In America, the winner takes all.

Chapter 322 The reason for victory

"Who will be sent to negotiate with Ovitz?" Ethan asked.

After all, this kind of matter involves a large amount of money and needs to be handled with caution. Ethan feels that the BDW (Bush-Davis-Walker) family will send an elder who can speak well to negotiate with Olds.

"George Herbert Walker III, my biological father," Catherine mentioned on the phone.

Her tone sounded cold. She had never met this person before, and he had never visited Catherine before. Of course, her tone was not much better.

"As well as Doug Melvin, the current general manager of the Rangers, who will provide input and advice as a special advisor to the family." Katherine continued.

The future leader of the foolish son just sold his shares in the Rangers last year. Although he has completely withdrawn from the team, everyone knows that this professional baseball team from MLB and the family still maintain a close relationship. Inextricably linked.

One example can prove that in order to build a new home stadium for the Rangers in Texas, the city of Arlington actually passed a bill to increase the consumption tax by 0.5%, and the city of Arlington commissioned the management rights of the stadium that was built by asking local people to sell iron. It was given to a little-known local company, and sure enough, the stadium fell into a dilemma of continuous losses. Well, it was all a coincidence.

"And I, the lawyer in Harken Energy's legal department, am responsible for handling the legal risks involved in the transaction and ensuring the family's rights and interests." Catherine said.

Harken Energy (HKN, Inc.) is an energy company in name, but it does not own oil fields, nor is it involved in refining, and it has very few employees. The company's main business is to provide clean energy solutions with extremely low cost performance.

But this company's business is very good.

The reason is that, by coincidence, Texas has been vigorously promoting wind power generation since 1994. Power generation companies are required to purchase wind power quotas. This has made Texas the leading wind power generation state in the country. This is really a great achievement, and environmentalists are expected to be happy.

If you dig deeper, you can also find that the company paid a consulting fee to a board member every year from 1986 to 1993.

Of course, this is also just a coincidence.

"It doesn't look like I need to go with you." Ethan felt relieved. The other party sent such a three-person inspection team, which is enough to show that they take this matter seriously.

"Originally, you were also on the list, but I said that you need to train before the Super Bowl, and I'm afraid I don't have time." Catherine said.

"Where are you going to meet?"

“Crawford Farms Local Texas.”

These men owned large farms throughout the country, such as the famous "Walker's Point," of which the Crawford farm was one.

"Finally, Ethan, don't reveal any news before this matter is finalized. Listen to...my father's point, the premise for the family to participate in this matter is that you must leave the Cowboys. Regarding this, I have raised objections , I don’t want your career to suffer, but they always persist,” Catherine said.

Ethan had not disclosed to her the series of actions of Old Jones before. From her perspective, she obviously felt that it was safest for Ethan to stay with the Cowboys for the time being. Who knew what the new team would develop into.

"Actually, there is no need for me to stay in the Cowboys..." Ethan only told Catherine about the whole thing at this time.

"WHAT??" came the exclamation from Catherine.

"Why didn't you tell me about such a big thing?"

"Where are you now?" Catherine asked immediately.

"In a hotel in Dallas, I'm fine."

"I'm going to call my uncle now! Let him warn old Jones to calm down!" Catherine's tone immediately became cold. If anyone dared to do something unexpected to Ethan, she would kill him.

The uncle she was talking about was the former commander-in-chief, who wrote her a letter of recommendation back then. In fact, he was the one who fought against all the odds to readmit Catherine. As for her father... he did not speak out on this matter.

"There is no need to do this for the time being... In short, if I need your help, I will call you at any time."

Ethan reassured.

He is not arrogant. After all, Catherine is still a marginal figure in the huge family. It is an unexpected surprise for the family to meet Ovitz so quickly.

"Okay, you have to be careful. Once things come to light, I will let the family handle your transfer!" Catherine took a step back.

"no problem."

"Where's the cheerleader? Is she with you?" Catherine asked next.

Ethan raised his eyes, looked at Kelsey who was lying on the bed and looked up at him, and nodded.

"She was just kicked out of the DCC and is now staying with me."

"Put her on the phone."

Kelsey shook her head repeatedly and finally had to take the phone.

"Hello... ma'am," Kelsey said timidly.

The room was actually very quiet, and every word of Ethan and Catherine's conversation fell into Kelsey's ears.

Now Kelsey knows who is behind Catherine. It is a towering tree with deep roots in this country, and she is also somewhat afraid of Catherine.

In her imagination, Catherine was most likely a serious middle-aged woman, her hair was meticulously combed, and she would point out the clothes she wore, even more harshly than her mother.

But when she really heard Catherine's voice, she realized that the other person was not much older than her, and he was exactly the same age.

"We have all reached a critical moment, and there is no room for error in the next few days. He must win the Super Bowl. Take care of Ethan, and take care of yourself." Catherine's tone was soft, even a little bit pleading.

Both Ovitz and the family hope that Ethan can win the Super Bowl. As a quarterback, there is a huge difference between winning a Super Bowl and not winning one.

It can even be said that as long as Ethan wins the Super Bowl championship, the new team will definitely receive enthusiastic attention at the beginning of its establishment. This will increase the willingness of both parties and greatly speed up negotiations.

"Of course, I will take good care of Ethan." Kelsey nodded immediately in response.

"I have to leave for Crawford immediately and I can't meet you... Do you know what Ethan likes to eat the most?" Catherine asked.

"You should...know." Kelsey was a little unsure.

Next, Katherine and Kelsey began to explain some things in detail, which lasted even longer than the previous exchange between Ethan and Katherine.

After Catherine hung up the phone, Kelsey blankly handed the phone back to Ethan.

I don't remember most of them.

"Katherine knows you too well, right?" Kelsey couldn't help laughing.

Ethan began to explain, talking about his experiences in earlier years.

"Sisters who grew up together, no wonder." Kelsey recalled Catherine's tone just now, and indeed regarded Ethan as her younger brother, and continued: "Then how did she establish contact with...them?"

"This is a coincidence. Almost all the main members of their family graduated from Yale University, including Catherine's father, where she met the younger generations of the family." Ethan said.

He had insisted on letting Catherine enter Yale University, which was the cause of all this.

The Skeleton Brotherhood at Yale is, to exaggerate, their family gathering.

"Yale?" Kelsey stuck out her tongue.

When she graduated from high school, she also applied to Yale University, so she knew how difficult it was to get into this university. I couldn't help but admire Catherine in my heart.

"What about other people, such as Grace and the big star Charlize I met last time? Tell me your stories." Kelsey's curiosity was out of control and she continued to ask.

"If I had to tell it from the beginning, this story might be a bit long..." Ethan said.

"What about your college career? The Crimsonettes at the University of Alabama are so famous. I remember there were many beauties in the Crimsonettes at the same time as you."

"Well... ahem, McKenna, the captain of the Crimsonettes, was with me at the time, but later she stayed at the University of Alabama to become a full-time graduate student, studying for a master's degree in education."

Kelsey had an "I knew it" look on her face.

"Tell me the truth, do you have a soft spot for the cheerleader?" Kelsey blinked.

Then you think of me too simply, this is just a basic requirement. Ethan said in his heart.

"Wait..." Kelsey suddenly thought of something.

"Why not let this McKenna join the cheerleading team of the new team?" Kelsi subconsciously said.

This reminded Ethan.

I actually forgot about the new team's cheerleading team. Like the team, the cheerleading team also needs to recruit members from scratch.

"This suggestion can be adopted, but the number of people is still not enough. Captain Kelsey, this glorious task will be left to you." Ethan looked at Kelsey.

"Where can I find someone?"

"Go wherever you are most familiar with," Ethan reminded.

It is not convenient for me to go to DCC, but Kelsey is different. According to this idea, McKenna can also contact the Crimsonettes, and even ask Sarah to call a group of actresses under her to come over for occasional guest appearances, including Playboy Playmates, and even... in the modeling circle The Holy Trinity of Brazil can also be pulled over! This will completely detonate public opinion and throw away the existing NFL cheerleaders, including DCC.

But these are things that will happen later. The most important thing is to use this period of time to let Kelsey poach more people.

"Remember, our confidence lies in treatment, including current treatment and future development potential." Ethan mentioned the important point to Kelsey.

"I can give it a try, but there's no guarantee of success." Kelsey laughed.

·

There is a small town called "Crawford" within the jurisdiction of McLennan County in central Texas. The town is part of the Waco metropolitan area. According to statistics, there are only 887 people in the town.

Since the 20s, racial segregation in the United States has been gradually dismantled, which directly led to a large number of white residents beginning to move out of the city and settle in the suburbs and small towns of the city. Gradually spreading from cities such as Cleveland, Detroit, Kansas City and Oakland to the whole country, this migration phenomenon is vividly called the "white crowd", which is why most black people are now concentrated in the city centers of big cities, starting from the city centers of big cities such as San Francisco. The underlying causes of decline are rife with violence.

Crawford is a product of the "white crowd" phenomenon. There are so many small, uninhabited places in the Midwest that they will never be marked on maps, but just two years later, they will be known in another way. Familiar.

Seven miles north of town, there is a 1-acre ranch called Prairie Church Farm. The four honey-colored limestone buildings on the farm were designed by an architecture professor at the University of Texas at Austin. In the future, it will receive more than 583 international dignitaries, so it is known as the "White House in the West".

Catherine was driving slowly into the farm at this time. Through the glass, she could see some weeds eagerly sprouting out of the ground to welcome the arrival of spring in advance.

After driving for a full twenty minutes, she arrived in front of the building. When she got out of the car, Catherine saw several bodyguards walking around outside the house.

"George Herbert Walker III has arrived." One of the butler-like old men said to Catherine.

Catherine carried her briefcase and walked into the house. The click of her high heels on the wooden floor attracted the two people sitting in the room to turn around.

"Catherine Walker, I am responsible for assessing the legal risks in this joint bidding." Catherine introduced herself.

Then she looked at the middle-aged man opposite.

He was short in stature, a little stout, and looked a little ordinary. He was looking at himself meaningfully.

Catherine sat across from the two and could hear Doug, the general manager of the Rangers, chattering next to her.

"Michael Ovitz... I don't think this is a good partner. A Hollywood liar can't play with the team. Let him take out the money and sew his mouth shut again. This is who he is. Everything you can do." The current professional team manager dismissed Michael Ovitz.

The father and daughter had expressionless faces and did not listen to these words at all.

"George, are you listening to me?" Doug asked.

"Of course...what did you just say." George Herbert Walker turned his head.

"Pretend I didn't say anything." Doug said helplessly.

Then the living room fell into silence.

Although Catherine has never met her father, she has long known about his resume.

Since graduation, he has been working at GH Walker Company and later became an executive of another financial company called Stiefel, a financial industry company listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Currently serving as chairman of the Board of Trustees of Webster University, he was a candidate for House of Representatives in Missouri's 2nd Congressional District a few years ago, but unfortunately lost.

"By the way, I heard that you graduated from Yale Law School?" In the end, it was my father who broke the deadlock first.

"That's right." Catherine nodded, still feeling a little nervous in her heart.

"I graduated from there almost forty years ago..." George Herbert Walker fell into memories.

The father and daughter unexpectedly found a common language beyond blood ties. The two chatted about New Haven's local specialty restaurants, artistic coffee shops, and Yale Law School's world-renowned Gothic style library.

"I was astonished when I first visited there," laughed George Herbert Walker.

The past decades ago are still vivid in my mind.

"It's quite scary. Those animal specimens in glass bottles. The first time I went to the library, I was locked in there for several hours because of an elevator malfunction." Catherine also laughed.

The Yale Law School Library not only has an unusually rich collection of books, but also has a special exhibition room inside which contains hundreds of animal specimens in glass bottles.

Doug watched the two people start talking, but was confused. This was obviously an exchange between alumni. Next, the two also discovered that Catherine's teacher was actually a classmate of George Herbert Walker.

But this kind of chat didn't last long, and soon a voice appeared at the door.

"I didn't bother you, did I?" Michael Ovitz, wearing thick square glasses, appeared at the door, accompanied by two colleagues from the bidding project team. Ethan's previous visit made things turn for the better. , Ovitz did not fire all project team employees.

"Of course not. In fact, we are waiting for you." George Herbert Walker stood up and shook his hand cordially.

After a brief exchange of greetings, the two sides got down to business.

"As investors, NFL teams are a perfect target, but we feel that it would be a better choice to keep the new team in Texas. We are very familiar with this place and have many friends in many industries. Dealing with some It's very convenient. You can refer to the experience of the Rangers after they were acquired and we brought them back to life. Moreover, Texas has a larger and more mature football atmosphere than anywhere in the world, which will provide a broad market potential. ” George Herbert Walker stated his request.

"Texas is a good place, but I think California is not bad either." Michael Ovitz immediately said with a smile.

The other party is right. Staying in Texas is a choice for the team. Relying on the other party's connections, the team can quickly get on track, but everything has a price.

Today the other party can help you, but tomorrow the other party may hinder you due to other problems, but you have no foundation at all in Texas.

Michael Ovitz was so smart that he immediately analyzed the pros and cons.

It's not so much a debate over where to locate the team as it is a battle for control.

Recalling that Ethan also said similar things, Michael Ovitz did not even rule out the possibility that the two parties would join forces to prepare to gradually evacuate themselves.

Although his first impression of Ethan was good, he would never take it easy on anyone.

"To be honest, settling the team in Los Angeles is my commitment to investors and local GOV. This is the basis. If we cannot reach consensus on this point, the bidding will not proceed." Michael Ovitz shook his head, indicating his bottom line. .

George Herbert Walker and the Rangers' general manager looked at each other.

General manager Doug immediately added: "We have always been skeptical about the potential of Los Angeles. The Rams chose to move to St. Louis because of the low enrollment rate and high facility maintenance costs."

"I said, the team can't leave Los Angeles." Ovitz reiterated.

"Then we have to reconsider our investment intentions." George Herbert Walker shook his head.

The originally harmonious atmosphere has reached a deadlock, and only the people under my command are left negotiating.

Seeing that the possibility of successful negotiations was getting smaller and smaller, Catherine became increasingly anxious.

"Sir, we are different from other teams. I have to remind you that there is a premise... Ethan O'Connor, a young man with great potential, will join the team when it is first established." Ovitz decided to try again one time.

"What we value is the market, not the players. The results of any team that relies on a certain player will not be too stable. This is a taboo for the team." George Herbert Walker scoffed at this statement.

Compared to Ovitz, he knows a little more about club operations.

"Who knows if Ethan will be troubled by injuries? Who knows if Ethan will become dementia? He hasn't won the Super Bowl yet." Doug also agreed.

Seeing that the negotiations were about to collapse, Catherine could no longer endure it and spoke immediately.

"What if he can win the Super Bowl?" Catherine proposed an idea.

"This lady is right, what if Ethan can win the Super Bowl?" Ovitz nodded immediately and said smoothly.

"A rookie Super Bowl champion, everyone knows what it means. He will be on par with Joe Montana, Stephen Young, Troy Aikman, no, he can even surpass these people. This is the team's confidence and the basic Pan, with such a person, everything is possible." He began to imagine the future.

"Then wait until he wins the Super Bowl. Any promises about the future are worthless." George Herbert Walker muttered, but denied it completely. After all, he could win the Super Bowl as a rookie. Such an unprecedented achievement was enough for him. Become the most dazzling star of the moment.

"That's right. If he can win the Super Bowl, we will settle in Los Angeles. If he can't win the Super Bowl, then we will continue to negotiate. What do you think?" Ovitz suggested.

If Ethan successfully wins the Super Bowl, everyone will be happy, but if not, the plan will be terminated. In short, it is impossible to go to Texas. Ovitz thought to himself.

George Herbert Walker meets Doug again.

"Please give us some time."

Catherine's father got up and went into the room with the baseball team's general manager to discuss the matter.

At this time, Ovitz began to look at Catherine, who was still sitting on the sofa. This was also one of his habits. He had been in Hollywood for many years and discovered too many stars. Of course, he had a pair of eyes that discovered beauty.

"Wait a minute, are you Ethan's fiancée?" Ovitz's eyes drooped and he saw the huge engagement ring on Catherine's middle finger.

"Yes sir." Catherine said.

"He's really willing to spend money." Ovitz muttered.

Ovitz then casually asked about Catherine's current job.

"For a graduate of Yale Law School, it would be too unqualified to stay in a glove company. If everything goes well, you can serve as the director of legal affairs in the team." Ovitz suggested.

Catherine really hadn't thought about this question.

Now that I think about it, I'm a little excited. After all, this way I don't have to be a weekend couple with Ethan, and whether it's Harken Energy or a possible NFL club, they are essentially family businesses, and there is no difference.

Although she was heartbroken, she did not show it openly, and just said that she would obey the arrangements of her elders.

"Yes, the roots can extend outward, but they must also stay connected to the trunk." Ovitz nodded.

"Ethan seems to me to be a bit flamboyant, but you are on the contrary, you are more stable than him. You two can complement each other's strengths."

As soon as the words fell, the two people who had gone to the house to talk secretly came out.

"If Ethan can win the Super Bowl, the family can adopt this plan." George Herbert Walker nodded.

The preliminary intention was reached. As for the details of the investment amount and the shareholding, the two parties also exchanged some opinions, but they did not go too in-depth. After all, it is still unknown whether Ethan can win the Super Bowl championship.

But even so, it was already evening when the meeting ended, and Ovitz politely declined George Herbert Walker's hospitality. He had to rush back to Los Angeles that evening.

After Ovitz left, George made another excuse to ask Doug to leave. At this time, only the father and daughter were left in the house.

"I have to say sorry to you, kid, I owe you a lot." George Herbert Walker nodded, changing from the domineering manner when negotiating with Ovitz, and became gentle.

During this meeting, he felt very fond of his daughter Catherine. Catherine was much better than his other useless daughters who were ignorant and unskilled.

"If you need help with anything, just give me a call," George Herbert Walker continued.

In fact, he could only do so much for Catherine.

His wife’s name is Carol Banta, and she is the daughter of the founder of Stiefel Company. In other words, he cannot be where he is today without the support of his wife and father-in-law.

Today, he was able to meet Catherine while taking advantage of family matters.

"Forgive me, I'm a selfish father." He shook his head, turned around and left a little lonely.

As for Catherine, she had no reaction from the beginning to the end. She had never imagined any drama about father and daughter recognizing each other from the beginning.

However, she still stopped the other party: "Wait a minute."

Then he quickly stepped forward and told him about the problem Ethan was encountering now.

"Whether Ethan wins the Super Bowl or not, I hope you can let Ethan escape unscathed. This is my only request to you, and I will never bother you from now on." Catherine said decisively.

"No problem." George Walker agreed.

"Also, if everything goes well, I will suggest to the family members that you be transferred to the new rugby club to handle legal matters. There needs to be family representation there. This is a good opportunity for you."

If the club operates smoothly in the future, it will undoubtedly become a pillar industry of the entire big family, and Catherine's status will certainly rise by then.

Catherine nodded.

Finally, George Walker opened his mouth and wanted to say something. But when she saw the ring on her daughter's finger, she still didn't say anything.

In fact, for Catherine, the fastest way to grow is through marriage.

He actually doesn't like Ethan, but it's not that he thinks Ethan has failed Catherine. At his position, things like private life are just insignificant details, and it doesn't matter as long as they don't make it known to everyone and save face. Marriage is just a tool. He simply believed that Ethan had no value at all.

In the end he left without saying a word.

Catherine returned to her car and immediately called Ethan.

As soon as the call was connected, she heard Ethan's deep breathing and Kelsey's sweet refusal, and she asked Ethan to stop.

"We need you here, Katherine," Ethan said teasingly.

"Save your strength, bison," Catherine scolded with a smile.

Then Ethan settled the matter hastily, and Catherine talked about the results of the negotiations.

"... All in all, you have to get to the Super Bowl for cooperation to be possible."

"This is not easy Katherine, you have to know that I have been marginalized in the Cowboys, and the Broncos themselves are also a strong opponent." Ethan yelled.

"This is the best result. From another perspective, you regard part of the equity in the new team as a reward for winning the Super Bowl." Catherine said.

If you think about it this way, then the benefits of this game are too generous.

"Wait for me. I'm driving to Dallas now. The whole journey takes about 4 hours."

"Then Kelsey and I will rest for a while and wait for you to come back." Ethan suggested.

"Excuse me, I'm not here to make you happy. I'm here to supervise you. Before the Super Bowl is over, you are not allowed to touch either of us, not even a hair." Catherine started the car.

·

It was already late at night when Katherine returned to Dallas. Although she repeatedly stated that she wanted Ethan to be devoid of sexual desires, she could not stand Ethan's stubbornness and bullying, so she and Kelsey spent "the last crazy night" with Ethan. .

Subsequently, the Super Bowl has also entered the final sprint stage before the start.

Early the next morning, Ethan dressed under Kelsey's service and ate the breakfast prepared by Catherine. When he drove to the parking lot, the entire training hall was already surrounded by water.

As the Super Bowl approaches, the Cowboys' training facility is surrounded by media from all walks of life 7/24.

The Broncos are treated this way, and the Cowboys are even more so. In addition to reporters, a large number of fans come here every day. When Ethan was waiting at the red light, local residents cheered and cheered him on.

But compared with the enthusiasm of the fans, there was a strong contrast within the team.

All reporters who were invited into the training hall were asked not to interview Ethan, which was called "no exposure of tactics." This was what Penny and Michelle told Ethan. In fact, this is obviously a small move by old Jones, who is deliberately reducing Ethan's influence.

He was replaced by Emmitt Smith.

Although Ethan has lost power now, as a replacement, Emmett not only did not add insult to injury, but also supported Ethan. He also reminded Ethan that there may be drug tests during this period, asking Ethan to "be careful."

Due to his status as a Cowboys player, he did not dare to confront the boss, but he also understood that what Ethan did before was definitely not wrong.

Other players have more or less a similar mentality.

This made Ethan feel that it was worthwhile to be teammates with these people.

This also makes Ethan even more dedicated when training. Winning the Super Bowl is not only for himself, but also to realize the dream of his teammates.

The one with the most complicated mentality is actually head coach Dave Campo.

He was the first person to know about Old Jones's arrangement, and also the first person to suggest to Old Jones that he should drop the matter.

Looking at Ethan sweating profusely in the training ground, Dave Campo couldn't help but think of the scene at that time.

"For the sake of you leading the team to the Super Bowl, I forgot what you just said to me. If you say this to me again, get out with that traitor!"

Along with the roar, a mug with the Blue Star logo flew over.

If he had known at that time that Ethan had already found a new home in advance, he might have dared to go head-to-head with Old Jones.

But he didn’t know it at the time. In order to have enough money to buy a farm on the outskirts of Dallas after retirement, Dave Campo did not continue talking and left silently.

This even made him feel a little bit indebted to Ethan, and he also gave Ethan more detailed guidance during today's training.

And just after he finished his work for the day and returned home in the evening, Ethan actually came to visit him directly.

"The training is not over." Ethan looked at the antique football on the table. Due to heavy use in the past period, many burrs had appeared on it.

"Of course." With a smile on his face, Dave turned to let his wife climb up to the attic to get a new football...

(End of this chapter)