Chapter 447: Astonishing Mergers

In late July, the news reported that 43-year-old Hollywood actor Christopher Reeve had been paralyzed.

Christopher Reeve, known for his roles in the Superman series and Pretty Woman, was vacationing at a farm in Virginia when he fell from a horse after it stumbled during a jump. He landed head and shoulders first, resulting in two vertebrae in his neck being crushed.

After more than ten days of emergency treatment and the doctors' utmost efforts, he was finally out of danger, but it left Christopher Reeve completely paralyzed from the neck down.

"That's such a shame!" In Glendale's Galaxy office, Kate Beckinsale looked at the newspaper with a sad expression.

Arthur felt it was just his luck; he had thought that starring in Pretty Woman would turn things around for him.

"Hey, you getting used to things yet?" Arthur pulled Kate Beckinsale into his lap. Dressed like an office lady, she looked especially attractive.

"Uh huh," Kate said as she wrapped her arms around Arthur's neck and kissed him. Arthur reached up and unbuttoned her blouse, his hands moving to her softness.

"Yeah, you're hardly ever in the office," Kate whispered into Arthur's ear. "I interned at MGM in the UK last summer, so I know my way around!"

"That's great."

Before long, Kate was squatting under Arthur's desk.

"Ah," Arthur leaned back in his chair. Was this really the reason he made Kate Beckinsale his personal assistant?

He felt that maybe Kate didn't need to keep acting anymore...

"By the way, a movie version of Mr. Bean made by PolyGram is about to start shooting. Also, the Evita film that Universal is handling has chosen Madonna for the lead, with Antonio Banderas as the male lead!" Kate Beckinsale was adjusting her makeup while reporting on work.

"Mr. Bean," Arthur glanced at Kate on the couch. "How about you audition for a part? Isn't there a rebellious young girl role in the script?"

Kate smiled. "You really want me in the cast?"

Arthur nodded. "Why not? I know you love acting. Instead of wasting time here with me, you should chase your dreams. As long as I'm around, you don't need to worry about anything else."

Though Arthur also wished to keep Kate close, he understood that she needed to experience the industry to realize how tough it could be.

"Alright, I'll head to the UK soon," Kate said, moving closer to him. "Next time, whatever you want, I'll make it happen!"

Arthur smirked. "How about inviting Catherine Zeta-Jones on a boat trip?"

Eyeing him, Kate rolled her eyes. "You sure have a lot of energy! Those British beauties are in for it because of you. Why not add Elizabeth Hurley to the mix? She's a stunning Bond girl..."

Catherine Zeta-Jones was filming a TV movie about the sinking of the Titanic at the time.

Arthur sighed. "I've got to go to New York soon!"

"Is it difficult to acquire CBS?" Kate asked.

"Not too bad," Arthur stood up from his chair. "Come on, your place in Beverly Hills is all set. Let's go check it out."

...

Meanwhile, at the Disney headquarters in Burbank, a board meeting was underway to discuss the acquisition of Capital Cities/ABC.

Michael Eisner stated that Capital Cities/ABC's chairman, Tom Murphy, wanted Disney to swap each share of Disney's stock plus $71 in cash.

"With Disney shares at $49, that means Capital Cities/ABC is asking $120 per share!"

Michael Eisner explained, "Compared to our previous offer of $115 per share, that's a bit steep. However, I think we can manage it. Acquiring Capital Cities/ABC brings significant benefits, including an 80% share in ESPN!"

Board members like Sid Bass and Roy Disney quickly supported the proposal.

...

In August 1995, Disney announced that it would acquire Capital Cities/ABC for $19 billion!

Before long, Disney's acquisition of Capital Cities/ABC became the second-largest merger in history.

The New York Times said: "An astonishing and unexpected move!"

In New York, at the Plaza Hotel, Arthur and Madchen Amick were attending the first Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.

The stage was rudimentary, and there were hardly any reporters with cameras, let alone television coverage.

"How does it look, Arthur?" Madchen Amick asked.

Arthur shook his head. "The short robes, sleepwear, and lingerie lack decoration, and the setting is too simple. It's likely that L Brands invested just over $100,000 for this show! The models are chosen well. Victoria's Secret is hosting their first show and lacks experience, but this kind of scene will definitely attract a lot of attention."

"I think it's pretty sexy," Madchen Amick smiled. "Don't you like seeing me in it?"

Arthur looked at her. "Of course, you look sexy in it. You should buy some shares of L Brands; they're bound to go up!"

Indeed, Arthur could suggest that his woman buy some L Brands stocks as an investment.

"Sure thing," Madchen Amick was more than willing to take Arthur's advice.

...

That night, in a villa on the Upper East Side, Arthur held Madchen Amick close on the sofa, watching the news about Disney's acquisition of Capital Cities/ABC.

"That was quick. Under a month, and Disney already worked it out with Capital Cities/ABC? They'll probably finalize the acquisition in the first quarter of next year," Arthur thought about the woman in his arms, her 34C breasts pressing against him, while plotting how Galaxy needed to speed things up too!

"Arthur, is Galaxy's acquisition of CBS going to wrap up soon?" Madchen Amick panted.

If Galaxy acquired CBS, Arthur Smith's status would rise even higher.

"Soon," Arthur said, pushing Madchen Amick back against the sofa, tearing her sexy lingerie apart.

"Mmm," Madchen Amick eagerly responded, feeling the sudden release of her undergarments onto the floor!

Moments later, Arthur leaned down to kiss her softly, while Madchen explored his body with her hands...

*****

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