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Chapter 262: As Long as You Obey

A dazzling crystal chandelier hung from the high ceiling, casting soft and enchanting light over the room.

Guests dressed in luxurious attire looked like characters stepping out of a fairy tale. They held crystal-clear champagne glasses, mingling and conversing in the crowd.

The men wore impeccably tailored suits, while the women adorned themselves with sparkling jewelry.

The banquet table was laden with exquisite pastries and lavish dishes, stretching as far as the eye could see.

It was Thanksgiving Day in 1997, a day of significance for New York and the elite along the northeastern coast of the United States.

This event was destined to be remembered for years to come.

It marked the union of a resurrected ancient family and a reigning powerhouse dynasty.

Moreover, it was an opportunity for the attendees to be part of what could be considered the grandest social gala of the year—perhaps even of the decade—within the United States.

For example, Barron Hilton, the chairman of the Hilton Group, was currently delightedly chatting with his two granddaughters, the Hilton sisters, alongside Vincent William Astor and his wife, members of another New York hotel dynasty.

The Astor name might not carry much weight in modern America.

In fact, in the public's eyes, it might even seem less prominent than Barron Hilton’s.

But rewind a century, and the Astor name was synonymous with "America’s richest."

Yes, this was the family of a former wealthiest American, a super-elite dynasty that once dominated the nation.

Back in the Astor family’s heyday, figures like Rockefeller and Morgan vied eagerly for their deposits.

Yet, as with the once-mighty Vanderbilts—now reduced to having few millionaires among them—the Astor family, too, had declined.

Still, they fared better than the Vanderbilts.

The Waldorf branch of the Astors remained comparably wealthy, rivaling even the Hiltons in terms of real assets.

Although the main branch had diminished in influence, its former matriarch was still alive. When she celebrated her birthday, even David Rockefeller and John C. Morgan attended, reflecting the lingering prestige of the family name.

Thus, when Barron Hilton spoke to Vincent Astor, he maintained a deferential stance, despite being older than Vincent.

“Did the lady come as well?” Barron asked Vincent softly.

Smiling, Vincent nodded and gestured toward the northeast corner. “Over there.”

Paris and Nicky Hilton turned to look with their grandfather.

Sure enough, they saw an elderly woman sitting there.

While she might not be widely known elsewhere, in New York, she was revered as “America’s Last Aristocrat” and “The Noble Among Commoners.”

She held the highest social standing among New York’s elite circles and was a woman whom even David Rockefeller respected deeply.

As for why Arianna’s grandfather showed such respect to a woman from a fallen family branch, one with no clear heirs...

Milo explained it best: “If you handed over billions of dollars in assets to me for management, I’d respect you endlessly too.”

In 1959, Brooke Astor’s husband, the head of the main branch of the Astor family, passed away.

After his death, Brooke Astor, with the backing of certain influential figures, took full control of the family’s wealth.

Among those influential figures, David Rockefeller was the leader.

At that time, the Astor family was still among America’s top ten richest families, arguably in the top five.

Their real estate holdings in Manhattan alone were enough to place them above most American families of the era.

And now?

Now, Brooke Astor’s Astor Foundation had just over $100 million in funds and less than $500 million in assets.

A combined total of slightly over $600 million might sound impressive.

But consider this: in 1959, the Astor Foundation already held that much wealth.

Decades later, with rampant global inflation, the Rockefeller-managed Astor Foundation had somehow avoided any financial growth.

David Rockefeller had effectively siphoned off its wealth, all while maintaining a respectful facade toward Brooke Astor, ensuring her high social standing among New York’s elite.

With her emotional needs catered to, Brooke Astor naturally entrusted her resources to David Rockefeller’s management.

Trust funds, when poorly regulated, often met such fates.

At that moment, Brooke Astor was surrounded by a group of highly esteemed ladies from New York and nearby regions.

Nicky and Paris couldn’t help but envy her lifestyle—it was exactly how they envisioned themselves living when they grew old.

“Oh, so everyone’s here!”

Suddenly, a cheerful voice came from their left.

Without even turning, Paris instantly recognized it.

It was Ivana’s father speaking. His tone and distinct accent were unmistakable.

Sure enough, James Kemp walked over with his daughter, Ivana Kemp, smiling warmly.

“Ah, it’s a gathering of hotel tycoons!”

James exclaimed excitedly, “Vincent, Barron, and me! If Ian and Leona were here, all of New York’s top hotel moguls would be gathered!”

Before the adults could respond, Paris silently scoffed to herself.

She thought to herself how clueless Ivana’s father always was.

With just one Kemp Hotel—hardly a contender—how could he consider himself a hotel tycoon?

Everyone James had just named was a legitimate titan in New York’s hotel industry.

Her family’s Hilton hotels were already the least prestigious among them, not to mention the Kemp family’s so-called “luxury hotel,” which had only recently been upgraded to five stars.

In Paris' Eyes*

To Paris, Kemp was just a lucky guy with good fortune, someone who happened to hitch a ride on the Blackburn family’s grand ship. Otherwise, he wouldn’t even have been able to show up here!

Thinking of this, Paris couldn’t help but glance at Ivanka, who stood beside Kemp.

Ivanka was dressed in a custom-made lace gown, its hem gently brushing the ground, revealing her slender ankles. Her delicate ears sparkled with diamond earrings, matching the dazzling necklace she wore. Her hair was styled elegantly, exposing a graceful neckline. Her makeup was subtle yet sophisticated, with lips painted a vibrant red, exuding a stunning and refined charm.

Paris felt that Ivanka seemed different, so much so that she wasn’t the same as before. Particularly, it was her aura—though Paris couldn’t quite put her finger on exactly what had changed.

Still, since they were close friends, Paris immediately walked over, took Ivanka’s hand, and started chatting and laughing.

“I’ve been looking all over for you, Ivanka! I just knew you’d be here tonight,” Paris exclaimed.

“By the way, why haven’t I seen you around lately? Every time I ask you to go shopping, you say you’re busy. And it’s not like you went to school in Boston. Ugh, finally, I get to see you today!”

Ivanka smiled warmly at Paris, though she couldn’t help thinking to herself: Of course. Because I’m pregnant.  

I’m still young, and it’s early in the pregnancy.  

The doctor had instructed her not to go out unnecessarily and to stay home and rest. Naturally, these weren’t things she could say to Paris.

“I haven’t been feeling well recently,” Ivanka said with a gentle smile. “Good evening, Paris. Good evening, Nicky.”

“Good evening,” replied Nicky, who wasn’t as close to Ivanka but greeted her with a friendly smile nonetheless.

Paris, however, was focused on something else entirely.

“Not feeling well? Have you seen a doctor?” she asked with concern.

“Yes, I’ve been to the hospital,” Ivanka reassured her with a smile. “The doctor told me to rest at home and avoid going out too much. That’s why I couldn’t join you for shopping.”

“Alright then,” Paris replied, nodding reluctantly.

At this moment, as the adults around them chatted enthusiastically, Nicky Hilton suddenly pointed toward the main hall’s entrance.

“Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Blackburn and Miss Rockefeller have arrived!”

Everyone turned to look, and sure enough, it was the two stars of the evening’s engagement party—Milo Blackburn and Ariana Rockefeller—making their entrance.

“They truly are a perfect couple,” remarked Vincent William Astor with admiration. “I feel like even the engagements of princes and princesses of old weren’t as grand as this.”

“Couldn’t agree more,” Baron Hilton added in agreement.

Kemp, meanwhile, exclaimed loudly, “Ah, the most perfect couple in the world has arrived! Look at them—they’re dazzling!”

His voice was loud, and his words were overly dramatic, prompting his daughter Ivanka to glare at him.

Dad, seriously? Your daughter is standing right here. And she’s carrying the child of the husband in that so-called ‘perfect couple.’  

But Kemp didn’t care about any of that. Everyone knew he was Milo Blackburn’s top supporter in New York.

This was the persona Kemp had worked tirelessly to cultivate for himself, solidifying his position in New York’s high society. Many people only interacted with him out of respect for Milo Blackburn. Having reaped the benefits of this association, Kemp was determined to maintain and reinforce his image as “Blackburn’s #1 Ally in New York,” ensuring it wouldn’t be snatched away by competitors like Doran or Kelly.

At the boundary between the grand hall and the banquet lawn of Rockefeller Castle, Milo stood at the entrance.

Dressed in a black tailcoat, he held the hand of Ariana, who wore a simple, white evening gown reminiscent of a wedding dress.

Tonight, Ariana wore no jewelry, only the elegant white gown. It wasn’t as formal as a wedding dress but appeared to be a simplified version—appropriate for an engagement rather than a wedding.

Yet, even with this understated look, she was as beautiful as ever—if not more so.

Her white gown fluttered gently in the breeze, her golden hair glinting faintly under the sheer fabric of her veil. Her blue eyes seemed to shimmer with endless waves, and her face, carefully made up, glowed with a soft radiance. Perhaps it was her shyness that added a delicate blush to her cheeks.

Is this the color of happiness?  

Am I truly going to spend the rest of my life with her?  

Milo couldn’t help but gaze at her, momentarily speechless.

Seeing his stunned expression, Ariana laughed softly—a smile full of warmth and shyness.

Her laughter snapped Milo back to reality, reminding him of the occasion.

Composing himself, he smiled and led Ariana by the hand, stepping forward to greet the crowd of guests.

Unlike everyone else, Ivanka’s gaze was fixed on their hands. She noticed the sparkling diamond rings on their left ring fingers—undeniable proof of their engagement.

Ivanka felt a pang of pain in her heart.

Yet, her face maintained the same warm smile as everyone else around her.

At the same time, her hands unconsciously brushed over her flat stomach.

She felt a twinge of regret.

But regret was useless, and about half an hour later...

After mingling and exchanging pleasantries with countless people,

Ariana, dressed in a white, sheer evening gown that resembled a wedding dress but wasn't quite one—and yet was stunningly beautiful—approached Ivanka. She was surrounded by a crowd of female guests.

Milo wasn't with her.

He was being encircled by Mellon, representatives from First Flag, and other men from prominent families, engrossed in their conversations about men’s topics.

This side of the room was reserved for ladies, married women, and young misses.

“Ivanka, good evening. I’m so glad you could make it to my engagement party.”

As soon as Ariana arrived, she warmly clasped Ivanka's hand.

This scene caused most of the women nearby—or those who followed Ariana over—to display subtle expressions of envy.

Though these expressions were fleeting and hard to notice without close observation.

“Congratulations, Ariana. I wish you and Milo everlasting happiness,” Ivanka responded with a smile.

Their relationship was well-known. Within New York's socialite circles, it was common knowledge that Ivanka was one of Ariana’s closest friends.

Ivanka, Ariana, and Mellon’s Ellic were often referred to as the “Golden Trio” of New York’s high-society ladies in Boston.

But only Ivanka and Ariana knew the truth.

Beyond their so-called friendship, they shared another, far more complex bond:

As a friend and confidante, Ivanka was carrying Ariana’s fiancé’s child.

“Thank you for your kind wishes, Ivanka. I believe you’ll find happiness too, someday,” Ariana said with a smile.

She held Ivanka’s hand tightly and didn’t let go throughout the evening.

She even took Ivanka along, introducing her to the elite circles attending the party.

For Ivanka—and for others like her, including the current Paris Hilton—this was the kind of dreamy scenario they could only envy and yearn for.

With Ariana by her side, even Brooke Astor, the pinnacle of New York’s high-society ladies, greeted Ivanka with warmth and kindness.

It left Ivanka’s original circle of friends envious beyond measure.

With Ariana’s overt display of support tonight, Ivanka’s social status in their circle was undeniably elevated.

And not just by a little—she was instantly propelled to the top tier of their social hierarchy.

Even Brooke Astor herself warmly invited Ivanka to attend an exclusive party she would host in a few days.

The Astor lady’s parties… For any socialite, receiving an invitation to such an event meant they were officially recognized as part of New York’s elite.

Everyone outwardly expressed admiration, and some even barely concealed their jealousy.

But only Ivanka herself felt deeply uneasy—

Ariana had never treated her so kindly before.

Though they called themselves friends, their bond had always felt superficial and mostly confined to their school days in Boston.

Once outside school, Ariana rarely even called her.

In fact, Ariana’s relationship with Ivanka was not as close as her bond with Ellic.

However, not long after…

“Don’t worry, Ivanka,” Ariana whispered softly when the people around them had moved slightly farther away.

“Our relationship has changed. I’ll be the godmother of the child you’re carrying.”

“Do you understand now, Ivanka? You belong to me. From this moment on, you’ll accept whatever I give you and refuse nothing. And what I don’t give you, you’re not allowed to take. Just follow my lead. Understood?”

Ivanka’s face turned pale.

“Understood,” she replied quietly.

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 263: Following the Right Person Matters*

Many times, parties, galas, and banquets unfold in a similar way.

Ladies, young women, and married women gather, forming small circles.

The gentlemen, too, break into groups of two or three, creating their own smaller circles.

These circles occasionally intersect and collide; some members merge into other groups, newcomers join, and others leave.

The cycle repeats, creating a dynamic and healthy social network.

This, in essence, is the core of Western-style party culture.

Take Arianna, for example. When she brought Ivanna along to help her integrate into the higher social circles of East Coast elites, it became a focal point of tonight’s engagement celebration party.

On the other side of the room, Milo Blackburn was also busy.

Although not intimately acquainted with many attendees, Milo used tonight’s event as an opportunity to interact with members of powerful financial groups like First National City Bank and Mellon Financial.

“The moment Yahoo goes public, it will undoubtedly ignite a true global internet boom. Compared to what we’ll see in the next two years, the internet of this year and last year will seem like a calm lake. The future will bring a genuine internet frenzy,” Milo declared confidently.

“Yes, absolutely. I’ve been making preparations for this. I’ve always believed that opportunities favor those who are ready.”

“Of course. If the conditions are right, I’m open to collaborating with anyone. For instance, my partnership with JP Morgan has been excellent—they’re one of Yahoo’s major shareholders.”

“Ha, James, you’re quite humorous. We should’ve met sooner!”

“…”

Milo handled the powerful figures behind these financial groups with practiced ease.

For example, the Steilman, Harriman, and Strong families, who control the First National City Bank consortium.

Or the Mellon family, Hill family, and Baker family, who back the Mellon Financial Group.

Many of these individuals are so obscure that even American elites may not know of them.

Yet, these families collectively dominate industries across the United States, directly or indirectly shaping the nation. They are, in a sense, the real power holders of the country.

Take the First National City Bank consortium as an example.

This is a massive financial group that rose to prominence in the United States after World War II.

Though its history is relatively short, its total assets have already surpassed those of older consortia, such as Boston, Cleveland, and DuPont.

Even with Milo’s industries accounted for, they don’t compare to the First National City Bank consortium.

Centered around the First National City Bank, this group uses its vast financial resources to expand into the military and civilian sectors, controlling a host of renowned corporations.

Boeing and United Aircraft Corporation, for instance, are under their control.

Beyond Boeing, they also hold significant influence over Atlantic Richfield Oil Company (jointly controlled with Morgan Financial Group), Xerox, 3M, Caterpillar (jointly controlled with Morgan and DuPont), and National Cash Register, which manufactures electronic computing devices.

In the commercial realm, they control JCPenney (jointly with Morgan Financial Group) and various jewelry stores (jointly with the Chicago consortium).

These companies dominate their respective markets both domestically and internationally.

The First National City Bank consortium is also one of the most active in foreign expansion.

Behind this financial group are the Steilman family and the Rockefellers.

That’s right—the Rockefellers, apart from running their own financial empire, wield considerable influence in the First National City Bank consortium, even serving as co-leaders.

The "James" Milo mentioned earlier is James IV William Steilman, the nominal head of the First National City Bank consortium.

James, a notorious playboy in elite circles, is in his early 30s and shares Milo’s reputation for indulgence.

However, James has a distinct preference when it comes to women—he exclusively dates women between the ages of 40 and 50, a preference that leaves many in his circle speechless.

It’s even rumored that when he was just 13 years old, he had an affair with his 45-year-old nanny.

Earlier, James and Milo discussed the consortium’s interest in acquiring equity in eBay.

Milo didn’t outright reject the idea; instead, he seized the opportunity to pitch his ambitious vision for the internet.

Facing the group of financial magnates, Milo spoke passionately:

“It’s not enough—not nearly enough. We need to make this wave even more monumental. Only the most dramatic performances, ending in tragedy, can truly move an audience.”

“So here’s what I envision: After Yahoo’s successful IPO early next year, I’d like to host a global internet summit in Los Angeles or San Francisco.”

“At this summit, I hope to invite leaders and heads of state from major economies around the world.”

“I believe we need to send a message—that the internet isn’t just the future of developed nations like the U.S. and Europe.”

“It is the future of the entire planet—of all humanity.”

“I think only by doing this can we truly get everyone involved.”

“To turn the internet storm into a tempest that sweeps through every investor and ravages the entire globe!”

“But to achieve this, we need to act together. Alone, I doubt it’s possible…”

“So…” Milo looked at the group—his competitors, who could also become his collaborators.

“Who wants to join me?”

James Steilman was the first to respond.

The infamous connoisseur of older women clapped his hands enthusiastically.

“This sounds incredible! If it’s feasible, First National City Bank would absolutely love to join!” James exclaimed with a wide grin.

Around him, others showed signs of interest, their faces betraying expressions of contemplation.

They were evaluating the feasibility of Milo’s grand vision—what resources it would require and what benefits they could reap.

Because at the end of the day, Milo’s impassioned speech about the global future of the internet was, in plain terms, a call for collective effort.

Leverage everyone’s influence over the United States, then use America’s global influence to mislead major economies, including those in Europe and Asia, to further inflate the already booming internet bubble.

Deceive everyone into joining the game together.

In the end, when it’s time to harvest the results, the rewards will be even sweeter.

Simply put, the strategy is to deceive—use every method possible to lure everyone into the fray.

The goal is to exaggerate the internet as the future of humanity.

Then, by riding this frenzy, drag everyone into the waters.

However, Milo's ambition this time is immense. He’s no longer content with targeting global institutions, conglomerates, and retail investors.

He wants to involve the world’s major economies.

The difficulty is high, but if he can actually achieve this…

Everyone present can imagine just how sweet the rewards will be.

“An internet extravaganza, is it?”

At this moment, David Mellon, representing the Mellon family and New York Mellon, chuckled and said, “If it’s initiated by the Godfather of Silicon Valley, I imagine many would be on board.”

The Mellon financial group was founded by Thomas Mellon and reached its peak under Andrew Mellon.

However, that was from the perspective of the Mellon family.

As for the Mellon financial group, it has remained influential since its inception.

But the Mellon family has long lost control and dominance over the group.

Due to a century of family splits, there are Mellon family branches in almost every major city in the United States.

It’s a fragmented entity. Among them, only the New York branch of the Mellon family still has some influence over the financial group.

But even that influence is mostly symbolic—more of a mascot role—since the group still carries the Mellon name.

Thus, David Mellon’s words couldn’t truly represent the Mellon financial group’s stance.

In contrast, the Baker and Hill families present at the scene have more say within the Mellon group.

The relationships among America’s major financial groups and families are incredibly intricate.

Over the past 200+ years, their development has led to an “I’m in you, and you’re in me” situation that’s extremely common.

Aside from families like the Vanderbilts, who have nearly completely declined…

Others, like the Astors, still hold some sway.

The complexity of their internal structures and intermarriages can only be compared to the noble families of the Wei and Jin dynasties in ancient China.

“John Chris and David both approve of my idea.”

“The Boston financial group is willing to join.”

“California and Texas have also expressed interest.”

At this point, looking at the top-ranking members of America’s financial elite still hesitating, Milo played his trump card.

“I believe the Blackburn Foundation, the Trilateral Commission, and the Council on Foreign Relations will be enough to establish the scale of the internet extravaganza I envision.”

The moment he said this, many around him quietly cursed him for being a sly fox.

Only now did some remember that despite his youth…

Because of his background, meteoric rise, and willingness to share profits…

Nearly half of America’s major financial groups are either his allies, have close ties with him, or have collaborated with him.

For instance, in Yahoo and numerous Silicon Valley companies, Milo has a strong relationship with J.P. Morgan.

Although there had been conflicts before, they’ve been in a honeymoon period ever since.

As for the California financial group, Milo, having spent much time in California, has long brought them into Silicon Valley’s grand feast.

Not to mention that with old Arthur Adams reportedly on his deathbed, Milo is poised to become one of Boston’s future leaders.

The young Texas financial group is also happy to collaborate with him, given that his mother is a member of Texas’s Bush family.

And then there’s Rockefeller. After tonight, his relationship with Rockefeller will ascend to the next level.

California, Texas, Rockefeller, Morgan, and his Boston base.

Among America’s top ten financial groups, Milo can influence five!

What’s more, his sharp investment instincts have astonished even the brightest minds on Wall Street.

Not to mention his performance in the internet sector…

Even his investment company’s unbridled success on Wall Street is unmatched.

If this man genuinely wants to orchestrate such a large-scale event, he has the capability.

He doesn’t necessarily need everyone’s support to pull it off.

“In any case, count First National City Bank in.”

James Stillman smiled and was the first to speak again. “With the relationship between the Stillman and Rockefeller families, First National City Bank will undoubtedly support you, dear Milo.”

At this point, the others understood.

If they failed to align with him, and he successfully formed this alliance…

Financial groups that didn’t join would undoubtedly face exclusion by those who did.

At least within the internet’s grand feast.

If they truly joined forces, much of the benefits originally accessible to outsiders would likely be snatched away.

Instead of being left out, it would be better to join and become part of the bandwagon.

Together, they could control the world’s most terrifying capital machine, plundering and exploiting the entire world!

Just as they did decades ago, a hundred years ago, and two hundred years ago.

Just like our ancestors.

However, back then, our ancestors carried out armed robberies with ships, cannons, and guns.

Now, it’s disguised with high technology and capital, appearing sophisticated and polished—a kind of “cultural looting.”

In essence, nothing has changed, but the methods have become much gentler.

The key difference is that it no longer requires as many deaths. After all, in the eyes of capital, people themselves are the greatest consumable resource.

Only the living can create value, whether as labor or consumers.

Thus, at this grand banquet, attended by members of New York's, the East Coast’s, and other parts of America’s high society,

Each one was both amazed and somewhat shocked—some even deeply shaken—by the scene before them:

The representatives of the major financial conglomerates attending this soirée and party were nearly all gathered around the evening’s male lead, the excessively young Milo Blackburn.

From John Chris of Morgan to David Rockefeller, James Stillman, Paul DuPont, and Hanna, Humphrey, and Mather from Cleveland; from Wilson of California...

Any one of these individuals, appearing at other high-profile social gatherings,

Would have been the brightest star of the evening, someone who everyone flocked to admire.

Yet here they were, one by one, surrounding Milo and listening to him speak.

For those unaware of the backstory,

The sight was nothing short of stunning.

Take, for example, Michael Pulitzer, the current head of the Pulitzer family.

A man whose family lost their seat on Columbia University’s board,

And whose ancestral company and newspaper were taken by Milo.

At this moment, the old man could only feel relieved—

Relieved that, back when Milo orchestrated the takeover of the Pulitzer Company,

The Pulitzer family didn’t fight back too fiercely.

Instead, they chose to accept the loss and sold the company to Milo.

Otherwise...

Looking at the scene now, if Milo really wanted to target the Pulitzers,

Michael didn’t think his family could survive.

Because the people surrounding Milo at this moment,

Any one of them had the means to make life unbearable for the Pulitzers in New York—

Or even make the entire family disappear entirely.

So, Michael Pulitzer was now thankful that he had conceded quickly back then,

Avoiding outright hostility.

He wasn’t the only one with such thoughts.

Back when Milo was solidifying his position in New York, he had taken plenty from others.

The Pulitzer Company was just one of many examples.

Take the original owner of the New York Knicks, Charles Dolan. He gave in even more completely than the Pulitzers.

While Michael Pulitzer reluctantly let go of his assets,

Charles Dolan essentially pledged his entire clan.

Then there was New York’s current mayor, Giuliani, who was all but guaranteed to win re-election.

And, of course, those who had supported Milo from the very beginning.

Seeing this scene, they could only feel that they had truly chosen the right person to back.

(End of Chapter)