The Tyrant Billionaire

"Barzini only got the casino business because of his connections with the current Prime Minister. But what if the Prime Minister steps down? That would spell bankruptcy for this venture."

"How much did you invest?" Hardy asked.

"I invested $6.8 million," Prizzi replied.

"I advise you to reconsider. This is a friendly warning. And remember, I owe you a favor. If you ever want to do business, feel free to call me. I'd be happy to make money with friends," Hardy said.

Prizzi knew the conversation was nearing its end, but he still couldn't resist asking.

"What will you do with the Cohenheim gang's territory and business after they're dealt with?" Prizzi asked.

"At first, I was planning to let the Los Angeles gang take over the Cohenheim gang's turf. Why, are you interested?" Hardy asked with a smile.

Prizzi definitely didn't want the LA gang coming to Houston. They were too powerful, and if they ever got the idea to swallow his territory, his family would be in danger. That's why he came to meet Hardy in the first place.

"To be honest, yes, I'm interested in the Cohenheim gang's territory. We've had multiple clashes with them before," Prizzi admitted.

Hardy pretended to consider it.

"Actually, I'm not that interested in Houston. How about this: after the Cohenheim gang is dealt with, their territory will be yours, but I'll keep control of the dock area. You know I own several shipping companies and need access to the docks."

Prizzi thought to himself, This must be Hardy's real goal.

"Deal," Prizzi said with a smile.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

Hardy smiled back and added, "As for the territory transfer fee, if you want the businesses on it, that'll be $2 million."

Prizzi face stiffened.

Damn, he's still asking for money. What a shrewd capitalist—never misses an opportunity to squeeze profit. But I can't let him keep that territory. No way I'd let him sleep beside my bed and snore.

"Fine, $2 million," Prizzi gritted his teeth and agreed.

With the deal done, Hardy saw Prizzi off. Standing on the deck, he waved as the car drove away, a satisfied smile forming on his lips.

He had just driven a wedge into Barzini's camp.

When the time comes, that wedge will prove useful.

As for whether Prizzi would tell Barzini, Hardy wasn't worried. Even if he did, Barzini wouldn't believe him. The investment was already halfway done, with too much money sunk in. No way would Barzini pull out over a single analysis.

Besides, Prizzi had no real incentive to tell Barzini. People are selfish, after all. Telling Barzini would only make him suspicious, thinking Prizzi and Hardy were conspiring. Better for Prizzi to keep the information to himself and hold the advantage.

If Cuba's situation did change, Prizzi could withdraw some of his money in time, at least minimizing his losses.

After seeing Prizzi off, Hardy returned to the yacht's cabin, opening the bedroom door to find Monroe still reading the script. She clearly loved it.

"Mr. Hardy, the more I read this script, the more I love it. Is it really for me? Thank you, Mr. Hardy," Monroe said with a delighted smile when she saw Hardy enter.

"Are you confident in your acting? I want you to do your best. If you nail this role, you'll become a true Hollywood star," Hardy said.

Monroe's confidence wavered.

She had taken acting classes before, but they were brief, and she wasn't confident in her abilities.

"Do you want me to teach you how to act?" Hardy offered after some thought.

Monroe's eyes lit up with excitement. In her mind, if Mr. Hardy could write such a great script, he must be a fantastic actor too.

"Sure! What should we perform?" Monroe asked eagerly.

"Well, since we have the script here, let's rehearse the scene on the yacht. We're already on a yacht, after all," Hardy suggested.

"Great idea!" Monroe exclaimed.

The two went to the lounge. Monroe composed herself, and when she opened her eyes again, she had become even more enchanting. She looked around the yacht and said in an astonished voice, "Wow, this place is beautiful, like a mansion on the sea."

Hardy shrugged, playing the male lead and saying, "It's just an ordinary bachelor pad."

Monroe turned her head toward the mounted swordfish, exclaiming, "Wow, what a big fish! What kind of fish is that?"

Hardy glanced at the fish. "That's… a herring, yes, a herring."

Monroe, with an innocent expression, said, "Wow, such a big fish! And they can still fit it into little glass cans."

"The fish shrinks after it's pickled," Hardy replied with a straight face.

Hardy poured them both a drink, and they continued practicing their lines. Monroe said, "I've never been out this late before, and never alone with a man."

"Don't worry. You're safe with me."

"Why, Mr. Joe?"

"Because I have 'female aversion syndrome.' I'm not interested in women."

Monroe was surprised. "You have no sex drive?"

"Yes, you could say that. That's what the doctor told me, and it's been painful for me," Hardy said, furrowing his brow.

Monroe leaned closer to Hardy. "Have you tried any treatments?"

"I've tried many, but I just don't feel anything," Hardy said as he wrapped his arm around Monroe's waist and kissed her lips.

Smooch!

They pulled apart.

"See? I didn't feel a thing. Unless I find a girl who truly moves me," Hardy said with a pained expression, lying down on the sofa as if life had lost all meaning.

Monroe knelt beside Hardy and softly said, "I may not be a doctor, but I'd like to try treating you, if that's okay?"

"Of course."

Monroe leaned down, and they kissed again.

This time, they were fully immersed, with no thought of acting anymore.

On the yacht's sofa, near the wine cabinet, on the large bed—the two of them appeared in every corner. The yacht rocked with the waves, and whether it was the ocean's doing or theirs, it swayed all through the night.

Acting?

Wasn't this the definition of 'acting becoming reality'?

The next morning.

Sunlight streamed through the windows.

Monroe slowly woke up and saw Hardy watching her. Her face flushed with shyness and joy, her eyes full of complex emotions—both sexy and innocent.

She asked in a soft voice, "Darling, did I cure you?"

This woman… truly dedicated!