Chapter 75 - 14-Year-Old Elizabeth Taylor
Hardy sought out Clover, a top financial investment service firm in Los Angeles, aiming to acquire a listed company.
"Hello, sir, I'm Logan, an investment manager. How can I assist you today?" Logan, a middle-aged man, handed Hardy a business card.
"Hello, Manager Logan. I'm interested in buying a listed company," Hardy stated directly.
Logan was taken aback. Acquiring a listed company was a significant endeavor. "Which company are you considering?"
"Are you familiar with Walsh Mining?" Hardy inquired.
Logan's expression changed. Walsh Mining had recently been in the news due to its volatile stock performance. "Yes, I'm aware. The chairman, David Walsh, is under investigation by the Securities Regulatory Commission for alleged stock manipulation. What's your interest in Walsh Mining?"
"I'm looking to acquire it for its listing qualifications. I've also started a mining company," Hardy explained.
"Are you planning a backdoor listing?" Logan asked, intrigued.
"For now, just acquire Walsh Mining. We can decide whether to use it as a shell or not later," Hardy replied.
Logan nodded in understanding. "I'll gather the shareholder information and we can discuss the details."
Logan soon returned with the shareholder list for Walsh Mining. "David Walsh, the chairman, owns 34% of the shares. The second-largest shareholder is Neil Borg, with 21%. James Frey holds 6%, Damien Lewis holds 4%, and the remaining 35% is publicly traded. The stock price has fallen to $0.03, with a total market value of $300,000 and a bank loan of $200,000."
"I'm primarily interested in the listing qualifications. The rest of the company's assets are not my concern," Hardy said.
Logan smiled, "Understood, Mr. Hardy. We'll handle it."
With a deposit paid, Hardy left the office, contemplating the situation. Walsh Mining's market value was so low that even if David Walsh sold all his shares, he might not cover his financial shortfall.
Hardy had recently earned over $4 million from stock trades but faced a hefty tax bill—potentially over $1 million. Though frustrated by the high taxes, he saw buying Walsh Mining as a way to offset some of this through investment.
Returning to his security company's premises, Hardy observed several teams in training. The security company, which had over 40 employees, needed more personnel. Hardy instructed Lanster to expand the team to 200, despite the added cost.
Lanster mentioned receiving an invitation from Noah Films for a reception hosted by MGM's Louis Mayer. Hardy called Susan at Noah Films to inquire about the event.
"The new MGM film is titled 'I Want to See You,'" Susan said. "It stars Ginger Rogers and Joseph Cotton, with Shirley Temple in a supporting role."
Despite not remembering the film's name or the lead actors, Hardy was intrigued by Shirley Temple, now older and appearing in a minor role. He decided to attend the reception.
That evening, Hardy arrived at Louis Mayer's villa in Beverly Hills, greeted by a line of luxury cars. As he parked, he noticed a family of three: a middle-aged man, woman, and a young girl, around 13 or 14 years old.
The girl, clearly displeased, argued with her mother about a role that she felt should have been hers. Despite her youth, she was strikingly beautiful. Her blue-purple eyes were particularly captivating.
Hardy observed their interaction and noticed the girl's surprise when she saw him. Her reaction, from shock to irritation, was interesting and cute. Hardy mimicked her smirk, causing her to glare at him.
Realizing who the girl was, Hardy was struck by the resemblance to a famous star he remembered from his past life—Elizabeth Taylor. Despite being young, Taylor was already showing signs of the extraordinary beauty and talent that would make her a Hollywood legend.
As the family entered the manor, Hardy smiled, reflecting on the glamorous world he was about to enter. The evening promised to be filled with stars and excitement, and Hardy looked forward to the reception and the chance to see the industry's elite.