MassaHJ
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Chapter 180: 2002 II
🕑 Added 2025-08-06 13:06:42 +0000 UTC"Hey, I'm living frugally, these are just normal expenses for someone of my caliber. But if you're worried, we can sell that new 50" plasma TV we put in your room," I offered.
"Noo waaay!" Paige exclaimed, throwing her arms around me.
She then spotted a magazine on the table and picked it up.
"Wow, that’s Pepper. Financial Times Person of the Year," she murmured.
Paige began to read aloud: "The CEO of the Year goes to Virginia Potts, leading JD Company through one of the greatest rises of 2001. All six films produced by the company were absolute box office hits, and all were low-budget. She is the lady of dark horses.
It all started with a paranormal activity (pun intended), and ended with the rookie studio achieving a worldwide gross revenue competing with the Big 6, likely ranking third overall."
"Is the Midas touch still effective in 2002? Are we gonna see a Big 7? The company already announced more than 10 films scheduled for this year, with some trailers already released."
"While analysts are more skeptical about the movie side, there’s little doubt about the music division. Marshmello and Britney seem unstoppable. Tomorrowland is expected to further crown the duo’s success."
"Next comes the second big move of the company: Monster (formerly Halsen), an energy drink brand exploding in sales and already grabbing market share. Two main factors explain its growth: a larger quantity at the same price as the leading competitor, and its strong association with Marshmello’s popularity in nightclubs, concerts, and parties. Analysts estimate its value might already be around $250 million."
"Lastly, the acquisition of the Patriots, an NFL football team. It's still unclear whether it's a strategic investment or just the owner's wish fulfillment. The doubts come especially from the price paid—$510 million plus debts. While considered fair, it might have strained the company's cash flow."
Paige flipped to another page. "JD Company owner is still unknown. As the company was registered in Delaware, one of the states with the least restrictions, and uses multiple holding layers, the owner’s identity is likely known by only a few people. Virginia Potts has stated she is not the majority shareholder."
She glanced at the magazine, then at me, repeating the motion thoughtfully.
"What are you thinking, Paige?" I asked.
Before Paige could say anything, the doorbell rang. Typical.
But I don’t mind telling the truth, that JD is mostly mine. Whether it’s to Paige (who clearly already figured it out), or to Carly, Sam, and Freddie. Cher and Regina probably already have their suspicions too.
Carly and Freddie walked into the living room.
Everyone greeted each other as they entered. The two made their way over to the couch.
Freddie noticed Loki curled up beside it and grinned. "So this is the dog you bought?"
But before he could pat the dog, Loki dodged and bolted toward Carly. He leapt up and landed straight into her arms.
Carly looked deadpan at me. "What are you teaching this dog?"
"It is a slander!"
"But he sure is so cute!" she added, hugging the husky and smiling as she looked into his blue eyes.
Just then, the Samoyed appeared from around the corner, tail wagging like a cloud on a sugar rush.
"Come here, White," I called, patting my leg.
The fluffy giant trotted over obediently, sitting beside me like she owned the place.
"White, really?" Carly laughed.
"Don’t blame me. My mom picked the name," I replied.
"No wonder your name is Jacob," Paige muttered with a smirk.
"Yeah, better than 'servant boy,'" I shot back. "Pretty sure 'Paige' used to mean that, right?"
"It means someone diligent, helpful, and loyal nowadays," she snapped back, sticking out her tongue.
"You two are really becoming like brother and sister," Carly said, shaking her head.
Meanwhile, Freddie was entertained, focused on White as he gently scratched behind the dog's ears.
His phone buzzed. He checked the screen and said, "It’s Sam again, sending another 'help' message."
"Yeah, she is sending to everyone," I commented. "Let her 'enjoy' some more time with her family — her mom and sister."
Even Carly nodded in agreement.
The four of us ended up hanging out and talking the entire afternoon — music, movies, iCarly, Loki being a traitor (only staying in Carly lap), and Paige throwing witty jabs.
Later, I stood up and stretched. "I’m heading to my uncle’s place. You two want a ride?" I asked Carly and Freddie.
They exchanged a glance and nodded.
"Sure, thanks," Carly said, grabbing her bag.
I turned to Paige. "Mom will be back soon, don’t do something dumb."
She rolled her eyes. "Whatever."
"And take care of Loki," I added, patting him gently.
The husky was already curled in Paige’s arms, completely relaxed.
---
We drove for about forty minutes until we reached the Malibu house. The ocean breeze hit as soon as I stepped out of the car.
Inside, Charlie was lounging in the living room with a drink in hand. A blonde woman crossed the hallway toward the kitchen, barefoot and wearing one of Charlie’s shirts — and with a body that made it hard not to notice.
"Great New Year, Uncle," I greeted, already thinking the party clearly paid off.
Charlie looked up, raised his glass lazily, and gave me a knowing smirk. "You’re gonna like her — she sings really well."
"Seriously? With a body like that, she still has time to sing? Is this a new era for you, Charlie 2002?" I teased, raising an eyebrow.
He shot me a look but grinned again. "She was the one singing at the New Year's party."
"Of course she was," I muttered with a scoff.
Curious, I walked toward the kitchen.
The blonde was by the counter, pouring herself some orange juice. I stepped closer and offered a casual smile. "Hello. Jake."
She turned around, meeting my eyes with a warm, playful smile.
"Stacy," she replied. Then added with a wink, "But people close to me call me Fergie."
