Chapter 271: The True Godfather of This World

The White House Lawn Press Conference concluded, followed by an elegant White House Cocktail Party where everyone wore a smile.

Hardy took this opportunity to mingle and make connections with various influential figures.

Among the attendees were prominent families such as the Roosevelts, the Adamses, the Harrisons, the Rockefellers, the Morgans, the Rothschilds, the Hills, and the Stillmans. Notable business leaders from Citibank, First National Bank, Morgan Trust, Hanover, and New York National Commercial Bank were also present.

The atmosphere was vibrant as even those who had initially supported Dewey now sought to build a relationship with the victorious Johnson. For them, it was merely a matter of adjusting their investments.

Hardy, now recognized as a major supporter of Johnson, used this event to solidify his connections. At 27, he had transitioned from a newcomer to a significant player in the business world. Despite being relatively new compared to these old families, his success with Johnson's campaign had earned him respect.

Giannini and high-ranking officials from Bank of America also attended, sharing in the success. The California consortium, which Hardy was now a crucial part of, saw this as a strategic victory, likely shifting more influence towards Hardy in the consortium's future dealings.

After the reception, Hardy returned to San Francisco with the California consortium.

**Giannini Manor**

Hardy, Giannini, and the chairman of Safe Pacific Insurance gathered in the study. Hardy outlined his proposal for a 'limited universal health insurance' plan, a pragmatic alternative to Johnson's idealistic vision.

"Johnson's universal medical insurance plan faced significant resistance, particularly from the rich and their allies. My proposal involves a more feasible solution: federal and state government funding combined with a contribution from individuals. Insurance would cover only a percentage of costs with a cap on reimbursements."

The proposal was well-received. The plan struck a balance between providing benefits and maintaining profitability. Giannini and the Safe Pacific chairman were particularly interested.

Hardy suggested two options: either Wells Fargo Bank's insurance division could oversee the plan and subcontract to Bank of America and Safe Pacific, or they could jointly create a new company with equal investment.

The second option was preferred. They agreed to form a new company, each contributing $100 million. Wells Fargo would hold 40% of the shares, with Bank of America and Safe Pacific holding 30% each. Hardy's role as the key architect of the deal justified his larger share.

With the new company set to take shape, Hardy headed to Las Vegas.

Before the election, Hardy had arranged for the casino to take bets on the election outcome. With Johnson's victory, the casino made a substantial profit of $15.68 million. Hardy's share, while not solely his, still represented a significant sum due to his stake in the casino.

Hardy also received a call from the old godfather, who was now focused on high society and politics, paving the way for his son Mike. The godfather requested Hardy to be the godfather of Mike's first child, a role Hardy accepted with pleasure.

The notion of being the 'godfather' of this world amused Hardy. He reflected on his unusual position in this new world, where he had emerged as a significant influence.

Meanwhile, Hardy's casino thrived, drawing in tens of thousands of visitors daily. The success of his ventures had polarized Las Vegas—those who invested in his casinos anticipated prosperity, while those who didn't began shifting their focus elsewhere.

The growing business in Las Vegas contrasted with other investments, such as the ventures in Cuba led by Basini. Hardy foresaw troubles ahead for these investments, anticipating challenges that would make them unviable in the near future.

Hardy's post-war material sales company also had operations in Cuba. Reports indicated that local factions were stockpiling weapons, signaling impending unrest.

Bill, now in Las Vegas, reported the success of the proxy investment company. The business had expanded significantly, with over 2,000 operators involved. The legalization of TV lottery proxy investment had stimulated national interest, proving to be a highly lucrative endeavor.

Hardy's ventures continued to flourish, marking his evolution from a business upstart to a powerful figure with far-reaching influence.