America 1919

"Mr. Block, even if you could buy everything I have in Kentucky, what about my workers? They still have to live in Kentucky, and if you want to keep this business running in Kentucky, then those people have to stay in Kentucky. Do you think they would work for you with peace of mind?"

Donnie crossed his legs, pondered for a moment, and said, "Is there really no other way to handle this matter?"

Gustavo Richmond said, "Mr. Block, you probably haven't been to Kentucky, and you don't understand what horse racing means to Kentucky. If you were just dabbling, or if someone else in Atlantic City were doing this, maybe Kentucky wouldn't care much about such behavior. But this is Atlantic City, and you're the nation's most famous gambling magnate and media magnate. With all these titles combined, Kentucky won't back down at all!"

"Three times the price!"

Donnie decided to raise his offer.

Gustavo Richmond was somewhat tempted, but after thinking about it, he still gave up on this alluring idea. Even though he could obtain a huge sum of cash, what could he do if he left Kentucky?

Move to the North?

Indeed, it is more prosperous than the South, but the business environment here is definitely not something he could adapt to.

"Mr. Block, this isn't really a matter of money. If possible, I think, Mr. Block, you should take a trip to Kentucky. Once you get there, you might be able to think of a more suitable solution!"

No matter how Donnie tried to persuade Gustavo Richmond afterward, the man wouldn't budge.

Donnie had no choice but to see him off!

"Has our business in Kentucky been affected?"

After Gustavo Richmond left, Donnie called for Robert and Winston Marl to ask them.

Robert replied, "The bootleg liquor business doesn't seem to have been affected for now. I think they're also waiting and watching our situation!"

Donnie had two businesses in Kentucky, one was the bootleg liquor business, but this business involved many Kentucky officials. Unless absolutely necessary, they wouldn't take any actions that would impact everyone's business.

The other was ABC, which had multiple broadcasting stations in Kentucky.

"As for ABC's business, I've already sent people to guard the broadcasting stations. There's no news from there yet!"

Donnie nodded, it seemed that for now, the other party was just probing and hadn't taken any drastic measures.

At this point, Winston Marl reminded him, "Boss, we have another business that is about to launch in Kentucky. It's hard to guarantee they won't interfere with this matter!"

Donnie's eyebrows lifted as he asked, "Are you talking about the Apollo Chain?"

Winston Marl nodded, "Exactly, the Apollo Chain is brick-and-mortar economy, unlike bootleg liquor, which has local connections, and unlike ABC. In my opinion, if we start the chain store business there, we will definitely face oppression from them!"

Donnie agreed with Winston Marl's words, thought for a moment, then said, "Notify Duster Boqi and Barve Bavilev to put the Kentucky research on hold. After we've settled this matter, we can discuss it."

Winston Marl took note of Donnie's instructions, preparing to find them as soon as he left.

"I believe that we still need to seek a peaceful solution to this matter. Kentucky is a very important state for us, especially after the Racing Club starts, we have many things that require Kentucky's cooperation!"

At this time, Robert shared his opinion.

Winston Marl said, "It's difficult, our business, no matter what, is competing with Kentucky for business, they won't give up their interests to cooperate with us!"

Robert said, "No matter how difficult, we have to find a way to solve it, otherwise this matter will be hard to progress!"

Winston Marl said nothing more.

Donnie shared his thoughts, "I need some time. Right now, we don't have enough leverage to make Kentucky sit down and negotiate with us. Once we have more leverage, maybe then Kentucky will be willing to talk."

The situation was such that as long as Donnie wanted to expand the Occidental City Racing Club, he would need Kentucky's support, but Kentucky, due to its own interests, wouldn't agree with Donnie's plans.

Thinking this, Winston Marl wanted to add something, but when he looked at Donnie and Robert's resolute eyes, he ended up saying nothing.

In the following days, Donnie kept increasing his leverage, but he didn't stop the construction of the sports stadium nor the promotion activities for the Atlantic City Racing Club.

This action was clearly known to Kentucky, so a week later, Robert found Donnie.

"Two things!"

Upon seeing Donnie, Robert didn't hesitate and immediately said.

"Two days ago, our convoy in Kentucky was robbed. Although the robbers didn't gain much, the goods from that convoy were detained by the local security authorities. I've already negotiated with them, but they don't plan to release the goods."