Leo's first morning in 1947
began with Marilyn Monroe limping into the bathroom, covering her mouth.
"Looks like it's going to be a great year!"
Stretching lazily, Leo recalled last night's passionate battle—
the world's most iconic sex symbol beneath him.
To keep this dream life going, the new year fired Leo up with energy.
After spending two days on the West Coast, he returned to the East.
He went straight to Lynchburg, giving Desmond—who'd worked through Christmas—a break.
Don't say Americans don't rely on connections.
The Lynchburg Hotel had been packed throughout the holiday season.
Countless private deals had taken place in every room.
Some well-connected guests even heard about how Leo had handed out cash to the James River Association members—
so they sought Leo out specifically.
In just the final 7 days of the break, he hosted 5 private receptions.
"Congratulations on your new life. When you go back to Europe, spread the word for me."
At a discreet side door of the hotel, Leo handed out immigration certificates—
all obtained through backdoor deals with the immigration bureau.
One by one, he gave them to the young women.
And just like that, Campbell County welcomed more than 80 new female residents,
from Germany, Italy, Japan, the Czech Republic, Poland, and other countries.
Watching the girls leave gracefully, Aldo—who'd just enjoyed another round of "anti-fascist fun" last night—asked wistfully:
"Boss, you're just letting them go like that?
Doesn't that mean we're losing what makes our hotel special?"
"Of course not. There are even better girls in Europe waiting for us to find them.
Before, they were worried about being scammed.
Now that they've seen others succeed, new ones will keep coming.
Besides, these girls can't really leave.
In America, there's nowhere easier to make money than here."
After another frenzied round of networking, Leo returned to Richmond.
As soon as he sat down in his office, Daniel came in and said:
"Boss, our loans have hit the red line.
We can't borrow any more."
Leo shook his head.
"Keep borrowing."
"But if the bank cuts us off, we'll be in real trouble," Daniel warned.
"I'm baiting the hook. Want to see who takes the bait.
Trust me, it'll be fine."
Daniel wanted to say more, but Hans walked in:
"Boss, the reporters are here."
In the old building's meeting room, two reporters sat before Leo.
One was from the Virginia Newspaper Alliance.
The other was from DuMont Television, who had cooperated with Leo before.
After the cameraman adjusted the angle, the interview began.
The Virginia reporter—tasked with setting the tone—asked:
"Mr. Valentino, based on our research, your personal net worth may have reached 30 million.
Is that true?"
"No, it's not." Leo replied.
Then he added:
"To be precise, it has already surpassed 40 million dollars."
The two reporters froze.
They'd never encountered such a bold answer before.
Their carefully prepared interview pacing was thrown off.
Fortunately, the DuMont reporter was more experienced.
She steadied herself and asked:
"That's truly incredible. So how long did it take you to accumulate this wealth?"
As she spoke, she subtly tossed her prepared timeline notes to the floor.
She didn't want Leo to say "not true" again—it was too outrageous.
"One year and four months."
Even though they had prepared themselves mentally,
hearing that Leo had amassed $40 million in just over a year
still triggered intense envy and awe.
Especially from the attractive female reporter—
her eyes practically devoured Leo.
The newspaper reporter could tell:
If he weren't here, the woman would probably throw herself at Leo.
He quickly interrupted the increasingly flirtatious atmosphere:
"Mr. Valentino, I'd like to ask something on behalf of my readers.
If they want to become as wealthy as you, what should they do?"
"I think wealth is a false proposition.
Obsessing over money often leads to ruin.
In fact, I've never even touched money during my entire entrepreneurial journey.
I'm not interested in money.
My happiest moment was after I left the army,
wearing faded jeans and helping my father patch a leaking roof.
What I truly enjoy is the joy of creating,
and the satisfaction of realizing my American Dream."
New York. Empire State Building.
Austin slammed the newspaper onto the coffee table.
The front page of the New York Times reprinted the interview—
a profile shot of Leo's handsome face, headline blaring:
"The Perfect Embodiment of the American Dream"
Subhead: "A $40 Million Tycoon Who Isn't Interested in Money"
"He's so shameless at such a young age.
No wonder he got rich!" sneered former Virginia Governor Clint.
"A year and a half! Forty million! That guy's money-making speed is absurd.
But fine—let him build it up.
The more he makes, the more we'll take when he falls."
Current Governor Harry swept his gaze over the group.
"The best way is still to eliminate him physically."
"No chance," Oswald said grimly.
"I had just arranged to meet with the new Italian mafia boss,
and the next thing I knew, he was gunned down right outside the Empire State Building.
That Victor really raised a fine son.
That Michael—he's now recognized as the new Godfather of the Italian Mafia.
Worst of all, he and Leo seem to be close friends."
"Doesn't the military-industrial complex have some professionals?" Oswald asked,
casting his eyes toward Jesse Rolfe—the former Norfolk mayor, now mayor of Richmond.
Jesse frowned and said:
"Plenty of capable men. But you may not believe this—
Leo is widely acknowledged as the best soldier in the entire Pacific War.
Everyone behind him either served under him or was trained by him.
Two I know personally—one admitted he's no match.
The other was about to warn Leo before I stopped him.
He's now buried under a bridge."
Hissss!
Oswald sucked in a breath, then suddenly asked:
"What about Europe? The European front?"
Clint shook his head:
"Jesse's from the Navy side. Europe was run by the Army.
Marshall and Eisenhower can't stand MacArthur."
"Forget physical elimination.
The guy's clinging to Truman and Marshall now.
We can't touch him while he's still useful.
But from a media angle—we can portray him as a greedy, ruthless capitalist." Harry suggested.
Austin sneered, pointing at the newspaper:
"Go take a walk on the street.
Every young person is holding a copy of his interview.
If you attack him, it's like attacking the American Dream itself.
He seems full of holes, but when it comes to taking him down—there's nowhere to start!"
Clint frowned darkly:
"It's not that we can't strike, we just haven't gone all-in.
Harry's idea was right—we should target older voters.
In media, our influence still far outweighs his.
One day, we'll turn public opinion."
Oswald nodded:
"Exactly. Leo keeps winning because none of his enemies have gone all out.
This time, we must not repeat that mistake.
I've analyzed his political influence in Virginia.
His hold on grassroots lawmakers comes from two things—
First: votes. Behind that is the Virginia Veterans Association.
Jeff, you're the president—how could the secretary-general seize the real power?
Use this chance to launch your political debut."
"Second: money. Mainly the James River Foundation.
That's easier to handle.
Harry, form an anti-corruption committee.
Their processes may look airtight, but you can bait them into breaking the rules.
Also—he's still a college student.
Use your connections to force him to drop out."
Harry wasn't thrilled with Oswald's tone.
Creating an anti-corruption body would offend everyone and bring him no benefit.
Clearly, this was the Cotton family's punishment for him bowing to Truman last time.
But crossing the Cottons directly was even worse.
Harry glanced at the eager Jeff beside him and suddenly had an idea:
"Let Jeff lead the anti-corruption drive.
He's known for his iron fist.
It's perfect for him to handle both the association and the committee.
As for the university, Galt should grant me that favor."
Before Harry's words had even faded, Jeff jumped in eagerly:
"No problem. Leave it to me!"
Oswald shot Jeff a dissatisfied look but continued:
"These may be heavy strikes, but they won't be fatal.
Their main use is to divide Leo's focus.
The real killing blow is up to you, Austin.
You must take him head-on in Virginia's real estate market.
Just like we did with Lamb Company.
Leo's company is heavily in debt because of Lamb's orders.
Pressure him into borrowing even more.
When the time comes, we'll force the banks to call in the loans—
and crush him using the same trick he used to crush Lamb."
"I have no problem with that.
Our next expansion target was Virginia anyway.
But will Leo repeat his mistakes after what happened with Lamb?"
Sitting in the same trench now, Thomas tactfully avoided mentioning
how instrumental he had been in Lamb's downfall.
"In the face of endless wealth,
who can resist the pull of greed?
If there's nothing else, that's the plan.
We can lose many times—but Leo can only lose once.
We're off. Got some Wall Street business to handle."
Oswald and Clint stood and left.
After they were gone, Thomas said:
"Looks like Lamb's collapse hit the Cotton family hard.
They used to ignore Wall Street jackals.
Anyway, I want Leo gone because he's blocking my business and political ambitions.
Harry wants his money, his political faction, and a clean sweep of my influence in Virginia.
Jeff wants a ticket into our circle and control over the Veterans Association.
But what does the Cotton family want?
Why does this kid warrant so many of their moves?"
"The Cotton family's third son is in Japan.
The fourth is in the Philippines.
The sixth is now VP at DuPont."
Harry said slowly.
"Ah, MacArthur.
Military-industrial power, plus interests in the Far East and Southeast Asia—
that's worth it."
Jeff, not fully understanding but sensing gravity, added sheepishly:
"Actually… I've already made a move.
Since he's called the Godfather of Richmond,
I had Lynchburg gang leader Billy arrested.
If Billy confesses, we won't need all this trouble."
After Jeff spoke, Thomas glanced wordlessly at Harry—
an expression that seemed to ask, Where'd you find this guy?
Harry's face darkened.
"Tied to organized crime?
You weren't tied to the mob in Norfolk?
Me and Austin too?
In nearly 200 years of American history,
what politician ever stepped down because of mob ties?"
Jeff turned bright red.
He wasn't stupid—he quickly realized that
very few politicians had ever quit over corruption either.
Thinking back to how he had just agreed to lead the anti-corruption committee,
Jeff suddenly realized he'd fallen into a trap.
He glanced up at Harry.
But Harry, cunning as ever, gave him a warning glare:
"You agreed to it—now you'd better follow through, even if it offends people."
Sensing the tension, Austin tried to lighten the mood:
"Let's not dwell on it.
Jeff's still young.
Since he made the move, let's see how Leo responds.
Like Oswald said—it's just a distraction tactic.
Enough business talk.
I've brought in some women from Europe and Japan—
anyone want to enjoy a bit of anti-fascist fun?"
"Let's go!" Harry said, leaping up.
January 20, 1947 – University of Virginia.
Three dormitories—funded by Leo and built by veterans—were completed.
They met the move-in standard.
President Gate Warren Darden attended the handover ceremony with Leo.
Due to a flood of veterans, UVA's housing was drastically short.
The last dorm had been built thirty years ago.
Some traditional students, subtly manipulated, rejected the veterans—
forcing many to live in tents on the lawn.
This wasn't just a UVA problem—it was nationwide.
Leo, wanting to help his fellow vets (and score some tax breaks),
donated $3 million to build the Valentino Veterans Dormitories.
After the ceremony, President Darden pulled Leo aside.
He spoke gravely:
"You and Harry reconciled at the end of last year, didn't you?"
Leo caught the tone:
"We did. But it'll never be the same again.
What happened, sir?"
"He asked me to find a way to force you to drop out.
I am indeed close with him, but first and foremost—
I'm this university's president.
Protecting my students is my duty.
So as long as I'm here, you can study in peace.
Be careful, Leo. Watch out for Harry."
Just then, Lukas and Hans rushed up—faces tense.
In unison:
"Boss, something's happened."
They handled different departments,
so Leo immediately realized the situation was serious.
Apologizing to the president, he rushed to his Bentley.
To his surprise, the driver wasn't Noodles—but the long-absent William.
Before Leo could ask, William spoke up:
"Boss, we found out why Billy disappeared.
He was secretly arrested by the Richmond Police.
Noodles was worried I'd lose my cool—so he sent me to drive.
He and the lawyer went ahead to check the situation."
Above them, heavy clouds loomed—
snow long held back, yet still not falling.
Leo looked up and murmured:
"A new war has begun."