A Bumpy Road to Power

Neither of them spoke, and they focused on tasting their breakfast.

This process lasted for about ten minutes.

Finally, Dirk Carter, who arrived late, first put down his utensils and used a napkin to wipe his mouth.

Next, Jethro Houseman also put down his chopsticks.

He didn't pick up a napkin but instead wiped his mouth with his hand.

"Dirk Carter, haven't you noticed the difference between us? You eat really fast, as if you're just completing the task of having breakfast. I'm different; I enjoy my breakfast. Every meal, in my opinion, is a gift from heaven to us."

Jethro Houseman crossed his legs, took out a cigarette, offered one to Dirk Carter, and lit it himself.

Dirk Carter did not take the cigarette.

He smiled and said, "I eat this type of breakfast every day. No matter how delicious the food is, if you taste it every day, it becomes just food to fill your stomach. You, on the other hand, likely have a sumptuous breakfast every day with so many choices. A taste of something occasionally makes it seem even more delicious."

Dirk Carter's words were barbed with hidden sarcasm.

He was implicitly criticizing Jethro Houseman's out-of-touch attitude.

How could you know the hard life of the common people with your status, rank, and conditions?

Jethro Houseman initially planned to use this matter to suppress Dirk Carter.

Unexpectedly, Dirk Carter found an opportunity to retort.

Jethro Houseman's face showed a fleeting hint of displeasure.

But it was only for a brief moment.

After a pause, he said, "Another difference: you wiped your mouth with a napkin, while I used my hand. You young people really have many unnecessary habits. In our time, there wasn't even a towel, let alone napkins."

"Is Jethro implying I'm wasteful?"

Dirk Carter asked.

Jethro Houseman immediately seized upon this and countered, "Isn't it?"

"No!"

Dirk Carter shook his head.

He continued, "The price of a napkin is negligible. If this counts as waste, how much wealth could be bought with all those embezzled national assets, Jethro, don't you think?"

"Bang!"

Jethro Houseman slammed his hand onto the table.

He was about to lose his temper but realized his gaffe.

With his identity, was it worth getting angry with someone like Dirk Carter?

He said leisurely, "It's said you have a sharp tongue. Clearly, that's true."

"You're quite adept yourself, Jethro, not just in talking but also in your tactics."

"Are you referring to my daughter, Jeanette Houseman?"

As he said this, Jethro Houseman kept his gaze fixed on Dirk Carter's face, looking for clues.

Dirk Carter laughed heartily.

He said, "Jethro, such probing is unnecessary. Since we're both aware, there's no need for back-and-forth. I'm straightforward; expressing things openly is better than being evasive."

"Alright, straightforward. Since that's the case, I'll say it directly: No matter what situation Jeanette is in now, she's still my daughter. Hand her over to me; the Houseman Family's people should be dealt with by the Houseman Family."

Jethro Houseman said.

Dirk Carter shook his head slowly.

He said, "Jethro, you're mistaken. Besides bearing the surname Houseman, she is free and independent, not anyone's appendage nor of any family. I'm not in a position to hand her over, nor is anyone else."

This outcome was also within Jethro Houseman's expectations.

He nodded slightly.

He said, "Since that's the case, I won't force it. I have one message I'd like you to pass on to her."

"Go ahead, Jethro."

"Come home; all will be forgiven. What should be hers will still be hers. If she doesn't return home, she will no longer be part of the Houseman Family, and her fate will be left to destiny."

"Rest assured, Jethro, I will pass this message to her. I also realize that this message isn't just for her, but it's a warning for me too, isn't it?"

Dirk Carter asked with a smile.

Jethro Houseman's expression did not change; he said, "You're very clever, but somewhat unfortunate. Throughout life, there are many choices—choose correctly and achieve prosperity; choose incorrectly and face deep despair. This time, you've made a grave mistake."

"In my view, as long as the path I choose feels right to me, that's all that matters."

Dirk Carter said.

Their eyes met.

Sparks flew.

Jethro Houseman knew he couldn't persuade Dirk Carter.

Dirk Carter also knew that no matter what he said, Jethro Houseman wouldn't abandon his plans.

Jethro Houseman stood up with the aid of his cane.

He walked slowly to the door.

After pushing open the door, he looked at the bright sunshine and turned to Dirk Carter, saying, "Today's weather is nice; if you have the time, spend it basking under the sun and watching the sky. It's a pity if one day you can't see it."

"Thank you for the advice, Jethro. I'll also offer the same sentiment to you given your age, one more day is one less."

Jethro Houseman, holding back his anger, didn't erupt.

With Dirk Carter maintaining such composure, losing his temper would make him look less dignified.

After a hearty laugh, he walked out the breakfast shop door.

Then boarded a black car, disappearing into the ever-flowing traffic on the road.

At this time.

The breakfast shop owner came in.

Dirk Carter took out a one-hundred-yuan bill and placed it on the table.

The shop owner immediately said, "The old gentleman paid for the breakfast just now."

Dirk Carter smiled and said, "That was his; this is mine. It's different."

After speaking, he left directly.

At nine o'clock in the morning.

Dirk Carter walked into the Municipal Committee Compound.

As soon as he entered, he saw the courtyard was a mess, with many people running in and out, appearing very flustered.

Dirk Carter grabbed a young man and asked, "What's happened? Why are you all so panicked?"

The young man looked at Dirk Carter and promptly greeted him respectfully, saying, "Mayor Carter, last night Secretary Young from the discipline committee and Director Hamilton from the police department were both taken away by the State Commission for Discipline Inspection. The discipline inspection committee there is in chaos; quite a few people haven't shown up. Secretary Palmer asked us from other departments to help count the people."

"I see, you go ahead."

Dirk Carter said.

As expected.

The incident involving Kent Hamilton and Cora Young was a huge advantage for Jamal Palmer. Seizing this opportunity would allow him to take down Norman Ross's supporters and insert his own people, further squeezing Norman Ross's power.

"Mayor Carter, Mayor Carter..."

From afar, Deputy Secretary General Domhnall West rushed over.

"Old Domhnall, what's up?"

Dirk Carter stopped and asked.

Domhnall West pointed to the building, took a breath, and said, "Mayor Ross asked for you."

"Oh? Is there something happening?"

"I don't know, but he seems pretty angry. Mayor Carter, don't blame me for not warning you. With so many things happening these days, Mayor Ross isn't in a good mood, so take care when speaking."

"Thanks."

Dirk Carter patted Domhnall West on the shoulder.

He strode into the Municipal Government Building.

What is inevitable will come; it's time to settle things with Norman Ross once and for all...

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