Chapter 82

The Unraveling Perfection: Charlie Lee's Journey in the Era of the Information Explosion

No one is perfect. Charlie Lee, emerging from the chaotic era of information explosion, understood this truth better than most.

Every individual is riddled with flaws, both minor and significant, hidden beneath the veneer of their brighter aspects. While many manage to mask these imperfections, there comes a point when the suppression falters. When these flaws explode outward, their impact is often unimaginable.

This is why so many "perfect" individuals—esteemed men, dutiful children, model spouses—transform overnight, their suppressed imperfections manifesting in destructive or tragic ways. They either spiral into chaos, becoming unrecognizable, or abruptly end the "perfect" lives that appeared so radiant to outsiders.

"I've learned something important since becoming a billionaire," Charlie Lee said, leaning forward with a playful grin that hinted at mischief.

"What's that?" Garbo asked, her voice tinged with nervousness as she pressed herself against the back of her chair, his proximity making her uneasy.

"If you have money, you can do whatever you want," Charlie laughed, his expression that of a rebellious youth reveling in his audacity.

Garbo's eyes flickered with a mix of emotions—curiosity, defiance, and unease. This man, so self-assured, was no ordinary figure. At only 17 years old, Charlie Lee was the youngest billionaire in history, a fact she couldn't ignore.

His wealth was no longer just a matter of speculation. His actions spoke volumes: purchasing the Chicago Theatre for $50 million, investing $100 million in a new company, and spending another $20 million to establish the Oscars and Hollywood's Walk of Fame. He had funded public infrastructure, built the $23 million Star Theatre, and even donated $10 million to support education in China.

Moreover, his private army of over 2,000 soldiers, Aegis, was now seen as one of the most powerful private forces in the U.S. His rise to prominence, as detailed by the New York Times, painted a picture of relentless ambition. All this had been accomplished in less than a year.

As she considered his meteoric rise, Garbo's expression turned enigmatic—a mix of resistance, admiration, and something she couldn't quite define.

Charlie, unfamiliar with such a complex gaze, was momentarily at a loss. Her look reminded him of the convoluted emotions he'd read about in psychological studies during his previous life.

Garbo herself was torn. Meeting Charlie had stirred a division within her—between the girl she once was and the woman she had become. Before meeting her mentor, Mauritz Stiller, Garbo had been an unpolished young woman, ignorant of etiquette, fashion, and the nuances of high society.

Stiller had taught her everything, crafting her into the star the world now adored. Yet, the very refinement he instilled in her had become a source of loneliness. To maintain her fame, Garbo felt she had to adhere to Stiller's meticulously planned image.

This carefully curated identity left her feeling trapped. Beneath the surface, she longed for freedom—to love, to shout, to run wild. But the weight of her public persona kept her shackled.

At just 17, Garbo was caught in the whirlwind of fame, surrounded by admirers yet profoundly isolated.

"Do you plan to buy me with your money?" she asked, her eyes narrowing as they burned with a mixture of desire and defiance.

"…" Charlie hesitated, uncharacteristically lost for words.

Garbo's directness threw him off. He had expected subtlety, a dance of words, not this bold confrontation. How was he supposed to respond?

"This isn't a cold transaction," he thought to himself. "It's about mutual attraction… right?"

The silence stretched as Charlie struggled to articulate his thoughts.

"Why don't we talk about it later?" he suggested, his voice cautious.

Garbo let out a long breath, pushing herself up from the table. "Fine," she said, nodding. But as she turned to leave, Charlie impulsively grabbed her shoulder.

"Where are you taking me?" she demanded, her voice steady despite the growing tension.

"You promised we'd talk later," Charlie replied, sweeping her into his arms and carrying her toward the next room.

The door closed behind them, and the housekeeper discreetly ensured the floor was cleared. Outside, the world moved on, unaware of the storm brewing inside the penthouse.

Charlie's secretary, Ava, waited in the living room with a stack of documents. Four hours later, when Charlie finally emerged, she looked up, her eyes betraying a mix of impatience and suppressed curiosity.

"Boss," she said, handing over the files. "This is the final design for the Blue and White Building. The estimated budget is $52 million."

Charlie took the papers, his casual demeanor betraying none of the intensity of the prior hours. He flipped through the architectural plans with interest.

The proposed headquarters of the Blue and White Chamber of Commerce was nothing short of monumental. Standing at 398 meters with 101 floors, the design featured a central tower surrounded by eight smaller buildings, their symmetrical arrangement creating the impression of a human figure embracing the city.

"This is ambitious," Charlie remarked, his tone approving.

Chicago, with its growing prominence, was the perfect location for such a headquarters. While Los Angeles was still developing, Chicago remained a hub of economic and political power—a fitting base for Charlie's burgeoning empire.

"What about the Detroit aircraft acquisitions?" he asked, not looking up.

"We're finalizing negotiations," Ava replied, her voice faltering slightly.

Charlie glanced at her, noticing her flushed cheeks and downcast eyes. It took him a moment to realize why—his disheveled appearance, coupled with his loose pajamas, left little to the imagination.

Feigning nonchalance, Charlie shifted in his seat, adjusting the document in his lap to preserve some semblance of modesty. "Good. Let me know when it's done," he said, dismissing her.

"Yes, sir," Ava replied, her tone professional despite the tension in the room.

As she left, Charlie leaned back, a wry smile playing on his lips. "This office is full of temptations," he muttered to himself.

He stared at the blueprint in his hands, his thoughts shifting back to the future. The Blue and White Building, the expansion of Aegis, the rise of his Chamber of Commerce—his vision for dominance was only beginning.

But for now, there were other matters to attend to. With a mischievous grin, Charlie rose and returned to the private quarters, ready to tackle the challenges—and pleasures—that awaited him.