It was astonishing to see how, in their eyes, scenes were just empty frames waiting to be filled by the actors in their own way. Sometimes, they failed to realize that they were merely empty glasses, waiting to be filled with the ideas of others. Failure often played a role when people stepped in and transformed a performance into something that once seemed impossible.
I don't feel like thinking about anything other than my comic projects, Billy replied. I'm sorry, Jim, but I need to stay ahead for my fans.
-I think the same. You have two major productions lined up for next year. However, you have a minor commitment with Fight Club in January, Star Wars in May—when the European weather is fantastic—and then The Matrix in October in Australia, when the heat isn't unbearable. -
-I see. Then we'll do what we can with what we have. I'm not expecting anything exciting, but if you come across an interesting film, give me a call. I sent you some scripts in L.A. to both offices. With a little luck, you might fall in love with one of them, - Jim Wait responded. - We handled the proper submissions for the script you sent, but from the looks of it, it'll be difficult to do anything beyond ensuring copyright compliance. -
-Then enjoy your retirement, Jim. I don't think work is all that great when you end up losing all your hair… I'm afraid that's not very healthy, - Billy replied, trying to organize his thoughts.
-Ha… The day I retire will be when I have so much money that my only goal will be to rest until my last day. But in a country like this, luck isn't always something you can count on. For now, we should relax, - Jim Waite responded.
-Well, a nice house, a solid and luxurious pension plan without excessive taxes—just enough—some investments in real estate, and of course, a few stocks with growth potential. I could recommend some with good prospects, but there's always Coca-Cola, which has a strong dividend distribution system, - Billy said, now seeing Coca-Cola as one of those corporate giants that simply wouldn't fade away.
-I'll take your advice. I'm no fool. A young man who became richer than half of the wealthy elite in less time than any of those great families… I'd be an idiot not to, - the agent replied, taking a deep breath as he waited for his appointment with the professor he had been so highly recommended.
***
Anne walked into the Marvel boardroom with confidence. She now held control over a retroactive buyout, which they called a hostile takeover through debt acquisition. The request had already been made to Ronald Perelman, who was rather indignant but lacked the funds to fight back. They just had to wait three months, and it would be theirs. But opportunities were slipping away, like a dwindling gold mine.
He hadn't shown up. He refused to engage. He stood on shaky ground, forgetting everything, determined to snatch up the last scraps of money from his remaining 8% stake before Avi Arad refused to part with his 2%. Meanwhile, 90% of the company was now in the hands of Lux Comics, the aggressive consumer.
A lawsuit was an option, but Anne had already delivered a painful blow, exposing the company's financial state and Perelman's administrative failures. He had driven a beloved American comic company into financial ruin, sinking it far below the market value of its competitors. It was an utter disaster—one that made his stomach churn.
-Mr. Perelman, I was told you were afraid to face a woman barely over five feet tall. But I think that when you hear my offer, you'll be grateful for my presence and drop that sour expression - Anne said, her hair neatly pulled back. This was the sharp edge of Billy's influence, solidifying into an absolute truth. Her tough demeanor, her commanding presence—years of experience had shaped her into a force to be reckoned with. A blossoming corporate powerhouse.
-You mean buying out my debt and humiliating me. Please, let's not speak so plainly. Many words cross my mind, but among them, there's a lie, - Ronald replied.
Ahhh, the pride of men. Look, with all due respect, but you had no idea how to run a comic book company. It's not the same as the traditional entertainment business of film and television. Your skills are better suited for acquisitions, sales, management, and mergers. You excel at treating companies like market commodities. Unfortunately, art ceases to be a product when it loses the essence of those who create it.
Take sunglasses, for example. When you add value—s, such as UV protection, people buy them, regardless of whether the frames are cheap, production costs are slashed in stores, or a new metal is introduced. What matters is their utility. But comics aren't valuable because they're useful—they become useful through the passionate criticism of fans defining what a comic should be."
The realization Anne had been waiting for flashed across his face in an instant—but then it faded. It was a mistake he knew well as an experienced businessman. The adjustment was merely Anne's way of delivering a sharp blow to the arrogant investor's ego.
-So Billy proposes a different deal: $10 million for investments in tech stocks, to be sold once the Nasdaq hits 4,800 points. The investment companies have already been chosen, promising returns between 100% and 300%. This, along with the collection of thousands of individual stakes pooled into these companies for public buy-in, under the condition of future sale, Anne continued, handing him a contract with a built-in $20 million premium for managing a fund tied to acquiring Marvel's remaining 8%. A Trojan horse. It listed AOL as the focal point, a tool meant to drive Warner into the ground—one blank check and another way to capitalize risk through a third collective investment fund.
One led by Raimon and his friend Crazy Lomas, worth $35 million. Another belonging to Billy, with assets totaling $600 million, supplemented by short selling and earned profits. And now a third, aiming for $500 million. That was enough to crush the shareholder percentages of future acquisitions, all while securing a lucrative commission from the profits to be distributed. It was a flawless deal.
A shame that MGM, Universal, and Paramount didn't fit into these plans—major studios that could have been a crucial part of their endgame.
-So, how decisive are we in putting a deal on the table? - Ronald asked.
-Corporate acquisitions. We buy their shares, sell them high… they fall—though I doubt they will—and then we buy what matters and sell at an even higher price, - Ronald said after weighing Anne's succinct summary outlined in the contract.
-I believe a comic book company shouldn't be underestimated. But a deal worth twice as much, without the headaches, seems like a better fit for your skills. I can see the doubt in your eyes, and I don't have much time, - Anne said, excusing herself as she left the office, reflecting on Billy's vision of turning his business into an expansion empire.
He had invested in multiple tech companies. The latest to go public, Yahoo, had been carefully selected for personal profit—shares had climbed from $27 to $50. He initially held a 30% stake, which he diluted for further investment. With a total of 18 million shares under his control, it was only a matter of time before they were sold in bulk. The account stood at a billion dollars.
She didn't understand why Billy hadn't sold yet. Each investment diluted his shares, yet he remained steadfast in executing his carefully planned strategy.
Outside, four men in suits, all wearing dark sunglasses, stood waiting. They looked like Secret Service agents. As Anne walked in, flanked by these men, the secretary couldn't find the nerve to deny her entry.
...