March 7.
This could be Billy's greatest chance to break the status quo. At a time when his wealth seemed to be growing almost without limit, fueled by his knowledge of the future, many of his ventures were only making minor waves. His next move was Wall Street—an audacious play that likely involved more than just tricks. He needed more money to inject into his companies, which were now growing like small fish in a pond of newborn great white sharks, eager to swallow the ocean. And really, what else could it be?
Discovery Channel's series would be missed today. Nearly a year after the acquisition, these shows were finally winning over the audience, from sweeping shots of Earth's ecosystems, the planet's history, the story of animals, to how scientists lived in uninhabitable environments, narrating everything about the animals children had come to love on screen. Eight shows breathed new life into the channel.
– We've got new initiatives—one about the search for life in the oceans... It's called Blue Planet, alongside Journey Through the Human Body, and another one on Lost Civilizations. The last one's about the U.S. war—it's been a hit. – Steven E. Rogers said with a sly tone. It was good that the numbers remained stable.
– Do I like it? Did the number of subscriptions increase? – Billy asked.
– Well, we had a lifetime figure of 20 million subscriptions, but during the year, it could climb to 25 or even 27 million in some months. – Steven E. Rogers replied. – But with the recent programming, we've seen a steady rise to 26 million, and the peak so far was in January with 29 million subscriptions.
– But everything was reinvested into payments and the production of new episodes. – Billy commented, already knowing the company was in the green, but all the money was going back into creating new content.
– Sign off on all the series. I want them to be exhaustive. Let them make the series as long as they want. If it's 20 episodes, let it be 20... I'll make sure the money's there. – Billy said, well aware that Blue Planet, in his previous life, had been one of the most ambitious projects ever. One thing was certain—Billy was generous. Normally, a channel like this would release 1 to 3 documentaries per year, but Billy had launched six in one year and counting—not including two children's series, thanks to a contract with Discovery Kids for his Lux Kids network.
– I understand your terms. As long as it's good, it's approved. Money isn't an issue. – Steven replied.
– Add live reality shows to the initiatives. I want one about man versus nature, showing how people survive in different biomes—jungles, deserts, mountains, tundras, the Arctic... any environment. Make a selection process. It must meet minimum requirements for aesthetics, practical demonstrations, and real techniques. I want someone willing to eat insects, swim in frozen rivers. – Billy said.
– A survival show... I suppose it should be first-person. – Steven E. Rogers commented.
– Exactly. And it needs to be treated like a premium production. I want a real adventurer. – Billy replied.
– Be careful. I'll send Anne in June to review all the accounts. I don't care if someone's getting commissions—as long as it's not outrageous. Same goes for you. – Billy said, winking at Steven, who was about to speak but was interrupted by Raimon, who gave him a look that said he knew all about his shady dealings.
Was it money? A lot of money? Not really—barely noticeable. But some of the accounts were a little inflated. You could almost see how it was being distributed. When Billy paid 280 million for the channel, it came with a lot of baggage, including the people who ran it. But with the recent creation of Discovery Magazine—focused on animals, biomes, morality, environmental laws, and mega constructions...
...
– So you believe in that company. – Raimon murmured, seeing that Billy didn't seem to care even when money was being skimmed off the top.
– I do. Right now, we have two channels. One is the Discovery Channel, internationally recognized, but barely profitable, which was part of why it was bought so cheaply. If it crashes, we go down with it. – Billy said.
– Creating a certified magazine is a good idea. – Raimon commented.
– It's about making it premium. If we improve the photos and group together more high-end ideas... – Billy replied. – Plus, our alliance with the BBC helps us produce more documentaries for the Discovery Channel: History, which would be our second channel. It helps us differentiate content, and if we can expand into a program for experiments, reality shows, biographies, and cultural events, so many creative content ideas –
– As long as it works. – Raimon said.
– It helps because we know for certain that as people engage and subscribe to the channel, we'll earn money. When the returns are good, that's when we'll see profits. – Billy added with a long sigh.
– Let's go, we've got work to do. – Raimon said, leading him to the famed Wall Street offices where operations moved with meticulous detail. Now he had to get closer. The firm they were approaching was D.E. Shaw, Tiger Management, Soros Fund—which, in exchange for just a 2% commission, would offer top-tier insider information and the edge to carry out an utterly irreversible strategy.
These firms have quite the reputation, Billy thought to himself, well aware of the consequences that came with betting so extravagantly—and so purely—on building a portfolio. He could feel it in the air—how hard it would be to explain such risky decisions to others.
– If you speak, it's likely to be more impactful—but I want you to stay silent and only talk when we hit a wall. I want you to be intense in a way that can't be casually dismissed. I want you to be aggressive. – Raimon said, adjusting his tie. – Only when necessary. Otherwise, stay quiet. –
Familiar with Raimon's strategy and wanting to leave no room for error, Billy nodded at what was coming. It was simple—he didn't see any issue. And anyone dumb enough to act on a whim, against what Billy expected, wouldn't matter. Success was certain to come eventually. Still, balance was key—the company could move a lot of money, and that came with consequences.
But then his eyes widened.
Bernie Madoff—he was alive and out there. One way or another, the time for brilliance wasn't tied to obsession. When the money came, he'd report him completely. He knew very well that people like Madoff only widened the gap.
– How much does it cost to run an inspection on one of these firms? – Billy asked.
– Very little. All you need are the right contacts. – Raimon replied. – Why?
– Just a little curiosity I have. – Billy answered, knowing from a reliable source that Madoff had been running his Ponzi scheme since at least 1989—putting money in, taking money out. He could've done it. But that would've been a real trap—or something that would ruin him completely. Who knows? Still, his inner voice told him it was enough playing with the Thai government for now... and that Bernie would face prison much later.
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