America 1919

"Such situations must have happened more than once!"

Donnie analyzed as such.

In fact, not only had such situations occurred before, but even after Harding became the President of the United States, Florence still frequently attempted to burst into Harding's room, her aim being to catch Harding with his mistress.

When the noise outside grew louder and louder, Harding couldn't help but walk out, and when Florence entered in a huff and saw everyone's faces, a smile reappeared on her face.

"I'm sorry everyone, I am just too worried about Harding's health, as you all know, his health isn't the best!"

At that moment, Florence showcased her grace!

Everyone chuckled, pretending as though they hadn't noticed the earlier commotion.

"By the way, this is Mr. Donnie Block, the founder of Miss America, right?" The sixty-year-old Florence, squeezing her carefully made-up but still wrinkled face, suddenly said to Donnie.

"Miss Florence, hello!"

Although unsure why she had suddenly called him out, Donnie still stood up and responded with a smile.

"Actually, I am very interested in Miss America, and I happen to have some questions I'd like to ask Mr. Block, do you have the time now?"

Glancing at the deck of cards in his hand, then at the expectant look in everyone else's eyes, what else could Donnie say, "Of course, it would be my honor!"

Setting down his playing cards, Donnie followed Florence out of the reception room and into another one.

"Mr. Block, I've heard some of your experiences in Atlantic City," she said, "Within just a few months, you've become the second most prominent figure after Nucky there. I think there must have been many unpleasant things you had to deal with, right?"

After Donnie took his seat, Florence didn't bring up the Miss America pageant. Instead, she started to talk with Donnie about his situation.

At this moment, Donnie faintly guessed what Florence wanted to discuss with him and laughed, "I was just lucky, that's all."

Florence smiled slightly, "Regardless, it is not easy to achieve such a status, so I hope, Donnie, that you don't ruin your prospects!"

Donnie looked puzzled and said, "I'm not sure what you mean, Miss Florence?"

Florence replied, "I've heard that among the judges for the finals of Miss America there's a woman from South Brenton?"

As expected, the discussion was about that matter. Donnie once again witnessed Florence's assertiveness, and he also understood why that woman always managed to keep Harding in her grip; she already knew about South Brenton's existence.

"That's correct, Miss South Brenton indeed serves as the head judge for Miss America!"

"If I ask you to remove her from the list of judges, I believe you won't refuse me, right?"

"Of course!" Donnie said without hesitation, "However, you might not be aware, Miss Florence, that the decision to appoint Miss South Brenton as our judge was not mine, but Mr. Nucky's. I can remove Miss South Brenton for your request, but I also hope you can help me persuade Mr. Nucky, as I cannot afford to offend Mr. Nucky in Atlantic City!"

Initially, Florence was pleased with Donnie's answer. She understood that South Brenton's desire to become a judge for Miss America was actually to stand beside Harding and appear before the media.

However, she was displeased with what Donnie said next.

In Florence's view, as a superior, instructing Donnie to do something meant he only needed to execute her orders perfectly.

Yet, he had tossed the problem back to her!

"So, Donnie, are you indirectly refusing my request?"

"Not at all, I am simply stating a fact. In Atlantic City, no one can go against Nucky's orders, not even myself. In fact, it's not just Atlantic City—this applies to the whole of New Jersey. So, I am just asking for your understanding of my difficult position!"

"Alright, I understand. You may leave now!"

Donnie left the room with a smile, and upon returning to the reception room, he discovered that Harding was no longer there.

The others had also stopped playing cards and were casually chatting, now talking about the deal with Nucky to be completed once Harding became President, approving the construction of a highway between Atlantic City and Philadelphia.

Seeing Donnie return, Harry said with a laugh, "I guess your conversation just now wasn't very pleasant!"

Donnie casually took a seat on the couch, "If Mr. Nucky hadn't brought Miss South Brenton back to Atlantic City, there wouldn't have been that conversation just now!"

Nucky pointed a finger at himself, "The problem with that matter isn't on my side, though!"

The others exchanged glances and then burst into laughter.

"Donnie, tell us," Harry asked with a laugh. "Everyone is actually very curious, how did you manage to rise up so quickly in such a short time?"

Donnie once again looked towards Nucky and said, "It's quite simple, in Atlantic City, anyone with Mr. Nucky's support can develop as rapidly as I did!"