The Tyrant Billionaire

The transformation made her appear more vibrant and dynamic.

Hardy appeared behind her and asked with a smile, "How do you feel?"

Hepburn, still in awe, said, "I feel...like my mood is so much lighter. I never imagined that a haircut could change how I feel."

"Of course it can. In fact, everything can influence your mood," Hardy said.

After paying the barber, Hardy took Hepburn's hand and led her out of the shop.

Startled by the sudden hand-holding, Hepburn froze briefly, but she didn't pull away, allowing Hardy to guide her. Fortunately, once they left the shop, Hardy let go of her hand.

They walked through a long corridor and arrived at the Spanish Steps near the Trinità dei Monti church. Hardy bought two ice creams from a vendor and handed one to Hepburn, who accepted it happily.

The steps were dotted with tourists lounging, chatting, and taking in the afternoon sun. Hardy and Hepburn found a spot to sit. The warm sunlight, the relaxed atmosphere, and the sweetness of the ice cream brought Hepburn an extraordinary sense of peace.

"I have a story about Rome. Would you like to hear it?" Hardy asked, looking at Hepburn.

"Of course," she replied enthusiastically.

"This story is about a princess named Ann. She travels to many countries as part of her royal duties, but during her visit to Rome, she discovers love."

At first, Hepburn thought it was just a simple tale. But as Hardy continued, she became captivated, fully immersed in the story of the princess and a journalist's fleeting love affair.

Ann was a princess from a European country.

He was a reporter for theAmerican Globestationed in Rome.

Ann was on a goodwill tour across Europe, with Rome as her final stop, where she was greeted by throngs of people.

After receiving a sedative from her doctor, Ann sneaked out of her royal residence. The sedative eventually kicked in, and she dozed off on a bench near a fountain.

Jon, a reporter from theAmerican Globe, happened upon her. Mistaking her for a young woman who had overindulged at a party, he rented a taxi to take her home. However, the princess was in such a deep sleep that he couldn't wake her. Left with no choice, Jon took her back to his apartment.

The story unfolded from there.

As the two spent time together, feelings blossomed between them. But ultimately, the princess had to return to her regal duties, resuming her role as the dignified royal the world knew.

Hepburn was completely engrossed.

When Hardy reached the story's bittersweet ending, where the two lovers had to part ways, Hepburn's face reflected sadness for the characters, sorrowful that their love couldn't triumph over their circumstances.

Hardy looked at her and asked, "Do you know why I brought you to Rome?"

Hepburn shook her head.

But midway through shaking her head, she stopped, her expression turning to one of astonishment. Looking at Hardy, she asked, "Mr. Hardy, are you saying...you want me to play the lead in this film?"

Hepburn was simple, but she was also clever.

Hardy nodded with a smile.

"That's right. I want you to play Princess Ann. I wrote the screenplay myself, and you're the lead actress I've handpicked. I've already sketched out the film's framework in my mind. Bringing you out here was about walking you through the story's scenes."

Hepburn's expression turned to one of realization.

No wonder Mr. Hardy had taken time to accompany a supporting actress like her around Rome.

It was all to recreate the movie's story.

At this moment, Hepburn was overcome with emotion. She was finally going to be a leading actress—a dream she'd held onto for so long. Excitedly, she looked at Hardy and said, "Mr. Hardy, the wish I made at the fountain is coming true!"

Hardy laughed heartily.

What a charming young woman.

"So, what do we do next?" Hepburn asked.

"It's simple. For the next few days, you'll be Princess Ann, and I'll be journalist Jon. Together, we'll go through the story and recreate the scenes from the movie," Hardy explained.

Hepburn nodded.

Suddenly, she remembered something and turned to Hardy. "Mr. Hardy, is the American journalist in the story also named Jon?"

"That's correct."

"Did you name him after yourself?" she asked with wide, curious eyes.

"You could say that," Hardy replied.

Hepburn blinked her big eyes and asked, "Can I ask you two questions?"

Two at once.

"Go ahead," Hardy said, intrigued.

"In theBarbiedolls, there are five princesses but only one prince. That prince is named Prince Jon. Does he represent you?" she asked, her tone playful yet curious.

Hardy chuckled. "That's right."

"And in theUltramanseries, the first Ultraman is called Hardy Ultraman. Is that you as well?"

They laughed together as they strolled through the streets.

Hepburn was drawn to a flower stall filled with vibrant blooms.

Hardy intended to buy her a bouquet, but when he asked the price, a problem arose—the stall owner didn't speak English. Hardy and the owner gestured and spoke at cross-purposes, causing Hepburn to double over with laughter.

Finally, Hepburn stepped in, speaking in Italian with the owner. Taking the money from Hardy, she handled the payment, successfully ending their comical flower-buying ordeal.

"You speak Italian?" Hardy asked.

With a proud smile, Hepburn began counting on her fingers. "I can speak Dutch, English, French, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese."

Impressive.

An academic prodigy.

Although Hardy had a sharp mind, he could only speak English. His knowledge of other languages mainly revolved around cursing in Spanish and Portuguese and a few pick-up lines in French.

For the rest of the outing, Hepburn became their translator.

They wandered until evening, stopping at a roadside restaurant for dinner. Enjoying the city's night view while dining, the experience was utterly delightful.

As the evening grew colder, Hardy led Hepburn into a clothing store and bought her a cashmere coat for over $300—a price that made Hepburn's jaw drop.

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