America 1919

Chapter 786: Vanderbilt Family_3

Reginald’s public image became another epitome of the Vanderbilt Family’s decline.

Forty-eight years after Cornelius’s death, one of his direct descendants died penniless, and within eighty years after his death, all the luxurious mansions the family had built were either demolished, forced to sell, or turned into museums, with none spared.

As for the industry of the Vanderbilt Family, the New York Central Railroad Company, not a single family member was willing to manage it, and instead, they handed it over to professional managers.

Such a vast company naturally attracted the attention of many people.

The two most important groups were the Rockefeller Family, who had previously had business competition with the Vanderbilts, and Morgan, who had always wanted to monopolize the railroad companies in the United States.

These two groups infiltrated the Central Railroad Company by acquiring shares and planted their own people in large numbers. By the time the Vanderbilt Family realized what was happening, it was already too late to reverse their fortunes.

Furthermore, the United States had entered the Great Depression, and the Vanderbilt Family’s assets rapidly diminished.

In the end, their family really had nothing left!

Of course, nobody had discovered this yet, only Morgan and Rockefeller’s people were eyeing this plan.

Now, Donnie, in front of George Whitney, spoke out about this plan, truly shocking George Whitney!

“Donnie, you should know that Morgan and Vanderbilt have a very good partnership!”

Donnie waved his hand, “Come on, George, since I’ve already brought this up, why bother trying to disguise it here.

Let’s be straightforward. We can work together to take down the Vanderbilt Family’s New York Central Railroad Company, and in return, Morgan will not interfere with my acquisition of Breton Bank.

Moreover, you know that even if I can’t take down Breton Bank, I can still easily set up my own independent bank in Atlantic City. That’s not a difficult task.

If Morgan decides to oppose us, then all I need to do is find a new partner. Morgan may be powerful, but they haven’t reached the point where they can block out the sky with one hand. Have you considered, if I pull Mellon Bank into the deal, or even Citibank, how will Morgan respond?”

George Whitney fell into deep thought. Morgan’s strength was unquestionable, but just as Donnie said, ever since Donnie defeated Arman Louis, no one in Atlantic City or New Jersey could challenge Donnie anymore.

If Morgan insisted on entering the fray, they might emerge victorious, but the cost of such a victory would definitely be more than Morgan could afford.

Morgan had their own competitors. Being at the top, Morgan understood all too well that the forces around them weren’t a bunch of docile sheep, but wolves in sheep’s clothing.

When Morgan was strong, these forces were like little sheep, but once Morgan showed any sign of weakness, these same forces would immediately transform into ravenous wolves, tearing into Morgan without hesitation!

“Donnie, you’ve presented me with a difficult problem. This is beyond my authority to resolve!”

Donnie nodded slightly, saying, “I’ll be waiting here for Mr. Jack Morgan’s arrival!”

To make such a momentous decision wasn’t within the capabilities of George Whitney, a partner at Morgan.

Only Jack Morgan, the Sect Leader of Morgan, could make a decision on such a significant matter!

“Alright!” George Whitney stood up, knowing there was no time to lose. “I’ll call Mr. Morgan right now. I believe he will come over quickly!”

Donnie nodded, smiling, “Make it fast because I’m somewhat impatient for this!”

The news about Sinclair Oil taking over the Baku Oil Fields has been spreading wider and wider in the United States these days, with Sinclair Oil’s stock price climbing continuously.

Donnie believed that under such circumstances, the United Kingdom’s MI6 should also make a move, whether it was acquiring Sinclair Oil or Breton Bank, both were closely related to this.

Donnie didn’t know when MI6 would take action, but he needed to be ready!

What Donnie was preparing for now was not just clearing the obstacles to acquire these two companies, but also securing sufficient funds to complete the acquisitions!

If it were to go by the current situation, taking control of these two companies would likely require several hundred million US dollars in cash.

But once the Teapot Dome scandal broke, these two companies’ stock prices would definitely be affected, and at that time, it would be Donnie’s best opportunity to make his move.

First to take control of these two companies, and then gradually complete their full acquisition, that was Donnie’s plan.

For such a process, roughly 50 million US dollars would be almost enough!

If the New York Central Railroad Company of the Vanderbilt Family were to be added to the picture, then the capital would probably have to be raised to 100 million US dollars!

Although Donnie could still accumulate funds during this time, it would far from suffice for his plans.

Therefore, Donnie needed more capital!

“Two methods, one is to seek support from banks, get loans, the second is to sell shares of our own companies!”

Robert proposed his idea.

These were the easiest ways to raise cash.

Donnie said with a wry smile, “I thought our cash reserves were sufficient to look down upon the entire United States, yet I didn’t expect we would still face financial difficulties!”

Robert laughed, “Can’t help it. Who made your three acquisition plans too grand?”