America's Road to Wealth

USA, Texas.

North Central, Tarrant County.

On this day, Tarrant County was generally sunny and cloudless, and the weather was very good.

April is mostly good weather for Texas.

At this time, Texas is neither cold nor hot. It is in the spring stage when everything is growing and the grass is growing and the birds are flying.

Smith Farm, north of the farm estate.

That front faces the knoll named Smith Mountain.

On the large lawn of Yin Yin, I looked at my old comrade Herbert Shrub and handed the satellite phone back to his attendant with a smile.

Alex Smith couldn't help but said a little jealously:

"Hey, it's fine now. Your little girl has completely taken away my grandson's soul. Now he's looking for you instead of me, his biological grandfather."

He looked at his comrade like a child.

Herbert burst into laughter.

"It would be great if that was the case. But in fact, it was my cutest little granddaughter who was seduced by your bastard grandson... Look, because she loves him so much. She can even tolerate this kind of thing."

Herbert said these words and pointed his finger not far ahead.

There was a beautiful young woman holding a baby under the shade of a tree.

Seeing Herbert's eyes looking over, and his pointing fingers.

There was some nervousness on the face of the beautiful young woman.

At this moment, Charlize Theron feels it’s normal to be nervous.

As an American, I am being pointed at by a big shot like the former commander-in-chief.

The key is that she is still the mistress of his granddaughter's fiancé, and she also gave birth to an illegitimate daughter.

It would be weird if I wasn’t nervous!

Fortunately, there was everyone around her, except for her and Abel's daughter, little Arya.

There were still two old women standing.

They were teasing little Alia Laura Smith, who was almost half a year old and as beautiful as a little doll.

Two old women, one is Abel's grandmother, Alex Smith's wife, Alia Smith.

The other is Herbert's wife, little Laura's grandmother, and one of the soul duo of the Bush family, Barbara Pierce Bush.

"Don't be nervous, kid."

Barbara's gentle words of relief to Charlize Theron,

"Herbert meant no harm. And it's not your fault, but fate. Little Laura told me that she wasn't angry, and that she liked little Arya very much."

Barbara Pierce Shrub has an infectious voice.

The main reason why the bush brothers of George's generation are so united is because of her.

She was a good mother and mistress of a large family.

Even her husband once publicly said to the media: "If it weren't for Barbara, George and I might still be digging for oil in the Gulf of Mexico."

"I don't blame fate or anyone else. If I do, blame that guy Abel. It's all his fault."

Arya Smith also whispered beside her.

Barbara smiled and did not answer Aaliyah's words.

She wisely chose another topic to redirect the attention of Abel's grandmother and mistress back to the cute little Arya.

Alex and Herbert did not continue the topic.

The two of them had already talked about what Abel had just called Herbert.

Today was the day that Herbert and Barbara, who had come from Austin, came to visit the Smiths.

This kind of thing happened often after Abel and little Laura established their relationship.

Instead of Alex and his wife going to Austin's Bush Manor.

It was the Herberts, going to Alex's place over in Houston.

This time it was Barbara. She wanted to see Abel's illegitimate daughter, so she rushed directly to the Smith Farm.

Alex and Herbert had no choice but to change the location of their visit to this place.

Not that worried, because that was Barbara Shrub.

"You mean that old lady wants to see my grandson and wants to give her money to Abel?"

"That's just part of it. We all know she's very cautious. She never puts her eggs in one basket."

Alex complained: "I don't know. My status is not at your level yet."

Herbert smiled softly.

"Abel, hasn't he been absorbed by you free masons yet?" Alex suddenly asked.

Herbert nodded slightly, "Indeed not yet. In fact, last year, many people thought that it would be abnormal for the Free Masons' Guild to not let him in."

"Then why hasn't he joined yet? Although I don't think your bullshit organization can really control the world. But I still think it's great that a Smith can join."

Alex said.

"It's because of me..." Herbert explained softly:

"It was me and George who thought it wasn't time for him to join yet. We voted against it. Those people didn't say anything more about it because of our relationship with Abel."

Alex frowned. He looked at his old comrade but said nothing.

Herbert knew Alex's doubts, so he continued to explain softly:

"I know your doubts. The reason why we do this is actually to let him directly become the right lord. Again, we also hope that he can be the left lord or a senior member."

"Respected host? Is this possible? He is so young."

Alex said in surprise.

Although Old Smith was not a member of the Free Masons, he was somewhat unqualified.

But Alex also knew the internal structure of this organization very well.

Among the Free Masons.

The person with the most distinguished status is generally called the "right lord".

This was a name used in Scotland hundreds of years ago when it was first born in Scotland.

In fact, he is the president, directing all matters of the club. Have great power and do not need to refer to the opinions of other members. Also responsible for officiating ceremonies and celebrations.

As the name suggests, Lord Zuo is similar to the vice president and also holds a large part of the power.

"Nothing is impossible," said Herbert:

"Before this, who believed that he could turn Morgan and Rockefeller's attacks on him into cooperating with them?"

"And even if he can't reach the top in one step, the later he joins, the better. Because he is still growing, and time is on Abel's side. The more he joins, the higher his status will be when he joins. What's more, now The Free Masons are like that."

Alex understood Herbert's explanation and felt that the old bush's idea made sense.

It was indeed an approach done from Abel's point of view and for Abel.

"Then the old lady in England is really just meeting him just to trust the funds? As far as I know, she can't control our side now. She doesn't want to accept him in advance before you and let him become that Be a member of the side."

After listening to Alex's words, Herbert had actually thought of this possibility.

But he wasn't worried about this possibility, because...it didn't matter.

The Free Masons Guild of today is no longer the Free Masons Guild of the past.

In the beginning, the Free Masons were very powerful.

Later, they experienced a split and formed the Guangming Gang.

Later, as the British Empire turned into the Great Yin Empire, the sun never set became the sun has set.

There were also various divisions within the Free Masons Guild.

Up to now, each branch has basically formed its own faction and manages its own business. It is only the same organization in name.

Like the old lady Alex calls her.

The only ones she can manage now are the British Free Masons' Guild and some European members.

The European part is still only a small part with very few members.

The most powerful faction, undoubtedly in the United States, is Herbert and his gang.

What Alex means is that the United States is not in a hurry to absorb Abel.

So what if Abel is absorbed by the British side?

Faced with this problem, Herbert shrugged, "It doesn't matter. He can be a British free mason and an American free mason at the same time. In fact, no one values ​​​​this false name. In the new century, we value it more. It’s about actual benefits.”

Alex breathed a sigh of relief after hearing this.

The old man once again felt that his decision to insist on the marriage between Abel and Shrub was right.

If it hadn't been for the marriage with the bush and the help from Herbert and George.

Then Abel didn’t know how many detours he would have to take!

So it is true to say that having an elder in a family is like having a treasure.

Alex thought happily, and he heard Herbert say again:

"The current situation has changed. Nowadays, people can be both free masons and members of the Guangming Gang... So it depends on the choice of the child Abel. There is really nothing worth paying attention to."

"Instead of caring about Abel, who doesn't need our care at all, we should care more about Alexander and Neil."

"These two children, under the instigation of that bastard boy, have embarked on a path they should not have taken. Hey, I don't know how far they can go."

Watching Herbert sigh, Alex sighed too.

"Why--"

Smith Sr. knew his son's character.

In Alex's opinion, Alexander Smith's character is really not suitable for the path of Zhengzhi.

Neil Bush, Abel's father-in-law, doesn't really fit in either. But compared to Alexander, Neil is still somewhat better.

After all, the family tradition of shrubs is there, and I have been familiar with it since childhood, but it is somewhat different.

This is called having a foundation.

As for Alexander, he had been a farmer for the past 50 years.

If there wasn't a good son in the future, the son's in-laws would be strong enough.

Then Alex felt that Alexander could only be Sheriff Tarrant if he died.

Unlike now, I completed the double jump in two years, and now I am almost triple jump, and I am about to go to Austin to become a state legislator.

The next step is to become a member of Congress or even a governor...

My son’s path was easy because he was in Texas.

I can get the greatest help from my grandchildren, shrubs and myself.

Alex changed the topic to Herbert's son.

"Herbert, have you really thought about it clearly, do you really want Neil to do that? In that case, not only George, but you will also be in some trouble."

Alex said.

"Isn't this your grandson's idea? He has convinced my son. Now Neil is thinking about being in California and creating the same deeds I did in Texas. What else can I do besides supporting him? ?”

said Herbert angrily.

Alex curled his lips inwardly, feeling that Herbert was getting an advantage and still behaved.

Although the path Neil chose was much more difficult than Alexander's.

It's also harder to walk than George and Herbert's.

No other family can currently achieve a foothold in two of the most powerful states in the United States.

But if it succeeds, the power of the Shrub Family will definitely rise to the point where no one can look directly at it.

Fortunately, his grandson has reached a higher position.

To the extent that the powerful Shrub family was willing to endure this for him.

When he thought of this, Alex felt secretly happy and suddenly felt mentally balanced.

Just like that, take advantage of Texas spring.

The afternoon sun was neither hot nor cold.

The two old men, Herbert and Alex, looked at the women not far away teasing their children, and whispered about various topics.

Just like so many years ago.

The two were in the same Air Force pilot dormitory and had the same conversation at night when they couldn't sleep.

…

…

Howard Davis' actions are not as verbose as his words.

On the contrary, it is very fast.

Of course, it might be the master behind him who made him have to be so fast.

London time, the next day.

Howard is the chairman of the Royal Bank of Scotland.

With a large number of lawyers, accountants, and actuaries, they went to the headquarters of Smith Financial Group (UK).

The old guy was not verbose at all this time and got down to business as soon as he came up.

It took nearly an hour to review the agreement between the two parties, and the legal teams of both parties finally confirmed that the agreement and contract were correct.

Abel, on behalf of Smith Financial Group, and Howard, on behalf of Royal Bank of Scotland, formally signed the agreement and exchanged contracts.

This is the largest private equity fund Smith Financial has received in the UK.

Howard exchanged contracts and shook hands with him and said with a hearty smile:

"Mr. Smith, for the next fifteen years, LPs will just sit back and wait to reap the dividends."

Abel handed the contract to his assistant Jace next to him, looked at each other with Howard and said with a smile:

"How about we make a bet, and you will definitely sign another at least 5 billion pounds to me next year."

Howard smiled with interest: "Mr. Smith is so sure? Then I can't lose my interest. What's the bet?"

He was very happy when the other party won, which meant that he must have made a lot of money.

So much so that the big boss behind him couldn't help but invest another 5 billion pounds.

Abel smiled and said: "It's a small gamble to make me happy. One pound a year lasts for 15 years. How about a bet of 15 pounds?"

"Haha, okay, I'll take it!"

Howard nodded with a smile, and the two parties exchanged greetings for a while before standing up to leave.

Just when he was about to walk out of London's Forey Building, where Smith Financial's headquarters is located.

Howard Davis, whispered a few words to Abel.

It's the time and address.

"Kensington Palace, Mr. Smith."

"The time is April 28th, there are 5 days left."

"When the time comes, Prince William will hold a banquet to invite you again."

Abel smiled and nodded toward Howard Davis to show that he heard.

Howard nodded back to Abel with satisfaction, and then left with a smile.

And outside the Furui Building.

A large group of British media reporters who had received the news were waiting.

Howard Davis went out and was immediately surrounded by them.

Howard was stunned when he saw this scene, and when he realized it, he felt a little unhappy.

There was no news when the old man came, and there were no reporters outside.

He stayed inside for more than an hour and did not hear any reports from his subordinates.

Now that it comes out, so many reporters appear.

These bastards were hiding so well, someone must have caught wind of them or even helped them.

Howard even saw a lot of "Daily XX" icons among the reporters.

Those are newspapers and media in the UK owned by someone.

There is no doubt that this must be the handiwork of the Yankee inside.

But at this time, Howard also knew what to say.

"Mr. Davis! You are the head of the FSA. How did you get out of Smith's building? Is the FSA investigating Smith Financial again? Are you personally leading the team this time?"

"Mr. Howard Davis, some people say that you have a good relationship with Abel Smith in private. Is this true?"

"Mr. Davis, what do you think of the British ITV stock? Is someone making a banker or a rat position?"

"Mr. Davis, as the Director of the FSA. What are your views on the increasing number of financial crimes in London? Will the FSA deal with it more harshly?"

"..."

Faced with a swarm of questions from reporters.

Howard Davis smiled brightly and asked his staff to take the microphones handed to them by some reporters.

He stood in front of Furui Building, laughed loudly and said:

"First of all, everyone. I am not here today as the director of the FSA. Don't forget, I am also the chairman of the Royal Bank of Scotland. The main reason I am here today is because the Royal Bank of Scotland will meet with..."

I will be working as journalists in the UK later.

When they heard that the Royal Bank of Scotland, the largest commercial bank in the UK, had also handed over funds to Smith Financial for custody, they suddenly burst into loud uproar.

There is no doubt that this is big news in the British financial world.

This is just like in China, the largest bank in the world, China Commercial Bank, hands over money to companies like Goldman Sachs for management.

It may be better, after all, national conditions are different.

The relationship between Britain and the United States is also different from the relationship between China and the United States.

But it will have some impact.

The reporters were extremely excited and continued to ask Howard Davis more questions.

At this time, Abel had already arrived at his office on the top.

Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, he looked at the crowd of reporters on the ground.

The Forey Building in London is not high, only a dozen floors.

This allowed Abel to even see clearly the white beard that curled up when Howard Davis spoke.

Seeing the boss's interest, David next to him chuckled and said:

"Our Mr. Davis must be a little annoyed now. With so many reporters here, many things will become a little unclear."

Although Howard Davis's more important identity is actually the chairman of the Royal Bank of Scotland.

The identity of FSA Director is not that important.

But ordinary British people don't think so.

After they see the news.

I only feel that it is really questionable that Howard has been in and out of Smith Financial Company when Smith Financial is currently involved in possible illegal activities.

In this way, Howard Davis has to share the attention that has focused on Smith Financial due to the British ITV stock incident.

In doing so, Abel took advantage of Howard Davis.

But his timing was good.

When the big boss behind Howard wanted to get in touch with Abel.

Howard couldn't even get angry when Abel did this.

In fact, strictly speaking, this is not a big deal.

Howard is viewed with suspicion at best, and his reputation in public opinion is not favorable.

If it were more serious, it would only affect his position as FSA director.

The latter possibility seems very bad.

But Howard Davies, as chairman of Bank of Scotland.

There are many people in the UK who are dissatisfied with the fact that he also serves as the director of the Monetary Authority.

There have long been rumors calling for him to step down and hand over the FSA.

Even if Abel hadn't done this, he would have been there for a long time.

In this case, before leaving office, it is better to use it to block the gun for yourself.

"Contact David, oh, I mean David over there in New York."

Abel suddenly spoke softly and said to a few close followers beside him: "Let's start a new hunt. The goal this time is -"

"GBP!!"