America 1919

The day before the Miss America finals!

Harding and his entourage returned to Atlantic City, but this time, there were far more people with Harding compared to the last time!

"Donnie, I think we need to come to a decision on our matter as soon as possible!"

Dick had also arrived at the Atlantic City train station, no longer composed and at ease, now his expression carried a hint of urgency.

Seeing Dick's demeanor, Donnie now actually had a conclusion in mind: the news about Atlantic City wanting to become the first city in the United States to legalize the casino business must have spread in New York.

As Dick himself didn't hold a high status in the upper echelons of New York society, he definitely couldn't be involved in such affairs, so he thought of the invitation from Starry Entertainment to his wife, and hurriedly followed Madeline to Atlantic City.

To get a head start against those New York financial moguls.

However, Donnie's caution far exceeded Dick's imagination. Now that Harding was coming, the New York moguls were probably coming too!

With this in mind, Donnie, watching the train slowly pull into the station, smiled at Dick and said, "This might not be the best time to discuss this matter, don't you think?"

Dick responded helplessly, "Alright, the truth is, the Atlantic City affair has already spread throughout New York. It's just that everyone was watching at that time, and they hadn't decided yet how to divide the interests. Donnie, don't assume those people are the philanthropists they are portrayed as in the media; in reality, they're the type who will devour you without spitting out your bones.

If they get involved, I believe both you and Nucky will lose control over Atlantic City!"

It was clear that Dick thought Donnie was waiting for the moguls' funds.

Donnie didn't explain anything to Dick, but simply smiled and said, "Dick, this matter is very complex, and look, not only am I here, Nucky is here too. Even if we wanted to agree with you, it would still require serious consideration from Nucky's side!"

In anticipation of Harding's arrival, Nucky had especially returned from Trenton!

While Dick was about to say something else, Harding and his people had already disembarked from the train.

The grand group of people was indeed a bit of a spectacle!

The last time Harding arrived in Atlantic City, he was the last to shake hands with Donnie, but this time, after giving Nucky a brief greeting, Harding went straight to Donnie's side.

"Dear Block, although it hasn't been a month since we parted, I feel as if it's been much longer!"

After saying that, Harding took the initiative to hug Donnie.

Donnie laughed, "Had I known Mr. Harding missed me so much, I should have joined Mr. Harding on his campaign tour!"

"Oh, Donnie, are you trying to take over our job?" Harry joked from the side.

At this time, Donnie also noticed among the people following behind Harding, there were a few with calm expressions, remaining detached from Harding's election campaign team, and they were scrutinizing everything happening in front of them.
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"Nucky, Donnie, it's not just me this time; I've brought a few friends along, and once we get to the hotel, I'll properly introduce them to you!"

Harding said enthusiastically.

Nucky smiled and said, "You should introduce them to Donnie, these people are also friends of mine!"

"Now I remember, Nucky, you used to go on vacation to New York every year!"

Harding said with a smile.

The few chatted while they left the train station and boarded a car, heading straight to the Ritz Hotel.

At this point, there were no ordinary people staying at the Ritz Hotel anymore, all the rooms had been taken by the dignitaries who had come to Atlantic City.

Again in the same meeting room as the last time, with Harry's introduction, Donnie became acquainted with these people. Among Harding's campaign team, Donnie noticed a few who hadn't come the last time.

The first was someone called Crexinger, who was an ordinary lawyer from Ohio, but as a good friend of Harding, he was appointed as the chairman of the National City Bank of Trust immediately after Harding became President. After serving as chairman for a few months, he ascended to the position of the Comptroller of the Currency.

The second was Andrew Mellon, who became the Secretary of the Treasury after Harding's presidency. He was famous for owning Mellon Bank in the United States and also controlled the Aluminum Company of America, Gulf Oil Corporation, and five other steel companies—a true financial titan!

Andrew Mellon would not only serve as the Secretary of the Treasury during Harding's term but also under his successors Coolidge and Hoover, continuing in the role for the Treasury Department.

The third was another future bigwig, the current director of the United States Grain Administration, Herbert Hoover, who after Coolidge would become the President of the United States. After Harding took office, Hoover would be promoted to Secretary of Commerce and shared the same last name as the current Deputy Director of the FBI!

The fourth person was named Albert Furr, who, compared to the others, was about as well-known as Crexinger, but he also held a very significant status as the representative of the American Oil Consortium around Harding.

After Harding assumed the presidency, Albert Furr would take on the role of Minister of the Interior.