In New York, Manhattan, the annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show was held at the 69th Regiment Armory.
Top models from all over the world gathered, showcasing their most perfect appearances.
Charles sat on the edge of the stage, able to fully appreciate the figures of these Victoria's Secret Angels up close. No wonder Leo only liked Victoria's Secret models under 25.
Sitting next to Charles was designer Tom Ford, who had left his position as creative director at Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent to create his eponymous brand.
Tom Ford's brand was established with investment from Charles's Dawn Investments. After negotiations, Dawn Investments now owned 45% of Tom Ford's shares, a 10% increase from the beginning of the year.
It required significant commercial support to establish a luxury brand covering clothing, makeup, and perfume. Charles saw potential in Tom Ford and was willing to invest.
"Charles, everyone says your movie The Devil Wears Prada is a satire of Anna Wintour. Is that true?"
"Oh, who knows, you'd have to ask the book's author Lauren Weisberger which company she interned at, maybe it was Vogue," Charles chuckled.
For someone like Charles, the editor-in-chief of a fashion magazine was insignificant. Even Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel's chief designer and fashion god, didn't faze him.
"This year's show is really good. Probably because last year's was canceled," Charles said, watching the runway.
Gisele Bundchen, Tyra Banks, Heidi Klum, Karolina Kurkova, Alessandra Ambrosio, Raquel Zimmermann, and Adriana Lima, their figures were exceptional.
Tom Ford laughed, "You'll like the after-party even more; you can interact with the Angels!"
Charles's eyes lit up. The Victoria's Secret show could also be seen as a draft for rich men, and the after-party was when models showcased their talents.
Rich men, celebrities, politicians, businessmen - all sorts gathered, developing their own relationships and romances.
"Hmm, but having Justin Timberlake as a performer this year isn't great. That guy caused quite a scandal at the Super Bowl last year," Charles wasn't too fond of Justin Timberlake, possibly due to Britney Spears.
It seemed Justin Timberlake was now involved with Cameron Diaz!
After the show, Charles went directly to the Victoria's Secret Angels' backstage. Adriana Lima, who knew Charles, introduced some basic details about the Victoria's Secret Show to him.
"We need to sign with Victoria's Secret to be called Angels and wear the wings. Others are just models invited by Victoria's Secret to participate in the lingerie show," Adriana Lima explained patiently, though Charles wasn't particularly interested.
"No wonder it attracts the attention of countless men!" Charles said, seeing only legs and waists.
"There's a grand angel party tonight at the Taj Hotel. Charles, will you go? I'll introduce you to the girls; they'll go crazy!" Adriana Lima suggested enthusiastically.
Charles nodded, hugged Adriana Lima, and then left. The backstage area was too crowded and prying eyes were everywhere.
He returned to his suite at the luxurious Carlyle Hotel to rest before heading to the Taj Hotel for the party.
Soon after entering the banquet hall, Adriana Lima, dressed in a sexy backless gown flaunting her perfect figure, found Charles.
"Charles, I thought you weren't coming!"
Charles hugged the lady and smiled, "With so many beautiful girls here, how could I not come?"
"Charles, let me introduce you to some friends," Adriana Lima said, hooking her arm through Charles's and leading him to the other Angels.
"Gisele Bundchen, Alessandra Ambrosio, and Raquel Zimmermann are all from Brazil," Adriana introduced her compatriots before pointing to another model, "and Karolina Kurkova, from the Czech Republic!"
Charles smiled and nodded; Karolina Kurkova and Alessandra Ambrosio were definitely his types.
"Gisele, I think we've met before?" Charles smiled, remembering she used to date Leo.
Gisele Bundchen nodded, "At this year's Oscar ceremony. I attended, but I guess Mr. Capet didn't notice me!"
Gisele Bundchen had broken up with Leo, so her chances of appearing in Hollywood might decrease.
"Oh, I see! But just call me Charles, we're about the same age, no need to be too formal," Charles said kindly.
"Charles, do you have any advice if we want to branch into acting?" Alessandra Ambrosio, ever the lively one, asked, with the others showing keen interest.
Charles shrugged, "Opportunities! Create chances to get some screen time, start with small roles; since you have no acting experience, you need to accumulate it first."
"Charles, let's have a drink!" Adriana Lima saw this as a prime chance to make an impression, actively bringing over glasses of champagne.
Charles obliged. After a few glasses of champagne with the ladies, they moved on to mingle.
In less than half an hour, Charles had at least ten contact details in his pocket, from Victoria's Secret Angels to aspiring actresses.
Watching Charles from afar, Alessandra Ambrosio noticed him tossing a few contacts into the trash.
"I wonder how many hearts you're breaking?" Alessandra Ambrosio approached, smiling.
Charles wrapped his arm around her waist, "Should I keep your contact?"
"I have a better way to contact you!" she whispered in his ear, then led him out of the banquet hall to a room.
The moment the door closed, they embraced and kissed. Her yellow, sexy evening dress slid off her shoulders.
"Lima got some screen time in The Devil Wears Prada; can I have a chance too?" she asked, pushing him against the wall and undoing his belt.
Charles nodded, thinking this was a trivial matter; Victoria's Secret models had plenty of opportunities to be used as eye candy.
After an hour in the room, Charles left the Taj Hotel with Alessandra Ambrosio and returned to his suite at the Carlyle Hotel.
As one of the most beautiful Victoria's Secret Angels, Charles planned to fully enjoy his night with the Brazilian supermodel.
*****
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