stickers.

Billy landed the role of Jerry Maguire and had to rush to New York without time for other interviews. On his lap were the scripts for "A Time to Kill" and "The Juror," though the latter, which started filming in September 1995, had a less demanding script compared to "A Time to Kill."

Billy kept reading through the lines, analyzing each part of his presentation. The flight to New York was swift, and the weather was sunny, typical for early July. He slipped through the back entrance to avoid photographers, quickly got into a van, and continued his journey.

Driving through side streets, they reached the main roads, with cars honking and people bustling about. Soon, they arrived at the Wall Street buildings. Billy got out quickly, recognized by many, and headed to Ronald Perelman's investment firm.

Ronald was unlike typical professionals; his intensity and impulsiveness were evident. Billy took a deep breath, adjusted his suit, and headed up to the 34th floor, where he could see the Twin Towers. The sight gave him a shiver, foreshadowing the events of 2001.

-You can go in, Mr. Carson. Ronald is expecting you in his office, - the secretary said with a smile.

-Thank you. -

Billy walked into the office. Ronald stretched his arms over his head, revealing his bald head and a thick tie with white dots over a navy blue shirt. He smiled and gestured for Billy to sit.

They shook hands, mutual respect evident. Billy was now a heavyweight in the industry. Known initially as an artist, he sold Hotmail and became an honorary advisor to Microsoft. The next day, a company was formed: 60% Billy, and 40% Microsoft. His video game company was now a major player with ties to many firms.

-Great to see you, Ronald, - Billy said.

-Likewise, it's a pleasure to see the American Dream of comics, - Ronald replied, a nickname from the New York Times for Billy's contributions to comics.

-Well... 'The American Dream' is a bit strong. I prefer to be known as a businessman in this environment, - Billy responded.

-Ah, Julia, just in time! Would you like something to drink? Eat? Perhaps a drink? - Ronald offered.

-A glass of water would be fine, - Billy replied, needing to stay sharp.

-So, you're here to invest in my fund. Let me tell you, we are one of the most profitable funds in the market. Investing in us is a wise choice, - Ronald said.

Billy sighed internally. The Medallion Fund from Renaissance Technologies, the primary investment firm, was thoroughly vetted by Raimon and known for its unique and successful strategies. Billy had invested $13 million based on these recommendations.

-Investment... I'd like to discuss that calmly. I believe alternative energy sources will grow in the coming years, positioning some companies as market leaders. But no, I came to greet you. We have a mutual company and a tentative offer, - Billy said.

-Oh, what do you have in mind? - Ronald asked. It was the first offer from Billy, though Ronald suspected he was always plotting something with Marvel's animators.

-I see you're having trouble with stamps and licensing issues. I'd like to buy those companies that only cause you headaches so you can focus on Marvel. We can invest in improving animation and dubbing, - Billy proposed.

-You want to buy the stamp companies? - Ronald Perelman asked in surprise.

-That's exactly what I want. Give me the two companies at a good price, and I'll help you with Marvel's animation at a minimal cost. My machinery is extensive and efficient. We can produce movies at reasonable prices and generate effective marketing campaigns, - Billy proposed, his idea taking shape as Ronald started to consider it.

Billy's proposal wasn't excessive. With Yu-Gi-Oh! and Pokémon cards set to launch, he needed both his company and the stamp companies. This would allow for increased production. Marvel currently had Panini, SkyBox International, and Panini as major allies for the coming months. Including cards for each series was a possibility, but using the best-known cards first was crucial. By forming partnerships with the NBA or companies like Adidas or Nike, they could offset losses while managing the situation.

-Initially, I thought the purchase was for Marvel, leading to a fierce battle where you'd make an offer to take Marvel off my hands. But you've surprised me by targeting something I see as worthless but valuable to you. You've delved into the card business enough to have more experience, - Ronald Perelman said. He always viewed his ventures as paramount, and each word from Ronald carried weight.

-You always interpret my moves well. I see opportunity in decline, just as you see opportunity in the influx of money to stabilize Marvel. Our business can succeed because of this understanding. You have many eyes on you, and Avi Arad is the silent pillar of your company, - Billy replied with a conciliatory smile.

-Let's not dwell on that. Everything is in place. So, you want SkyBox International and Panini? - Ronald murmured, hiding his intentions behind a calm façade. Knowing the companies' state, the card business lost $5 million last month and continues to struggle. A sale can't be priced too high since Marvel spent $150 million for SkyBox, which merged with Fleer. Billy hoped to buy both companies for $80 million, knowing that stabilizing the companies would cost money. With no recent production investments, they had plans to print cards for the next four months, and Lux Animation's series was plentiful.

Billy handed over a contract with his purchase offer. $70 million for SkyBox, as considered by Steve Parks, and $50 million for Panini.

-We can discuss the offer later. Take your time to think it over and give me your response later. Let's not rush, - Billy said, steering the conversation toward other topics, planning what to do next once the proposal was formally presented.

...