The Tyrant Billionaire

Hepburn, who had relaxed earlier, became slightly nervous again. She glanced at Tracy for guidance.

Tracy smiled and nodded encouragingly.

Only then did Hepburn agree.

Such a simple hearted girl.

Relieved that Hepburn had agreed, Tracy let out a quiet sigh of relief.

After lunch, Hardy led Hepburn out of the hotel. Outside was a small scooter. Hardy patted it and said, "The streets of Rome are narrow. Shall we ride this?"

"Sure," Hepburn replied obediently.

Hardy got on the scooter, and Hepburn climbed on behind him, hesitantly gripping the edge of his shirt.

"Where shall we start? Do you have anywhere special in mind?" Hardy asked.

"I'm not sure," Hepburn replied shyly.

"Alright, let's start with the closest spot," Hardy decided.

The scooter roared to life and headed onto the road. The breeze tousled Hepburn's hair, and she found the sensation delightful.

Several cars discreetly followed them at a distance.

The scooter soon arrived at the Piazza della Repubblica.

Surrounded by circular buildings and featuring the Fountain of the Naiads in the center, this was the location where Princess Ann jumped out of a car inRoman Holiday.

They got off the scooter.

Hepburn admired the fountain and the surrounding architecture. "This is beautiful."

Hardy smiled. "This is Piazza della Repubblica. To the northeast is the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels and Martyrs, designed and constructed under Michelangelo's direction."

The two strolled away from the scooter.

The area was already bustling with tourists. They continued walking until they reached the Roman Forum ruins. By now, Hepburn was feeling a bit tired and sat down on a long stone bench, gazing at the distant Roman columns and the Arch of Septimius Severus behind her.

Hardy's heart stirred.

This very bench was where Princess Ann inRoman Holidayfell asleep and was found by the male lead. Sometimes, life presented such serendipity.

Or perhaps it was destiny.

"How do you feel?" Hardy asked.

Hepburn smiled.

"Wonderful, very relaxed."

Initially, she thought she would feel nervous, but being with Hardy turned out to be surprisingly calming. They simply walked, talked about Roman architecture, history, and art, and Hepburn found herself truly enjoying the experience.

The two got back on the scooter, and this time Hepburn seemed much more relaxed, resting her hands gently on Hardy's waist.

Before long, they arrived at the Trevi Fountain. They parked the scooter and walked to the edge of the fountain, where numerous tourists were tossing coins into the water to make wishes. Hepburn's eyes sparkled with interest.

At that moment, a large hand extended toward her, palm up, holding several coins of varying sizes.

Hepburn's eyes lit up.

"Take one and make a wish," Hardy said.

Hepburn didn't hesitate. She took a small coin from his hand, clasped it in her palm, silently made her wish, and tossed it into the fountain.

"Can you tell me what you wished for?" Hardy asked.

Hepburn blinked her big eyes, a blush spreading across her cheeks.

"My wish is to one day be a leading actress in a film," she whispered shyly.

Hardy smiled warmly. "I believe your wish will come true very soon." This wasn't a wish that needed divine intervention; Hardy could make it happen himself.

That's the way the world works.

What others might pray to the god for, For some others they could achieve with ease.

After spending some time at the fountain, they wandered into nearby alleys lined with shops. Years ago, during one of Hardy's visits to Italy, he had stumbled into a Ferrero chocolate shop here, a discovery that eventually led him to acquire a stake in the company and become its largest shareholder.

Soon, they arrived at the very same Ferrero chocolate shop, which was now bustling with customers. The rich aroma of chocolate immediately caught Hepburn's attention.

"Shall we go inside?" Hardy asked.

"I've heard of this chocolate shop. They have stores in America too. It's so expensive," Hepburn said, lowering her voice as if sharing a secret.

Hardy chuckled.

What an adorable girl.

Lowering his voice as well, he replied, "Here's a secret for you: this shop belongs to me. Feel free to indulge."

Hepburn froze, her clear eyes widening as she looked at Hardy. In that moment, she was reminded that the man before her was one of the wealthiest people in America.

While they had been exploring earlier, she had completely forgotten.

That's how pure her thoughts were.

When they left the chocolate shop, Hepburn was holding a box filled with an assortment of chocolates and candies. Although Hardy had mentioned that the shop was his, he still paid for the box. The chocolates, worth over ten dollars, were an extravagant treat for Hepburn, who earned only eighty dollars a week.

So expensive.

But undeniably delicious.

Hepburn had already eaten two chocolates and couldn't resist reaching for another.

As they continued walking, they passed a barbershop with photos of various hairstyles displayed at the entrance. Hepburn's gaze lingered on a picture of a girl with short hair.

"Want to give it a try?" Hardy asked.
Your journey continues with My Virtual Library Empire

Hepburn shook her head.

"I've thought about cutting my hair short before, but I'm afraid if I do it on my own, Tracy will lose her mind," Hepburn said with a laugh.

"No worries. Let's give it a shot," Hardy said, stepping into the barbershop ahead of her.

Hepburn was soon seated in the barber's chair, but she still hesitated. Turning to Hardy, she asked, "Do you think I'll look good with short hair?"

"I think you'll look amazing," Hardy said, popping another chocolate into his mouth.

"But won't Tracy freak out?"

"Don't worry; I'll handle her," Hardy reassured her with a smile.

Following Hardy's instructions, the barber styled Hepburn's hair into a short cut. After some meticulous work, the iconic Hepburn short hairstyle emerged. Both the barber and Hepburn herself were stunned. She even doubted whether the girl in the mirror was really her.

Before the haircut, she was a beautiful girl-next-door.

After the haircut, she looked like an angelic gitl straight out of a Roman sculpture.

---