The stock kept rising, and everything else became history. That was Raimon's thought as he watched that thin little line in the center of the screen: 58 dollars at the opening, closing at around 75. It was a fortune, one that instantly validated them as a reference company in the world of investments. His phone was about to explode when Lehman Brothers released a brief document valuing Autodesk at 300 dollars per share. That valuation made the idea of selling the company far more tangible for Billy. He could buy whatever he wanted and turn the future into something logical; the company was taking shape.
His phone rang again—purchase offers. He hung up. He would wait for the price to rise tomorrow and sell part at 100, another portion at 150, and stop selling the rest at 200, leaving Billy with the 15% he had promised. The rest mattered little to Billy now that his focus had shifted to his journey into the desert for that new film.
He would answer later, after a cooperative session of Baldur's Gate, he thought. Turning on the computer, he devoted his entire morning, afternoon, and night to it, eventually falling asleep as the stock prices climbed higher and higher, without a fixed ceiling, losing track of his task entirely.
Autodesk was a small software war that Microsoft watched from afar, and Bill Gates wanted to buy it at any price. That was why others also set their sights on the cake now that it had come into the open, especially since Photoshop was part of it in equal portions.
Raimon slept while a head-to-toe struggle took shape over who would stand at the center of the universe. Who would dare to say something bold, when Raimon was the one responsible for saying yes or no. But the games being made by id Software were simply too good, and his concentration faltered—quality itself was to blame.
A project now brought into the light, as many began to see that this might be Billy's most profitable company, with annual sales of five to ten million copies per game, having conquered the American, European, and Asian markets through the pull of major titles, at least in the largest cities.
Billy eventually boarded his plane. His first destination was Los Angeles, and he was determined to be part of that screening. He wore a black suit with a black shirt and tie, and handcrafted sunglasses.
-—I hope you enjoy the cinema, because the role you're about to see in a few minutes is simply extraordinary.— Billy said dramatically, striking a kung fu gesture, making it clear that he was a master of the method. Neo was, for him, a simple incarnation—but a successful one, full of life.
At his side stood a seductive, young Carrie-Anne Moss. Though everything seemed settled, something between the two of them sparked, like two fireflies waiting to clash.
The Wachowski siblings were among the members constantly surrounded by commentary.
-—Do you think this is the second sunset of Titanic?— asked a reporter who until then had stuck strictly to scripted questions. A rule: always bring your own reporters, no matter where you go—they'll cover a narrative you've already written.
-—As a science-fiction film, we're witnessing the rebirth of the genre. As for the box office, I don't know much about that, but I sincerely hope this movie leaves a mark on everyone.— Billy replied with a smile.
-—And if it fails?— the microphone was extended, this time from NBC, members tied to Universal—perhaps a subtle tripwire.
-—We won't fail. That's not in play for this film.— Billy replied. The lights flared, cameras pushed in harder. The movie featured actors who were quiet figures—some known only within specialist circles, others recognized for having a few solid films that broke the general rule.
-—So you're confirming that.— the man pressed.
-—What's your name?— Billy asked.
-—Bets.— Billy asked again.
-—What are you saying?— the man stammered.
-—Simple. All-or-nothing bets. You seem very sure of my loss, and I'm very sure of my victory. You're skeptical of my success, and I think you're just posturing. That makes me wonder—are you willing to bet? How about one year of your salary for you, and ten million dollars for me. What do you say, kid?— Billy said, grabbing the journalist's arm.
The man was left speechless, staring into Billy's eyes, which seemed ready to devour him.
Billy released him, and the man backed away. That was how things were lived. Not far away, Billy laughed and thought about going after him, but it hardly mattered. Absolute confidence—the way he bet, the way he moved through life.
-—Looks like he doesn't want to bet.— Billy said aloud, continuing with the interviews now coming from every direction. He felt Carrie step up beside him, wearing a navy-blue dress.
Billy's hand rested at the small of Carrie-Anne's back. She trembled, a shiver running through her that made her imagine being pulled close right there under the glare of the cameras.
-—We're good partners, and the gothic tone suits us well.— Billy said, adding that he was more than happy to be part of the series.
…
It all felt like a dream, but it was a Lux Animation premiere. Big stars arrived alongside major producers. They were everything Hollywood needed to feed itself—directors with projects—and among them arrived Jim Gianopulos, giving an approving nod. A new cycle of projects was beginning, this time open to all those bold young people eager to take on the world.
-—Leave the projects with me; I'll look at them tonight.— Billy said, eager to see what was on the table. Many were stories he already knew, but he aimed to make three to four films a year from these unknown names, with low budgets or ideas rooted in the life of the 1990s—the beauty of cinema.
...