This time, the cocktail party held at The Plaza Hotel attracted many big names:
Bernard Madoff, Chairman of Madoff Investment Securities;
John Thain, Chairman and CEO of Merrill Lynch;
John Mack, Chairman and CEO of Morgan Stanley;
Vikram Pandit, CEO of Citigroup.
Charles Capet was holding Ivanka Trump by the waist. He recognized these Wall Street titans and couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction seeing their worried faces.
Ivanka softly asked Charles, "Mr. Madoff's investment firm achieved a return of 8% last year. Aren't you interested, Charles?"
Bernard Madoff often hosted charity dinners in Palm Beach, Florida, inviting many investors to participate in the events.
The Trump family frequently vacationed at Mar-a-Lago in Miami and had attended Madoff's events, so they knew each other.
Charles just shook his head with a smile. "Do I need someone else to manage my investments?"
He looked at the back of Bernard Madoff, who had just left the scene. Did this 70-year-old man still want Charles to invest in his fund?
Charles pondered that the fraud at Madoff Investment Securities might soon be exposed. Many investors were in need of cash to solve their business problems, and they should be retrieving their funds from Madoff's.
"You're right," Ivanka agreed that Charles did not need anyone else to plan his investments.
"Kushner Companies had invested $50 million in Madoff's firm, but buying the 555 Madison Avenue building was a complete failure!" Ivanka was concerned. She used to think Jared Kushner was a capable person, but now she saw him as a total failure.
All these years, Jared hadn't achieved anything except criticizing the judge and prosecutor who sent his father to prison.
Looking at Charles again, although he had a less privileged background, his abilities were far superior. The difference was too stark.
Charles, oblivious to Ivanka's thoughts, was thinking about whether he could make something out of the Ponzi scheme at Madoff Investment.
It seemed none of his friends had invested in Madoff's fund. Madoff's clients mostly comprised European banks, funds, American state government pension plans, and wealthy Jews.
"Palm Beach Country Club, a famous high-end Jewish private club, brought a lot of business to Madoff. Previously, people approached Madoff Fund for investments. Now, Bernard Madoff had to solicit clients himself!" Charles remarked, patting Ivanka's shoulder. "Did your family invest in his fund?"
Ivanka shook her head, "No, my father doesn't have much cash flow and isn't very interested in financial investments."
No investment, no problem. Charles checked his watch; it was getting late. Time to head back.
"Let's go straight to the Citadel Center; it's just a few blocks away," Charles said.
Ivanka nodded. "I need to head to the restroom. Wait for me in the lobby."
In the reception area of the banquet hall, Charles sat on the sofa, bored, resting his head on his hand.
"Mr. Capet!"
"Oh, you are...?" Charles was surprised to see the familiar face.
"I'm Elon Musk. Marvel Studios filmed some scenes for Iron Man at my factory," Elon Musk explained.
"Now I remember. SpaceX, Tesla Motors, nice!" Charles shook hands with Elon Musk, realizing he'd forgotten about this genius.
"I heard your company launched a rocket. How is Tesla Motors doing?" Charles asked.
Elon Musk smiled awkwardly, "All three rocket launches failed, and Tesla is facing bankruptcy! I came to New York seeking funding."
Charles paused, then patted Elon's shoulder. "I believe in you. Come by my foundation's office in the next few days. I'll support your electric car project. It's crucial for human energy and the environment!"
Elon Musk looked at Charles with wide eyes, very excited. "Thank you so much. The financial crisis has hit the auto industry hard."
It was understandable that Tesla faced a crisis. This year, America's Big Three automakers - General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler - also had big problems. Declining sales and cash flow issues made them consider bankruptcy reorganization.
After parting ways with Elon Musk, Charles felt somewhat nostalgic. With increasing status and wealth, he had lost the drive to follow many familiar companies and celebrities.
Faced with Tesla nearing bankruptcy, Charles decided to take action!
The Plaza Hotel was just three blocks from the Citadel Center. Charles and Ivanka quickly arrived at his luxury residence on the 66th floor.
"Honey, what are you thinking about? You've been deep in thought since we were in the car," Ivanka asked, snuggling up to Charles on the sofa, whispering in his ear.
"Nothing much, just met an interesting person in the hotel lobby," Charles smiled as Ivanka helped him take off his jacket.
Elon Musk indeed was an interesting person.
"More interesting than me?" Ivanka stood up and took off her dress, revealing her perfect 32D figure.
"Of course not," Charles pulled the lady into his arms and kissed her 32D!
Before long, Charles was enjoying Ivanka's service on the sofa.
Charles took out his phone and called Dona Williams, asking her to come to New York to handle the Tesla investment.
"Sure, I'll catch a flight back tonight," Dona Williams said.
After hanging up, Charles pulled Ivanka off the floor, nudging her to lean on the sofa with her hands. "Sweetheart, I'm coming in..."
Ivanka rolled her eyes at Charles but obediently got into position as the knight made his charge from behind.
Tesla would be another unicorn in Charles' future investment portfolio!
*****
https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.