The interior of Morgan Stanley was elegant and refined—far removed from the hectic hustle seen in Wall Street films of Leo's previous life.
In small rooms, gentlemen in varied but impeccable attire sat on plush sofas, speaking in low tones about IPO plans and market strategies.
Every conversation started at no less than tens of millions of dollars.
At the very end of the second floor, Leo finally met the current head of Morgan Stanley—Henry Sturgis Morgan.
Compared to Harold's enthusiasm, Henry was cold and dismissive.
He brusquely interrupted Augustus's lively discussion about the future of the American Real Estate Group.
"Shut up, Augustus. Seems you've forgotten your father's teachings."
"I haven't, Uncle Henry. My father told me to invest in people."
Henry sneered and pointed at Leo.
"And yet you say you haven't forgotten?
Your father's exact words were: 'Invest in gentlemen!' But also, never ignore the risks a person can bring.
And he—he's a small-town opportunist, far from the standards of a gentleman.
He carries an astronomical amount of risk.
With Truman likely to lose the election, his company and his future are hanging by a thread.
Morgan Stanley cannot underwrite such a high-risk stock for our clients. That would destroy the Morgan name."
Augustus narrowed his eyes, rage building under the surface.
"We don't just have Truman—we have Morgan!"
Henry scoffed.
"He only has your support. And you, moving to the UK, won't represent the Morgan family in full."
Fists clenched, Augustus roared back.
"Uncle Henry, the game isn't over. Don't you think you're betting on Roland a bit too soon?"
Augustus had already guessed from Henry's tone that Roland Morgan—his rival—was pulling the strings behind the scenes.
"You see? This is exactly why I don't trust you. You can't control your emotions—not very gentlemanly, is it?
Sure, the game's not over. But you've already run out of cards.
Now, stop wasting my time.
I need to meet with clients who actually matter—like the Ford family."
He stood and shot Leo a contemptuous look, clearly ordering them to leave.
The negotiation had fallen apart. Leo's enemies were still working behind the scenes, dragging down his progress.
Leo stood and extended a hand politely—but Henry didn't even glance at him.
"You see, Mr. Henry, the one lacking gentlemanly behavior... might be you," Leo said with a cutting tone.
"A sharp tongue won't get you an IPO."
They left the room, Harold walking them out.
At the door, Harold said with some regret,
"I always thought the American Real Estate Consortium was a brilliant idea.
But unfortunately, I don't run Morgan Stanley.
Leo, I've studied you carefully. You're like a warrior—someone who understands the art of the game and never backs down.
You must push forward with the IPO. When so many are counting on you, Truman losing won't matter.
And when you have another big idea in the future—call me.
Next time, Morgan Stanley will give you the service you deserve."
Leo could sense the confidence in Harold's voice—that he believed he'd one day lead Morgan Stanley himself.
The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Leo loved making friends.
"Mr. Harold, I sincerely invite you to vacation at the Lynchburg Hotel. I promise it'll be unforgettable. Looking forward to spending time together."
Outside 2 Wall Street, Augustus looked deflated.
"Maybe I should've given up another 10% of my shares. I don't think I can help the Group get listed anymore."
Leo wasn't in the best mood either. But he wasn't the kind to abandon allies when they were down.
He clapped Augustus on the shoulder.
"My favorite thing is turning the impossible into reality.
Everyone says you'll never lead the Morgan family—so I'm betting on you.
Keep that 10%—consider it your comeback fund.
And remember, Augustus—if one day you do become the Morgan patriarch… make sure to humiliate Henry for me."
Leo's encouragement worked. Augustus perked up.
"I swear I'll humiliate that old bastard for us.
Guys like me, from family dynasties—we lack your refusal to quit. That's what makes you different."
As they spoke and walked down the steps, a man with a modest build, round glasses, and a serious face blocked their path.
Augustus clearly recognized him and was about to speak when the man cut him off:
"Augustus, please allow me to introduce myself to my target client."
He formally pulled a business card from his suit pocket and handed it to Leo with both hands.
"I'm Sidney Weinberg, CEO and Partner of Goldman Sachs.
Forgive the boldness, but may I buy you a cup of coffee?"
"Hey, Sidney, stealing clients right in front of me?" Augustus said half-jokingly.
"Clearly, noble Morgan doesn't want business with Mr. Valentino, who rose from humble beginnings."
Leo ignored the banter and looked past Sidney to his chauffeur's feet—eight or so cigarette butts on the ground.
"How long have you been waiting?"
Sidney glanced at his watch.
"Two hours."
"Well then, you've got two hours to convince me."
Leo gave him the time because he remembered Goldman Sachs's reputation from his previous life.
At a café near Wall Street, Sidney launched into a detailed self-introduction.
But the more he spoke, the more Leo frowned. Goldman Sachs seemed far from the legend he'd heard about.
No mention of big deals. No glory stories.
Noticing Leo's concern, Sidney leaned in.
"Leo, let me explain. I've been waiting outside No. 2 Wall Street not for you—but for the Ford family.
Every investment bank wants their IPO.
I was trying to win that business when I saw you walk into Morgan Stanley.
I immediately had my team collect everything they could on you.
And frankly—I'm fascinated by your plan to merge several real estate firms and form the American Real Estate Group.
It's as important as the Ford listing—it could bring massive profits.
That's why I asked you here.
From what I know, your legal teams are still arguing, dragging out the merger.
But you've only got one year left in your pre-sale window.
More delays would be irresponsible.
Goldman has extensive experience with corporate mergers.
We can help you resolve the issues quickly.
And my fee—just one dollar."
Augustus, listening from the side, couldn't help but mock him.
"Sidney, I didn't know Goldman switched to philanthropy."
Sidney kept a straight face.
"Leo, treat this as a test.
If I can complete the five-company merger in 15 days, all I ask is that you choose Goldman Sachs to underwrite the IPO."
It was a deal with no downside. Leo agreed readily.
After that, this CEO from humble beginnings didn't mention his firm again.
After chatting about life, Leo got back in his Lincoln. Watching Wall Street recede in the rearview mirror, he frowned.
He hadn't expected Morgan Stanley to reject him.
And he wasn't sure if Goldman Sachs was ready for a $1 billion IPO.
Back at the estate, Evelyn noticed Leo's mood and knelt down beside him, tying up her loose hair.
After another round of passion, Leo fell into deep sleep.
"Ladies and gentlemen, our plane is flying smoothly.
If you need anything—blankets, pillows—please press the call button. We wish you a pleasant journey!"
Another lucid dream.
Leo looked around using his perspective from his previous life. He was on a plane.
In his past life, business travel was routine.
Another useless dream...
Until he saw his past self pull a magazine from the seatback pocket.
Cheap airline magazine. Probably never updated.
But then—a headline caught Leo's eye: "A Century of Goldman Sachs."
The article heavily featured Sidney Weinberg.
At that moment, Leo made the connection: this was the same man featured in all the classic "success story" speeches.
Weinberg came from poverty, dropped out of school young.
He went door to door for work, landed a janitor job, impressed his bosses, and rose all the way to partner.
He steered Goldman through the Great Depression.
He bet on Roosevelt during the presidential election—and won big.
While running Goldman, he also advised the government.
In 1953, he led Ford's IPO—10.2 million shares at $64.50 each, nearly $700 million.
The biggest and most influential listing of the year.
The article detailed how the IPO didn't weaken the Ford family's control. In fact, it strengthened it—with brilliant tax strategies.
Leo was impressed. And moved.
He decided then: he would give the IPO to Sidney Weinberg.
And within just one week, Sidney led Goldman's legal and financial teams to resolve the merger disputes efficiently.
Winners and losers emerged.
Florida's Gulf Realty and Canada's Brookfield Realty, due to weaker assets, were cut down to 3% each.
Merlin Realty, exposed for inflating assets, dropped to 8%.
Altria Group's 20% remained unchanged.
Augustus's 20% dropped to 17% after negotiations.
Leo now held 24%, making him the largest shareholder.
20% was reserved for IPO.
The remaining 5%—3% went to strategic partners in the Northeast, and 2% was set aside for executives.
At Lynchburg's hilltop restaurant, the heads of six companies signed their names.
The American Real Estate Group was officially born.
The first board agenda: go public.
Everyone was amazed by Sidney's efficiency.
Thanks to Leo's support, Goldman Sachs became the unanimous choice for underwriter.
Austin was appointed as liaison with Goldman.
At the post-merger reception, Sidney thanked Leo.
"No need to thank me, Sidney. Just remember—this is Goldman's first major underwriting.
We rise or fall together. Don't let anyone pressure you into risks you can't handle."
Leo glanced at Augustus and Altria's Phoenix—clearly using them to warn Sidney.
The magazine had mentioned how Sidney's rise was tied to winning the presidency bet.
With Roosevelt's backing, Goldman formed the Business Advisory Council, collecting corporate proposals for the government.
Clearly, Sidney had deep ties to the Roosevelts.
Sidney, a clever man, got the message.
"Leo, don't worry. Goldman always puts clients first.
Frankly, I'm not fond of James. He's nothing like his father.
After meeting with you, he called me—but his reputation doesn't outrank Goldman's future."
"Good. We're both clear-minded.
Now tell me—when can we go public?"
Sidney thought for a moment.
"Document prep: 1 month.
Initial PR: 1 month.
Demand evaluation: 1 month.
Roadshow: 1–2 months.
Pricing and underwriting: 1 month.
SEC approval: 15 days.
Altogether—7 months."
"Too long. I need the IPO done one month before the Democratic National Convention. That means you bring me good news by May.
And no lower than $35 per share.
I believe in you."
"You believe in me more than I believe in myself.
I won't let you down.
I promise—the American Real Estate Group will go public by May."
"To our fortune!" Leo raised his glass.
"To our fortune! Oh—Sidney, one more thing.
About that Business Advisory Council you created back then—I want to start a Real Estate Advisory Council to push this group forward."
Sidney's eyes lit up.
"Leo, that council must be established before the roadshow—it will greatly boost your share pricing!
But I heard you and the President aren't on the best terms. Will he support your plan?"
Leo smiled, looking out the window.
"Disagreements are temporary. The President will need me soon enough."