Texas, USA.

North Central, Tarrant County.

On this day, the whole county of Tarrant was sunny, cloudless, and the weather was fine.

April was mostly good weather for Texas.

At this time, Texas is neither cold nor hot, and is in the spring stage when everything grows and the grass grows and the warbler flies.

Smith Farm, north of the farm estate.

It faces the front of a small hill named Mount Smith.

On the big lawn, looking at his old comrade-in-arms Herbert Bush, he smiled and handed the satellite phone back to his entourage.

Alex Smith couldn't help but be a little jealous and said:

"Hey, now it's okay. Your chick has completely stolen my grandson's soul, and he's looking for you now, not me, my own grandfather. ”

looked at his comrades-in-arms like children.

Herbert burst out laughing.

"If only that were the case. But in fact, it's my cutest little granddaughter who has been hooked by your bastard grandson...... Look, because I love him so much. She could tolerate even such a thing. ”

Herbert said this, pointing his finger not far ahead.

There was a beautiful young woman holding her baby in the shade of a tree.

I saw Herbert's gaze coming over, and the fingers he pointed to.

The pretty young woman's face showed some nervousness.

At the moment, Charlize Theron felt that it was normal for him to be nervous.

As an American, being pointed at by such a big man as the former commander-in-chief.

The key is that he is still the mistress of his granddaughter's fiancé, and he also gave birth to an illegitimate daughter.

If you're not nervous, it's weird!

Fortunately, she was by her side, except for her and Abel's daughter Arya, Jr.

There were also two old women standing.

They were teasing little Arya Laura Smith, who was about to be half a year old and looked pretty like a little doll.

Two old women, one is Abel's grandmother, Alex Smith's wife, Arya Smith.

The other is Herbert's wife, little Laura's grandmother, and one of the soul duo of the Bush family, Barbara Pierce Bush.

】

"Don't be nervous. Child. ”

Barbara's gentle relief Charlize Theron,

"Herbert had no ill will. And it's not your fault, it's fate to blame. Little Laura told me that she wasn't angry and that she liked little Arya very much. ”

Barbara Pierce Bush's voice is infectious.

The main reason why George's bush brothers are so united is because of her.

She is a good mother and a good housewife of a large family.

Even her husband once openly told the media: "If it weren't for Barbara, George and I might still be digging for oil in the Gulf of Mexico." ”

"Don't blame fate or anyone, if you want to blame that guy Abel. It's all his fault. ”

Arya Smith also whispered beside her.

Barbara smiled and didn't answer Arya's words.

She wisely chose another topic to bring Abel's grandmother and love. The woman's attention was redirected back to the lovely little Arya.

Alex and Herbert, for their part, did not continue the topic either.

The two had already talked about what Abel had just called Herbert.

Today is Herbert and Barbara, who came to Smith's house from Austin.

This kind of thing often happened after Abel and Little Laura established their relationship.

It wasn't Mr. and Mrs. Alex who went to Austin's bush estate.

It's Mr. and Mrs. Herbert, going to Alex's house in Houston.

This time it was Barbara, who wanted to see Abel's illegitimate daughter, and rushed directly to Smith's farm.

Alex and Herbert had no choice but to change the location of the visit to this place.

Not much to worry about, because it was Barbara Bush.

"You mean that old lady wants to see my grandson and wants to give her money to Abel?"

"It's only partial. We all know that she is very cautious. She never puts her eggs in one basket. ”

Alex complained: "I don't know. I'm not in your position yet. ”

Herbert smiled softly.

"Abel, hasn't he been absorbed by your free stonemasons until now?" Alex asked suddenly.

Herbert nodded slightly, "Not yet, indeed." In fact, last year, there were many people who thought that if he was not allowed to enter, the Free Stonemason Guild would be a little abnormal. ”

"Then why hasn't he gone in yet? Although I don't think you bullshit organization can really control the whole world. But I still think it's nice to have a Smith on board. ”

Alex said.

"It's because of me," Herbert explained softly......

"It was me and George who didn't think it was time for him to join. We voted against it. Those people didn't talk about it anymore because of our relationship with Abel. ”

Alex frowned, he looked at his old comrade-in-arms and did not speak.

Herbert knew Alex's doubts, so he continued to explain softly:

"I know your doubts. The reason why we did this was actually to make him directly the Right Lord, and again, we also wanted him to be the Left Lord, or a senior member. ”

"Respected Host? Is this possible? He's so young. ”

Alex said in surprise.

Old Smith, though not a member of the Free Masons, was a little unqualified.

Alex also knows a lot about the internal structure of the organization.

In the Free Masons Guild.

The most honorable person is generally called the "Right Lord".

This is a name for Scotland hundreds of years ago, when it was first born in Scotland.

In fact, it is the president, who directs the affairs of the club. It has a lot of rights and does not need to refer to the opinions of other members. He is also responsible for presiding over ceremonies and celebrations.

As the name suggests, Lord Zuo is similar to the vice president, and he also holds a large part of the power.

"Nothing is impossible." Herbert said:

"Who would have believed that he would be able to turn the attacks of Morgun and Rockphil against him into a collaboration with them?"

And even if he can't make it to the top in one step, the later he joins, the better. Because he was still growing, time was on Abel's side. The more he joined, the higher his status when he joined. What's more, the current Free Masons Guild is just like that. ”

Alex understood Herbert's explanation and felt that the old bush's idea made sense.

It is indeed from Abel's point of view and for Abel's consideration.

"Then when the old lady in England sees him now, is it really just for the custody of funds? As far as I know, she can't control our side right now. She didn't want to accept him before you and make him a member over there. ”

After listening to Alex's words, Herbert had actually thought of this possibility a long time ago.

But he didn't worry about this possibility, because ...... Doesn't matter.

The current Free Stonemasons Guild is no longer the Free Stonemasons Guild it used to be.

In the beginning, the Freemason Guild was very powerful.

After going through a split, a Bright Gang came out.

Later, as the British Empire became the Great Yin Empire, the sun never set became the sun set.

Within the Free Masons Guild, there were also various divisions again.

Up to now, each branch has basically formed its own faction, each in charge of its own family, but nominally the same organization.

Like an old lady in Alex's mouth.

All she can manage now is the Free Masons Guild in England and some members in Europe.

The part of Europe is still a small part with very few members.

And the most powerful faction, undoubtedly in the United States, is Herbert and his gang.

What Alex means is that the United States is not in a hurry to absorb Abel.

What if Abel gives the British side a take-in?

Faced with this question, Herbert shrugged, "It doesn't matter. He could be a British Freemason or an American Freemason. In fact, everyone doesn't value this kind of false name. In the new century, we attach more importance to practical interests. ”

Alex breathed a sigh of relief.

Once again, the old man felt that he had made the right decision to insist that Abel marry the bush.

If it weren't for the marriage with the bushes, without the help of Herbert and George.

Then Abel doesn't know how many detours to take!

So, it's really true to say that there is a treasure in the family.

Alex thought to himself, and he heard Herbert say again:

"Current events are different. The current people can be both free stonemasons and the Bright Gang at the same time...... So depending on the choice of Abel, there is really nothing too important to pay attention to. ”

"Instead of caring about Abel, who doesn't need our care at all, we should care more about Alexander and Neil."

"These two kids, at the instigation of that bastard kid, are going down the path they shouldn't have taken. Hey, I don't know how far I can go. ”

Watching Herbert sigh, Alex sighed along with him.

"Hey—"

Old Smith knew his son's character.

Alexander Smith's personality, in Alex's opinion, is really not suitable for the path of Masaji.

Neil Bush, Abel's father-in-law, isn't actually a good fit. But compared to Alexander, Neil is still a little better.

After all, the family style of other people's shrubs is there, and it is familiar to me since I was a child, and it is somewhat different.

It's called having a foundation.

Alexander, as for the first 50 years, was a farmer.

If it weren't for the fact that there was a good son in the future, and the son-in-law's family was strong enough.

Alex felt that Alexander could only be the mayor of Tarrant if he died.

Unlike now, when I completed two jumps in two years, I am now almost triple jumping, and I am about to go to Austin to become a state legislator.

The next step is for members of Congress and even governors......

My son's path was smooth because he was in Texas.

I can get the grandchildren, as well as the bushes and my own maximum help.

Alex shifted the conversation to Herbert's son.

"Herbert, you've really figured it out, do you really want Neil to do that? In that case, not only George, but you're going to have some trouble. ”

Alex said.

"That's not what your good grandson thinks? He convinced my son. Neil is now thinking about being in California and creating what I did in Texas. What else can I do but support him? ”

Herbert said angrily.

Alex pouted inwardly, thinking that Herbert was cheap and behaved.

Although Neil's chosen path was much more difficult than Alexander's.

It's harder to walk than George and Herbert's.

Gaining a foothold in two of America's most powerful states at the same time is something that no family can do at the moment.

But if it succeeds, the power of the bush family will definitely rise to the point where people can't look at it directly.

Fortunately, his grandson has stood in a higher position.

To the extent that the powerful bush family is willing to endure it for him.

Thinking of this, Alex's heart was dark for a while, and he immediately became mentally balanced.

That's it, taking advantage of the Texas spring.

The afternoon sun is lukewarm.

Herbert and Alex, two old men, watched the women not far away tease their children, and whispered about various topics.

It felt like many years ago.

The two were in the same Air Force pilot's quarters, and they talked the same way when they couldn't sleep at night.

……

……

Howard Davis's actions are not as verbose as he speaks.

It's very fast.

Of course, it could also be the master behind him, who made him have to be so fast.

London time, the next day.

Howard is the chairman of the Royal Bank of Scotland.

With a large number of lawyers, accountants, and actuaries, he came to the headquarters of Smith Financial Group (UK).

The old guy didn't talk about it at all this time, and he got down to business as soon as he came up.

The review of the agreement between the two parties took nearly an hour, and the legal teams of both parties finally confirmed that the agreement was correct.

Abel on behalf of Smith Financial Group and Howard on behalf of the Royal Bank of Scotland formally signed the agreement and swapped contracts.

Smiths Financial has raised its largest private placement in the UK.

Howard, who swapped contracts and shook hands with him, smiled heartily:

"Mr. Smith, for the next fifteen years, LPs will sit back and wait for dividends."

Abel handed the contract to Jace, the assistant next to him, and looked at Howard and smiled:

"Otherwise, we'll make a bet that you'll sign me at least £5 billion next year."

Howard smiled with interest: "Mr. Smith is so sure? Then I can't afford to spoil the mood, what's the bet? ”

If the other party wins, he can't wait to be happy, which means that he must have made a profit.

So much so that the elder behind him couldn't help but invest another 5 billion pounds.

Abel smiled: "A small bet, 1 year and 1 pound for a total of 15 years, so how about betting 15 pounds?" ”

"Haha, okay, I'll take it!"

Howard smiled and nodded, and after a moment of greeting, he got up and said goodbye.

Just when he was about to walk out of the Fury House in London, where Smith Financial headquarters were located.

Howard Davis, whispered a few words to Abel.

It's the time and address.

"Kensington House, Mr. Smith."

"It's April 28, and there's five days left."

"When the time comes, Prince Wei Lian will invite you to a banquet again."

Able smiled and nodded at Howard Davis, indicating that he heard.

Howard nodded back to Able with satisfaction, and then left with a smile.

And outside the Fury Building.

A large group of British media reporters were waiting.

Howard Davis, who went out, was surrounded by them at once.

Howard was stunned when he saw this scene, and after reacting, he suddenly felt a little unhappy.

When the old man came, he didn't leak the news, and there were no reporters outside.

He stayed inside for more than an hour, and he didn't hear any of his subordinates say that there were reporters.

Now as soon as it comes out, so many journalists pop up.

These bastards, hiding so well, must have someone walking and even helping.

Howard even saw a lot of "Daily XX" icons in the pile of reporters.

That's somebody's own, in the newspapers and media in the UK.

There is no doubt that this must be the old American handiwork inside.

But at this point, Howard also knew what to say.

"Mr. Davis! You're the head of the FSA, how did you get out of Smith's mansion? Is it the FSA investigating Smith Financial again, this time with you personally leading the team? ”

"Mr. Howard Davis, is it true that some people say that you have a good relationship with Abel Smith in private?"

"Mr. Davis, what do you think of the UK ITV stock? Is someone making a banker and someone making a rat barn? ”

"Mr. Davis, as the director of the FSA. What are your thoughts on the increasing number of financial crimes in London, and will the FSA be tackling them more harshly? ”

“……”

Faced with the questions that reporters flocked to.

Howard Davis smiled brightly as he asked his men to take the microphones from some of the reporters.

He stood in front of the Fury Building, laughed out loud and said:

"First of all, guys. I'm not here today as the director of the FSA. Don't forget, I'm also Chairman of the Royal Bank of Scotland. Coming here today, mainly because the Royal Bank of Scotland will be ......"

Later these journalists in the UK.

Hearing that the Royal Bank of Scotland, the largest commercial bank in the United Kingdom, actually handed over the funds to Smith Financial for custody, they suddenly broke out into a huge uproar.

There is no doubt that this is definitely big news in the British financial world.

It's like in Huaxia, the first big bank in the Chinese universe, the business, and industry, handing over money to companies like Goldman Sachs to manage.

It may be better, after all, the national conditions are different.

The relationship between Britain and the United States is also different from the relationship between China and the United States.

But it will have an impact on some extent.

The reporters were excited and continued to ask Howard Davis more questions.

And by this time, Abel had already reached the top of his office.

Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, he looked out at the crowd of reporters on the ground.

London's Fury Building is not high, just a dozen floors.

This allowed Able to see even Howard Davis' curled white beard when he spoke.

Looking at the boss's interested, David next to him laughed softly:

"Presumably our Mr. Davis is a little annoyed right now. With so many reporters here, a lot of things can become a little confusing. ”

Although Howard Davis is more important, he is actually the chairman of the Royal Bank of Scotland.

The role of the director of the FSA is not so important.

But the average Briton doesn't think so.

They see the news later.

It is only doubtful that Howard is in and out of Smith Financial when Smith Financial is currently involved in a possible illegality.

As a result, Howard Davis had to share the attention of a large number of people gathered on Smith Financial because of the British ITV stock incident.

In doing so, Abel put Howard Davis in the driver's hand.

But he chose the timing well.

When the elder behind Howard wanted to get in touch with Abel.

Abel did this, and Howard couldn't even get angry.

In fact, strictly speaking, this is not a big deal.

At best, Howard is suspected, and his reputation is not good.

No matter how serious it is, it will only affect his position as director of the FSA.

It seems that the latter possibility is very bad.

But Howard Davis, as chairman of the Bank of Scotland.

At the same time, he is also the director of the Financial Authority, and many people in the UK are dissatisfied.

There have long been rumors that he will step down and hand over the FSA.

Even if he didn't do it like Abel, he wouldn't be around for long.

In this case, before leaving office, it is better to use it to block the gun for yourself.

"Contact David, oh, I mean David over there in New York."

Abel suddenly spoke softly, and said to a few cronies next to him, "Let's start a new hunt, this time the goal is-"

"Pounds!

”