Tony sighed inwardly with relief, keeping his exterior calm as he turned to Elizabeth. "Elizabeth, I'll drop you at your place. Submit your resignation letter at the office and get things on track. You'll need to head back to Los Angeles soon—we're on a tight schedule."
"I understand, it's fine," Elizabeth said, her voice steady but warm.
"Don't worry," Tony added. "I'll be in Los Angeles soon, I will send a lawyer to assist you. Buy a mobile phone today and start recruiting employees—people you know or those recommended by trusted contacts. I'm looking for character and talent; I'll interview them myself." He handed her $2,500 for the phone, his trust in her unspoken but clear.
Elizabeth nodded. "I'll need a week to pull it together."
"Deal," Tony said, then turned to Olivia. "How'd the site hunting go?"
Olivia's expression fell, disappointment clouding her eyes. "Not great. We couldn't find any new spots."
"It's alright," Tony said, his tone reassuring. "You'll find something by the time I finalize this movie deal."
Olivia's eyes widened, surprise lighting her face. "Are you acting in a movie?"
Tony chuckled, his confident smile flashing. "Nah, just producing for now."
"Oh! Can I attend the crew screening?" Olivia asked, her voice eager.
"Definitely. You and Kiara are welcome," Tony said.
"Thank you," Olivia replied, her smile brightening.
Just then, a mail arrived with the registration documents for ChronosVantage Investments and SilverScreen Odyssey. Tony's jaw tightened in surprise—it had only been a day since registering the film company, yet both were already processed. Thanks to Harry, he thought, marveling at the lawyer's efficiency. How's a guy this good struggling for business? He sighed, muttering to himself, "Guess luck wasn't on his side."
The four of them piled into the Mustang, Olivia sporting a smug smile as she claimed the front seat beside Tony, who was driving. Kiara hopped into the back, chattering away, while Elizabeth, seated beside her, shot Olivia a fleeting look of jealousy. Tony noticed the brewing tension between the two women but kept quiet, focusing on the road. Something's up, but I'm not touching that yet, he thought.
He dropped Olivia and Kiara at Emilia's café, where they could borrow Grandma's Corolla to continue scouting. Then, he drove Elizabeth to her apartment in the Bronx, pausing to collect her signature for bank authorization. "I'll pick you up this evening," he said, his tone businesslike. "Gotta hit the bank before they freeze my account with the lotto winnings coming in."
At the bank, Tony met Maria, presenting the letters from the Lotto manager and a copy of the claim application. Luck was on his side—the $17.5 million transferred just twenty minutes after verification. He opened two new accounts: one for ChronosVantage Investments and one for SilverScreen Odyssey, registering Elizabeth's signature alongside his for the film company's checks.
He transferred $7 million to SilverScreen Odyssey for Eastwood's upfront costs and the remaining $10.5 million to ChronosVantage for future investments. Then, he filed for an Corporation Identification Number (CIN) with the IRS, ensuring his companies were fully operational.
He also opened a trading account for ChronosVantage Investments, before going out of the bank.
By 3:30 p.m., Tony grabbed a quick lunch, his first meal since breakfast, and drove back to pick up Elizabeth. Handing her a checkbook, he said, "The bank's authorized your signature. You can issue checks now. When you land in LA, book a hotel. Harry'll meet you tomorrow morning with the contracts—I've already briefed him."
"Okay," Elizabeth replied, her voice calm, but inside, emotions swirled. Tony's trust in her was a first. Her friends had dismissed her, claiming her looks destined her to be a trophy wife, never recognizing her talent. He sees me, she thought, her heart tightening.
At the airport, Elizabeth turned to Tony, her blue eyes holding a longing gaze. "Tony, I'll make this movie a success. If it does, can I have one wish granted?"
Tony knew the film—Colt Ashwood's passion project—was primed for box office and cultural triumph, his past life's knowledge giving him certainty. He grinned, teasing, "Yes, my dear CEO."
Elizabeth smiled, boarding her flight, while Tony drove home, exhaustion weighing on him. The past week had been a blur—jetting to LA, sealing deals, registering companies, and managing his growing circle. I'm running on fumes, he thought, collapsing onto the sofa.