The hilltop villa in southern Park City.
After a long day of travel, Simon took a shower and changed into fresh clothes. As he descended to the dining room, his assistant, known as A, followed closely behind and informed him, "Bryce Levison arrived in Los Angeles around noon today. She wanted to meet with you, and when she heard you were in Park City, she followed. I've arranged for her to stay at the resort in the west of the city."
Simon was somewhat surprised. He hadn't expected the Levison family to cave so quickly, especially with Francis Levison's wife, Bryce Levison, coming to plead on his behalf.
Was she essentially delivering herself to him?
As per usual, after Francis Levison was arrested for tax evasion, he should have been granted bail relatively quickly since it wasn't a criminal felony. However, the local court in Florida had deliberately delayed for three days before finally setting a hefty $10 million bail, taking into account Levison's crimes, his wealth, and the risk of him fleeing. Although the Levison family had total assets worth a billion dollars, Francis Levison's personal share was worth less than $200 million.
A wealthy person's net worth never equals liquid cash. Federal media now estimated Simon's personal fortune at $500 billion, but even for him, raising $25 billion in cash would not be easy. Francis Levison, whose family business had been teetering on the edge of bankruptcy for years, would find it nearly impossible to come up with $10 million in such a short time.
In such cases, wealthy individuals often use real estate as collateral, but for some reason, the Levisons hadn't done so. As a result, until the issue was resolved, Francis Levison would likely remain in jail.
As Simon entered the dining room, and after Zoe and Isabel served the dinner and left, he continued to inquire of A, "I recall that Francis Levison has an uncle who serves as the group's vice chairman, someone named Brody Levison. He's a capable man. Why hasn't he reached out to me?"
Alison, standing by Simon's side, served him a bowl of sweet soup and replied, "It's probably due to family disputes."
Simon immediately understood.
Even Simon knew that Brody Levison was quite capable. With Francis Levison causing trouble for the company, if Brody Levison were to save the family business, Francis would likely have to step down afterward. Considering Bryce Levison's graceful yet alluring demeanor, it seemed that Francis Levison was indeed willing to make sacrifices.
Simon had no doubt that Francis had ulterior motives in sending his wife.
After a brief pause, Simon said, "Arrange for her to join me for breakfast tomorrow morning."
Alison nodded, "Understood."
As Simon sliced through the ribs on his plate, another thought crossed his mind. "Grace should be here in Park City by now, right?"
Grace, of course, referred to Grace Spurling.
The film *The Man from Earth,* starring Kiersey Gough, was set to premiere tomorrow. As Gough's agent, Grace had a legitimate reason to accompany her to the premiere, something she had mentioned to Simon over the phone a few days ago.
A softly acknowledged this.
Simon didn't think much of it and instructed, "Have Neil send someone to bring her over."
This time, Alison hesitated. Simon waited for a moment, then glanced at her. A's eyes were downcast as if she hadn't heard his words.
With a slight smile, Simon patted his leg. "Alright, let's forget about it tonight. Come, have dinner with me, and I'll deal with you later for not following my orders."
The next day was Saturday, January 21st.
Typically, the highlight films of many festivals are shown later in the event. However, *The Man from Earth* was scheduled for its premiere on the first weekend of the festival, as the Sundance organizers wanted to use the strong draw of a new film written by Simon to boost the festival's popularity.
After the premiere this morning, three more screenings were scheduled over the following days until the festival ended next weekend.
The effect was remarkable. Just this one film significantly boosted attendance in Park City this year. Many fans flocked from all over to catch an early glimpse of Simon's new movie. Tickets for the 10 AM premiere at the Egyptian Theatre had long since sold out, and the scalped price for a single ticket had already risen to over $1,000.
At a mountain resort in the western part of Park City, the sleek wooden vacation apartment was just beginning to lighten with the dawn. Grace had already woken up, slipping out of bed in her light nightgown. She walked to the window, drew back the curtains, and wiped the condensation from the glass. Through the window, she could just make out the silhouette of a luxurious villa nestled among the evergreens on the southern hilltop.
She had arrived yesterday in high spirits, but by the time she went to bed, the little man hadn't sent anyone to fetch her.
It was hard not to feel disappointed.
Mostly, though, she was anxious and uncertain.
Lying alone in the large bed late at night, counting hundreds of sheep, she tried to reassure herself. By the time the sheep count reached a thousand, she couldn't help but think she might be unwell.
There was no hope.
She had already prepared herself for this. After all, she was just a fleeting visitor in his life.
Besides, the gap between them was so vast.
At her age, having the good fortune to experience something like this was already a blessing. She couldn't ask for more.
But…
Well, he did say that women are greedy.
Today, the movie inspired by her was premiering. There was no way that the little man wouldn't show up.
With this in mind, she washed up, carefully selected her outfit, and made sure everything was just right before heading downstairs. It was 7:30 AM.
Her two assistants were already up and busy in the kitchen. However, the other three houseguests—her client, Kiersey Gough, *The Man from Earth's* lead actress, Elizabeth Perkins, and the unexpected arrival, Bryce Levison—were still sleeping.
Thinking of Bryce Levison, Grace couldn't help but frown slightly.
This two-story vacation villa was arranged by Daenerys Entertainment as a perk for the cast and crew of *The Man from Earth.* The film's director and lead actor were staying in another cabin nearby.
All of Park City was currently overflowing with people. Many visitors had resorted to camping outdoors in sub-zero temperatures because there were simply no rooms left. Staying in a resort like this was a luxury not just anyone could afford.
Bryce Levison's arrival yesterday afternoon was unexpected, but Grace understood her purpose.
And the implications.
Grace's restless night was partly due to Bryce Levison. This wealthy and pampered woman had it all—looks, figure, and even age—that left Grace feeling inadequate. Yet, unlike those younger women, Bryce might become her most direct "competitor" in the future.
Men are always so fickle.
Distractedly, Grace watched her assistants prepare breakfast. Just as she was about to go upstairs to wake everyone, a car pulled up outside, and the doorbell rang.
Stopping Michelle from answering the door, Grace went to the living room herself. Upon opening the door, she immediately recognized the visitor's demeanor as that of one of his bodyguards.
She assumed they had come for her.
Relieved, the emotions she'd been harboring since last night quickly dissipated.
And then came the disappointment.
The visitor introduced himself and stated his purpose: he was there to escort Bryce Levison to have breakfast with him.
That bastard.
That little scoundrel.
Grace felt a lump in her throat but forced herself to keep her composure as she went upstairs to wake the lazy woman.
Bryce Levison had not expected Simon Westero to send someone for her so early in the morning. She hurried to get ready, unaware of the jealous look Grace gave her as she tried to hurry her out the door.
A scene from a thriller Simon had once described to her crossed her mind. She had fantasized about him being the psychotic killer and herself as the victim.
That way, she could become a ghost and always stay with him.
This wasn't the first time she had such bizarre thoughts.
After Bryce left, Michelle, Grace's assistant, couldn't help but feel the temperature in the previously warm cabin had suddenly dropped several degrees, and she tread carefully around Grace.
From the resort, the hilltop villa was visible, but getting there required winding through mountain roads. Ten minutes later, after rehearsing her words along the way, Bryce Levison noticed the car slowing to a stop. Looking out the window, she saw a rustic brick and stone villa that was more impressive than most of the Levison properties. Bryce knew that Simon Westero might only stay in such a place for a few days each year.
To the average American, the Levison family represented an unattainable level of wealth. But to Simon Westero, they were just as unattainable.
The driver opened the car door, and Bryce stepped out. A well-dressed woman in a business suit was waiting at the door, evidently not planning to stay outside for long, as she hadn't bothered with a coat. Women are always trying to extend their moments of beauty.
Bryce had seen her before at the Westeros New Year's Eve party, where this woman had stayed close to Simon, handling introductions.
Her name, as she recalled, was A.
B, C, D.
These women had become quite famous in the United States.
They had spoken on the phone yesterday, and Bryce's accommodations were also arranged by her. Bryce dared not
be disrespectful, knowing that this woman's personal wealth might rival her husband's.
A was rather cold toward her, offering a polite greeting before leading her inside.
In the dining room, A gestured for Bryce to sit and said, "The boss just finished exercising and is showering. Please wait."
Bryce had no objections, sitting quietly at the table while A left the room.
Simon didn't keep her waiting long. Within three minutes, he appeared at the door of the dining room.
Bryce quickly stood up. She looked at Simon, who was dressed in a light gray striped sweater and black casual pants. He was tall, with a steady demeanor, and his handsome appearance had a certain allure that would attract women of all ages, even without the trappings of power.
This was one reason Bryce hadn't resisted when her husband asked her to come to plead with Simon Westero.
With a man like this, she didn't feel like she was losing out.
After a brief greeting and embrace, Simon gestured for her to sit at the table, taking a moment to appraise the woman across from him.
Bryce Levison wasn't particularly tall, just over 5'7", but her figure was perfectly proportioned—a golden ratio, one might say. Her body had a flawless S-curve, and her face had the dignified look of a noblewoman, somewhat resembling Hollywood actress Morgan Fairchild but with a touch of sultry charm. She hadn't tanned, so her skin had a fair, radiant quality, evidence of meticulous care.
For some reason, Simon suddenly thought of Laura Grauff, who had been in Manhattan for a long time without much attention from him.
From Grace's previous descriptions, this woman seemed to be of the same type as Laura. Perhaps they could be paired together. The same type of woman engaging in a sapphic relationship was a particularly beautiful sight.
As they sat, Zoe and the others quickly began serving breakfast.
Once the maids had left, Simon initiated the conversation. "How did you sleep last night?"
Bryce, still feeling somewhat flustered from Simon's earlier gaze, quickly responded, "It was fine. I just didn't expect you to be up so early, Simon."
It was just 8 AM. In the warm South, getting up early wouldn't be an issue, but in this cold mountain town, Bryce thought 8 AM was still a good time to stay in bed a little longer rather than sitting down for breakfast.
Simon smiled and made some small talk before getting to the point. "The IRS audit wasn't something I initiated."
Bryce seemed confused, staring at Simon. "What?"
"You heard correctly," Simon said, shrugging slightly. "But you can blame it on me if you want. I don't mind."
Bryce, now understanding, thought for a moment before asking, "Then, Simon, could you… could you ask them to stop the investigation?"
Simon nodded. "You can call Florida this morning. Frank should be released today. The IRS will stop their investigation within two weeks."
Bryce had expected this trip to be anything but easy, anticipating all sorts of difficulties from the young man across the table. But she hadn't expected it to go so smoothly, leaving her momentarily speechless.
Simon, still smiling, said, "You see, I've always been sincere about wanting to cooperate."
Bryce remained silent.
Simon continued, "Perhaps you think my interest in Levison Group is about seizing control of the company. You're giving yourself too much credit. Do you think I'm interested in your husband's position as chairman or CEO?"
Bryce weakly protested, "But, Simon, you're asking for too many shares."
"And do you think I'd be interested in a deal worth less than $1 billion?" Simon said, not waiting for Bryce to respond before continuing. "The Levison family only holds 15% of Levison Group's shares, and the company doesn't have a dual-class share structure. Even without me, you still have to work hard to manage other shareholders' pressures to maintain control. Now, if you accept my investment in Levison Group, you only need to satisfy me. Together, our shares would be enough to control the company completely. And compared to other shareholders, I'm the least likely to challenge your control."
Bryce could only nod. "Simon, I'll pass this on to Frank."
Simon took a sip of his warm milk before saying, "Of course, I'm not someone who's easy to deal with. Since you missed the last opportunity, the original terms are no longer on the table. It's still $1.5 billion, but now I want 35% of the shares. Also, this will be an equity injection, not a purchase of your existing shares. The $1.5 billion must be invested entirely in Levison Group's future development."
Bryce sensed the aggressive tone in Simon's voice but found herself with little will to argue, nodding again.
Simon was pleased with her response and said, "In that case, make the call to Miami after breakfast and get back to me as soon as possible. And since you're already here, why not stay the night?"
"What?!"
Bryce instinctively looked up in surprise but quickly lowered her head, her face flushing.
She neither agreed nor refused.
But Simon wasn't done. "Do you want to?"
Damn it.
Did he really want her to say it out loud?
Still, sensing that the infuriating man across from her was waiting for an answer, Bryce hesitated briefly before finally nodding softly.
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