The Tyrant Billionaire

"Okay, I'll come over right now." Lucchese said excitedly.

"Lucchese, why not invite other families interested in the new casino? Everyone can come and see the Hardy Hotel's operations and my plans for the new casino. We can discuss any issues in person," Hardy suggested.

"Alright, I'll contact the other families," Lucchese agreed.

After hanging up, Hardy smiled. Inviting these people to Las Vegas was a way to filter them out. Anyone who came was willing to cooperate, and those who were willing to cooperate could be brought on board. With their investments, Hardy would only earn more.

The news of Hardy inviting Mafia families to Las Vegas spread quickly, reaching Barzini and others. Barzini felt uneasy. After discussing with the other two families, he made calls to familiar family heads, subtly discouraging them from going and promising that they would also build a casino in the future and invite them.

In the study, the old godfather sat in his recliner, with Michael and Tom beside him. "Father, the relationships among the families are becoming quite delicate," Tom said.

"Explain what you mean by delicate," the old godfather said.

"Since their last joint attack on us, the committee families have seemed united, doing drug business together, and Barzini's influence in the committee has grown. But now, everyone has their own thoughts. Hardy's invitation to Las Vegas has stirred things up. Barzini is trying to stop it, but it's clear he can't. Most have indicated they will go."

The old godfather played with his pipe and looked at his youngest son. "What do you think, Michael?"

Michael, who had been listening quietly, raised his head. "Hardy is impressive. With a few tactics, he's shattered Barzini's hard won alliance. By inviting the families to Las Vegas, he's forcing them to choose, directly undermining Barzini."

The old godfather nodded in approval. "You're right. Hardy has disrupted the balance among the Mafia families with greater benefits. Hardy's move is brilliant."

"Hardy is indeed formidable. We only realize this after it was implemented, but Hardy has already thought of that and had been planing for quite some time. Even if Barzini sees through Hardy's tactics, he can't do much to stop the other mafia families, because profit seeking is human nature."

"The essence of the mafia is to pursue profit. Every mafia organization was founded to gain wealth, including when I established the Corleone family, fighting for more money."

The old godfather looked at Tom. "Tom, go to Las Vegas tomorrow. The Corleone family fully supports Hardy's actions."

"How much should we invest?" Tom asked.

"As much as we can, according to Hardy's thoughts," the old godfather replied.

After Tom left the study, Michael looked at his father and said, "Father, I feel this isn't so simple."

The old godfather was silent for a moment, then smiled. "It won't develop in a bad direction. The ones who should be worried are Barzini and his allies. If they don't handle this well, Hardy, the young and strong lion, will show his sharp fangs."

Then he looked at his son. "Michael, how do you feel about being a state senator? Are you managing well?"

Michael smiled. "No problem. Understanding the community, proposing bills, and attending legislative meetings are all manageable. I've prepared several bills to improve New York State's livelihood, increase hospitals, improve sanitation, and create jobs."

The old godfather nodded. Michael's proposals were practical and safe, showing his keen insight. Unlike some who sought attention with flashy proposals, Michael didn't need to. "Do business well, be a good senator, and don't worry about the family. With Hardy's move, the Corleone family will be even stronger."

Flights continuously landed at Las Vegas Airport, including many private planes. Mafia family heads, with their aides and bodyguards, arrived in the gambling city. They all had their casinos there, so there was no need for Hardy to host them; their casino managers naturally took care of them.

Bill also arrived, participating as the president of the Los City Company. If other Mafia families could invest, so could his company. "Bill, how many people have come?" Hardy asked.

Bill counted on his fingers. "Tom Hagen from the Corleone family, the Lucchese family head from Miami, the Porello family head from Cleveland, the Bruno family head from Philadelphia, the Marcello family head from New Orleans, the second in command from the Cuneo family in New York, and Chicago..."

Bill listed 16 families. As for the Barzini, Tattaglia, and Stracci families from New York and the Selton family from San Francisco, they didn't come.

Hardy nodded. The fact that Cuneo, one of the Five Families from New York, sent someone was surprising, indicating that profit always came first. The absence of the other three families was expected. The Selton family from San Francisco was still in hiding and couldn't come. Those who didn't come were closely allied with Barzini.

Calculating, there were 29 major families in the Mafia committee, including the Five Families and the 24 member families. Now, 16 had come, more than half. Anyone who came had made a choice, aligning with Hardy.

With one casino, Hardy had managed to win over more than half of the Mafia committee. The plan was already highly successful.

"Bill, call and invite them to the Hardy Hotel tomorrow. Let them see how we make money," Hardy said with a smile. "Do you think they'll drool?" he laughed.

"Probably." Bill chuckled.

...

The Mafia family boss walked into the Hardy Casino, which was bustling with tourists. Despite having seen the Hardy Casino on TV, experiencing it firsthand revealed that it was even more luxurious and lively in person.

Hundreds of slot machines were lined up, with many tourists trying their luck, and the machines frequently emitted the crisp sound of coins being dispensed. Dozens of gambling tables were fully occupied, with occasional big wins causing excitement among the surrounding gamblers.

With a business like this, it was hard not to make money.

Just then, music played in the hall, signaling the start of a two hour lottery event. Many people gathered in the lottery area, including a few wearing yellow vests with "Lucky Queen Betting Company" written on the back.