Chapter 204: Chapter 204 The Next Godfather

"I have a request. The Flamingo Casino in Las Vegas I heard that you, Tattaglia, and Stracci hold 39% of the shares, and the remaining 61% is in Jon Hardy's hands. I want those shares."

The people in the room were a bit stunned. They didn't expect Vito to make such a request.

Then they thought of that young man named Jon Hardy in Las Vegas. After the Corleone family's casino was attacked, Jon Hardy immediately led people to attack the four families' casinos.

He even did worse than them, blowing up the casinos directly.

The other families suddenly remembered that the Corleone family still had such a strong external ally.

Just now, when the old Godfather agreed to provide political resources for the drug business, these people thought that the Corleone family was indeed finished, yielding under the pressure of the other families and would probably never rise again.

But thinking about what Jon Hardy would do, they suddenly felt that even if they all attacked the Corleone family together, they might not be able to completely destroy them. As long as the Corleone family had people left, they could use Jon Hardy's strength for revenge and even rise again.

This was a terrifying thought.

The biggest taboo in gangs wars is not finishing the job cleanly.

The frequent backlash and retaliation can be very fatal.

The head of the San Francisco Seltone family, who had been hit hard by Hardy, harbored a deep hatred for him. He spoke up, "Mr. Corleone, what evidence do you have to prove the ownership of those shares in the casino?"

The old Godfather glanced at him and said lightly, "Some people think that occupying the Flamingo Casino means they have obtained it. If the world were that simple, contracts wouldn't exist."

Everyone knew about Selton's attempt to take over the Flamingo Casino under Barzini's orders, resulting in over forty men being killed by Hardy and falsely accused as robbers. All the families were aware of this. They understood that it was all about fighting for interests, but they lost the fight.

The old Godfather asking for casino shares was clearly related to Jon Hardy.

Philip, somewhat displeased, said, "I invested $800,000 in the Flamingo Casino, and you want it for free?"

The old Godfather frowned, "So, you mean to use my connections for free?"

Barzini blinked, "Alright, to show sincerity, I'm willing to give up the casino shares."

He looked at the other two family heads.

Colombo, head of the Stracci family, nodded, agreeing. Philip had no choice but to grit his teeth and accept.

Although Hardy didn't attend the Mafia Commission meeting, his influence extended here.

...

After the mafia commission meeting ended, the old Godfather got into the car, his whole demeanor deflated, as if the confrontation had drained all his energy.

The old Godfather sat with his eyes closed, saying nothing.

Tom looked at the Godfather and instructed the driver to take them back. Sёarch* The Nôvelƒire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

The old Godfather remained silent throughout the journey, but Tom knew he wasn't asleep his hand was constantly fiddling with his pipe.

When the car returned to the Corleone family estate, everyone hurried out to greet them, helping the old Godfather back into the house.

The old Godfather looked at Michael and Fredo, and at Clemenza and Tessio standing nearby, and said, "You all come to the study. I have something important to announce."

The door closed.

The old Godfather sat in his chair for a while, seemingly deep in thought or organizing his words. After a few long minutes, he finally spoke:

"At today's commission meeting, I agreed to enter the drug business. From now on, the Corleone family will provide some political resources to protect this business."

Michael was surprised.

This didn't seem like his father's style, but he remained silent.

The old Godfather continued, "This isn't the main point. Due to this matter, I feel the Corleone family's business needs to diversify, it can't all be centered in New York."

"In the future, aside from New York, the Corleone family will focus on developing the casino business in Las Vegas. I've acquired 39% of the Flamingo Casino from the other three families. Michael my son, I've decided to gradually let you take over the family business. You need to put in more effort."

Transferring the family business gradually to him—was this a sign he would succeed as the family head?

Fredo, Clemenza, and Tessio all looked surprised, but Michael remained indifferent. He had never intended to engage in the family business, if it weren't for his father's assassination attempt, he wouldn't have gotten involved in the family disputes.

"Alright, the rest of you can leave. Tom stay. I have something to say to you," the old Godfather said.

The others left.

The old Godfather waved Tom over. Tom walked to his side, kneeling on one knee and holding the old Godfather's hand.

"Father."

The old Godfather patted Tom's head with his other hand.

"Tom, you've been a consigliere for several years. You attended the meeting just now. What did you observe?" the old Godfather asked.

Tom paused.

"I saw all the families attacking you for their interests. They're like a pack of hyenas, if you don't agree to their demands, they'll pounce and tear you apart."

The old Godfather chuckled.

"You're very perceptive. To be honest, there was a moment when I felt real fear, something I haven't felt in a long time."

"If I didn't agree, they would have used even more severe measures against the Corleone family. The Corleone family might cease to exist."

"But sometimes, for the family's survival, compromises must be made. If you ever take over the family, remember this: be firm when you need to be, and compromise when necessary."

"Father…"

Tom wanted to say something.

The old Godfather patted Tom's hand, interrupting him. "Fredo's temperament isn't suited to bearing the family's responsibilities. Michael is focused on developing businesses outside the family. So, this burden falls on you."

"I actually hope Michael can achieve something in the business or political world. Tom, I have a request: when you take over the family, support Michael with all your might. Can you do that?"

Tom understood.

The old Godfather wanted him to be Michael's backing, using the family's power to protect and support him, pushing him to higher positions.

Tom didn't resist this request.

As an adopted son, being able to take over the family was already very fortunate. Helping Michael with the family's power was something he should do. If Michael could rise to higher positions, it would greatly benefit the Corleone family.

"I promise you, Father. I will fully support Michael in the future," Tom said.