116-120

Chapter 116: I Want Them All

By evening, Milo and his grandfather, old Mr. Blackburn, returned to the Blackburn estate in Plymouth.

“Neil Rudenstine told me something interesting,” Grandpa Blackburn said casually as though recounting a joke.

Inside the Cadillac in the middle of the convoy, Blackburn Senior explained, “He said that over in Boston, there’s a group of people laying a trap, waiting to feast on a buffet that’s just sailed across the ocean and delivered itself right to their doorstep.”

“Huh?” Milo was intrigued.

“Haha, the power struggle in that country across the ocean has ended. The losers want to flee, but they’re weighed down by enormous wealth. There’s no place big enough to hold it all except for the United States or Europe.”

“One of them has been buying up property in Boston over the past two or three years—can you imagine? The guy purchased two entire streets. Two streets!”

“Plenty of people here have been eyeing them for a while now. But back when they hadn’t yet fled their country, they still held some influence back home.”

“Now, many of them have lost. The losers want to escape their homelands and have chosen places like Boston as their Eden... Hahaha, Eden... That’s rich…”

“And it’s not just the group in Boston. Reportedly, there are a dozen families like them. Most are heading to America, and some even to Manhattan, where they’ve bought entire streets—Manhattan streets, mind you! Others are heading to places like London or Paris.”

“A country with over a billion people might look poor, but these rich folks are insanely rich.”

“But they’re naïve—nowhere near as capable as their fathers. They think they can leave the wilderness of wolves, go to the pride of lions, and still be safe?”

“No, they’ll just end up as juicy wolf meat!”

Listening to his grandfather’s ramblings, Milo pieced together the story.

In essence, a group of power players overseas lost a political struggle. They’re bringing their amassed fortunes and fleeing to countries like the U.S. and parts of Europe, hoping to continue living like royalty.

What they don’t realize is that predators are already circling.

Back home, pirates and bandits couldn’t touch them.

But once they leave…

Well, their fate will no longer be theirs to decide.

One of these groups chose to invest in Boston a few years ago.

Locals in Boston began currying favor with them as far back as then, hoping the family would move over more of their assets.

Once enough was transferred, the wolves would pounce.

The Blackburn family was in on it too, ready to take their share of the spoils.

Milo shook his head and smiled. “It shows Washington’s PR is working well. At least people now think we’re the shining beacon of the world.”

“It’s a great time to be alive,” Grandpa Blackburn chuckled. “Too bad I’m old. The future belongs to you.”

Milo shrugged, smiling, and said nothing more.

This trip to Massachusetts had a clear goal: to activate the skill *"Grandpa, I want that company."*

Grandpa had already agreed to help him wrest control of U.S. News & World Report from Mortimer Zuckerman.

After spending the afternoon with Ariana and having dinner with Grandpa that evening, Milo didn’t stay overnight in Plymouth but left for New York.

---

March 21, Queens, New York.

At 4 Blumen Plaza, Disney’s New York office, Milo was accompanied by Robert Iger, a senior executive in Disney’s TV division.

“That boy’s name is Justin Timberlake,” Robert introduced. “He’s energetic, and he can sing well. The boy he’s close with, Scott, might not sing as well, but he’s the better dancer.”

Through the one-way glass of a training room, Robert pointed out the children of the latest iteration of the Mickey Mouse Club.

The oldest were no older than 18; the youngest, around 13.

“Most of these kids are amazing,” Robert sighed, “but they’re all yours now if you want them.”

Milo hid a smile. Disney’s CEO Michael Eisner had finally decided to shut down the club after two years of losses. It was offered to Milo as part of their collaboration on The Da Vinci Code.  

Milo’s real reason for visiting? Talent scouting.

---

By the time Milo finished interviewing the likes of Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Justin Timberlake, he grinned slyly.

“Robert,” he said with finality, “I want them all.”

(Chapter End)

Chapter 117: The New York World

“Today’s results are quite impressive,” Milo said with a touch of satisfaction as he stepped out of the building and into the car.

“Impressive results?” Monica, following closely behind, asked casually.

“Absolutely. I have a feeling, Monica—Britney, Christina, and that boy band—they're all going to become wildly pursued pop idols,” Milo said cheerfully.

It won’t take long, two years at most, Milo thought to himself. By then, Disney will regret today’s decision.

He could already imagine Michael Eisner’s expression at that moment. After all, those would-be stars were like money trees.

Seeing the confident look on Milo’s face, Monica almost wanted to ask: How do you know they’ll succeed?

Pop idols...

Becoming a singer is one thing, but becoming a beloved idol isn’t so easy.

Still, she thought about it—ever since she’d known Milo, everything he’d wanted to do or predicted had always succeeded.

If he was saying this now...

Monica instinctively started to believe that perhaps those boys and girls had some hidden talent or potential she couldn’t see, but Milo had. That’s why he was choosing to sign them ahead of time.

---

### Evening, Midtown Manhattan, Hilton Hotel Central

Outside the hotel, luxury cars slowly rolled up. The vehicles would stop at the hotel’s main entrance, drop off their wealthy, influential, or famous owners, and then drive off to search for parking.

Manhattan had its perks, but parking definitely wasn’t one of them.

Tonight, the Hilton was hosting a charity auction, organized by the nation’s top newspapers. Naturally, celebrities and socialites were in attendance.

Where there are celebrities, there are journalists and paparazzi.

And with the heads of major newspapers present, the scene outside the hotel doors, lit by countless camera flashes, looked like broad daylight even though the sun had barely set.

Milo wore a tailored dark navy-blue suit, accessorized with a deep red bow tie, and shoes polished to a mirror shine. His wristwatch, an Omega, had been a gift from Catherine Zeta-Jones after her breakout success in The Devil’s Advocate.

His golden hair was impeccably styled, leaving his handsome face fully visible. He paused at the entrance of the hotel, glancing up at the familiar Hilton logo. It was his second time here—the first being for Anna Wintour’s Met Gala, which he had attended purely for fun and networking.

Stepping out of the car, Milo squinted slightly under the barrage of flashing cameras as he walked the red carpet. With one hand casually tucked in his pocket, he posed for a few shots amid the reporters’ frenzied calls.

“Mr. Blackburn, is it true your media group is interested in acquiring U.S. News & World Report?”

“Mr. Blackburn, are the rumors about you dating Ariana Rockefeller true? And if so, what about your alleged Hollywood affairs?”

“Mr. Blackburn—”

Ignoring their shouting, Milo strode briskly into the hotel after the photos were taken.

Inside the banquet hall, many socialites and industry leaders had already arrived. Guests wandered freely, chatting in pairs or small groups. Occasionally, there were nods, shakes of heads, or bursts of laughter.

The hall was lavishly decorated. A wide stage stood at one end, while round tables adorned with large pink floral centerpieces filled the room. Waitstaff in white shirts, black vests, and bow ties weaved through the crowd, offering glasses of champagne and wine.

As Milo entered, Arthur Ochs Sulzberger, Jr., publisher of The New York Times, quickly approached from the buffet area. Milo also quickened his steps.

“Good evening, Mr. Blackburn. Have you had dinner yet? The event started a bit early, so we’ve arranged a variety of food here,” Sulzberger said with a smile.

From Sulzberger’s perspective, Milo Blackburn was both an ally and someone of higher status. Not only did Milo hold about 3% of The New York Times’ shares—shares acquired in a land deal with the Blackburn family decades ago—he was also poised to marry into the Rockefeller family, long-time benefactors of the Sulzberger dynasty.

Given these connections, Sulzberger naturally treated Milo with great respect. In fact, Milo was attending tonight’s event at Sulzberger’s invitation.

After some pleasantries, Milo followed Sulzberger to the buffet area. Two long tables were laden with beautifully presented dishes: pastries, salads, meats, and seafood—plenty to please the elite crowd.

As Milo casually filled his plate, he asked, “Mr. Sulzberger, has Michael Pulitzer arrived?”

“Not yet, but he’s definitely coming. After all, everyone wants to meet a superstar author, filmmaker, and financier like you,” Sulzberger joked.

Milo nodded and began eating slowly. Sulzberger continued, “Mr. Blackburn, I have to ask—why are you interested in a newspaper that’s been defunct for 60 years? Even if it’s about Pulitzer, owning his company wouldn’t influence the Pulitzer Prizes. That’s now entirely managed by Columbia University.”

Sulzberger’s tone was earnest. Milo listened, nodding slightly, before replying, “Thank you for the advice, Mr. Sulzberger. I won’t forget your help.”

---

Later, Sulzberger introduced Milo to Michael Pulitzer, head of the Pulitzer family, who owned the rights to The New York World. But before the conversation could begin, Milo found himself face-to-face with a stunningly dressed Nicole Kidman, sparking a lively and flirtatious exchange.

---

(Chapter End)

 Chapter 118: Emotional Value & Pulitzer

"Let's grab a drink after the party."

At events like this, such a phrase is practically a euphemism: After the party, let's hook up.  

If you agree, it's essentially consenting to the implied invitation.

Milo remembered the last time he attended an event here. The nephew of the New York mayor had said something similar to Catherine Zeta-Jones.

Milo's response? Pouring an entire bottle of whiskey down the guy's throat.

So, when the woman walking alongside Nicole overheard Milo saying these exact words to her, her bright, dazzling eyes briefly flashed with surprise. But she quickly masked it.

Just a few days ago, the media was still running stories about Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise—Hollywood’s golden couple, whose love was supposedly unshakeable.

"Who's this?"

As the woman tried to piece together the relationship between Nicole Kidman and this influential, dazzlingly young billionaire, she heard Milo address Nicole directly.

"Jennifer Connelly. I'm Jennifer Connelly," the brunette beauty interrupted before Nicole could respond. She extended a hand toward Milo, smiling warmly. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Blackburn. I'm a huge fan of yours—I absolutely loved The Da Vinci Code, and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone as well."

Nicole hadn’t even had a chance to speak.

Jennifer Connelly, however, had already stepped forward with a poised smile. "It’s a pleasure to meet you," she said.

Watching Jennifer's proactive approach left Nicole—who had been enjoying their conversation moments ago—feeling a spark of discontent.

Nicole had noticed Milo’s presence the moment he walked into the room. She hadn’t seen him in over a month. Driven by both nostalgia for Milo’s unique... appeal, and his skyrocketing influence in Hollywood, she instinctively wanted to reconnect.

Milo was a powerful ally—and more. Letting go of someone like him made no sense.

Besides, Nicole and her husband were already on rocky terms, their marital bliss largely an act for the tabloids. Even when they were happier, Nicole wouldn’t have hesitated to seize an opportunity like this. If a Hollywood power player extended an invitation, she wouldn’t think twice before accepting—even if it meant hiding it from her husband.

But Milo had been avoiding her.

Every call she made over the past month had been intercepted by his secretary, who claimed he was too busy. Nicole quickly realized where she stood.

Seeing him here tonight, however, was an opportunity she couldn’t ignore.

Yet, before Nicole could make her move, Arthur Sulzberger Jr.—the owner of The New York Times—had beaten her to it.

She waited patiently, watching from afar until Sulzberger left. When the moment finally came, Nicole seized the chance, casually excusing herself from Jennifer with the pretext of needing to "catch up with a friend."

The implication was clear: Our chat ends here. Don’t follow me.  

What Nicole didn’t anticipate was that Jennifer Connelly had noticed her subtle maneuver—and Milo.

As Nicole made her way toward Milo, Jennifer wasted no time. She followed right behind.

Nicole, of course, had no desire to introduce Milo to Jennifer. She wasn’t about to give herself unnecessary competition.

Perhaps Jennifer had anticipated this.

Before Nicole could utter a word, Jennifer had already taken the initiative to introduce herself.

Milo, for his part, wasn’t going to snub a smiling beauty—especially not someone as stunning as Jennifer Connelly.

This was Jennifer Connelly, after all.

Her performance in Once Upon a Time in America had captivated audiences. Her youthful charm in Labyrinth had made her a symbol of ethereal beauty.

Now, at 25, she had shed the last traces of innocence, standing fully in her prime.

"Hello, Jennifer. Of course, I know who you are. Once Upon a Time in America, Labyrinth—I’ve watched those films countless times. I’m Milo Blackburn."

His warm introduction left Jennifer pleasantly surprised.

Milo wasn’t just any man. The media had dubbed him the youngest billionaire. Publications like the New York Post speculated his net worth exceeded $3 billion.

He was the author of two best-selling novels, the director of a hit movie, and hailed as a financial genius by Wall Street.

Even John J. Mack, CEO of Morgan Stanley, had praised him publicly in The Wall Street Journal.

A billionaire, a genius, and a heartthrob—such a man was irresistible to any woman.

For actresses like Jennifer, though, his movie company was the real prize.

Milo's company had announced plans to produce five films this year.

How could Jennifer not be thrilled to see Milo showing interest in her?

"I'm a huge fan," she continued, eyes sparkling. "I’ve read Angels & Demons three times, and The Da Vinci Code five times. I just finished Harry Potter recently."

"By the way," she added, her voice full of curiosity, "I have a question about your latest book. How did Hermione solve Snape's riddle? It seemed so complex—I spent two days on it and couldn’t figure it out!"

"Oh, that?" Milo was surprised by the depth of her question. She had clearly read Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.

He explained the logic behind the puzzle, breaking it down step by step.

Jennifer listened intently, her admiration evident.

"Wow, that makes so much sense now! I can’t believe I didn’t think of that!"

Her excitement and awe felt genuine—even though Milo knew it was likely an act.

But it worked. She delivered emotional value in spades.

This was why so many heroes fell victim to beauty traps. True beauty wasn’t just about looks—it mirrored an ideal, a perfect fantasy.

Watching her now, Milo couldn’t help but be reminded of his teenage crushes.

Meanwhile, Nicole seethed silently.

Jennifer had come prepared, and Milo seemed captivated.

Worse, Nicole couldn’t join the conversation—she hadn’t even read Milo’s books.

When the two agreed to grab a drink after the party, Nicole felt a surge of panic.

Just as she was about to intervene, a voice interrupted:

"Excuse me, ladies—and Mr. Blackburn."

Arthur Sulzberger Jr., accompanied by Michael Pulitzer, approached with a smile.

Chapter 119: Tonight Is in the Bag

How much is a copy of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch worth these days? Compared to influential national newspapers like the Los Angeles Times and The New York Times, it’s currently just a regional paper.

Its influence doesn’t even extend beyond its home state of Missouri, where it dominates at best within St. Louis.

But St. Louis today is not the St. Louis of the last century.

Even New England’s influence has waned over time.

Missouri, the 24th state of North America, was once one of the most important hubs for European colonization.

St. Louis, which even hosted the 1904 Olympic Games, has long lost its former glory.

So, of course, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch doesn’t command much value these days.

Currently, the Pulitzer Company owns only the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Its actual worth? Likely around $100 million.

A significant part of this valuation, worth tens of millions, comes from its name—Pulitzer, the company founded by Joseph Pulitzer.

Yet here was Milo, offering $1 billion—in 1996 dollars, no less, when the dollar was still strong.

One billion dollars could nearly buy a fifth of the Gannett Company.

What Milo truly desired, however, was the board seat at Columbia University controlled by the Pulitzer family.

As for Columbia University, it’s the leading university in New York.

Think of it as the top university in New York State and the highest-ranked in New York City.

As expected, when Michael Pulitzer heard what Milo was really after, his interest, which had been piqued just moments before, began to waver.

“Not for sale, Mr. Blackburn,” Michael Pulitzer said softly after a few seconds. “The Pulitzer Company is not for sale. Even if I were willing, the other shareholders would never agree. However...”

He paused for a moment and then added, “If you’re interested in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and the New York World, I could convince the shareholders to sell them to an ambitious future media tycoon like yourself.”

Though the Pulitzer family was large, none of the fourth generation had any interest in newspapers.

If possible, Michael Pulitzer was more than willing to separate the Columbia University board seat and sell the company to Milo.

He himself had lost interest in the newspaper business.

And he thought Milo might be intrigued.

Arthur Jr. had just told him that Milo’s media group was on a newspaper acquisition spree.

And despite everything, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch still had some sway in Missouri.

It sold about 300,000 copies daily, though the numbers had been declining.

Add in the prestigious Pulitzer name, and it could still be worth around $100 million.

If the young man before him truly wanted to enter the newspaper industry...

Michael Pulitzer figured Milo might be interested.

But Milo simply shook his head. “Mr. Pulitzer, if it’s just newspapers, Paladin Media has better options.

“New York has the New York Observer and the New York Sun, while Los Angeles has the Los Angeles Express and Hollywood Herald.

“They’re priced similarly to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch but have far greater influence.”

“There’s no reason for me to choose the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.”

Michael Pulitzer fell silent.

“Then all I can say is, I’m very sorry, Mr. Blackburn... the Pulitzer Company is not for sale.”

Milo nodded. “Understood.”

Then Michael Pulitzer and Arthur Jr. watched, surprised, as Milo waved his hand. “That’s all then. Gentlemen, I wish you both a pleasant evening. Mr. Pulitzer, Mr. Sulzberger, I’ll take my leave now.”

“Ah, Mr. Blackburn...” Arthur Jr. called out.

But Milo was already heading for the door.

Arthur Jr. thought about going after him but noticed Milo waving at Nicole Kidman and Jennifer Connelly.

The two women were already walking toward him.

Arthur Jr. had no choice but to stop.

He watched Milo and the two stunning women disappear from view.

Turning back, Arthur Jr. saw Michael Pulitzer still watching him.

The owner of The New York Times shrugged. “Don’t take it personally, Michael. That’s just Mr. Blackburn’s way. No need to be upset.”

Michael Pulitzer clinked glasses with Arthur Jr. and laughed. “I’m just glad he didn’t throw a punch at this old man after I turned him down. How could I possibly hold it against him?”

By now, Milo’s past actions and recent escapades had become well-known in upper circles, alongside his growing fame and wealth.

For instance, how he ran over a Black activist and Attorney General candidate when he was sixteen.

Or how he recently got the mayor’s nephew so drunk at a party that the man ended up with an alcohol-related throat injury.

And then there were the stories from Silicon Valley—if Milo set his sights on a company, its founder would either resign or face unfortunate consequences.

The circle’s consensus was that he had a volatile personality.

And crucially, his background was incredibly solid, with both his grandfather and grandfather-in-law being GOP stalwarts.

His uncle was now a key GOP figure, and his father had switched over to the Democrats.

He was now linked with the Rockefellers and had undeniable personal ability.

So, while people might complain, it never went beyond that.

Michael Pulitzer was hinting at this point.

But Arthur Jr. didn’t respond.

Michael Pulitzer could jest, but Sulzberger could not.

After all, the man with the reputedly volatile temper was practically a son-in-law to the Rockefellers.

Others could mock him; the Rockefellers' extended family members could not.

“Haha, let’s have another drink, Michael. Since you’re here, let’s go see those old friends together.”

Arthur Jr. could only smile and invite Pulitzer to continue enjoying the evening.

Meanwhile, Milo had just exited the Hilton’s grand ballroom.

Seeing that no one was around, in the elevator lobby, he said to the two Hollywood starlets:

“Ladies, it’s still early. How about we go for a drink?”

When Milo finished speaking, Jennifer Connelly and Nicole Kidman exchanged a glance.

Of course, they would go.

If they didn’t, leaving such an elite event so early would be a loss.

But now, they wouldn’t be alone with Milo. They had each other as competition, which made them hesitate.

If either were alone, they’d already be leaning against Milo.

“Of course, Mr. Blackburn! I was hoping you could give me a sneak peek of the next Harry Potter installment’s plot. We could chat while we drink,” Jennifer said, biting the bullet and playing the fangirl.

She sensed that Milo and Nicole Kidman weren’t just acquaintances.

If she didn’t make a move, tonight could end without progress.

Seeing this, Nicole inwardly cursed her rival and took a deep breath.

She had never planned to back down.

Nicole Kidman flashed a radiant smile and said coyly, “Milo, I’m not done drinking yet. Why don’t we move somewhere else for another round?”

As she spoke, her manicured nails subtly grazed Milo’s palm.

This wasn’t subtle—it was a clear provocation.

She had nothing to fear.

Milo had once flirted with her right in front of Tom Cruise, taking her into a restroom and pressing her against the wall.

Why shouldn’t she now turn the tables?

“Heh, I’ve booked a suite at the Waldorf. It’s spacious. If you don’t mind, we can go there for a drink,” Milo said bluntly.

Nicole Kidman and Jennifer Connelly were taken aback.

Milo was so straightforward—was he suggesting they both go?

*Chapter 120: Women Forming Cliques*

The ancient winds of the North American continent blew from the lofty skies down toward Manhattan Island on Hudson Bay.

The island, densely packed with towering buildings, stood as the most prosperous city humanity had developed to date.

In this bustling city, inside the executive suite on the top floor of the Waldorf Hotel...

*Morning.*

The early morning, the purest time of day, was when Milo felt most invigorated. Many things done in the morning, like exercising or grabbing fast food, brought substantial benefits to the body.

A harmonious and fulfilling morning escapade left Milo in high spirits for the entire day.

As for the two women, Nicole and Jennifer, who had endured a sleepless night but whose skin still glowed and who slept charmingly, they woke to a colorful and beautiful morning once again.

Whistling happily, Milo turned off the shower, grabbed a towel, and casually dried his damp hair and body. He then threw on a bathrobe and stepped out of the bathroom.

On the coffee table in the hotel’s sitting room, a steaming cup of aromatic coffee and a stack of newspapers awaited him.

Sitting down on the sofa, Milo picked up the coffee with a satisfied smile, took a sip, and smacked his lips.

The coffee was well-brewed. Kenny, his former CIA agent bodyguard, seemed capable of more than just killing—he could make an excellent cup of coffee.

Milo nodded approvingly, put down the cup, and casually picked up a newspaper to read.

The front page announced the much-anticipated nominations for the 68th Academy Awards, recently revealed in Beverly Hills.

But it had nothing to do with Milo. His first film had only premiered this January.

Even if he were eligible for an Oscar, it would be next year’s.

This year’s 68th Academy Awards focused on films released in 1995.

However, perhaps due to his rising fame, the Oscars committee had sent him an invitation. Initially addressed to his company, the invitation was later reissued personally to him.

Milo declined.

With no works to show, what was the point of going? He wasn’t one to chase red carpet buzz.

He continued reading, switching from the New York Post to the Wall Street Journal.  

A piece in the Wall Street Journal left him slightly displeased.

The article disclosed that Paladin Newspapers had officially become the new owner of U.S. News & World Report.

It also mentioned that Milo was in talks with TBS, implying that this rising Wall Street tycoon and Hollywood mogul was aiming to become a media mogul.

Although this was accurate and such news would eventually leak, its premature publication by the Wall Street Journal left Milo at a disadvantage.

Especially regarding the negotiations with TBS.

If Time Warner, who likely also had their eyes on TBS, wasn’t foolish, they’d jump into the fray immediately.

Unfortunately, this was inevitable. Ted Turner of TBS was probably trying to play hard to get.

The leak likely came from Turner himself, aiming to attract other potential buyers and drive up the price of TBS.

It was just business strategy.

Milo set down the Wall Street Journal and picked up the New York Times, his most amicable media ally.

The New York Times featured news about him too—sales figures for The Da Vinci Code and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.

The Da Vinci Code had held the top spot on the New York Times bestseller list for 38 consecutive weeks.

In the most recent week, it was finally dethroned by another book.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, with 680,000 copies sold in its first eight days, took first place.

The Da Vinci Code was now second.

Unlike the moderate promotion efforts Warner had initially put into Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in his previous life, Milo went all out, leveraging every resource he had in collaboration with Harvard Press.

This made Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone even more explosive upon its release.

As he pondered whether to push forward with Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets with Harvard Press, Milo noticed David and Kenny, his two bodyguards, entering the room.

“Had breakfast yet?” Milo greeted them with a smile.

They nodded, and Kenny stepped forward, speaking softly. “The journalist is here, downstairs now.”

“Let Wendy... Never mind. Have Wendy find someone sharp to handle this. Tell her not to negotiate herself. This guy’s name is Mark Berman, right?”

Kenny nodded. “Yes.”

“Get someone to talk to him and give him the materials. I want to see Pulitzer family scandals in the papers by tonight or tomorrow morning at the latest.”

Milo added, “He has a grudge against Richard Pulitzer. I’m giving him the chance for revenge and backing him up. If he doesn’t act, he might as well return to Tennessee to shovel horse manure.”

Kenny nodded again and added, “There’s one more thing… A ‘rat’ wants to talk to you.”

“A rat? Disney?” Milo asked in surprise.

“No, not Disney. New York’s underground rats.” Kenny glanced toward the main bedroom of the suite.

Milo understood his concern about the two Hollywood actresses inside.

“We’ll discuss it in the car later,” Milo said with a smile. “First, arrange the meeting with that journalist.”

“Understood.” Kenny left, leaving Milo with David.

Their conversation transitioned to personal matters, touching on family and loyalty.

Later in the morning, as Milo departed in a tailored black suit, Nicole Kidman and Jennifer Connelly awoke to the awkward silence in the suite.

What followed was a frank, revealing conversation between the two, paving the way for new alliances amid their shared, complicated relationship with Milo.