Chapter 132: A Great Opportunity for Growth

[Chapter 132: A Great Opportunity for Growth]

The estate was hidden deep within a dense forest, accessible only by a narrow road flanked by towering pines and evergreens. At the end of the road stood the estate, warmly lit with an orange glow, like a lighthouse in an endless sea.

Charlie's Jeep Grand Cherokee stood out awkwardly at the scene, as he was the only one attending the party in an off-road vehicle. Tall and imposing, he was accompanied by a burly man holding a little gray kitten, which made them even more conspicuous.

"I can tell you really love your cat," Frank Giustra said, gripping Charlie's arm as they walked toward the wide-open red door of the estate.

Charlie grinned cheekily. "Who said cats aren't allowed?"

"No one!" Frank shook his head, half amused, half exasperated.

They entered the rustic redbrick estate. Inside was a huge hall of about 100 to 200 square feet. Glass doors at the entrance opened directly onto the backyard garden. From there, the lawn and pool area were set up with partyware, tables, chairs, and barbecue grills glowing with fire.

Besides being a bit larger, the party felt more like a typical weekend neighborhood gathering.

"Bobby Shriver is over there, chatting with the estate owner. I'll introduce you later," Frank said, nodding toward a distant group and casually greeting a few passing guests.

"Alright," Charlie replied nonchalantly.

They approached a table where Frank picked up two cocktails and handed one to Charlie. "Actually, I wanted to talk to you about something. Regarding the Horror Theme Park, the Trumm family fund, and several local businesses are working with Roy's Shamrock Holdings to establish Dead End Entertainment.

Thanks to your film's success -- the school hide-and-seek game sparked quite a buzz among teens. But after Lions Gate Studios joined production, I realized the film industry isn't as easy as it looks. I still have a long way to go and won't be producing films independently anytime soon. I heard Roy wants to invest and buy shares in Corleone Studios. What are your thoughts?"

"Not a chance!" Charlie said firmly. "I won't let the Big Six control more than half of Corleone. It's not just Disney -- Fox made similar demands but mainly wanted to control Corleone's international distribution. We're still negotiating, but I'm strong enough not to be bullied now."

Frank nodded thoughtfully. He knew this young man wouldn't bow down to the Big Six easily.

Suddenly, Charlie's eyes gleamed. "How about you, Frank? Interested in truly investing in Corleone? Not Corleone Studios, but Corleone Holdings? I plan to officially rename it Corleone Entertainment Group soon.

I'm not the kind of guy who can't share. Corleone needs to grow, and I want close allies with shared vision -- but not from the Big Six. You have vast corporate and governmental connections and financial skills. Why not join forces?"

Frank paused, seemingly surprised by Charlie's proposal. After some thought, he smiled subtly. "Why me? We've only worked together once."

"Once is enough! Your business philosophy aligns with mine -- conservative yet decisive! You stealthily learn a new industry but never stop acquiring."

"How much stock and power are you thinking? Surely, you see, founding Lions Gate isn't just a financial game for me."

"For now, 30 percent -- not in the Corleone Studios but Corleone Entertainment Group shares. It could be renamed Lions-Corleone. You could merge any studios or distribution companies you acquire into the group. Personally, you'd become vice president with real voting rights on the board. Plus, you can appoint some personnel in finance and HR. We can discuss details later."

Charlie had planned to bring in partners all along.

Frank Giustra was the ideal candidate -- a Canadian from the mining and finance industries. Frank sought social influence; Charlie wanted strategic control of the company.

Their partnership was a powerful synergy. Frank instantly became a board member of a promising entertainment group, while Charlie gained resources to accelerate growth.

After tonight's party, Frank would have to treat Charlie as an equal friend, making their collaboration more balanced.

Frank mulled it over long and hard. He saw clearly that Charlie's idea wasn't sudden -- it had likely been in the works for a while.

The timing was curious though. Frank wondered if, after joining, he wouldn't get sidelined.

"I'll need time to think, Charlie," Frank said seriously. "Right now, I can only say this offer intrigues me! I doubt I could grow Lions Gate to Corleone Studios' level anytime soon, though!"

"No problem!"

The two then chatted casually, laughing and exchanging stories about guests, donkeys, and elephants.

...

"Excuse me, are you Charlie Corleone? May I interrupt?" a tall blonde girl in a white jumpsuit appeared.

Frank, about to visit the estate owner with Charlie, noticed the crowd around Bobby Shriver had dispersed.

Charlie glanced at the girl, noting her height, then smiled and waved. "Sorry, I have to talk to some friends first. Catch you later!"

"Oh, okay Mr. Corleone," the girl said, disappointed.

"She's the daughter of a real estate developer -- one of the Horror Park partners. He recently asked me to help find modeling jobs for his daughter since she knows I'm in entertainment," Frank mentioned casually.

Charlie paid it little mind and followed Frank to meet the estate owner.

...

Bobby Shriver was handsome, wearing a dark blue shirt. He was accompanied by a slightly portly middle-aged silver-haired man, smiling benevolently.

"Hi Charlie, I've heard a lot about you in Hollywood lately. Nice to meet you. I regret not investing in your films sooner. When Fifty Shades of Gray was raising money, I'd heard about you!" Bobby Shriver greeted warmly, giving Charlie a light hug.

After exchanging pleasantries, Charlie learned the estate owner was Martin Stern Jr., a famous architect renowned for integrated large-scale designs. Many Las Vegas resort hotels were his work.

This excited Charlie, who immediately used his kitten as an icebreaker to show how much he loved animals.

After a brief chat, Charlie suggested exchanging contact info. Stern hesitated briefly but agreed.

Soon after, Shriver asked Frank to step away under some pretext.

Only then did Frank realize Charlie and Shriver already knew each other.

...

Left alone, Bobby Shriver gave Charlie a thorough critique of his entertainment business moves. Then he shifted gears. "By the way, Charlie, we should have met sooner. Your grandfather Mr. Corleone -- I've heard my mother mention him."

"Really?" Charlie smiled, stroking Evelyn's small head, then broached a sensitive topic. "Recently, I learned John's death might be connected to some friends of my grandfather in Italy?"

Bobby hesitated. "I don't know the details; Uncle Teddy never mentioned it. Even if so, it's unrelated to your grandfather. We have a close relationship."

"Of course, Mr. Shriver. Glad to be friends. You've invested in many films; True Lies was very good!" Charlie replied.

Their conversation grew warm and friendly.

After discussing film industry views and business moves, Bobby said, "Actually, Charlie, my Sargent fund hopes to become a member of Pillow Health Partnership Group. You've shown remarkably strong abilities in filmmaking."

*****

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