February 18.

  If we talk about the pahat have experiehe most growth, ID Software is the standout, the quintessential Ameri video game pany. This is something Billy isn't fully aware of, as he only sends in a few manuscripts from time to time with ideas fames he finds iing or relevant.

  But let's not dwell too mu that. Let's expin why it’s number one in Ameri the gaming industry. It’s a pany that belongs to the parent pany, Lux Games, and ands a legion of subsidiaries: ID Software Texas, ID Software Atnta, and soon ID Software UK, along with Raven Software, Paralx Software, Blizzard Eai, and Epic Games. Last year, in 1995, they ied 65 million in expansion and recouped that amount, along with an additional 298 million in revenue—a staggering figure for the pany. As they tio grow, they acquired Eleic Arts and increased their iment in Microsoft Games.

  Billy has submitted designs fames like Forza Horizon, Tomb Raider, Resident Evil, Tony Hawk, Silent Hill, and Halo developed by ID Software, in colboration with Raven Software and Paralx Software. These teams are also behind their projects such as The Elder Scrolls and Baldur’s Gate. Meanwhile, ID Software hahe Dungeons & Dragons and Warhammer series alongside Blizzard, which has seen huge success with Warcraft.

  RPG Ptforms, oher hand, with the Pokémon franchise, have geed the rgest cult following i years. Its straightforward RPG games and fresh ideas have thrived where others have failed. The series’ success shows no signs of slowing, so much so that rge panies are eager to cim a piece of the pie.

  -I think the best move is to buy Eleic Arts and hold off on more acquisitions for a while. But this pany is incredibly attractive and has great ideas. I spoke with Billy, and out of all of them, this is the one he's most ied in. With ame creator and Paralx’s input to enhance ideas, taking over this industry is a great value add. And once we have our video game sole, it'll be simply amazing. I already see the dolrs p in. I’m a fan; Forza Horizon is a masterpiece I would py all day if I could,- ented Raimon.

  -Well, let’s do it. The numbers are still green in many areas, but for now, I think the best idea is to keep growing. I retly looked into Marvel... Billy may want Marvel under his belt. Assess the risk margin and hoould hahe corporate structure—whether it’s better te or ma separately like Lux Animation, simir to what we did with Discovery,- asked Anne.

  -Wow, Marvel! – Raimon excimed, asto what Anne had just revealed.

  -Just as you heard. But it’s best to keep it quiet... I have a feeling Billy’s acquisitions in the wo years will be aggressive,- Anne added, havily reviewed the pany’s overall status. She uood it was time to appoint administrators for differeors, such as id toys, and even Lux Produs. The tentacles of this pany keep growing.

  Marvel, at that point, was on its st leg. After seven years of poor ma, it didn’t seem appealing to many Hollywood panies. Even Fox only wanted lises and wasn’t willing to pay more than a t for the pany.

  ***

  -You know, I think starting a natural anic fruit pany could be a good move,- Billy eo Monica as they teo the pnts in the Beverly Hills mansion. Monica made a face, clearly unhappy with the idea.

  -Not everything has to be business, my love. It bothers me that you don’t stop to enjoy the beauty around you. Sometimes, we should do things just for the joy of it, with no other iion than being happy—just the two of us together. That’s all we need,- said Monica, wearing a simple white shirt, gardening gloves, and boots, her overalls looking as charming as ever.

  -I still do that… I ’t help it. Sometimes, it’s like a driving force, an idea I just have to follow. Every step I take is to pursue my is, and it doesn’t take much time for me,- Billy replied. More than anyone, he uood that the path to success was just oep away—so delicate and simple, almost like taking a small leap. What once seemed impossible now felt attainable. Just having the ability to trol the series and hem was almost irreverent.

  -It seems the produ of Alien is going to take a little longer. We’ll finish in March. We’ve been w on it for two months, but the produ will take awo, and Jim Wait has arra so that I’ll be involved irial se, which is where I’m focused. I don’t have many ses,- said Monica.

  Taking a seat in the shade, the warmth of the m was one of the few times they could enjoy together. Lately, a film had caught Billy’s attention more than any other for Monica, Anada. Without hesitation, it would be the first project he would i in for the year, even if it meaending her schedule. It was his way of supp Monid doubling her ag profile, perhaps even casting her in a movie that would gee some solid revenue.

  Produ was already underway, and they po start filming in May. With Monica’s current schedule of supp roles, there was er way for both of them to stay involved. His itment to her was to make her the star.

  -I don’t have to go to the studio today. I e with you,- Billy said as he leaned in to kiss her lips. They were cool, the kiss seductive; she had a way of melting people.

  -But only if you promise to take me to that Italiaaurahe bookstore,- Monica replied, drawing close to Billy, peppering his face with kisses and promises.

  She did so with her eyes closed.

  -Oh, I think I’ll start colleg my favors now. Maybe I’ll do the opposite and pay to have you by my side always,- Billy whispered to her, but when she opened her eyes, Billy was no longer beside her.

  ...