Billy wasn't the only one involved in the premiere. Staan's secretary, from Lux Distribution—noecialized distribution pany—was responsible for sending invitations to key figures. Most of them were from the produ side, with a few actors less proo the spotlight, though they still delivered surprising performances. Monid Winona, now seemingly inseparable, were always by each other's side—something the media couldn't quite their heads around, as if it were like handling a hot potato.

  Everyone was waiting to deliver their reviews, and uedly, one came two days before the premiere on a Tuesday. The event had grown in significe, and over time, these kinds of premieres were being more valuable than people might initially think.

  -This is a really beautiful event, - ented Monica, gazing at little Ray, a blonde-haired child with an i look that could melt anyone’s heart. He was the very picture of innoce, almost too perfect, like a boy born to embrace the world.

  -We’ll have another one in March for the animation film ‘The Musi,’ where you did the voiceover for that Frenan spy, - Billy said, pulling Monica close. She stumbled a little, leaning into him. Her bck dress highlighted her legs, and she wore a stunning Gabbana gown that showcased her beauty and sensuality. She was radiant, like the very muse of beauty and allure. Apollo himself would desd to find his wife. Her curly hair was magnifit.

  -It would be amazing to do one in Paris. I’ve always wao, but those events are usually simpler... more focused on other areas. Still, the festivals there are simply fantastic, gratifying, and tailored to perfe. They always give us a different feeling than what we get here. Here, people are just so... magnifit,- murmured Monica, watg the crowd, filled with children, women, and others sharing in the excitement of the premiere.

  -I o talk to a few people; I’ll catch up with you ter,- Billy whispered to her.

  Among the important figures in attendance were the producers, all in alig with their duties. They were the same people behind The Simpsons, and through them, Billy saportunity to open doors in television, particurly with a series he was keen on Futurama.

  -Wele, Mr. Brooks, and Mr. Richard Sakai... It’s a pleasure to see you both,- greeted Billy, knowing he needed a favor from these two giants of Gracie Films.

  -Ohhhh hohoho, I had the fortune of watg the film’s edit. She’s a good girl—the critics will love the mix edy and roma’s like a romahat many older folks should uand—that failure, that starting point—it allows us to address the burdens we all carry,- Brooks ented, with an air of y. He had a hit on his hands, ohat had sparked many ideas. If Cameron Crowe could talk about fag the first failure of his career, then all the better for Brooks to address the theme of a man approag 50—a straime in most people's lives.

  -What a wonderful thing ema is,- said Billy, expanding the versation to cover various intricate details, while subtly praising their work as producers. His questions—how did they achieve such feats?—were woven with praise for their creative vision as behind Lux Animation’s growing influence.

  …

  -I don’t think Billy will be back for a while,- Winona whispered.

  Monica's sharp gaze fell upon the raven-haired actress, her expression a mix of amusement and awareness. Though she wasn’t proo childish behavior or hypocrisy, something was different this time, something harder to grasp with ease.

  -He’s always doing business, stantly thinking about how to nurture those ventures,- Monica replied, fully uanding Billy's nguage and the weight he carried for so many people. It was an issue she knew well, like a patriarever at home, much like her own father, who always worked. She realized this once she entered uy and lost the forts she’d grown aced to.

  -My agent talked to yours, and I think we have a ce to walk in a fashion show in New York. There’s a surprise ing—I haven’t quite figured it out yet. My agent loves to surprise me with opportunities. Last time, it was a role that revolutionized my career. I’m sure it’s something fantastic I’ll enjoy,- Winona whispered.

  Winona wore a deep blue dress with a plunging nee that drew many eyes. The stares were hungry and provocative, and she was stealing a bit of the spotlight. With their stunning figures, it was no wonder people often called them the most beautiful women of the decade. The photos fshed nonstop, with waves of attention ing and going, especially after the Australian premiere.

  The two women sat down, watg Billy chatting at the door with other people. He decided to remain there, distant. The lights dimmed, and the Lux Animation logo appeared—a glowing city on a dark field, shining within a gss ball—heralding the start of the film.

  -This is the world, with six billion people. When I was young, there were three billion. It’s a job to keep up with it all, and that’s just the way it is. This is America, and it keeps setting the standards for the world...- Billy’s voice was smooth and fresh, redubbed for two simple reasons: he was a master at voiceover work, and in dubbing, he could do many things. The small cameo by Michael Jordan leasant surprise, and the movie unfolded with a one, more experimental.

  Winona beamed, watg as Billy began to make exceptional films. His knaaking successful deals across various sectors only improved. A five-minute shift in the film's pag, and from there, it captivated the audience.

  Jerry es to realize ohing: he wants to ge the pany's dire but is pletely fired. The rhythm of the movie carried just the right amount of tension, evokiions of affe, disdain, and etric behavior, all refleg deep-rooted societal issues and individual madness, along with superb ag.

  -Sometimes, I think we could make a film like this,” -Monica mused to herself. She wao be a star, nd signifit roles, and secure her financial independence. Winona squeezed her hand and smiled sweetly, full of uanding.

  Jerry’s journey of redemption was satisfying—the tale of a man at his lowest point rising to triumph once more. It was a refreshing hit, a mueeded happy ending, embodying the spirit of Ameri a single frame—Hollywood, with its grand finales.

  -That was a great movie, - Winona said, touched by the experience.

  …

  Billy received a flood of notifications from various points of admiratioement, and appreciation. He saw how everything, which had once seemed to pteau, had now soared to 3,200 views by the end of the night, in just one evening.

  ***

  The night, the reviews hit the mark, signaling a neter for Billy. The neers were published, all fog on a siory: success.

  The Washington Post“With dazzling performances by Billy Carson, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Renée Zellweger, and the tender dire of Cameron Crowe, Jerry Maguire blends romand sports with fir... the romantiedy of the summer that’s unfettable for its simplicity.”

  Daily Mail“‘Help me help you’—a rid tender film, pletely fantastic, that vinces viewers not to give up despite adversity. With its family themes, it’s perfect.”

  The New York Times“Heartfelt, family-friendly, and plete.”

  Texas News“A simple and successful film about sports agents and professional solitude.”

  Los Aimes“An ued film, as thrilling and surprising in its humor as it is in its emotional depth.”

  Hollywood Reporter“This clever sports story, though decidedly soft, with an old-fashioned romantic subplot, will likely find its biggest fans among opolitan readers.”

  Chicago Sun-Times“A film that starts ical but quickly turns tender. Often, it’s brilliant, especially when Carson and Zellweger are together on s—they create sparks.”

  …

  The reviews were positive, and all pointed in one dire: the campaign was a resounding success.

  ...