[Chapter 77: European Cup Betting Strategy, Vacationing with a Beauty]
After hosting the screening, Linton finally relaxed. He had done his best, and now it was up to Universal to see how it would go. Since his rebirth early last year, he had been working non-stop, always on edge, never taking a break.
His results were impressive. Within a year, he became a top pop star, with his singles and albums selling exceptionally well, earning him a fortune. His first film was also completed and looked promising at the box office. He figured it was time to rest and go on a vacation.
...
Besides, the 1992 European Cup was about to start. It was one of those rare, almost fairy-tale tournaments Linton barely remembered. The Denmark team, having failed to qualify for the finals, got a last-minute invitation to replace Yugoslavia. They happily changed their summer plans thinking they'd just be tourists but astonishingly went on to win the championship.
Bookmakers had offered odds of 1200 to 1 on Denmark winning, and practically no one bet on them. This made the bookmakers rich beyond belief.
Although Linton had already achieved financial freedom, who wouldn't want more money? Especially since his goal was to build a media empire. Without billions in capital, it was just a pipe dream. He still had a long way to go, so an opportunity like this was one he couldn't miss.
The 1992 European Cup results were simply unforgettable, leaving a deep impression on every soccer fan.
However, despite knowing how favorable the odds were for Denmark's win, Linton understood betting wisely was crucial. Taxes on gambling winnings varied greatly by country: the US had a nearly 50% tax rate, France and Germany around 20%, the UK 15%, and Canada offered no gambling taxes -- the most favorable.
He wondered how big a bet would be appropriate. If he bet $1 million and the upset held, he'd win $1.2 billion. He doubted if the bookmakers would honor such a huge payout and feared they might cheat him. Since his operations were still small, caution was necessary.
After careful consideration, he decided to spread his bets across three countries: Canada, the UK, and France, wagering $100,000 in each. These top bookmakers were very strong financially, having made billions from this unexpected upset. Asking them for just over $100 million in total payouts shouldn't rattle their nerves.
---
A few days earlier, Sophie Marceau had called to ask when he would be free for vacation. They agreed to meet up and vacation together in the Maldives.
Because they were both major stars, widely known in Europe and America, they didn't care much about rumors. The key concern was avoiding paparazzi who could ruin their getaway. So, they chose the Maldives in the Indian Ocean.
They arranged to meet on June 13th in the Maldives.
To ensure a great time, Linton had Mira contact a travel agency to reserve a high-end private island for one week.
The recent Los Angeles riots had also unsettled him. For safety, he planned to bring two bodyguards -- Danny and David -- along.
---
After the June 8th screening, Linton handed over operations to Robert and prepared to rest.
Before departure, Linton asked Goodman to register an offshore company for him in the British Virgin Islands, naming it Skycrest Capital.
---
On June 10th, Linton traveled with his bodyguards to Toronto, Canada, wearing a baseball cap and large sunglasses, with light makeup. To prevent being recognized by fans, he even adjusted his facial muscles subtly with his special energy.
He bought a $100,000 bet for Denmark to win the European Cup from the biggest local bookmaker, with odds at 1180 to 1. The clerk carefully confirmed the transaction and, with an expression like they were supporting children with special needs, issued him a payout certificate.
Next, he flew straight to Paris and London, using the same methods to purchase bets worth $100,000 each on Denmark's win, with odds about 1220 in France and 1230 in the UK.
---
On June 12th, he flew from London directly to the Maldives.
The Maldives Republic, located in the Indian Ocean, was less than 600 km from southern India and about 750 km from southwestern Sri Lanka, consisting of 25 natural atolls and 1,190 coral islands. Tourism was the main industry, with comprehensive infrastructure and stunning natural beauty attracting visitors worldwide.
Linton had reserved the Velaa Private Island, the most exclusive private island in the Maldives, which had hosted celebrities like the British Prince, Tom Cruise, and Madonna.
Arriving at Male, the capital of the Maldives, Linton found a hotel near the airport to rest. Four hours later, Sophie Marceau arrived from Paris.
To Linton's surprise, she only brought a personal assistant, no bodyguards -- quite carefree. But she revealed that her assistant doubled as her bodyguard, a former French special forces operative with impressive skills despite not looking very strong.
Since Linton would be at the airport to pick her up and had everything arranged, she felt no need to bring more help.
The five then took a 40-minute seaplane ride to Velaa Island.
...
"Wow, this place is beautiful!" Sophie exclaimed as she stepped onto the fine white sand, gazing at the enchanting scenery.
"It really is," Linton agreed, scanning the surroundings.
In front of them lay a gorgeous beach, with palm trees nearby. Between the sand and the forest stood several luxury villas. Along the coast, there was even an overwater villa.
"Where will we stay? The beach villa or the overwater one?" Sophie asked after admiring the view.
"Either is fine, whichever you prefer."
After a moment, Sophie pointed to the overwater villa. "Let's stay there. I've never experienced an overwater villa before; let's try it."
Linton nodded. "As you wish."
...
Upon arrival, after their bodyguards dropped off their luggage at the beach villa, Linton and Sophie began exploring their home for the next few days.
The overwater villa featured a large swimming pool, with an endless ocean view just outside the door. The master bedroom on the second floor had a huge observation deck with stairs leading directly to the sea. The living room downstairs had enormous floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the water.
The master bedroom's king-size bed faced the ocean, allowing guests to watch the sunrise and sunset comfortably from bed.
"It's stunning: blue sky, white clouds, the sea -- it's perfect!" Sophie tossed around on the big bed, thrilled that they'd chosen this vacation.
Linton gave her a playful tap on her shapely hip. "Alright, hungry? Want to grab something to eat first?"
Sophie immediately sat up. "No, I want to eat you first, you bad guy! You haven't visited me in so long; today I'm going to punish you good."
She pulled Linton onto the bed, sparking their passionate reunion.
After almost six months apart, their longing for each other made their connection fierce and enduring.
...
Two hours later, they paused their intimate reunion.
"Oh, I'm really hungry now. What kind of food do they have here?"
"There should be plenty of local specialties. Let's check out the restaurant."
"Sounds good."
At the restaurant, they ordered some local grilled dishes and seafood. The food was delicious, replenishing their energy after their intense time.
...
By the time they finished eating, it was nearing dusk. Sophie linked arms with Linton, strolling around the island to help digest and enjoy the sunset, escaping the troubles of work and city life, truly entranced by the serene atmosphere.
At night, undisturbed, accompanied by the endless ocean waves, they continued their passionate nights in the overwater villa's big bed.
Sophie's long blonde hair was tied up high, her fair face glowing with a rosy blush. Her slender neck led down to a body almost angelic in its beauty.
While the ocean never ceased, human strength did have its limits. After traveling all day and their passionate night lasting until 2 a.m., Sophie finally fell into a deep sleep, completely exhausted.
*****
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