A Bumpy Road to Power

It's still that empty office.

Claire Kane was curled up on the sofa wearing a silk nightgown.

She held a wine glass in her hand, occasionally taking a sip.

When Dirk Carter opened the door and went in, her face was steeped in an indescribable melancholy.

Although they had met once before, Dirk's heart still fluttered slightly upon seeing her again.

Claire Kane's face was truly beautiful, destined to be pursued by everyone if she were in officialdom, and undoubtedly an unrivaled top star if she were in the entertainment industry.

Unfortunately, such a face seldom left this room.

It was undoubtedly a huge irony.

"Did Rasco make things difficult for you?"

Upon seeing Dirk.

Claire Kane put down her wine glass and asked.

Her gaze was somewhat misty.

A rosy blush spread across her face.

It was evident that she was slightly tipsy.

Dirk sat down opposite her and said, "It seems you know he's hostile to me."

Claire Kane smiled slightly.

As enchanting as ever.

She said, "He asked me if he could pick you up, saying he had something to tell you. I couldn't refuse, so I let him. I guessed he would say some harsh words to you. Luckily, you didn't mind too much."

"How do you know I didn't mind?"

"If you were upset, you wouldn't be here now."

Claire Kane stood up.

Took the wine bottle and poured a glass for Dirk.

Then clinked her glass with his and took another small sip.

She said, "So, tell me, what do you want to know this time?"

Dirk smiled calmly.

He said, "You seem to know everything."

Claire Kane smiled and said, "Today is your first day in office, logically you should be busy, but unexpectedly you came here at night, it seems you're sensing something subtle."

Dirk nodded.

Claire Kane continued, "Alright, let me outline it for you. The political structure in Veridia City is quite simple..."

Like most places.

The top two leaders do not get along.

This situation has existed for a long time, as it is also a requirement of the higher government.

After all, no leader wants to see someone in a government department overpowering others, making it difficult for the higher government to manage.

Division, conflict, and mutual checks and balances must exist.

Thus, there is a natural conflict between the top two leaders.

Speaking of this.

Dirk thought of his situation in Helios County.

It was much like Helios County recently.

Dirk had become the dominant figure there.

Once this situation arises, it means he is not far from leaving Helios County.

First, let's talk about Jamal Palmer.

Originally, Dirk's arrival in Veridia City was, to put it simply, part of a deal between Fabian Vincent and Jamal Palmer.

One of Jamal Palmer's direct affiliates was sent to Rexton City to serve as the City Government Secretary.

While Fabian Vincent sent Dirk Carter to Veridia City's Helios County as the County Committee Secretary.

This deal was never publicly stated, but everyone in Veridia City was actually well aware of it.

However, after Dirk arrived in Helios County.

Jamal Palmer did not have much private interaction with Dirk.

This wasn't surprising.

Because in Jamal Palmer's view, it was merely a transaction, unrelated to personal connections, so he saw no need to spend much time on Dirk.

Additionally.

It was deliberately meant to draw a line between himself and Dirk.

Otherwise, if others used the political transaction against him, it would be unfavorable for Jamal Palmer.

This year marks Jamal Palmer's third year in office in Veridia City.

Two more years remain before his term as City Committee Secretary ends.

At 49, he certainly hopes to get closer to the provincial level after his term ends or, at worst, to secure a deputy provincial rank.

So, Jamal Palmer also needs to achieve some political accomplishments.

Northvale District, as Veridia City's old traditional district.

Many neighborhoods and streets are already quite old.

And Jamal Palmer is thinking of refurbishing the old district, thus achieving political accomplishments and reaping benefits.

Upon hearing this.

Dirk interrupted Claire Kane.

And asked, "At 46, Jamal Palmer became City Committee Secretary, he must have someone backing him, right?"

Claire Kane nodded and said, "All of Jamal Palmer's political career is related to State Committee Deputy Secretary Cloud Wadsworth..."

A long time ago.

When Cloud Wadsworth served as Mayor in Yarwick City early in his career.

Jamal Palmer was the Deputy Director of the City Government Office.

Later, as Cloud Wadsworth got promoted step by step.

He always took Jamal Palmer along with him.

In other words, Jamal Palmer is Cloud Wadsworth's confidant.

"This line might be worth utilizing."

Dirk said.

Claire Kane was taken aback and asked, "Why?"

Dirk smiled slightly.

And said, "It's simple, with Heathcliff Hale retiring, Cloud Wadsworth originally had the opportunity to take the Governor's position. Unexpectedly, Rasco Shaw was unexpectedly parachuted into that key position, naturally blocking Cloud Wadsworth's path to promotion. How could he have a good impression of Rasco Shaw?"

Claire Kane frowned slightly.

And said, "But Cloud Wadsworth doesn't seem to be opposed to Rasco Shaw's arrival."

Dirk let out a cold laugh and said, "Being outwardly unopposed doesn't mean he's unopposed inwardly. Even if he's happily accepting it, we can still amplify the conflict, but let's not talk about that for now. Tell me more about Norman Ross."

Norman Ross is 52 this year.

He is completely different from Jamal Palmer.

To become the Mayor, he relied entirely on his skills.

Most of Norman Ross's career has been in Veridia City, he is essentially a local faction.

In his younger years, he spent most of his time wondering around counties under Veridia City.

Then he was transferred to the district.

After several years of training outside, he was called back to Veridia City as Mayor.

This is already his second term.

If nothing unexpected happens, Mayor will be his final position, at most, he might move to the People's Congress or the Consultative Committee before retirement, achieving a deputy provincial rank is almost impossible.

Norman Ross wasn't without ambitions.

At the end of his first term as Mayor.

Everyone thought he was going to take over as City Party Secretary.

But then suddenly Jamal Palmer emerged and blocked his path to becoming the top leader.

And additionally, he had to serve another term alongside Jamal Palmer.

At that time, the intention from above was very clear.

Which was to let the capable Norman Ross help Jamal Palmer achieve some accomplishments, so that Jamal Palmer could move to an even higher position.

To put it simply.

It was to let Jamal Palmer climb up by stepping on Norman Ross's shoulders.

And precisely because he saw this clearly, Norman Ross's mindset underwent a complete transformation.

After a lifetime in public service, though he reached heights that others envy.

But for someone with no connections, that was already the ceiling.

Anyway, it's nearing the final stage.

Instead of being complacent, it would be better to fight for some benefits, at least he could retire comfortably.

For a person, it's not easy to do well.

But "turning dark" is an effortless thing to do.

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