Chapter 19: The Titans of New York

The next morning.

Lee Jun-hyuk met Leonardo on the deck.

He was leaning against the railing, smoking a cigarette.

“Did you sleep well?”

“Not really. I was restless because of last night’s conversation.”

Leonardo flicked the cigarette into the sea.

“So, you actually know Miss Morgan.”

“I just found out.”

“That’s hard to believe.”

Leonardo’s eyes narrowed sharply.

“It’s too dramatic to be a coincidence. James Morgan’s daughter on the same ship as you.”

“I was surprised too.”

It was true.

Lee Jun-hyuk had not anticipated Catherine’s arrival.

He had no clue what James Morgan was preparing.

“Shall we have breakfast?”

Leonardo headed to the restaurant.

Catherine was already seated at the table.

She was elegantly sipping tea while reading a newspaper.

“Good morning, gentlemen.”

Catherine smiled.

“May I join you?”

Leonardo hesitated for a moment, then sat down.

The three of them made for an unusual combination.

People with different perspectives sat at the same table.

“What brings Miss Morgan to New York?”

Leonardo asked.

“I’m studying economics at Columbia University.”

“Economics, for a woman?”

“The times are changing.”

Catherine glanced at Lee Jun-hyuk.

“I heard you majored in economics as well, Mr. Lee.”

“That’s right.”

“Then let’s talk later. I’d like to hear your thoughts on recent economic trends.”

Leonardo looked between the two.

His gaze was calculating.

“By the way, is James Morgan healthy?”

“Grandfather? Not like he used to be, but he’s still firm.”

Catherine’s expression darkened momentarily.

“That’s actually why I decided to help with this matter. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Grandfather so passionate.”

“What matter?”

Leonardo quickly asked.

“Oh, it’s just family business.”

Catherine shifted the topic.

But Leonardo already sensed it.

James Morgan was preparing something big.

After breakfast, Catherine called Lee Jun-hyuk.

“Shall we take a walk?”

The two stepped onto the deck.

The sea was calm, and the weather was bright.

“Leonardo is watching us closely.”

Catherine smiled softly.

“He seems sensitive.”

“Because he’s Escobar’s right-hand man.”

“I heard Escobar is targeting you, Mr. Lee.”

Catherine’s tone turned serious.

“Grandfather was very worried. That’s probably why he made such a big decision.”

“May I ask what decision?”

“I don’t know the details. But…”

Catherine lowered her voice.

“At least, it has something to do with the Rockefeller family.”

Lee Jun-hyuk’s heart pounded.

Rockefeller.

America’s greatest oil tycoon and the master of the financial empire.

If such a figure got involved, the game could change entirely.

“Why Rockefeller…?”

“Grandfather once worked with Mr. Rockefeller in his youth. Looks like those ties remain.”

The wind blew.

Catherine’s hair fluttered.

She tidied it with her hand and said,

“Mr. Lee, prepare yourself. Things beyond imagination will happen in New York.”

***

The afternoon of the third day.

At last, New York Harbor came into view.

The Statue of Liberty stood tall in the distance.

By 1918, New York had already risen as the center of the global economy.

“Finally, we’ve arrived.”

Leonardo stood beside him.

“Mr. Lee, where will you be heading?”

“Thanks to Mr. Morgan, I’m going there.”

“I see. I need to go to Escobar’s New York office.”

Leonardo handed over his business card.

“Here’s my contact. I’ll be staying in New York for a few days, so reach out if you need anything.”

It was an unexpected move.

Lee Jun-hyuk took the card, looking into Leonardo’s eyes.

Complex emotions were hidden there.

“Thank you.”

“Oh, and one more thing…”

Leonardo lowered his voice.

“Be careful even in New York. Escobar’s reach extends this far.”

The ship docked at the harbor.

While preparing to disembark, Catherine approached.

“Grandfather must have sent a carriage. Let’s go together.”

The three parted ways.

Leonardo disappeared in a black carriage, while Lee Jun-hyuk and Catherine climbed into the Morgan family carriage.

“Long time no see, New York?”

Catherine asked.

“Yes, three months.”

“It must have changed a lot. The city is growing rapidly after the war.”

The carriage raced through Manhattan.

Tall buildings soared toward the sky.

The streets were crowded with people, and cars began to appear.

After about an hour?

The carriage stopped in front of a mansion near Central Park.

“Grandfather!”

Catherine jumped out first.

James Morgan stood at the entrance.

He looked thinner than three months ago, but his gaze remained sharp.

“Lee Jun-hyuk.”

Morgan extended his hand.

“Welcome. I’ve been waiting.”

“It’s been a while, Mr. Morgan.”

“Come inside first. There’s much to discuss.”

The mansion was splendid.

But Lee Jun-hyuk’s attention was elsewhere.

There were unfamiliar faces waiting in the living room.

“Let me introduce.”

Morgan pointed to a man.

“George Howard. Vice president of Standard Oil.”

Lee Jun-hyuk nearly lost his breath.

Standard Oil.

Founded by Rockefeller, it was one of the largest corporations in America.

“Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Lee.”

Howard extended his hand.

“I’ve heard much about you from Morgan. Apparently, you’re doing remarkable things in Cuba.”

“You flatter me.”

“Not at all.”

Another man spoke.

“Vanderbilt. Representative of Vanderbilt Shipping.”

Another titan.

The Vanderbilt family was one of the wealthiest in America through railroads and shipping.

“And this is…”

Morgan introduced the last person.

“Frank Gould. The last heir of the Gould family.”

Son of Jay Gould, the financial kingpin.

Lee Jun-hyuk felt dizzy.

Combined, the wealth of those in the room exceeded sixty percent of all of Cuba.

“Please, have a seat, Mr. Lee.”

Howard gestured.

“You must be wondering why we gathered.”

Lee Jun-hyuk nodded.

“It’s simple. We’re looking for new investors. And Morgan strongly recommended you.”

“I only run a small farm.”

“A small farm?”

Gould laughed.

“It’s quite something to have acquired three farms in just three months.”

Vanderbilt pulled out a cigar.

“To put it bluntly, we’re interested in the Cuban sugar market.”

“Aren’t many American capitals already invested there?”

“That’s true. But most are tied to Escobar.”

Howard explained.

“We want independent partners. Someone who can counterbalance Escobar’s monopoly.”

Lee Jun-hyuk cautiously asked.

“Why me?”

“Morgan vouched for you.”

James Morgan interjected.

“In forty years of business, I’ve seen countless people, but you’re the first young man with this much potential.”

It was praise, but their eyes were serious.

Not just flattery, but a calculated assessment.

“What exactly are you proposing?”

“We want to form a joint investment company.”

Gould pulled out documents.

“Tentatively called American Sugar Trading Company. We’ll start with initial capital of five million dollars.”

Five million dollars.

An enormous sum.

With that money, dozens of large farms in Cuba could be bought.

“What would you have me do?”

“Handle local operations. Acquisition of farms, production management, relations with the local government.”

Howard added,

“We’ve heard you know the field well and, more importantly, have the trust of the workers. That’s your greatest asset.”

“What about the shares?”

“We’ll give you thirty percent.”

Vanderbilt spoke.

“And 0.60 voting rights as well. We’ll support you adequately in this society.”

Thirty percent was an extraordinary offer.

Along with management rights.

“But…”

Lee Jun-hyuk took a deep breath.

“Escobar won’t stand still. He doesn’t tolerate competition.”

“That’s why we need you.”

Gould smiled coldly.

“No matter how much Escobar is king of Cuba, before New York capital, he’s just a provincial lord.”

It was a bold statement but true.

Their influence surpassed imagination.

They could move politicians, media, financial markets—everyone.

“Give me some time.”

“How much do you need?”

“One day is enough.”

In truth, his mind was already made up.

But accepting too quickly might make him seem weak.

And he needed time to think alone.

“Very well. Let’s meet again tomorrow evening.”

Howard stood.

“Oh, and Mr. Lee, let me assure you—we’re not just people with money.”

He rang a bell.

A butler came in with a newspaper.

Today’s New York Times.

“Look at the economic section.”

Lee Jun-hyuk opened the paper.

The article mirrored exactly what he had told Leonardo.

“This is…”

“The power of information.”

Howard said.

“When we move, the market follows. Sugar prices can only go up now.”

It was chilling.

They weren’t merely predicting the market; they were shaping the desired future.

“Tomorrow, then.”

One by one, the titans left.

Only James Morgan and Lee Jun-hyuk remained in the living room.

Morgan spoke slowly.

“Surprised?”

“Honestly, yes.”

“I had the same experience when I was young. When I first saw the real power that moves the world…”

Morgan looked out the window.

The sunset dyed New York’s buildings in golden light.

“But be careful. They can be good partners, but they could swallow you whole anytime.”

“I know.”

“Do you really?”

Morgan turned to Lee Jun-hyuk.

His eyes were filled with worry.

“They have no emotions. Only numbers and profits matter. The moment you become useless…”

“You’ll be discarded.”

“Still, will you accept?”

Lee Jun-hyuk thought for a moment.

It was a dangerous game.

But to stand against Escobar, such risks had to be taken.

“There’s no other choice.”

“There is.”

Morgan pulled an envelope from his coat.

“Take this.”

Inside were checks.

One hundred thousand dollars.

“Mr. Morgan…”

“This is my personal investment. Separate from the company—I want to help you.”

Lee Jun-hyuk’s chest burned.

This old man genuinely cared.

Not for profit, but out of affection.

“I’ll take it.”

“No need. But…”

Morgan placed a hand on Lee Jun-hyuk’s shoulder.

“Survive. And protect the values you believe in. Don’t sell your soul for mere money.”

It was a heavy charge.

“I promise.”

“Catherine will have dinner ready tonight. Go and eat together.”

“Yes.”

On the way to the dining room, Morgan asked,

“By the way, that Leonardo fellow—is he trustworthy?”

“I don’t know yet.”

“Coming here with an enemy’s subordinate was risky.”

“But sometimes, keeping your enemies close is safer.”

Morgan nodded.

“Good thinking. If you can turn him to our side.”

“I intend to try.”

At the dining table, Catherine was waiting.

“You’re late. The food is getting cold.”

“Sorry.”

Watching the conversation between grandfather and daughter, Lee Jun-hyuk briefly relaxed.

Family.

A warm meal.

Ordinary life.

But it was only temporary.

Tomorrow, he would return to the battlefield.

“Mr. Lee, why do you look so serious?”

Catherine asked.

“Oh, nothing.”

“Pff~ That’s a lie.”

Catherine laughed.

“Grandfather does the same. His face is exactly like that when he thinks about business.”

“Catherine.”

Morgan shook his head.

“We agreed no work talk during meals, remember?”

“Okay.”

But Catherine’s eyes still sparkled with curiosity.

After the meal, Lee Jun-hyuk was shown to his guest room.

“If you need anything, ring the bell anytime.”

The butler bowed politely and left.

Alone, fatigue overwhelmed him.

Lying on the bed, he stared at the ceiling.

The weight of the decision he had to make tomorrow pressed down on his shoulders.

Then, there was a knock on the door.

“Mr. Lee? It’s me, Catherine.”

Opening the door, she was holding a tray.

“Warm milk. I thought you might not sleep.”

“Thank you.”

“Let’s drink it on the balcony. The night air is nice.”

They went out onto the balcony.

New York’s nightscape stretched before them.

Lights twinkled like stars.

“Grandfather really is stingy.”

Catherine said.

“I’ve never seen him with that expression, except when you talk.”

“You’re receiving too much attention.”

“Not at all.”

Catherine looked at Lee Jun-hyuk.

“Grandfather has a keen eye for people. If he recognized you, there must be a reason.”

It was warm encouragement.

“Thank you.”

“Good luck tomorrow.”

Catherine stood.

“Oh, and be careful of Leonardo. He’s probably watching this side from the hotel.”

“How did you know?”

“Women’s intuition.”

Catherine winked and went inside.

Left alone, Lee Jun-hyuk drank the milk.

Tomorrow would decide his fate.

But strangely, his heart was calm.

More than fear, there was hope.

“I can do this.”

Under New York’s starry sky, Lee Jun-hyuk quietly made his resolve.