Chapter 582: Mar-a-Lago Charity Dinner

Mar-a-Lago, Palm Beach, a charity dinner organized by Florida gubernatorial candidate Scott Richard.

Mar-a-Lago, now a national historic landmark of the United States, became Ivanka Trump's father's property and was converted into a private club.

The estate, built in the Spanish style, spanned about 80,000 square meters, with a building area of 10,000 square meters, and contained a total of 126 rooms.

At the center of the estate stood the main building, which included major facilities like the banquet hall, conference hall, and the private residence of Ivanka's family.

The surrounding buildings functioned as entertainment or recreational facilities that could host weddings, conferences, and various events.

"This place is nice, but the decor is kinda not my style," Charles exclaimed while standing in one of the rooms at Mar-a-Lago.

Wearing a sexy dress, Ivanka helped Charles adjust his suit and explained, "You know my father's taste. He bought this estate in 1985 for 10 million dollars. It was renovated and turned into a private club in 1995. We often come here for vacation in the winter!"

"Looks great," Ivanka said while linking arms with Charles and heading towards the banquet hall, "whenever you host people here, you can choose this place. The service is good, and it's pretty private too!"

"Of course," Charles did not have any objections to Ivanka's promotion.

Compared to some of Florida's other conservative old-school clubs, Mar-a-Lago was quite different in terms of diversity and commercial appeal.

Latinos and African Americans could become members of Mar-a-Lago, unlike some conservative Catholic clubs or Jewish clubs that only accepted white members.

"Charles, the Nets are moving from New Jersey to New York next year, right?" Miami Heat owner Micky Arison chatted with Charles.

"Yeah, currently we're collecting name suggestions online for the rebranding," Charles agreed, clinking glasses with Micky Arison.

"With a high draft pick in hand and a first-round pick from the Magic trade, the Nets' rebuilding process is really smooth," Micky Arison smiled.

Charles looked at Micky Arison, the owner of Carnival Cruise Lines, thinking, is he playing with me?

You think people don't know about the Heat trying to assemble a Big Three like the Celtics?

"The Celtics are playing the Lakers in the Finals' third game right now," Charles smiled. "Micky, what do you think of the Celtics?"

"Haha, they won the championship in their first year back in '08, and made it to the Finals again this year. Though the Big Three are aging, they still look pretty good!" Micky Arison explained.

Charles shook his head and said casually, "Now that Pat Riley wants to build a Big Three, it's no secret to everyone!"

Micky Arison was taken aback, "Well, that's what the team and the stars want. We already have Dwyane Wade, and the 2003 class has high expectations for a championship. Don't you agree, Charles?"

LeBron James led the Cavaliers to the best record during the regular season, but got sent home by the Celtics in the second round of the playoffs.

The Heat, ranked fifth in the East, were also eliminated by the Celtics in the first round, while the Raptors didn't even make the playoffs!

The Heat's plan to recruit LeBron James and Chris Bosh to form a Big Three with Dwyane Wade was quite audacious.

Charles stroked his chin, "Looks like Pat Riley is indeed a capable manager!"

"Hahaha, Charles, I believe the Nets will perform better after the rebuild," Micky Arison said, patting Charles on the shoulder before walking away.

Assembling the Big Three for the Heat was confidential. How did Charles Capet know?

Oh, Charles' mother Evelyn is the chairperson of EDR, which recently merged with the firm that both Bosh and Wade are signed to.

Of course, Charles didn't find out from his mother Evelyn. He remembered this detail himself.

Moreover, his mother wouldn't waste time paying attention to such matters!

Scott Richard's charity dinner attracted many elite guests and wealthy individuals:

Robert Bigelow, the hotel tycoon from Las Vegas, Nevada;

Douglas Leone, a venture capital expert from California, and of course Charles Capet, a Hollywood mogul from California as well;

Stefan Brodie, a resin manufacturing giant from Pennsylvania;

Saul Fox, the founder of Fox-Paine Financial Company, and David Milston, the CEO of Standard Industries.

In sports, Miami Heat owner and Carnival Cruise Lines chairman Micky Arison attended, as well as Dan DeVos, chairman of the Orlando Magic and Amway Group, both inheriting their fathers' companies and sports teams to become top American billionaires.

Charles clinked glasses with Scott Richard, "Looks like this year's Florida gubernatorial election won't be a problem."

"Many retirees from New England living in Florida are conservative. Focus on the Latino immigrant population," Scott Richard said with a smile.

"The Republican Party might not get much immigrant support, but a firm stance on immigration policies can garner local residents' votes. That's the truth!"

Scott Richard nodded and laughed, explaining, "Recent negative news about immigration issues has significantly affected local residents' opinions."

"Governor Charlie Crist's support rate has been steadily declining, making re-election difficult!"

Governor Charlie Crist switching to the Democratic Party made many uncomfortable, especially in this predominantly Republican swing state.

Scott Richard's transition from business to politics, coupled with Charles' influence, showcased the might of Hollywood's world-class media conglomerates.

"Running for office is like gambling. The casino cares only about its profits and losses, not the gamblers' wins and losses," Charles said, patting Scott Richard on the shoulder. "The Harry Potter Magical World Park at Universal Studios Oakland opens next month, which will definitely attract a lot of tourists to Florida. Next year, Universal Studios Oakland will undergo further expansion plans, including Marvel World and DreamWorks Animation Park."

"Don't worry. The Universal Studios Oakland expansion plans have helped many unemployed people. The surrounding marshlands, swamps, hills, and forests will all be utilized for the expansion," Scott Richard, of course, had to reciprocate. Beyond Capet Pictures' own influence, Charles also owned the NFL team Miami Dolphins.

The number of people he could influence was certainly not small.

"Cheers, Governor Richard!"

*****

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