Chapter 79

The Aspirations of Roosevelt and Charlie Lee

Last time, Charlie Lee conducted a thorough investigation on Franklin D. Roosevelt. The governor's reputation was undoubtedly golden.

From his time at Harvard to Columbia Law School, Roosevelt's rise in politics was meteoric. At the young age of 28, he was elected to the New York State Senate. By 30, he was already serving in office. At 31, he was appointed Assistant Secretary of the Navy by President Woodrow Wilson, a position he held for seven years.

At 37, Roosevelt ran as the vice-presidential candidate alongside James Cox in a failed bid for the White House. Then tragedy struck: at 38, he was diagnosed with poliomyelitis, paralyzing his lower body.

But even that setback couldn't defeat him. Roosevelt remained active in politics, a determined figure within the Democratic Party. With the support of his wife, Eleanor Roosevelt, who often represented him publicly, he managed to bridge the divide between urban and rural factions of the Democratic Party. His relentless efforts made it clear he was planning something bigger.

Having served closely under President Wilson, Roosevelt was heavily influenced by his mentor. He had campaigned vigorously for Wilson's League of Nations program, even at the expense of his vice-presidential aspirations. As a result, he inherited significant political clout within the Democratic Party.

The Roosevelt name carried weight beyond politics. Their influence within the Republican Party was not negligible, and their family wealth rivaled some of the largest consortia in America. Properties in Manhattan between 22nd and 46th Streets, sprawling from Fifth Avenue to the Hudson River, were mostly owned by the Roosevelt family. Other American cities featured similar holdings, including hotels and bustling commercial streets.

Moreover, Roosevelt had already proven his ability to win public favor, as evidenced by his recent triumph in the New York gubernatorial race. Regarding his disability, his campaign had addressed it head-on: "A governor need not be an acrobat. He is chosen not for physical feats but for mental work and dedication to serving the people."

Such speeches, paired with Roosevelt's unyielding optimism, resonated deeply with a populace suffering through challenging times. It was this connection with the people that made his political future promising.

When they reached a quiet corner of the reception area, Roosevelt openly revealed his ambitions.

"Yes, I'm building a campaign team," he said, his tone leaving no room for doubt.

"Need any help?" Charlie Lee asked.

"Your Republican friends might not appreciate that," Roosevelt chuckled.

"It seems I need to remind you—I'm an independent, am I not?" Charlie replied with subtle intent.

Roosevelt smiled knowingly, "Is that good fortune or misfortune?"

"Who can say?" Charlie met his gaze with a meaningful smile, raising his glass. "To our friendship, cheers!"

"Do you have a plan?" Roosevelt asked, his curiosity piqued.

"No," Charlie said, spreading his hands. After a pause, he added, "But I do have a think tank under my name. They could be of assistance."

"A brain full of wisdom?" Roosevelt remarked with a twinkle of amusement.

"Yes, and they'll help you win," Charlie replied confidently.

"No, us," Roosevelt corrected with a wise smile, raising his glass.

Charlie felt a sense of relief. Roosevelt was an influential ally, and Charlie had few cards to play against him.

The Roosevelt family's vast wealth and reputation made them formidable players. From real estate to political influence, their reach extended far and wide.

Instead of offering campaign donations, Charlie placed his think tank on the table as a bargaining chip. The reputation of "Club 22" and its success in financial markets had made it the talk of the upper echelons of society. Naturally, Roosevelt had heard of it.

"In the near future, I'll arrange for someone to reach out to you. If it's inconvenient, you can register by mail," Charlie said with casual assurance.

"No, I want to see it for myself," Roosevelt insisted.

Charlie nodded, knowing he couldn't refuse. As they returned to the banquet hall, laughing and chatting, Mayor Carl approached them.

"Charlie, when will we finalize our contract?" Carl asked, referring to the Aegis division.

Charlie's recent expansion plans had drawn considerable attention, especially his recruitment spree in neighboring states.

"I'll handle it tomorrow. I haven't yet reviewed the lawyer's updates," Charlie said.

"That lawyer of yours is tough to deal with," Carl remarked with a hint of frustration.

"You're not paying her—that's why," Charlie replied smugly.

Just then, Frances called out, "Charlie, come here! I want to introduce you to someone." Standing next to Frances was a tall, thin man with kind eyes and a friendly smile.

"This is White. I think you've heard of him. He's just been elected governor of Illinois—a rising star of our Republican Party," Frances said with enthusiasm.

"Charlie Lee, your name precedes you," White said, extending his hand.

"Please, call me Charlie. That's what my friends do," Charlie replied, offering a friendly handshake.

"I'll leave you two to talk. I'm off to invite a lady for a dance," Frances said with a wink.

"Charlie, congratulations on the opening of McDonald's. I've tried it myself—the food's excellent," White said warmly.

"Thank you! My team will be thrilled to hear that," Charlie replied.

"I've heard rumors about your plans to relocate industries," White said, cutting to the chase.

"I'm aligning with the industry's future needs, but nothing is set in stone," Charlie replied tactfully.

"Good, that's reassuring," White said, half-jokingly, half-seriously. The loss of jobs or investments during his term would be a significant blow.

White turned the conversation to taxes. "Is there any trouble on that front?"

"Not much for my companies, but my personal income taxes are a bit of a headache," Charlie admitted.

"We're negotiating state legislation. I'll ensure job creation and charitable tax credits are on the agenda," White promised.

"I don't want my friends in trouble," Charlie said with feigned concern.

"Don't worry. It's no problem at all," White reassured him.

Afterward, the evening was filled with dancing, laughter, and whispered plans. Though Charlie struggled on the dance floor, his partner, Bergman, laughed warmly.

"You're doing fine. Don't be so hard on yourself," she said.

"Laugh again, and I'll ensure tonight is unforgettable," Charlie teased.

"Oh? How unforgettable?" Bergman asked with a sly smile.

"Well, let's make it more exciting," Charlie said as they disappeared into the VIP lounge on the second floor, overlooking the garden below.

The night was enchanting, and amidst the laughter and allure, spring seemed to bloom indoors, even as winter claimed the world outside.