redesigned and adjusted.

November 6.

I try not to fall into the trap of women, but it was a total failure when he realized he was caught between a rock and a hard place. With just a month left before 1997 began, there was a terrible banking crisis. Though not a rule on his part, some were hit hard by economic instability. Tech stocks were categorically rising, and despite the failure of some, the increase in interest rates posed a management and character challenge, forcing him to consider his next moves.

- I can't do anything if loans are soaring. Let's keep going as we always have—we'll pay off the debt later, Anne. It's interesting when our profits are covered; we're bound to make some extra money to reinvest. You don't need to worry. If I must, I'll find the money. – Billy replied.

He paced back and forth. The debt was a loss of several tens of millions, and he was already beginning to accept it.

- It's frustrating that you refuse to reconsider the facts. – Anne remarked.

- I'm not going to slow the company down. We're at a crucial moment—growth is our only focus as a corporation. As an S.A.S. company, profit should be our only concern. We'll sell shares if necessary—I have plenty that just went up in value… Besides, don't you see? The Asian recession is giving us a chance to buy some land, maybe a good building for Olm Inc. and Madhouse. We need to corner the Japanese market. – Billy responded.

- So, invest when there's a crisis looming? – Anne sighed, rubbing her temple.

- Anne, relax. Just review the numbers for Lux Comics. There's been a slight dip in profits, and I need you in New York to break the news to Ronald Perelman. His bonds mature in March, and I, coincidentally, have no desire to face that man. – Billy commented.

- Fine. I'll see you in a week… I took a first look at the movies. Spirit was fantastic, and Osmosis Jones was a bit unpleasant… However, I think the low budget works in its favor. But honestly, I don't see anything redeemable about the series… Being as critical as you always want me to be, it's the worst show you've produced in a while. – Anne remarked.

Shifting topics, they wrapped up their conversation and planned to meet in New York soon.

In another room, Monica was getting ready for a lingerie runway show. Her body was stunning as she practiced in high heels.

- So, this show is for… -

- My love, you negotiated with Prada and Versace. – Monica replied. – Now, I just fear that in the coming days, you'll have to watch me strut around in high heels. I hope I don't disturb the neighbors downstairs. Though I have to admit, wearing these stockings with these heels is a bit uncomfortable. –

Monica loved being barefoot; it was rare for her to wear stockings unless she was wearing sneakers. Only then would she tolerate them.

- Well, you're disturbing your closest neighbor… I can hear your footsteps. – Billy replied.

- Stop teasing me. – Monica murmured, pressing her lips to his in a deep kiss. Their nights together were always filled with passion—intense, radiant, and electric. That slow-burning desire, the uninhibited and independent attitude that always captivated him.

She moved closer, and Billy felt her firm body, that intoxicating desire almost palpable in the air, carrying a sensuality that was both overwhelming and exhilarating. The weight of the cameras, the pressure of countless eyes, the insecurities that others would crumble under—none of it mattered now. Her golden-brown skin moved against his, their desires intertwining in a dramatic, feverish rhythm. She was intoxicating, and her scent carried the memory of moments that lingered just within reach.

- We have recordings. – Monica whispered.

- As always. We're just rehearsing. More kissing scenes. – Billy commented, pulling her into another passionate kiss, stirring the atmosphere around them.

- So… what are your plans for the next few months? Looking for more roles? – Monica asked.

- Star Wars and some other films. But for now, I'm focusing on the company. I need to disappear from Hollywood's radar for a while… live a boring life. – he murmured, kissing her lips again, a slow and tender kiss, filled with the fleeting warmth they both craved.

- Tell me the truth. Did you sleep with Charlize? -

A ticking time bomb.

- I didn't. But I'm afraid I did kiss her. We were testing our chemistry. Is that a problem? I suppose if that counts, then I've also cheated on you with Winona. – Billy replied, pressing his lips to hers again.

- Stop saying that. – Monica shot back.

- You're jealous… I never expected you to act this way. To be so different from the composed, confident woman I know. When you act like this, it intrigues me… When you were in another position, when you behaved in ways I didn't understand… what's going on with you? – he asked.

She lowered her eyes and bit his arm, struggling with something she couldn't quite express.

***

For Jim Wait, the number of submissions was endless. Every day, thousands of scripts poured in, each one a new gamble. From inside the CAA offices, people were starting to seek him out.

Now that he was well-known, his status had risen—not just as the representative or agent of Billy Carson, but as the man working behind a massive animation company. Every day, its influence grew stronger, intertwining with the industry in powerful ways.

- So, a partner in the company now, sir? – Jim's assistant commented.

He nodded. In a few months, perhaps as a minor partner, his role might not seem that significant. But for now, he had a voice-a powerful voice, one that was finally being recognized. He was exhausted from the countless hours spent in empty boardrooms, attending endless meetings for Billy's company.

- What do we want for the next few months? – Jim asked, exhaling deeply. What he wanted now was a wife—someone who was a schoolteacher, far removed from the entertainment industry. Someone who dreamed of a beautiful home in a great location, maybe by the beach. A homemaker, free from stress… or perhaps living in San Jose, where Billy's business hub was.

- Call my mother. I need a break from all of this. Tell her I'm coming back to Wyoming. I'll take five days off and try to clear my head. We've been working nonstop for five years, and now, I have no space left for anything but rest. – Jim replied.

- I'll book a flight. – Mrs. Wellerman responded.

She was one of those truly seasoned women, the kind who decided to keep working even after the glamorous long-legged secretary had betrayed her secrets and been replaced by her. Mrs. Wellerman was a tough woman, stereotypically so, but the best assistant Jim could have asked for. He took a deep breath.

- Thank you. Make it for after the board meeting this Saturday. – Jim said.

- Consider it done, sir. Also, the Wachowskis sent a message a while ago. They have a script for the golden boy. – She added, somewhat absentmindedly.

Jim would have to send it to San Jose and then forward it to New York—so many expenses. But he knew one thing: Billy liked these kinds of scripts.

...