From the moment Leo hugged Patrick, Andy had kept his eyes on the young man.
To be precise, anyone who got close to Patrick was under Andy's watch.
He had no choice—Andy needed something from Patrick.
After learning that the Brown family was on the verge of collapse, he immediately set his sights on the seat in the Seven-Man Council.
With years of successful cooperation with Patrick, Andy had proactively approached him to express allegiance.
Only by joining the Seven-Man Council could Jones Real Estate truly use Lynchburg as a springboard—expanding across Campbell County, or even to the state capital, Richmond.
That was Andy's long-cherished dream.
For this rare opportunity, he had even pulled his son David out of college and brought him back home to prepare to take over the family business—because Council members were not allowed to have private enterprises.
Of course, this restriction didn't apply to Patrick's Odo family or Michael's Brown family.
As founding families of Lynchburg, they enjoyed special privileges.
Andy hadn't been this sensitive before.
With his wealth and influence, even if he didn't make it this time, he was likely to be chosen in the next round.
Outside of the Seven-Man Council, the most influential figures in town were himself and Rock, the chairman of the Agricultural Association.
But recently, a dark horse had emerged—Fox Real Estate.
They weren't just challenging the low-end market; they had even launched a price war with Jones Real Estate in the high-end sector.
Their aggressive posture left Andy, long accustomed to monopoly, scrambling to respond.
Author's Note: For more novels about "American Tycoon: 1945," visit KSG2.COM.
The conflict had escalated further—Fox and Jones Real Estate had clashed over the police station redevelopment project.
Patrick held the final say on that project.
Andy had only secured a third of the project materials via a rural property deal—hardly enough.
He knew Fox too well—the man was smart and ruthless.
To win this project, Andy needed all the information.
That's why he came to today's speech—hoping to "bump into" Patrick.
"David, come on. Let me introduce you to the people who control Lynchburg's future.
It'll be good for when you run the company."
Andy called David forward, still worried the impressive young man he'd seen earlier might be a Fox family plant.
Lost in his own thoughts, Andy didn't notice his son's face gradually going pale.
Andy took a few steps forward but noticed David wasn't moving.
He turned around, displeased.
"What's the matter, David?"
"N-nothing, Dad. I'm coming."
"War has brought pain and division; peace remains our eternal pursuit.
Faith gave me the strength to uphold the vow never to kill—even amid fire and blood, I never wavered.
I love this land and its people.
Let us work together to pave a path of peace, with faith and compassion.
Thank you, and may peace endure forever."
Clap! Clap! Clap!
Thunderous applause marked the end of a successful speech.
Father Lesterwen stepped up onto the stage.
"The speech has concluded. The church has prepared a light reception.
Please follow me to the academy's dining hall."
As the crowd moved, Andy walked side by side with Leo.
David, on the other hand, had slipped away midway—ashamed to be near Leo.
After learning Leo's name, Andy instantly understood his son's odd behavior that day at home.
In all honesty, Leo's face really did possess a charm that transcended wealth.
"Leo, David mentioned you and Desmond aren't employed yet.
Would you consider joining Jones Real Estate?
I could really use capable young men like you two."
Leo gave Andy a sidelong glance.
No wonder he built a business empire from scratch—he was quick to see Desmond's value from just one speech.
Still, he was a little naive if he thought he could poach Leo's people this easily.
After a polite refusal, Leo turned him down flat.
This reception was the largest postwar banquet in Lynchburg.
The atmosphere was lively.
Everyone could sense it—the American economy was waking up again.
People buzzed about, eager to spot their next big opportunity.
Ding, ding, ding—
The sound of a spoon tapping a glass brought the crowd to attention.
Father Lesterwen and Desmond stepped onto the temporary stage.
Seeing the room quiet down, Desmond took the microphone.
"Thank you for your generous donations.
Tonight's speech has raised a total of $18,000 in charitable funds.
With this as our foundation, and with the church's support, we plan to establish the Lynchburg Veterans Benevolence Association.
The purpose of this association is to help returning veterans reintegrate into society.
We will provide assistance with unemployment, medical care, job counseling, and other essential services.
All veterans who served America may join for free—this is a purely non-profit effort.
I will serve as the association's provisional president.
Father Lesterwen will be our honorary president.
My comrade-in-arms, Leo, will act as interim director, handling daily affairs.
Once we exceed thirty members, we will hold new elections for both the president and director positions.
Now, I'll hand the stage to Director Leo to outline our next steps."
Leo stepped up. After a brief greeting, he got straight to the point.
"The first group of beneficiaries has been identified."
Leo pointed down toward the wounded veterans sitting below the stage and declared loudly:
"These are the heroes who turned their bodies into medals of valor.
Thank you for fighting for America.
You are Lynchburg's pride.
Once the association's application is approved by Campbell County,
we will begin distributing aid immediately.
To our heroes—we salute you!"
More applause erupted.
The idea of a nonprofit association was novel to most attendees.
Some in the crowd looked skeptical.
Many knew Leo—he was once the infamous head of Lynchburg's little gang of street thugs.
But more were moved by Leo's modest, patched-up old army uniform.
His steady voice and striking features had begun to overwrite his old reputation.
And that was the point of the uniform.
The sudden creation of this association caught many off guard.
Including Andy.
He glanced meaningfully at Leo and Desmond—no wonder they turned down his offer.
These kids had ambition.
And more importantly, they'd latched onto the church's support.
Two other men noticed as well: Ben and Rock.
Lynchburg was too small.
This banquet had gathered nearly all of the town's elite—it was impossible for them to miss it.
"So that's Carlo's rival?" Ben said, narrowing his eyes.
"Looks like it. The name and background match.
Carlo didn't lose unfairly," Rock replied.
"Lynchburg's going to get interesting."
"Hmph. Just a gimmick that's been played out in New York for years.
This town's too small—how much noise can they really make?
Forget them. They're not our concern.
Has your butler found the right chance to take out Michael yet?"