America 1919

Donnie sat there, calmly saying, "If Mr. Rockefeller thinks that this condition cannot be met, then I'm sorry to say, our reconciliation cannot be achieved!"

Young Rockefeller coldly said, "Donnie, don't forget, although you have won now, what you've won is not the entire Rockefeller, just me, and your own business is not so clean either!"

Donnie switched the leg he was resting and continued calmly, "I know you are talking about the bootlegging business, Mr. Rockefeller. If you have such thoughts, perhaps you might want to share them with your father, senior Mr. Rockefeller. I believe he would tell you that my bootlegging business is no longer a personal one. This chain of interests is untouchable by anyone!"

Young Rockefeller slumped down, not needing to ask his father about this. Indeed, during his time at the NYSE, Young Rockefeller had considered using the bootlegging business to threaten Donnie, but on the way there, he had come to a realization.

This business, it was absolutely untouchable!

Even the Rockefeller Family couldn't touch it!

The loss would outweigh the gain!

"If you were to get shares of Sinclair Oil Corporation, you could then leverage your shares in Sinclair Oil, along with your holdings in Hearst Corporation, to eventually control the new oil pipeline network—is that correct?"

asked Young Rockefeller finally.

Donnie waved his hand, "Even with Rockefeller's shares in Sinclair Oil, I would only have limited influence over Sinclair Oil Corporation's decisions. And I believe that if I were to have a disagreement with Rockefeller over the management at Hearst Corporation, the other two companies would certainly support you, Sinclair Oil included. Plus, with Rockefeller's shares in Hearst, I wouldn't have a greater say either.

What I want from Sinclair Oil Corporation now is simply to find a suitable partner for Pandora Oil Company. You should be aware of Pandora Oil's problems without my mentioning them, Mr. Rockefeller. Not having its own oil fields is a natural defect."

If he could now get Rockefeller's shares in Sinclair Oil Corporation, then when the scandal of Teapot Dome oil field erupted, the acquisition of Sinclair Oil would go much smoother for Donnie.

Of course, Donnie wouldn't mention this, and no one else in the world would know.

Young Rockefeller fell into silence, and after a long period of pondering, finally said, "I need to ask my father about this."

Donnie shook his head, "Mr. Rockefeller, do you know why your father set up this situation? Isn't it to hone your abilities? I think during this process, senior Mr. Rockefeller has two considerations. The first is to see your behavior after victory, and the second is to see how you behave if you fail.

If you can't even muster the courage to accept failure, I think senior Mr. Rockefeller might be even more disappointed!"

"I--" Young Rockefeller was momentarily at a loss for how to respond to Donnie's question!

Donnie pointed to the phone next to Young Rockefeller, saying, "You can call senior Mr. Rockefeller right now, and tell him that you have agreed to my demands, to see what his reaction will be!"

After a while, when Donnie saw Young Rockefeller pick up the phone, he shook his head slightly, thinking that it is always better to have more than one child; otherwise, the outcome would be the same as for both the Rockefeller Family and the once glorious Carnegie Family of the United States.

Once upon a time in the United States, Andrew Carnegie became the biggest tycoon of the largest steel company, but in the end, having only one daughter and no one to succeed him, he was forced to sell his company for $480 million to Morgan and subsequently became a so-called philanthropic tycoon.

As for the Rockefeller Family, had it not been for the vast wealth left by the old Rockefeller and the competence of the younger Rockefeller's five sons, the Rockefeller clan might have become an existence like the Mellon Family in a few generations.

Having more children means you don't have to worry, even if some are disappointing!

"What are Donnie's terms?" Old Rockefeller inquired about the matter directly to young Rockefeller after picking up the phone, clearly already aware of young Rockefeller's defeat.

Young Rockefeller hesitated for a moment before he relayed what Donnie had said to Old Rockefeller.

"I see!" After listening to the explanation, Old Rockefeller did not offer an opinion on the matter but said to young Rockefeller, "Hand the phone to Donnie, I have a few words I wish to say to him!"

Young Rockefeller reluctantly handed the phone to Donnie.

"Good day, Mr. Rockefeller, this is Donnie Block!" Donnie greeted respectfully after taking the phone.

This was a true titan, and compared to the challenges he had faced before, this old man's maneuvers were probably effortless. Donnie did not worship the strong; he understood that if Old Rockefeller had been in New York, he would have detected his plans in advance!

"Ha-ha, Donnie, you're too courteous. I've already heard your proposals, and there is no problem. The Rockefeller Family agrees to your terms, but there is one thing you must know!"

Old Rockefeller spoke with warm politeness over the phone.

"Please speak, Mr. Rockefeller, I'm listening!"

"We can sell you our shares in Sinclair Oil, but when you officially acquire Sinclair Oil Corporation, the Rockefeller Family will follow through on this matter and become the second-largest shareholder of Sinclair Oil Corporation. I don't think you have any objections, do you, Mr. Block?"

Old Rockefeller said with ease.

Donnie Block gave a wry smile. The old fox was indeed an old fox. Although he didn't know the severity of the Teapot Dome scandal, he was certain that he would control Sinclair Oil Corporation at some point in the future, and his actions were merely to safeguard his further expansion into the oil field.

"No problem, I am very happy to collaborate with the Rockefellers!"

Even though Old Rockefeller had seen through his intentions, Donnie still agreed to his suggestion. He had no choice; the matter was settled, and the Rockefeller Family had already gained enough benefit!

"Ha-ha, I love doing business with young people; they're not like us old folks who always have to think through everything from left to right!" Old Rockefeller laughed heartily, "In a couple of days, our family is having a private gathering, and if Donnie doesn't mind, I'd like to invite you over as a guest!" Explore stories at My Virtual Library Empire

"I would be delighted!"