America 1919

Robert was speaking to Donnie.

Donnie nodded, walked through the grand entrance of the Surf Hotel, to be greeted by a statue standing in the middle of a pool, within a lavishly ornate hall that seemed out of place for the era.

If one were to say that the lobby of the Surf Hotel was the most luxurious in the world, it's likely no one would object!

"Right, Miss Pickford has already arrived in Atlantic City, currently staying in a suite at the Surf Hotel!"

Robert continued speaking to Donnie.

Previously, Pickford had mentioned to Donnie her intention to sell her shares in United Artists and take a vacation in Atlantic City. At that time, Donnie told her to wait for him to deal with his Wall Street affairs before discussing the acquisition of her United Artists shares.

Clearly, Pickford had made her own decisions.

"How's the arrangement with the reporters going?"

Donnie asked.

To say that Pickford was the hottest Hollywood starlet of the moment would not be an exaggeration, especially considering her husband was the popular Hollywood actor Douglas and that they had been married for just over a year, as well as their status at United Artists.

Given her multiple roles, Pickford's decisions to divorce Douglas, take a break from acting, and sell her United Artists shares were bound to draw the relentless attention of countless reporters eager to interview her!
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"Everything is in place. These people can interview Miss Pickford outside of the Surf Hotel, but they are not allowed to disturb her life inside the hotel!"

Satisfied with the response, Donnie nodded and said, "Tell Nate to make sure the hotel's privacy measures are solid. No tools capable of taking pictures should be allowed in by the guests!"

The Surf Hotel was already part of a grey industry, and due to its unique characteristics, privacy had always been of paramount importance.

Neither celebrities nor businessmen wanted to be photographed coming here for leisure.

"Understood!"

The two stepped into the elevator, with Donnie pressing the button for the 40th floor where Nucky resided.

The floor was split into two sections, the left side holding the Surf Hotel's upscale suites, while on the right was Nucky's office area, which had been turned into a personal domain.

Besides Louis, Nucky's personal assistant, there were more than a dozen other people at his service.

Of course, Donnie could not be stopped by anyone. When he arrived at Nucky's study, Louis had already received word and was waiting for him.

"Mr. Block, Mr. Nucky is inside waiting for you!"

Louis said humbly.

Donnie nodded, and after Louis opened the door, Donnie saw Nucky sitting on the couch, engrossed in something.

With the sound of the door opening, Nucky rose with a bright smile, spreading his arms and laughing as he approached Donnie, "Ha ha, the wizard of Wall Street, Donnie, you really showed those New York folks a thing or two about the spirit of Atlantic City this time!"

Donnie and Nucky embraced as Donnie replied, "It was just luck, friend, having many allies always helps in finding solutions!"

After inviting Donnie to sit down, Nucky had Louis pour drinks, and said with a smile, "You can't say it like that. I've been following your big battle in the newspapers every day. I think if it were anyone else, they would have conceded before the fight even started!"

Donnie took the whiskey from Louis's hand and laughed, "To be honest, I did consider giving up. But then I thought, no, what is a life for if not for a breath of spirit? I don't mind outsiders underestimating us, but it's unacceptable for our own people to do so.

So, when I heard from little Rockefeller that they could get information about my financial situation from you, I knew I had to win this battle. It wasn't for those in New York to see, but for you, Mr. Nucky, right?"

Nucky's face, once full of smiles, instantly sobered up as he asked calmly, "So you've come to hold me accountable?"

Donnie waved his hand, "You've misunderstood, Mr. Nucky. If it was to hold you accountable, we wouldn't be having this kind of meeting today. I just want to inform you of two things."

"What things?" Nucky inquired.

Donnie answered, "First, I'm extremely dissatisfied with your behavior during this recent conflict, not because you plotted against me—I can understand that, given my rapid and successful expansion in Atlantic City, which posed a challenge to you. But you shouldn't have shown your hand at such a time since I was engaged in an external battle.

Doing so only made us, the people of Atlantic City, seem divided.

Atlantic City isn't like Philadelphia or New York; it's too small a city, and small places should stick together. If even we aren't united, outsiders will bully us.

If they could join you against me today, what if I were taken down and, in the future, they realize they can draw on interests in Atlantic City? Will they target you next, and will you have any allies by your side then?

And didn't you join forces with the Rockefellers out of fear of their strength and influence, thinking they could take me down?"