The Rise Of A Billionaire 1943
Chapter 51 - 53 – The President’s Backer

Chapter 51: Chapter 53 – The President’s Backer

For a politician, these investigations weren’t just about how much money they saved the American people—they were about making headlines.

Still, social appearances were part of the job, and as a senator, he couldn’t avoid them.

Especially not this one—the guest had offered something impossible to refuse:

A $5,000 donation.

That was the price of tonight’s dinner. Someone was willing to pay five grand just to share a meal with him.

He couldn’t say it was unbelievable—but it was certainly rare.

Half an hour later, Truman and his wife arrived at the designated restaurant.

To their surprise, the restaurant was entirely empty—they had it all to themselves.

As they looked around, a young French man approached, accompanied by a strikingly beautiful white woman.

"Good evening, Senator, ma’am."

Pierre stepped forward to greet them.

The senator he’d paid $5,000 to meet was none other than Harry S. Truman—yes, the future President of the United States, though for now, he was just a federal senator from Missouri.

But in Washington, Truman was already red-hot. He chaired the Special Committee to Investigate the National Defense Program, and wielded extensive oversight over the military and all defense contractors.

Thanks to his outstanding work with this committee, he would soon catch Roosevelt’s eye, and during FDR’s fourth presidential run next year, Truman would be selected as his running mate.

After that?

Forget about paying to meet him.

You’d be lucky to get in line for a photo op—next year, as Vice President... and then as President.

"Good evening, Mr. Pierre..."

Though she’d never dined with high-ranking politicians before, Ava Gardner, trained in etiquette at MGM, handled the occasion with natural grace. She extended her hand.

"Good evening, Senator, Mrs. Truman. I’m Ava Gardner. It’s a pleasure to meet you both."

Truman, a bit curious about the lovely young woman, raised his brow—but only for a moment.

"Miss Gardner, a pleasure."

But it was Mrs. Truman whose eyes widened—not at Ava’s beauty, but at the necklace around her neck.

That enormous diamond...

It was jaw-dropping.

"Just call me Ava, please, Senator, ma’am."

They quickly took their seats. After a bit of small talk, the conversation moved forward, and Truman got straight to the point.

"Mr. Pierre, I should clarify—I have no say in the Lend-Lease allocations."

Because of Pierre’s nationality, Truman naturally assumed he was a representative sent by France’s First Lady, seeking increased supplies.

"Senator, that’s not the reason I asked to meet with you."

That caught Truman off guard.

Then... what was this about?

It wasn’t for an investigation—Pierre’s company had only just signed a minor research contract, hardly worth noting.

If it had been a multi-million-dollar weapons deal, Truman would’ve declined the dinner altogether.

"Senator, please trust me—I didn’t come for the present. I came... for the future."

"I beg your pardon?"

Before Truman could even puzzle it out, Pierre placed a pre-written check on the table.

"Please allow me to become the first person to donate to your future presidential campaign."

What?!

Truman’s eyes flew open in disbelief. He looked at Pierre, then at the check.

"Mr. Pierre, do you know what you’re saying?"

Mrs. Truman was equally stunned. The boldness of the young man’s words now had her completely ignoring Ava’s necklace.

"Senator, I trust my instincts."

Pierre dabbed his mouth with a napkin and continued:

"Ever since arriving in Washington, all I’ve heard is: ’What’s Truman doing now?’

’How much did Truman save the government today?’

People talk about you nonstop. And I don’t believe the White House is ignoring that either."

"When the President runs for a fourth term next year, he’ll need a running mate."

**"And Senator—I don’t think there’s anyone more qualified than you."

As Truman stared at him, speechless, Pierre calmly laid out his "insightful" observation.

"And once you’ve been Vice President, that experience will be the perfect stepping stone to the Presidency."

Truman fell silent.

After a moment, he asked:

"So this is your... prophecy?"

"My forecast for the future." Pierre smiled.

"Some people invest in bonds. Some invest in factories. Some invest in movies. I... invest in the future. And this—"

He pushed the check forward again.

"—is my investment."

In Washington, it’s best to build relationships early. By the time FDR runs next year and selects Truman as his VP, even $50,000 wouldn’t get this same impact.

Sure, Truman was a rising star, but his background was thin.

He hadn’t gone to college.

Wasn’t popular as a student.

Failed three businesses.

Before age 50, he was basically a nobody.

He’d only narrowly won his Senate seat.

With that kind of résumé, who would’ve believed he’d become President?

But fate made him one.

And in his term, he would go on to reshape the postwar global order, defining the balance of power well into the 21st century.

Even by the time Pierre crossed into this world, Truman’s legacy still dominated geopolitics.

So if he wanted to take a bite out of North Borneo, Truman’s support could mean the difference between chewing—and choking.

The only question was—why would Truman help him?

Simple.

Everything in this world runs on personal relationships.

And relationships can be built early.

"Mr. Pierre, you must realize—there are dozens, if not hundreds, of men more suited to the White House than me. I’d probably rank in the triple digits..."

At fifty-nine years old, Truman had never dreamed of the Presidency.

Not even the Vice Presidency.

He had only hoped to finish a few good terms as senator.

"Senator, don’t sell yourself short. Let’s leave it to the future."

Raising his glass, Pierre said:

"Allow me to be your backer—not just as Senator, but in your future presidential race."

In Washington, everyone harbored ambition.

Even if Truman had never dreamed of the Oval Office, he would never refuse a backer with this much foresight—and money.

Especially one whose faith made him feel, deep down—

"Maybe this man understands me better than anyone else..."

"Harry, do you think what he said was true?"

On the way home, Mrs. Truman glanced at her husband, who was driving.

"It’s possible," Truman replied.

"What?"

"I mean, it’s possible the President is considering me as his running mate. If he runs again and wins, I’d become Vice President."