Steve Parks adjusted his wool vest, sav the cold air brushing against his face. He was a man who cherished and embraced the chill, though it ity he worked in California. Taking advantage of his travel expenses, he visited a woman he sidered a rare beauty—an author crafted to be loved. He had met her one day when she wasn’t wearing a bra, and he had been captivated ever since.

  –Good afternoon, Johanna, as beautiful as ever.– Steve said, kissing her knuckles and lingering slightly. As always, Steve Parks wore a hat to disguise his bald head. His sideburns were streaked with gray, teetering on the edge of youth as he had just turned forty.

  –Mr. Parks.–

  –I’m sorry to bother you, but could you joihere’s a matter of utmost importance we o discuss.– Steve said, holding her haly.

  –Do be careful, Mr. Parks.– Johanna murmured, a touxious.

  Throughout dinner, Steve never broached the topic of business. Instead, he asked about her life, her favorite books, and how her work rogressing. His questions were personal yet delivered so politely that she couldn’t help but answer didly. Steve Parks was the epitome of charm and de.

  When they had finished dining, both were sipping wine, and Steve began to share some good news, albeit in a roundabout way. First, he reassured her that her grant would remain intatil 1998, long enough to publish the first volume of Harry Potter. The sed volume was nearly ready, but more time was needed before its release.

  –That’s wonderful news.– Johanna Rowling remarked.

  –Good news always es like pearls of joy. Sales statistics show you’ve sold 25,000 copies, which is an exceptional achievement for a debut writer. At Tor Books, as a non-profit initiative, we hope those numbers tio grow, encing more people to cultivate reading habits.– Steve Parks expihough he found her delightful, his demeanor retaihe calcuted uones of a seasoned iator. He knew how to ftter, draw people in, and strike a deal—uanding the true value of something ofte leaving its price deliberately vague, shaped by factors like friendship, opportunity, and eveion.

  –It’s fantastic that you focus on supp writers.– Johanna said.

  –We do what we , but there have been some challenges.– Steve admitted.

  She frowned, puzzled as to roblems a rge pany like Tor Books could face.

  –What could g?– she asked, her curiosity piqued.

  –Well, it’s always about mohey want mhts, but as a non-profit anization, giving more would harm the schorship initiative. Writers tend to move on to other panies ohey’ve tasted success. To make the program sustainable, we’ve extehe recovery period to fifteen years. Right now, we’re supp 20 schlobally, to reach at least 100.– Steve replied.

  –A noble goal... but your owner, Billy Carson, is said to be quite wealthy.–

  –Beihy doesn’t mean having excess. He’s rich because he knows how to create wealth—something not many cim.– Steve tered.

  Steve’s aim was clear: to secure long-term rights for everything from royalties to merdising, ensuring decades of profit for the pany.

  –But let’s not dwell on that for now. Let’s enjoy the day.– Steve cluded with his characteristic charm.

  ***

  Tor Books specializes in publishing sce fi and fantasy. The cuses of their agreements were well-received by many promi writers, including Terry Brooks, Neil Gaiman, and Ursu K. Le Guin, all of whom supported the ambitious project.

  Rachel had been in talks with Ursu K. Le Guin for weeks, aiming t The Earthsea Cybsp;to life through animation. They discussed every detail meticulously, with Ursu having final approval. Billy, along with other enthusiasts, drafted a spy, but the author would have the st word.

  Sis iion in 1969, the Earthsea saga has grown, with subsequent novels released in 1971, 1972, and 1990. Ursu was now overseeing its adaptation, involving a major iment in animation. Lux Toons, the chosen studio, had established a new headquarters in Atnta, being from tax iives and pleting its stru in record time. A dedicated team of 19 animators along the East Coast was already hard at work.

  –Good m, Ms. Ursu. It’s an honor to meet a writer of your caliber.– Rachel greeted her enthusiastically. She had read many of Ursu’s books, marveling at their exploration of magic, personal growth, and gender perspectives. Though she had set them aside years ago, this project had rekindled her admiration.

  –Dear,– Ursu replied warmly, exuding simplicity and grace.

  –It’s true. Now that we’re here, let’s go over the tract agreements.– Rachel said, beaming. She loved the thrill of traveling, iating, and witnessing the birth of great ematic works. Even pying a small part in the process brought her immense joy.

  –Oh, my dear, let’s have some coffee first and talk about the tract ter.– Ursu suggested.

  The agreement granted exclusive rights to Lux Animation for Ursu’s series. Beyohsea, she also created Orsinia in 1959 and numerous other works up to the 1964 release of The Left Hand of Darkness, part of the Hainish Cycle.

  –I spoke with Billy over the phone. He assured me I would have plete freedom before produ began. We’ll refihe scripts for the trilogy, following my characters’ journeys. It’s a massive iment. I’m curious, though—who is Billy Carson?– Ursu asked.

  Rachel sipped her coffee thoughtfully. The question stirred a mix of admiration and wistfulness for her boss—a brilliant man with a pent for dating models. Though she harbored a distant crush, she knew him best as an astute and visionary leader.