The Tyrant Billionaire

Chapter 311: Chapter 311 Barzini's Plan

The old Godfather even reached out to Antonino Stracci, head of the Stracci family, and Philip Tattaglia, head of the Tattaglia family.

One has to admit that the old Godfather was indeed broad minded and shrewd.

He spoke to these families in a similar manner as he did with Lucchese.

The casino could make money.

It could help with the movement of overseas funds.

It could serve as a settlement center for drug transactions.

Many people thought Hardy's plan was excellent. Even if the casino didn't make money, the latter two functions would be enough to justify building it.

Finally, the old Godfather called Barzini.

In fact, before the old Godfather made this call, someone had already informed Barzini about the situation. Barzini was very shocked when he heard.

One has to admit that Hardy's vision was sharp he had spotted the unique potential in Cuba.

A casino that could make money, launder their overseas funds, and even help others launder money. The need for money laundering services wasn't exclusive to their mafia; many wealthy individuals and large capitalists also needed such services.

If this business were done well, it would definitely be highly profitable.

Moreover, Barzini saw Hardy's scheme within this plan. At the previous Mafia Commission meeting, Vito Corleone had proposed allowing the Los Angeles gang to join the commission, and some other families supported it. What did this suggest? It suggested that Hardy was trying to extend his influence into the Mafia Commission.

Hardy was Sigel's protégé, and Barzini had killed Sigel. This made them natural enemies. Hardy was also on good terms with the Corleones, making it impossible for him and Barzini to coexist.

If Hardy were allowed to join the commission, Barzini might not even be able to maintain his current power.

Hardy's Cuban casino plan was similar to his Las Vegas casino plan. In addition to making money, it could bring people together. If all the families started doing business with Hardy, who would oppose him when he proposed other gangs joining the commission again?

Barzini was only the rotating chairman of the commission, serving for just two years at a time, and his role was more like a meeting convener without veto power. Any proposal that received 80% approval would pass.

If Hardy were to win over more people, Barzini believed he would be powerless to stop him from controlling the commission the next time.

As Barzini pondered his strategy, the old Godfather's call came through.

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"Barzini, I want to talk to you about the casino project in Cuba," Vito Corleone said in his hoarse voice, unhurried and calm.

"I'm listening, Vito," Barzini said calmly.

The old Godfather then explained the benefits of opening a casino in Cuba to Barzini. He knew that someone had likely already informed Barzini, but he still had to go through the motions. Both were old foxes, acting out their roles.

But sometimes, this act had to be performed.

After the old Godfather finished talking about the Cuban casino, Barzini said nothing. The two were silent for a few seconds before the old Godfather continued, "Barzini, I think whatever issues we've had in the past were just business, there's nothing we can't move past, don't you think?"

"Hardy's proposal for the Cuban casino is quite good. We can all invest and make money together, and each family can use the casino as a channel to facilitate future transactions much more easily."

"Barzini, Hardy asked me to tell you that he doesn't like conflicts either. He hopes everyone can make money together, rather than constantly draining each other. That would completely contradict the original purpose of forming the commission. What do you think, Barzini?"

Listening to the old Godfather's words, Barzini felt a tightness in his chest.

If he agreed to join this business, it would be as if he were admitting to all the families that he, Barzini, had lost and he had lowered his head to Hardy.

"Vito, I need to think about it," Barzini said.

"Alright, I'll wait for your call," the old Godfather said before hanging up.

The dim table lamp casts light on the desk. Barzini sat in the shadows, with only half of his chin visible, pondering how to respond to this matter.

Building a casino in Cuba.

It was indeed a brilliant idea.

But if Hardy could do it, so could Barzini.

Cuba's current Prime Minister, Fulgencio Batista, was also considered a friend of Barzini's. The United States had a strong influence over Cuba, and Batista had previously lived in the U.S. where he made connections and sought help. That's when Barzini met him.

Barzini realized he could approach Batista to secure land in Cuba to build a casino.

He could even have the government block Hardy's efforts, preventing his casino from ever being completed.

If Barzini could secure the leading role in Cuban casinos and bring other mafia families into the fold, Hardy's Las Vegas casino alliance would collapse instantly, allowing Barzini to regain control of the commission and ensure Hardy will never control it.

The more Barzini thought about it, the more excited he became.

He decided to proceed with the plan.

The next day, Barzini took a flight to Cuba to meet with Batista. The Cuban Prime Minister valued his American friend, knowing that Barzini had some influence in Washington.

When Barzini proposed building a casino in Cuba, Batista expressed his support and even promised to block other forces from entering.

After finalizing everything in Cuba, Barzini flew to Miami to meet with Lucchese.

"Barzini, it's rare for you to visit. Why are you here today?" Lucchese asked, somewhat surprised.

"Lucchese, I came to discuss the Cuban casino with you. I've already met with Batista, and he promised me land and protection for building a casino there. Vito's idea was good, but Hardy's role isn't necessary. We can do it ourselves," Barzini said.

Lucchese was shocked.

He knew about Hardy's Cuban casino plan and had thought it was a brilliant idea. But now Barzini had gotten ahead of him, securing land and support from Batista. If the plan went ahead, Hardy would be completely out of the picture.

Barzini smiled at Lucchese and said, "Lucchese, how could a Mafia family possibly make a move on another Mafia family territory without the commission's approval? Vito and Hardy are destroying the commission's unity."