In a White House lounge, "A Girl" was effortlessly socializing with various staff members who approached her with different intentions. It wasn't until after 4 PM that the door to the adjacent meeting room finally opened, and she quickly got up to greet Simon and the others.
Simon had been negotiating with Clinton and his team for over two hours, haggling over various topics until they finally reached a series of verbal agreements. These kinds of arrangements would never be documented. Neither side would be foolish enough to do so.
The political resources Simon had already expanded in Washington were non-negotiable. Ultimately, they agreed on the initial proposed limit of one-tenth, with Simon also promising not to interfere lightly in matters unrelated to the Westeros system. In the tech sector, Simon made the expected concessions, agreeing that the three giants—Cisco, AOL, and Igreat—would reach a settlement with the Department of Justice within the next two months, allowing Igreat to proceed with its IPO without legal burdens.
Simon was a firm believer that any effort must yield a return. In exchange, the White House and Congress agreed to gradually pass a series of bills related to technology, media, and finance that the Westeros system had been advocating for over the next year.
Politics, after all, is about exchange and negotiation. While this arena is rife with deception, in situations where both sides have balancing measures, such verbal agreements can be just as binding as formal contracts. Neither Simon nor Washington worried that the other party would renege on their promises. Of course, both sides were aware that minor skirmishes and borderline actions would likely be inevitable.
Moreover, the validity of this agreement was bound to be temporary—perhaps lasting three to five years, or maybe even ten. Eventually, all parties would likely forget the promises made today, leading to another round of negotiations.
After bidding farewell to Clinton and the others, Simon finally shook hands with Bob Dole. As he did, Simon suddenly leaned in close to Dole's ear and whispered, "Bob, something just came to mind."
Bob Dole maintained his warm smile, making a show of listening. "Oh?"
Simon said, "Everyone knows I have a thing for pretty girls. Men are possessive by nature. I'd like you to pass a message along to certain people: stop eyeing the girls around me, or I'll have to start taking their girls instead. Texas girls, for example—I hear they're quite fiery. And Florida? Well, Florida girls are famous for being unpredictable. What do you think?"
Bob Dole's expression didn't change in the slightest as he softly replied, "Of course, I'll make sure the message is delivered."
They were in the main hall of the White House, and the surrounding staff, sensing the moment's gravity, had respectfully kept their distance. Simon's brief whisper with Dole was barely audible to Clinton and the others nearby, who pretended not to notice. Internally, however, it was a different story.
The Bush family, still smarting from their 1992 election defeat, had been active behind the scenes over the past few years. Almost every scandal that had plagued President Clinton had Southern Republican fingerprints all over it, something the *New York Times* had even reported on. Simon's whispered message to Dole was no idle threat.
Beyond constantly causing trouble for Clinton and weakening the Democrats, the Bush family had also begun laying the groundwork for the future. In the recent midterm elections, George H.W. Bush's two sons, George W. Bush and Jeb Bush, had run for governor in Texas and Florida, respectively. Thanks to the Bush family's deep roots in Texas, George W. Bush had been elected governor, while Jeb Bush narrowly lost in Florida.
It was clear to anyone paying attention that the Bush family intended for George W. Bush to follow Clinton's path from governor to the White House.
As for Florida, with its 25 electoral votes and status as a key swing state, it often played a decisive role in U.S. presidential elections. Jeb Bush's run for governor was clearly part of the plan to pave the way for his brother's future presidential bid. Although Jeb Bush had lost this time, Simon remembered that four years later, Jeb would run again and win. Afterward, Jeb Bush would eagerly use his gubernatorial power to push through a series of policies favorable to the Bush family's White House aspirations. Among the most controversial was a law disenfranchising certain voters with criminal records, effectively reducing the Democratic Party's base.
It was this law that ultimately led to George W. Bush winning the 2000 U.S. presidential election by just a few hundred votes in Florida, a victory mired in controversy. Given the mounting evidence linking the Bush family to the CIA spy incident on Manhattan's East 92nd Street, Simon's warning to Dole was clearly no coincidence.
Though no one in the room was foolish enough to probe further in that setting, they all understood the implications.
Simon hadn't bothered to lower his voice too much, deliberately sending a clear message to the White House and the Democratic Party: don't test his limits.
After finishing his conversation with Dole, Simon shook hands with Newt Gingrich. The White House photographer was already prepared, ready to capture the moment for the next day's news release.
Simon had hoped for a private meeting, but that was clearly not feasible. The White House was notorious for its leaks—far less mysterious than the public imagined. Rather than shrouding the meeting in secrecy and fueling speculation, it was better to release the information strategically, making it easier to control the narrative.
As they arranged themselves for the photo, outwardly cordial, there was still some subtle jockeying for position. Although most ordinary people would glance at the photo without much thought, it wouldn't stop certain interested parties from analyzing the underlying message.
In the end, Simon stood beside Clinton, with Bob Dole to his left and Newt Gingrich further out. On Clinton's right were Hillary and Vice President Gore. The six of them stood in a line, with no one at the center.
Simon noticed a small detail: Hillary had initially intended to step out of the photo, probably realizing that it would place Simon at the center instead of her husband. She quickly and subtly rejoined the group.
The flashbulbs went off, capturing the moment. Simon stood flanked by the most powerful figures from both parties, balanced perfectly between them.
With the photo taken, Simon's visit to the White House came to an end. As he got into his car at the White House entrance, he noticed a large group of reporters gathered outside, their cameras clicking furiously.
A sieve, indeed.
Washington was only a little over 300 kilometers from New York, and with a quick flight on his private Boeing 767, Simon was back at his Fifth Avenue apartment in Manhattan by 5:30 PM.
The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show was set to start at 7 PM, but Simon didn't plan to attend in person. Instead, he would appear at the after-party near the Armory at the Gramercy Hotel around 9 PM.
After a busy day, Simon had just finished a relaxing hot bath and was stepping out of the bathroom when "A Girl" entered the bedroom. She dismissed Zoe and Isabelle, who had been there to help Simon dress, and took over the task herself. "Mrs. Davis just called," she said as she handed Simon a sweater.
Simon put on his pants and took the sweater from her. "What is it?"
"Mrs. Davis went to do a routine cleaning of the East 92nd Street apartment this afternoon. She found Laura Grailf waiting outside, refusing to leave, saying she needed to see you."
Simon frowned slightly.
After Victoria Grailf had stabbed his mother, Simon had completely lost interest in the three Grailf women. A biting pet is hard to trust, and that's why pets in many Western countries are euthanized if they bite someone.
Simon wasn't inclined to go that far.
He had made arrangements, setting up trust funds of $1 million each for the three women, payable monthly, and signed a series of agreements to eliminate any future troubles. Cathy Grailf and Victoria Grailf had been sent to Melbourne, with Laura Grailf staying in New York after voluntarily relinquishing custody of her daughters. Simon had also given her an apartment and a car in Midtown, effectively closing that chapter.
Suddenly falling from the pinnacle of Upper East Side life to someone who had to live on $5,000 a month was more than Laura Grailf could bear, so she was back, trying to stir things up.
After considering for a moment, Simon said, "Have Angré bring her over."
"A Girl" nodded and carefully helped Simon finish dressing before heading downstairs.
When Laura Grailf saw Simon again, she immediately burst into tears, throwing herself at his feet and clutching his leg as she pleaded, "Simon, I was wrong. I'll be a good woman from now on. Please let me go back to 92nd Street."
Her earlier thoughts of replicating the Michael Jackson case had only been idle musings, and she had never taken any concrete action. She never imagined her daughter would go so far as to do what she did. It had nearly cost Laura her life and had certainly cost her the luxurious life she had enjoyed on the Upper East Side. Now, Laura was filled with regret.
How could she have been so foolish?
Living on the Upper East Side wasn't just about having a mansion and servants; it was also about social status. Now, she had fallen back into the dust. Even though she had a car, a house, and $5,000 a month, which would be more than enough for most people, her previous life had slipped away. The exclusive club memberships she had once cherished were suddenly worthless.
Moreover, when she lived in the mansion on East
92nd Street, $30,000 a month was just pocket money. Now, the $5,000 had to cover all her living expenses. For a woman who had tasted the high life, the drop was almost maddening.
Laura instinctively blamed everything on her younger daughter. If she ever saw that girl again, she would strangle her.
Simon, who had been casually reading a copy of *The Book of Lord Shang,* pulled his leg back from Laura's grip and scolded, "Get up and sit down properly. What do you think you're doing?"
Laura immediately stopped crying and was about to sit down when Simon pointed to the door and said, "Clean yourself up first."
Realizing her face was streaked with tears, Laura hurriedly turned and headed for the door.
A few moments later, after Laura had tidied herself up, "A Girl" brought her back and quietly left the room. Now groomed and composed, Laura Grailf had regained her radiant appearance. With a flawless figure and stunning looks, she didn't look her age—over 30—but instead exuded the allure of a mature woman.
A classic beauty.
Noticing Simon's gaze, Laura smiled ingratiatingly, subtly straightening her posture. "Simon," she said.
Simon had originally thought of using this woman as a pawn, perhaps sending her to seduce a certain blonde real estate developer, and maybe even become the First Lady one day. But suddenly, the idea felt tiresome.
Besides, Simon had never given one of his former women to another man. He had no such fetish.
At a party hosted by LTD Group Chairman Leslie Wexner in July, Simon had coincidentally run into the blonde real estate developer and learned that his business was still in trouble. Simon had subsequently used more than $1.1 billion in cash through Westeros Company, Apollo Management, and Joseph Lewis's Tavistock Group, buying up shares and debts to gain over 70% control of the developer's real estate company.
Absolute control.
Now, if Simon wanted to rename the company Westeros Real Estate, it would only take a word. The blonde developer's family had already been reduced to a minor shareholder and a figurehead CEO. If not for Simon's other plans, he would have taken Apollo Management head Leon Black's advice and kicked the less-than-qualified CEO out of the company.
Having already taken such steps, there was no need to go any further. Even if history repeated itself and the blonde became President, the Westeros system's stake in his family's real estate business meant he would have to toe the line.
Thinking this, Simon waved his book dismissively. "Go away. I don't have time for you tonight."
Though he said this, he couldn't help but think: pretty women do have a knack for getting what they want.
Laura Grailf's ingratiating smile quickly turned sorrowful. She was about to plead further when Simon added, "If you want to go back to 92nd Street, go ahead. But this is your last chance. If you mess up again, I'll toss you into the ocean."
Since her two daughters had been sent far away, with new identities in Melbourne and no chance of reuniting with their mother, and since she had already signed a series of agreements, Simon had nothing to worry about.
It was just a matter of keeping a bored pet.
Laura Grailf, struggling to contain her joy, quickly nodded and was about to approach Simon for a hug, but sensing his mood, she wisely stopped. After a moment's thought, she said, "Simon, you'll need to tell Angré."
"Hmm, let her in."
Laura couldn't hide her happiness as she left the room.
A few moments later, former East 92nd Street housekeeper Angré Davis entered. After a brief greeting, she sat down beside Simon.
Following the reorganization of the Grailf family, Simon had given Angré a new job overseeing all the Westeros family's properties in North America, except for the Dume Point Estate. This responsibility had previously rotated among different people, but it was now firmly in Angré's capable hands.
After discussing Laura's situation, it was decided that Angré wouldn't have to personally manage her anymore, but could let Laura select a small team to assist her.
They then talked about Angré's recent work, after which she took her leave.
With Angré Davis and Laura Grailf gone, "A Girl" entered the room and said, "Boss, dinner is ready."
Simon patted his lap, and when "A Girl" sat down, he wrapped his arms around her waist and inhaled her fragrant scent. "Am I too soft on women?" he asked suddenly.
Alison cradled his head and pressed it gently against her chest, her voice filled with a soothing warmth. "That's one of the reasons I love you."
Though she said this, "A Girl's" eyes narrowed slightly. It wasn't directed at Simon. She was simply resolving in her mind that if that woman caused any more trouble, she would take care of it herself.
Over the past year, with everything going on, Alison had been able to sense just how much pressure Simon was under, even if he didn't show it. This was her man—her everything. She was willing to endure his punishments just to give him a way to vent. But she knew she could do more. She wouldn't allow trivial matters to add to his burdens.
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