Chapter 90: Is There a Betting Limit?

In the middle of the party, Charles was dancing with Marion Cotillard when the lights came on, and someone appeared on the stage.

Antoine Arnault walked up to the platform with a microphone in hand, smiling.

"Is this an additional entertainment segment?" Charles looked at the stage curiously.

Marion Cotillard shook her head, indicating she didn't know either.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I hope everyone is having a great time tonight. We now have an interesting event to participate in," Antoine Arnault announced.

He continued, "The latest European Championship is about to begin, and the odds of the French team winning are the lowest. They have a very good chance of taking the title.

In Europe, football matches are often associated with sports lotteries, so I have partnered with BNP Paribas and Partouche Entertainment Group to establish a European Championship betting pool. Everyone can place bets for fun!"

Marion Cotillard whispered to Charles, "We love football. Buying football lottery tickets is a very common thing."

"Partouche is the largest entertainment and resort group in France and even Europe, featuring vacation hotels, gambling halls, and various recreational facilities. There's a Partouche casino in the Cannes Film Festival Palace," she explained.

Quickly, many staff members distributed sheets listing the betting odds for various teams. It was not complicated, just a simple guess for the champion and runner-up.

Charles could hardly contain his laughter. He had planned to go to a big betting station, but they probably wouldn't accept such a large sum without extensive analysis and discussion.

Oh, what luck! Heaven must be helping me! Charles thought.

He now looked at Antoine Arnault, who was explaining on the stage, with increasing favor. The odds were being managed by Partouche, and BNP Paribas would handle the settlements.

Antoine Arnault, BNP Paribas, and Partouche had partnered to manage the betting pool.

"All right, 30% of the profits from this European Championship betting will be donated to charity," Antoine announced.

Soon, many guests eagerly began selecting the teams they believed would win.

Charles and Marion Cotillard sat together, examining the odds. The odds for Greece winning were 81 to 1, and Charles's eyes immediately went to Greece, ranked third from the bottom.

"Charles, aren't you going to place a bet? You can just pick a few teams," Marion Cotillard said insightfully, having chosen France, Spain, Germany, and Italy - traditional powerhouses.

Charles just smiled. His bet was quite large, and he wasn't sure if they would dare to accept it.

People gradually handed their sheets to staff to be recorded. Charles, not far from the stage, waved his sheet and asked, "Mr. Arnault, is there a betting limit?"

Though his voice wasn't loud, many people heard it and turned their gaze towards him.

"There is currently no limit, but don't bet too much; it's really challenging!" the Partouche representative explained with a smile.

Charles nodded and asked, "The odds for Latvia are 200 to 1, meaning if I bet 1 million euros, I would get 200 million euros?"

Antoine Arnault couldn't help but laugh. Was this American upstart dreaming?

"Yes, if Latvia wins the championship, BNP Paribas will notify you for the payout immediately!" Antoine explained, trying to hold back his laughter.

"Mr. Charles Carpe, don't joke around with teams that no one bets on!"

"Oh, I'll bet 1 million euros on Latvia to become the champion then!" Charles announced.

As soon as his words fell, a stunned silence took over the room, even the three people on stage.

"Are you serious?" The Partouche representative asked, somewhat unsure.

"Yes, aren't you taking my bet?" Charles smiled.

"Sure, of course, we'll take it!" Antoine wouldn't miss this opportunity to make easy money.

"Charles, do you understand football?" Marion Cotillard asked, astonished. People here were usually betting tens or hundreds of thousands at most. One million euros?

"Then I'll also place a bet of 5 million euros on Greece winning the championship!" Charles said.

The sound of a glass cup hitting the floor was heard.

Everyone had one thought: This American guy must be crazy!

Even Antoine Arnault was taken aback for a moment. Was this for real? Five million euros on Greece winning?

Moreover, judging by Charles's look, he wasn't joking.

"Charles," Marion Cotillard, beside him, was at a loss for words.

"Oh, I forgot, it should be 5.1 million euros. This beautiful lady beside me is also placing a bet of 100,000 euros!" Charles said, turning to kiss Marion Cotillard.

Her words were completely muffled.

"Charles, we need to discuss this and get back to you soon!" The Partouche representative pulled the BNP Paribas representative and Antoine aside for discussion.

Luc Besson came over and, meaningfully, said, "Charles, you know football is a team sport, right?"

Everyone knew Americans preferred rugby, baseball, and basketball over soccer, so Luc Besson posed the question.

Charles couldn't help but laugh, replying, "Aren't they also donating 30% of their profits to charity after winning? I'm doing a bit of good too."

Nevertheless, Charles was a bit worried about the total 6.1 million euros wagered. Latvia was surely going to lose; this time, he was betting on an unexpected outcome.

He wondered if they would accept the 5.1 million euros bet. After careful consideration, Charles believed they should. The prize would be over 400 million euros, and losing a bit over 100 million euros each wouldn't be unreasonable.

After about ten minutes, Antoine and the other two returned, having decided to accept Charles's super large bet. Due to the unprecedented size of the bet, he only had to deposit 6 million euros into BNP Paribas's account.

After signing the agreement, Charles was relieved. With so many prominent figures present, there was no fear of them reneging.

That night, Charles and Marion Cotillard returned to the Ritz Hotel. The actress still couldn't believe it was real.

"Charles, you realize you bet over 5 million euros on Greece winning the European Championship, right? Greece's team is considered the weakest among the 16 finalists!" she reminded him.

"Yes, I know. Betting on the underdog!" Charles was actually very excited.

He walked over and embraced the actress, passionately kissing her. The red low-cut evening dress was immediately pulled apart.

"Charles, we haven't showered yet!" Marion reminded as she felt his enthusiasm, starting to respond.

"We'll shower later. What I did tonight was a bit crazy and exciting!" Charles exclaimed, pushing her down.

This time, there would be a lot of money!

*****

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