America 1919

"Mr. Block, I'm thrilled to welcome you to my party!"

Upon seeing Donnie approaching, Ponzi warmly came over, opened his arms, and hugged Donnie, showing none of the distance that was there when they first met!

"Mr. Ponzi's parties have become the most brilliant sight in Atlantic City, and it's an honor for me to attend!"

After parting ways with Ponzi, Donnie greeted Nucky.

"Mr. Nucky, I'm truly honored to meet you here!"

Nucky's expression remained calm, betraying no hint of his inner emotions, "I thought you would be too busy to come over these days, Donnie!"

Actually, Nucky's feelings were quite complicated at the moment.

Before this, he had hoped that Donnie would take out David Jabbar, effectively cutting off the Brigadier's arm. But when Donnie really made David Jabbar disappear and took over The Fuli Tavern, Nucky had to start taking Donnie's strength seriously.

Donnie replied with an easy smile, "I just picked up a bargain. The operations at The Fuli Tavern are all on track, and I only need to follow the previous business strategies!"

Nucky chuckled and said, "Then I wish you a fortune as bright as brocade, Donnie!"

"Hopefully, as Mr. Nucky says!"

Donnie laughed.

Just as Donnie was thinking about how to have a one-on-one talk with Nucky, Ponzi suddenly said to Donnie, "Mr. Block, there is something I would like to discuss with you in private. Do you have time, Mr. Block?"

"Of course!" Donnie considered briefly before he readily accepted Ponzi's invitation.

Seeing Donnie agree, Ponzi immediately apologized to Nucky and then led Donnie away. As Donnie turned, he glanced at Lucy, who was walking toward Nucky. Lucy nodded subtly, understanding Donnie's intent.

Inside Ponzi's villa, whether in the estate or the villa itself, people could be seen everywhere. Donnie even saw a violinist sitting in the hallway, playing an unknown piece.

The two men made their way to Ponzi's study.

"Mr. Block, please take a seat!"

Ponzi poured a glass of ambrosia for Donnie and then smiled, "First of all, I must congratulate you on acquiring the best tavern in Atlantic City, The Fuli Tavern!"

After speaking, he raised his glass to Donnie.

Donnie also lifted his glass in response and then said, "Mr. Ponzi invited me here; it seems you have something to say, right?"

Ponzi laughed heartily and said, "Mr. Block, to become a big shot in Atlantic City so quickly, you are indeed clever. However, I've heard that you've been having a rough time recently. Does Nucky want to take back the location of The Fuli Tavern?"

Donnie neither confirmed nor denied, saying, "Mr. Nucky and I are very good friends!"

Ponzi didn't mind Donnie's attitude and just laughed, "Donnie, may I call you that?"

"Of course, my friends all call me that!" Donnie laughed.

"Ever since I arrived in Atlantic City, I've been paying attention to you; from what I've observed these past few days, I find you to be very intelligent and clever. I believe that given enough time, within ten years, you could become the king of Atlantic City!"

Ponzi flattered Donnie profusely.

Donnie calmly watched Ponzi, knowing that when someone like this con man starts to offer limitless adulation, you should be wary—it means they're aiming for your wallet!

"I just want to be a businessman, that's all!"

Ponzi smiled and said, "But according to my observations, you will have a very difficult time ahead. Regarding Nucky—although you don't want to admit it, we all know the details. More importantly, not only has Nucky become wary of you, but even the Brigadier is very dissatisfied with your actions.

Facing the encirclement of the two major powers in Atlantic City, I am worried that you won't have enough time to grow!"

"Does Mr. Ponzi have a solution?" Donnie asked, following Ponzi's words.

Seeing Donnie showing a hint of worry, Ponzi felt even happier inside, but he didn't show it on his face, just smiling and saying.

"Actually, facing the current situation, you haven't realized the root problem!"

Donnie, increasingly eager to know, asked, "What is the problem, then?"

Ponzi, enjoying the role of mentor, said, "It's simple, that is, before you have enough financial strength, you have acquired a business without a matching foundation. Such a situation will turn you into a lamb among African lions."

"But I am not a bank, I can't print money, and there's no way to quickly acquire enough wealth!" Donnie said with concern.

Ponzi smiled mysteriously and said, "That is exactly why I invited you over today!"

Donnie realized, "So, Mr. Ponzi, you are prepared to accept my funding?"

Ponzi nodded and said, "That's right, I've traveled all over the United States, and the thing I most hope to do is to help those young people with potential, and Donnie, you are the most promising young man I've found in Atlantic City."

"If you entrust your funds to me to manage, I can assure you that within one month's time, I will at least quadruple your assets!"

"With that money, I think you will be able to withstand the pressure from Nucky and the Commodore!"

Donnie first showed a look of surprise, but then his expression suddenly changed, and he said, "That's not right!"

Ponzi, who had thought Donnie was hooked, was slightly taken aback and asked, "What's not right?"

Donnie sat there, carefully studying Ponzi, and asked, "We're strangers to each other, there are plenty of people in Atlantic City wealthier than me, and what's more important is that Nucky is on good terms with you. Why would you want to support me?"

Hearing Donnie ask this, Ponzi breathed a slight sigh of relief internally. His scam in Boston was becoming increasingly unsustainable, to the point that many people were now doubting it. Therefore, Ponzi had to chart a new path.

It just so happened that while he was in Washington for an inspection, he met Nucky at an evening party. After learning about the current situation in Atlantic City, Ponzi immediately decided to come here.

Now Donnie was his best target for deception. Ponzi had thought the other party had discovered something... thankfully not!

"Donnie, have you forgotten what I just said? I am someone who really enjoys helping young people, because I was young once too, and I know the desire and difficulties a young person faces when wanting to succeed. At this stage of my life, I'm actually no longer interested in mere wealth, but helping a young person eager to gain wealth, that's what would give me a greater sense of accomplishment."

Saying this, Ponzi looked at Donnie somewhat disappointedly and continued.

"But your doubtful attitude now makes me very disappointed, especially deep down. Since Mr. Block, you have doubts, then let's pretend we said nothing tonight; you can go out and enjoy the fine wine and food of this evening's banquet!"

Said Ponzi, already rising, giving the impression that he was ready to show the guest out. Read latest stories on m_v-l'e-NovelFire

Donnie hurriedly said, "Mr. Ponzi, please don't be angry. It was my overthinking just now. I apologize to you sincerely here!"

Ponzi, who had already stood up, sat back down and sighed, "Actually, I understand your concerns, Donnie, but you should understand, Italians do not deceive Italians. We are both from Italy, and the blood of Italians flows in our veins alike."

"I just want to help a promising young man of Italian descent!"

Donnie apologized earnestly, "This was my mistake, and I once again offer my sincere apologies to you, Ponzi!"

"Well, I accept your apology," Ponzi nodded, graciously replying.

Donnie, testing the waters, asked, "What about the investment you mentioned just now?"

"I am still willing to help you!" Ponzi said seriously.

Donnie thanked him, "I really appreciate your generosity, Mr. Ponzi. Not to conceal the truth from you, I do indeed have some cash on hand, but after buying The Fuli Tavern, there isn't much left, and I still need to keep my three taverns running, so I can't take out much at once!"

Ponzi's expression changed and he said, "You still doubt me?"

"Of course not!" Donnie immediately waved his hand, "Rest assured, Mr. Ponzi, I will gather a certain amount of funds in the shortest possible time!"

Ponzi then smiled and said, "Alright, how long will you need?"

Donnie pondered for a moment, "Give me three days; three days' time. After that, I will invest the money in your company!"

"Alright!"

Ponzi nodded.

After they finished discussing the matter, there was nothing else, and they quickly left the villa rented by Ponzi.

When the two came out, someone immediately approached Ponzi.

Seeing this, Donnie left as well.

Finding Nucky was not difficult because wherever Nucky appeared, he was always the center of attention, and now was no exception.

In the middle of the estate, Lucy was arm in arm with Nucky, and around them were many of Atlantic City's celebrities chatting with them.

Every now and then, a burst of bright laughter exploded among the crowd.

Donnie took a cocktail from the tray of a waiter and walked in Nucky's direction.

The chat with Ponzi was just an appetizer for Donnie that evening; the main course was Nucky.

"Look who's here! Isn't that the new owner of The Fuli Tavern, the rising celebrity of our Atlantic City, Mr. Donnie Block!"

Nucky burst into loud laughter when he saw Donnie approaching.

The people previously surrounding Nucky looked at Donnie with complex expressions. They had all received information through different channels that Nucky was planning to take back the land of The Fuli Tavern.

Now, Donnie's presence here was surely for that matter!