A Bumpy Road to Power

As the saying goes, the enemy of my enemy is my friend.

Jamal Palmer doesn't like Dirk Carter.

Not at all.

The issue with Brett Summers has brought significant trouble to him as the Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee.

When the Brett Summers case first broke out, Jamal Palmer was so angry in his office that he was jumping up and down, wishing he could rush over to Helios County and give Dirk Carter a good thrashing.

When Norman Ross proposed at the standing committee meeting to transfer Dirk Carter to Veridia City as Deputy Mayor.

The first to oppose was Jamal Palmer.

To be honest, no matter which unit Dirk Carter is in, he is always the first to be ostracized, and in Veridia City, it's the same.

So Dirk Carter knows that becoming close with Jamal Palmer is absolutely impossible.

However, a lack of cooperation doesn't mean conflicting interests.

Just like dealing with Norman Ross, at least Jamal Palmer is happy to see it happen.

His deputy mayor was promoted by Norman Ross.

This easily creates an illusion that Dirk Carter is one of Norman Ross's people.

So to establish a connection with Jamal Palmer, he must submit a pledge, and that pledge is Johann Holloway.

Why Johann Holloway resigned is unknown to outsiders, but for Jamal Palmer and Norman Ross to investigate, it's not too difficult.

Once Jamal Palmer figures out the situation,

He and Dirk Carter will naturally feel closer.

At the same time, it can also increase Dirk Carter's standing in cooperation.

After all, one is the Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee, and the other is just a Deputy Mayor. Although they are only half a rank apart, their power differs greatly.

There are not many days left before Rasco Shaw's appointment.

Dirk Carter must establish his advantage in the remaining week.

An overwhelming advantage over Norman Ross.

Thus, even if Rasco Shaw wants to do something, it won't be easy.

And indeed.

Jamal Palmer returned to his office shortly after.

His secretary, Larson Sutton, hurriedly knocked on the door and walked in.

At that moment, Jamal Palmer was discussing Johann Holloway's resignation with the Municipal Party Committee Secretary Alejandro Dempsey.

Upon seeing Larson Sutton, he quickly asked, "Is there any news?"

Larson Sutton nodded and said, "I asked around at the Municipal Government office; in the morning, Secretary Holloway met Mayor Carter in an office, but we don't know what they discussed. After that, he just went out and submitted his resignation report without staying a minute longer."

Upon hearing this,

Jamal Palmer frowned.

He looked at Alejandro Dempsey and asked, "Could this be related to Dirk Carter?"

Alejandro Dempsey found it somewhat incredible.

He said, "Johann Holloway is a close confidant of Norman Ross, and Dirk Carter was also promoted by him. How could there be any discord between the two?"

Jamal Palmer laughed when he heard this.

He patted Alejandro Dempsey on the arm.

He said, "Old Alejandro, it seems things aren't as simple as they appear. This Dirk Carter might just be sent by the heavens to help us."

"Leader, what do you mean? I don't quite understand."

Alejandro Dempsey asked.

Jamal Palmer laughed heartily.

He asked, "Has the welcome banquet for Dahlia Hughes and Dirk Carter been scheduled yet? Well, schedule it for tonight, please go prepare."

"Alright, I'll go now."

Alejandro Dempsey said as he stood up.

After he left.

Jamal Palmer leaned back on the sofa, looking at the ceiling with a mysterious smile on his lips, saying, "Interesting, interesting, whether true or false, we'll find out tonight..."

6:30 PM.

The Grand Sovereign Hotel in Veridia City.

This hotel is affiliated with the Veridia City State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission.

It typically serves as the reception for the Municipal Party Committee and Municipal Government.

When Dirk Carter got out of the taxi.

Jamal Palmer was already warmly conversing with Dahlia Hughes.

The other leaders gathered around, their smiles ranged from genuine to insincere, hard to discern.

It's said that people in officialdom are good actors—and it turns out to be true.

Even those who harbor great malice against Dirk Carter.

Upon seeing Dirk Carter arrive, Norman Ross also smiled and said, "Secretary Palmer, Dirk Carter is here."

Jamal Palmer reacted swiftly.

He immediately went up to greet him.

Grabbing Dirk Carter's hand, he said, "Dirk Carter! I apologize, I'm truly sorry; I wasn't here on your appointment day, it was rude of me."

"Secretary Palmer, you're too kind; saying that makes me feel quite flattered."

Dirk Carter replied.

After all, Dirk Carter had worked in Helios County for nearly half a year.

It wasn't the first time he had interacted with Jamal Palmer.

The two weren't that estranged.

Holding Dirk Carter's hand, Jamal Palmer turned to the group of leaders and said, "Dirk Carter is a hero of our Veridia City, helping us eliminate the poison! What does this mean? Young and talented!"

"Yes, yes, Secretary Palmer is right..."

Others quickly concurred.

"Dirk Carter, I'm very happy you can join us in working for Veridia City. I hope on your new position, you'll excel just like in Helios County. I have high expectations for you."

"Thank you, Secretary Palmer, I will not let you down."

Dirk Carter responded submissively.

Jamal Palmer waved his hand.

He said, "Alright, let's not stand around the entrance; let's go inside."

As soon as he said this.

Everyone hesitated to move.

After all, Jamal Palmer is the primary authority—without him moving first, no one dared to go inside.

Once everyone gathered to escort Jamal Palmer inside.

Dahlia Hughes leaned in close to Dirk Carter and whispered, "A trap in the banquet?"

Dirk Carter smiled slightly and said, "What has to come will come; no worries, I can handle it."

With just "I can handle it."

Dahlia Hughes felt reassured.

In the private room, there were three tables set up for around thirty people.

The top-ranking officials of the four committees, as well as the higher-ranking members of the standing committee, sat at one table.

The remaining standing committee members and deputy heads of the four committees sat at another table.

Dirk Carter's table, though also deputy department-level, wielded relatively lower power.

In officialdom, seating arrangements are always a matter of skill.

Once Jamal Palmer took his seat.

Everyone else sat down.

A server filled Jamal Palmer's glass.

He raised his glass and stood up.

People at the three tables quickly followed suit, each standing up.

"Please, everyone sit, everyone sit, let me say a few words."

Jamal Palmer waved them down, and once everyone sat again, he said, "Today, it's the welcome banquet for Dahlia Hughes and Dirk Carter joining us in Veridia City. Except for Axel Dixon who is on duty, all who are supposed to be here are present. Tonight is a day of joy; you're permitted to have a few drinks, but if you get drunk, I won't be liable for taking you home."

Leadership humor always deserves appreciation.

The crowd laughed heartily.

Jamal Palmer raised his hand to quiet the laughter.

He continued, "This toast I propose to our team's two new members, wishing you smooth work in Veridia City."

"Well done…"

Cheers erupted.

Dahlia Hughes and Dirk Carter each raised their glasses and immediately stood.

Everyone thought it was time to drink.

But unexpectedly, it wasn't time yet.

Jamal Palmer's expression suddenly darkened.

He said, "However, today, on the way back, I heard one unfortunate piece of news..."

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