America 1919

The protest march in Kentucky had a far-reaching impact that Donnie had not anticipated.

By the next day, Donnie had received a call from Harry D'Agostino.

"Donnie, this matter has blown up quite a bit!"

Over the phone, Harry D'Agostino's voice sounded tired. Although Donnie was capable of bringing himself considerable benefits, his capacity to stir up trouble was too strong. In just a few years, the incidents Donnie had caused were bigger one after the other, happening so fast one didn't know how to cope!

Donnie, sitting in his office, looked puzzled and asked, "How did this even reach you?"

Harry D'Agostino explained the reasons to Donnie.

Donnie wanted to start a Racing Club, and it was a grand one at that. Kentucky, mindful of Donnie's influence and financial strength, feared that his Racing Club might impact the state's interests, and so, they protested.

If it had just been a simple protest, no one outside the people of Kentucky should have cared.

But now that the matter had reached Harry D'Agostino, the reason was quite simple: The Kentucky State Government was naturally aware of Donnie's relationship with the White House.

Now that Donnie's actions were affecting Kentucky's vital source of revenue from horse racing, the Kentucky State Government as well as the members of the House of Representatives and the Senate from Kentucky were compelled to inform the White House, in order to ensure their state's interests and pressure Donnie!

Harry D'Agostino's intention was for Donnie to put a hold on his investment in the matter.

"Donnie, just the private bootlegging business brings us endless wealth every year; why bother getting involved in these issues?"

Donnie understood that Harry D'Agostino was trying to smooth things over and laughed, "Harry, do you know how much I've already put into this? The stadium construction, the introduction of turf, the building of the stables, the recruitment of talent, and with the later stages of investment, at least 30 million US dollars will be needed. And now you want me to give up on this?"

Donnie wasn't exaggerating, he just included the investments of the chain companies as well.

Harry D'Agostino was clearly shocked by Donnie's investment, not expecting him to have invested so much.

But precisely because of this, Harry D'Agostino knew that Donnie would not back down on this matter, with an investment of 30 million dollars being so significant that no one would give in.

"But, you're running into conflict with Kentucky over this, and it's definitely going to affect your Racing Club!"

Harry D'Agostino was also very aware of what horse racing in Kentucky meant to the entire United States.

"Of course, I know. Actually, just yesterday, my staff had already informed me of these impacts!" By then, Donnie had lost the worries he had the day before; after a night of thought, he had come up with a possible solution to the current problem.

"But, Harry, you know I'm not someone who likes to back down!"

Harry D'Agostino said helplessly, "Alright, I'll maneuver on your behalf here in Washington, but it still depends on you to smooth things out!"

Donnie laughed, "Naturally!"

After the two hung up, Steve Cotting came into Donnie's office, "Boss, I've brought the person you asked for."

Donnie calmly responded, "Send him in."

Steve Cotting left the office, and Donnie stood up. Shortly after, a man wearing a Mexican-style wide-brimmed, high-crowned cowboy hat and a leather jacket walked in.

Donnie shook hands with him warmly, "Mr. Gustavo Richmond, I'm truly delighted to welcome you to Atlantic City!"

Gustavo Richmond had a complicated expression as he shook hands with Donnie, "Mr. Block, I know why you've invited me here, but I really can't help you with this."

The Surf Hotel was renowned nationwide, and many wealthy people took trains to Atlantic City just for the thrill of spending lavishly.

Naturally, among these wealthy individuals were some from Kentucky.

This Gustavo Richmond was a farmer from Kentucky who also ran a business breeding horses.

Now that Kentucky was abuzz about Donnie's plan to build a stadium and start a Racing Club in Atlantic City, although Gustavo Richmond had been in Atlantic City for over a month, he still heard the news.

Donnie had him sit on the sofa and then sat next to him, "Mr. Richmond, just name your price, I won't bargain. I hope you can bring the breeding stallions from your ranch and some breeders to Atlantic City. What do you say?"

Gustavo Richmond helplessly shook his head, "Mr. Block, if it were anything else, I would be very willing to assist you, but I really can't with this. If the people back in Kentucky found out about my actions, I wouldn't be able to survive there, and I'm not just making excuses."

Donnie raised his eyebrows slightly, then said, "What if I'm willing to buy all your farms and all your business in Kentucky at double the price?"

Gustavo Richmond didn't want to give up everything he had in Kentucky, but he also understood Donnie's influence, so he didn't want to offend Donnie, and thus he explained.