Block Tavern's waitstaff were busily arranging the venue, as the pageant coaches hired by Starry Entertainment were leading the eight girls through their final rehearsal.
Walker sat alone at a table below the stage, holding a bottle of beer in his hand.
"If Harding doesn't become President, your business will be affected!"
Seeing Donnie approaching, Walker called out with a reminder.
Donnie had Magichi fetch him a beer too and sat down next to Walker, laughing as he said, "It's not me who will be affected, it's Nucky!"
Walker said, "Nucky thinks he has New Jersey in the palm of his hand and that he won't have any problems, but the man stands out too much. If a Republican doesn't end up as President of the United States, Diesel might really go after him!"
Donnie said indifferently, "Then that has nothing to do with us. With Nucky taking the brunt, we're bound to have fewer troubles."
Walker laughed and said, "If Nucky knew you were thinking this way, he'd probably go insane!"
"Then I will definitely hire the best doctor in the United States for Nucky."
As Donnie spoke, he noticed Jessica Dole practicing on stage and asked, "Haven't got her on board yet?"
Walker shook his head, "I've given up. This woman is too cunning and hard to manipulate. It's better to let it go!"
Donnie laughed heartily, "I didn't expect there to be a woman who could make you give up."
Walker, notorious as a playboy, wouldn't have gone to Hollywood after graduating from West Point otherwise.
"Go for it yourself if you're so capable. Don't think that just because you're the organizer of Miss America, the other party will have a story with you. That person has very high standards!"
Walker looked at Donnie somewhat defiantly.
Donnie chuckled and said, "What if I succeed?"
Walker said, "If you do succeed, I'll call you daddy!"
"..." Donnie said helplessly, "If Mr. Astor knew about this in heaven, he would surely strike a deal with Satan to come down and knock some sense into you!"
"Ha!" Walker chuckled lightly, "If he really had that power, I think the most likely person he would kill is his woman, Madeline!" Follow current novᴇls on NoᴠᴇFɪre.nᴇt
"By the way, I forgot to ask you, will Madeline also come to Atlantic City for the finals?"
"I don't recall Starry Entertainment ever sending her an invitation."
To further expand the influence of Miss America, Donnie had already instructed Starry Entertainment to send invitations to some well-known ladies in society.
Of course, at this time, the intention wasn't to have them serve as judges but simply to invite them to join the grand event.
Most of these well-known ladies would also accept their invitations, after all, everyone needs fame.
Walker looked helplessly at Donnie and said, "Just because you don't remember doesn't mean it didn't happen!"
Donnie gave an embarrassed smile and said, "That's a decision made by the people below."
Walker waved his hand and said, "Actually, it's right to invite her. This woman is quite active in New York, but she's also the one with the most ideas. Don't outsmart yourself and let her stir up something that backfires on you!"
Donnie laughed and said, "Then I really hope she's smart enough. If she causes trouble in Atlantic City, maybe your brother should be the one taking me out for a meal!"
Walker scoffed, "That guy? He'd probably be even more furious by then!"
After a brief chat, Donnie headed backstage, where the eight Beauty Contestants were chatting. It was evident that their relationships were clearly defined.
Jessica Dole remained the loneliest of them all. Explore more at empire
As Donnie came in, the girls, not minding their revealing outfits, greeted him enthusiastically!
"Ladies, in tonight's competition, I believe you will all give your best performance. Watching you from below are influential figures from Atlantic City and across the country!"
Donnie encouraged the eight Beauty Contestants on-site with a smile!
"Mr. Block!" Carmen Farmer asked excitedly, "Will President Harding be here tonight?"
Upon hearing Carmen Farmer's inquiry, the other Beauty Contestants also looked expectantly at Donnie. After all, thanks to the publicity from Donnie and Nucky, Harding was already seen as the President-elect.
Girls like Carmen Farmer aspired to soar from their perches and become phoenixes.
Those who participated in pageants were generally very confident in their looks.
"President Harding has his own arrangements tonight and won't be coming!"
Donnie crushed the girls' dreams with a smile.
Seeing the disappointed girls, Donnie continued, "However, you shouldn't be disheartened. President Harding won't be here tonight, but he will attend the grand final. And not just President Harding, Charlie Chaplin will also be a judge for our finals. So as long as you make it into the top three, you'll have the chance to meet President Harding, Charlie Chaplin, and other important figures.
You might even become Hollywood stars!
By that time, you could move to Beverly Hills just like Pickford!"
Nowadays, Beverly Hills isn't yet the residential hub for Hollywood stars but rather for Hollywood's elite.
Pickford's current husband, also a co-founder of United Artists, Douglas, was the first star to move to Beverly Hills!