A Bumpy Road to Power

The reason for such doubt is because Hadley Thorne is well aware of the recent events occurring within the Commission for Discipline Inspection.

Of course, not only is he aware, but Mayor Colter Hall is also quite knowledgeable about it.

The reason for not intervening is that everyone knows about the relationship between Dirk Carter and the fall of the Houseman Family.

Whether it is Hadley Thorne or Colter Hall, both have numerous ties with the Houseman Family. Although not direct heirs, their respective positions today are somewhat attributable to the Houseman Family.

The suppression of Dirk Carter is a naturally formed tone.

This is the overarching direction.

And it is also a consensus shared with Colter Hall.

Sidney Lewis's "power struggle" is tacitly approved by them in a certain sense.

So, when Dirk Carter agreed to help with the matter concerning Barrett Tatum, he kept calculating that Dirk Carter would definitely bring up the issues currently existing within the Commission for Discipline Inspection and request Hadley Thorne's assistance.

However, he didn't.

This matter, Dirk Carter did not mention at all.

This left Hadley Thorne quite puzzled.

Although Dirk Carter is the head of the Commission for Discipline Inspection, currently, the power is still "hijacked" by Sidney Lewis, making any attempt to act against Reginald Goodman essentially impossible.

More importantly, Sidney Lewis is a direct descendant of Lane Quincy.

Trying to open the situation in the Commission for Discipline Inspection equates to challenging Sidney Lewis's foundational support base.

For this reason alone, Hadley Thorne believes Dirk Carter will not be able to achieve it.

"You shouldn't be too optimistic, behind Reginald Goodman is Colter Hall. Dirk Carter has only just arrived a few days ago and is going against Colter Hall; he is still too young,"

observed Hadley Thorne upon seeing the joy on Barrett Tatum's face.

He poured cold water on him.

"Then what should we do? Surely we can't just let them corner us like this?"

Barrett Tatum asked.

Hadley Thorne pondered for a moment.

He said, "Let's wait and see, as long as Dirk Carter initiates the investigation, regardless of whether he can act against Reginald Goodman or not, it will have some impact on him..."

...

As expected from previous predictions.

The trip to Silverwood City indeed encountered considerable resistance.

Today is only the first official day back at work.

Dirk Carter already has four issues piled up in his hands.

The first being the 626 case, entrusted by Alexander Camden; starting it immediately is certainly impossible.

After all, this case involves senior cadres.

The next issue is the matter of Majestic Peak Town.

A matter where Dirk Carter is most eager to initiate an investigation.

But without any manpower, there is nothing he can accomplish.

The internal restructuring is even more urgent, being a prerequisite that must be resolved before conducting any case investigations.

The "disappearance" of three deputy directors, the "resistance" and "observations" of those below, all weigh heavily like a burden on Dirk Carter's shoulders.

Lastly, there's the case involving Reginald Goodman.

This matter is even before the case of The Majestic Dance Troupe; his plan is simple: if Barrett Tatum can assume the position of Greshire County mayor with his help,

then he will have assistance for his investigation of Majestic Peak Town.

All these matters are interlinked, none of which can be neglected.

Of course.

There is some good news as well.

Around 3 o'clock in the afternoon.

Elbert Rivers checked in.

One must say, the efficiency of Rapp Carter's work is quite high.

From yesterday to today, it's been only 24 hours.

Elbert Rivers told Dirk Carter that the procedural matters are not yet completed, but there are no handover issues over there, so he just came over directly, and Rapp Carter said he would resolve the remaining issues.

With Elbert Rivers arriving.

Dirk Carter is no longer alone.

After all, for many things, it is inconvenient for him to come forward personally, and with Elbert Rivers, things become much more convenient.

In the afternoon.

Dirk Carter took the time to browse the working conditions of the Silverwood City Commission for Discipline Inspection over the past few years.

He discovered a problem.

Over the years, the Silverwood City Commission for Discipline Inspection has handled very few cases, and from a quantitative perspective, it's less than one-fifth of other prefecture-level cities.

Is it because the political scene in Silverwood City is relatively clean?

Clearly, that's not the case.

Then there's only one explanation for it.

The collusion, the complicity of the upper and lower levels, transforming the Commission for Discipline Inspection into a mere ornament, perhaps also accounting for the overall low working status of the Commission for Discipline Inspection.

It seems that everything will await the dinner with Athena Meyer for answers.

Around 6:30 in the evening.

Dirk Carter went to a restaurant located in the Upper Lake District, based on the address Athena Meyer had provided in advance.

The restaurant isn't large.

But it's decorated in a very distinctive manner.

From the moment one steps in, there's a sense of ambiance.

At that moment, Athena Meyer happened to come out of a private box; Dirk Carter, taking a sudden look, almost didn't recognize her.

At work.

Athena Meyer wore formal attire.

But after work, her dress was evidently much more fashionable.

On her upper body, she wore an off-white V-neck blouse that was highly stylish.

A brown belt encircled her waist, perfectly shaping her slender waist.

The lower body was sporting very drapey wide-leg pants, visually making her legs appear much longer.

She embodied both the charm of a mature woman and the elegance of a youthful girl.

One must say, Athena Meyer was very adept at dressing up.

More importantly, she wasn't wearing makeup during the day, yet her appearance was already extraordinarily high.

And now, with light makeup on her face,

it made her look even more stunning.

"Secretary General Carter, what's the matter?"

Seeing Dirk Carter in a daze, Athena Meyer asked with curiosity.

"Nothing much... just didn't expect Member Meyer to be so eye-catching with just a little bit of touch-up, truly our Commission for Discipline Inspection's pride."

Facing Dirk Carter's compliment.

Athena Meyer chuckled softly.

She said, "Secretary General Carter is too kind, please come inside."

The private room's decor was also nice.

It doesn't take the high luxury route, but rather evokes a certain quaint sentiment.

Several dishes were already placed on the table, along with a bottle of red wine.

As Dirk Carter just sat down.

Athena Meyer poured him a bit of the decanted red wine.

She said, "Secretary General Carter, my mother was very happy to hear that we can take my father to Argentum for recuperation. She asked me to thank you profusely, and with this matter resolved, I've also relieved a concern."

"Member Meyer... since we're not in the office now, let's not use our titles. You should be a few years older than me. How about I call you Athena, and you call me Dirk?"

Dirk Carter suggested.

Athena Meyer appeared a bit anxious.

She waved her hand and said, "No, no, Secretary General Carter, regardless of anything, we still have hierarchical distinctions, addressing you that way—it just wouldn't feel right for me."

"Alright, it looks like Member Meyer still considers me an outsider. Fine, we'll do as you say then."

Dirk Carter feigned a dejected tone.

Athena Meyer immediately grew anxious.

Red-faced and with anxiety, she said, "No, no, that's not what I meant... Secretary... Dirk, I'll just call you Dirk then..."

Dirk Carter smiled slightly.

He said, "Doesn't that sound much smoother? You call me Dirk, I call you Athena, it doesn't sound distant at all."

The change in addressing each other.

Represents a shift in status and hierarchy.

Subconsciously bringing them closer.

With such a beginning.

Athena Meyer indeed appeared much more relaxed, engaging in casual chit-chat...

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