The Tyrant Billionaire

A plane from Philadelphia landed, and director Nolan, Eastwood, MGM promotional staff, and Ava walked out of the terminal. Ava spotted Hardy, ran excitedly towards him, gave him a big hug, and even kissed him in public.

Seeing Ava, Michael thought she was indeed a beautiful woman. No wonder Hardy was more interested in picking her up than discussing a million dollar business deal with him.

Hardy introduced Michael to everyone, simply stating that he was a business partner. The others didn't know Michael's true identity.

...

That night. A reunion after a short separation felt like a honeymoon for both Hardy and Ava.

Ava laid in Hardy's arms, looking satisfied.

"Have you been tired of running around for the promotion?" Hardy asked with concern.

"It is tiring but also very fulfilling. Everywhere I go, people ask me to sing 'Scarborough Fair.' The audience is very enthusiastic, and I love this feeling of being appreciated," Ava said.

Ava's beauty was undeniable. Her looks and voice were irresistible.

"Hardy, why did you come to New York? Did you come here just for us?" Ava asked, her eyes twinkling.

"Yes, are you happy?"

Hardy's words were a sweet lie.

Ava, full of happiness, kissed his chest and said, "Even though I know you're lying, I still love hearing it."

"This is the last promotional event. I'll stay here with you, and after it's done, we'll go back to Los Angeles together."

...

The next day.

Hardy was picked up by Michael early in the morning. There were many things to decide for the TV factory, and they needed to discuss the loan arrangements with the bank.

Ava went to the New York Grand Theater with the promotion team.

Standing on the stage, looking at the high dome and the circular seating, Ava felt incredibly excited. Performing in this hall was a dream for many artists, and she had fantasized about it too. She knew this opportunity was all thanks to Hardy.

Unfortunately, Hardy was busy with business. Otherwise, she would have rushed into his arms with joy.

Just then, a man in his forties entered the hall, dressed in a white suit with neatly combed hair, followed by two assistants. He immediately noticed Ava Gardner in the spotlight. Her tall, slender figure and beautiful face made him excited as he stared at her intently.

"Is she Ava Gardner?" the man asked his assistant.

"Yes, Robin," the assistant replied.

Robin smiled and walked onto the stage, straight to Ava, with what he thought was a charming smile. "Hello, Miss Gardner, I'm Robin," he said, extending his hand.

Robin was a well known singer in New York and across the country. Though Ava Gardner was gaining fame with her song 'Scarborough Fair,' she couldn't compare to Robin's popularity. The promotion team had invited Robin to be the main act for the New York event, hoping to attract more people.

"Hello, Mr. Robin," Ava replied, shaking his hand with a smile.

They practiced for a while, and when Ava was ready to leave, Robin stopped her.

"Miss Ava, I'd like to invite you to dinner and then take a night tour of New York. Would you do me the honor?" Robin said it with a smile.

Ava shook her head decisively. "Sorry, I want to go back and rest."

She turned around and left immediately.

Ava's thoughts were simple. She already knew Hardy and understood her position. She couldn't do anything that might make Hardy misunderstand—not even have dinner with another man. She suspected Robin's intentions were not just about dinner.

Robin stood there, stunned by her blunt refusal. With his fame, wealth, and looks, few women rejected his advances. He was annoyed that a relatively unknown singer had turned him down.

He then found the MGM promotion manager and said, "Your Miss Ava is quite proud. She didn't even accept my dinner invitation. By the way, my throat feels a bit off. I'm not sure if I can perform properly tomorrow. If the show is ruined, there's nothing I can do."

The promotion manager stood there, stunned, quickly understanding what had happened. Having worked in the entertainment industry for years, he could easily guess the situation.

Back at the hotel, Ava found Hardy had not yet returned. She changed into comfortable clothes and started filling the bathtub. Hardy had promised to join her for dinner.

Soon, Hardy returned. Ava took his bag with a smile. "I filled the bath for you. How about a soak?"

"Hehe, let's do it together."

Ava smiled and walked into the bathroom.

Just then, the phone rang. Hardy picked it up.

"Hello, is this Miss Gardner?" The voice of the MGM promotion manager came through.

"This is Hardy."

"Ah, Mr. Hardy, I was just about to call you."

"Me?"

"Yes, you. I have something to report. This afternoon, during Miss Ava's rehearsal, our guest singer Robin showed up, and he..."

The publicity director explained to Hardy everything about the situation.

At that moment, the bathroom door opened slightly. A leg and part of a face peeked out, beckoning Hardy with a finger, full of temptation.

Hardy smiled at her, thinking how considerate she was to refuse another man's invitation so decisively, making him like her even more.

"Got it. I'll handle that," he said, hanging up and heading to the bathroom.

Inside, Ava helped Hardy undress, casually asking, "What was the call about?"

"Nothing important, just something for me."

There was no need to mention trivial matters to her and spoil the mood.

After taking a bath, the two changed clothes and went downstairs to the restaurant to eat.

"How did the rehearsal at the New York Grand Theater go today?" Hardy asked Ava.

"That place is my dream music hall. Countless famous artists, such as Renata Tebaldi, Di Stefano, and Lilli Lehmann, have performed there. I never thought I would be able to perform thereone day. Just thinking about it makes me excited," Ava said.

The two chatted while eating, and Hardy never mentioned anything about Robin.

Back at the hotel, Ava went into the bedroom to put on makeup, while Hardy picked up the phone to call Michael. "Michael, I'm afraid I can't go to the bank with you to sign the papers tomorrow."

"What's wrong? Is something up?" Michael was a bit surprised. They had agreed today to go to the bank tomorrow to sign for a loan.