Reborn in America: Starting as a California Resident

"Gentlemen, please allow me to interrupt for a moment."

Alexander, who was in charge of overseeing the scene, suddenly approached Henry, politely apologized to everyone present, and then whispered to Henry, "Boss, Mr. Hilton is here. He hopes to see you."

Hilton?

"Yes, Barron Hilton."

"Oh! Okay!"

Henry was somewhat surprised, then nodded, stood up, straightened his suit, and apologized to Jobs and the others: "Gentlemen, I'm so sorry, I need to attend to some urgent matters. Please excuse me."

"Go, Henry."

Mike Markkula was the first to smile and nod, saying, "Mr. Barron Hilton is a very distinguished guest."

By 1979, the Hilton Group had developed into an internationally renowned hotel management empire.

In addition to its flagship brand Hilton Hotels & Resorts, the company also owns several globally renowned sub-brands, including Hampton by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, Ampang by Hilton, Courtyard by Hilton, Courtyard by Hilton, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, and Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts.

Hilton's business network has extended to all parts of the world, from bustling city centers to tranquil seaside resorts, where Hilton's iconic blue logo can be seen.

For Apple, which is not yet publicly listed, it is indeed an awe-inspiring business giant.

Watching Henry and Alexander's figures gradually disappear into the distance, Mike Markkula couldn't help but ask the assembled Apple executives, "What do you think Barron Hilton wanted to see Henry Getty about?"

"Ha! These old-money families have such complicated networks of relationships, who knows what secrets they hold?"

Setting down his glass, Jobs' eyes gleamed with thought: "However, I've heard that things haven't been peaceful at the Hilton family lately!"

"Indeed."

Steve Wozniak nodded in agreement: "I heard that when Conrad Hilton passed away, he donated the vast majority of his family's assets to the Roman Catholic Church and charitable foundations."

Barron Hilton was left with only a few hundred thousand dollars and a small share of the company, and the other children received very little in assets as well.

Barron Hilton was very dissatisfied with this way of disposing of his estate. He believed that he had made a huge contribution to the growth of the family's wealth and should inherit the family business.

Therefore, it is rumored that he has recently filed a lawsuit in a Los Angeles court.

......

Other Apple executives present also joined the discussion, making the atmosphere more lively.

Gossip topics always pique people's interest, and even these influential figures in the tech world are no exception.

They talked about the Hilton family, as well as stories about other families they knew, and everyone enjoyed it.

Meanwhile, Henry, led by Alexander, passed through the bustling banquet hall and arrived at a relatively quiet lounge.

Here, Barron Hilton, over fifty years old, stood by the window, holding a glass of amber-colored liquor, quietly waiting for Henry's arrival.

Hearing footsteps outside, Barron turned to face Henry, a warm and friendly smile spreading across his face: "My dear Henry, it's a pleasure to see you again."

"Uncle Barron, I'm very happy to see you too."

Henry opened his arms and embraced him, then asked with a hint of curiosity, "What brings you here today?"

"Oh~ I just happened to be in this area today on business, and I heard you were having a celebration here tonight, so I came over to congratulate you."

"I'm so honored!"

Henry made a slightly exaggerated expression.

Haha, you!

Barron Hilton pointed at Henry in front of him with annoyance: "I can't believe how much you've grown in the blink of an eye!"

"If George could see what you've accomplished today, he would be so happy."

Looking at Henry's face, which bore a striking resemblance to his "old friend," Barron Hilton felt a slight pang of disappointment.

He and Henry's father, George, were close friends in their youth.

Back in 1951, when Barron Hilton was still a young man struggling alone in the business world, he met George, who was about the same age as him.

It was with the support and help of George, the Getty family heir, that Barron was able to secure the distribution rights for Vita-Pakt Citrus Products in the entire Los Angeles area, and co-found an oil company and one of the earliest aircraft leasing companies in the United States—Air Finance Corporation.

Even after Barron joined the Hilton Group, serving successively as Vice President, Chairman and CEO, the cooperation between the two companies never ceased.

George was also involved in the creation of the American Football League (AFL) by Barron and his business partners.

In 1966, the AFL merged with its rival, the National Football League (NFL), to become one of the four major sports leagues in North America.

However, all of this gradually changed after George's death.

In recent years, the two companies have had less and less overlap.

In particular, the Henry family did not attend the funeral of Barron's father, Conrad Hilton, the founder of the Hilton Hotels Group, on January 3rd of this year.

They simply sent a representative of the Getty family to offer condolences.

All these signs indicate that the relationship between the two companies is no longer as close as it used to be.

Henry smiled and replied to Barron, "Uncle Barron, you don't need to be sad."

Although my father has passed away, his voice and smile will always stay with us.

He often mentioned you to us before he passed away, saying that you were his best friend.

Barron nodded, a hint of nostalgia flashing in his eyes: "Yes, George was a remarkable man."

He was always so generous and willing to help others.

I have always been grateful for his support back then.

"Henry, you have inherited many of your father's excellent qualities, and I believe he would be proud of you."

Henry nodded. "Thank you for your compliment, Uncle Barron."

I still have a lot to learn, both in business and in my personal life.

The two remained silent for a while, seemingly reminiscing about those beautiful times that had passed.

Finally, Barron broke the silence: "Henry, actually, besides wanting to see you, there's something else I need your help with."

"Ha~ Uncle Barron, I knew you weren't just here for a party today!"

"Speak! What exactly do you need me for?"

"You're always so perceptive."

Upon hearing this, Baron smiled slightly, a strange light flickering in his eyes: "You still remember Nancy, don't you?"