Chapter 714: Desperate

Manhattan Midtown, Plaza Hotel.

Charles specially took Anne Hathaway to a charity dinner to raise money for people injured during the Wall Street movement.

"See, I wonder how much this dinner is costing?" Charles said, his arm around the gorgeous Anne Hathaway, while they watched the speeches on stage.

Anne Hathaway held Charles' hand and whispered, "I joined protests in New York before, but some celebrities didn't want the media to take their photos!"

"It depends on the media," Charles laughed and patted Anne's leg. "By the way, how's the PR going for Silver Linings Playbook?"

Talking about her work made Anne Hathaway's eyes light up. "Many critics and Academy members say my performance is great, and Silver Linings Playbook is a drama, leaving a deep impression on the audience."

"Charles, what about the Best Actress? Meryl Streep's The Iron Lady is coming out around Christmas. It's a biographical film!"

Charles smiled. "Don't worry. Biographical films do get more Oscar attention, but Meryl Streep and Harvey Weinstein are too closely tied, and The Iron Lady is from a small unknown company. She stands no chance. Just getting a Best Actress nomination would be good enough!"

Anne Hathaway smiled. "I'm going to the restroom," she said, and then headed to an upstairs guest room.

...

Feeling bored, Charles waited for a bit before deciding to find Anne Hathaway.

"Charles, good evening!" In the hallway, Charles ran into Michael Bloomberg.

Though Michael Bloomberg had resigned as Mayor of New York, his smiling face showed he was hardly affected in other areas.

"Michael, good evening," Charles replied, lighting a cigarette. "Want one?"

"Thanks," Michael Bloomberg accepted one and also lit up.

"Charles, you've really made Hollywood your playground now," Michael Bloomberg said after a drag. "But don't you think you're going a bit too far?"

Michael Bloomberg was referring to how Hollywood's promotion during the Occupy Wall Street movement had disregarded many Jewish interests.

"What's the issue? Tell me," Charles wasn't intimidated by Michael Bloomberg. Though Bloomberg News was one of America's four major news agencies, Charles' NBC was one of America's four major broadcast TV networks, giving NBC a considerable advantage in promotions.

Plus, financially, Bloomberg News couldn't compete with Capet Group, even if it went public. Michael Bloomberg's assets couldn't match Charles Capet's.

After Capet went public, Forbes estimated Charles' assets at over $45 billion, placing him among the world's top ten richest. Of course, Charles' true wealth was even higher, with many assets unknown to Forbes.

"Charles, you don't need to compete with Jewish capital. We're all working for America's good," Michael Bloomberg cautioned.

"You mean Hollywood?" Charles glanced at Michael Bloomberg. "It's just business competition. Capet's position in Hollywood must match its strength. Capet is now the world's top media group and must be respected!"

"Charles, is that what you want?" Michael Bloomberg sighed, fully understanding Charles' ambitions. With such power, Charles surely wanted to have the greatest say in matters.

Charles nodded, admitting, "Hollywood's biggest piece of the pie belongs to Capet now. Anyone disrupting Hollywood is disrupting my pie. Michael, what do you think I should do?"

"Charles, no one is disrupting Hollywood. No one dares cause trouble in Hollywood without your approval. You're overthinking," Michael Bloomberg reminded.

Charles laughed nonchalantly. "Capital is ruthless. Those without enough power should keep a low profile. Some people have been at the top for so long, they forget someone higher can call the shots."

Saying this, Charles patted Michael Bloomberg's shoulder. "People need to learn to face failure; otherwise, they'll lose even more."

Hearing Charles, Michael Bloomberg frowned. "Charles, you know how powerful we can be together?"

"In Hollywood, you can keep trying to compete with me if you've got the guts," Charles shook his head, speaking calmly. "Hollywood used to be under your control, but now it's under mine!"

"Isn't it better to make movies peacefully? No matter what, you're still at the top of the pyramid," Michael Bloomberg wouldn't give up.

Charles countered, "Then why did you enter politics? Continuing with Bloomberg News would've been just fine."

"It's all for profit. Anyone who obstructs us faces retaliation," Charles said, tossing away his cigarette. "Just like you did before, only now, we're in charge."

Without their media advantage, what grounds would the Jewish group have to compete with the Anglo-Saxon group?

Michael Bloomberg watched Charles walk away, lost in thought.

...

"Charles," Anne Hathaway opened the door, welcoming Charles in.

"Mmm..." As soon as he entered, Charles embraced Anne Hathaway, pressing her against the wall, kissing her.

Anne Hathaway held on to Charles, passionately responding. "What's gotten into you?"

"Nothing, I'm just happy," Charles said, starting to undress Anne Hathaway, nibbling on her chest.

Although the Occupy Wall Street movement hadn't impacted Michael Bloomberg much, his reaction showed the Jews were getting desperate.

Losing their major ally, Hollywood, had a significant impact on the Jews!

"Darling," Anne Hathaway held Charles' head against her chest, smiling. "We still have to go down to the dinner later. Time's tight."

Charles lifted his head, smiling. "I like hearing that. It means I'm good, right?"

Anne Hathaway snuggled up to Charles. "You always leave women wanting more," she said, licking her lips before kneeling down.

"Ah," Charles placed his hand on Anne Hathaway's hair. "Darling, you're getting better!"

Anne Hathaway's skilled movements sent a wave of electricity through Charles...

*****

https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.