The Tyrant Billionaire

Tracy shrugged. "We'll have lunch in a while. After that, we can go out for a stroll. Rome has so many historic sites, shopping spots, and fun places to visit."

"Great!" Hepburn said, lighting up with excitement.

Around 11 a.m., Tracy and Hepburn headed down to the hotel restaurant. The place exuded sophistication. Hepburn glanced at the decor and the well-dressed diners, thinking to herself that a meal here must cost dozens of dollars.

The two sat down.

Before the restaurant staff could approach, a male assistant hurried over to their table.

"Hepburn, Mr. Hardy is also dining in this restaurant and has asked you to join him," he said.

Mr. Hardy!

"Which Mr. Hardy?" Hepburn asked, a little stunned.

"Of course, the biggest boss—Mr. Hardy, the owner of HD Films," the male assistant replied.

Hepburn and Tracy were startled and immediately stood up, looking toward the far side of the restaurant. There, sitting at a table, was a young man who looked just like the person they'd seen in newspapers and on television. Tracy instantly became nervous.

"Hepburn, it really seems to be Mr. Hardy," Tracy whispered.

Hepburn was also taken aback. She never expected to meet Mr. Hardy here, let alone be invited to join him.

She suddenly felt very anxious.

With hesitant steps, Hepburn approached Hardy's table. She had seen him on television and in newspapers and had heard about his accomplishments, but this was her first time seeing him up close.

"Hello, Mr. Hardy. I'm Audrey Hepburn," she said, her voice trembling slightly as she tried to maintain a smile, though it came across a bit awkwardly.

"Hello, Miss Hepburn," Hardy said warmly.

"Ah, Mr. Hardy, you know who I am?" Hepburn asked, surprised.

"Of course I know you. It was my decision to have you join HD films. I saw your performance in the Dutch promotional film and knew you had great potential," Hardy said with a smile.

Hepburn finally had the answer to the question that had puzzled her for so long—why someone from HD films had come to England to find her. It was all because of Mr. Hardy.

"You haven't had lunch yet, have you? Would you like to join me?" Hardy asked.

"Ah, join you for lunch? I—I'm afraid I'd disturb you," Hepburn said nervously.

She was shy and not good at socializing. Unlike some Hollywood actresses who would seize such an opportunity, her instinct was to feel intimidated.

"It's no trouble. I'm dining alone and thought it would be nice to have someone to talk to," Hardy replied.

Hepburn glanced at her assistant Tracy, who nodded subtly, giving her a look of encouragement. Tracy, being more mature and experienced, understood the significance of this opportunity. If Mr. Hardy favored Hepburn, her future prospects would improve, and so would Tracy's as her assistant. Continue your saga on My Virtual Library Empire

Understanding Tracy's intentions, Hepburn nodded at Hardy. "Alright, Mr. Hardy. I hope I won't disturb you."

Hepburn sat down.

A waiter approached to take their orders. Hepburn chose two dishes, but Hardy shook his head with a smile. "That's too little. That won't do." He ordered two more dishes for her and then picked his own favorites.

The waiter departed.

The assistants, including Tracy, kept their distance, leaving only Hepburn and Hardy at the table.

Hardy studied Hepburn carefully.

Her clear, bright eyes, delicate features, and graceful figure weren't the kind of beauty that stunned onlookers at first glance. What made her captivating was her unique aura.

Pure and elegant.

If Marilyn Monroe was a fiery red rose symbolizing seduction, then Hepburn was a white flower, representing purity.

At this moment, however, Hepburn's eyes held a trace of nervousness, resembling a fawn peeking through the grass at the world.

Was he the big bad wolf?

"Do you enjoy acting?" Hardy asked.

"Ah, very much," Hepburn quickly replied, startled that Hardy had asked her a question.

"What do you think of the performances and shoots the company arranged for you?" Hardy asked again.

"My first role was in a British court drama, where I played a maid. At first, I was nervous, but I gradually relaxed," Hepburn began to open up.

In truth, Hepburn wasn't shy about speaking; she was simply introverted and uneasy around strangers. Hardy skillfully guided her to talk about her passion, and soon she was no longer as tense as before.

The food arrived.

Hepburn recounted her second project, a modern drama, where she made a few amusing mistakes during filming. As she described the mishaps, she began to laugh at herself.

Her laughter was lovely.

Elegant.

Hardy noticed that her teeth were now perfectly aligned. Unlike in his previous life, this time Hepburn had undergone dental corrections after joining his company. Wearing braces for a year had left her with straight, pearly white teeth.

The two of them were now chatting and laughing freely.

Hepburn had completely relaxed.

Under Hardy's guidance, Hepburn momentarily forgot his status, thinking of him as just a friend.

If this scene were part of a wildlife documentary, it would be like a lion observing a fawn nestled in the grass.

The fawn gazed nervously at the world.

But the lion, instead of devouring the fawn, began licking it. The naive fawn, unaware of the danger, thought the lion was showing affection and responded with cheerful bleats.

The meal ended on a lighthearted note, with Hepburn now viewing Hardy as a friend. Hardy then said, "I'm free this afternoon. Miss Hepburn, would you like to explore Rome with me?"

"Ah, I promised Tracy that I'd tour Rome with her," Hepburn said hesitantly.

"She's welcome to join us," Hardy replied with a smile.

Tracy was called over. When she learned that Hardy wanted to take Hepburn sightseeing and include her, she immediately shook her head. "Mr. Hardy, I'll pass. I have a lot of work this afternoon."

Tracy, being far more mature than Hepburn, had no intention of being a third wheel. She knew that tagging along might jeopardize her position.

"I see. Work is important. Then it'll just be the two of us," Hardy said, turning to Hepburn.

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