America 1919

LeBron sat majestically in his own armchair with Love and Irving sitting across from him. It was Love who had just reported to LeBron.

At that moment, Irving's emotions were somewhat complex. Before, when he visited LeBron's office, he had merely thought LeBron's office was luxuriously decorated.

But it was after his visit to Donnie's office yesterday that he realized, LeBron's office was modeled after Block Tavern's office.

LeBron spoke with a serious expression, "I already know. Robert called me last night to ask about the matter."

Love said, "Then should we switch back to the old spirits when we deliver to Block Tavern in the future?"

LeBron didn't answer Love's question, but instead asked, "How much has our profit increased since we switched to industrial alcohol?"

"50%!" Love replied.

"50% profit!" LeBron repeated the statement, with obvious struggle in his eyes, that eventually turned into determination, "No need, this is just an isolated issue. I don't believe everyone who drinks it will die. But Donnie is not easy to fool. Prepare yourself and send someone to deliver our overdue dividends to Donnie!"

At this point, Irving chimed in, "James, with the Miss America pageant in full swing and more tourists coming to Atlantic City, I believe Donnie will be very concerned about Atlantic City's safety at this time. Also, Nucky has invested in this matter. Shouldn't we lay low for a while?"

LeBron waved his hand dismissively, "No need. Precisely because it has come to this point, we cannot be cautious. They won't have time to care about the affairs of the North District, so we should go even crazier in making money.

According to my estimates, before the Miss America pageant and the United States election are over, they won't have the capacity to interfere much with our North District affairs. This is the best time for us to grow."

"Haven't you noticed that even Embiid has been keeping a low profile lately?"

Everyone in the office knew Embiid was Nucky's man, though outside it seemed that LeBron's strongest supports under him were the three titans: Irving, Love, and Embiid. In reality, LeBron had never considered Embiid one of his own.

The simplest truth, Embiid still didn't know the location of LeBron's private distillery.

A sense of dissatisfaction rose in Irving's heart. That's the nature of people; when you're truly sincere about someone, you'll consider their actions favorably. But when you're not, whatever they do seems wrong!

However, Irving did not voice his dissatisfaction. He simply kept silent!

Irving's silence pleased LeBron, who believed he had persuaded Irving.

"Irving, we're not the same as we used to be. Before, we needed the support of Nucky and Donnie, but now we've managed to rebuild the North District. At this time, Nucky needs the North District's votes, so he won't let Donnie do anything bad to us."

"In fact, the private bootlegging business, I arranged it that way on purpose. I wanted to see Donnie's reaction. Now, he's only had Robert make a phone call to us. The meaning behind it is very clear, Donnie has no choice with us now!"

As he spoke, LeBron's smile became even more pronounced, "Donnie's tactics aren't anything special; he developed himself amidst the struggle between Nucky and the Commodore."

"Now, we're just following the same path!"

Love suggested, "James, if you are thinking this way, maybe you should take the initiative to make more contact with Nucky!"

A change crossed LeBron's face as he recalled the events that had occurred in the North District. If it hadn't been for his timely allegiance to Donnie back then, he feared his position might have been taken over by Pierce by now.

So, LeBron still harbored considerable resentment toward Nucky.

"Miss America, the United States election, they will always end. Their focus will eventually turn our way. If Donnie and Nucky join forces against us, we won't stand a chance!"

Seeing LeBron's expression, Love knew what the other was thinking but still voiced a reminder.

LeBron fell silent for a moment, then said, "Alright, I've heard that Donnie and Nucky are looking to ally with other city gangs to form a coalition and jointly run the private bootlegging business. Although they deal in high-end liquor, if we can re-establish a good relationship with Nucky, perhaps we could take this opportunity to sell our bootlegged liquor outside of Atlantic City."

Love nodded in agreement, fully approving of LeBron's decision.

Irving watched their expressions and his thoughts wandered: Indeed, LeBron trusts Love the most!

His own suggestions were directly dismissed by LeBron, while Love's, LeBron accepted readily. Wasn't it obvious?

Driven by such thoughts, that evening, Irving made his way to Block Tavern again.

"Mr. Block, you were right. One should fight for their own position. I'd greatly appreciate your support, Mr. Block, and I have some news for you. LeBron is preparing to approach Nucky to re-establish their relationship!"

Donnie wasn't surprised at all by the news that LeBron was going to reach out to Nucky. After all, in Donnie's eyes, LeBron was a man who switched allegiances easily.

No surprise is needed for such a person's betrayal!

"So, did you think about my previous question? Why should I choose you over Love?"

Donnie didn't respond to Irving's statement but instead asked him the previous question.

"Because if you support me, Mr. Block, I will be your most loyal subordinate. Love is different; he's somewhat old-fashioned and will not betray LeBron!"

Donnie shook his head, "Wrong. Love won't betray LeBron not because he's old-fashioned, but because I haven't made an offer yet. The reason I choose you is simple: only with my support can you truly become the boss of the North District!"

Irving nodded, "Yes, I understand, Mr. Block!"

Donnie nodded in satisfaction.

Irving asked, "So, Mr. Block, what should I do next?"