Chapter 212: Fame and the Right Script
"The Rockets will never be relocated—they will always belong to Houston," Aaron said firmly.
"And not only that. I plan to build a brand-new, multifunctional arena specifically for the Rockets. The Compaq Center is outdated, and its seating capacity is far too limited. It simply can't support the team's future rise."
Aaron spoke with absolute confidence as he faced Charlie Thomas.
Charlie Thomas froze for a moment.
"You want to build a new arena?"
"I'm afraid the Houston city government won't be able to provide funding on that scale."
Aaron smiled calmly.
"If we wait for government funding, we'd be lobbying for years. I don't have that kind of time."
"My plan is simple—I'll finance it myself and build a modern indoor arena for the Rockets here in Houston."
"You'll pay for it yourself?"
Charlie Thomas was genuinely stunned. Building a state-of-the-art arena would cost even more than the team itself.
"Yes," Aaron nodded.
"That's precisely why selling the Rockets to me is the best choice."
"That Wall Street stockbroker—Leslie Alexander—would be lucky if he could scrape together enough money just to buy the team."
"I'm different. I can complete the deal in cash, immediately."
There was no denying it—Aaron Anderson's advantage was overwhelming.
He had money, influence, and status.
As a Hollywood powerhouse, Aaron Anderson was a high-profile figure. His entry into the NBA was something Commissioner David Stern and the other owners would gladly welcome.
Aaron's presence alone would strengthen the connection between the NBA and Hollywood, bringing publicity and cultural influence that money alone couldn't buy.
---
That night, Aaron lay with Christiana Reali in the hotel bathtub, his arm around her.
"Let's go straight to New York," he said lazily.
"Charlie Thomas won't reject my offer."
Eighty-five million dollars in cash—plus a brand-new arena.
There was no reason for refusal.
"Sounds good," Christiana replied, her cheeks flushed as she rested against his chest.
"But I'll need to return to Los Angeles soon. I still have scenes to shoot for Pulp Fiction."
"You can head back anytime," Aaron said with a smile, his hand gliding over her body.
---
One week later, at the NBA headquarters in Manhattan, Aaron officially signed the acquisition agreement with Charlie Thomas.
The deal was finalized at 85 million dollars, securing full ownership of the Houston Rockets.
As for Leslie Alexander—he simply didn't have the financial firepower to compete.
---
New York – Long Island – East Hampton
At his luxury estate, Aaron met with the Rockets' current general manager Ray Patterson and head coach Rudy Tomjanovich.
"Mr. Thomas's contributions to the Rockets will never be forgotten," Aaron said calmly.
"But I intend to carry on his vision—and take this team to the very top of the NBA."
"We have a superstar in Hakeem Olajuwon. The roster is strong. This team has everything it needs to win a championship."
"My goal is clear—the NBA title."
"And I have the resources to support you in achieving it."
Both Ray Patterson and Rudy Tomjanovich were well aware of who Aaron Anderson was. Charlie Thomas had already briefed them thoroughly before the sale.
"A championship… the Rockets truly do have the talent," Ray Patterson said thoughtfully.
"Perhaps what we've lacked all along is just a bit of luck."
Aaron smiled lightly.
"Ray, I'm sure you've already heard about my plan to build a new arena. Lobbying the Houston Sports Authority would be nothing but a waste of time for me."
"So I've decided to fund it myself. We'll build a brand-new, state-of-the-art multifunctional arena in Houston. I want you to speak with the city government—find a location with convenient transportation and ample parking."
In his previous life, the Toyota Center's location hadn't been ideal, with no subway access. That arena had been built by the city government, prioritizing urban planning over fan convenience.
This time, things were different.
Aaron was paying for it himself—there was no need to shoulder the burden of "helping city development."
As soon as he finished speaking, not only did Rudy Tomjanovich look stunned, even Ray Patterson froze for a moment.
"Aaron… is that really true?"
As general manager, Ray knew better than anyone how transformative a dedicated arena could be for a franchise. But building one required an enormous investment—usually something only city governments would undertake.
Yet here was the new owner, Aaron Anderson, prepared to spend a fortune out of his own pocket.
"Of course it's true," Aaron replied calmly.
"I want this new arena to become a landmark of Houston—something tourists come to see."
"I want the Houston Rockets to be the city's signature team, surpassing the NFL's Houston Oilers and even the MLB's Houston Astros."
Aaron knew the hierarchy well.
In the U.S., the NFL and MLB dominated the sports market, with the NBA only slightly ahead of the NHL in overall viewership.
Ray Patterson might have been older, but after spending so many years with the Rockets, his ambition was far from gone.
"If that's really possible," Ray said earnestly, "then the Houston city government will definitely support us. A modern multifunctional arena would be a massive boost to the local economy."
"And the Rockets will absolutely lift the championship trophy in the future."
On that point, Ray had no doubt.
The NBA Draft was scheduled for later that month in Auburn Hills, Michigan, though the Rockets had already traded away their first-round pick. For now, Aaron instructed Ray Patterson and Rudy Tomjanovich to reinforce the roster according to championship standards.
---
Meanwhile, Interview with the Vampire, jointly produced by Dawnlight Pictures and Geffen Pictures, held its production launch event in New York.
The crew would begin filming in Louisiana before moving on to London, Paris, and other European locations.
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Manhattan – Upper East Side – The Mark Hotel
Lying on the bed, Aaron let out a slow breath and withdrew his hand from Monica Bellucci's hair.
Moments later, Monica climbed onto his chest, licking her lips slightly.
"The budget for Interview with the Vampire is enormous."
Her previous film, Bram Stoker's Dracula, had cost around forty million dollars to make.
This time, another vampire story—but with a sixty-million-dollar budget.
Aaron chuckled.
"Getting Tom Cruise to star in a film is never cheap."
"By the way, most of your scenes are in Europe, right?"
Monica nodded.
"Yes—mainly the Paris set."
In Interview with the Vampire, Monica Bellucci only played a supporting role, with limited screen time. The bulk of the focus belonged to the young actress Kirsten Dunst.
"Wait until Philadelphia is released," Aaron said, his hand resting possessively against her curves.
"You need recognition in Hollywood."
"Once you have fame," he added softly,
"the scripts will come."