"That's right, boss. Apart from the $300,000 gift you gave at the Senator's banquet,
when Kent returned to Washington, he donated $500,000 to Vice Director Hu's foundation.
Kent's share was $100,000, and his team's total donation was $100,000.
Additionally, he brought back $500,000 as operational proceeds.
Jonathan and the police contributed $50,000.
As for Jones Real Estate's assets, as you instructed, they were divided among Daniel and others."
Leo nodded and asked, "Has the Lieutenant Governor's election committee been disbanded?"
"As far as I know, no,"
Tucson answered.
"Donate $50,000."
Tucson looked troubled and said,
"Donating money isn't a problem, but boss, you should take a look at the tax form below."
Flipping to the next page, Leo's face showed disbelief as he saw the tax return provided by Edward.
"Spring taxes? I need to pay over $1.4 million in taxes?"
"Exactly, boss. This has already accounted for all the tax deductions Edward could calculate."
Edward's form was comprehensive, and at the bottom, Leo saw the taxes he needed to pay before receiving Patrick's assets:
$150,000.
With the current cash flow, plus the remaining $500,000 from Patrick, Leo had only $750,000.
This was just over half of the required tax payment.
"Edward has been having too much fun lately, so he couldn't make it.
He asked me to let you know, he recommends donating $150,000 to the Lynchburg Veterans Assistance Association.
This would save you 40% of your taxes, or $560,000.
Also, the $400,000 in state taxes could be reduced based on your investments within the state, down to only $100,000.
The remaining $540,000 could be eligible for tax incentives and paid off over three years.
If all the reductions are applied, you only need to pay $180,000 in taxes this year.
So, boss, should we still donate?"
No wonder the wealthy in his past life always tried to avoid taxes.
Leo, who had just started feeling some financial freedom, felt the sting of the invisible knife cutting into his flesh.
But he knew he couldn't let small losses derail bigger plans.
Gritting his teeth, Leo said, "The donation must be made, but let's hold off on the Lynchburg Veterans Assistance Association donation for now.
Since we're in Richmond, we should be establishing the Virginia Veterans Association."
Richmond, Three Saints Hospital.
In a hospital room, Herbert slowly opened his eyes.
His memory was still stuck at the moment when he opened the box.
So instinctively, he shouted:
"My money!"
"Your money is gone,"
Sullivan, head of the Gurian family, said coldly.
As his awareness gradually returned, looking into his father's cold eyes, Herbert cautiously asked:
"How long have I been unconscious?"
"Long enough for the Gurian family to fall!"
University of Virginia.
The SAT exam, delayed for nearly six months, was being held there.
This year's exam was different from previous years with prominent figures.
This year, some very unique individuals were taking the exam.
Many veterans wearing old military uniforms scratched their heads nervously during the exam.
Afterward, most of the veterans looked downcast.
In contrast, Leo and his team walked in confidently, heads held high, looking relaxed as if they had already aced the exam.
Of the 20 people in the prep class, aside from William and Walter, who had only studied for a month, the others felt confident about their performance.
Their unique demeanor caught the attention of many veterans.
"Hey, guys, you all look like you did well. Can you share some tips?"
One friendly person asked.
With his question, others began to gather around.
"As long as you join the Veterans Association, you get free tutoring,"
Daniel replied.
"Tutoring?"
It was to teach knowledge needed to pass the SAT.
"That's great! How can we join?"
"We're just the Lynchburg Veterans Association, the Virginia Veterans Association is still being established, but you can keep an eye on the newspaper for updates."
From then on, the Veterans Assistance Association was deeply imprinted in the minds of these veterans, who were eager to change their fate through college.
Richmond Crown Hotel
"So, should I call you 'Limping Herbert' now?"
Governor's son Eddie said mockingly, as Herbert hobbled awkwardly.
"You're embarrassing yourself, but I did help you out in some ways, so you don't need to take it out on me."
Herbert's inner anger flared, but he knew this wasn't the right time to confront Eddie.
He used his cane to laboriously walk to the armchair and slumped down.
His forehead was covered in sweat because each step was painful.
The doctor had told him he needed to rest for another month or two.
But when Herbert learned that Leo had resolved Patrick's issue in a month and even climbed the political ladder with Senator Thomas's support, he couldn't wait any longer.
Aside from his leg, Herbert's back was covered in whip marks, a punishment from his father, Sullivan, for going against the family's rules.
Herbert had lost a million dollars, and because of his own mess, the family had suffered tremendous losses.
Herbert blamed it all on Leo, and his subconscious told him that he could no longer afford to give Leo time to grow.
"Now, the whole of Richmond knows we've been played by a country bumpkin,"
Herbert said to Eddie.
"That's between you and Ben, not me,"
Eddie replied.
"It doesn't matter. Everyone knows we're the ones serving you.
We've lost face because of you.
I believe the governor hasn't paid attention to you for a long time.
He's always thought you weren't a fit heir.
I believe he thinks that even more now,"
Herbert's words hit Eddie right in the sore spot.
Eddie, who had been sneering, stood up angrily and said to Herbert:
"If you're trying to provoke me into hitting you,
then let me tell you, you've succeeded."
Just as Eddie raised his fist, Herbert quickly said:
"I'm not into self-punishment.
I'm just here to give you a suggestion—shouldn't you get up where you fell?"
"You mean?"
"From what I know, Leo has come to Richmond, and this is our turf.
It's time to show that country bumpkin what Richmond's waters are really like."
Eddie, feeling annoyed, said:
"You think I haven't planned that, but my father won't allow me to disrupt party unity at this critical moment!"
Herbert replied:
"He's using Morton's family name. We can't exert pressure using the government.
It's not easy to suppress him openly, like you said, the governor wouldn't approve.
But Morton's family name doesn't cover everything.
If he can't run his business and can't meet Senator Thomas's expectations,
the glow of Morton's name will eventually fade."
Herbert's words piqued Eddie's interest.
"Go on."
"For example, I've heard that he's planning to apply to the University of Virginia.
As an outstanding student from UVA, you could add much excitement to his academic journey.
That would distract him.
Also, relying on Senator Morton's protection, he has pushed his business into Richmond.
I think it's time to show him how deep Richmond's waters really are.
Some lawless people should help us weaken them."
Herbert said.
"You're talking about using those Irish people? My father's always wanted to cut ties with them. Won't that…"
Eddie hesitated.
"Paper is discarded once used."