"Get out, Jervis!"
Augustus glared at his nephew with clear disapproval.
With reddened eyes, Jervis stiffened his neck and shouted,
"No!
No! Uncle, I've had enough of working under that thief, watching him steal the wealth that belongs to us. Today, either you let me take charge of that company, or send me back to the UK!"
Augustus was about to explode in anger when a voice came from across the table—his long-time rival in the family, his half-brother Roland Morgan.
"It's rare for us to meet. Don't get so worked up," Roland said with feigned calm. "Jervis has always been a simple soul. For him to be so upset, there must be a reason. Why not hear him out?"
Augustus knew Roland was up to no good. He was about to retort when Jack Morgan, seated at the head of the table, spoke:
"Let him speak."
Jack, the patriarch of the Morgan family since Pierpont, was a respected leader who had steered the family through several crises. His word was final.
Augustus paused. He had clearly underestimated Leo's disruptive potential. The pre-sale initiative had brought in too many resources, and even the mighty Morgans could no longer suppress their own greed.
Seeing the patriarch backing him, Jervis straightened his back and poured out all his grievances about Leo—how he had sidelined senior company executives, used Morgan resources to expand his own companies, leveraged the Morgan name to intimidate others, and reaped benefits that should have belonged to the family. Even the pre-sale scheme, which had originated with Morgan's support, now seemed publicly disconnected from them.
When he finished, Roland sneered at Augustus,
"Since when did you become so charitable? Is this Leo your illegitimate son?"
Augustus ignored Roland's jabs and addressed Jack,
"Leo is incredibly capable. I truly intended to groom him as a partner of the family."
"A partner? A country boy?" Roland scoffed. "Without your support, he'd be long dead. Even the pre-sale idea—he stole it from a guy in Hong Kong. And now, you've burned through family resources just to push through that legislation. Don't think we don't know."
"Roland! Don't try to stir the pot here. Supporting his company was to promote the pre-sale model. And look at the profits from Morgan Bank of Virginia—highest margin in all states. That's real money, real results! As for the legislation, we've bought into several of the Roosevelt family's smaller banks. With the pre-sale license requirement in place, we can buy into any bank we want. And don't think I don't see what you're after, Roland—steel is dead post-war, and now you've got your eyes on my new turf."
"Enough! Augustus, this is a family gathering," Jack interrupted.
Augustus, furious, sat down again. Roland smirked and continued:
"Still so emotional. That's no way to run a business. Sure, you've got results, but let me tell you what the smart play is—cut him out. The path's already paved. Kick him aside, and we'll keep the money and connections for ourselves."
"You—!" Augustus started, but then caught Jack subtly nodding in agreement. He looked around and saw the greedy glints in everyone's eyes. It all clicked. This gathering had been a trap from the start.
These shortsighted, greedy fools didn't understand how much extra profit a visionary manager could generate. Worse, they were turning a future ally into a potential enemy.
Desperate, Augustus made one last attempt:
"You think firing him gives you control over the pre-sale market? Naive. The National Real Estate Association plays a critical role—and he's the president!"
Roland scoffed,
"That title can be replaced."
"Sure. But what about the head of the Federal Housing Administration? What about Thomas, the Pre-sale Legislative Committee chair? And most crucially—Truman, his personal friend!"
Augustus instantly regretted saying that. Roland seized on it immediately:
"Look at you! Indulging him to this extent. Now we'll have to pay a hefty price just to regain control. If father were alive, he'd have sent you to the UK to raise pigs!"
"Roland!" Jack barked, stopping Augustus from lunging across the table.
After the room settled again, Jack turned to Augustus:
"You are responsible for this. The FHA director Gerald has a terrible reputation—he can be replaced anytime. As for Thomas, I've dealt with him. He's pragmatic. Pulling him away from Leo won't be hard. Truman will be the tricky one."
Roland added,
"The Republicans have already taken control of Congress. Truman is a disgrace to the Democrats. His poll numbers are abysmal—everyone knows he's finished. I say we don't need to care about his stance. Leo has made too many enemies. Drop him, and we'll win over a lot of allies. He's no longer an asset to the family."
He gave Augustus a pointed look. In his heart, he added: drop Leo, and we'll drop Augustus too.
Augustus leaned back, defeated. Just then, his assistant entered with a handwritten transcript of a phone call.
Augustus's eyes widened after reading it. Excited, he handed it to Jack.
"Brother, to gain access to the pre-sale lending license, Citibank is giving up its acquisition of First Bank of Virginia—and is selling its acquired shares at a discount. Leo's already assembled a team to take over. That bank was father's dream acquisition, and this will be the first bank we've acquired in two decades. The Morgans have been dormant too long. It's time for us to make our voice heard again in America!"
Jack set the document down and nodded,
"If he's still willing to work for the Morgans, then we must support him. Augustus, let him handle the details—but you must be the public face of the acquisition."
"Understood, brother. I'll begin preparations. Jervis, you're coming with me."
After Augustus left, Roland—recognizing the tide had turned—quietly resumed his dinner.
Later, he entered Jack's study. Jack, smoking his pipe, said from the head chair:
"So long as he's still useful to the family, he can serve as the knife we need to pressure enemies. Let's wait a year. When Truman loses the election, we'll dispose of Leo and appease the others."
Roland nodded. Back in his room, he picked up the phone:
"You'll be disappointed, James."
Even without entering the study, Augustus could guess what Jack had decided. He understood clearly: the Morgan family's honeymoon with Leo would end in a year—when Truman lost the election.
Outside, it was raining again. Irritated, Augustus had the driver pull over. He turned to Jervis with a blank face:
"You've disappointed me, Jervis. Go back to England. Leopold, the former head of Morgan Bank of Virginia, will accompany you."
Jervis's face turned pale. He knew he'd screwed up. The UK was where the Morgans sent useless relatives to rot. He had just escaped and didn't want to go back.
"I'm sorry, Uncle. Please, just give me another chance!"
But Augustus, face dark with fury, shouted:
"Get out!"
Richmond, Virginia – Highland Community
Leo hummed a cheerful tune as he walked through the front door, his mood lifted by the smooth progress of the bank acquisition. With Evelyn back, this house finally felt like a home again.
But something felt off.
There were no staff in sight, and Evelyn wasn't waiting at the door as usual.
Instead, the kitchen lights were on. Leo walked over—and under the warm yellow glow, he saw Evelyn wearing nothing but a white apron, busy preparing dinner.
Primitive desire surged through him. He pulled off his tie, quickly twisted it into a loose knot, and decisively bound Evelyn's hands.
If you dare seduce me, be prepared to endure the storm that follows.
With Evelyn laughing, Leo tossed her onto the wide sofa. The chandelier above began to shake violently. When it finally stilled, the deep indentations in the cushions—and Evelyn's exhausted, sleeping form—testified to the ferocity of their battle.
Suddenly, the study phone rang.
Leo went upstairs to answer it. A groveling male voice came through:
"Mr. Valentino, this is Leopold. I apologize for the intrusion… but I beg you, please, have mercy. My family, my children—they're all here. I don't want to be sent back to the UK. Please, talk to Mr. Augustus for me. I swear, if I can stay in America, I'll follow your every instruction from now on."
Leo's voice turned cold:
"Leopold, we once had a great working relationship—but you were the one who destroyed the trust, not me.
Let me remind you: if you hadn't allowed me to make that call back then… you wouldn't even be allowed in Europe now."
The Next Day – First Bank of Virginia Conference Room
Leo faced the last few stubborn shareholders who hadn't yet agreed to sell.
"Gentlemen, I'm sure you've noticed the daily profits Morgan Bank of Virginia is raking in. Once First Bank of Virginia merges with Morgan, your shares and influence may decrease, but your actual income will rise."
If these last few signed the proxy agreement, Leo's acquisition would be complete.
Meanwhile, upstairs in the CEO's office, the phone rang. Alexander, drenched in sweat, picked it up with shaky hands.
On the other end, Oswald's weary voice came through:
"I can't reach James, Gavin, or Walter."
Alexander's face went ashen. That was it—his career was over.
A friendly shareholder had warned him yesterday that Leo's proxy agreement included a clause forcing Alexander to resign and sign a strict non-compete with hefty penalties.
They were trying to end his career entirely.
"Mr. Oswald, we can't let him take First Bank of Virginia! If he gets a bank to support his cash flow, his empire will expand even faster!"
Oswald was just as furious. His last fire hadn't died down, and now a new one blazed.
The silence from those three shareholders told him one thing: they had chosen not to stand with the Cotton family—not even Citibank!
"We've asked Harry to intervene," Oswald said. "He'll try to stop this acquisition using the state government. Your job is to stall Leo until Harry arrives."
Relieved to hear a plan, Alexander hung up and rushed downstairs. He burst into the conference room, yelling:
"You have no control anymore! Whatever he offers you—he decides the terms! Just think about the Virginia Real Estate Association he created. How many of those companies are still around now?"
Leo smiled calmly at the outburst and turned to the shareholders:
"Gentlemen, if it weren't for Mr. Alexander, you wouldn't be in this mess. And let's not forget, he and Citibank laid the groundwork for this acquisition. Without them, Morgan Bank would've never had a shot at First Bank of Virginia—not even in a hundred years.
There's an unwritten rule in American business: follow the successful. I trust none of you would be foolish enough to choose a failed traitor."
Leo's words hit Alexander like a brick. Enraged, he lunged at Leo, only to be immediately thrown out the way he came in.
"I'm actually a civilized man," Leo chuckled. "Gentlemen, let's sign."
Leo's overwhelming presence made the shareholders instinctively pick up their pens. They were just about to sign when a voice called from outside:
"Wait!"
Harry stepped in holding a document and slammed it on the table.
"The state government owns 5% of First Bank of Virginia and has regulatory authority.
Given the potential harm this acquisition may cause to the state's interests, the government is forming a review committee. The acquisition is suspended pending investigation!"
Leo looked at Harry with a faint smile.
"Governor, this is illegal. That document has no legal effect."
Before Harry could reply, Alexander—bruised and battered—staggered in, pointed at the document and barked:
"The governor has the authority. If you think it's unfair, take it to court! Take it to the Supreme Court!
Leo, your dreams of acquiring First Bank of Virginia are delusional. A noble bank will never be taken over by an outsider like you!"
Red with rage, Alexander looked smugly at Harry, seeking validation.
Instead, Harry raised his hand and slapped Alexander across the face.
"Get out."
Alexander staggered away, humiliated.
Harry took a deep breath.
"Let's talk, Leo. For the sake of our past friendship."
He knew this was just a stalling tactic. Unless he could convince the three defectors to return, the injunction could delay Leo at most a week.
Though the Cotton family now had Rockefeller's backing, they were still hanging by a thread. They couldn't afford another loss. And so, Harry had no choice but to seek a truce.
And to show sincerity, Alexander had become the sacrificial lamb.
"Sure," Leo said, "but let me make a quick call first. Let's meet downstairs in the café."
After Harry and the others left, Leo called James.
"Harry tried to block the acquisition."
"He won't delay it for long. Now, about your promise?"
"Tomorrow morning, the licenses will be delivered to those banks you mentioned."