Chapter 678: Dashiell Capet

Soon, Britney Spears gave birth to a son on the ranch estate. Following the advice of his mother, Evelyn, they named him Dashiell, which means "from the heaven" in French!

"Dashiell Spears Capet, that's a pretty good name," Charles said, looking at the sleeping little guy and ready to tease him when Evelyn slapped his hand away.

"Don't wake him up, let him sleep!"

Britney Spears walked over at that moment and glanced at Dashiell, "He's sleeping soundly."

"Just a few days after giving birth, you don't need to rest?" Charles asked, concerned.

Britney smiled, "Actually, I could've started exercising the second day. It's been almost a week. I just couldn't wait anymore. But, painless childbirth is still quite painful!"

"You don't need to worry about your figure so soon," Charles advised.

Britney shook her head, "Oh, I have to get ready for my concert."

"Alright, I'm heading to the gym!" she said.

Charles touched his chin, "Are all women this intense after having a baby?"

Evelyn looked at her grandson, "Dashiell wasn't in the wrong position, and Britney is healthy. The delivery was perfect. What could go wrong?"

"Alright, let's go talk somewhere else. We don't want to wake up Dashiell. Let the nanny take care of him," Evelyn said, pulling Charles to the sofa in the living room and pouring them each a glass of wine.

"Have you not been following the news much these days?" Evelyn inquired.

"Can't I have paternity leave?" Charles had been at the ranch estate and hadn't gone to Los Angeles.

"The Mavericks won 4-2 against the Heat. I heard you bet 3 million dollars on the Mavericks?"

Charles nodded and smiled, "That I knew about. The Mavericks didn't disappoint!"

Evelyn took a sip of her wine, "FBI Director Robert Mueller officially announced an investigation into News Corp. They suspect they were tapping the phones of 9/11 victims' families."

"Ha, it's finally starting," Charles said, standing up. "Has Rupert Murdoch returned home?"

Evelyn glanced at her watch, "He should be on his private jet to New York by now."

Charles looked at the calendar, "June 16, what a fine day."

...

In Los Angeles, at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.

At a party, Charles ran into Jim Buss, now the Vice President of Operations for the Lakers.

"Congratulations, Jim, on taking control of the Lakers again," Charles said, clinking his glass with Jim Buss.

"Charles, I've always been one of the managers of the Lakers!" Jim Buss smiled.

This year, the Lakers lost to the Mavericks in the Western Conference, and head coach Phil Jackson resigned and announced his retirement.

Everyone knew Phil Jackson was part of his sister Jeanie Buss's faction.

"Shaquille O'Neal retired earlier this month. Time flies," Charles sighed.

"Yes, it does. It's time for the league and the players' union to negotiate again," Jim Buss took a sip of his drink.

"The NBA players' union has officially filed a lawsuit with the American Labor Arbitration Agency, accusing the NBA of using intimidation and threats in the new labor negotiations, forcing the players' union to sign a new labor agreement against the players.

Charles, now that the New Jersey Nets have become the New York Dreamers, what are your thoughts on this round of labor negotiations?"

Charles stroked his chin, "I just hope both sides can reach an agreement quickly. But looking at the current situation, the old labor agreement expires on July 1. The new agreement definitely won't be signed in time, and the NBA will likely face a lockout, just like the NFL!"

Jim Buss frowned, "Besides us teams in Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago, none of the other teams are willing to compromise on revenue sharing. Most of the owners have chosen Michael Jordan, the owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, to represent them in negotiations with the players' union. Michael Jordan is very tough, and the probability of an NBA lockout this year is very high!"

"Michael Jordan," Charles laughed. The old rascal was really tough on the players.

"By the way, next week's draft will be held at the Barclays Center. When are you heading to New York?"

"In a couple of days," Charles said as he suddenly saw Sumner Redstone. "Jim, excuse me for a moment!"

"Alright."

Charles buttoned up his suit and walked towards Sumner Redstone. The people Redstone had been chatting with immediately made way.

"Good evening, Mr. Redstone," Charles said with a smile, supporting Sumner Redstone.

"Oh, Charles, good evening!" Redstone, at 88 years old, looked frail.

"How are you feeling? Let me help you over there to sit for a bit," Charles showed great politeness.

"I'm feeling much better recently, thank you!" Sumner Redstone followed Charles to a side area, with his care nurse keeping a close watch.

"Capet Pictures is going public next month?" Sumner Redstone asked softly.

Charles nodded, "Mid next month, Capet will be listed on NASDAQ. I've finally achieved a dream!"

Sumner Redstone looked at Charles, "That's no small dream of yours, the first media stock."

Charles laughed, "It's different. Now those telecom and TV network operators are all eyeing Hollywood too. Silicon Valley is also developing swiftly. The traditional Hollywood forces will face more and more challenges in the future!"

Sumner Redstone nodded, acknowledging these challenges Hollywood would face, "By the way, News Corp's market value has dropped below $45 billion. Any thoughts on this?"

Charles was taken aback. Even if News Corp's market value had fallen below $45 billion, it was still higher than Viacom and CBS's combined $42 billion.

Smirking, "Do you have any thoughts, Mr. Redstone?"

*****

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