I am Hollywood

Chapter 569: Chapter 570: Record-Breaking

Chapter 569: Chapter 570: Record-Breaking[Chapter 570: Record-Breaking]

Back at the mansion, Chris detailed the series of operations regarding Nokia Group's acquisition to Eric.

"...Since Nokia's sales operations increasingly focused on international markets, we set up an international sales company in Ireland. This allowed us to consolidate all revenue from outside Finland there, enabling us to pay only about ten percent in corporate taxes. This way, we could funnel significant amounts into an offshore fund located in the Caribbean. Nokia's overall tax rate would remain around ten percent; if we set up sales companies in each European country, the tax rate would be at least twenty percent."

At this point, Eric suddenly recalled the "sandwich" tax avoidance strategies of major international tech giants like Apple and Google. Looking up, he noticed Chris showed no indication of being concerned about such matters. Eric thought for a moment but ultimately decided to keep his thoughts to himself. After all, Chris and Jorma Ollila were undeniably smart. Furthermore, every multinational corporation had departments dedicated to re

Taking advantage of Chris's trip to the restroom, Emily suddenly leaned closer to Eric. "Eric, have you two discussed that thing?"

"I've handed it all over to Chris. Just wait to become the CEO of LTD," Eric replied.

"Wow, thank you so much!" Emily clenched her fist in excitement.

...

At the dining table, Emily enthusiastically recounted the series of changes at Brighton

Apparel.

Since the stunning marketing strategy during New York Fashion Week more than half a month ago, Brighton Apparel's brand recognition rapidly expanded across the U.S. and Europe. Although the next season's clothing hadn't been officially launched yet, the company's ready-to-wear sales and orders had significantly increased.

"...A few days ago, that Leslie Wexner offered us a buyout offer again, this time for $450 million. Ha! That old guy probably doesn't realize that in a few months, his company just might end up being acquired by us," Emily exclaimed.

Chris couldn't tolerate his girlfriend's over-the-top gestures and interrupted, "Alright, darling, do you want everyone to know we're planning a hostile takeover of LTD?"

"Of course not! I'm no fool. Do you think anyone here would leak that information?" Emily waved her small hand dismissively. "Eric wouldn't, Joann wouldn't, and neither would Ewa. Oh, and you two little sweethearts, Elia and Kevin, you wouldn't gossip about it, right?"

In the high chair between Eric and Joanna, little Elia made a little noise in response to Emily, while Kevin just stared blankly at Emily, seemingly disinterested in the conversation. Ewa, who came over again for food, noticed the two kids' reactions and suddenly asked Eric, "Eric, do you think Kevin is... is he a bit slow? Seems kind of plain?"

Joanna shot her sister a glare. "Ewa, don't say such things."

Ewa Pacula stuck out her tongue but didn't push the topic further; Joanna's authority was

much more effective with her than Eric's.

Although Chris and Emily remained silent, Joanna caught the similar curiosity in the

exchanged glances between Chris and Emily. She gently said, "Vicky checked the little guy before and even tested his IQ; he was fine. The doctor said it's just that Elia is so lively that it

makes Kevin seem overly quiet."

"Being quiet isn't bad; maybe he'll grow up to be a philosopher," Chris complimented.

Joanna laughed but remained silent, glancing at Eric. She was very aware of Virginia's thoughts. As Eric's eldest son, Eric treated Kevin without regard for him being an illegitimate child. Virginia was hoping for Kevin to become Eric's successor. If he really became a

philosopher, Virginia would likely be quite upset.

"As long as the little guy can grow up happy, that's all that matters. His future path should be

his own choice," Eric said, patting his son's little head.

Emily opened her mouth to speak but ultimately didn't say anything. Everyone in the dining room, except Eric, noticed Emily's little gesture and fell momentarily silent. Chris, concerned that Emily might say something, lightly kicked his girlfriend.

Everyone clearly understood that what Emily wanted to discuss was how Eric planned to divide his personal wealth, but that issue felt far too sensitive, considering Eric was still

under thirty.

Eric was equally aware of everyone's thoughts. He felt that if he built such a substantial enterprise and left it without an heir, that would be a tragedy. However, Eric was assured that he would never have just two children. He would surely find a successor for his career. He wasn't like Rupert Murdoch, still clinging to power into his eighth decade, causing his children to lack adequate experience and ultimately fail to find suitable successors. Even if Eric retired at fifty, that was still many years away. There was no point in worrying about

these issues now.

...

The next morning, Eric vaguely heard hurried footsteps and opened his eyes to see Ewa waving a newspaper as she entered the bedroom.

"Eric, Jurassic Park broke E.T.'s box office record! Nine hundred million dollars worldwide!

Nine hundred million!"

Eric rubbed his forehead, glancing out at the morning light, marveling at how Joanna had more energy than he did.

Joanna woke up as well, seeing Ewa's excitement completely disregarding appropriate manners. She sighed, took the newspaper from Ewa's hand, and playfully smacked her with a

nearby pillow. "Ewa, do you not know how rude it is to barge into someone's bedroom? If you do this again, I'll send you back to Poland!"

Though she was aware her sister was just threatening her and wouldn't really send her away, Ewa still shrank back a bit. "I just wanted you to know this great news as quickly as possible!"

"Sending you to Poland is one thing, but it might be better to send you to Alaska. Those kinds of places are perfect for energetic youngsters," Eric joked, pulling Joanna closer against him. "Alaska? It's so cold there; I'd rather go back to Poland!" Ewa protested.

"Shut it, now get out," Joanna said, shooing her away.

Once Ewa was sent off, Eric lost any lingering desire to sleep. He sat up and opened the New

York Times newspaper Ewa had brought in.

*****

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