The Tyrant Billionaire

Victor's talk of French art treasures left Hardy feeling rather pessimistic, almost dismissive. He knew history well: Germany had indeed plundered countless artworks from various countries, reportedly over ten million pieces. Trains were filled with looted treasures, many of which were never recovered.

Even into the 21st century, Nazi treasures continued to be discovered.

Victor's story might be true, but the clues were sparse. Finding a man named Hill seemed like searching for a needle in a haystack, let alone uncovering the hidden treasures in France. Hardy didn't think it was worth the effort.

"Henry, take him out," Hardy said.

Victor knew they didn't believe him and feared he was about to be executed. Terrified, he shouted, "Sir, please, sir, spare me! Miss Elena, please!" MVLeMpYr-chapter

Facing imminent death, Victor pleaded desperately.

Henry and two others grabbed Victor's arms, dragging him out. At that moment, Elena spoke up:

"Hardy, why not let him try?"

Henry paused, looking at Hardy. "You believe him?" Hardy asked.

Elena pursed her lips. "What if there's hope? Why not give it a try?"

Hardy glanced at Elena, smiling. "He swindled your money, and you forgive him so quickly?"

Elena looked at Victor. "I'm still angry. But if he finds the treasures, I might forgive him."

Victor quickly apologized for his previous actions, hoping for another chance.

"Take him to the security company. Your intelligence office will handle the treasure hunt."

Left alone in the office, Elena quietly said to Hardy, "I'm sorry, Hardy. I was a bit willful just now. I just didn't want to see a living person die like that."

Hardy smiled. "It's a small matter. You have a say in how to deal with him since he offended you."

Elena's eyes sparkled with a sweet smile, which Hardy returned.

Irina watched their exchange, feeling a tinge of envy. "So, this is what love feels like," she thought.

Victor was taken to HD Security.

Only then did he realize these people weren't gangsters but security personnel from the famous HD Security.

Miss Elena addressed the young man as Mr. Hardy. Victor knew from the papers that the boss of HD Security was named Hardy.

He dared not entertain any other thoughts.

Security companies don't always follow the law, often being tougher than the mob.

Henry warned Victor, "You can try to escape, but if you're caught, you know what will happen. And what will become of your wife and children."

"Don't worry, I won't run."

Victor had seen their power and influence, able to mobilize gangs in Los Angeles and Miami. He had nowhere to go unless he abandoned Tracy and their unborn child to flee abroad alone.

"Tell me everything you know about DeBrand Hill, and show me every photos you have." Henry said.

Victor quickly produced an empty wallet, extracting a 4 inch black and white photo from a small pocket, showing a man about 50 years old.

He then shared all he knew about DeBrand Hill in great detail, though the clues were still minimal. Finding such a person seemed harder than finding a needle in a haystack.

Victor suggested, "Mr. Henry, I think we need to go to France, Hill's hometown. His relatives there might provide some clues."

Henry agreed, "That's a good lead."

The next day, Henry sent a French speaking team leader from the intelligence office, along with a few subordinates and Victor, to France.

Time flew by, and soon it was January 16, 1947.

The Golden Globe Awards were held at the Hollywood Hilton in Los Angeles, gathering numerous stars. Hardy arrived with Ava, drawing the attention of countless photographers.

Ava looked stunning, her hair up to reveal a long neck, wearing a fitting evening gown that highlighted her perfect figure.

Photographers eagerly captured the moment, knowing film was expensive.

Entering the hotel lobby, Hardy and Ava mingled with many movie industry elites and stars.

Whispers spread,

"Miss Ava is even more beautiful than on screen, her figure is perfect," a male star admired.

"I bet she's the most beautiful woman tonight," another added.

Many men were smitten with Ava, but seeing the man beside her, they didn't dare make a move. The boss of HD Security and HD Films was untouchable.

Everyone knew Ava was Mr. Hardy's private treasure.

HD Films Edward, Eastwood, and Director Nolan gathered around their boss.

Hardy greeted many familiar faces,

MGM's Mayer, Warner Brothers, Disney, and Universal Pictures' bosses were all present, greeting Hardy.

Numerous stars also greeted Hardy.

Hardy and Ava mingled with everyone, Hardy is now a Hollywood industry giant.

This was only the fourth Golden Globe Awards, far less grand than in later years, without TV broadcasts, more like a gathering of movie industry people.

The awards ceremony began.

Best Actor, Eastwood was nominated but the award went to Gregory Peck.

Best Actress, Ava wasn't even nominated, as "The Wild Bunch" was a men's film. Despite her excellent performance, her role was too small.

Hardy patted Ava's hand, whispering, "Do well in the new movie 'Once a Thief' this year. You might win Best Actress next year."

Ava nodded vigorously.

The smaller awards followed.

Best Screenplay, "The Wild Bunch" was nominated. When the presenter read the winner, he looked at Hardy and smiled.

"Congratulations to Jon Hardy for 'The Wild Bunch' winning Best Screenplay."

Applause filled the room.

Hardy smiled as he took the stage and gave a simple speech.

Thunderous applause followed.

Next was Best Original Song.

Ava won without surprise, joyfully accepting the award.

After more small awards, it was time for the main event, Best Picture. This year's nominees were "Golden Age," "Deer Park Forever," "It's a Wonderful Life," and "The Wild Bunch".

"Golden Age" and "Deer Park Forever" were MGM films, while "It's a Wonderful Life" was from Universal.

Before the announcement, Mayer glanced at Hardy, smiling and nodding. Hardy understood immediately.

"This year's Best Picture Golden Globe Award goes to 'The Wild Bunch.' Congratulations, Mr. Hardy."

Hardy stood up, smiling, realizing Mayer was quite accommodating. This was a significant recognition for HD Films, likely to dominate the headlines and solidify HD Films status in Hollywood.

After the awards ceremony ended,

The ensuing reception was even livelier, with people toasting and networking, hoping to make connections.

Ava stayed by Hardy's side, envied by many actresses who wished for a protector like Hardy, willing to give anything for such support. Ava was indeed lucky.

Back home that night,

Hardy, slightly drunk, was pampered by Ava, who attended to his every need without him lifting a finger.

The next morning, Hardy woke around 10 a.m., Ava having prepared breakfast. Hardy read the newspaper while eating, which covered the Golden Globes' highlights.

"HD Films wins big, taking home Best Picture at the Golden Globes."

" 'The Wild Bunch' deservedly to win."

"HD Films, now among Hollywood's top ten film companies."

Just then, The phone rang in the living room. Ava answered, then told Hardy, "It's Henry."