A Bumpy Road to Power

Galen Griffin's voice wasn't loud.

But everyone in the conference room heard it.

Everyone understood what he meant.

He was hinting to Jabez Shaw that these were just Dirk Carter's little tricks, advising him not to fall for them and get angry. Everything should focus on the agenda.

Jabez Shaw immediately suppressed his temper.

Let out a long sigh.

Coldly said, "Director Ma, it seems we need to find some time to have a good talk."

In such a setting.

To openly issue verbal threats.

Perhaps only Jabez Shaw would dare to do that.

Dirk Carter smiled slightly.

Said, "Alright, we're having this meeting now. Today, the committee meeting I'm convening is to discuss one matter, the issue of Comrade Iris Baldwin being appointed Secretary of the Northgate Town Party Committee."

"Secretary General Carter, this is no small matter, why not have a closed meeting with the secretaries first, let everyone confer?"

Galen Griffin suddenly asked.

Dirk Carter said, "I don't think that's necessary. After all, it will eventually go to the committee. Isn't it better for everyone to save some time?"

"I have already declared that I disagree with this proposal."

With frustration building.

Jabez Shaw bluntly stated his attitude.

Then.

He provocatively looked at Dirk Carter and said, "Secretary General Carter, you brought this to the committee just to have everyone vote, right? I'll make my position clear first, I disagree."

As soon as he said this.

Executive Deputy County Mayor Galen Griffin immediately said, "I think this matter is debatable too. No matter what, Comrade Iris Baldwin's unauthorized departure in the previous incident was inappropriate..."

He still wanted to continue his speech.

Jabez Shaw coldly said, "Cut the crap, just say whether you agree or not."

Galen Griffin, interrupted, felt awkward too.

Paused for a moment and said, "I also disagree."

Jabez Shaw was very pleased.

With a wave of his hand.

He said to everyone, "Don't just stand there, express your views."

Seemingly to curry favor with Jabez Shaw.

Publicity Department Minister Durand Keating cleared his throat and said sternly, "I also disagree with this matter."

Another voice of opposition.

Made Jabez Shaw even more fearless.

Boastfully said, "Come on, continue, let's show Secretary General Carter how ridiculous his proposal today is. Secretary Sterling, it's your turn."

In Jabez Shaw's view.

Britt Ford would surely support him.

After all, when the Municipal People's Congress consulted the head of the County People's Congress, Jabez Shaw recommended Britt Ford without hesitation.

Reciprocation is inevitable.

That's why when he mentioned Britt Ford, he was absolutely sure.

All eyes were on Britt Ford.

Only to see Britt Ford slowly lift her head.

Took one look at Dirk Carter and said, "Personally, I think it's appropriate for Comrade Iris Baldwin to take the top position in Northgate Town, so I support Secretary General Carter's opinion."

Bang!

At that moment.

The faint smile on Jabez Shaw's face froze.

He stared at Britt Ford, somewhat incredulously, as if struck by lightning.

Drew in a sharp breath and asked, "Secretary Sterling, have you thought it through?"

The words naturally had a hint of intimidation and threat.

He meant to tell Britt Ford, if you support Dirk Carter, does that mean you don't want the top position in the People's Congress?

Britt Ford smiled slightly.

Said, "County Mayor Shaw, I have thought it through. This is the committee; I dare not speak carelessly."

Another silence.

Although Jabez Shaw didn't know what had transpired.

He still wasn't flustered.

Nodded and said, "It's good that Secretary Sterling has thought it through. In that case, don't say I didn't give you a chance."

His gaze turned towards the fifth-ranking Committee Member Franklin Ross.

Said, "Comrade Franklin Ross, it's your turn."

Franklin Ross was a close ally of Jabez Shaw.

His support was a given.

Crossed his arms, calmly watched Dirk Carter, as if telling him, it's okay, it's just a minor setback, wait and see.

"I also support Secretary General Carter's decision, for Comrade Iris Baldwin to be the Secretary of the Northgate Town Party Committee."

Jabez Shaw, initially calm.

The moment Franklin Ross spoke.

Jabez Shaw sat up straight as if jolted by electricity.

Looked at Franklin Ross, asked, "Comrade Franklin Ross, have you lost your mind?"

At this stage.

Franklin Ross could only grit his teeth and keep going.

Bit down and said, "County Mayor Shaw, I think I've been clear enough, I support Secretary General Carter's decision."

At that moment.

Jabez Shaw was so shocked his jaw almost dropped.

He could understand Arsenio Dempsey's betrayal; he could accept Britt Ford's sudden change of stance.

But Franklin Ross's stance was something he truly couldn't accept.

As one of his closest allies in all of Helios County turned against him, the feeling was quite unbearable.

Took a deep breath.

Swallowed back the curses on the tip of his tongue.

Slightly nodded and said, "Secretary General Carter, what a good tactic, truly a good tactic. Fine, it's alright, let's continue expressing our stands, Director Dempsey, it's your turn."

Arsenio Dempsey went without saying.

He would definitely support Dirk Carter.

At this moment, he also knew that walking closely with Dirk Carter meant Jabez Shaw wouldn't spare him.

Might as well see it through.

As the voting continued to this point.

Dirk Carter had temporarily gained an advantage.

Britt Ford, Franklin Ross, and Arsenio Dempsey all expressed their support for Dirk Carter, combined with Dirk Carter's own vote, this meant he had secured four out of the thirteen votes.

On Jabez Shaw's side.

Only he, Galen Griffin, and Durand Keating counted for three votes.

Was Jabez Shaw panicked?

No!

Although this situation had never occurred before in Helios County's political scene.

He still believed that Dirk Carter's tactics would go no further. The remaining participants were all his people.

"Director Levin, it should be your turn next."

He looked at County Committee member, United Front Work Minister Arthur Levin asked.

Arthur Levin cleared his throat, stood tall, and said, "I disagree with Comrade Iris Baldwin taking the position of Northgate Town Party Committee Secretary."

Loud and clear.

Attitude unmistakable.

Four to four, at this moment, the two were tied again.

Carrying on with the momentum.

Giving Dirk Carter no breathing room.

This meeting, he absolutely couldn't afford to lose.

These were the thoughts in Jabez Shaw's mind as he said to Politics and Law Committee Secretary Graeme Lewis, "Comrade Graeme Lewis, state your position."

Among these people.

Graeme Lewis was the most nervous one.

Although holding the position of Politics and Law Committee Secretary, he was the most timid.

Jabez Shaw certainly wasn't someone he could afford to offend.

However, thinking of Ruth Yarbrough's mesmerizing figure and Quentin Bates's sinister gaze.

He didn't want his lifelong hard-earned position to vanish like that.

Took a deep breath, nervously glanced at Jabez Shaw, and said, "I... I... I think Comrade Iris Baldwin is suitable for the position in Northgate Town."

"Graeme Lewis...you..."

Jabez Shaw understood Graeme Lewis too well.

This person was lecherous.

Often selecting beauties for his gratification.

In a sense, Jabez had Graeme Lewis by his weaknesses.

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