America 1919-Chapter 952 - 325, Portugal Counterfeit Money Case

"When it comes to indulgence, no one in the United States can surpass the Vanderbilt Family!"

Standing on the long cobblestone road in front of the Vanderbilt estate in New York, Donnie looked at the manor exuding a distinct Western classical charm and couldn’t help but sigh.

This was merely one of the Vanderbilt Family’s many estates, not even one of the more famous ones, yet it was already so impressive. Donnie felt some anticipation for the day he could acquire other Vanderbilt estates in the future.

Walker stood next to Donnie and smiled, saying: "I really didn’t expect Reggie Vanderbilt to transfer this property to you. Doesn’t he know this estate is among his last remaining assets?"

Previously, Reggie Vanderbilt had approached Donnie seeking a loan to sustain his extravagant lifestyle, using the estate as collateral. Reggie could no longer repay the debt, and thus the estate naturally became Donnie’s.

"Once you’re accustomed to a lavish lifestyle, it’s basically impossible to rein it in. I hope you’ll bear this in mind, so your children don’t end up in this situation someday."

Donnie urged Walker.

Maholi was finally pregnant with Walker’s child, a development that brought Walker great joy.

Walker laughed and said, "Relax, I’m not the second Vanderbilt. He’s set quite the precedent for all the families in the United States!"

Donnie burst into laughter and replied, "Indeed, every family across America owes Vanderbilt their thanks!"

The two chatted and joked as they walked into the living room, which was so massive that it spanned the size of half a football field.

Alice and Maholi began touring the estate, followed closely by Alice’s servant pushing Lucia in her baby stroller!

Donnie and Walker sat on the sofas by the fireplace.

"If this venture succeeds, we won’t have to worry about cash flow anymore!"

Walker said with a smile.

Donnie nodded. This time, their plan targeted not just a single group, family, or nation, but the entirety of Europe. Their adversaries were Europe’s speculators, so naturally, the potential profits were immense.

"After this matter is resolved, both you and I should start planning investments outside of the United States!"

Donnie remarked.

Investment opportunities within the United States were approaching saturation for Donnie. Reckless expansion at this stage would likely provoke resistance from domestic capital forces. After all, the ’pie’ of opportunities was finite, and further encroachment would inevitably touch the core interests of many economic powers, possibly triggering unified opposition.

Walker nodded and said, "For me, it’s relatively simpler. After all, the Astor Family’s business focuses only on real estate and hotels. If we include Maholi’s food ventures, that’s just a small portion. On the other hand, your investments are extremely diversified and concentrated in popular industries. Expanding domestically would not be so easy for you!"

Donnie displayed a wry smile. Thriving industries certainly promised higher profits but also brought fiercer competition.

There was no other choice—it was the natural law of business development. If one wanted to capture more capital in already well-established industries, mere competitiveness wasn’t enough!

"We’ll take it one step at a time. For now, let’s hope they grant us more time!"

Walker asked, "What’s your next investment target?"

Donnie shook his head and replied, "Haven’t decided yet—Europe, Mexico, Canada, South America, or Africa, it’s all possible!"

Walker chuckled and said, "I suddenly remembered something you said once at the Tarot Society!"

Donnie asked, "What did I say?"

Walker replied, "’The United States is vast, but the world is larger!’ Hearing you now, I can truly feel how immense it really is!"

Donnie laughed heartily and replied, "Precisely! This time, the money we earn in Europe may seem substantial, but when you start investing, you’ll realize it’s never enough!"

Walker nodded, then curiously asked Donnie, "I know you’ve always been interested in the East. Why not consider investing in Asia?"

At the moment, the United States’ military presence in Asia was quite notable, so Walker also had thoughts about this direction.

Donnie shook his head and said, "The situation in Asia is still unstable. In my opinion, sometime in the future, Asia will inevitably experience a devastating war. Investing there now wouldn’t be a wise choice."

Walker became intrigued by Donnie’s words and asked, "Didn’t you say once that chaos breeds opportunity? Moreover, if war does break out in Asia as you predict, wouldn’t your newly-founded Ares Arsenal stand to gain even more?"

Donnie pondered briefly before saying, "The East, investments in Asia aren’t for now—they’re for after the war ends!"

Seeing Donnie’s lack of enthusiasm on the matter, Walker said no more about it.

The two then shifted the topic back to their current showdown with Europe’s speculators.

In this affair, neither Donnie nor Walker had much room for direct action. Their role was mainly to coordinate with the Rothschilds and Morgans, placing their funds wherever required.

"It’s such an unpleasant feeling, having no control over this matter ourselves!" Walker lamented.

Donnie laughed and said, "There’s no helping it. While ordinary people might see our strength as formidable enough, compared to families like the Rothschilds and Morgans, we still have a significant gap. Without them, this endeavor wouldn’t even be possible!"