For just over a year, Billy had been offering support for public policies and the drafting of state laws specific to San Jose. He used his money to accelerate, halt, or eliminate the political quagmires—realities stripped of value, wielded as necessary maneuvers against scoundrels who, with nothing more than a title, abused their positions in countless exhausting ways.
Thomas Carson Sr., now a partner at the firm where he had worked for 25 years—more than half his life—was reviewing a new lawsuit related to the sick leave law. Coupled with an out-of-control labor union bill, the issue had escalated for two key reasons. Even when a worker suffers a traffic accident outside of work and not while performing job duties, employers could be forced to cover certain costs—a complete disaster, especially when exaggerated cases extended to family members and demanded costly medical treatments that could exceed the limits of insurance plans workers themselves chose not to use, only to complain when an accident occurred.
–It's just a nuisance, but that nuisance has made me uncomfortable with current business obligations. That's why I believe we should file a joint petition with all the companies based in San Jose and San Francisco. At the very least, these wildly disproportionate motions need to be addressed.– said Thomas Carson to one of his partners, who had ties with a company called Oracle. Alongside them were a network and communications firm known for lobbying—Cisco Systems, Adobe Systems, and Wells Fargo.
–People always push the boundaries. Even without our influence, this could end up filed away and ignored. No one would dare go that far.– said Mikel Offair, who was well aware that California's labor laws became stricter year after year in terms of benefits. The growing imbalance in wages and contracts made California—once the golden land of startups—an unforgiving terrain for small entrepreneurs, unable to compete against high taxes, a costly lifestyle, and burdensome labor regulations, with rates reaching 37% federally and 13.3% at the state level. That's why Billy had been eyeing the relocation of his most profitable companies to emerging business-friendly states like Texas, Delaware, Utah, or Nevada, or even shifting toward Trust-based ventures.
For example, taxes could be mitigated, beginning with the $500 million debt and a strategic donation. He planned to use the California Sports Foundation to provide meals, sports, and clothing for all children in San Jose, while building a loyal fan base for his American football, basketball, hockey, soccer, baseball, and video game franchises.
–Only if we press as a united front and follow through with the ideas. I propose we create the symbol of a 0% state income tax and attract every company from California. If we turn this into a tech haven, wealth will flow from all directions.– said Thomas Carson, who couldn't shake the lingering doubt about Billy's ambitious plan—a plan that sought to ignite a fire in people, one that would allow him to operate above any labor rule or service, introducing a fierce competition in wages and employment.
–That's a tough sell, Thomas.– replied Mikel.
–It is, no doubt. But if all the companies come together, the wealth will only grow. Plus, we've got an idea that could spark some optimism, something we haven't seen in a while.– said Thomas.
He hadn't expected Billy's vision to be so ambitious. But how could he deny the brilliance of it? All the aid, all the qualities Billy brought to the table—it truly impressed Thomas. Yet he kept his pride in check before Mikel, who could only nod at such a bold proposition.
–I suppose we'll be investing a lot of money in this.– said Mikel.
–There's no question about that. Billy will handle it all.– said Thomas.
Raimon was stunned to see they were about to change the course of Workshop Games. Alongside Lux Games and Toys, it would now operate as a Texas branch. Another division was joining Dallas, with part of Lux Comics' production being moved. What remained in California would be relegated to a regulated subsidiary, while the real cash flow shifted to Dallas. It was a sharp response to the '96 and '97 laws. Even though top animators from the studios near Hollywood were still needed, the inflated costs made it no longer worthwhile. From a private suite in Hong Kong, he let out a long sigh. Gwen had left for Australia that morning for a lengthy meeting.
He was focused on ensuring that Julian Robertson Funds—also known as Tiger Fund—acted precisely as instructed, executing operations to the letter, while he awaited a response from Megatech. Now that Lotus had gone public, it was as alive in his hands as any other thriving company.
Raimon moved quickly, opening his laptop while making a series of calls. He was placing some puts on Toyota for December, and shorting positions where possible. If they could secure at least a 40% share in Toyota, the payoff, the proximity, the success—it would all stem from Billy's master plan, one that could yield inexplicable benefits. By using Tiger Fund's identity, they hoped to keep Toyota unaware of the aggressive maneuver. No one expected Billy to strike like a wolf hunting its prey.
He spent £60 million on Lotus and took on an additional $42 million in assumed debt. Lamborghini cost $110 million. As with Lotus, he would place a mortgage on the asset to reinvest and fuel further acquisitions—an aggressive leveraging strategy that had already generated $600 million in profits, used to buy more companies.
For instance, Billy made a minor investment in Olm Inc., acquiring a building that would double the workforce, close operational gaps, and support the projects of Gaimax and Madhouse—two studios under Billy's control. He was a bold investor, with connections in Japan's manga world, still underappreciated globally.
–A short leverage play against the Nikkei 225 index and Japanese auto companies.– Raimon whispered, preparing puts for the expected collapse in September and October in Japan. He was also exploring long-term collaborations with Lotus and Lamborghini, aiming to build a true rival in the market.
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