Billy finished organizing the comics while Anne reviewed the accounts, with another loan in hand. The debt would grow significantly, and it was possible that if Star Wars didn't succeed, their red numbers would be lurking.

But if Billy could secure an investment, the exchange spectrum could change. What friend of his would be willing to invest in them? Who would provide money without being bothered by other matters? He doubted anyone was that generous.

-Sir, we need to leave; the car is ready, - said Erwin Kyle, the head of security.

-Very well; let's meet up with Anne. -

***

Avi Arad waited at the table, smoking a cigarette. He was seated and exhausted from all the errands he had been running, so his position had been reduced to a strange coincidence of working at Marvel, which he had wanted to do for a long time.

The guy was followed by a retinue of three women, all beautiful in their way. One of them was elegant and seductive, another was casual and ethereal, and the last was strict, neat, and hot... that last adjective had been hanging around Anne all week.

Somewhat liberated, he was approached by the women, a glance, and that distinguishing something was already alive.

-Good evening, Mr. Arad. I hope I haven't kept you waiting too long, - Billy commented, shaking hands and taking the three women with him. -This here is Anne, the CEO of Lux Animation, and the one we'll be meeting with from now on. She will be the direct contact. On the other hand, these two women here are our delightful companions, Monica and Winona.-

-It's a pleasure,- Avi Arad commented, his thoughts blank. He showed no signs of his feelings; he was a calm man. The only thing that truly moved him was Marvel and money, but he knew that the two were not very well connected. Still, he did his best to correct those mistakes.

The women wore their charming dresses, unlike Anne, who wore an office suit, slightly casual due to its pastel tones, different from the dark colors she usually wore. The women whispered among themselves, even if it was only through glances, which surprised Anne in any different and obtuse manner. They ordered sumptuous food while Avi extinguished his cigarette in the ashtray. They ate like friends, exchanging responses.

My offer is for me to acquire 100% of the company, including Marvel Comics, Marvel Animation, Marvel Designs, and Marvel Games, 95% of Marvel Films, and 80% of Marvel Toys, -- Billy stated, taking notes. --In exchange, I promise an investment of 1 billion dollars spread across all branches and an investment of 480 million for three films. I believe we should start with two series: Spider-Man and X-Men. But as long as we have a solid script, we can sign different movies, -- he added.

-That's a bit harsh, assuming you'd take over the toy division, - Avi Arad replied, reviewing the overall terms. But Billy interrupted.

-I think you're mistaken; that's just the beginning. It only covers films, but my goal is to create animated movies and series. And of course, to wait for the right moment to ensure my technology has the necessary special effects. I promise to invest 1 billion in a project just for the film, but we'll have to wait at least until 2005. However, I have faith; you've seen my successes, - Billy continued.

The contract was all on paper, and success was just a moment away. Avi Arad was preoccupied with thoughts; he currently held 10% of Marvel's total revenue, and the full control of the video game division was secure and impressive. He was already thinking about the next investment.

There was a debate going on in his mind—would 5% be significant if the investment doubled? What had he offered Stan Lee to get him on board? How much money had he laid on the table? Just how important was Marvel to the guy sitting next to him?

...