A Strategic Education

With their wealth secured and investments growing, James shifted his focus to preparing himself for the long game. He had time before college, but he needed to make every moment count. His goal wasn't just to attend university — it was to enter the best film school in California with the highest credentials possible and graduate as early as possible.

While most kids his age were still uncertain about their future, James knew exactly what he needed to do. He had to master the art of filmmaking, understand the business side of Hollywood, and position himself as a prodigy before he ever set foot in the industry. To fast-track his progress, he convinced his school to let him skip multiple grades, proving his academic excellence through rigorous testing. His goal was to finish high school early and complete college by 1985, ensuring that he would be young enough to make an impact but old enough to be taken seriously in Hollywood.

To accomplish this, he doubled down on his studies, excelling in literature, media, and business-related subjects. His teachers took notice. While he had always been considered a bright student, his sudden drive and intellectual depth made him stand out even more. He asked questions beyond the curriculum, discussed industry trends with adults, and wrote film analyses that would have impressed professional critics.

His mother, now enrolled in business and law courses, often studied alongside him. They bounced ideas off each other, discussing contracts, intellectual property, and corporate structures. It was a win-win situation — she gained valuable knowledge, and James refined his strategies.

Beyond academics, James knew practical experience was just as important. He convinced his mother to fund private filmmaking classes, where he learned the fundamentals of cinematography, scriptwriting, and directing. However, rather than invest in other people's projects, he decided to gain hands-on experience by working part-time on film sets after school. He volunteered for minor production assistant roles, carrying equipment, setting up lighting, and quietly absorbing every aspect of the filmmaking process.

The work was tedious at times, but James didn't mind. Every moment spent on set was a lesson, every interaction with crew members an opportunity to understand the inner workings of Hollywood. He listened, he observed, and most importantly, he built a reputation as an eager, hardworking kid with a sharp mind for the industry.

By immersing himself in film production, he made connections — not with actors or directors just yet, but with the people behind the scenes. The ones who made things happen. Cameramen, editors, production managers. The unsung heroes of Hollywood. He learned which studios had the best working conditions, which executives had real influence, and which directors had promising futures.

James' investments in his education weren't just academic. He needed to refine his image as well. With the move to Hollywood Hills, he had access to higher social circles, and he made sure to observe the habits of the elite. He noted how they spoke, how they carried themselves, and how they networked.

Despite his young age, he carried himself with a confidence beyond his years. Adults found him precocious but charming, and younger students either admired or envied him. He was playing the long game, making sure that by the time he entered college, he would already have a reputation as someone destined for success.

At night, he planned meticulously, reviewing financial reports, tracking stock movements, and making sure their investments continued to grow.

One evening, his mother sat beside him, looking over his shoulder as he examined the latest stock performance. 'James… look at this,' she said, pointing at the report. 'Apple's stock has gone up 16% in just a few months. That's incredible.'

James nodded, keeping his expression calm. 'I told you tech was the future. This is just the beginning. We got in early, and the real growth is still ahead.'

She exhaled, shaking her head in disbelief. 'I never would have thought of investing in something like this. I was so worried about taking risks, but you were right.'

James turned to her with a reassuring smile. 'That's why we have to keep thinking ahead. The world is changing fast, and we need to be ahead of it.'

His mother looked at him with newfound respect. She had trusted his instincts before, but now, seeing tangible proof of his financial acumen, she felt something deeper — an unshakable confidence in her son's vision. 'I trust you, James. More than ever.'

With that, James knew he had solidified another key element of his plan. His mother's full trust would allow him even greater freedom to maneuver in the years to come. His Apple shares alone would become worth hundreds of millions in the future, but he wasn't content to sit back and wait. He needed more.

More influence.

More control.

More power.

His empire was still in its infancy, but every decision he made brought him closer to the throne.

And soon, Hollywood would be his.