At the end of A.O. Smith's trip, Charlie Lee delegated the management of the factory to his think tank, entrusting them with the responsibility of structuring the company's future operations. Acting on Charlie's instructions, the think tank dispatched a team of ten experts to assess the situation on-site. Under subtle guidance from Charlie, this team aimed to identify promising candidates from the middle-level management for specialized training programs to ensure a robust leadership pipeline.
As for the shareholders' meeting, the minor stakeholders posed no significant threat. Meanwhile, all attention shifted away from Charlie Lee due to Jonathan's bold maneuvers, which dominated the spotlight.
After securing $150 million in funding from Charlie, Jonathan hurried back to New York, arriving under the cover of night. Manhattan buzzed with activity, rife with tension and change, as the Astor family's internal battle for control reached a boiling point.
Vincent, one of the key players in this family drama, took the offensive. He publicly accused the family foundation of breaching its guiding principles, specifically by supporting an unacknowledged illegitimate child, and inciting turmoil within the Astor ranks. Following this, Vincent escalated matters by filing a lawsuit with the intermediate court, demanding the removal of the foundation's management and asserting his claim over family assets.
Adding fuel to the fire, Vincent accused his stepmother of embezzling family wealth and engaging in an affair with a Broadway actor. Manhattan's gossip circles became saturated with these scandals, rivaling the lively chatter of a bustling teahouse.
In stark contrast to Vincent's overt attacks, Jonathan remained composed. He made no public statements, nor did he appear before reporters, seemingly resigned to his brother's allegations. Yet, behind the scenes, Jonathan orchestrated a series of strategic moves that reshaped the Astor family's business empire.
Gradually, Jonathan consolidated control. All shares in Waldorf and Reggie Hotels, except for those directly owned by Vincent, now belonged to Jonathan. His agents frequently approached Vincent's associates, offering to purchase additional properties at premium prices. This groundwork was laid months in advance, showcasing Jonathan's foresight.
A key player in Jonathan's scheme was Consuelo Vanderbilt, the Duchess of Marlborough—a woman whose life story was nothing short of legendary.
In the late 19th century, Consuelo captivated America as the epitome of opulence and grace. Dubbed the "Million Dollar Baby," she was an artist's muse and a symbol of high society. Her wedding to the Duke of Marlborough was a spectacle, drawing crowds to Manhattan's St. Thomas Church. Her bridal gown, featuring a 15-meter train and a crown adorned with 1,091 diamonds, paired with a $2.5 million dowry, cemented her status as America's princess.
However, reality diverged sharply from the fairy tale. Her marriage ended in divorce, and she later wed a French pilot, dedicating herself to philanthropic work for women and children in France. With Europe on edge due to rising tensions, Consuelo planned her return to the United States.
Jonathan's agent, Ethan, posed as Consuelo's representative in discussions with Vincent. "Ms. Consuelo wishes to sell her railway shares to sustain her charitable efforts for women and children," Ethan explained calmly.
Vincent, eager to prove his worth, was intrigued. The Vanderbilt railway shares represented a key component of the city's transportation network, making them a lucrative asset. After reviewing the relevant documentation and speaking directly with Consuelo, Vincent was convinced of the deal's authenticity. He began investigating the New York Central Railway Company's operations, increasingly enticed by the potential for success.
As someone perpetually overshadowed by his father and grandfather, Vincent saw this as a chance to establish his legacy. Despite reservations about the declining railway business, he decided to seize the opportunity when faced with mounting familial threats to his wealth and position.
"Proceed with the deal," Vincent ordered, fueled by desperation and ambition.
To fund the $68 million purchase, Vincent liquidated 57 stores, 23 offices, and 15 apartments, generating $70 million in cash. Confident of his impending triumph, Vincent oversaw the final steps of the transaction, unaware that he was walking into a trap.
His moment of victory was abruptly interrupted.
The study door burst open with a resounding bang. Jonathan entered, flanked by members of the family foundation's management team and a battalion of lawyers.
"Vincent, you're expelled," Jonathan declared coldly, his words slicing through the tension in the room.
"What nonsense is this, you bastard?" Vincent roared, slamming his fist on the table in fury.
"I said you're evicted," Jonathan reiterated with an air of authority. "All the Astor family's assets, except for three New York apartments, are now under my control."
Behind him, lawyers unpacked suitcases filled with documents. Jonathan elaborated, "By acquiring 80% of the voting rights within the family trust fund, I gained the authority to amend its regulations. The first amendment has just been ratified: 95% of proceeds from the sale of family assets now belong to the trust fund."
Vincent collapsed into his chair, his face pale as Jonathan's declaration sank in. "No… this can't be," he muttered, his voice trembling.
"You've always been a disgrace to the Astor family," Jonathan continued mercilessly. "Your name will forever be etched in our history as a symbol of failure."
Desperate, Vincent tried to salvage the situation, rushing out to stop the deal.
"It's too late," Jonathan called after him. "The rules have been amended, and all transactions finalized."
It dawned on Vincent that even Consuelo and her agent Ethan were likely part of Jonathan's elaborate scheme. Sure enough, Ethan emerged from the crowd with a smug grin.
"You scoundrel!" Vincent lunged at Ethan, but his attack was effortlessly evaded.
"I merely chose the winning side," Ethan replied mockingly. "A fool like you would've been discarded in any ordinary family."
Jonathan interjected, his gaze icy. "Enough. The Astors' dignity must not be further tarnished. You'll live in seclusion, supported by the trust fund, but step out of line, and I'll strip you of everything."
With no choice but to comply, Vincent faced exile. Jonathan left him with $3.5 million to maintain a semblance of his previous life, a paltry sum compared to his former wealth.
In the family's grand central dining hall, Jonathan addressed the gathered Astor affiliates like a king ascending his throne.
"From today onward, the Astor family will flourish under my leadership. The future belongs to us."
As the room erupted in cheers, Jonathan sat back, observing the sycophants around him. "The parasites feeding off this family must be purged," he mused.
A soft voice interrupted his thoughts. "Jonathan, I heard you succeeded."
It was Madeleine, Astor IV's widow and Jonathan's stepmother. Dressed to perfection, she approached with a smile.
"Call me Madeleine, dear master. Congratulations on your victory," she said, raising a glass.
"Thank you, Madeleine," Jonathan replied, aware of her ulterior motives.
He instructed Ethan to deliver Madeleine's reward: two Manhattan apartments and a $2 million check.
Madeleine left in a huff, muttering complaints about the agreement, but Jonathan paid her no mind. Watching her retreat, he smirked. "A fitting end for a self-serving vixen."
For Jonathan, this was merely the beginning of a new chapter in the Astor family's storied legacy.