Chapter 131: The Big Investor
[Chapter 131: The Big Investor]
The new week's box office for Wrong Turn was even more sensational.
This stirred greater desire in many for Charlie.
Martin Richards, an old man fond of lavish parties on Broadway, proactively reached out to Corleone Studios from New York to maintain relations.
Peter Jackson from New Zealand also made various efforts to win over Charlie and secure the director position for the Lord of the Rings project.
Even members of IMAX in Canada, while promoting theaters, were curious and inquired about Corleone Entertainment Group.
Besides that, Alicia, who had been hiding at home all day, kept hoping Charlie would soon arrange her job.
...
No matter how much everyone desired Charlie's attention, with the year nearing its end, Charlie was completely relaxed, taking advantage of the Thanksgiving holidays to take Evelyn, Lamont Vincent and Judy to a ranch in Mann, Texas.
They stayed there two days before heading to Memphis.
Compared to the Quinto Corleone couple, Judy's family was more populous.
Parents, two older brothers and their wives, and five cousins.
Charlie was warmly welcomed by the whole family.
"Little Charlie, you've really grown up and made a name for yourself; we're proud of you!" Judy's parents adored their youngest daughter and extended their affection and concern to the once reckless and rebellious Charlie.
The elderly couple gave Charlie a big hug, feeling very gratified.
"Hey Charlie, tell us some Hollywood gossip."
"Bro, we've all seen your tabloids in Memphis. How many actresses have you dated?"
The cousins were equally enthusiastic.
They were very curious about many aspects of Hollywood and hoped this fresh tycoon cousin would share some fun insider stories.
During those two days in Memphis, Charlie mostly lazed around sleeping, watching Judy, uncles and aunts, and grandparents cook while he wandered the yard holding Evelyn.
The whole family quickly treated Charlie as that big boy from before, letting him roam freely without any responsibilities like chores or holiday preparations.
Besides that, Charlie went shopping and attended some parties with several cousins.
However, the leisurely holiday was soon interrupted.
...
It was a call from Frank Giustra, "Good news, Charlie. The Sargent Fund from Santa Monica intends to invest in our Pillow Health Partnership Group. It's just an interest so far. Some of their friends are at a charity event in Memphis and will be holding a private party later today. Are you interested in attending?"
"Who's going? Who's hosting?" Charlie asked, lying on the couch, playing with Evelyn on his chest.
Passing by, Judy gave his bare foot a swat. Seeing him busy, she shook her head helplessly and went to help their mother at the open kitchen counter.
"Bobby Shriver. He's a lawyer and the founder of RRS Entertainment. He's invested in some films. You probably heard of True Lies -- he was involved."
"Oh, okay, I think I know him!" Charlie nodded slowly and smiled. "Alright, Frank, I'll attend."
"It's a good opportunity. Mr. Shriver got interested in Corleone Studios through Kerry's introduction. His investment can help us attract more financial institutions!" Frank Giustra added, sounding very serious.
"Thanks. I know the guy!" After hanging up, Charlie frowned, thinking for a moment.
...
"Charlie, breakfast is ready. We need to go to church later, don't be late," Judy said as she brought over a vegetable salad. Seeing Charlie's expression, she raised her hands in surrender and gave him a glare. "Just come along for grandma's sake, okay?"
"Fine!" Charlie sighed heavily, feeling troubled.
...
After breakfast, Charlie strolled in the backyard lawn.
"Hey, Mario's boy, here's your kitten," the neighbor uncle next door happily handed over Evelyn through the fence, interrupting his thoughts.
After thanking him, Charlie took his kitten and sat on a bench under the eaves.
Just then, Uncle Lamont came out of the house. "Charlie, were you looking for me?"
"Uncle Lamont, sit!" Charlie said quickly, looking around briefly and then whispered, "You used to work with grandpa Quinto's old friends, right? Have you heard anything about our current relationship with the Irish?"
Uncle Lamont thought for a bit and gave an ambiguous reply.
Charlie smiled knowingly and then asked, "Have you heard of Bobby Shriver?"
"You should know him," Uncle Lamont said.
Of course Charlie did. His mother was Eunice Kennedy, and he had a brother with a wild imagination.
Bobby Shriver was around 40, with a law background.
Early on, he worked at Wolfensohn Investment Agency.
The founder was an Australian immigrant who was now the World Bank president. The partners included Paul Volcker, a two-term Federal Reserve chairman.
Since Shriver left, he worked and studied in California and likely distanced himself from those people.
Still, he could bring much help to Corleone Studios.
Bobby Shriver had a sister who was closely connected with Arnold Schwarzenegger, having met at a party before Arnold's fame.
After the Tupac incident, Charlie had heard lots of interesting things from Quinto, so he was already well-informed about the Irish connections.
These stories didn't impact Charlie much.
More so, he found Schwarzenegger's rise to fame very amusing.
Bobby Shriver reached out through a middleman, which surprised Charlie.
He had been planning to strengthen his network through friends like Kerry once his business grew a bit more.
He hadn't expected the other side to approach first.
Was this Bobby Shriver's personal move, his family's decision, or even Irish involvement?
Regardless, Charlie was happy to know them.
...
After breakfast, the whole family took four cars and drove grandly to a prayer spot near Memphis Park for sightseeing.
At least that's what Charlie thought.
After all the busy work, Charlie stayed at home all day, contacted his relatives and other friends, and asked about many situations.
...
In the evening, he wore a newly bought Gucci suit with Uncle Lamont and somewhat rudely carried Evelyn to a private estate near the Mississippi River in Memphis.
"Hey, Charlie!" Frank Giustra greeted them at the door.
His smiling face turned a little blank when he saw the kitten in Charlie's arms.
*****
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