America 1919

Chapter 775: 266. Investing in the United Kingdom

“Harry won’t believe you!”

On the train to Boston’s MIT, Alice analyzed the current situation to Donnie.

“I believe that by now Albert Furr and Harry D’Agostino must have banded together and are already speaking ill of you to Harding!”

Donnie, looking out the window, asked Alice, “After we finish with the Trident Shipyard deal, should we start our own car company or acquire an existing one?”

Alice looked skeptically at Donnie and asked, “Aren’t you worried about them at all?”

Donnie smiled confidently, “There’s nothing to worry about, Albert Furr is currently sprinting down the path to his own demise, and even if he’s saying things to Harding, it’s not certain whether Harding believes him anymore!”

“As for Harry D’Agostino, I believe it won’t be long before he has his own problems to deal with!”

Trust between two people builds slowly but can collapse in an instant.

Indeed, Albert Furr and Harding had known each other from humble beginnings, and their relationship had always been good. However, as Albert Furr became the spokesperson for the American oil tycoons and began to seek benefits for himself and the oil magnates under Harding’s nose, thus starting to harm Harding’s own interests, Harding’s trust in Albert Furr had already begun to crumble.

Their relationship had long since evolved from a simple friendship to one of mutual interests.

Harding may have had various issues, but after all, he was the President of the United States and was not without competence.

Now, I’m not who I was two years ago, and the fact that Harding could speak to me the way he did already symbolized that he had aligned his interests with mine.

Under these circumstances, the relationship between him and me wasn’t something that could be easily destroyed by anyone’s whim!

“These people always cause trouble!”

Alice was quite sensitive to political matters.

Donnie chuckled, “As long as we give them a bigger problem to worry about, they won’t have the time to bother us!”

Alice looked at Donnie curiously, “Are you so sure MI6 will be able to find something on Albert Furr and the others?”

Alice was also aware that MI6 had begun to get involved with the Baku Oil Field.

Donnie explained, “The oil reserves at the Baku Oil Field are important not only in terms of benefits but also in strategic significance. The United Kingdom will not give it up easily!”

Alice said worriedly, “But even if we get the exploitation rights to the Baku Oil Field, we still have to cooperate with Shell for the European oil transport pipelines. What if they demand too much when the time comes?”

“So, after we get to Boston, in addition to visiting MIT, we also need to meet with a friend in advance!”

As for who this friend was?

Naturally, it was Donnie’s most steadfast ally in business!

Walker Astor was already waiting at the hotel for Donnie and Alice … Donnie had not purchased a villa in Boston.

“With so many things going on in New York, why can’t we discuss everything when you’re back in New York, just the two of us?”

Walker sat casually on the sofa, expressing his dissatisfaction to Donnie.

Donnie took Walker’s attitude in stride and said to him.

“Two things: first, I’ve set up the Tarot Society in Washington with Andrew Mellon, Coolidge, and General Pan Xing…”

Donnie told Walker about the establishment of the Tarot Society and that he planned to act as Walker’s sponsor to bring him in next year.

The Tarot Society’s membership criteria were very strict, one of which was that the number of people introduced each year could not exceed three.

Even after being introduced, there was a probation period to assess the individual’s capabilities, family background, financial status, and what benefits the person could bring to the Tarot Society.

Thus, the probation had no set timeframe – it could be a week, a month, a year, or even ten years.

Walker showed a surprised expression after learning about the Tarot Society, clearly perceiving the potential scale and influence if the Tarot Society truly took off.

“I understand, I’ll take it seriously!”

Walker said earnestly, unbothered by whether he would truly be able to join the Tarot Society, confident in the strength of the Astor Family and with Donnie’s support.

“Second, I need you to take a trip to the United Kingdom!”

“To the UK?” Walker was surprised and then shook his head, “No, there’s too much going on in New York right now. The construction of the Block Building has reached a critical stage; New York can’t be left unattended. Actually, I plan to return to New York right after meeting with you here!”

Donnie replied, “You can leave the Block Building to your company’s staff to watch over, you’re not going to hand-deliver materials to the laborers, are you?

But this trip to the UK, no one else can do it except for you!”

Walker then looked seriously at Donnie and asked, “What exactly is it that requires me to go there?”

Donnie said, “I want you to go to the UK to contact your cousin Waldorf Astor, and also your cousin-in-law Lady Astor, hoping they can reach out to Shell on our behalf…”