After all, in America's high society, there was only one Astor Family!
"Mr. Astor, I was waiting for you early in my tavern, but I didn't expect to be disturbed by an unrelated person. I hope you don't mind my poor hospitality!"
Walker Astor said helplessly, "It seems, Mr. Block, you have already guessed my identity?"
Donnie nodded and said, "If I'm not mistaken, your father must be Mr. John Astor, Astor IV!"
To later generations, the Astor Family might seem very unfamiliar compared to America's top families.
But in fact, in this era, the Astor Family was truly among America's elite... even though it was on the decline!
The founder of the Astor Family, Astor I, created two historical firsts in America: the first millionaire and, with great foresight, he established the first family trust in American history. Follow current novᴇls on ɴo(v)elFɪre.ɴet
Also, the Astor Family were landlords in New York!
In 1789, Astor I bought a large amount of land in Manhattan, New York, from the hands of the Vice President at the time.
For the rest of his life, Astor I was either buying land in Manhattan or on his way to buy land in Manhattan.
When he died, Astor I's biggest regret was not having bought the entire Upper Manhattan!
Astor I's son and grandson were guardians of the city, so they always retained the land bought by Astor I.
By the time of Astor IV, the Astor Family reached its peak and was called the world's richest by many media outlets.
Astor IV was even related by marriage to President Roosevelt at the time.
He himself was a man of many identities: a real estate developer, an investor, an inventor, a writer.
Astor IV was well-educated, a graduate of Harvard University; he had written the science fiction novel "A Journey to Other Worlds," which still had a large readership in America even in later times; he held several patents, including for bicycle brakes and turbine engines; he also had an excellent business mind and in 1897, he funded the construction of what was then the world's most luxurious Astoria Hotel.
Incidentally, he was the one who financed the building of the Titanic.
Similarly, he also died because of the sinking of the Titanic.
That year, Astor IV boarded the Titanic for its maiden voyage with his new bride. When disaster struck, he gave his chance to escape to his new wife... a woman one year younger than his son Vincent, and Astor IV perished at sea!
That year was 1912, and his wife Madeline Fierst was 19 years old!
Donnie suspected that when the truck driver filmed "Titanic," he based the character on Leonardo DiCaprio after Astor IV.
"He was a confused fellow; let's not talk about him!"
Walker obviously did not want to mention his father, and Donnie did not continue to ask. Continuing to inquire when the other person did not wish to talk about something could be irritating.
From Walker's identity to his relationship with Diesel Mallard, Donnie felt that the two of them could become good friends!
"Since you don't want to talk about it, Walker, I won't ask. But there is still one thing you have to tell me!"
"Why did you want to meet me? Is there something about the West District that makes you unsatisfied?"
When Donnie mentioned the West District, Walker's face immediately lit up with a smile and said, "Satisfied, very satisfied. It's precisely because I'm satisfied that I wanted to meet the genius who proposed such reforms."
Donnie laughed heartily and said, "Anyone who praises the West District is a friend of Donnie Block!"
The two of them didn't go to a private room but sat in the main hall of Block Tavern, where the waiter brought whiskey.
Sometimes the bond between men is just that simple. A few drinks down, and their rapport quickly warmed up.
Walker also told Donnie about his conflicts with Diesel Mallard.
At the same time, Donnie also guessed from Walker's description that although he was the son of Astor IV, he was indeed an illegitimate child.
But even as an illegitimate child, Walker lived a life far beyond the reach of ordinary people.
He had been accepted into the West Point Military Academy, where he met Diesel Mallard, who was admitted the same year.
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Two people from different classes and with different personalities coming together naturally led to many conflicts.
Diesel Mallard was dissatisfied with Walker's behavior at school yet always seemed to live a more privileged life.
Walker, on the other hand, was unhappy with Diesel Mallard's arrogant demeanor.
Therefore, conflicts frequently arose at school.
Although the Astor Family was in decline... Madeline, who Astor IV sacrificed his life for, did not appreciate what he had done for her, and upon returning to New York, she immediately began scheming for the Astor Family fortune and even publicly humiliated Vincent on multiple occasions.
It was for this reason that Vincent, to prove his ability, chose to start his own business, and starting a business required money, which meant selling land.
But in reality, Vincent lacked business acumen.
Moreover, he was a person who had a significant lack of security, constantly seeking true love, and so he married three times in his life!
For these super-rich, divorce has always been a significant reason for their fortunes to diminish.