America 1919

"Among these people is Morgan's presence, and if we want to refuse the others, then we need to win over one of them. Only by doing this can we better solve our current problems!"

Donnie took over from where Nucky left off.

Nucky nodded and said, "That's exactly what I'm thinking, but this involves a problem, which is that if we bring in Morgan, then we'll face the issue that we were worried about before."

Donnie shook his head and said, "No, as we've just discussed, once the new casino is built, the cash flow it generates will be enough to interest Morgan. In fact, if it weren't Morgan, we should be the ones in control during the collaboration process!"

Nucky smiled and said, "If that's the case, then we still need a bank to make Morgan feel threatened!"

Donnie picked up his milk and smiled, "Perfect, I already have a good candidate in mind!"

Nucky also picked up his milk and added, "Since it's like this, then we'll divide the work and cooperate, turning this crisis into an opportunity for us!"

As long as Donnie and Nucky could reach a consensus on this matter, many problems would be easy to solve.

"Of course, I remember Owen Young, representing Morgan, told me that Morgan is willing to offer us a 5 million US Dollar loan with the lowest interest in the entire United States. If we had this loan from Morgan, it might be even better support for our company's development!"

"OK, I'll remember this matter!" Nucky laughed.

After clinking their glasses, both showed radiant smiles.

After leaving Nucky, Donnie returned to the Block Tavern, which had already started preparations for tonight's Miss America final stage decorations.

After moving past various onsite personnel and equipment, Donnie arrived in his office.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

"I guess last night's dinner must have been tough!"

Walker was already waiting there.

Donnie nodded and said, "Fortunately, everything is still within controllable limits!"

Then Donnie recounted to Walker everything that had transpired, including his conversation with Nucky that morning.

After listening, Walker thought for a moment and said, "I'm sure Benn will agree to our cooperation. If we have the chip of Major League Baseball in our hands, then the issues with Westinghouse and General Electric shouldn't be too big, not to mention you've long considered letting out some of your interests.

However, regarding the benefits arising from the legalization of the casino industry in Atlantic City, I can't say much, but I always feel that if everything is processed as you and Nucky said, isn't it all a bit too smooth?"

Donnie chuckled lightly and said, "It's simple, because Nucky's performance was too eager!"

Walker thought briefly and nodded, "That's right, I admit, Nucky would never let his fundamental interests in Atlantic City be compromised, but his behavior is... like you said, too eager!"

Donnie added, "On my way here, I've already considered this. Nucky will certainly not agree to let these behemoths into the hotel's shareholder ranks, but the process of this refusal is certainly not going to be as Nucky described it – all on him.

I think he'll push all the responsibility onto me, and after today, Nucky will definitely find me and tell me that he has already expressed his opposition to those people.

But those people are pressing so hard, and they'll look for me as a breakthrough, so Nucky needs me to be absolutely firm in refusing them when I meet with them!"

Walker was startled for a moment and said, "Doesn't he worry that such an obvious reminder might make you aware of the doubts within?"

"He doesn't worry!" Donnie gave a definite answer, "Not only is Nucky not concerned, but he's very clear that I must have thought of this. But he's convinced that my thoughts are the same as his; the new casino absolutely cannot bring in these behemoths!"

"So that's why you seemed so eager to find Nucky this morning, to ask about his thoughts – in fact, it was to make Nucky think that way!"

Walker guessed Donnie's intention.

Donnie nodded, "Correct. No matter how Nucky tries to put the blame on me for this, I believe all those behemoths must agree on one thought: that the real decision-maker is Nucky, not me. So even if they harbor some resentment towards me, it doesn't matter, because they themselves understand that the real reason they can't participate in this matter is because of Nucky!"

Walker shook his head with a sigh and commented, "You people..."

Donnie laughed, "The fact that you could so quickly understand these things means we are of the same type!"

Walker showed a bitter smile.

Donnie then said to Walker, "Let's put these issues aside for now; there's another matter I need you to work on, and it has to be done quickly!"

"What's the matter?" Walker sat up straight.

"We've already discussed this before, if you want to recover the Astor family's property in New York from Vincent's hands, then you need the support of three women. Now that you've gained Maholi's support, your aunt, being away from Atlantic City, can be left for later.

Now that Madeline has arrived in Atlantic City, it happens that her current husband, Dick, wants to expand his banking business here.

So now, by representing me in negotiations, you can use the chips we currently hold to gain Madeline's support."

Donnie explained his plan to Walker, wanting to induce a sense of crisis in Morgan, hence Atlantic City's new casino shouldn't just have Morgan as its only cooperating bank.

However, for Donnie, bringing in another massive banking consortium wasn't an option, making Dick's bank the perfect choice.

"So what's your stake in this? Besides having Madeline support me, you must have your own demands, right?" Walker knew Donnie well.

Donnie smiled and said, "My demand is that, once the new casino is established, I will allow Dick's bank to be one of only two partner banks. At that time, one-third of the new casino's cash flow will be deposited in this bank, and Dick will have to give up a portion of his bank's shares in exchange. I intend to buy into Dick's bank!"

Walker was taken aback and said, "With countless issues currently by your side, you're actually considering entering the banking business now?"