Chapter 40, The Scam of the Century

As the economy continued to grow, a distinct financial street gradually formed around the Vienna Stock Exchange.

Here, one-third of the Holy Roman Empire's banks and forty-five percent of the securities companies converged, not to mention the multitude of other financial firms.

It could be said that any financial enterprise with a modicum of strength had established a base here. The most powerful ones even monopolized entire buildings.

Of course, the strong were always in the minority anywhere. To own an office building in the fiercely competitive and costly financial district was not something an ordinary enterprise could achieve, even through leasing.

It wasn't just a matter of money. There were plenty of rich folks around; everyone was familiar with each other's background, and any attempt to show off could backfire embarrassingly.

With an anxious heart, Ababernel strode into the Newfoundland Building, heading to his workplace at Appel Commercial Bank.