rest.

November 6.

The longstanding reputation of the company fueled the success of Lilo & Stitch, and for the first time, without a visible competitor causing trouble. The rivalry between companies had diminished Lux Animation, and now, with the shadow of a rival left behind, the fruits of success were evident. Following a $27 million opening in the first week, the film reached $49 million, easily covering the minimum profit margins. Now, everything was profitable, and the machinery began to run at full speed.

Due to this success, the Lewis family was already being approached to participate in adapting the Narnia series. The licensing price had started at $1.5 million, a respectable amount, and it was expected to reach $5 million as the animation phases progressed.

-We have twenty-four days to release Ice Age. The process is still a hassle, - Billy murmured from his office. Monica was there, as beautiful as a swan, clasping her hands over Billy's comics. She had only started recently, but she devoured as many as she could each day. She was fascinated by what Billy created, his talent surpassing any writer or director she had ever known.

It excited her.

-I like Ice Age, - Monica remarked, smiling as she opened the door. Standing there was Billy's supposed best friend—clumsy, shy, and talkative… but, according to Billy, intelligent and very capable at his job.

-I'm going to grab an herbal tea, - Monica said, leaving Billy's office. She wore a short skirt, and high-heeled sandals that reached almost to her knees, and her walk, combined with the black blouse she wore, was enchanting. Even Billy's bodyguards couldn't help but gaze at the boss's beautiful woman—she was a delicious gem.

-I think you've outdone yourself this time, - Raimon commented.

-What are you talking about? -Billy replied.

-Hunter x Hunter. What a deadly dark story. We're only 20 chapters in, but I see so many secrets. Even the animators are hooked… it's the next Slam Dunk for the company, - Raimon remarked.

-Do you want the sneak peeks? - Billy asked.

Raimon's lip quivered.

-Ahahahaha, you're awful. I feel like reading ahead is going to cost me something I can't afford, - Raimon said.

There's truth in his words, but he's completely wrong. It's not that it costs anything; it's the fact that Billy needs to play the politics within his company to surprise his enemies. Now, using the remaining bullets in his chamber of ideas, he's preparing to use one he's been reluctant to deploy: secretly promoting Warner as the biggest film company while sweeping the lawsuit under the rug, making it a public fact in name only.

-You can read it, don't worry, -{ Billy said, taking a seat while continuing his writing. He planned to release 10 chapters of the Bleach manga consecutively in one week and equalize HxH with Bleach—meaning he had to publish 30 chapters by the end of the month.

Raimon grabbed the comic, from volumes 28 to 33—they were his new companions in discovering how incredible this series was. Billy had filled in gaps and improved everything from the artwork to the manga's development, covering more characters, and more stories, and opening up new plots, mysteries, and tribes. He expanded the content of the Dark Continent with mystery and new cards.

For now, the hunter's stage was just beginning. Learning from Eiichiro Oda, using the characters is the best way to create greater opportunities to expand the series. As such, he dedicated more time to the stories of Killua, Hanzo, Borodo, and the members who would participate in future plots. Some would die, others would live—it was the world of hunters.

We bought the land in San Jose and also the nearby hotel," Raimon commented, adding yet another investment to the future scheme of things. This is where a commercial hub would be born, linked to the mega Star Wars studio and the animation museums in San Jose. In the coming years, tourism will bring in the money.

-Sounds great, - Billy replied. "How's the company's debt level?" he asked.

-$700 million. We've spent $540 million on that, but we have cash coming in from Microsoft until next year. With the success of Lilo & Stitch, we're planning to adjust the payments, at least to balance assets and liabilities, - Raimon said, wiping his mustache. He had a clear idea of what to do and how to do it, and the intensity was there. He decided to read his comic more slowly—something was coming.

Silence once again filled the office as Billy's strokes were firm. He drew quickly and methodically, each line purposeful and precise. In ten minutes, Billy finished a page of Bleach, air-drying it before laying it on the table and continuing to the next. The hunter's storyline was picking up pace, and Raimon was fully engrossed.

***

Monica was leaving Billy's office when she ran into Anne Hall. They were the same age, and to Monica, Anne was everything she would never be. She could see how Anne's eyes constantly drifted to Billy, filled with a fraternal love, yet tinged with desire—something Monica knew all too well.

-Anne, so lovely to see you, dear, - Monica greeted, planting a kiss on Anne's lips, leaving her stunned. The Italian model's touch left Anne frozen in place, the steaming coffee on the counter waiting.

-Likewise, - Anne replied, trying to compose herself, but it was difficult in this situation. What an audacious and arrogant Italian, she thought, struggling to respond calmly.

-Billy has told me all about you—an intelligent, capable, beautiful, and disciplined woman… you're a true pride, - Monica said with a hint of jealousy, her simplicity masking her intent. She had managed to unsettle Anne for the second time. Monica's interest in Anne was purely educational—she wanted to know what the real relationship with Billy was. She had experimented with other women before; one more wouldn't hurt. After all, it would only be kisses and caresses.

-He's been quite loose-lipped. I think he needs to carefully consider what he should and shouldn't do, - Anne replied stiffly, as she usually did. She picked up the coffee from her table and took a long, weary sip.

-That sounds amazing. He's usually quiet at work and doesn't allow interruptions in his meetings. He's always traveling with a purpose in mind. His passion is outstanding; few men do things with such dedication as Billy. Come to our home, dear! Have dinner with us, - Monica said. Her demeanor issued a challenge, and by the way, Anne responded, it was clear she took it as such. The two women locked eyes, both with a hint of disdain, each testing the other's resolve. Anne would act with formality, but Monica reduced Anne to a state of desire and warmth.

-Of course, I'll be with you! To-tonight… I'll be there, - Anne stammered, her face flushed, with a grimace of disdain.

Monica lifted her head slightly. Anne noticed her skirt—it was designer clothing, and she suspected that just the garment alone was worth a month's salary. A surge of irritation rose in Anne as she realized how this woman was taking advantage of Billy, wrapped up in the notion of what this woman sought from Billy.

-Bring the wine, - she muttered as she left the break room. A few people were in the distance, observing the tension between the two women. The silence was palpable. Monica, unfazed by the onlookers, delicately picked up a tea bag. As she stepped out for some fresh air, she felt the eyes on her back, a sensation she was all too familiar with.

***

-I don't think it's wise to go through with that, - Raimon said.

-You just need to do it; it's vital for our company. Our position is just business, and besides, I'm confident that with the success of our films, expanding our position is the right move. I've already had a conversation with the company's CEO, - Billy replied.

-You're talking to the CEO? - Raimon asked.

...