The Tyrant Billionaire

Once the group company was established and management became more standardized, it could operate normally even without his direct involvement.

He could then focus on other ventures.

For example, in the case of certain large enterprises with hundreds of subsidiaries, they manage easily with a group structure.

"Your suggestion is excellent, Andy. You will be in charge of forming the group company. If you encounter any problems, consult me," Hardy said.

"Understood, boss," Andy accepted the task.

"I have a question to ask now. What do you think we should name our group? Having a name will make things much easier moving forward," Andy said.

Hardy didn't think long.

"Let's call it the Hardy Group."

...

After discussing the acquisition of ABC shares, Meyer informed MGM's board of directors.

The MGM board members were very interested in acquiring shares in ABC, especially given ABC's recent success and profitability, making it a prime investment.

However, when Meyer mentioned Hardy's offer and terms, the board members felt Hardy's asking price was too high.

"Our collaboration with ABC, developing a film library and helping them produce programs, is already a significant boost for them. I don't think a 20% stake for $15 million is justified," one director said.

"The shares of the Los Angeles Times are also very valuable to us. Selling at the current market price seems too low," another shareholder added.

Meyer thought to himself that the price was agreed upon after negotiating additional terms, including granting the actors union chairmanship to Hardy.

These people only ever thought about buying cheap and selling high. Shareholders worldwide only wanted to make money, never considering the difficulties of management.

They were interested in ABC's shares and the idea of opening a casino but were unwilling to pay for it. There was no such thing as a free lunch.

After the board meeting, Meyer communicated with Hardy. Hardy laughed and said, "My Hardy Hotel is about to open. When the time comes, bring MGM's board members to attend. Once they see the profitability of this business, I'm sure they will be interested."

"Okay, I'll make sure to support it," Meyer agreed.

The Hardy Hotel in Las Vegas was about to open.

All the facilities were complete and in optimal condition.

Hardy ramped up the publicity efforts, with ABC airing commercials for the casino daily, even including a countdown.

To attract more customers to Las Vegas, Hardy also registered a passenger transport company, opening a route between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, purchasing 20 large buses with half hour intervals.

Hardy's friends all received invitations.

This included Los Angeles officials, Hollywood stars, and business partners. The initial estimate was about 500 people.

The Hardy Hotel also had shares from the Corleone family, so Michael would also invite his friends to come as well. Additionally, local officials from Las Vegas would attend, promising a lively event.

In October, Las Vegas had ideal weather, with daytime temperatures around 28–29 degrees Celsius and cool evenings around 15–16 degrees. This month also had little rainfall, making it the best time of the year.

Two days in advance, Hardy sent a large team of HD security personnel to ensure safety and order.

Finally, The opening day arrived.

The weather was clear and bright.

In the morning,

HD airline planes flew continuously to Las Vegas. The shuttle buses in downtown Los Angeles were full of people. The Hardy Hotel's promotion was so effective that many people decided to visit and enjoy a vacation.

By the afternoon,

The Hardy Hotel had gathered nearly 3,000 people, including officials, celebrities, and regular gamblers. Fortunately, the casino was spacious enough to accommodate everyone.

Guests eagerly joined the gambling tables, while others enjoyed the recreational area with friends.

At 8 PM,

Guests gathered in the courtyard.

The ribbon cutting ceremony officially began. Hardy and Michael invited several distinguished guests to join them. As they completed the ribbon cutting, a firework shot into the sky.

Bang~!

A massive firework burst, lighting up the Las Vegas sky like a blooming flower.

Then countless fireworks followed,

Illuminating Las Vegas with a dazzling display.

People cheered and shouted as the fireworks lit up the sky. After the fireworks show, Hardy shouted loudly, "Friends, guests, I hope everyone enjoys themselves and wins big!"

Gamblers swarmed into the casino, and the real celebration began.

All the women were present tonight, including Ava Gardner, Irina, Elena, Hedy Lamarr, and Taylor, who came with her parents. Hardy didn't accompany them, letting them enjoy themselves while he attended to many important guests.

The hall was bustling.

Besides slot machines and various gambling tables, there was also a lottery game. For $2 per ticket, each participant received a number. They could buy as many tickets as they wanted. The draw took place every two hours, and the winner would take all the prize money.

Of course, The casino's cut and taxes were not to be omitted.

Hardy had considered the modern lottery system, but it didn't fit here. Gamblers didn't have the patience for it. They preferred immediate results and winnings, and the casino's primary goal was to keep and excite customers.

The prize pool now had over $11,300, as many of today's guests were wealthy and didn't mind spending a few dollars.

After two hours, the casino's music played, signaling the draw.

To ensure fairness, Hardy had a glass lottery machine made. The tickets were placed inside, and the machine used blowing and suction to draw a ticket. If multiple tickets were drawn, a separate draw would be held until a single ticket was chosen.

This single ticket was the grand prize winner.

Many people watched the draw. The manager went on stage and took out the only winning ticket from the machine, announcing a series of numbers.

"Ah~~!"

A woman screamed.

She had won.

She wasn't a celebrity or a politician. she was just a regular gambler who came with friends. She had only bet $2 and ended up being the biggest winner.

It was over $11,000, enough to be a fortune for an ordinary person for five years. This girl had essentially struck it rich overnight.