As Simon approached the gathered girls, Celia Miller was still lost in thought, reflecting on what Simon had just said. Over the years, the media had thoroughly explored Simon's past. Out of curiosity, Celia had recently collected much related information.
However, after reading through those materials, Simon Westeros remained an enigma in her mind.
There are countless people in this world with similar backgrounds, yet Celia couldn't fathom the kind of mindset and experiences that had molded Simon into the almost god-like figure he was now.
Strength.
This was the most profound impression Simon had left on Celia in recent times. Whether in terms of inner wisdom, physical fitness, and willpower, or external wealth and power, Simon had reached the pinnacle of what ordinary people could imagine.
During their many interactions, this 26-year-old man displayed such profound knowledge that it often felt to Celia as if he had lived multiple lifetimes. Otherwise, how could someone accumulate so much knowledge and worldly insight in just 26 years?
Now, Celia felt she might have uncovered something. The rapid rise of the Westeros system could largely be attributed to Simon's pure, unwavering adherence to the primal law of "survival of the fittest." In just eight years, through his immense strength, he had built a vast business empire capable of influencing the economic landscape of both the U.S. and the world.
As for the more obscure mysteries surrounding him, only time would slowly unveil them.
In the distance, Simon greeted the girls and casually sat down on the grass at the shooting range. The girls gathered around him, sitting on the ground, forming a compact circle of about 100 people. It was easy for them to interact directly with Simon, a young man they admired, respected, or even adored.
During the preliminary selection phase, any girls with apparent or potential hostility toward the Westeros system couldn't pass the rigorous background checks and psychological evaluations. Thus, the 100 girls who made it through all had a considerable degree of approval for Simon and the Westeros system.
Alongside the training, subtle indoctrination had begun. Though they had been in training for less than two weeks, the seeds of 'Westerosian' identity had already been planted in the girls' hearts. And Simon was indisputably the king of the Westeros system.
Over the next half hour, Simon patiently talked with the girls about various topics, whether related to training or not, creating an atmosphere more like a relaxed party than a military base. Even when discussing things he couldn't share, he playfully dodged the questions.
Occasionally, he would show interest in a particular girl, making her blush with shyness and interest, much to the envy of the others.
Celia stayed back, casually chatting with the base's two leaders, Dan Rubier and Martin Stillman, while keeping an eye on Simon. She watched him effortlessly bond with the girls, lowering their guards, and using his power, wealth, and even his handsome appearance to charm his way into their hearts.
He seemed like a devil.
Celia thought that if Simon wanted to indulge in some extravagance, at least half of the 100 girls would willingly join him, perhaps even in a wild group encounter. Such infatuated girls could easily fill a large bed.
As Simon finally stood up, Celia could easily sense the reluctant gazes of the girls.
"We didn't prepare a sufficient medical care team, which is indeed a serious oversight, Christina. I'm glad you pointed that out, and we'll arrange that soon. And Nikki, your worries are unnecessary. You are all outstanding young women, and even if you don't get this job, it only means you lack certain aptitudes. After completing your university studies, you will still be a priority for employment within the Westeros system. Oh, and Rebecca, I just realized I haven't been to Alaska yet. That's quite a regret. If I have the chance, I'd love to visit your hometown. I hope you can show me around then. Well, that's it for today. I have some other matters to discuss with Dan and the others... Next time, you know I'm very busy... Okay, okay, I promise to come at least once more before your training ends, Tracy. Hopefully, you won't have gotten a tan by then... Hmm, hmm, hmm, the rumors are true, but remember, don't tell anyone else... That's all... A group photo? It seems we don't have a camera here. Besides, taking a picture with 100 beautiful girls, I'd be cursed by others."
Celia patiently waited for nearly ten minutes, watching as Simon hugged and said goodbye to the girls. One bold girl even managed to kiss him, sparking a series of follow-up kisses, from which Simon had to 'struggle' to extricate himself.
Only after the girls returned to the training ground did Simon, Celia, Dan, and Martin move to a two-story brick apartment by the stream. This was the only well-furnished building on the base, previously owned by the land's former owner. Other structures like warehouses, barracks, and fences were temporarily erected, and many training facilities were still in the planning stages.
The main topic of discussion was the future development of the base.
The current training cycle for the Westeros female guards was three months, while the base, covering 50 square kilometers, would take at least a year to fully establish, including infrastructure construction and military equipment procurement. This explained why the base had only 150 employees at this early stage, with many not permanently stationed there.
As for officially opening and attracting business, that would have to wait at least a year.
Simon wasn't in a rush, fully aware of the adage "raise an army for a thousand days to use them for a moment." Although there would be standard commercial operations, Simon had no intention of profiting from the private military companies under the Westeros system.
Ultimately, these forces were the private army of the Westeros family.
After handling matters at the base, Simon and Celia returned to Columbus, where it was already evening.
Two years ago, Simon had acquired a farm-style estate in the northern suburbs of Columbus, near the Wexner family's property. Initially, he stayed there for a few days to avoid the Los Angeles riots, and this was only his second visit.
Simon's current properties had reached a level where he couldn't possibly stay at each one even if he rotated daily.
Of course, he didn't consider this wasteful.
Many people work their entire lives just to have more choices.
As the host, Leslie Wexner had prepared an evening party at his mansion next door, inviting many wealthy and political figures.
Of course, the focus was on Simon.
After a day of travel, Simon didn't rush to the party. He first took a bath and changed clothes at his villa, listened to reports from Girl A, who had stayed behind during the day, and finally headed to the party with Celia and Allison at 8 PM.
Leslie and Abigail Wexner greeted Simon at the door, enthusiastically introducing him to the other guests.
Ohio, located in the U.S. Midwest, and Columbus couldn't compare to major cities like New York or Los Angeles, typically drawing little attention.
However, tonight's party had attracted guests from across North America and even worldwide, all eager to connect with a young billionaire increasingly shining on the global stage. Even those who subtly or overtly expressed concern or caution about the rapid expansion of the Westeros system presented themselves as humble and courteous in Simon's presence.
Ordinary people might be misled by the media into thinking that immense wealth becomes merely a number. However, those who have truly experienced the power of wealth and influence understand what the vast resources Simon Westeros now controlled truly meant.
And they were increasingly in awe.
Leslie Wexner, closely associated with the Westeros system in recent years, had his extensive network.
James Cayne, CEO of Bear Stearns, Andrea Mitchell, daughter of Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell, Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, and a recently bankrupt blonde real estate mogul from New York were among the attendees.
After introductions from Leslie Wexner, Simon quickly grasped the underlying connections within Wexner's social network. This network became even clearer when Leslie introduced Simon to his personal investment advisor, Jeffrey Epstein.
Leslie Wexner clearly trusted his Jewish investment advisor, who not only managed Wexner's assets but also served as a director of the Wexner Foundation.
In Western wealthy families, the family foundation often plays a crucial role in long-term wealth preservation, and the selection of directors is taken very seriously, highlighting Epstein's importance to Wexner.
Simon, for his part, was intrigued by this Wall Street intermediary, known for dragging numerous wealthy and powerful individuals into scandalous networks.
Over the years, Simon, like a chess player, had intentionally or unintentionally placed many pieces in the domains of assets and connections.
Epstein seemed like a suitable pawn, or more precisely, a ticking time bomb.
"The federal real estate sector is starting to recover, so now is the best time to invest. I'm currently helping Mr. Wexner's real estate company develop a small town northwest of Columbus. Mr. Westeros, if you're interested, perhaps you could visit tomorrow."
"Regrettably, I must return to New York tomorrow," Simon replied after chatting with Epstein, smiling and shaking his head at the invitation. He then looked at Epstein's companion with interest. "Miss Maxwell, if I'm not mistaken, your father is Robert Maxwell?"
The dark-haired woman, who had been playing the role of Epstein's arm candy, was flattered and surprised that Simon would know this. "Oh, yes, Mr. Westeros. I didn't expect you to know that. But, um, since my father passed away three years ago, our family has been facing some troubles."
Her eyes conveyed hopefulness as she spoke, glancing toward Simon.
Epstein's expression subtly changed, but his smile
remained unchanged, allowing Simon to converse with his companion.
The woman, known as Ghislaine Maxwell, was originally the daughter of British media mogul Robert Maxwell. Before Maxwell's suicide in 1991, the family owned significant publications like the Daily Mirror in the UK and the New York Daily News in the U.S., with assets worth £500 million.
However, after Robert Maxwell's sudden death, the Maxwell family faced scandal and bankruptcy due to the illegal appropriation of pension funds from the Mirror Group to support its stock prices, leaving a £400 million shortfall. The Mirror Group also had significant bank debts, making it insolvent.
Following the scandal, the British government had to use public funds to cover the losses, leaving the once-prominent Maxwell family bankrupt and deeply indebted.
To escape media scrutiny and creditors, Ghislaine Maxwell moved to the U.S. and became associated with Jeffrey Epstein.
Simon had no particular personal interest in this woman, who was unremarkable in appearance and had fallen from grace. However, he didn't hesitate to give her the impression of interest, feigning sympathy for the Maxwell family's situation and chatting briefly before a blonde real estate mogul from New York approached warmly, shifting Simon's focus.
This real estate mogul, hailing from a family with a significant property portfolio, was once listed as a new billionaire on Forbes' list. He owned substantial real estate in New York and invested in a large casino in Atlantic City.
However, after the U.S. real estate bubble burst a few years ago, the mogul fell off the Forbes list and had not yet recovered from financial distress, reportedly seeking funding from an Arab prince to stabilize his businesses.
Of course, if he could connect with Simon Westeros, known for his interest in real estate, it would be an ideal solution.
Jeffrey Epstein was very familiar with this man, practically a close associate, and eagerly assisted in pitching their real estate project to Simon. After a ten-minute conversation, Simon, while not committing, left room for hope by requesting more detailed information about the project.
It was only around 10 PM that Simon left the party.
During a visit to the restroom, Ghislaine Maxwell discreetly followed him, attempting to get close and even gave Simon her contact information after her efforts failed.
Returning to his estate, Simon contacted Martin Denham, instructing him to gather all information available on Jeffrey Epstein and the blonde real estate mogul from New York.
Simon intended to cultivate these two as hidden pawns within the Westeros system.
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