"Moody's has weighed in too," Leo remarked as he looked down at the newspaper aboard his Bentley on the way back to Richmond.
"Yes, the bankers have indeed stirred trouble. Our loan figures have been leaked. Fortunately, we're not publicly traded, so stock volatility isn't a concern. As for credit ratings? Moody's says whatever—but it doesn't impact us much." Hans shared his view.
"The real fear," Leo replied, "is that the banks will exploit this. They've dispatched a review team to the lending department, and as if scripted, Moody's just happens to reveal our excessive loan exposure during their investigation. How convenient! Now that review team investigates us—it's legitimate, and nobody can challenge it. Even the President or Secretary of State couldn't legally interfere with standard business operations. Every link fits. By the way, who's heading the review team in Virginia's lending department? That person is crucial. If we can neutralize him, we gain precious breathing room."
"His name is Benjamin Hubert," Hans answered.
Leo slapped his forehead—he instantly recognized the man who'd once knelt before him at the Lynchburg hotel. It had been through Leo's maneuvering that Dick was squeezed out of his role as head of Virginia First Bank's lending department. Enemies are built deep and bitter.
Outside his company building, the plaza stood eerily empty. Leo asked Hans, "Isn't this usually crowded?"
Before heading to Europe, Leo had had playground swings, seesaws, and slides installed here for kids, and set up a free refreshment bar on the ground floor. Back then, the place buzzed every day.
Hans grimly said, "Boss, since Lucas went to Europe with you, the media has been commandeered by our enemies. You're no longer a young entrepreneur embodying the American Dream; you're the ruthless Mafia godfather of Richmond!"
After they stepped out, Leo looked at Daniel emerging from the rear car. "Great work, Daniel! You're even losing your hairline—when this is over, I'll give you a proper holiday."
Daniel grinned wryly and said, "Boss, do you really think we can survive this? Every one of our updates brings suffocatingly bad news. Look at this urgent telegram I received before getting in the car."
He handed it to Leo. Hans explained as Leo read: "The new mayor, Jesse, convened the state Senate's anti-corruption committee. It carried significant weight. Blue Ridge's orders have dropped sharply. The real issue is fewer new orders mean less initial deposit cash, so our balance with old interest is broken. At current burn rates, our cash flow can only last three days."
"Three days including the JPMorgan loan?" Leo asked.
Daniel opened to respond—when four vehicles suddenly screeched to a halt in the plaza, including one belonging to tax enforcement authorities.
"Ah, Mr. Valentino, nice of you to welcome us," purred a white-hatted, immaculately dressed elder with a smug gait and tone. He was Virginia First Bank's review commissioner, clutching files.
"Thanks to Moody's, the bank has decided to scrutinize your loan records. We're issuing official notice now. Evidence shows your companies bribed our lending manager, so we've blacklisted your two firms. Per your breach of contract, you have seven working days to repay $150 million in principal plus $30 million in interest—otherwise, legal action ensues!"
He slapped the document into Leo's hand, then deliberately released it—letting it hit the ground.
"Oops—sorry, but I won't bend to pick it up. Oh, and one more thing, Mr. Valentino. If you wind up bankrupt and begging on my doorstep, here's my address: 33 Andruz, Monroe Park. Kneel there to beg, and I might throw you half a hot dog—if you're lucky. But by then, I doubt you'll have the chance! Investigator Vik will take it from here."
He smirked and stepped back. A detective named Vik moved forward, coldly declaring, "Mr. Valentino, based on testimony from Angelo, the loan manager at Virginia First Bank, you're under arrest for bribery-related financial crimes. Your records show interference with the bank's lending process."
Hans stepped forward and challenged, "Sir, you can't proceed without due process. I demand to see your arrest warrant and that testimony!"
Vik sneered, "Smart people avoid sinking ships. This is my first encounter with someone chopping at the hand of an IRS financial investigator. I'll remember you."
Hans remained firm: "Stop threatening a law-abiding American citizen. I insist to see your warrant and statements—now."
Vik smirked, "Fine," and tossed the documents to Hans.
Hans quickly reviewed them. Then, addressing Leo with a nod, said, "Boss, as I suspected—the bank never spoke to you. No bribery happened. Only Hans and I are named in the reports."
Vik's grin twisted. "Hans—now you're mine. Take him in!"
Daniel and Hans were led away. Leo warned Vik, "Do your job with civility. I don't want either of them returning with even a bruise."
Vik scoffed—he didn't fear the so-called "Richmond Godfather." His team, after all, had prosecuted Chicago's Al Capone. Valentino was a minor blip.
At that moment, Clint and Austin approached.
"Weren't we going to detain Daniel and Hans, extract false testimony, then move on you?" Clint asked, furious.
"That plan changed at Oswald's request. If we can lock you up properly, it simplifies everything," Austin explained.
"Naïve. If you could so easily overpower him, you'd have done it already. Pressure won't move him one bit. You're banking on a mistake—but you won't get one." Clint replied.
Austin countered, "What if we do? He's only human—not a god. If he slips, we eat the big pie."
Leo watched them approach. Smirking, he asked, "When did the chairman join forces with our disgraced ex-governor?"
Clint stung. He had come to provoke Leo—but Leo remained calm.
"I'm no longer governor," Clint retorted, "but now President Austin's directly asked me to help you. We'll buy your two companies for $180 million. How about that? Clear the Vietnam First Bank loan, debt-free! You're young—you deserve another shot."
Thomas chimed in. "Even if you don't restart, Iron Gate's still hiring: VP slot, $300,000 plus bonus."
Leo watched as their offer shifted—from bait to elaborate setup. He understood the script: first despair, then redemption. Clever tactics, but flawed. $180 million would only clear the bank loan—there's still $200 million owed to Morgan Bank. Taking an Iron Gate VP role for $500K/year? He'd be paying them for 400 years.
And even that offer—from Thomas and Austin—couldn't be trusted.
"Thanks, but now's not the time to sell," Leo said firmly.
"Don't be stubborn! In two days, this offer disappears," Clint warned. His smile had never faltered once.
Ignoring them, Leo stepped back into the building.
Three days later, back in Richmond, Lucas returned—Marlena was settled in Leo's Manhattan home, studying English. He burst into Leo's office, clutching files and exhausted.
"I don't understand," Lucas began. "While Dan and Hans were detained, you did nothing. You watched our company get attacked."
Before Leo could respond, Lucas slammed another stack of files onto the desk with a loud duang.
"These are lawsuits—multiple contract breaches—no payment from customers either, citing Moody's report and Virginia bank's blacklist." Another duang! "These are completed projects with final payments withheld! Lawyers say we'll win, but those clients believe we're on the brink. And they're emboldened—some lower-level legislators are turning on us." Duang duang! "Here are resignation notices from middle and senior staff—trained by us, now scooped up by Iron Gate!"
Leo said nothing. Lucas sobbed, "Our people—half have moved West now. Richmond is swarming with enemies. What happened? You were Leo Valentino—the man who became a big shot in a year and a half!"
Lucas broke down in tears. Leo sat beside him and said gently, "You know why Daniel never complained? Because during the Pacific War, we were surrounded by enemies who outnumbered us. Every time seemed hopeless—but I got us through. You and Hans must learn to trust me. What I'm doing now has purpose. Once this is over, I won't be weak. My circle will consist of good people and real friends. Those who threaten me will be drawn out and dealt with—so our future is smoother."
"Really?" Lucas trembled, but met Leo's calm gaze and bowed his head. "I understand. I won't question you again."
Leo nodded. That task was done—though he'd forged external battles, he'd also weeded from within.
The secretary burst in. "Mr. Valentino—trouble. The Morgan Bank Virginia branch just issued a loan recall notice!"
Lucas leapt up, knowing that if Morgan cut us off, both companies would collapse—immediately.
He opened his mouth to ask if Leo anticipated this—but stopped himself.
Leo, watching quietly, nodded once. That small man was well-trained now.
Leo took the notice and examined it. Loan freezes throughout.
His indifferent calm from Lynchburg days returned. Quiet and steely.
He looked at Lucas and said gently: "I thought we had a few more days, but they're already cracking. Tonight, it will be chaos. Lucas—your task is simple: memorize every traitor who shows up."
"But I'll only recognize low-level names," Lucas protested. "I can't spot the real threats."
Leo shook his head. "Those names are already being collected."
Meanwhile, at the Cotton family estate, early arrivals gathered. Jesse stood at the door, congratulated for handling recent affairs. Clint, Austin, Governor Harry—old friends all.
Harry whispered to Jesse, "Do well. You'll realize how wide the Cotton family's network really is."
Then, a stern man walked up: "Evan Marshaw, IRS Deputy Director. Don't mind him—he's stern to everyone except Cotton."
Next came two wealthy men: Alexander Theodore, CEO of Virginia First Bank, and Leopold Max, head of Morgan Bank's Virginia branch.
Then a luxury car pulled up—out stepped Citibank CEO Walter Reston.
Inside, an elegant elder with silver hair, supported by Austin: "Gavin Stanley—former leader of Al Capone's team, head of the Chicago consortium, major shareholder and chairman of Iron Gate!" The man nodded and entered.
Next, a military-style Jeep pulled up—Jesse rushed to open the door. In stepped Malcolm MacArthur—brother of General Douglas MacArthur. Oswald embraced him.
Finally, an unassuming Lincoln Continental pulled up. Without a driver, a man stepped out. Harry ran to embrace him. "This is James Roosevelt—President Roosevelt's private secretary and the Senate Majority Whip, expert on Far Eastern affairs."
Jesse stared at the man, noting the resemblance to his late father. This was no ordinary person—it was an absolute VIP. He greeted him respectfully.
As the crowd entered the hall, Jesse scanned the entrance—where were those VIPs?
Oswald leaned close and whispered, "They're all gathered in the side room, having heated discussions. That's for the Far East. This room's just pre-dinner appetizers—dealing with Leo."
Oswald began the meeting without a formal chair. "Iron Gate contributed the most—we should get all of Leo's real estate business in Virginia. Any objections?"
Alexander nodded. "No—but Valentino's loans to both companies move to us henceforth. He must use our banks, and interest rates must rise to compensate us. Agreed?"
Jesse added, "Leo's James River Foundation operations must continue, with a 5% increase. Leadership moves to our people. And Governor Harry's re-election campaign for VA Beach still needs $20 million. Part of Valentino's assets should fund that."
Clint emphasized, "Family revival takes capital. My reconciliation with my son means he's running for VA Beach mayor. I need $10 million."
IRS Deputy Director Evan spoke last: "I'm one deputy-director away from promotion. Prosecuting this false American-Dream–wearing mob boss will put me in headlines. Who isn't paying taxes anyway? I propose $15 million fines for money laundering!"
Austin's face darkened. He realized Evan's demands had been pre-scripted by the Chicago financial bloc to pressure Leo—before the real Far East cake-sharing began next door.
Evan smirked and left.
Oswald walked to the side room, raised champagne, and said: "Gentlemen—thanks to Valentino for bringing us together. Tonight's show marks our debut. After we toast, we'll discuss Far East divvying."