Chapter 267: Every Inch is Gold
[Chapter 267: Every Inch is Gold]
Upon seeing Ryan take a seat, Charlotte Casiraghi appeared quite excited. "This design truly impressed Anna Wintour; I can see so many unique elements..."
She rambled on, referencing a plethora of designers Ryan had never heard of, making comparisons between them and Ryan himself. Ryan answered casually, looking at the youngest daughter of the Borromeo family beside her from time to time.
"I haven't heard of those designers. As for functional styles and Y2K fashion, I really don't know much about them," Ryan shook his head.
"Then you...?"
"It's just about making money. I'm a pop singer; I create whatever is popular in music, and it's the same with fashion. I prefer to avoid highfalutin conversations, so let's talk about something more substantial." Ryan had heard enough and needed to vent his thoughts.
Beatrice Borromeo could not help but stifle a laugh. She found Ryan refreshingly different from the elitist men usually present in high-end circles, at least very down to earth.
"How interesting; this perfectly fits my stereotype of rude Americans," Charlotte's boyfriend smirked.
"It's just that I don't want to waste time. What you call rudeness can also mean being straightforward. Want to know why? Because America is a vast country, with military bases all over the globe. When Americans go abroad, they don't feel inferior at all. As for your French men... well, let's leave some dignity for you," Ryan shrugged.
"At least when it comes to surrendering, we're quite professional," the boyfriend laughed self-deprecatingly. Charlotte's boyfriend was a well-known French comedian and talk show host.
"Speaking of which, if you're so dismissive about this place, why are you here to hold a press conference?" he continued.
"I'm not dismissive of this place; if anything, I find some people's thoughts here confusing. You may feel like it's all too mundane, born with a silver spoon in your mouth, inheriting everything, and attending high-end events just because your ancestors accomplished something significant. Don't rush to deny it; I know deep down, you think that way." Ryan looked at the group. "I don't believe in the concept of 'nobility.' So-called nobility is an infused fantasy. True nobility comes from a person's actions and choices, not from the resources gained at birth."
Charlotte glanced at her boyfriend, and they exchanged bewildered looks.
"True nobility comes from one's actions and choices; that's brilliantly said!" Beatrice exclaimed, her eyes shining as she added, "Often, we live in the past, overlooking what we truly want."
Ryan nodded. "Now there's an opportunity right before you all; it's up to you how to choose."
...
Ryan didn't say this to indoctrinate anyone; he was fully aware that people's thinking wouldn't change just like that. He felt that Monaco's wealth was like a great goldmine, and he happened to have a shovel in hand.
In terms of wealth, the Monaco royal family, albeit not as affluent as the super-rich in the Middle East, held its ground compared to Liechtenstein and Luxembourg. They could not be directly compared to someone like the British royal family, famed for its sprawling assets and valuable antiques, but they surely ranked among the wealthiest royal families worldwide.
The financial strength was secondary; what truly mattered was Monaco's keen emphasis on business operations and high-value investments that had built their riches.
From the Monaco Grand Prix, the Monte Carlo Casino, historical buildings, to luxury shopping, tourism and consumption served as the main themes in Monaco.
In a marketplace where Europe's elites gathered, opening an extravagant nightclub with the royal family as the living endorsement made profitability virtually guaranteed.
Considering that he was already viewed as a pariah by his European peers, gaining local support was crucial. No matter how one looked at it, the Monaco royal family members were an excellent choice.
If successful, the subsequent expansion throughout Europe would become significantly easier.
...
After hearing Ryan's pitch, Charlotte fell into deep thought.
"I certainly know of Bad Room's renown, but... this does lack precedent. I need to discuss it with my mother and uncle. However, I am interested in joining you in Monaco for a site visit," Charlotte mused.
"Then it's settled," Ryan nodded.
He hadn't guessed wrong; undeniably, members of the Monaco royal family had a penchant for investment.
By Charlotte's indications, Prince Albert might even take a personal interest in the matter.
"But do be prepared for a significant investment; real estate in Monaco is extremely expensive. You know, Monaco is only 2.2 square kilometers, and every inch is gold. Our expectations for entertainment facilities are incredibly high; we aim to be the best in Europe and possibly even the world, which incurs considerable costs," Charlotte added.
Monaco's property prices could only be described as outrageous -- averaging $58,000 per square meter, compared to $17,732 in New York city center.
Yet, high prices also meant high expenditures. If a bottle of wine sold for $100 in Florida, it could fetch $500 or even more in Monaco.
"Are you heading back to Monaco? Can I join you?" Beatrice piped up.
"Want to eat and drink for free again?" Charlotte laughed.
"Not freeloading; when you two come to our island, I'll treat you royally," Beatrice chuckled.
Ryan and Charlotte discussed the details of their trip to Monaco before departing. He noticed Ivanka sitting alone and went to join her.
---
"The royal family of Monaco? They often attend various events across Europe, very visible. Essentially, they're just like the British royal family, using nobility to attract tourists," Ivanka commented.
"As for Beatrice, I recall she's graced a few fashion magazines; she became a fashion model at fifteen, walking for Chanel, Valentino, and D'Alessandro, and she's even the face of Blumarine," Ivanka mentioned, recognizing Beatrice.
"I don't get it; why do all you wealthy folks like to be models?" Ryan quipped, noting that many of the women he knew had dabbled in modeling.
"Because women love to wear beautiful clothes, and becoming a model proves one has a tall figure and a unique charm," Ivanka laughed.
"More importantly, becoming a model is relatively easy," Ryan pointed out.
"That's true enough," Ivanka smiled. "But Beatrice is genuinely elegant and poised; she embodies the ideal noble image."
Ryan had to admit, from the moment he met her, every gesture Beatrice made, whether standing or sitting or clapping, followed the etiquette of nobility. Little did they know, in a few years, Beatrice would actually become Dior's brand ambassador.
"Like a puppet, Pinocchio?" Ryan joked.
"If she heard that, she'd likely refute you in the papers," Ivanka retorted.
"Does her family have a media business?"
"Not exactly. Currently, she's a full-time reporter for an Italian newspaper, covering genuine political news, not just high-society glamour. She critiques political issues and societal flaws, interviewing senators, documentary authors, and candidates for the presidency."
"How old is she?" Ryan asked with curiosity, noting that people in such positions often tended to be older.
"She's younger than me; she should be about twenty-four," Ivanka estimated.
"Does she have a boyfriend?" Ryan couldn't help but inquire.
"How would I know? Are you interested in her?" Ivanka teased.
...
"Ryan has a crush?" Taylor finally freed herself from a group of guests clamoring for her autograph. Taylor never rejected such requests.
"She's aiming to be the Princess of Monaco; I don't think she'd be interested in a commoner like me," Ryan quickly dismissed, and then he shared his earlier conversation with the royal family members.
"If we can directly promote cooperation this time, that would be great. If not, then it's just a travel trip," Ryan remarked to the two.
Taylor shook her head. "I don't think that's possible; I have a series of European tours lined up."
"I would love to go." Ivanka sighed, "But you left the Spirit club to me; I need to get back and handle work."
It was a classic case of bad timing; the three would likely have to act independently for a while.
"Alright, such a splendid social opportunity shouldn't go to waste; I need to meet a few new friends." Ivanka left her seat, now accompanied by Taylor, and they headed toward Beatrice.
---
The next day, Ryan accompanied the Olsen twins to see Ivanka and Elizabeth off on their private flight back home.
"When will you return?" Elizabeth stood in front of Ryan, looking forlorn.
"Once I finish my work, I'll come back. Your worrying won't change anything."
Ivanka pulled Elizabeth with her up the boarding stairs.
...
After watching them enter the cabin, Ryan turned and got into the car. On the way back, the Olsens briefed him on their work, mentioning that the collaboration product between Dior and sTray would soon be launched successfully. Not only would Ivanka's individual stores carry these outfits, but so would Dior's global outlets.
That was the key priority.
...
Ryan then made a phone call. "Berwick, it's time to hand the gathered evidence over to the media."
...
Ryan then began planning out the upcoming schedule. In Europe, aside from the Monaco trip, there was also Leona Lewis's contract needing attention.
Returning to the U.S., his schedule was packed. The Bad Room location in Los Angeles had already begun renovations; filming for Easy A was about to start, he needed to visit the Instagram office in Silicon Valley to finalize investment agreements, and he also had to visit Marvel Studios, followed by heading to the Victoria's Secret headquarters in Oregon. The preparations for this year's Victoria's Secret show were well underway.
Fortunately, Ivanka was returning ahead, ready to oversee things in Florida to help keep his affairs in order.
---
The car sped to the hotel, where Taylor was busy packing. Their concert crew had already departed for Marseille, and Taylor would leave tomorrow, resulting in a long separation.
"What are you doing here?" Ryan was surprised to see the door opened by the "number freak," Karlie Kloss.
"I came to hang out with my sister," Karlie replied.
With everyone gone, Ryan finally had a chance for some alone time with Taylor. He figured it was best for kids not to meddle in adult matters.
"I invited Karlie here," Taylor poked her head out from the suite's living room.
"Have you finished packing?" Ryan asked, sitting next to Taylor.
"Erica took care of everything; we're leaving tomorrow morning," Taylor nodded, her body leaning against Ryan's shoulder.
"Karlie, I need to discuss something with Taylor; can you step out for a moment?" Ryan said.
Before Karlie could react, Taylor insisted on keeping her in the room.
"She can hear it; are you trying to talk about Ivanka?" Taylor looked at Ryan with big, curious eyes.
"Ivanka? What's going on between Ryan and her?" Karlie immediately became interested.
"Oh, I forgot to mention, Ivanka is having Ryan's baby, and we're all living together," Taylor explained.
"What?" Karlie's mind momentarily short-circuited.
"You heard me right. I think instead of having Ryan split his time between two homes, it's better if he just stays in one. With Ivanka coming from a wealthy family and raising this child, Ryan can leverage her father's resources, which benefits him. For me, having another companion for Ryan could only be good, the home would feel livelier," Taylor said while adjusting her golden bangs.
Karlie pouted, shooting Ryan an annoyed look. "Is that really okay?"
Her eyes seemed to convey sympathy towards Taylor.
"It's no big deal; as long as Ryan is happy, so am I. Other women aren't significant," Taylor replied.
"Then what does count as significant?"
"You're too young; you'll understand one day."
"I'm only three years younger than you two."
"But you don't even have a boyfriend. At 17 and still a virgin, why not let Ryan help with that?" Taylor joked.
Karlie blushed fiercely. "Anyone is fine, just not him. Ryan is your fiance; how could I hurt you?"
"Come on, if you're blushing, it's not that serious. I know you like him, and he likes you; now that this door is open, you should come along too." Taylor shared her plans.
"Wait! I see her as a sister," Ryan immediately interjected.
"Because you see her as a sister, you'll treat her better. I also like Karlie; it feels appropriate. She's a model without much education, and honestly, it would be hard for her to find a reliable guy," Taylor analyzed Karlie's future.
"Who says I can't find a decent guy? I have plenty of admirers," Karlie shot back eagerly.
"Then why haven't you dated anyone yet?" Taylor countered.
"I..." Karlie opened her mouth but couldn't find the words.
"Alright, it's settled then. I'm leaving tomorrow, and since you have no plans, go with Ryan to Monaco," Taylor decided firmly.
Wait a minute! After all that was said, had they considered Ryan's feelings? Did they not care about his dignity? Ryan grumbled.
*****
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