But Leo's younger cousins didn't understand all the adult subtleties.
When they saw the big bags of gifts in Walt's hands, they squealed in delight, kissing Leo on the cheek while snatching the gifts from Carter and tearing them open.
Leo was only here for the formality of a visit, with no interest in flaunting his success to his uncle.
Ignoring the increasingly awkward look on his uncle's face, he was about to say a few polite words and leave.
At that moment, a man barged in, talking loudly and rapidly.
He paused for a moment at the sight of such a lively scene, especially when he spotted the 6-foot-3 hulk Walt behind Leo, a flicker of wariness in his eyes.
But those shrewd eyes quickly shifted and locked onto Leo, clearly recognizing him as the star of the room.
"Hey, brother. Name's Tony Vallelonga—it's a mouthful, so call me Tony Lip,"
he said, pointing at Leo's aunt.
"That's my aunt, so it looks like we're kin.
You're doing well—got any work you can hook me up with?
I talk a lot, sure, but I'm damn reliable on the job."
Leo had seen a lot of familiar faces from old movies over the years. This Tony Lip looked very much like Viggo Mortensen from his past life's Lord of the Rings memories.
But unlike the handsome, noble Aragorn, this man was nothing but greasy charm—everything in his movements and tone reeked of hustle.
Leo didn't care for it. Even though this guy clearly had his uses, Leo didn't need someone like him right now.
He gave the kids a wave and motioned to Walt that it was time to leave.
Just as he was about to get in the car, his uncle hurried over with his oldest son, Lucas, in tow.
Gone was any pretense of dignity, his face was full of pleading.
"Leo, for the sake of our family all these years, help Lucas.
I know you've made it, and he's not like me. He's a good kid. He shouldn't waste his life in this slum."
Leo was about the same age as Lucas. Though their personalities were very different, they'd always gotten along well.
As the eldest kids in their families, they'd both shared the responsibility of looking after their siblings, often helping each other out.
Leo saw Lucas's clean, earnest eyes and said to his uncle:
"I'm not doing it for you—but for Lucas. Get in, Lucas."
Lynchburg Town Hall Conference Room.
The new session of the Lynchburg Seven-Man Council was meeting.
Although it was called the Seven-Man Council, only six members were present.
The manager from Lockheed Martin's Lynchburg factory wasn't there. He'd called in to say he was abstaining on all votes.
It was a silent protest.
The others present, apart from Leo's familiar allies Desmond, Michael, and Dick, included a few other recognizable figures.
There was the Dean of Lynchburg College, and this election's true dark horse—unexpectedly elected President of the Small Farmers' Association, Cage.
Lastly there was Chrysler, the Deputy Mayor sent from Campbell County—a man the Lynchburg factions usually excluded and ignored.
They'd reached consensus on many agenda items already.
Now they were discussing post-disaster management of the Jones Real Estate fire site.
The topic had dragged on, the mood getting increasingly heated.
Desmond finally closed the file and said firmly:
"We'll go with Councilman Michael's proposal: the town will back a loan with its credit.
All of Jones Real Estate's remaining assets and the fire site restoration will be fully entrusted to Lynchburg Construction Company."
Desmond, usually the nice guy, suddenly going hard shocked Chrysler into silence.
Chrysler shot Cage a look—it was their planned obstruction.
One of them wanted to revive his family's fortunes; the other wanted to break into town politics and grab a share.
They'd struck a deal to coordinate.
Chrysler's look clearly said I charged first. Now it's your turn.
Cage spoke up:
"Won't this make Lynchburg Construction too dominant—just like Jones Real Estate used to be?
One day we might see another unimaginable disaster. I think—"
But he didn't get to finish before Dick cut him off rudely.
Dick sneered at him:
"I don't care what you think. On this matter, Lynchburg's banks will only lend to Lynchburg Construction.
Mr. Mayor, there's no need to debate further. Let's vote."
The result was obvious: two abstentions, two opposed, three in favor.
Motion passed.
Desmond ignored their sour expressions and took out the last agenda folder.
"Finally, these two proposals were submitted by Lynchburg's well-known social activist and entrepreneur, Mr. Leo Valentino.
One is for new urban housing development to solve local housing shortages.
The other is Lynchburg's long-term plan for developing as a historic and cultural tourism town."
"That's nearly ten million dollars in projects! Our town budget can't cover that even with credit-backed loans."
the deputy mayor interjected.
"Read the proposal carefully—it's a ten-year development plan.
About a million dollars of investment each year," Michael explained.
"Such big projects shouldn't just be handed to Lynchburg Construction alone!"
Cage said testily—he clearly wanted a piece.
Dick gave the would-be spoiler a scornful look and said:
"With idiots like this, we'll be debating till Christmas.
Let's vote."
Same result as before.
"You're tyrants! You're betraying American freedom and democracy in this sacred chamber, selling out the town's interests.
I'll expose you all,"
Cage shouted, slamming his chair and storming out.
The deputy mayor just chuckled:
"I'll be asking Campbell County to formally review this resolution."
At Leo's Lynchburg villa, in his study,
Leo was reviewing the local business reports.
Phase one of the Gospel Community was complete.
Phase two had bank support and was breaking ground on 50 houses simultaneously.
All the indoor renovation projects in town were nearly finished.
Customer satisfaction rate? Ninety percent.
The Lynchburg Hotel project was topped out and was undergoing interior decoration.
Overall management in Lynchburg was now in Shawn's hands, with Charlie assisting.
Meanwhile, the grocery business was aggressively expanding thanks to an innovative procurement model.
With Ricardo and Walker Walton's help, the grocery brand had spread, opening branches in five other towns in Campbell County.
All five stores?
Not a cent of Leo's own money—entirely financed with bank loans!
And Walker brought even more good news.
Using Franklin's supply channels, he'd secured deals with fifteen manufacturers.
Bulk sales were about to begin.