Sheffield was unapologetic. As the victim, his family's agricultural exports had indeed been sanctioned by Britain. Wasn't this a sacrifice for the nation? While his family suffered massive losses, the Yankees whined over trivial setbacks. *You're poor, so you're right?* Unless starving, their complaints held no weight.
"I'm aware of the Sheffield family's losses through Anglo-American Oil, but via German-American Oil, I also know you've successfully breached the German market, securing long-term partnerships," said John D. Rockefeller Jr., his tone suggesting he'd seen through the facade.
Britain never lacked grain suppliers, while Germany struggled with agricultural self-sufficiency. Competing in the British market meant facing Latin America and British colonies, whereas Germany—with few colonies and reliance on Tsarist Russia—offered less rivalry. To Rockefeller Jr., fewer competitors were the ultimate advantage. After all, his father, founder of Standard Oil, had pioneered the trust system. He knew better than anyone the luxury of limited competition.
Sheffield's claims of heavy losses might fool bystanders or companies detached from global trade, but not Standard Oil—a titan with international reach. This heir was slippery.
"That's not entirely true. Everyone prefers longstanding partners. Expanding in Germany takes time, and time is the greatest asset," Sheffield countered, unfazed by the exposed lie. A man of his caliber felt no shame. "I assume you're not here to discuss grain prices. Even if you were, my stance remains: this year's price surge stemmed from Northern speculators, and now export blocks. Texas and the entire South are victims. Blaming us is baseless—this is Britain's fault."
Sheffield now grasped why his family remained calm despite losing British markets. The plan was to exploit Anglo-American tensions to crush Northern grain dealers. With international chaos as cover and domestic clout, they'd bankrupt Northern farmers.
But elite minds like Rockefeller's saw through this. If Standard Oil noticed, others would too. Rockefeller Jr. broached the topic to pivot. Coolly, Sheffield placed a hand over Anne's, signaling readiness.
"This grain volatility will linger till year-end, possibly into next year," Rockefeller Jr. predicted.
"Unlikely. Grain spoils; it's not oil or coal," Sheffield dismissed.
"Oil evaporates, coal erodes. Grain lasts a year or two," Rockefeller Jr. countered. "The nation's food security hinges on your whims. My father once said your family profits from individuals—like trafficking labor across the Atlantic."
"At least we didn't drug workers for efficiency!" Sheffield sneered.
"Pre-Civil War, your family was the Union's largest drug trafficker. Ruined Northern families. Those Colombian plantations? Slave hunters' wages?" Rockefeller Jr. retorted.
Sheffield paused. Old sins? Every empire had dark origins. "Ancient history. Every fortune has stains. Weren't Rockefellers vilified too?"
*Stains?* Rockefeller Jr. scoffed inwardly. Compared to Sheffield's legacy, Standard Oil's monopolistic tactics seemed angelic.
"Enough," Sheffield cut in. "We have foreign guests. Let's spare the gritty details."
Anne, feigning ignorance, excused herself to tour the estate.
"Planning to marry? She'd make a fine hostess," Rockefeller Jr. remarked.
"I'm sixteen," Sheffield deflected. "Get to the point."
"Very well. Years ago, Standard Oil proposed oil exploration in Texas. Your grandmother deferred to you. Now, with you in Europe and my father retiring, it's time to collaborate."
"Collaborate?" Sheffield mused. An alliance with America's richest man? Few could refuse.
"Business isn't war. We both can win," Rockefeller Jr. pressed.
"Who'd refuse Rockefeller?" Sheffield conceded. "But details can't be settled here."
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*(End of Chapter)*