America 1919

Secondly, the Block Family may not yet be among the top-tier families in the United States, but at the very least, they now possess that potential. As long as the industries under my control continue to develop smoothly, it won't take too long; ten years from now, the Block Family will certainly have a place among the top families in America.

By that time, with the Taft Family in politics and the Block Family in commerce, the two great families will complement each other. Then, even if a few prodigals emerge from our families, we can still rely on the influence of the other to maintain our own family's clout.

More importantly, I have ABC, the largest commercial radio station in America, with an audience of over ten million people. On the company's board, there are both Republicans and Democrats, ensuring that no matter which party governs, ABC will maintain an esteemed status of its own.

With this powerful tool, members of our two great families will be able to smoothly pave their way in politics in the future."

Robert Taft scoffed coldly, "That sounds simple, but these are just possible events that may happen in the future, and they are not guaranteed to succeed. You don't really believe that you'll only encounter friends in your rise, with no enemies, do you?

Be it business or political resources, in reality, there is only so much to go around. Your emergence will inevitably impact others' resources. Your smooth progress so far is because your core assets are part of an emerging industry, where there has been little competition, hence the smooth sailing.

Didn't the troubles you ran into in the oil field illustrate this point?

And as the number of radio stations increases over time, there will inevitably be... well, let's not talk about the future. Right now, do you know how many consortia have already invested in various commercial radio stations?

As for the gambling industry, once the Surf Hotel gets on the right track, I'm sure its shareholders will try all sorts of power grabs.

If other cities see how Atlantic City has developed through the gambling business, some will surely be tempted to act.

Regarding the bootlegging business... I believe prohibition will eventually be lifted, and when that time comes, you will have lost your greatest support. So, tell me, will you be able to make the Block Family one of America's future top families as you have claimed, or will you fade away like many other young people who found success but eventually vanished into obscurity?"

Donnie spread his hands and retorted, "The things you mention could indeed happen, but at least for now, everything is moving in a positive direction. Should I negate my current achievements over an uncertain future outcome?

There may be many thorns ahead, but my growth hasn't been all smooth sailing either. The most important thing when rising from nothing is the first barrel of gold, but now that I've completed the original accumulation of funds, I firmly believe that I will be even more successful in the future.

Moreover, if our two families could join forces, wouldn't my development be even smoother then?"

Robert Taft scoffed again, "In other words, you still wish to leverage the Taft Family's power!"

Donnie calmly shot back, "If the Taft Family wasn't wary of my current influence, shouldn't they have taken Helen away the moment you stepped off the train?

Come on, Robert, don't always act so indignant. I admit you have deep fraternal feelings for Helen, but can't you be a bit more honest? In your heart, you must be thinking about the very things I mentioned."

Robert Taft's face reddened, exactly as Donnie had described.

If previously Robert Taft didn't want Helen involved with Donnie, it was because at that time, Donnie did not meet the standards of a Taft Family son-in-law in Robert's eyes. But now...

Donnie was about to become a shareholder of America's second-largest oil transportation pipeline network, the president and chairman of the first publicly listed commercial radio station, and the president and chairman of America's largest and most legitimate casino.

These titles were sufficient to match and even exceed the expectations for a Taft Family son-in-law.

What truly made Robert Taft unwilling to accept the situation now was that in addition to dating his sister, Donnie was also involved with Alice Roosevelt.
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Even if Donnie had a multitude of mistresses, Robert Taft wouldn't care about such things. It was normal for these men to have mistresses; not having them was abnormal.

But if women from two families of equal status... and moreover, families with mutual grievances, were involved with the same man at the same time, it would be a disgrace!

"No matter what you say, I will not agree to this, and not just I won't agree, my father won't either!" Robert Taft stated vehemently.

Donnie chuckled, "What if I say I can fully support your entry into the Senate as a Senator? You're already a member of the Ohio House of Representatives, Robert, and surely you will aim for the Senate in the future, even aspiring to run for President of the United States like your uncle. If you could have the full support of ABC and receive the strongest financial backing from the Block Family, I think there would be no problem for you to enter the Senate. As for whether you can become President, that will depend on your abilities!"