America 1919

And such a structure must be exactly what the people at General Electric wanted to see.

The other party must have seen this as well, which is why they devised this strategy. Even if I tell them now that I understand their dilemma and show empathy, they won't believe me.

"Alright, I've got it. Thank you very much for your response, Owen!"

Donnie stood up, signaling that the meeting was over.

Owen Young also got up, leaving with a polite remark: "Donnie, we support your position at ABC!"

"Thanks!" Donnie replied casually.

.

"Is there still room to negotiate on this matter?"

After meeting with Owen Young, Donnie immediately went to see William Mellon, being just as straightforward.

William Mellon shook his head and said, "Donnie, you should know that even at our level, some things are just not possible to do whenever we want."

After the explanation, William Mellon tried to persuade Donnie, "Donnie, we are friends, whether you still recognize it or not, I still consider you my friend, and as a friend, I want to give you some advice on this matter!"

Donnie neither agreed nor disagreed, saying, "Speak your mind!"

William Mellon said, "This current affair isn't entirely a bad thing. Look at your progress; in just a short span of two years, you've been able to discuss business with us. Such speed is unparalleled in the history of the United States.

It's a good thing, but it also has its downsides because rapid growth can lead you to become overconfident and arrogant. Whether you're willing to admit it or not, every successful person goes through this phase. If you offend someone powerful because of this attitude, it would lead to greater losses. Now, this incident will make you more introspective, which is actually better for your future development!"

Donnie smiled, "So you're worried that if I continue to succeed, there might come a time when I look down on the Mellons, or even take action against them?"

William Mellon shook his head: "I believe that such a situation will arise, but I also believe that your true feelings at the time won't be about a takeover. However, when you harbor such thoughts, the people around you will definitely encourage you to act on them. Your journey continues with My Virtual Library Empire

Just like now, I didn't want to say these things to Donnie, to take these actions under these circumstances, but the interests behind me leave me no choice but to do so!"

Donnie nodded slightly, "I understand. It's all for the company's benefit, unrelated to personal matters!"

William Mellon nodded in agreement, "Exactly, it has nothing to do with personal relationships!"

Donnie stood up and said, "I get it. I'll handle this matter myself. You just need to watch from the sidelines, William!"

William Mellon did not act like Owen Young, who had left upon seeing Donnie's cue to end the meeting. Instead, he said, "Donnie, there's no way out of this situation anymore. Don't try to fight back. Mellon, Morgan, Merrill, Goldman Sachs, even Citibank and Breton, none of them will provide you with cash at this time.

As for your current cash situation, everyone knows it too. You could at most bring out 5 million US Dollars in cash, which is not enough to stop this from happening!"

Donnie chuckled, "I know. Now that all of you have joined forces, naturally, you're aware of my financial status."

Although the profits from the bootlegging business had started rolling in, Donnie had previously given the first batch of recouped funds from the bootlegging business to Walker. This was something these people could certainly investigate if they chose to.

So now, Donnie was facing the same situation Harry Sinclair had when dealing with the Sinclair Oil Corporation: lacking enough cash to counter these people in the stock market!

"Bowing your head temporarily doesn't mean much!" William Mellon continued trying to convince Donnie: "I believe that after this incident, you will rise swiftly. I've always believed that ten years from now, the Block Family will certainly have a place among America's top families!"

"Thank you!" said Donnie, before suddenly questioning William Mellon, "William, do you know why, when facing provocations from the four big oil companies, I did not heed the words of those who said a temporary bow doesn't mean much? Why didn't I accept their advice?"

"Why?" William Mellon felt a bad premonition rising within him.

Donnie smiled, "Because I know that once you bow your head the first time, there will be a second and a third. In the battlefield, I witnessed one of my captains choose to retreat when facing a strong enemy, which was exactly what led him into the enemy's trap. The moment that captain turned his back, a bullet would be the first to strike, and his death resulted not in being hailed as a hero but in being branded as a deserter!"

William Mellon looked as though it all made sense, "But do you realize what kind of force you're up against?"

Donnie shook his head: "Although I haven't guessed who the real opponent is yet, I understand that at this point you've chosen to stand with them. To me, when you unite, you're already an enemy I cannot face. Plus, adding that person who could unite you all, they are indeed unstoppable. So it doesn't matter to me anymore who the opponent is."