Chapter 751: 258. To recall the Speaker
Donnie had initially intended to gradually negotiate with Arman Louis during the construction of Trident Shipyard.
After all, Arman Louis was deeply entrenched in New Jersey, and his influence was immense. Unless absolutely necessary, Donnie still felt it best to coexist peacefully with the other party.
What Donnie hadn’t anticipated was receiving a call from Damai James the day after the party ended.
Today in the assembly, Arman Louis directly proposed a bill to increase tax collection on the gambling industry, including the Surf Hotel.
“What is Arman Louis thinking, acting so hastily?”
Alice asked Donnie, somewhat puzzled. ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ ɴovᴇl(ꜰ)ir(e).nᴇt
After a moment of contemplation, Donnie said, “He must be feeling the urgency. Once Trident Shipyard starts construction, we won’t be able to abandon the industry, so Arman Louis is in such a hurry to see our stance!”
Alice mused, “What’s the State Assembly’s view on this? Are they in favor of or against Arman Louis’s suggestion?”
Donnie replied, “They’ve just brought it up, and it’s not so easy to pass through; we have our own people in the assembly!”
Inside the New Jersey State Assembly, there were still many allies aligned with Donnie’s interests.
In such an organization, it was impossible for Arman Louis to have total control, but as the Speaker, if he was determined to push this matter, it would still be quite troublesome.
While Donnie and Alice were discussing the matter, the phone on the desk rang again.
After answering, it was indeed a call from Arman Louis!
“Donnie, isn’t it time for us to sit down and talk?”
Arman Louis didn’t ask whether Donnie was aware of the recent developments in the assembly since he was certain Donnie knew.
“I’m waiting for you at my home,” Donnie simply stated.
There was some silence on the other end; the fact that Arman Louis had initiated the call already put him at a disadvantage in this showdown with Donnie. But he had no choice; if Trident Shipyard really commenced construction, he would have no way out.
But now, with Donnie insisting that he visit his home, his position would be even less formidable!
After some thought, Arman Louis found no better option, “Fine, I’ll be on my way now!”
Twenty minutes later, Arman Louis arrived at what was now renamed Block Manor, formerly Bellk Manor.
“Donnie, given a choice, I would not want to be your enemy, but now that you’ve extended your reach into the shipyard sector, I have no choice but to oppose you,” Arman Louis said directly to Donnie upon meeting him.
“If you can give up the construction of Trident Shipyard or move it out of New Jersey, then I can assure you that we will be the firmest allies in Atlantic City!”
Sitting on the sofa, Donnie calmly listened to Arman Louis finish before speaking, “Mr. Louis, I deeply respect your accomplishments in New Jersey, but unfortunately, I cannot agree to your request. My purpose in building Trident Shipyard in Cape May is exactly to avoid the situation we have in New Jersey today!”
Aside from commercial pursuits, Donnie’s construction of Trident Shipyard was also meant to influence more New Jersey residents’ lives, thereby achieving complete control over New Jersey.
Now Arman Louis was attempting to coerce Donnie into complying, which was in direct opposition to Donnie’s intentions!
Arman Louis’s face began to look displeased; he did not expect that even after showing such humility, Donnie would still be so aggressive!
“Mr. Louis, I also do not wish to be your enemy, so let’s do this: you name a price, and if it’s right, I can buy your JK Shipyard. Then, George could use the money to pursue other business ventures, and I will extend him the utmost support!”
George Louis was Arman Louis’s son and the current helmsman of JK Shipyard.
Arman Louis shook his head slightly; he could not accept Donnie’s offer. Donnie needed to build Trident Shipyard to ensure his control in New Jersey, and Arman Louis also needed JK Shipyard’s employees to maintain his own prestige.
Although Arman Louis himself was up in years and wouldn’t be able to serve as the State Assembly Speaker for much longer, he hoped his family could continue growing along this trajectory.
After he stepped down, George Louis could enter the assembly. Even though he might not reach the position of Speaker like his father, he could still be an influential member.
Selling JK to Donnie would essentially place the Louis family’s development plans in Donnie’s hands. If Donnie were to betray the Louis family in the future, they would have no bargaining chips left.
“So, Donnie, are you truly willing to see New Jersey enact a tax increase on the gambling industry?”
Donnie waved his hand dismissively, “Mr. Louis, this matter doesn’t just concern me but all shareholders of Surf Hotel. Even if we exclude the State Government and City Hall, there are also Morgan and Mellon, two major banks that are shareholders. Do you think they would agree to your proposal?”