66-70

Chapter 66: A Box Office Smash

*"Angels & Demons" captivates audiences by blending thriller, mystery, and detective storytelling. It presents a textual game of interpreting codes, offering a fascinating interplay of rational anticipation and cultural interpretation. The film unfolds as a deciphering journey—both a narrative and symbolic puzzle centered on unraveling hidden meanings."*

*"... Detective stories often dramatize the intellectual duel between a dark, malevolent mind and a bright, rational one. This dynamic is vividly embodied in the contrasting characters: the brooding, black-clad papal chamberlain Patrick, fervently defending his obsessive faith in shadowy, torch-lit Vatican corridors, versus Robert Langdon, the erudite, suit-clad symbologist racing through the Vatican and Rome to save lives."*

*"... The film thrives on its double-layered symbolic narrative. Even its title, 'Angels & Demons,' embodies a duality steeped in religious significance. The story revolves around deciphering this symbolic opposition, creating suspense and unveiling answers through layers of time-encoded clues."*

*"... In summary, as the prequel to 'The Da Vinci Code,' one of the best-selling novels of all time, this movie delivers!"*

— George Smith, The New York Times  

This was one of the standout reviews published the next day in newspapers about Angels & Demons.  

Most critics heaped praise on the movie.

This success was undoubtedly due to Wendy and Disney's excellent marketing, as well as Milo’s notable performance.

Just a few months ago, Milo was one of the hottest topics in America.

In retrospect, you might call him a super influencer of the era.

Online popularity is a currency, and Milo had plenty of it.

Though the religious debates surrounding him had since cooled and faded from public discourse, his lingering fame helped draw audiences to theaters to see the film, promoted as the prequel to The Da Vinci Code.  

The results were reflected at the box office, with Angels & Demons raking in an impressive $62 million in its North American opening weekend across 3,000 theaters.

This performance was stellar, and surprisingly, the second-weekend earnings climbed to $67 million!

Many moviegoers who watched the film left the theater singing its praises. Word of mouth spread, enticing even more people to check it out.

This upward trend in the second week was unusual for a movie propelled by influencer-style hype, proving the film’s quality.

By now, the North American box office had surpassed $130 million, covering production costs. With momentum still strong and the overseas rights already sold—thanks to the success of The Da Vinci Code—the film was poised to turn a solid profit.

Disney, responsible for distribution, reaped substantial rewards despite contributing only marketing efforts.

The movie's resounding success transformed Disney’s view of Milo. Initially, he was merely the privileged son of a powerful figure to whom they owed favors.

But Angels & Demons’ explosive performance revealed a profitable franchise opportunity.

As the prequel to The Da Vinci Code, a movie with built-in appeal thanks to its bestselling source material, Disney could almost smell the box office returns.

While the company credited the director, Wally, for the success, they recognized that Milo owned the script rights, The Da Vinci Code, and even Paladin Films, the production company.

Following Angels & Demons, Disney wanted to deepen their collaboration with Milo, now viewing him as a critical partner.

Thus, in mid-January, Disney hosted a medium-sized celebration at the Beverly Hills Intercontinental Hotel to honor Angels & Demons’ remarkable achievements.

---

January 14, 1996

Under the shimmering lights of Los Angeles, the city sparkled. Though its skyline lacked New York’s towering density, Beverly Hills radiated opulence.

In the grand ballroom of the Intercontinental Hotel, Disney threw a mid-sized soiree to celebrate the film’s box office triumph. Despite the modest scale, a slew of A-listers turned out to show support.

As always, couples would occasionally vanish only to reappear later.

The latest Hermès gowns occasionally teetered on the brink of scandal.

What a pity.

“You’re absolutely stunning, Mrs. Cruise.”

Milo adjusted his tie while admiring the half-draped figure of the woman before him with a satisfied gaze.

“Stop calling me Mrs. Cruise! Call me Nicole, call me Kidman, anything but that! Your sense of humor is truly infuriating!”

Nicole Kidman’s voice had an indescribable allure.

She put down her compact and nonchalantly adjusted the strap of her evening gown. Though her makeup had long been wiped away, her bare face radiated a natural beauty.

At 26, Nicole Kidman was in her prime—her stunning features complemented by her mature, sultry figure. She epitomized the term bombshell.  

Hearing Milo’s teasing words, Nicole rolled her eyes.

“Let’s hurry. We’ve been gone for over half an hour. I don’t mind, but you’re the star of the evening. People will notice if you’re missing for too long.”

“Oh, you don’t mind? Even though Tom is here tonight?”

Milo smirked. “If he notices we’ve been gone for the same amount of time, I wonder if he’ll connect the dots.”

Nicole shot him another exasperated glance before hastily touching up her makeup.

Their dalliance had begun half a month earlier, at the Angels & Demons premiere.

Struck by her beauty, Milo decided to test his charm.

As the saying goes, persistence breaks down even the strongest walls.

Nicole Kidman, no ingénue herself, exuded ambition. Milo even suspected their “accidental” meeting that night had been orchestrated by her.

After all, cracks were already forming in her relationship with Tom Cruise.

Tonight, Disney had invited them both to the celebration.

Milo seized the opportunity to steal a private moment with Nicole.

And so, the earlier scene unfolded.

(To be continued...)

*Chapter 67: Everyone’s Playing the Role*

At the Intercontinental Hotel in Beverly Hills, a celebration dinner was underway.

Although the pretense was to celebrate the mid-production success of Angels and Demons, the event was, in fact, orchestrated by Disney as a networking opportunity to win over Milo.

But while Disney initiated the event, they couldn’t dictate how it would unfold—or conclude.

With Angels and Demons raking in impressive box office numbers, the global revenue seemed likely to hit $400 to $500 million.

To put that in perspective, Disney’s Toy Story claimed last year’s global box office crown with about $394 million. If Angels and Demons crosses the $400 million mark, it might even be a contender for this year’s box office champion—or at the very least secure a top-three or top-five spot.

Even in the unlikely scenario that the film’s momentum plummets, it’s still projected to exceed $250 million in revenue.

To compare, last year’s Jumanji grossed only $264 million.

What’s key here is that the film was produced with a budget of under $40 million, with marketing costs bringing the total investment to about $60 million.

Even if every theater worldwide pulled the film tonight, it has already recouped its investment and made a substantial profit.

And let’s not forget—Hollywood’s film profits extend far beyond box office earnings. There’s a wealth of revenue from merchandise, home video releases, DVDs, and more.

These secondary streams generate long-term income, often spanning years. In Hollywood, box office earnings typically account for just 20-50% of total revenue. The rest comes from merchandising and subsequent product development.

In other words, this $60 million production will likely generate profits exceeding ten times its cost over the next decade.

Who wouldn’t be envious of such a return on investment?

This is why, despite being burned repeatedly, Wall Street continues to tentatively explore opportunities in Hollywood.

A truly successful film can yield astonishing returns. Top-tier projects can offer annualized returns as high as 50%—or even over 100%.

With profits like that, how could anyone resist?

If it weren’t for the risks—greater than even Wall Street’s financial products—and Hollywood’s knack for outmaneuvering investors, the industry’s major studios would undoubtedly already be under Wall Street’s control.

From another perspective, Hollywood’s profitability is undeniable.

Consider the “Oilmen,” a term used to describe individuals and groups known for their pursuit of wealth. If an industry didn’t promise substantial earnings, these players wouldn’t bother with it.

Yet in America, Oilmen capital flows predominantly into Wall Street and Hollywood.

Wall Street’s appeal is obvious—money lending is their age-old trade.

But Hollywood? These Oilmen have gone to great lengths to stake their claim here, making the media industry one of their key domains.

Beyond using it as a propaganda tool, there’s a simple reason:

Hollywood, when managed well, is an unparalleled money-maker.

If it weren’t profitable, the Oilmen—pragmatic to their core—wouldn’t invest, no matter the industry’s importance.

Now, with Angels and Demons proving to be a massive financial success, Hollywood’s perception of Milo has shifted dramatically.

Previously, insiders saw him as a wealthy, powerful outsider wreaking havoc without understanding the industry’s norms.

Though his arrogance alienated many, his connections shielded him from outright rejection. The best they could do was tolerate his presence while subtly sidelining him.

But now, as Los Angeles locals might say:

“Hey, Mary’s husband above! Could it be that this country bumpkin from Bean Town actually knows how to make movies?”

“Bean Town” is a derisive nickname Los Angeles folks use for Boston—not because of its beans, but due to the famous Boston Baked Beans dish, much like clay pot rice in parts of Asia.

The key isn’t where Milo comes from; it’s that his film made money.

And it’s clear there’s a sequel—and it’s likely to be even more profitable.

Due to historical and legal constraints, only the "Big Eight" studios in Hollywood control distribution. Whether through co-production, as with Disney and Fox, or solely handling distribution, involvement usually guarantees a hefty payday.

The lure of money is irresistible—especially in America, where wealth defines success.

Milo’s popularity in Hollywood has skyrocketed exponentially.

Even if Disney had wanted to keep the dinner low-profile, it couldn’t stop Hollywood moguls from flocking in droves.

Many arrived without invitations.

But let’s be real—would Disney dare turn away Sumner Redstone?

The same logic applied to Rupert Murdoch and other Hollywood titans.

What started as a modest gathering quickly swelled as the night wore on...

Meanwhile, Milo remained unaware.

After finishing his business in his room, he sent Nicole Kidman out first.

Roughly five minutes later, he emerged leisurely, making his grand reappearance as the night’s star.

Seeing Milo appear, Nicole Kidman let out a relieved breath and headed toward her husband.

Tom Cruise, Hollywood’s golden boy, was surrounded by admirers.

When he noticed Nicole approaching, he frowned and asked, “Where have you been?”

Disappearing for over half an hour at a social event like this would naturally arouse suspicion, especially for someone like Cruise, who had seen and experienced it all.

Though their relationship was strained, Nicole was still his wife, at least in name.

No man would remain indifferent to suspicions of infidelity—especially one whose career could be jeopardized by tabloid exposure.

“I just went to the bathroom to freshen up, but…” Nicole said coolly, glancing toward the hallway where Milo had emerged. She added in a low voice, “I ended up witnessing an HCG.”

“What?!”

Tom followed her gaze, spotting Milo, and immediately caught a distinct post-intimacy scent on Nicole. His brow furrowed as he asked, “Whose HCG?”

He wasn’t naive—he recognized the implications of that smell. But Nicole’s comment hinted at something deeper.

“Blackburn and Zeta-Jones,” she murmured, lowering her voice further. “Whew, it was intense. If this got out, I wonder…”

“Don’t do anything reckless,” Tom interrupted, his expression stern.

Hearing the name “Blackburn” sent a chill down his spine. He added in a hushed tone, “You’ve heard of… Robert Downey Jr., haven’t you?”

Nicole’s acting skills shone as she raised her eyebrows in mock fear, her expression controlled yet deliberate.

“So, it’s true?” she whispered.

“Whether it is or not doesn’t matter.” Tom stared at her, realizing he’d underestimated her craftiness.

“Just don’t drag me down with you if you’re courting disaster.”

(End of Chapter)  

Chapter 68: He's Not Really a Fan

On the other side, Milo stepped back into the gathering.

As the centerpiece of tonight's event and a key figure in one of Hollywood's hottest scandals, his return immediately drew everyone’s attention.

Nearest to him was Viacom’s chairman, Sumner Redstone.

Eager to cut ahead of the host and others like Rupert Murdoch, Redstone quickly approached Milo, accompanied by a few others.

The seasoned media mogul wore a practiced smile, tactfully ignoring the question of where Milo had disappeared to earlier.

After all, this was Hollywood.

And tonight’s soirée was one of those exclusive Hollywood vanity fair gatherings.

People disappearing mid-party only to reappear later? Commonplace. Everyone understood the drill.

Plenty had already done the same.

“Hey, Milo.”

Redstone greeted Milo cheerfully, but his gaze followed Milo’s line of sight to where Catherine Zeta-Jones, the movie’s leading lady, was glancing their way.

Milo smiled and gave a small wave in Zeta-Jones’ direction.

Radiant as ever, Zeta-Jones was chatting with a group of starlets but excused herself with a polite, “Pardon me, ladies. Milo’s calling me; I’ll be right back.”

The other actresses smiled warmly in return, though what they truly thought remained anyone’s guess.

When Zeta-Jones arrived, she overheard Redstone already pitching Milo on the partnership between Paladin Films and Paramount Pictures.

“Dear Milo, you must know—I started out in the theater chain business! When it comes to distribution, no one in Hollywood has the advantages we do.”

“I can confidently say, if Angels & Demons had been distributed by us, the number of theaters for its opening night would’ve easily surpassed 5,000—since we own 2,000 screens ourselves!”

Redstone’s backstory lent credibility to his words. His father had opened the first drive-in theater in New York, which eventually evolved into the Northeast Theater Corporation.

Redstone later transformed it into National Amusements, a company that became one of the largest theater chains in the U.S. by the 1980s.

In a striking twist, he maneuvered around antitrust laws to maintain control of his theater empire while acquiring Viacom, Paramount, and CBS.

From production to distribution, exhibition, and even TV and print media, Redstone commanded every aspect of the entertainment pipeline.

By that measure, he was the undisputed heavyweight of American media.

When Milo first entered Hollywood, he found this baffling. Wasn’t Hollywood supposed to have antitrust regulations?

Yet Redstone had somehow managed to sidestep them.

Later, Milo’s grandfather explained: Redstone wasn’t extraordinary—the oil magnates who backed him were. Redstone was simply their figurehead in the media industry.

“Paramount’s analysts estimate that if Angels & Demons had partnered with us, global box office sales would have exceeded $500 million!”

The sprightly old man spoke earnestly, watching Milo closely.

Milo forced a faint smile, his expression teetering between amused and indifferent.

He thought back to when he’d approached Redstone and Murdoch for funding for his second film.

They’d rejected him outright.

Oil-backed opportunists—predictable as ever.

At that moment, Milo noticed Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise nearby.

Eager for an escape from Redstone’s monologue, he waved toward Kidman and, surprisingly, addressed Cruise instead:

“Hey, Tom, is that you? I really enjoyed your performance in Rain Man! I used to be a fan. Want to chat for a bit?”

Both Kidman and Cruise paused, visibly taken aback.

Tom Cruise, momentarily flustered, smiled warmly and approached hesitantly.

“Hello, Mr. Blackburn… I’m thrilled you enjoyed my film. I’d be delighted to chat.”

As Cruise approached, Kidman naturally followed, maintaining a polite smile. Yet her vivid blue eyes betrayed a flicker of confusion—she couldn’t quite grasp Milo’s intentions.

“No need for introductions, right?”

Milo smiled, clapping the much shorter Cruise on the shoulder before turning to the others.

While Cruise’s official height was listed as 5'7" (173 cm), rumors and candid shots often suggested otherwise. On set, when paired with taller actresses, full-body shots of the leads were conspicuously absent.

Behind the scenes, Cruise often stood on boxes or platforms during scenes with taller co-stars.

Milo estimated Cruise’s real height to be closer to 5'6" (168 cm).

“Of course not,” Redstone chimed in, grinning at the Australian couple. “We’ve just wrapped up a project with Tom, scheduled for a summer release, so we’re quite familiar.”

Milo nodded—Mission: Impossible.

Last year, when brainstorming movie ideas, he’d briefly considered something in that vein.

But after some research, he’d discovered the franchise was already deep into production.

“I’ve heard about it. The script is excellent; it’s bound to be a hit,” Milo said, smiling as he congratulated Redstone and Cruise.

“Thank you, but I’m not so sure yet,” Cruise admitted. “The pressure’s immense given the budget. But you, Mr. Blackburn, have managed to achieve so much with far less investment!”

While the men conversed, the women didn’t stay idle.

Nicole Kidman, ever sociable, linked arms with Zeta-Jones.

“Catherine, I envy you so much. You’re about to become a $500 million darling.”

The nickname “$500 Million Darling” had been coined by The Hollywood Reporter, referring to Zeta-Jones’ sudden rise to fame thanks to Angels & Demons.

“It’s just luck,” Zeta-Jones replied, casting a curious glance at Kidman. After all, she knew Kidman had been in a private room with Milo earlier—and had even covered for them.

Why, then, was Kidman acting so friendly now?

Hollywood wives and girlfriends were rarely oblivious. They often turned a blind eye to their partner’s indiscretions—until the power dynamics shifted in their favor.

Zeta-Jones understood her reliance on Milo too well to challenge him.

Yet Kidman’s sudden overture unsettled her.

“Luck is a kind of talent in itself,” Kidman replied, her smile faltering momentarily before recovering.

As the two women exchanged pleasantries, Milo—concealed by the wall and Zeta-Jones’ frame—playfully pinched Kidman’s side.

Being reckless carried its own thrill.

After all, wasn’t that why he’d called Cruise over in the first place?

He wasn’t really a fan of the guy.

*Chapter 69: Just a Post-Dinner Dessert*

Milo’s grip was firm, his five fingers seemingly sinking completely into the richness before him.

The moment lasted long enough to draw attention, with Ray Stone’s gaze glancing over, prompting Milo to reluctantly let go.

Nicole Kidman exhaled softly, not daring to leave but leaning toward Catherine Zeta-Jones to exchange whispered words.

Though Nicole’s heart had been pounding moments before, she felt no guilt toward Tom Cruise. Her concern was about others noticing, fearing the potential complications that exposure could bring.

Ray Stone, having observed Milo’s action, discreetly glanced at Tom Cruise, who appeared oblivious.

Ray smirked inwardly. Even if Tom had noticed, what could he possibly do?

Hollywood, or any world of fame and fortune, worked the same way.

Replace Milo with him, or even Rupert Murdoch. Replace Tom with another A-list superstar.

Even if these stars saw their girlfriends or wives treated in such a manner by men like Milo or Ray Stone, most would swallow their anger. At best, they’d privately fume while outwardly pretending not to notice.

What could they do otherwise? Confront them on the spot?

Don’t be naive—that might be the reaction of an average man, but not a Hollywood star.

Most would opt to divorce or break up, only to find another partner.

After all, beautiful women don’t stay 18 forever, but there will always be fresh 18-year-old beauties.

Women are like clothes.

While this phrase doesn’t exist in Western culture, the sentiment is similar.

Only women with strong family or political backgrounds—marriages formed as alliances—are not treated as disposable. Those women are bonds, not garments.

---

Three weeks after its release, Angels & Demons saw its weekend box office drop to $32 million.

Given the reduced number of theaters (down to 2,500), this was still considered a strong performance. Its domestic box office total climbed to $160 million.

This success disappointed many skeptics. Some critics couldn’t resist making snide remarks, but their negativity had little impact on the film’s continued success.

Many moviegoers praised it as thrilling and bold:

“The Lord is flawless, but old church leaders are experts at distorting His message. The Vatican isn’t flawless either. No movie dared show this before, but now one has! That’s why I find Angels & Demons so authentic!”

This enthusiastic statement came from a self-professed devout Lutheran of Danish descent.

Lutheranism, founded in 1529 in Germany, is the oldest Protestant denomination. In many academic discussions, "Lutheranism" is often used as a broad term for Protestantism as a whole. Narrowly, its followers are mainly concentrated in the Nordic countries.

One defining feature of Lutheranism? Its disdain for Catholicism, particularly its criticism of the Vatican.

Of course, not everyone was pleased:

“I admit it’s a good movie, but it clearly defames the Church. Someone inspired by God would never do that!”

This dissent likely came from a Catholic viewer.

In the U.S., 55.6% of the population identifies as Protestant, stemming from branches of Lutheranism. Catholics are fewer and less devout compared to their European and South American counterparts, with many adopting Protestant-like customs.

While Angels & Demons flirted with accusations of defaming the Church, these concerns were mild. Most Lutherans appreciated the film, aside from a few radical Catholics.

As Oscar season approached, the media buzz around the golden statuette intensified. Despite this, Angels & Demons continued to draw significant attention in early 1996.

---

At the mid-production celebration party, Milo indulged in a post-dinner dessert before diving back into work.

To be honest, Nicole Kidman, with her ambition and determination, wasn’t an easy woman to control. Her savvy in Hollywood, partly due to Tom Cruise, made her a formidable player.

But to Milo, she was just dessert, enjoyed at her peak moment.

Still, dessert could never replace the main course. A taste now and then sufficed.

Naturally, Milo didn’t indulge for free. He had a film project that suited Nicole.

Paladin Pictures had established a script development department, tasked with refining Milo’s registered drafts and expanding upon his ideas.

Milo no longer wrote scripts in detail but provided outlines for the team to flesh out. This approach proved much more efficient.

One such script, refined by the development team, was slated for production in the coming year:

Moulin Rouge, adapted from a 1940 French film and a 1953 American one.

The original version earned an Oscar nomination for Best Picture and a Golden Globe. Five years later, Nicole Kidman’s performance would land her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress, elevating her status in Hollywood.

Milo figured the film, one of Hollywood’s top-grossing musicals, would be perfect for her.

Initially, Milo considered Catherine Zeta-Jones for the lead, given her loyalty and consistent collaboration. But with her commitments to Angels & Demons and Shakespeare in Love, and potential involvement in The Da Vinci Code, she had neither the time nor the need for another lead role.

Other options—like Jolie or Blanchett—didn’t fit the role. Monica Bellucci was Milo’s choice for a different, more multifaceted position.

So, he decided to let Nicole Kidman reprise her iconic role.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 70: Milo in Manhattan

Inside a car driving through the streets of Manhattan, Milo lounged confidently in the wide, comfortable leather seat. His eyes gazed out the window as his left arm rested on the door frame, while his right hand lightly caressed his assistant Monica’s smooth, nylon-clad leg.

Monica bit her cherry-red lips, staying silent. A faint blush adorned her fair cheeks—whether from carefully applied makeup or a natural reaction was unclear.

It was January 20, 1996—just the day before—that Milo arrived in New York, a city even his former self had never visited.

After spending the night at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel on Park Avenue, he stepped out near noon.

A convoy of three Cadillac sedans cruised through Manhattan, a compact island of less than 23 square miles.

As Milo’s fingers traced Monica’s stockinged leg, his gaze moved beyond the tinted privacy glass, taking in the heart of New York City.

Few cities have been as endlessly described and mythologized as New York. The Big Apple, the Metropolis, Fool's Village—it has so many names.

Many fall in love with it almost instantly. Some call it heaven, others hell.

The essence of New York is Manhattan, and Milo sat in his Cadillac, watching the familiar yet unfamiliar scenery unfold.

Truthfully, aside from the skyscrapers, there wasn’t much to see. But when Milo stood in the plaza before the Empire State Building, tilting his head back to look up at the iconic structure that had graced countless Hollywood films, he felt its magnetic pull.

After just a few minutes of quiet admiration, he turned away without hesitation. Kenny was already at the car, holding the door open. Milo slipped inside and said to David, “Take me to Wall Street, to Trinity Church.”

Wall Street was narrower than he had imagined—almost like a pedestrian sightseeing street.

The car parked along the curb, and Milo observed the bustling crowd on the sidewalks. As the movies had suggested, the place was packed.

Wall Street offers four main attractions: Trinity Church, Federal Hall, the New York Stock Exchange, and the Charging Bull with its polished, gleaming bronze testicles, worn shiny by countless hands.

With his bodyguards discreetly spread out for protection, Milo strolled along the street. Monica trailed half a step behind, taking quick, small steps to keep up.

Milo stood out against the hurried crowd until he paused before a tall, spired church.

This was Trinity Church—the oldest Episcopal church in America.

Built in 1846, this Gothic-style structure features rose-hued sandstone walls and a spire rising 85 feet into the air.

Tourists flock to climb its tower for panoramic views of New York. Of course, such access isn’t free—this is America, after all.

Even churches charge. Visitors pay a steep fee for the privilege of seeing the city from above, providing a lucrative source of income for the church.

But these alone do not make Trinity Church famous. It’s not as storied as St. Peter’s Basilica, associated with Pope Peter, or Canterbury Cathedral, immortalized by Chaucer. Nor does it house the royal tombs of Westminster Abbey.

Rather, Trinity Church is tied to a name of great importance to America: Alexander Hamilton.

Hamilton, one of the Founding Fathers, was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention, a drafter and signer of the Constitution, the first Secretary of the Treasury, and a creator of the American party system.

His death led to the nation's political schism and the birth of the two-party system. The U.S. has long credited its strength to its checks and balances and dual-party governance.

Thus, Trinity Church became an important site in American history.

However, Milo’s visit today wasn’t to marvel at the church that houses Hamilton’s grave.

He glanced briefly at the spire before walking off—not along the tourist path but via a narrow, restricted route.

At the entrance to the path, armed guards stood watch, ensuring no one wandered in by mistake.

Milo would have been barred, too, had a priest not been waiting for him.

Kenny approached first, exchanging a few words with the priest.

The priest, smiling, came up to Milo.

“Mr. Blackburn, good day. I’m Reverend Klein. Elder Benjamin has been expecting you and asked me to escort you to him.”

Kenny nodded subtly behind Klein and murmured, “Reverend Klein served in Plymouth and is one of Elder Benjamin’s people.”

Milo nodded in return and made a reverent sign of the cross. “A shepherd of the Lord—it's a pleasure to meet you. Please, lead the way.”

Reverend Klein smiled politely and spoke to the guards before Milo and his two closest bodyguards, Kenny and David, were allowed through.

The other bodyguards and Monica stayed behind in the car.

Inside Trinity Church’s off-limits area, Milo followed Reverend Klein, taking in his surroundings.

They passed through a courtyard. Small but tranquil, it radiated solemnity. A few towering ancient trees stood amid the space, their leaves creating dappled patterns under the midday sun.

An aged fountain whispered with the soft sounds of trickling water, harmonizing with distant chimes of bells.

Stone pathways were flanked by vibrant flowers, while white doves flitted peacefully, adding to the serene holiness.

It was hard to imagine such a quiet, sacred place in the middle of Manhattan, where every inch of land was so valuable.

Just outside lay the bustling chaos of Wall Street.

After a short walk, they stopped in front of an unassuming building.

“Elder Benjamin is waiting inside for you, Mr. Blackburn,” Reverend Klein said, pausing at the door.

“You two stay with Reverend Klein,” Milo instructed Kenny and David with a look before stepping inside.

Klein gently closed the door behind him.

The small, dimly lit room now held only Milo and a man in his late years, wearing a bishop’s robe. His hair, streaked with gray, framed a kind smile.

Milo’s handsome face brightened with a smile as he recognized the man.

He approached, and the elder rose from his comfortable armchair.

The two met in the center of the room and embraced warmly.

“Milo, you’ve grown tall—taller than me now. You’re no longer a child, and I’m so proud of you!” the elder said.

“Ah, so am I! Dear Grandfather Benjamin, it’s such a joy to see you again!” Milo replied.

(To be continued)