undertake.

February 18.

If we talk about the companies that have experienced the most growth, ID Software is the standout, the quintessential American video game company. This is something Billy isn't fully aware of, as he only sends in a few manuscripts from time to time with ideas for games he finds interesting or relevant.

But let's not dwell too much on that. Let's explain why it's number one in America in the gaming industry. It's a company that belongs to the parent company, Lux Games, and commands a legion of subsidiaries: ID Software Texas, ID Software Atlanta, and soon ID Software UK, along with Raven Software, Parallax Software, Blizzard Entertainment, and Epic Games. Last year, in 1995, they invested $65 million in expansion and recouped that amount, along with an additional $298 million in revenue—a staggering figure for the company. As they continued to grow, they acquired Electronic Arts and increased their investment in Microsoft Games.

Billy has submitted designs for games like Forza Horizon, Tomb Raider, Resident Evil, Tony Hawk, Silent Hill, and Halo developed by ID Software, in collaboration with Raven Software and Parallax Software. These teams are also behind their projects such as The Elder Scrolls and Baldur's Gate. Meanwhile, ID Software handles the Dungeons & Dragons and Warhammer series alongside Blizzard, which has seen huge success with Warcraft.

RPG Platforms, on the other hand, with the Pokémon franchise, have generated the largest cult following in recent years. Its straightforward RPG games and fresh ideas have thrived where others have failed. The series' success shows no signs of slowing, so much so that large companies are eager to claim a piece of the pie.

-I think the best move is to buy Electronic Arts and hold off on more acquisitions for a while. But this company is incredibly attractive and has great ideas. I spoke with Billy, and out of all of them, this is the one he's most interested in. With our game creator and Parallax's input to enhance ideas, taking over this industry is a great value add. And once we have our video game console, it'll be simply amazing. I can already see the dollars pouring in. I'm a fan; Forza Horizon is a masterpiece I would play all day if I could,- commented Raimon.

-Well, let's do it. The numbers are still green in many areas, but for now, I think the best idea is to keep growing. I recently looked into Marvel... Billy may want Marvel under his belt. Assess the risk margin and how we would handle the corporate structure—whether it's better to merge or manage it separately like Lux Animation, similar to what we did with Discovery,- asked Anne.

-Wow, Marvel! – Raimon exclaimed, astonished at what Anne had just revealed.

-Just as you heard. But it's best to keep it quiet... I have a feeling Billy's acquisitions in the next two years will be aggressive,- Anne added, having recently reviewed the company's overall status. She understood it was time to appoint administrators for different sectors, such as comics and toys, and even Lux Productions. The tentacles of this company keep growing.

Marvel, at that point, was on its last leg. After seven years of poor management, it didn't seem appealing to many Hollywood companies. Even Fox only wanted licenses and wasn't willing to pay more than a cent for the company.

***

-You know, I think starting a natural organic fruit company could be a good move,- Billy commented to Monica as they tended to the plants in the Beverly Hills mansion. Monica made a face, clearly unhappy with the idea.

-Not everything has to be business, my love. It bothers me that you don't stop to enjoy the beauty around you. Sometimes, we should do things just for the joy of it, with no other intention than being happy—just the two of us together. That's all we need,- said Monica, wearing a simple white shirt, gardening gloves, and boots, her overalls looking as charming as ever.

-I still do that… I can't help it. Sometimes, it's like a driving force, an idea I just have to follow. Every step I take is to pursue my interests, and it doesn't take much time for me,- Billy replied. More than anyone, he understood that the path to success was just one step away—so delicate and simple, almost like taking a small leap. What once seemed impossible now felt attainable. Just having the ability to control the series and name them was almost irreverent.

-It seems the production of Alien is going to take a little longer. We'll finish in March. We've been working on it for two months, but the production will take another two, and Jim Wait has arranged it so that I'll be involved in the trial scene, which is where I'm focused. I don't have many scenes,- said Monica.

Taking a seat in the shade, the warmth of the morning was one of the few times they could enjoy together. Lately, a film had caught Billy's attention more than any other for Monica, Anaconda. Without hesitation, it would be the first project he would invest in for the year, even if it meant extending her schedule. It was his way of supporting Monica and doubling her acting profile, perhaps even casting her in a movie that would generate some solid revenue.

Production was already underway, and they planned to start filming in May. With Monica's current schedule of supporting roles, there was no better way for both of them to stay involved. His commitment to her was to make her the star.

-I don't have to go to the studio today. I can come with you,- Billy said as he leaned in to kiss her lips. They were cool, the kiss seductive; she had a way of melting people.

-But only if you promise to take me to that Italian restaurant near the bookstore,- Monica replied, drawing close to Billy, peppering his face with kisses and promises.

She did so with her eyes closed.

-Oh, I think I'll start collecting my favors now. Maybe I'll do the opposite and pay to have you by my side always,- Billy whispered to her, but when she opened her eyes, Billy was no longer beside her.

...