Absorbing the conversation, Natalie kept her eyes on Billy as he spoke to her about microeconomics—about the inner workings of business and how people operate within a company. It was striking how Billy carried the debate on the economic and administrative mindset of the United States compared to other countries, and perhaps the future of the American industry as emerging companies began to stand out with the rising boom of the internet.
-Do you think the internet will become really important? -asked Natalie.
-In fact, I do. -Billy replied. -We're talking about billions of people who need to communicate. Unlike anything before, people will shape their daily lives around connectivity. You'll be able to shop, call, and connect with people all over the world. Movies will find a new path and become more visual for popular culture because of the impact… We'll see a shift across all media. -
-I'd love to see that future now. -Natalie replied, watching Billy's strong jawline, his hair slicked back, the perfectly knotted tie—everything about him refined and demanding, very Wall Street. Unlike other executives, Billy preferred pastel tones, bolder palettes leaning into risk, silver clips, and vibrant ties perfectly matched to an otherwise traditional look.
-You just have to wait… maybe ten years into the future. -Billy answered, sipping his wine while Natalie took a bit of hers, now more relaxed with the drink; the wine gliding past her lips as her cheeks flushed slightly.
-It's been a long time since I've had such a pleasant conversation. -Natalie whispered, looking at Billy with kind eyes, while he continued asking her everything—from her tastes to her dreams, everything she hoped for in her life.
-Time really does fly. -Billy responded, calling for the check, keeping his gaze close on her; her blushing cheeks softened her delicate face, revealing every subtle, intimate detail of her expression.
…
Billy finished a meeting that lasted a little over four hours. A long talk was always best—where the point wasn't to get lost in deadlines but to leave good impressions. Actors carried an absolute truth in their hands about how artists' emotions worked; all of them, in one way or another, were trapped within themselves. Sometimes the connection with the audience depended on knowing how far one could resonate with the protagonists—neither too delicately nor too fleetingly.
He took the car to Wall Street, heading to a meeting with Tiger Funds, the brokerage firm behind many of the maneuvers in the Asian markets, which was now aiming at the looming Latin American crises. They were targeting the precious metals sector—gold in particular—needing enough gold stored in their vaults, a reserve Billy intended to use as leverage so nothing slipped past him.
-Thanks for coming. -Robert said, carefully observing what he had in front of him.
-How long does a person need to set up a proper position in the market? A year… maybe half a year to execute a sale of that kind. Your information was perfect—almost prophetic, a bit chaotic. I stopped questioning it a while ago. You've secured a good spot working there; that's what matters. -Robert concluded, half cryptic, half impressed.
He handed over part of the results, where averages loosened,d and most investments had been absorbed by the auto industry, loans, and a free fund of 100 million that entered the United States—25 million of which Billy used for one purpose: to invest even more in tech stocks and other undervalued assets that floated in open air.
-It was a pleasure doing business with you, Mr. Robertson. -Billy said, unable to ignore the success of the joint operation. He continued placing short bets in various countries, riding the instability that affected people across Latin America. Many of his positions moved in three ways: land purchases, mine acquisitions, and shipments of different commodities—while personally buying gold, aggressively and strategically, for the next twenty years, a reserve he would use as collateral for his bets on banking companies, real estate, and asset acquisition.
-All that money is for Apple. -Billy whispered.
-So, where did you get the information? -Robert asked.
-It isn't privileged, but yes… there's something classic about it. For some time, the media has been tracking several transactions, an idea that originated within governments themselves. China wanted to introduce a new resource as the Eastern powerhouse and, through economic aid from major powers, orchestrated a real financial blow that would position China as a leading superpower—right as Western countries stepped in. -Billy whispered, half building a story and half tracing a narrative that few understood—a clear and simple truth.
-So it was a crisis engineered from within. -Robertson replied.
-Something you must keep quiet. We both know that even the people around you shouldn't know more than necessary. For months, whispers behind closed doors have pointed to the true culprits—they want heads to roll, and I'm afraid you scraped more than a few million in profit. -Billy murmured. -I merely took the information and saw the opportunity across the countries… I knew some had terrible debt policies and currency exposure. -
The truth was harsh.
-Congratulations then. -Robert said.
-And I have a few other questions. -Robert added.
-I want Tiger Funds to become your partner in Paraíso Hotels. For some time now, we've been watching your purchase of several hotels across the Asian coast, and it struck me as absolutely brilliant. -Robert whispered.
-You're talking about expanding. -Billy replied.
-I'm talking about an equity investment—your company has seven potential countries lined up around the world. -
-A preferential offer… hotels aren't meant to go public, but I can make an exception. -Billy commented. For months, he'd wanted to bring someone in to help manage the brand, while he himself kept only occasional earnings to fund his activities around the world—taking his employees on rest trips, using his peripheral companies, making money, and reserving part of it for the touring budgets of the teams now essential to his donation programs.
-Well, we have money. -Robertson replied.
-I'll sell eventually. I have a few more ideas for the coming years. -Billy said confidently, —thinking of the dot-com rise and his plans to dismantle some companies entirely through acquisition.
...