"After a year of hard work by our team, the three casinos in Atlantic City are finally showing improvement," said Francis Levison. "Honestly, Simon, while Atlantic City isn't Las Vegas, the real problem with those casinos before was that guy over there."
The conversation was taking place at the Levison family mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side, where a reception was being held. Levison Group had just completed the relocation of its headquarters from Miami, Florida, to New York City, signaling the company's transition from a regional real estate firm to an international one.
Simon smiled as he followed Francis' gaze toward a certain blond figure chatting with New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani. "You'd better hope Donald didn't hear that."
Despite the jest, Simon agreed with Francis' assessment. Historically, after the turn of the century, Atlantic City fell into decline. Of the city's twelve casinos, five eventually shut down, three of which belonged to the golden-haired tycoon. Once hailed as a potential "king of Atlantic City," the businessman had sunk every one of his casino ventures. Such catastrophic failures could only be attributed to poor management.
Francis moved on to another topic. "Simon, this summer, the Taj Mahal Casino hosted the National Poker Championship. It was a success, but I think it's not enough. I was wondering if Danerys Entertainment could produce a movie to promote our three casinos in Atlantic City?"
Simon considered the suggestion. Numerous films had been made about Las Vegas, but Atlantic City had received far less attention. "One or two movies wouldn't be enough," Simon said, shaking his head. "Making a film purely to advertise our casinos would also feel too forced. The real solution lies in raising the profile of Atlantic City as a whole. Take Las Vegas—there are hundreds of Hollywood films set there. That's what engrains a city into the global consciousness."
While Atlantic City had the geographic advantage of being a two-hour drive from both New York City and Washington, D.C., it lacked the widespread recognition that Las Vegas enjoyed. Many people outside the U.S. didn't even know where Atlantic City was.
Simon continued, "I'll take this into consideration. Moving forward, I'll ensure that at least one or two major films each year are set in Atlantic City. If the right concept comes along, Danerys Entertainment might also produce a dedicated film."
Francis' face lit up. "That's great. I'll talk to the other casino owners in Atlantic City. If we're promoting the whole city, they should share the burden."
As the two discussed, Simon's mind turned to a fitting film concept: The Hangover.
Though the story of three hapless men on a disastrous trip might not seem like direct promotion, the movie had served as an inadvertent love letter to Las Vegas in the original timeline. Its $400 million global box office translated to millions of viewers worldwide hearing "Vegas, Vegas, Vegas" over and over.
Switching "Vegas" to "Atlantic City" might not be as catchy, but it could still deliver a similar impact.
Their conversation was interrupted by New York Governor George Pataki, who approached holding a glass of red wine. Pataki, like Giuliani, was a Republican. New York State was currently a Republican stronghold.
Simon greeted the governor warmly, engaging in lighthearted talk about the upcoming elections and the booming internet industry. Near the end of the conversation, Pataki brought up a matter of substance. "Simon, I probably shouldn't mention this yet, but as part of our plan to reduce New York State's fiscal deficit, we're exploring the privatization of the World Trade Center. If you're interested, it could be a great investment."
Raising his glass in a subtle toast, the governor excused himself.
Simon hadn't given much thought to the World Trade Center before, but Pataki's comment jogged his memory. In the original timeline, the privatization of the towers had only been finalized in early 2001—mere months before 9/11.
And the rest, as they say, is history, shrouded in tragedy and conspiracy theories.
While this plan seemed to be moving forward earlier in this timeline, Simon suspected it would still take years to materialize. The sheer scale of the World Trade Center would inevitably lead to bureaucratic delays and legal wrangling.
Francis, intrigued by the idea, asked, "What do you think, Simon?"
Simon shook his head decisively. "We won't get involved. Frank, Levison Group's future lies in China. Here in New York, the focus should be on managing your existing properties and completing the Westeros Tower."
The mention of Westeros Tower brought a shadow to Simon's thoughts.
If 9/11 were to happen as it did in the original timeline, the Westeros Tower—designed as the world's tallest skyscraper—would likely be an even more tempting target than the Twin Towers. At the same time, Simon felt conflicted about whether to intervene and potentially alter such a monumental historical event. Perhaps it was time to start formulating a plan.
Francis accepted Simon's response, albeit with a hint of hesitation. The Levison Group's move to New York had been about globalizing operations, not dominating the mature and saturated New York real estate market. Mature markets, after all, meant lower profit margins compared to emerging opportunities in China.
The two men soon parted ways to mingle with other guests.
The reception wrapped up around 10 p.m. Grace joined Simon as they prepared to leave. As they said their goodbyes to the Levisons and a few lingering guests, Grace slid into Simon's car. Her presence caused a ripple of unease in Bryce Levison, who stood by the driveway watching.
Bryce, the Levison matriarch, couldn't follow Grace into the car, not here, not in public. Doing so would bring humiliation to the Levison name and turn them into a laughingstock among New York's elite. Though privately she had no qualms about her husband's infidelity—especially since she had orchestrated it to secure Simon's favor—there were limits to how much she would tolerate for the sake of her son's inheritance.
Inside the car, Grace felt her cheeks flush. By leaving together, their relationship was now an open secret among the upper crust.
While Grace harbored no illusions about becoming Simon's wife, the public acknowledgment of their relationship filled her with both satisfaction and apprehension. The gap between their worlds seemed vast.
Noticing her unease, Simon wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her close. As she rested against him, he kissed her hair and asked, "By the way, what's your maiden name? I should remember it."
Her voice trembled slightly. "Klepp. Grace Klepp."
Sensing her vulnerability, Simon tilted her chin up and kissed her lips, gazing into her green eyes. "Regrets?"
Grace quickly shook her head. Afraid of being misunderstood, she stammered, "It's just… I'm not…"
She trailed off, unable to voice her age insecurity.
Understanding her hesitation, Simon held her closer. He knew she was grappling with her fears of inadequacy, but he had a way to shift her focus. "I have a question for you. Would you be willing to have my child?"
Grace's eyes widened in shock. For a moment, she thought she had misheard him. When the realization sank in, tears welled up in her eyes. Between sobs, she leaned in to kiss him, her voice barely audible. "Yes, I would."
Fifth Avenue Penthouse
Angie Davis opened the door and saw Simon carrying Grace inside, heading straight for the living room sofa. After a brief pause, Angie turned off the main lights, leaving only a dim wall sconce. Silent as a cat, she slipped away.
In an adjacent room, Angie intercepted a tall young woman who had stepped out after hearing the commotion. "Stay here," Angie whispered, holding up a communication device to alert the rest of the household staff to remain in their quarters. Once the room was secured, she turned to the curious newcomer.
"Ms. Davis, what's going on out there?" asked the young woman, her voice tinged with curiosity.
"The boss is back," Angie explained. "We're not to disturb him. Carmen, we'll introduce you to him tomorrow morning."
The young woman was Carmen Kass—yes, the "Carmen Kass," a model destined for supermodel stardom. Trained rigorously as part of the Westeros household program, Carmen was the first product of Simon's vision for a highly selective and loyal personal staff.
As Angie sipped her coffee, Carmen, newly 18 and ready to begin her duties, nodded in understanding. Tomorrow, her new life would begin.
______
(≧◡≦) ♡ Support me and read 20 chapters ahead – patreon.com/INNIT
For every 50 Power Stones, one extra chapter will be released on Saturday.