Who can resist when reality slips out of control? When there's no hint of hesitation, or when what seemed so certain begins to fade? The discomfort of the recordings, the truth that emerges—it may seem ironic or even haunting, but it's the actor's life. A life where one loses a piece of their soul, tangled in the very stories they create for themselves. And when they finally think they've caught a breath, they realize nothing can ever be as magnificent as they imagined. What's a man—or anyone born to truly live—supposed to do?
–Thank you for the role. I think I wouldn't have had this chance without you.– said the young Charlize. Her grey eyes were like radiant trails of light in the distance. She had trained intensely for this part. Her fresh beauty and simple way of dressing didn't do justice to how she carried herself in a fitted costume—it was her way of sealing the deal.
–I don't know much, it's just a supporting role. But I thought you had other parts lined up. I'm surprised to see you here.– Billy remarked.
–I've been talking to your group of friends. They're the new face of Hollywood's art scene. Winona is very sharp when it comes to simple roles. I think she's definitely a public figure now.– Charlize replied. She had skillfully navigated the heavy currents of Hollywood. Her simplicity and intuition were razor-sharp; she knew exactly when to step back or charge ahead. It was her approach that made it possible for anyone to stand out.
Knowing when to seize the moment, especially in places that often go unnoticed, is key. That's why some achieve fame and others don't—they let emotions steer them, making ghostly mistakes that land them right into the lion's mouth. Once you fall into the corrupted world, there's no way out. That's why having a clear head is essential for anyone.
–Then I hope recommending you was worth it.– Billy replied, looking straight into her eyes. The intensity she remembered was different now, as if she could see the growth, the maturity developing month by month. The boy had become one of the most sought-after actors in Hollywood, jumping from regular status to premium. His agent probably received thousands of proposals, and with his financial muscle, it was almost certain that many studios sent offers they didn't even bother to read in full—it was a sweet deal.
–I'll do my best.– Charlize responded.
She sighed inwardly. Her words caught in her throat, weighed down by something she couldn't name. Something she doubted he could answer, and really, it didn't matter anymore. What mattered was the one thing she couldn't ignore and didn't want to say out loud—what she kept to herself.
–I'll see you on set. I've got a workout routine to get through.– Billy said hurriedly. The last ten days had been a whirlwind of connected thoughts, unclear outcomes, and he wasn't sure what he should or shouldn't do.
Monica would arrive by September 20, and his workload only seemed to grow. The choreography alone consumed his time, even when his muscles burned. He used a stunt double for the toughest scenes, but it was still overwhelming and unpredictable to meet every one of the director's demands. Add to that Carrie-Anne's rising libido, which seemed to be awakening something new, and his patience was wearing thin. He took a breath.
Ahead lay more training in karate and boxing, figuring out how to make the performance his own without breaking the spell of that thrilling fantasy—combat.
…
Thomas Carson carefully read through every idea suggested in the file, and was taken aback. What exactly was this? And how was he supposed to proceed? It looked like a standard investment contract, but the implications felt far more suggestive than what the agreement openly stated. The back-and-forth in every clause bordered on provocative—this wasn't just a deal, it was almost a challenge. A strange reciprocal relationship, built on a sort of mentorship: one person guiding another, while taking on all the investment risk in murky waters.
But what landed in his inbox hit differently—a proposal to create a community in San Jose, a business city exempt from strict laws, designed to boost California's economy. It had nearly been pre-approved and seriously considered, but a call regarding certain cash payments left a bad taste in his mouth.
–Well, I've got all the companies that were hesitant now on board.– Mike said.
–Wow, so our backing must be solid.– Thomas replied.
–It definitely is. We've got relief not just for existing businesses, but also for launching new ones. The idea that's catching more attention by the day is the threat of companies leaving California. When you've got over seven companies generating more than 35% of the state's economy pushing for legal change, people start to listen.– added Mike Offair.
What's really going on?
William D. had taken a thorough trip, using his connections to explain California's situation from Billy's perspective. Progressivism comes with consequences for business law, and the constant monthly adjustments were becoming excessive. If the trend of increasing taxes continued, as it had in the past, it would be like drowning in America's economic system.
These business leaders listened and rallied half of California's companies to submit a motion to the state. With union pressures piling up, higher taxes felt like a noose. So they filed a formal petition to force clarity on the issue.
Suddenly, the looming threat of countless businesses negotiating with other states became a crisis for California's governor, Peter Wilson. A Republican, he agreed: tradition is more important than reckless liberalism. A place with extreme taxes cannot thrive—and that's true. But with so many policies in play, it was becoming overwhelming.
–I can say with certainty that your proposal for protection will likely be signed within a year—maybe sooner—if the right pieces move.–
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