The Tyrant Billionaire

Hearing this, Hepburn finally opened her eyes. Hardy handed her a glass of wine. The two leaned against opposite sides of the bed, Hardy reclining while Hepburn sat on her knees, They drank and chatted.

"Mr. Hardy, do you always rehearse scenes with actresses like this?" Hepburn asked after taking a sip.

"No, this is only the second time," Hardy replied.

"I'm curious about the first time."

"The first time was with Taylor. During the filming ofThe Professional, she was previously a pampered young lady. Later, under my guidance, she transformed into the character Matilda in the film."

There was, in fact, another instance.

With Monroe.

They had rehearsed on a yacht and even had a deeper "exchange," but that wasn't something he planned to tell Hepburn.

Hepburn nodded in understanding.

"I read reviews saying that Taylor's performance in that role was shocking. So it turns out, it's all thanks to you, Mr. Hardy."

They continued discussing details ofRoman Holiday. As they talked, Hepburn began to feel drowsy, and eventually, she dozed off, leaning against the headboard.

When she opened her eyes again, it was morning.

And Hardy was sleeping in the bed next to hers.

Hepburn was surprised at how soundly she had slept. She had thought she'd feel uneasy, but she had slept so peacefully.

Hardy opened his eyes just as Hepburn was looking at him.

"Awake?" he asked.
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Hepburn instantly felt embarrassed.

"Yes, Mr. Hardy."

They washed up and went to the rooftop, overlooking the city of Rome in the morning light.

"What are we rehearsing next?" Hepburn asked.

"The farewell scene," Hardy replied.

"Perfect! Saying goodbye to Jon is one of the movie's climactic moments," Hepburn said enthusiastically.

"We'll rehearse again today. Tonight, I'll fly back to the U.S. for some important matters. As for you, I've arranged for the director and crew to join you here. You'll begin initial work with them." Hardy explained.

Hepburn froze.

So the farewell Hardy mentioned wasn't just in the movie—he would be leaving, too.

In the room, Anne the Princess gazed at Jon.

Her eyes were filled with tender reluctance.

In just two short days, the Princess had developed feelings for this man.

But she had no choice but to leave.

Hardy guided Hepburn through the scene. As she absorbed his words, her gaze slowly transformed, reflecting reluctance and sorrow as she looked at Hardy.

Over the past two days, this pure-hearted girl had also been stirred by the man before her. Her emotions subtly seeped into her performance, making her gaze all the more authentic.

The two expressed their reluctance, and embraced each other.

"I have to go," Hepburn said, her voice trembling.

"Goodbye, Princess," Hardy whispered after a long pause.

Their eyes met.

Their lips brushed together.

Hepburn's lips were soft and carried a faintly sweet fragrance.

Her kissing skills were unpracticed, and she seemed startled. But Hardy captured her hesitance and eventually, she surrendered.

After a long while, they separated, Hepburn breathing lightly.

Her gaze toward Hardy had changed even more.

"When I act with male leads, do I need to kiss them like this too?" Hepburn asked.

"No. Only I can kiss you like this."

And then Hardy kissed her again.

"Mmmm"

The two wandered the city streets, no longer visiting famous landmarks but strolling through the urban areas. By now, their hands were intertwined—they already resembled a couple.

While riding the motorcycle, Hepburn wrapped her arms around Hardy's waist, her face resting directly against his back.

Hardy taught Hepburn how to ride the motorcycle. Amid her squeals, the motorcycle collided with a fruit stand, spilling apples and oranges everywhere. Thankfully, no one was hurt.

On the street, a violinist played Johann Pachelbel'sCanon in D, a piece Hepburn identified for Hardy.

After listening, Hepburn applauded and gave the musician two dollars.

Just like that, they spent the entire day together without doing much of anything.

That evening, Hardy arrived at the airport by car.

In the car, Hepburn said a reluctant goodbye to Hardy. This time, their kiss was even more passionate. When Hardy stepped out of the car, Hepburn watched him through the rolled-down window.

In just two short days.

She felt as though she had fallen in love. This was her first time experiencing love in her life, and the feeling was so magical.

After the plane took off, the bodyguard finally escorted Hepburn back.

Hardy returned to the United States because Henry had sent word that significant findings had been made. Furthermore, in recent times, the investigation committee had begun operations in Hollywood, preparing to scrutinize its actors and companies.

Among the first batch of individuals under scrutiny was Hedy Lamarr.

Hedy Lamarr wasn't an American citizen. She had not obtained U.S. citizenship and had no intention of changing her nationality, much like Charlie Chaplin, who remained a British citizen.

Her first husband had Nazi affiliations.

The investigation committee now suspected her of being a spy. She was on their priority list for investigation.

Upon returning to Los Angeles, the first thing Hardy did was meet with Henry.

"How's the investigation going?" Hardy asked.

"There's quite a bit. It's all in the archive room—recordings, documents, call logs, and video material," Henry replied.

"Let's go take a look."

Hardy wasted no time.

In the Archive Room

Hardy examined the materials in his hands. There were more than a dozen dossiers prepared by McCarthy's investigation team targeting individuals and organizations.

The list included entities and individuals alike.

Entities such as the U.S. State Department, Department of Defense, defense contractors, Voice of America, the U.S. Government Printing Office, major corporations, Hollywood film companies, the three major television networks, and several newspapers were among them.

Individuals included senators, senior federal officials, diplomats, university professors, labor union leaders, writers, newspaper editors, actors, and even journalists. The total exceeded 600 people.

Hardy then asked Henry to play the recordings.

From the speaker came McCarthy's smug voice:

"Investigate them. I want them to feel fear, to tremble. Just hearing my name should make these companies and celebrities shudder."

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