Chapter 461: Another Year Begins

In the top-floor suite of the MGM Grand Hotel, Charles Capet lay in the giant bathtub, watching the New Year's Eve celebration on the Las Vegas Strip through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

The warm water in the pool sent up wisps of steam, making his whole body feel comfortable. Anne Hathaway walked over with a bottle of champagne.

Then, she untied her robe and got into the warm pool, leaning against Charles. "Cheers to the New Year!"

"Cheers! Happy New Year!" Charles clinked glasses with her and drank it all in one go.

Wrapping his arm around Anne, Charles kissed her neck a few times, feeling her curvy body. He chuckled, "Dear, your figure just keeps getting better!"

"Kate Winslet's performance in The Reader has received a lot of praise. It seems more daring and eye-catching compared to my role in Rachel Getting Married," Anne sighed. Her performance in Rachel Getting Married had been quite a breakout, possibly earning her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress.

"She's got the experience and the age now; it's her turn to win. Reese Witherspoon had all the advantages while filming Walk the Line and clinched the Best Actress Oscar," Charles analyzed.

"And she was also 30 when she won, with no strong competitors that year!" Charles knew Anne's thoughts well. He had mentioned that a princess breaking out from chick flicks needed several years of polishing in drama films to win an Oscar's favor.

"Now, with the financial crisis, all companies are cutting production budgets. The fat check books for stars are no longer available," Charles said, leaning in for a kiss.

Anne cuddled up to Charles, wrapping her arms around his neck and said, "You've already nurtured two Oscar-winning actresses: Reese Witherspoon and Marion Cotillard. Kate Winslet might also snag a crown for The Reader. Isn't there a suitable role for me? I've been through the test with Golden Globe and Oscar nominations!"

Charles rubbed her chest, laughing softly, "Don't worry, I'll definitely get you that Oscar."

"I know! The Golden Globe nominations have already been announced, and Capet's work is absolutely leading!" Anne leaned in and kissed Charles proactively.

Indeed, Capet was the big winner among the Golden Globe nominees:

- Best Drama: Slumdog Millionaire and The Reader.

- Best Musical or Comedy: Vicky Cristina Barcelona and Mamma Mia!

- Best Director: Danny Boyle for Slumdog Millionaire and Stephen Daldry for The Reader.

- Best Actor in a Drama: Mickey Rourke for The Wrestler.

- Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy: Javier Bardem for Vicky Cristina Barcelona.

- Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy: Rebecca Hall for Vicky Cristina Barcelona and Meryl Streep for Mamma Mia!

- Best Supporting Actress: Penelope Cruz in Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Marisa Tomei in The Wrestler, and Kate Winslet in The Reader.

There were also nominations for Best Screenplay, Best Original Score, and Best Song. Capet was fully leading in the Golden Globes!

Kate Winslet was contending for Best Supporting Actress in The Reader, with a separate nomination for Best Actress in a Drama for Revolutionary Road. However, given the Oscar trends, Revolutionary Road, being a romance, was unlikely to get a nod, so Kate's team submitted The Reader for Best Actress.

Meanwhile, Anne Hathaway's performance in Rachel Getting Married had also earned her a nomination for Best Actress in a Drama.

During the economic downturn, whether it was the grand CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas or the various film festivals in Los Angeles, everything was made as grand as possible in an effort to boost the economy.

Not to mention, the Golden Globe Awards ceremony had been canceled at the beginning of 2008 due to the Hollywood writers' strike!

As the clock struck midnight, the entire Las Vegas rocketed with brilliant fireworks.

In the MGM suite, Charles held Anne Hathaway from behind as they stood by the window, marveling at the massive fireworks display together.

"The new year is here," Charles whispered in her ear, his hands wandering beneath her open towel.

"Yeah," Anne Hathaway half-closed her eyes, feeling Charles's touch, "Next week, I have a romantic comedy, Bride Wars, coming out. I need to go for the movie promotions. When are you leaving Las Vegas?"

Bride Wars was set to premiere on January 9th, so it was indeed crucial promotion time.

"Let's head back to LA tomorrow," Charles said, lifting Anne onto the bed.

"How about we drive from Las Vegas to Los Angeles tomorrow, via the I-15?" Charles suggested, dreaming of a road trip. Driving from Vegas to LA would still take three to four hours.

"Charles!" Anne Hathaway eagerly stripped off her towel, pulling him on top of her. "I'm all yours, but for now, you should fulfill your manly duties!"

"See, can't get enough, can you?" Charles laughed, nuzzling her.

Anne Hathaway ignored him, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him passionately...

The next day, Charles and Anne woke up around noon.

Charles drove a new Dodge Viper, taking Anne Hathaway straight from Las Vegas to Los Angeles along the I-15.

The desert scenery along the way was endless with its vast expanse, blue skies, white clouds, wilderness, and distant mountains...

As they passed a small town and a military base filled with Humvees, they took a break at a gas station and had a quick bite.

"Honey, how are you feeling?" Charles asked as they got back in the car.

"It feels amazing," Anne Hathaway couldn't resist planting a hot kiss on Charles's face. "I'd love to drive across the entire United States one day!"

Charles smiled and patted her thigh. He supported her dream in spirit.

"Let's get going..."

*****

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