"Darling, are you ready?"
Duke pushed open the dressing room door and walked in. Hollywood's top stylist had already helped Ivanka change into her outfit. After greeting Duke, the stylist quickly left with her assistant.
"Do I look beautiful?" Ivanka turned her head and asked.
Duke smiled, "Stunningly beautiful."
Ivanka's blonde hair was styled into an elegant bun with no adornments. On her slender neck hung a platinum necklace encrusted with diamonds. Below it, she wore a custom-made strapless white evening gown from Chanel, its fitted design accentuating her enviable figure.
"Is the gown a little tight?" Duke walked over.
Ivanka looked in the mirror and said, "I think it fits perfectly."
Understanding Duke's implication, she playfully rolled her eyes, leaned close to his ear, and whispered, "I've prepared another tighter, sheer gown. I'll wear it for you tonight."
Duke's eyes lit up immediately. "I'd love that."
Smiling, Duke handed her a box. "Your birthday gift, my dear. Happy birthday."
"Thank you." Ivanka took the box, shook it lightly, and asked, "May I?"
Duke made a gesture of invitation. Ivanka opened the box, revealing an exquisite watch.
"It's beautiful."
Ivanka examined it carefully. It was a top-tier Patek Philippe, clearly custom-made. No matter the angle, the sapphire-studded dial displayed her silhouette.
"I love it." She added, appreciating the elegant and understated design that resonated with her own style.
Removing her bracelet, she handed the watch to Duke and extended her wrist. "Would you help me put it on?"
"At your service." Duke gently brushed her wrist. "My Lady."
"Do I look that old to you?"
Duke shrugged, helped her put on the watch, glanced at the time, and then took her hand, saying, "It's about time. We should head down."
At the top of the staircase leading to the banquet hall, Duke descended first. The music in the hall came to an abrupt stop, and countless guests turned their eyes toward them. Duke raised his hand, presenting tonight's star. When Ivanka turned at the staircase, appearing before everyone, the hall erupted in applause.
Ivanka's look emphasized sweetness. Holding Duke's arm, she descended gracefully, greeting guests offering birthday congratulations. Her etiquette, demeanor, and elegance were impeccable.
"You look stunning, Ivie."
Doug Walter approached with his girlfriend, greeting Ivanka before joking, "Duke, you'd better be careful tonight. Others might set their sights on Ivanka."
"If anyone dares..." Duke replied just in time, "I'll throw them into the ocean."
"What if it's me?"
A bold, booming voice rang out nearby. Duke smiled apologetically at Doug Walter before turning. "Hello, Donald. You're late."
Donald Trump appeared slightly displeased. "I ran into traffic on the way."
"Dad..."
Ivanka released Duke's arm and went over to hug Donald. His tone carried a hint of reproach. "I had everything prepared in New York, yet you refused to come back."
Glancing at Duke, Ivanka softly replied, "My career is in Los Angeles. This is a great opportunity to expand my network."
As Ivanka mentioned, though this was an extremely important 21st birthday in the U.S., after the cake-cutting and formalities, the event inevitably turned into a networking party.
Duke's reputation was significant. Not only were Hollywood stars and executives present, but even notable figures from Silicon Valley attended this birthday celebration he meticulously organized for Ivanka.
Just as Ivanka accommodated him in public, Duke also considered her needs. Knowing she was highly ambitious, Duke invited influential figures from the IT industry, which delighted Ivanka, as it allowed her to connect with successful individuals from Silicon Valley.
Among them were some of Duke's former or current collaborators, such as Yahoo's Jerry Yang, Google's two founders, and Apple's renowned Steve Jobs.
"I also see a bright future for virtual social platforms."
After briefly learning about Ivanka's company, Jobs showcased his charisma. "However, Apple is currently undergoing a critical transformation and cannot afford to divert resources into this area."
Ivanka smiled. "I've heard Apple is preparing to reorganize its resources?"
"Indeed." Though speaking to Ivanka, Jobs kept glancing at Duke. Suddenly, he said, "Ivie, expanding a social platform requires substantial funding. Are you interested in Apple's investment?"
"If needed, I'll reach out to you personally." Ivanka, though young, handled the conversation adeptly.
Duke raised an eyebrow slightly. He could tell Steve Jobs wasn't joking. Did this mean Jobs truly saw great potential in Ivanka's company?
These true visionaries and successful entrepreneurs had unique insights, after all.
Finishing his conversation with Ivanka, Jobs turned to Duke. "Duke, may we talk?"
"Of course."
Duke was also keen to chat with this iconic figure, especially as he and Warner Bros. had never stopped eyeing Pixar Studios.
Ivanka, being sharp, immediately said to Duke, "I'll go introduce Dad to some West Coast friends."
Once Ivanka left, Duke and Jobs walked to the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the ocean. The quieter area was more suited for discussing business matters.
"Duke, I need your support."
Steve Jobs, never one to beat around the bush, said directly, "I'm driving Apple's reform but facing considerable resistance..."
Duke nodded lightly. Whether in a nation or a corporation, every reform inevitably touched entrenched interests. While Apple bore Jobs' mark, it had yet to reach its future dominance, and Jobs himself held limited shares, with opposition forces present on the board.
"What do you need from me?" Duke asked just as directly.
"At the shareholders' meeting, support me fully!"
Hearing this, Duke smiled. Most of his Apple shares were voting shares.
Had Apple not been in dire straits before, he wouldn't have acquired them. Of course, Jobs might not have returned to Apple otherwise.
Duke understood Jobs' personality to some extent. After returning to Apple, he had been systematically eliminating dissenters. But for now, Jobs wasn't the Jobs of the future, and some adversaries weren't so easily defeated.
After thinking for a few seconds, Duke looked at Jobs and naturally asked, "What's in it for me?"
"In the next five years, Apple will undergo financing and share expansion," Jobs said, prepared. "I promise you'll have priority in investing and maintaining your current stake."
This promise was highly tempting, especially for someone like Duke, who knew how formidable Apple would become. But in reality?
Duke shook his head. "Steve, since 2000, Apple's stock has been declining, with its market value dropping from nearly $10 billion to $6 billion. How can I be sure my investment won't go down the drain?"
Jobs offered only one answer. "Because Apple's leader is Steve Jobs!"
"That's not enough reason for me to support you."
While Duke admired Jobs in some ways, his decisions weren't driven by sentiment. This was a business discussion, where interests determined everything.
Trying to form personal bonds with figures like Jobs was futile. These titans, even if they wanted to, would doubt anyone's motives for approaching them.
Jobs, after a few moments of silence, glanced toward Ivanka and said, "I, along with Pixar Studios, will join Instant Share and commit to posting updates about Apple and Pixar's animations every three to five days."
This, undoubtedly, would attract significant attention to Instant Share.
After considering for half a minute, Duke extended his hand. "Pleasure doing business, Steve."
"Likewise."
As they shook hands lightly, Duke continued, "Steve, I heard Pixar's negotiations with Disney are at a standstill because Michael Eisner refuses to make concessions?"
While Duke and Jobs discussed Pixar, a Latino man arrived at the manor, handed over his invitation to security, and entered. Stopping his car, he made his way toward the banquet hall, his bright eyes and slightly messy mid-length hair exuding an air of indie film artistry.
....
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