The Tyrant Billionaire

Hardy found a financial investment services company called "Four-Leaf Clover," which ranks among the top three financial service companies in Los Angeles.

"Hello, sir. I'm investment manager Logan. How can I assist you?" said the middle-aged man, handing over his business card.

"Manager Logan, I'm interested in acquiring a publicly listed company," Hardy said directly.

Logan was taken aback. Acquiring a publicly listed company was a big deal.

"May I ask which company you're considering acquiring?"

"Do you know Wash Mining?" Hardy inquired.

Logan suddenly understood. In the financial world, who didn't know Wash Mining? Its recent fluctuations had brought this once-obscure company into the spotlight.

"Of course, Wash Mining's chairman is suspected of manipulating stock prices with false information, which was discovered by the Securities and Exchange Commission. This matter is widely known. What are your intentions, Mr. Hardy?" Logan asked.

"I also own a mining company. I'm interested in having you help me with a comprehensive acquisition of Wash Mining, mainly for their listing qualifications," Hardy explained.

"Is your company planning a reverse merger for listing?"

"I'll acquire Wash Mining first and then decide whether to proceed with a reverse merger or continue using Wash Mining.," Hardy replied.

"I understand. Please wait a moment; I'll gather Wash Mining's shareholder information, and then we can discuss further," Logan said.

Soon, Logan returned with the list of Wash Mining shareholders. Companies like his had databases covering all market companies as part of their core expertise.

"The data shows that the largest shareholder is David Wash, owning 34% of the shares. He's already on board. The second-largest shareholder is Neil Borg, 65 years old, holding 21% of the shares. The third shareholder is James Frey, owning 6%, and the fourth shareholder, Damien Lewis, only holds 4%.

The remaining 35% of the shares are traded on the stock market at a price of only $0.03, with a total market value of only $300,000. Additionally, there's a bank loan of $200,000," Logan explained.

"I'm only interested in their listing qualifications. The rest is of no value to me. I'm prepared to engage your services for this acquisition," Hardy stated.

Logan smiled brightly. For them, any business opportunity was welcome. "No problem, Mr. Hardy. This is what we do."

That afternoon, Logan began contacting several of Wash Mining's shareholders to inquire if they were willing to sell their shares.

The financial company wouldn't absorb shares from the market temporarily. Since they aimed to acquire the company, the best method was to negotiate with shareholders directly. Aggressive market buying would only drive up prices, which was unfavorable for acquisition.

Hardy entrusted professionals with professional matters, which was his usual approach. He wasn't well-versed in acquisitions, so engaging a financial services company to acquire Wash Mining was the right choice.

After paying a deposit, he waited for further news.

Leaving the financial services company, Hardy thought, "The entire Wash Mining now has a total market value of only $300,000. Even if David Wash sells all his shares, it probably won't fill the financial hole he's dug."

Through this event, Hardy made over four million dollars.

However, this money would be subject to tax, likely between 10% to 30% of the profit, meaning he might have to pay over a million dollars in taxes.

Over a million dollars!

That was a lot.

Hardy winced at the thought.

Fortunately, he only needed to pay this tax by early next year. During this period, the money could be used for investment and tax deductions, which was one reason why he wanted to acquire Wash Mining.

Spending money now would save him money later.

These types of taxes were headache-inducing. Even professional accountants could struggle with complex tax data, let alone someone like Hardy, who was a layman at tax evasion

In the future, he definitely needed to find a qualified financial advisor.

Returning to the headquarters of the security company,

In the courtyard, Several teams were undergoing training.

These people were all recruited veterans, as the security company planned to expand its external services and required formal training.

Lancer stood in the courtyard and greeted Hardy as he approached.

Glancing at the team, Hardy said, "Currently, the security company has only over 40 people. We're short-staffed. Keep recruiting, Lancer."

"But the security company currently has no income. Hiring more people means increased payroll expenses," Lancer replied.

Hardy smiled, "It's fine; I can afford it."

Having made a significant amount of money in the stock market, Hardy now spoke with confidence.

"Keep recruiting until the team expands to 200 people," Hardy added.

"Understood. As the boss, it's your call. By the way, we received a call from Noah Film Company an hour ago, saying they have an invitation for you," Lancer mentioned.

Back in his office, Hardy called the film company. Susan answered the phone, "Mr. Hardy assistant, there's a new movie project by MGM preparing to start filming. Tomorrow night, there's a party, and you're invited on behalf of Noah Entertainment."

"What's the name of MGM's new movie?" Hardy asked.

"The new movie is called 'I Want to See You.'"

Hardy didn't recall the name. It probably wasn't a classic film. Hollywood produced thousands of movies each year, and Hardy only knew a few dozen of the most classic ones.

"Who are the lead actors?" Hardy inquired.

"The leads are Kim Rogers and Joseph Cordon. Also, Shirley Temple plays a supporting role," the staff member replied.

Hardy couldn't remember the first two names, but Shirley Temple was familiar. She was once a bright child star, and he'd seen almost all of her films in his past life.

Shirley Temple should be a grown woman now, but Hardy decided to attend the event anyway, fulfilling a nostalgic star-chasing dream.

"What time and where is the event?" Hardy asked.

"It starts at 19:00 tomorrow evening, at Mr. Louis Meyer's estate in Beverly Hills," Susan informed.

Hardy had met Louis Meyer at Sigel's party, so he wasn't a stranger.

The next evening, Hardy dressed neatly and drove to Louis Meyer's estate. As he parked, he noticed many luxury cars lined up, and service staff directed him to park.

As he finished parking,

Hardy saw three people getting out of another car, a middle-aged man, a middle-aged woman, and a beautiful girl of about 14 or 15.

They seemed to be a family of three.

The girl had a serious expression, clearly unhappy.

The woman looked at her daughter and said softly, "Elizabeth, you can't go in with that expression. Everyone will see you're unhappy."

"But I am unhappy. I think I should have gotten that role. Shirley Temple is already 17, she's not suitable for the role of the niece," the girl replied.

Although petite, the girl had a well-proportioned figure and porcelain-white skin. Her features were exceptionally delicate and beautiful, showing signs of a future beauty.

In fact she was already a beauty. Despite her young age, she could be described as an exquisite loli.

The woman shook her head, holding her daughter's hand, "You need to learn to hide your emotions. Even if you're unhappy, you can't show it. We need to make a good impression on those film company bosses, producers, and directors to get more opportunities."

"Okay, I'll control myself," the girl said.

"Then smile," the woman urged.

The girl forced a smile.

Hardy, standing nearby and blocked by his car, observed the family's interaction. The girl didn't notice him, but Hardy overheard their conversation.

As they walked ahead, the couple continued their conversation, unaware of their surroundings. The girl looked a bit bored. After a couple of steps, she suddenly noticed Hardy behind the car, and her eyes widened in surprise.

Clearly, she hadn't expected to see someone there.

Her eyes widened, and her small mouth slightly agape, the girl's expression amused Hardy. She was cute.

Hardy grinned.

He mimicked the fake smile the girl had made earlier.

The girl froze, realizing that her conversation and fake smile had been seen by this stranger. She felt a surge of annoyance, turning from surprise to indignation.

Hmph!

She glared at Hardy with her big eyes.

Under the streetlight, Hardy noticed that her eyes were a mysterious bluish-purple.

After glaring at Hardy, the girl quickly caught up with her parents, and the three entered the estate gate, leaving Hardy standing still.

Her appearance, Especially those eyes.

They seemed familiar to Hardy.

She was acclaimed as the "World's Number One Beauty," especially known for her beautiful bluish-purple eyes.

She was a rare gem in the film industry, dominating Hollywood for 30 years, starring in over fifty films, winning two Oscars for Best Actress and receiving four Best Actress nominations. She was known as a Hollywood legend and an eternal flower.

She was also one of the most colorful figures in American film history, having been married eight times and ending up lonely in her old age.

Due to her multiple marriages, she was dubbed the "Jade Widow."

Was that girl just now her?

Considering her age, she seemed to be about 14 or 15 and her name was Elizabeth.

As Hardy looked up again, he saw the family entering the mansion. Hardy smiled faintly, "This is the estate of MGM's big boss. Inside that hall, who knows how many big stars there will be. No need to be surprised."

However, from the girl's earlier words, she seemed to have lost a role she had been vying for against Shirley Temple, feeling somewhat resentful.

Entering the hall, It was already filled with guests.

At such a star-studded gathering, anyone given the chance to attend wouldn't refuse, as it was an excellent opportunity to expand one's network.

In the crowd, Hardy spotted Noah Film Company's general manager, Cohen, and several other department heads. He greeted them before heading straight for Louis Meyer, the big boss.

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