MassaHJ
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Chapter 158: To NY (again)
🕑 Added 2025-07-13 12:39:19 +0000 UTCA few days had passed, and the final one arrived (for November 2001). I was on the phone with Anthony at 6 a.m.
"We bought 100 million shares of Enron over the past few days, closing out our entire short position," I said, pacing the hallway.
"Since our average sell price was $51.50 and the purchase price was $0.55 per share, we made $5.09 billion in profit."
I paused. "After taxes, that’s still $3.13 billion."
"That’s correct..." Anthony said.
“2 billion in tax… they could just fuc* our ass, would be less painful” I muttered bitterly.
"And Amazon is already valued at $4.2 billion. With our 30% stake, that's $1.26 billion," I added.
"Regarding Amazon, Jeff Bezos keeps reaching out. He wants to meet the person behind the Jacob Fund," Anthony said.
"Just tell Jeff we support him, and we have no interest in controlling the company. We simply want to remain shareholders," I replied.
"Anthony, now we go for Worldcom. Same thing we did with Enron—no need to be shy now that we have more than enough money if something goes wrong," I added.
"I don’t think anyone would call a $5 billion short position shy..." Anthony murmured.
"Regarding the other investment, the deal with Robert is already fully closed. The formal approval from the league owners and the league commissioner is expected by the end of December, but we've already sounded things out and it will be approved." He added
“Niceee!” I spoke
"Alright that is all, have a good fight. Goodbye, Jake," he said before hanging up.
I then walked over to Charlie—my travel companion for the trip to New York.
Uncle Charlie and I proceeded to the airport’s private terminal, escorted by seven bodyguards.
Security had been significantly tightened, even for private flights—still reacting to the attack that occurred two months earlier.
We boarded the corporate jet, with the guards seated up front and the three of us relaxing in a more secluded section in the rear.
"Wow, we’re actually flying private now," Charlie said, admiring the surroundings. "You’ve really raised the Harper standard."
The aircraft belonged to the company—a Bombardier Global Express. Pepper and my family usually used it. I rarely did, mainly during vacations and holidays. JD also had a Bombardier Challenger 300, reserved for executives and key personnel. (I’m not like Bezos; I believe some perks for top performers are okay.)
"So, are you meeting Tasha again?" Uncle Charlie asked.
"Yeah. Rach will join us for lunch too," I replied.
"You sure you don’t want to meet someone new?" Charlie asked, smirking.
"No. Part of the reason I’m going is to see Rach and the gang, spend some time with them. And Tasha’s great," I said. "It’s not like we’re dating—we’re just enjoying more good times together."
"Your dad’s doing the same. He’s seeing Sherri again this weekend. The difference is, you won’t get your ass kicked," Charlie added.
"Yeah, Dad still has a long way to go..." I muttered.
He didn’t come because of that. Mom didn’t join either—she had plans with Mitchell and Cam (they’ve grown close). She’s also used to traveling, especially when Paige and I aren’t at the Santa Monica house.
Charlie, with little else to do, decided to tag along. And with the bodyguards, it wasn’t like I needed another adult to chaperone me.
---
The jet touched down, and we headed to a hotel near Monica’s place.
After a quick shower, I went out to meet Rachel and Tasha. Uncle Charlie wandered the city. No doubt he’d return with a woman.
---
"Jakee," Rachel said as she hugged me, "I missed you. Look at you—every time I see you, it feels like you’ve grown."
"You need to stop that, Rach. You’re starting to sound like a real aunt," I smirked.
"I have mixed feelings about that," she replied with a grin.
"And we've been talking a lot, Rach," I said.
"I also have mixed feelings about that," Rachel repeated. "Sometimes I need to remind myself you're only 14 years old..."
Rachel isn’t creepy, obviously she never shares anything about her love life with me (at most, whether she’s seeing someone). But we end up talking about her career, and other important things in life, like financial planning.
"Come on, Rachel, I’m your most mature male friend," I teased with a grin.
She widened her eyes and burst out laughing. "That is actually right! Not that Chandler, Joey, and Ross are trying hard..."
I laughed along with her.
Then Tasha arrived.
"Jakeee, I missed you," she squealed, throwing herself into my arms.
"Me too," I replied, looking at her. "Are you getting more beautiful?"
"You’re so sweet," she beamed, then gave me a series of small kisses on the cheek and neck.
I pinched her gently. "Okay, behave yourself, we’ve got company," I said, before introducing her to Rachel.
"Always the charmer," Rachel said playfully, nudging me.
Then another guest showed up.
"Jake, good to see you," he greeted with a small smile.
"Good to see you again too, Ralph," I replied, shaking his hand.
Rachel was gaping like a goldfish.
---
We had lunch and spent some time chatting. Later, Ralph mentioned he had another engagement.
I took Tasha to his house and said goodbye. Rachel was with me too—both of them had earned an early weekend.
While I stood admiring Central Perk, the iconic coffeehouse from the show, Rachel finally snapped out of her trance.
"What just happened?" she asked, still wide-eyed.
"You had said you wanted advice on how to grow in the fashion industry, and I told you I didn’t know much about it—but I knew someone who could help," I reminded her.
I asked Pepper to call some favors
"And you called Ralph Lauren?" she snapped.
"He seemed to know quite a bit when he spoke," I replied with a smile.
She looked deadpan at me, then broke into a wide grin and hugged me. After that, she placed a hand on her face and said, "I can't believe I had lunch with my big boss and took advice from him..."
"And many of your coworkers saw it. I didn’t pick a lunch spot near your office by accident," I said, tapping a finger against my head.
"Really, who are you?" she asked.
"Your good-looking nephew?" I offered.
"You sure are," she said, rubbing both hands against my cheeks.
