"Tony and Anton are at it again!"
"Did you just hear about it? They've changed the stakes this time! Apparently, it's all over some Hollywood starlet Tony's been flaunting."
"Filming, though? This sounds fun!"
"It's intriguing! Makes me want to join in—there are so many stars in Hollywood, and I haven't even slept with a fraction of them yet. Those two know how to keep it lively."
"For them, money isn't even the main thing—it's Anton trying to prove he can actually direct. Seriously, what's he thinking?"
"This whole showdown will be a better show than any movie they make!"
"Someone ought to make this gambling story a movie in itself and market it with Stark's name. It'd be a guaranteed blockbuster!"
The gathering of well-heeled young heirs chattered animatedly about Anton and Tony's latest wager. The usual extravagant party around them had lost its appeal; now, they only had eyes for the latest, juiciest drama unfolding.
"Are they still inside?"
"Yep, no brawl yet, but they've been taking jabs back and forth. How do we settle bets on who'll actually win?"
"Keep the bets on hold. We'll see when the movie is finished."
"I heard if Anton loses, he's going to be Tony's go-to assistant. Can you believe that? It's going to be wild!"
With a renewed interest, the young millionaires pushed their way back into the banquet hall. Inside, Tony Stark held court with two gorgeous women on either arm, while Anton was already surrounded by admirers, despite coming alone.
Being an eligible bachelor with a notable family background in New York, Anton naturally attracted attention. And news of the high-stakes wager had reached beyond just their social circle, leaving many agog over their audacious display of wealth.
"Anton, are you really making a movie?" cooed one of the party's more glamorous guests, a striking blonde wrapped around his arm. She leaned in closer, her voice barely a whisper in his ear, "Because I think your movie could use a leading lady…"
Anton wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her close with a grin. "Well, in that case, gorgeous, how'd you like to be my star tonight?"
The next morning, Anton left his penthouse hotel suite, refreshed and ready to face the day. Before sliding into his car, he casually tossed a scrap of paper with her number into the trash.
At The Daily Bugle, Betty's eyes widened as Anton strolled into the office on time for once. She raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Sun must be rising in the west," she murmured to herself.
Seeing her, Anton stopped, cocking his head with a smile. "Betty, how long have you been working here?"
She was taken aback, momentarily speechless. "Since graduation... about three years now," she replied cautiously.
He nodded thoughtfully. "You've been assisting Mr. Jameson this whole time. I bet you know this place inside and out. I think you're more than ready to take over my work. This place would be in capable hands with you at the helm."
"...Huh?" Betty blinked, momentarily at a loss.
But Anton was already moving down the hall, waving over his shoulder. "I'll tell Mr. Jameson I'm leaving it to you."
Betty stood there, staring as Anton disappeared around the corner. She couldn't tell if he was serious or not, but she knew her boss would be less than thrilled.
She was right. In a flash, the entire office shook as Jameson bellowed, "You little scoundrel! Do you think The Daily Bugle is some playground you can wander into and out of at whim?"
Anton remained unphased, arching an eyebrow. "It only makes sense, sir. You'd always planned for Betty to succeed you, hadn't you?"
"Bah!" Jameson snorted, bracing himself against the desk. "That girl's a fine assistant, sure—but an editor-in-chief? Are you out of your mind? She's young, fresh out of school. It's not her place!"
"That sounds a lot like sexism, sir. And as a man of media, aren't you a bit behind the times?"
Jameson looked fit to explode, his voice shaking. "Sexist? Me? Everyone in this city knows I'm for equal rights! And just you try to slander me—I'm so well-connected, even the mayor would think twice!"
Anton shrugged, unmoved. "I just think she's got potential, and I'm sure you'll see it too. Anyway, I'm off. I have my own project to worry about now."
Jameson's frustration turned to disdain. "You? A movie director? Don't make me laugh! You'd have better luck starring in one of those, those adult flicks in Hollywood—you might make back enough for a single bottle of champagne!"
"Funny you say that, old man. I don't need a cent of your money—I've got a backer already." Anton flashed a smug grin.
"Who on earth is foolish enough to fund you?"
"Oh, I knew you'd appreciate this," Anton chuckled, relishing the moment. "It's someone you know well. He's the genius of the century, an arms mogul, and has a penchant for magazine cover girls. You could even call him a prodigy in brainless decisions."
Jameson looked stunned. "Tony Stark?"
Anton nodded, savoring the old man's reaction.
"He actually fell for this harebrained scheme of yours?"
"See, it's rare, but we've finally found common ground," Anton replied with a smirk. "For once, we're both on the same page."
Jameson rubbed his temples in frustration. "Anton, let's cut to the chase. Which actress is it? Who are you chasing after?"
"That's unfair, sir," Anton replied, affecting mock offense. "You think so little of me, that I'd go into this just for a fling? I'm appalled! I'll tell you what—I'm going to distance myself from you for three months while I dive into this venture. We can pick things up again after I've wrapped."
"Oh, don't be ridiculous!" Jameson sneered. "Maybe I should lock your trust fund while you're at it."
Anton's confidence wavered slightly. "Let's...let's hold off on anything drastic. Besides, I've already got a script ready!"
"Prove it then. Show me the script."
"Ah, right." Anton faltered, scratching the back of his neck. "I'll, uh, I'll bring it by tomorrow."
Jameson threw up his hands in exasperation, waving Anton away. "Go on, then! And get out of my sight before I change my mind!"
As Anton left, Jameson shook his head, muttering to himself. He couldn't fathom how Tony Stark, with all his business acumen, had entangled himself with a frivolous trust fund kid.
But maybe that was Stark's flaw—there was just enough madness in him to dive into such a whimsical venture.
Well, Jameson thought to himself, at least with Stark's millions on the line, he didn't have to worry about bailing Anton out of this one. With that thought, he resolved to revise his will later that week, leaving Anton's cash inheritance to the family trust fund instead.