Chapter 165

The layout of Smith Capital's cocktail party today differs from the Hilton family's previous reception. Unlike the seated arrangement based on guest status at the Hilton event, Smith Capital's cocktail party adopts the popular cold buffet reception format, omitting assigned seats and providing numerous places for guests to rest and chat on the field. Tables with various foods are placed in the middle for self-service.

This approach ensures that regardless of status, everyone enjoys the same treatment, making it increasingly popular. A high platform on the south wall of the Hilton Golden Hall serves as the focal point. David Mellon, the general manager of Smith Capital, walks towards this platform, capturing the attention of over two hundred guests. Upon reaching the platform, he tests the microphone and begins his welcome speech.

"Welcome to Smith Capital's investment reception tonight, everyone," David Mellon announces with a smile. He expresses respect on behalf of Smith Capital's 136 employees and Chairman Abel Smith. As it is also Smith Capital's year-end reception, David hints at an upcoming announcement about the company's investment situation since its establishment half a year ago.

David pauses for effect and slows down, stating, "Since this is the case, then follow the usual practice. We will also announce the investment situation of Smith Capital since its establishment half a year ago tonight. I believe this is also of interest to everyone." Notably, Smith Capital, established by Abel Smith, has attracted Wall Street's attention and demonstrated significant profit-making ability in the past six months.

Many of today's guests were part of the first private placement of Smith Capital and are keenly interested in the company's profits. As David unveils the projection on a white curtain behind him, displaying Smith Capital's monthly investment profits from May to the present, anticipation builds in the dimmed hall.

"Everyone, please see, the above is Smith Capital, from May to yesterday, every month's investment profit," David announces as the projector displays Smith Capital's investment records for nearly six months. The first data presented is from May, where the company, existing for only five days, engaged in multiple short-term transactions in the international futures market, yielding a profit of about $210 million.

The following data for June showcases Smith Capital's strategic shift to fewer transactions but with a combined principal exceeding $2 billion, resulting in a profit of $450 million. Within thirty-five days, Smith Capital accumulated over $660 million in profits, a remarkable feat that catches the attention of both well-informed Wall Street figures and guests less acquainted with the company's performance. The impressive figures leave an indelible mark on the reception.

The staggering profits projected for Smith Capital in August, totaling $2.156 billion, evoke disbelief and astonishment among the guests. Comments range from questioning the decimal point accuracy to comparing the earnings to the Federal Reserve's money-printing speed. The sheer magnitude of Smith Capital's monthly profit, surpassing $2 billion, leaves the attendees in awe.

Amidst the buzz, individual reactions vary. George, the family acquaintance from Texas, reflects on his family's investment manager, Steven, whose modest gains of $2.12 million in May and June now seem insignificant. Steven's explanation about the size of the principal allocated to him highlights the stark contrast between traditional investment strategies and Smith Capital's remarkable performance.

As the presentation progresses, David Mellon discloses the July profit of $110 million, expressing some disappointment. However, even this figure, considered modest in the context of Smith Capital's recent achievements, is substantial by general industry standards.

The August data takes center stage, revealing an unprecedented profit of $2.156 billion, with $1.954 billion attributed to the international foreign exchange market alone. The reaction from the audience ranges from disbelief to humorous comparisons with the Federal Reserve's money-printing capabilities.

In the midst of the spectacle, Paris Hilton learns from her grandfather, Barron Hilton, that Smith Capital's monthly profit surpasses the annual net profit of Hilton Worldwide, shedding light on the vast wealth generation capability of Abel Smith's company.

As the guests grapple with the inconceivable speed of Smith Capital's wealth accumulation, it becomes evident that Abel's financial prowess has positioned his company as an unparalleled force, drawing attention and admiration, even amid the financial elite on Wall Street.

Surprising the guests in the discussion, many also took notice. Under the exposure of such staggering numbers, none of the high-profile Wall Street giants were as astonished as they appeared. Were they calmer, more self-restraining, and deeper in the city? Not really. These data, intentionally unveiled by Abel beforehand, revealed some vague numbers already held by the attendees.

Smith Capital is now posting it for their scrutiny. As they inspect, they find that the data and figures speculated by their company's elites align closely. However, the more astonishing revelation is yet to come in September, where Smith Capital's profit data reaches $4.16 billion. Among this, the investment profit from long international crude oil is $1.42 billion, and the investment profit in London gold is $25.64 million.

As these figures emerge, the guests' reactions become more animated. After surpassing $4 billion, doubts about the earlier $2 billion data in August dissolve. The decimal point error seems unlikely to recur. Smith Capital's profit for both August and September amounts to over $6 billion.

Speculations rise about Abel's significant expenditure, such as acquiring MGM, unfazed by its over $2 billion debt. The guests, particularly those who invested in the first phase of Smith Capital Private Equity, like Ted Lener and Barron Hilton, are exhilarated.

Their investments, $1 million and $2 million respectively, seem justified by the September profit. The October data, showing a profit of $3.42 billion from shorting international crude oil futures, adds to the awe. In less than five months, Smith Capital earns almost $10 billion, surpassing even Forbes' estimations.

The revelation prompts some guests, like George, to question the currency symbol, wondering if the ten billion refers to Hong Kong dollars. A momentary misunderstanding, swiftly corrected by Steven, highlights the magnitude of Smith Capital's achievements.

The scene transitions to David Mellon, who, after presenting October's profit data, unveils the astounding profit for the first half of November—$71.59 billion. The room falls silent as everyone absorbs the staggering numbers.

David proceeds to share Smith Capital's total profit since its establishment—$17.665 billion. The crowd, including the giants of Wall Street, reacts with numbness and disbelief. David revels in the moment, acknowledging his significant contribution to these achievements. The chapter concludes with anticipation for the upcoming details about the first private placement of Smith Capital and the situation of the first phase of Smith Fund.