Laying the Groundwork

The first major step in James' financial empire was a calculated investment. With the stock market on his radar, he knew exactly where to start. On December 12, 1980, Apple was set to go public at $22 per share. He had his mother set up a brokerage account, and with her approval, he directed $3 million into Apple's IPO, acquiring approximately 132,000 shares — 0.2% of the company.

It was a bold move, one that most financial advisors would scoff at, but James knew the future. Apple would become a titan of the tech industry, and this early investment would yield unimaginable returns in the decades to come.

Beyond stocks, James knew that real estate was another avenue to secure wealth. He convinced his mother to purchase a $1 million mansion in Pacific Heights, San Francisco, where her parents could retire in comfort. At the same time, they bought a $2.5 million mansion in the Hollywood Hills, a home that would put them closer to the entertainment industry while offering them the privacy they needed.

With their financial strategy set and the money safely invested, James could finally shift his focus to the next stage of his plan — positioning himself within the world of business and entertainment. He had secured the foundation, but now he needed to build connections, gain influence, and start shaping his future empire.

At school, James continued his efforts to cultivate relationships with promising students. He observed those who had potential—kids with sharp minds, technical skills, or the kind of charisma that could take them far. Some would go on to become entrepreneurs, executives, or industry leaders. He made sure to befriend them, subtly guiding conversations toward ambitions and long-term goals.

However, he soon realized that his true opportunity to build connections wouldn't come until college. That was where he would meet peers aiming for Hollywood — aspiring actors, writers, and directors, some of whom would already have family ties in the industry. For now, he had to bide his time, preparing himself so that when he finally stepped into that world, he would already be ahead.

At home, his mother was still adjusting to their new reality. The lottery win had provided financial security, but it also came with pressure. James could see the way she struggled with their sudden wealth, unsure how to handle the newfound status. He made sure to reassure her, reminding her that they were taking the right steps to secure their future.

"You know, Mom," he said one evening as they sat together, "I think you should take some time for yourself. Now that we don't have to worry about money, maybe you could go back to school like we talked about."

She hesitated, stirring her tea. "I don't know, James. I've been out of school for so long… and I don't even know what I'd study."

"You've always been good with people and organization. Maybe something in management? Business? Law?" He watched her reaction carefully, knowing that her education would be crucial when he started making bigger moves in the industry.

She sighed but smiled. "It's not a bad idea. I just… need to believe I can do it."

"You can. And I'll help you." James grinned. "We're in this together."

James' next goal was to start making small but meaningful connections outside of school. His age was a limitation, but his knowledge and financial backing gave him an edge. He started attending public events — business expos, technology showcases, and even networking opportunities in the entertainment sector. Of course, he always had to bring his mother along, using the excuse that he was just a curious kid interested in the world of business.

One such event was a technology showcase in Los Angeles, featuring some of the most promising advancements in computing. Walking among the booths, he recognized early versions of products that would shape the future—personal computers, software innovations, even emerging discussions about digital media.

"James, are you sure you're interested in all this?" his mother asked, amused as he inspected a prototype of a new processor.

"Of course! This is the future, Mom. The world is changing fast, and we need to be ahead of it."

As he spoke, a conversation nearby caught his attention. A young software developer was discussing his startup idea, struggling to convince a potential investor to take him seriously. James nudged his mother. "Let's listen to this."

It was moments like these that mattered — spotting talent before the world did. James knew that small, well-placed investments could yield massive returns in the future. He just had to play his cards right.

While James worked on making connections, his mother finally took the plunge and enrolled in business and law courses. It was a small victory, but a significant one. She would gain the knowledge and credibility needed to help him navigate the legal side of his future ventures.

By the time the week ended, James had successfully positioned himself closer to the industries he planned to dominate. He had secured key contacts, encouraged his mother's growth, and started identifying potential future partners.

It was a slow process, but that was fine.

The empire he was building wouldn't be created overnight.

But brick by brick, he was getting there.