Chapter 581: Doral Golf Resort

Charles and Shakira slept until noon again because Shakira had to fly to South Africa!

"Gerard Pique from Barca?" Charles, holding Shakira on the sofa, had a mischievous look on his face.

In the morning, Shakira had received a call from Gerard Pique and hung up after saying a few words since Charles' sleepy voice was too distracting.

"This guy's not that old, right?" Charles said as he kissed Shakira's face and felt the roundness under her clothes. "He's smitten with you, the irresistible Latin diva!"

Shakira smiled and shifted a bit to make Charles more comfortable. "We met during filming this year, exchanged numbers, but I'm ten years older than him."

"Hey, sleeping with Gerard Pique's goddess sounds pretty cool," Charles couldn't help but laugh. "Too bad, your record deal is with Sony. Otherwise, signing with Capet Records wouldn't be bad!"

Shakira touched Charles' face. "Then I'd have to be ready for your 'unwritten rules' anytime?"

Charles leaned into her ear, "Just tell me how you felt last night. Do you think you could handle more?" he teased, running his fingers across her chest.

"By the way, I heard Barca's Henry is coming to the States to play soccer. Isn't Miami FC your team?" Shakira suddenly remembered.

Charles nodded, "Henry didn't get much playtime at Barca last season. At 33, coming to play in the US isn't bad. Miami FC is a young club, but Miami FC is a brother club to Arsenal. Having Henry, an Arsenal legend, join my Miami FC is great. We've almost secured the deal. He'll be officially announced as a Miami FC player soon!"

"Really?" Shakira wasn't surprised. "Beckham was successful playing in the States. Will you watch the World Cup in South Africa?"

"I'll go for the finals," Charles said as he kissed Shakira. "By then, I want to enjoy these two balls as well!"

"Hmph, such a flirt. Young and beautiful Christine isn't enough for you..."

...

In the afternoon, Shakira flew to South Africa from Miami International Airport. Charles headed back to his coastal estate on Jupiter Island, West Palm Beach.

At the same time, Capet Pictures' investment of 150 millions into Thor 2 grossed $86 million in North America on its opening weekend.

Warner Bros' sequel, Sex and the City 2, produced at a cost of $100 million, only grossed $31 million in North America on its opening weekend.

Disney's $200 million fantasy film, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, based on a video game, grossed $30 million on its opening weekend.

The contrast was stark. Marvel Studios delivered its usual stable performance.

In West Miami, Charles and Ivanka inspected the 650-acre Doral Golf Resort.

"Morgan Stanley's asking price is 200 millions. It's a lot cheaper than when they acquired it three years ago!" Ivanka pointed to the golf course and resort hotel as they stood on the hill.

"Three years ago? That was the peak of the real estate bubble," Charles laughed. "The facilities are a bit outdated. The golf course needs redesigning; The hotel and clubhouse also need renovation. Let's make this a top-class luxury golf resort!"

"That's going to be expensive," Ivanka reminded him. Turning it into a high-end luxury resort isn't hard, but it requires a large investment.

"A $100 million renovation fee to turn this into one of Florida's iconic golf country resorts," Charles said as he put his arm around Ivanka's waist, "It's up to you to manage it!"

"No problem," Ivanka said, showing her "experience," "My family owns a few golf country clubs."

Charles and Ivanka soon returned to Charles' waterfront villa in West Palm Beach. After pouring two glasses of whiskey, Charles downed his in one gulp, "Sign the acquisition agreement with Morgan Stanley as soon as possible. Then find a top-notch golf course designer to start the redesign. The resort hotel and clubhouse renovations can begin simultaneously!"

Ivanka edged closer to Charles. "Don't worry, I'll handle it. Besides, you hardly drink whiskey. So, why now?"

Charles chuckled. "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort opens after the World Cup. That's something to be happy about. I checked out the new area over the past few days. It's pretty cool!"

Ivanka gave Charles a peck on the cheek. "Don't drink too much now. We've got a charity dinner tonight. It's organized by Scott Richards, the Republican candidate for governor of Florida. Will backing him pay off?"

Charles pulled Ivanka to the sofa and sat down. "Charlie Crist stepping down as governor this year is a done deal. The Republicans won't allow any surprises. Scott Richards is a billionaire himself and has a lot of support. With me controlling NBC and the Miami Dolphins, the stakes are higher!"

"Will they back out?" Ivanka suddenly asked.

"Back out?" Charles' hand slid up Ivanka's thigh. "Politicians' promises are the most unreliable, but also the most binding. To ordinary people, their words are like hot air, but to a tycoon like me, their contractual spirit is as solid as a medieval knight's!"

"True," Ivanka laughed. "No one wants to offend a super-wealthy man who can call the shots in Hollywood. Charles, I'm helping you with the California governor's election and maintaining political relationships in Florida. How will you thank me?"

"What kind of thanks do you want?" Charles pressed Ivanka down, feeling her 32D.

"I want to go on vacation, to Lake Tahoe where we went before, no international travel," Ivanka wrapped her arms around Charles' neck, then kissed him.

"No problem," Charles whispered in her ear, "but tonight, I'd love to treat you to some candy, hahaha!"

"Mm..." Ivanka's lips quickly silenced his.

*****

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