The Tyrant Billionaire

Time flew by amidst the hustle and bustle.

By February, the film Beauty and the Beast was complete. It was the first live-action and animation hybrid film, a milestone in cinematic history.

Hardy watched the film in the screening room of the production company with Taylor and the creative team. The film was a classic fairy tale, simple yet captivating, with vibrant and soft colors. Taylor looked radiant, and the animated characters were endearing and comical.

There were plenty of laughs throughout.

The film was perfect for children.

"How's the premiere coming along?" Hardy asked Edward after watching the film.

"We're pulling out all the stops. The venue is the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles, and as per your instructions, it will be the grandest and most luxurious event," Edward replied.

Edward knew that this was a birthday gift for Taylor, and spared no expense to make it extraordinary.

"How's the distribution company preparing?"

"On the day of the premiere, 850 theaters across the United States will screen the film simultaneously," Edward reported.

Since the U.S. government had taken action against film companies, enforcing the Paramount Decree, studios were forced to separate film production, distribution, and theater ownership. Although Hardy had no intention of buying a theater chain, he still saw an opportunity.

Hardy instructed Edward to contact MGM and several second- and third-tier film companies to form a joint distribution company. With a large enough library of films, they could still negotiate effectively with theaters, exerting control. Hardy's distribution company, co-led by Hardy Films and MGM, had quickly gained influence, putting them on par with or even surpassing other major studios.

It was a clever strategy, using an alternative route to overtake the competition.

Today. It was Taylor's birthday.

Today, it was also the premiere of Beauty and the Beast. As night fell, Hollywood's El Capitan Theatre glowed under a cascade of festive lights, with multi-colored bulbs illuminating the street. Many remarked that it was even grander than Christmas.

A long red carpet was rolled out at the entrance, with barricades on both sides, creating a central walkway now lined with eager spectators.

On one side were enthusiastic fans, strategically placed to cheer for the arriving stars.

On the other side were journalists, cameras ready, with TV networks, including ABC, broadcasting live. With Hardy's connections, the event boasted a star-studded guest list rivaling that of the Academy Awards.

At 6:30 p.m., the guests began to arrive, and the crowd erupted into cheers, shouting out the stars' names.

"Ingrid Bergman!"

"Vivien Leigh!"

"Deborah Kerr!"

"Greta Garbo!"

"Look, it's Ava Gardner!"

The guest list was extensive, and the entrance ceremony took over an hour. Suddenly, the rhythmic clip-clop of hooves echoed from a distance. A luxurious white European carriage, pulled by four white horses, approached, its gold-trimmed cabin rivaling that of the British royal carriages.

The carriage stopped by the red carpet. Hardy stepped out first, signaling to everyone that the main star had arrived. He extended his hand into the carriage, and a gloved hand gracefully landed in his palm.

Elizabeth Taylor descended the steps, dressed in a princess gown that accentuated her slender waist and elegant curves, exuding both innocence and a touch of maturity. Her delicate beauty left everyone in awe—tonight, Taylor truly was a princess.

"Boom!"

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Fireworks exploded in the sky. The crowd, surprised by the unexpected display, turned their attention to the dazzling spectacle.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The fireworks continued, illuminating the Hollywood night.

Taylor, holding Hardy's arm, wore a contented smile as they walked down the red carpet, with photographers frantically capturing the moment.

The premiere was exceptionally grand, broadcast live by ABC. After greeting the guests, the film began. As the HD Films logo appeared on screen, a heartfelt message followed:

"Today is Elizabeth Taylor's birthday. This film is dedicated to wishing Taylor a very happy birthday! — Jon Hardy."

Applause erupted before the movie even started, and that single line earned countless cheers.

This romantic gesture would likely be remembered in film history for years to come.

The fairy tale movie.

It was a story that delighted both young and old, leaving the audience in a joyous mood. The blend of live-action and animation was indeed a unique and refreshing experience.

The film ended to another round of applause.

Following the premiere, a grand reception was held at a nearby hotel. Guests mingled in a relaxed atmosphere, enjoying food, drinks, and lively conversation. A massive five-tier cake was brought out during the celebration.

Everyone joined in singing "Happy Birthday" to Taylor.

Taylor's 18th birthday party was lavish and unforgettable.

When the party ended, Taylor did not return home but instead got into Hardy's car, heading to his estate.

In the bedroom.

Taylor looked at Hardy with a bashful smile. "Hardy, I'm finally 18."

Hardy smiled and leaned close, whispering softly into her ear, "Now, let's celebrate your birthday in a way befitting adulthood."

Having had a few drinks, Taylor's cheeks were already flushed. Hearing Hardy's words, her face turned an even deeper shade of red. But she did not shy away; instead, she bravely leaned in and kissed Hardy.

Hardy lifted her petite frame in her princess gown, holding her against his chest as they waltzed to the room's soft music.

Elizabeth Taylor, the ethereal beauty, had completed her transformation from a girl to a young woman.

At 18 years old.

A birthday.

Full of joy.

...

The spring sunlight bathed the two of them warmly, making everything feel comfortable and serene. Hardy gazed at the girl sleeping in his arms, her delicate skin tinged with a soft pink hue. Her long, thick eyelashes brushed her face, and fine, downy hairs caught the morning light at her temples.

An eighteen year old girl was at the peak of her youthful beauty, that perfect age when life was in full bloom.

People on the internet often claimed that women were most beautiful at thirty, but Hardy disagreed. Eighteen was like a freshly blossomed flower, petals just beginning to open and revealing delicate beauty. By thirty, a woman's radiance might still be bright, but traces of life's wear would begin to show.