Creating an Industrial Empire in 19th Century Parallel World

A week had passed since Morgan arrived in New York, and as he sat aboard his carriage, he gazed out the window, taking in the rapidly transforming city. The introduction of electricity had sparked a revolution, and the once-dim streets of New York were now ablaze with light. The flickering oil lamps of the past were being phased out, replaced by the bright glow of electric light bulbs. The air was alive with the hum of industry, and Morgan couldn't help but marvel at the possibilities this new source of energy would bring.

Though he has already been introduced to some, Morgan still believes that there is more than meets the eye.

Moments later, the carriage stopped.

"Mr. Morgan, we have arrived at the destination," the coachman informed him.

Morgan stepped out of the carriage and was greeted by a man in a dark suit. He recognized the guy in an instant, it was the personal assistant of Mr. Rockefeller.

"Good evening, Mr. Morgan. It's a pleasure to have you back in our offices," the man said with a small smile. "Mr. Rockefeller is looking forward to speaking with you."

Morgan nodded in acknowledgment and followed him inside the building.

The interior of Rockefeller's offices was just as opulent as Morgan remembered it. Rich wood paneling lined the walls, and plush carpets cushioned his steps.

Finally, they arrived at a large wooden door, and the assistant knocked twice before opening it. Inside, Rockefeller was seated at a massive mahogany desk, surrounded by piles of papers and books.

"Ah, Morgan, good to see you," Rockefeller said with a smile as he stood to greet his guest. "Please, have a seat."

Morgan took the offered chair, noticing that Rockefeller seemed more relaxed and jovial than usual. He wondered what could have caused this change in demeanor, but decided to focus on the matter at hand.

"Thank you, Mr. Rockefeller," Morgan said as he settled into the chair. "It's good to see you as well. What brings me here today?"

Rockefeller leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers in front of him. "Well, Morgan, I just want to ask about your relationship with the industrialist duo."

"You mean Nielsen and Axelsen?" Morgan asked.

"Yeah, those two…Considering that you invested in most of his enterprise, I assume that you have a good working relationship with them," Rockefeller said, his tone neutral. "I just want to make sure that their business interests won't conflict with ours."

"Wait, you summoned me here for that?" Morgan asked, a bit irritated. "You could have done so on the phone instead of you wasting my time…"

"Oh…stop there, Mr. Morgan, why so agitated? I just want to ensure that our interests are aligned," Rockefeller replied, a hint of amusement in his voice.

"You see, investing in their oil mining venture kind of hurts me if you know what I'm talking about…because you are going against our interest."

Morgan's expression hardened as he realized what Rockefeller was getting at. "I understand your concerns, Mr. Rockefeller, but I assure you that my investments with Nielsen and Axelsen do not conflict with our interests."

He continued. "Their oil mining venture may compete with some of our operations, but it also provides us with new opportunities and potential partnerships."

Rockefeller raised an eyebrow skeptically. "You see, I don't like partnerships. I want to be synonymous when oil is mentioned if you know what I'm saying. I rather devour my competitors instead of work with them. So I suggest that you pull off that investment of yours to their enterprise and instead use that money to reinvest in my company. You see, we have found a lot of oil deposits that are waiting for me to capitalize on. It would be in your best interest to be a part of that."

"I'm afraid I can't do that," Morgan said firmly.

"Why is that?"

"Because we made a bet, that if they get their permits and licenses to operate an oil mining company, I won't pull off my investments. That bet is still in effect."

"Hoh?" Rockefeller mused. "So you are implying that if they fail, you will pull out your investments?"

"That's right," Morgan confirmed.

"I see…" Rockefeller smiled slyly. "You should have told me that from the start Morgan."

"Speaking of licenses, do you have something to do with that?" Morgan asked.

"You know that is some serious allegation that you're making, Morgan," Rockefeller replied, his expression turning cold. "I don't appreciate being accused of such things without evidence."

"I'm just asking, I'm not indicting you of anything Mr. Rockefeller so I don't quite understand why you are being defensive," Morgan said calmly, holding Rockefeller's gaze. "But I do find it curious that Nielsen and Axelsen's permits and licenses weren't, given that they have passed the necessary requirements to start an oil mining company."

"I'm not the person you should ask about that Morgan," Rockefeller replied tersely. "I have nothing to do with their permits and licenses. You should direct your inquiries to the appropriate authorities."

Morgan raised an eyebrow. He knew Rockefeller was lying, but he couldn't prove it. He had a hunch that Rockefeller had used his influence and connections to delay Nielsen and Axelsen's permits and licenses. Morgan had always known that the oil industry was cutthroat, but he didn't think that Rockefeller would stoop so low as to stop a small company from operating.

"Well, I'm not planning on doing anything. I'll let the industrialist duo you mention take care of it, which I'm sure they will."

"What makes you certain about that?" Rockefeller raised a brow as he asked that.

"Because they are men of focus, commitment, and sheer will," Morgan said, a small smirk on his lips.

Rockefeller's eyes narrowed, but he said nothing. Morgan knew that he had hit a nerve.

"Is that all, Mr. Rockefeller?" Morgan asked, standing up.

Rockefeller nodded curtly. "That's all for now, Morgan. Consider this meeting as a friendly catch-up."

Morgan smiled thinly. "I will."

As Morgan walked out of the room, Rockefeller's assistant entered the room.

"What do you think, Mr. Rockefeller?"

"Well, I'd say that we have to be wary of Mr. Morgan as well," Rockefeller confessed. "He may be our ally but we can't trust him completely. He's too curious for his own good."

The assistant nodded in agreement. "Shall I keep tabs on him?"

Rockefeller nodded. "Yes, keep an eye on him. And what about the industrialist duo?"

"There's nothing to worry about them, Mr. Rockefeller. Their destiny to fail is set to stone."

"Very well."