America 1919

""So you didn't agree to Pickford's conditions?"

After returning to the Manor Lord, Helen learned about the events that had unfolded at the party that evening and furrowed her brows slightly.

"I just didn't agree temporarily. Pickford has already agreed that we can talk about the sale of United Artists shares after ABC goes public."

"If that's the case, then there's no problem."

Helen breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that Donnie had always wanted to gain control of United Artists. If he could acquire the shares from Pickford, it would undoubtedly move his plan forward significantly.

"It seems you have a rather deep relationship with Pickford. Currently, quite a few people must be eyeing the shares of United Artists. She was willing to pass up others and choose you, giving you time to prepare, and she's even coming to Atlantic City to rest for a while."

Donnie chuckled but didn't respond directly, saying instead, "Let's think about tomorrow's matters!"

Tomorrow would be the last party before the opening of the Surf Hotel, and it would be a gathering with political figures. The most important event was that Robert Taft and young Theodore Roosevelt would arrive in Atlantic City tomorrow, and then Donnie would face their joint interrogation.

Helen glanced at Donnie and said calmly, "Didn't you say you'd take care of this? I'm tired and going to sleep."

Afterward, she left the study straightaway, and Donnie touched his nose before returning to the bedroom.

The room was dimly lit, and Alice, dressed in a bunny girl costume from the Block Tavern, was reclining on the bed, propping her cheek with her hand and looking at Donnie with a dreamy expression in her eyes.

.

The next day, morning

Donnie and Helen stood at the exit of the Atlantic City train station, with Donnie's blue Rolls-Royce behind them.

Soon enough, Robert Taft and Martha Bowles emerged from the station, both wearing less-than-happy expressions.

Seeing their expressions, Helen gave Donnie a look that said 'you're on your own' and then briskly walked over to them cheerfully, while Donnie touched his nose again and followed.

This time, when Robert Taft saw Donnie, he didn't offer a smile.

Even after getting into Donnie's car, Taft remained silent the entire journey. Donnie decided not to make an awkward attempt at conversation with Robert Taft at this time, and waited until Steve Cotting parked the car at the apartment Donnie had arranged for them.

It was only then that Robert Taft finally spoke up: "What exactly is going on with you and Alice Roosevelt?"

At that moment, Robert Taft regretted agreeing to let Helen come to Atlantic City for work. At the time, he had indeed considered bringing Alice over, thinking that given Alice's character, she would definitely compete with Helen for Donnie. And upon seeing such a situation, Helen would surely become disgusted with Donnie's philandering ways, and thus his sister wouldn't fall for Donnie.

But now, the entire upper class of the United States was abuzz with rumors about Donnie's relationships with the princesses of both the Taft and Roosevelt families.

Thinking back on his earlier assurance that in the whole United States, no one would dare to provoke the princesses of the Taft and Roosevelt families at the same time...

The current situation felt like a massive slap in the face. Continue your adventure at My Virtual Library Empire

Donnie spread his hands and said calmly, "It's simple, a boyfriend-girlfriend relationship!"

Robert Taft's breathing became heavy with anger, but still suppressing his rage, he asked, "Then what is your relationship with Helen?"

This time, without waiting for Donnie to reply, Helen took the initiative to answer: "I love Donnie, and he will become my husband in the future!"

"Nonsense!" Robert Taft, angered, slammed the table and then said loudly, "Do you know what you are talking about?"

Helen, unafraid, nodded at Robert Taft and said, "Of course, I know what I'm saying!"

Just as the siblings were about to argue, Donnie interjected, "Helen, Miss Martha, would you give me and Robert a moment to talk alone?"

Martha Bowles, glancing at her still furious husband, finally left the room with a concerned Helen. As Helen was leaving, Donnie gave her a reassuring look.

"What do you want to say? Are you trying to tell me you're prepared to date both Helen and Alice at the same time?"

Robert Taft stood there, looking down on Donnie, his thin frame as though ready to burst with the strength of a strongman.

"Robert, anger won't solve anything!" Donnie sat crossed-legged on a couch, calmly facing Robert Taft: "Now, I want to ask you, in the United States, at my age, a self-made man—can you find a second person like me?"

Still angry, Robert Taft replied, "No, but what of it? Do you really think our Taft family lacks allies such as yourself?"

"Of course not. I'm sure that if the Taft family sought allies, there would be no shortage of them!" Donnie first acknowledged Robert Taft's point, then continued: "But there are very few who can simultaneously satisfy my current conditions."

"What do you mean?"

Robert Taft settled back onto the couch.

Donnie explained, "First off, Helen's character—you don't need me to spell it out, I'm certain you're well aware. Once Helen decides on something, you cannot change her mind. If the Taft family insists on obstructing this matter, the ultimate result will only be creating a rift between Helen and the Taft family.