October 13.
The arrival in New York was essential for the next set of perpendicular shoots that required Billy to be in the Big Apple—the city built to break barriers. He also needed to review his investments, assess the growth of his investment funds, and calculate the profits he had made with Raimon. Additionally, Atlanta was on the agenda, where plans were underway to establish a production studio for the Lux Series. There was also a scheduled visit to Marvel, while simultaneously setting up another studio in Chicago—a small facility on the city's outskirts, designed to accommodate 100 people. Though modest, given the city's steady growth studio had room for expansion, given's Natalie, right? – Billy greeted the 16-year-old girl who had been waiting. Her parents stood not far away, and Billy nodded in acknowledgment, inviting them to sit with him. Natalie Portman's father wasted no time sitting beside her, though his rigid demeanor made her visibly uncomfortable as she fidgeted with her hands.
-It's a pleasure to meet you. Lucas was quite insistent that we get together. – Billy remarked, motioning for the servers to bring out some dishes.
-I heard you're a vegetarian. I hope you don't mind if I have some fish. – Billy said.
-I didn't know there were vegetarian options. – Natalie replied, scanning the menu.
-I'm friends with the manager. He can do me a small favor and prepare a vegetarian dish, though I hope it's given the same attention as the main courses.– Billy responded. The Paramount Hotel was his, and now it was just a matter of expanding his portfolio gradually. His next move? Acquiring The Palace, a luxury hotel near Santa Monica, along with several high-end properties in Atlanta, to solidify his hotel empire in a strategic and structured manner.
-That's very gracious of you, Mr. Carson.– Natalie commented, her cheeks tinged with a slight blush, clearly surprised by the gesture.
Billy took a sip of juice as he engaged in a long lunch with Natalie's parents. Lucas had a clear approach when it came to these matters, ensuring both sides were aligned. After all, Natalie and Billy would soon have to develop on-screen chemistry as a couple in upcoming Star Wars films and series, a long-term project unfolding in strategic phases, with key milestones set in two-year intervals leading up to 1997. It was a fast-paced development plan, but one that couldn't be ignored, as success was already on the horizon.
…
Descending through the intersection, Billy arrived at a massive building—apparently, one of Donald Trump's properties, temporarily loaned for production. A few adjustments had been made, and the stage was set for filming.
Billy and Charlize were about to shoot a few scenes in a small hotel apartment. The film was gradually picking up momentum, though the shooting schedule was anything but conventional. Some scenes were filmed at dawn with a tracking camera crew, while others took place in residential areas during the afternoon. Additionally, various sequences would be shot in front of a green screen at a side studio.
That led to this moment—Charlize standing there in an oversized shirt that barely reached mid-thigh. It was almost the only thing she was wearing, and the realization hit Billy in an instant. Without hesitation, she stepped into character. Her role intensified—her performance shifting seamlessly from joy to anguish, embodying each emotion with striking fluidity.
-Scene 25, take 3. -
INT. HOTEL SUITE
Mary Ann sits alone watching TV. The remnants of a room service meal are scattered around. They've been living here for weeks. The housekeeping staff has begun to lose patience.
Kevin enters, looking exhausted. He grabs a cold French fry.
MARY ANN (engrossed in her show), Your mother called. She has a bad feeling.
KEVIN, now and then, she gets one right.
MARY ANN (glances at him) What is it? Are you okay? Something's wrong.
KEVIN They deliberated for thirty-eight minutes.
MARY ANN Oh, shit… (She turns off the TV, reaching out to comfort him.) Kevin… I'm so sorry, baby. What the hell were they expecting? The man is guilty of a sin. No jury anywhere would let him walk.
KEVIN (grinning) Yeah. Except for one.
MARY ANN Kev…
KEVIN (beaming) Not guilty, baby.
MARY ANN Oh my God…
KEVIN Thirty-eight minutes. My jury.
MARY ANN (overwhelmed) You did it! Oh my God, Kevin…
KEVIN: Put on something easy to take off later—we're going out, baby!
Mary Ann laughs, jumping up and kissing Kevin passionately. She's filled with joy, with a sense of rightness. Billy watches the scene unfold, feeling an odd mix of hesitation and intensity. Charlize's playful smirk is deliberate,e provocative, fleeting. She knows exactly what she's doing.
Cut.
Billy exhaled deeply. The small set was part of the larger production facility where they would soon begin shooting Milton's scenes—the character rumored to be the Devil himself.
-It's hard for any of us to bend the rules in our favor. – Billy muttered as he made his way to the makeup room. Behind him, Charlize let out a carefree laugh, amused by his evident nervousness. He seemed flustered, thrown off by her presence, and she enjoyed watching him struggle with it.
They handed him a beige Canali suit, a light blue shirt, and a deep navy tie, striking in its contrast. His next stop? A conversation with Al Pacino. This was a role he wanted—one that carried weight, that could evoke fear and unease. He understood Milton's nature, the moral dilemma at his core. The character embodied human weaknesses—desire, arrogance, corruption—reflected and magnified.
-We'll be ready in thirty minutes. –A production assistant informed him. The man, fresh out of film school, was red-faced and sweating as he rushed back and forth across the set.
-Thanks, I'll wait. – Billy replied, fully prepped now.
Charlize entered, her usual rebellious gaze fixed on him. She had swapped her outfit for a pair of jeans, but she still wore the same shirt. Billy couldn't help but notice how effortlessly she played the game—how seduction seemed second nature to her. The way she moved, the way she looked at him—it was no wonder relationships in this industry never lasted. The deception was part of the game, and relationships were constantly tested.
-Back to work, then?– Billy murmured, watching as she closed the distance between them.
-We've got time… just seconds. – She teased, a glint of mischief in her eyes. She was close enough now that he could hear her breathing.
-And what exactly are you expecting from this? – Billy asked, locking eyes with her.
-Stop talking nonsense.– Charlize cut him off, pressing her lips to his in a deep kiss.
The sensation was familiar—reminiscent of Gwyneth. Billy understood now: for women like them, persistence was just another challenge to overcome. They gave in but on their terms. It didn't bother him, but it made him more aware of how fleeting these moments were.
Her lips were hungry, urgent. Fortunately, her lipstick didn't smear onto his—only the natural flush of her lips remained.
-You have a scene to shoot—be careful. – She whispered, grinning.
***
Meanwhile, Raimon had arrived in New York. Now that Billy was back, he felt a mix of excitement and nerves. The numbers spoke for themselves—his efforts had paid off.
-Then, we wait. – Raimon told the real estate investor assisting them in acquiring luxury properties. New York was the prime target, with only a select few locations deemed worthy investments. The Plaza Hotel was under consideration, though doubts remained. But with Billy's capital, securing it could be a major step forward.
-We just need to stick to the plan. – said Allen Root, the real estate expert leading the negotiations. They were also looking at purchasing buildings in key Manhattan streets for future resale. The 90s had ushered in an era of transformation, and the real estate market was no exception.
Billy entered, visibly exhausted from the day's shoot. He spotted Raimon in a black suit that looked almost comical on him, standing next to Allen, who was ready to guide him through his next major acquisitions.
-Apologies for the delay, gentlemen. – Billy said, extending his hand.
First, he needed to conduct a thorough review of their ongoing transactions. Precision and diligence were essential for success.
-Not at all—you're only ten minutes late. – Allen replied.
Raimon, however, barely hid his frustration. The Plaza deal seemed more distant than ever, an infuriating challenge to the established rules of the game.
...