America 1919

Donnie was lying in the hospital bed, his face adorned with a smile as he placed the receiver between himself and Helen, and then Donnie said, "Nucky, you've gone to Washington for the development of Atlantic City, how could I have the heart to bother you with the affairs of Atlantic City again."

"The real reason I'm calling you is to let you know that the day after my incident, Nevin Byrd's problem was already taken care of; he has agreed to our terms, willing to cooperate with the operations of Surf Hotel!"

"Haha!" Nucky's hearty laugh came through the phone, "I knew you, Donnie, would handle this matter beautifully. However, letting Nevin off just like that, wouldn't that make the people of Atlantic City think we are pushovers? So, I've decided that after our Surf Hotel is up and running, we'll replace Nevin's position, what do you think?"

"Of course, I have no objections. In fact, the reason why I'm calling you, Nucky, is that I was thinking the same. Keeping this person around is a blow to our prestige in Atlantic City. It's just that all matters of Atlantic City should wait until the Surf Hotel starts operating before we deal with them, which makes me a bit reluctant. I was actually thinking of discussing this with you."

"Now that you and I are on the same page, Nucky, there's nothing more to worry about!"

Donnie said with a laugh.

There was some silence on Nucky's end, and then he tentatively asked Donnie, "If we take down Nevin, Donnie, who do you think would be better to replace his position?"

Donnie said indifferently, "That's for you to worry about, Nucky. You know I'm only interested in doing business. If that person doesn't obstruct my business, then I will be a very rule-abiding person!"

Nucky laughed again on the other end, "I got it. I'll discuss this matter with you in detail after I get back!"

"Alright!"

Afterwards, the two hung up the phone.

"Nucky won't fully believe what you said!" Helen told Donnie.

Donnie laughed and said, "Shouldn't you be on a train to Washington right now?"

Helen's face turned a slight shade of red as she said, "South Brenton changed her schedule, she is going to have a secret rendezvous with Harding for a few days, and after that is our WRPA speech, so I have plenty of time!"

Donnie laughed heartily, "I think Alice would be very angry if she knew about this!"

Helen snorted coldly, "I'm also doing this for your benefit. A harem is not so easily enjoyed."
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Donnie steered the conversation back to the previous topic, "Naturally, Nucky won't fully believe me, but this should at least alleviate some of his suspicions about me!"

Helen asked, "Do you really plan to replace Nevin Byrd after the Surf Hotel is up and running well?"

Donnie shook his head, "I haven't made my final decision on this matter. It depends on Nevin Byrd's behavior in the next period; he has yet to earn my trust!"

Helen said, "Now you've got a foothold in Atlantic City. I think the West District and North District must already be under your control. If the East District's Nevin Byrd can truly be obedient, then the East District will be in your hands too.

But there is still a gap between you and Nucky, particularly in these next two years. If possible, I advise you not to create direct conflicts with Nucky!"

Donnie nodded, "I understand. The power of these three districts only manifests during the election years. After these many years of Nucky's management, the Atlantic City Hall, the New Jersey State Government, even the representatives of both houses are his people.

If I can't get the support of these people, I am still no match for Nucky in Atlantic City!"

Helen laughed, "And here I thought you would be proud of the achievements you've secured so far!"

Donnie laughed heartily, "If I were someone so easily satisfied, I don't think you would have fallen for me, right?"

Every time they discussed this subject, Helen's cheeks tended to flush with color.

"When you truly take control of Atlantic City, I think my family will no longer object to our relationship!"

Donnie asked, "What if they are still against it at that time?"

Helen said firmly, "At least by then they won't be able to directly influence you, and you'll have the ability to protect yourself from their tactics!"

Donnie took Helen's hand and asked, "What if it's the two of you, you and Alice?"

Helen withdrew her hand, then said calmly, "Then I would hand Alice the knife!"

Donnie said, unamused, "Isn't that a bit harsh?"

Helen laughed and said, "So in the future, you should think about more practical ideas!"

Donnie shook his head helplessly, then smiled and said, "How about we do something that boyfriends and girlfriends should do right now."

As he spoke, Donnie was already preparing to reach under Helen's skirt.

Slap!

Helen smacked Donnie's hand and said, "Now is not the time."

The phone rang!

Helen looked at Donnie who hadn't stopped his actions, let out a sigh of relief, and quickly handed the phone to him.

Donnie chuckled and answered the call.

"Thank you for what you did in Newark!"

A somewhat familiar voice came through the phone, but Donnie couldn't remember who it was at the moment.

"Who is this?"

"Graik Miller!"

Donnie frowned slightly, thinking that Graik Miller was being sarcastic, "I don't know what you're talking about, and I don't understand what the matter in Newark is!"

Graik Miller said calmly, "Whether you admit it or not doesn't matter anymore. I'm calling just to say thank you, and that's all!"

After that, Graik Miller hung up the phone.

Donnie also hung up the phone, somewhat puzzled.

"What's up?" Seeing Donnie's expression, Helen asked.

Donnie replied, "There was a matter regarding my purchase of firearms in Colt and Springfield, which Graik Miller stopped to coordinate with Hubert Lewis from Newark. Now that Hubert has been dealt with, Graik Miller actually called to thank me?"

Hearing about this former pursuer of hers, Helen didn't show any change in expression. After pondering for a moment, she said, "Could it be that there are some things between the two of them that we don't know about?"

Donnie shook his head and said, "I don't know, but we don't need to worry about his affairs. Even if he has other ideas, without evidence, he can't do anything!"

Helen said, "Graik Miller still has some abilities, it's best if you don't underestimate him!"