America 1919

And the Union Pacific Railroad Company also had a significant influence on the oil companies.

Before the Rockefeller family built the oil pipelines, rail transport was the only means of oil transportation in the United States. As such, a very prominent figure emerged in America, Vanderbilt.

At the time, Vanderbilt almost monopolized the railroad industry in the United States.

Rockefeller's Standard Oil was able to rise, in fact, with the help of Vanderbilt. However, later, due to a series of maneuvers by Rockefeller, he tried to get Vanderbilt to compete with his only rival, so that he could secure even lower transportation prices.

But Vanderbilt preferred to have a competitor rather than let Rockefeller's underhanded tactics go unpunished.

So Vanderbilt joined forces with his peers, renegotiated contracts, and canceled all discounts to Rockefeller, causing all railroads across America to unite in raising their transportation fees.

Suddenly, Rockefeller, who had hoped to benefit from the situation as the middleman, was left stunned!

But Rockefeller was a tough character and immediately found a new partner, Morgan!

With Morgan's strong financial backing, Rockefeller did something no one in America had done before: he built a national oil pipeline network!

By the time the national oil pipeline network was completed, the balance of power had dramatically shifted between Rockefeller and the railway companies.

Furthermore, at that time, due to the oversaturated development of the railway network, which already strained cargo resources, the loss of the Rockefeller family's oil supply directly caused the entire U.S. railroad industry to enter a period of collapse.

A third of the companies in the entire industry went bankrupt!

But no matter what, to this date, in the United States, oil transportation relies on two channels: either the Rockefeller family's nationwide oil pipeline network or the railroads.

Among the shareholders of Sinclair Oil Corporation were moguls from both these industries!

Though Jesse Livermore once shorted Union Pacific Railroad Company, it remains a premier railroad company in America!

Donnie nodded seriously. He might not care about Harry Sinclair, but he could not ignore the people behind Sinclair Oil Corporation.

"Fortunately, we're not the only ones doing this; don't forget that we also have our own partners, and I expect he'll be arriving in Atlantic City soon!"

Helen said, "Last time, because of the Hephaestus Refining Company affair, they didn't get any advantage. I think this time they might ask for a lot!"

After thinking for a moment, Donnie said, "They will certainly want more benefits than they are offering, but it shouldn't be too excessive. Compared to Hephaestus Refining Company, I believe they would be more optimistic about Sinclair Oil Corporation!"
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"Let's hope everything goes smoothly," Helen said at last.

At the Atlantic City train station, three men disembarked, with one wearing a tailored suit and walking elegantly in front, followed by two subordinates.

As they just stepped out of the station, Steve Cotting greeted them, "Mr. Mellon, welcome. I am Mr. Block's representative sent to pick you up. He's waiting for you at the Ritz Hotel!"

William Mellon nodded without saying anything and got straight into the car.

Seeing that the other party had no intention of talking, Steve Cotting didn't say anything else and drove the car diligently.

Sitting in the car, William Mellon looked out at Atlantic City; it wasn't his first visit, but this time, he saw a completely different Atlantic City compared to when he last visited.

It was more prosperous and bustling.

When they passed by the Surf Hotel, which was already roofed and being decorated, William Mellon spoke for the first time, asking Steve Cotting, "This is the Surf Hotel?"

Steve Cotting nodded and said, "Yes!"

William Mellon nodded and didn't say anything else.

The car soon reached the Ritz Hotel, and under Steve Cotting's guidance, William Mellon arrived at the room where Donnie was staying.

William Mellon, who had been composed throughout the journey, finally showed a smile and took the initiative to say to Donnie, "If Atlantic City had been like this on my last visit, I definitely wouldn't have stayed away for so long!"

Donnie shook his hand and laughed heartily, "I believe that the next time you come, you will find this place even more beautiful than today!"

As the heir to the Mellon Family, William Mellon would certainly visit again when the Surf Hotel opened.

"I have no doubts about that, Donnie. You've already proven with your abilities that you can transform this city!"

After exchanging pleasantries, the two finally sat down to start discussing serious business.

"Donnie, we're aware of your needs, but there are two issues that I still need to remind you of as a close partner!"

Donnie nodded from the couch, "Of course, I've always believed that being straightforward is more reassuring than secretive actions!"

William Mellon said, "Shorting Sinclair Oil Corporation is not an easy task. I believe your people must have warned you about this. Actually, before I came here, I had discussed this matter with my uncle too. Both of us came to the same conclusion that the possibility of success is very slim!"