Chapter 495: Let's Stick to the Rules

[Chapter 558: Let's Follow the Rules]

By the pool at the Luxor Hotel, Arthur was on the phone with Jim Colt. "No wonder I've been saying how easy Sheldon Adelson is to talk to; turns out he's financing the Venetian Resort. Still, this project is indeed significant; the overall design and planning are even grander than the Bellagio! A Venetian theme is a great concept!"

The Venetian Resort had a budget exceeding $1.8 billion.

On the other end, Jim Colt chuckled, "Galaxy is about to go public, he must know you're about to have a massive cash flow. And you're a Hollywood mogul! Becoming a shareholder of Sands Corporation will strengthen the ties between Hollywood and Las Vegas."

After hanging up, Arthur took a sip of champagne. At that moment, Winona Ryder walked over. "Are you getting ready to leave Las Vegas?"

"Yeah, we're heading out," Arthur said, pulling her onto his lap. "The Sands Hotel is very eager to cooperate with our filming."

...

However, before heading back to New York, Arthur made a trip to the Seraphim Security base in Colorado. The deaths of Arnon Milchan and his wife didn't ease his mind, as those wanting to meddle in the arms business of the Seraphim Security had to be eliminated.

Inside the office deep within the base, Arthur sat in a chair, with his trusted confidants Karl Anderson and Robert Williams seated nearby.

"So you're saying these are just some small-time private arms dealers?" Arthur asked, puzzled.

"Exactly, this business is directly connected to the Department of Defense. The big arms dealers are aware of the situation and won't casually interfere," Robert Williams said, who was in charge of the arms dealings and was well-informed on the matters at hand.

He and Karl Anderson had clearly defined roles: one handled arms trading, while the other managed the mercenary operations.

"Fine, as long as it gets sorted out. Next time this comes up, let's stick to the rules," Arthur said, after all, he was in business with the Department of Defense. Should just anyone waltz in?

"Oh, and what about the oil fields in Java, Indonesia?" Arthur was very concerned.

Karl Anderson sighed. "They're too greedy, wanting so much. From the military to the government, they're deeply corrupt."

"Uh, isn't corruption a good thing?" Arthur asked.

"The policies change daily, and it doesn't guarantee our interests," Karl said, looking at Arthur. "And primarily, Prabowo Subianto is the son-in-law of President Suharto, leading many to avoid conflict with him."

"We've already spent several million dollars to bribe the Indonesian military and government!" Arthur tapped the table, realizing no wonder the $80 million sale of the oil field was so tricky; plus, he would need to invest a large amount for extraction operations, building pipelines, and so on. Shell was selling the oil field to avoid wasting effort.

"Let's wait for an opportunity; it'll come soon," Arthur knew Wall Street was brewing plans to acquire assets in Asia, targeting Southeast Asian countries as a starting point. Then, he would set off a financial and political crisis in Indonesia!

...

By late April, Arthur returned to New York for the final preparations for Galaxy's IPO.

In Manhattan, at a villa on the Upper East Side, Arthur sat on the sofa with Cristiana Reali and Sophie Marceau. "These are shares in Galaxy, just for you, 300,000 shares each, with an internal purchase price of only $10 per share. After going public, the opening price will be at least $40, and then there will definitely be a major surge. I estimate it won't drop below $70 on the first day!"

Sophie Marceau paused, "That high? Isn't that $20 million?"

Arthur smiled, "Believe me, it's likely to rise to $400 per share!"

Sophie, who knew Arthur early on, didn't think that 300,000 shares was a lot. Cristiana, who had known him a bit later, had been working in Galaxy's French division.

"Arthur, you really are generous," Sophie said as she began unbuckling Arthur's belt. "You must have quite a few women, and you're probably going to give away hundreds of thousands of shares?"

"Ah, it's alright," Arthur replied, kissing Sophie in his lap and fondling her for a moment. "Don't cash out too early; you'll all be millionaires, if not centimillioneres!"

Winona Ryder and Jennifer Aniston each had preferred shares of 400,000, while the other women held between 100,000 to 300,000. Even Yu Feihong and Vivian Chow bought 200,000 shares, and Rosamund Kwan, who loved real estate investments, purchased 100,000 shares.

In Japan, only Yoko Sawaguchi bought 100,000 shares, while Norika Fujiwara and Oishi Megumi each acquired 50,000 shares.

"Got it," Sophie chuckled, leaning down to rest on Arthur's thigh.

"Thank you, Arthur," Cristiana said excitedly. In terms of fame, she could not compare with Sophie. With these shares, she wouldn't have to worry about finances in the future.

"Mm," Arthur, lost in his thoughts, relaxed on the sofa, enjoying Sophie's attentions.

Cristiana leaned in to kiss Arthur, pulling off his jacket. "Are French women really that different?"

"They're very passionate," Arthur said, his hand gliding over Cristiana's softness; her open robe was incredibly alluring!

Cristiana then began kissing his chest, filling Arthur with desire...

...

Sophie Marceau had gained international recognition for her stunning appearance in Braveheart, gaining fame across the globe. Various scripts were pouring in, thus she couldn't stay in New York for too long.

On the other hand, Cristiana could remain until Galaxy went public.

At the top floor of Galaxy Tower, which was entirely Arthur's living and working space, Cristiana was astonished on her first visit.

On the sofa, Cristiana straddled Arthur, holding him tightly, breathlessly saying, "Arthur, you can also invite other women over. I heard from Sophie that that sexy Italian star Monica Bellucci is also one of your women!"

At that moment, Arthur's face was pressed against her softness. He smiled at her words. "Don't worry; it's just that I haven't seen you in a while, and I've been missing you. If you're feeling that way, let's invite Monica Bellucci; after all, that 007: Tomorrow Never Dies hasn't started shooting yet."

"Sure, as long as you're happy," Cristiana said, and started moving on Arthur's lap.

Half an hour later, the two made their way to the bathroom together.

*****

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