Chapter 160: Wedding

The Lives of Others, the debut feature film by young director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, was years in the making and had a strong sense of political suspense.

The brilliant performances by talented German actors like Ulrich Muhe and Sebastian Koch impressed Charles so much that he directly purchased the North American and British distribution rights for $4.5 million after watching the film.

It was worth noting that the production cost of The Lives of Others was only $2 million!

"Phyllis, make a note, we need to set up offices in Germany, France, and Italy and Spain as soon as possible. We must strengthen our cooperation with the European continent," Charles instructed in the suite of the Adlon Kempinski Hotel.

Phyllis nodded, "Philip is also in charge of international distribution. Should we send him to set up our European offices?"

Charles nodded, "Someone else can handle North American distribution. Let Dona assist him with the European office. From now on, London will be the European headquarters of Capet International Pictures!"

Europe had always been Hollywood's backyard. Charles had to ensure Capet would get a share of the profits there, just like other companies.

"Also, we've received an invitation from the LV Group to attend Delphine Arnault's wedding!" Phyllis added.

Charles nodded. Delphine Arnault was already 30 years old, so it made sense for her to be getting married.

"Who is her husband?" Charles asked.

"Italian industrial and winery family heir, Valerino Garcia, 39!" Phyllis Jones quickly replied.

"Alright, a strong alliance," Charles chuckled.

After handling the distribution rights for The Lives of Others in Berlin, Charles flew directly to Paris, France.

Charles had plans to meet Marion Cotillard, but she had already gone to Los Angeles, United States.

However, Charles knew another dark beauty in France, Eva Green. She could serve as his date instead.

In the suite of the Four Seasons Hotel George V on Avenue George V, Paris, Charles opened the door to find the sultry Eva Green stepping inside.

"When did you get to Paris?" Eva Green asked while taking off her coat.

Dressed in pajamas, Charles kissed the woman while laughing, "The LV Group's daughter is getting married. I'm here for the wedding celebration!"

"Delphine Arnault and Valerino Garcia's wedding?" Eva Green nodded, knowing that Charles Capet was indeed one of LV's shareholders.

"Come to Bordeaux as my date. I'm going alone anyway," Charles shrugged, not seeming to care much.

Eva Green nodded, as it was a wedding of the century with many high-profile and wealthy attendees.

Being with Charles would allow her to meet some of France's elite.

"So, do you have any new movie projects coming up lately?" Charles asked casually.

"Oh, yes, I've received an invitation to play the Bond girl in Casino Royale. I'll have to go to the UK for a screen test," Eva Green felt a bit stunned, realizing Charles had been spot on; the new Bond movie really did want her as the Bond girl.

"Oh, you got it," Charles nodded, "Take it. The new Bond is a bit different from the old ones."

Eva Green nodded, "I've read the character script. This Bond girl has depth; it's not just about selling sex appeal."

Eva Green also turned down a role in the Hollywood movie The Black Dahlia to focus on Casino Royale.

Charles moved closer, wrapped his arm around Eva Green's waist, and whispered, "You'll probably move to Hollywood for long-term development soon, right?"

"Yes, I plan to be based in Hollywood, but if any good roles come up in Europe, I'd still be interested," Eva Green said and then kissed Charles proactively.

...

Delphine Arnault and Valerino Garcia's wedding was held in the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Bordeaux region in southwestern France.

Afterwards, the newlyweds hosted a wedding banquet at the famous Chateau d'Yquem winery in Bordeaux.

A number of French political, business, and social elite attended the wedding banquet.

"Congratulations, and happy wedding!" Charles toasted the newlyweds with a glass of wine.

With her arm around her new husband Valerino Garcia, Delphine Arnault smiled and nodded before looking at Eva Green, saying, "This is another rising star from France. It seems you haven't escaped Charles's charm!"

"No, no," Charles shook his head, "It's the collision of French culture and Hollywood passion."

"Alright, enjoy yourselves!" Delphine Arnault was busy and the couple soon moved on.

The presence of high-profile guests such as French President Chirac, his wife, Interior Minister Sarkozy, his wife, and several European royalty members made Charles realize just how deep the Arnault family's network in France was.

Charles gazed at Bernard Arnault from afar, realizing the suit-wearing mobster was indeed not an ordinary person.

"Eva, if you have extra funds, it's a good idea to buy some LV stocks and hold onto them long-term. It will benefit you in the future," Charles suddenly suggested to the woman beside him.

"LV Group's stocks?" Eva Green pondered and then nodded, "Alright, I'll buy some LV stocks if I have extra funds."

"Bordeaux has so many wineries; it seems it'd be easy for me to buy one," Charles mused, realizing France had quite a few good things to offer.

"Charles, are you thinking about investing in the wine business?"

"I've thought about it. A winery can also serve as a vacation estate when I visit France."

"The LV Group is in that business; you could seek their advice," Eva Green suggested.

Charles shook his head, "I'm just thinking out loud. I don't have the time to research how to run a winery."

"Well, let's head back," Charles didn't want to waste any more time here.

Eva Green nodded and followed Charles to the car, leaving Chateau d'Yquem.

"Let's rest tonight and head back to Paris tomorrow," Charles said while stroking Eva Green's thigh in the car.

"Sure, whatever you say!" Eva Green had no objections and agreed to rest in Bordeaux.

However, Charles was a bit annoyed, feeling the need for a private jet, though he didn't even own a private yacht yet.

*****

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