A Bumpy Road to Power

Chapter 478 478: Singing in Harmony

What exactly happened.

Everyone here is very clear about it.

And based on our understanding of Josias Rayburn, it's impossible that he orchestrated this matter.

Even if he wanted to plan it, he wouldn't have let Dirk Carter do it. Such things simply don't happen.

He smacked his lips once.

Cornell asked, "You say the entire operation was orchestrated by Secretary Rayburn? Dirk Carter, do you believe that yourself?"

Dirk Carter smiled faintly.

He retorted, "Mayor Morgan, are you saying that Secretary Rayburn doesn't have this ability? Or are you saying that Secretary Rayburn wouldn't do something as selfless as serving the public interest, isn't that right?"

As soon as the words left his mouth.

Cornell was at a loss for words.

He suddenly looked at Josias Rayburn.

He explained, "Secretary Rayburn, I didn't mean that, it's just..."

"Just what? Mayor Morgan, you wanted me to tell the truth. Originally, Secretary Rayburn wasn't planning to take credit for this. It was only because you insisted on asking that I spoke, which went against Secretary Rayburn's original intent. I also think this is a praiseworthy act, so it's necessary to mention it."

Now that things have turned out this way.

Cornell had nothing left to say.

Looking again at Josias Rayburn.

The frown on his face finally relaxed.

Still, the fact remains that Ilario Sinclair was someone he promoted, and now with such an issue arising, whether it's due to oversight or lack of supervision, Josias Rayburn has to bear part of the responsibility.

Now that Dirk Carter has spoken, it's as if he's provided a turnaround for Josias Rayburn.

Not only will he not face punishment, but on the contrary, this situation has turned into a prime example of "self-sacrifice for the greater good" — there's no greater accolade for someone working in disciplinary roles.

Jeff Hughes was clearly more astute.

He seemed to have noticed something more beneath the surface.

He inquired, "Comrade Rayburn, is there such a thing?"

Inside, Josias Rayburn panicked and instinctively glanced at Dirk Carter, finding encouragement in his eyes.

He took a deep breath.

Stood up and said, "Since Comrade Carter has already spoken, I won't hide it any longer. A long time ago, I heard about Bennettson Dixon, the secretary of Cranhilla Village, engaging in embezzlement, bribery, and appropriation of public funds, oppressing neighbors — and upon investigating further, we discovered that it implicated Ilario Sinclair. Everyone knows that Comrade Sinclair was the one I personally promoted. If I handled this case, regardless of the outcome, everyone would think I was playing favorites. Since Comrade Carter had just arrived in Koryn City and had no connections, it was most suitable for him to handle the case. So, I laid out my plan for Comrade Carter. Here, I must thank Comrade Carter for handling the case so brilliantly."

This statement.

Everyone present could discern.

Josias Rayburn was aligning his words with those of Dirk Carter.

They all knew this claim was utterly made up.

However, no one could stand up and refute it.

Dirk Carter was the person involved, and he credited it to Josias Rayburn. Moreover, Josias Rayburn acknowledged it. Now, to stand up and question it would mean going against both of them.

Watching these two play off each other.

Cornell's heart was filled with resentment, almost to the point of overflowing.

Initially confident that this committee meeting would surely embarrass Dirk Carter and bring Josias Rayburn over to his side, it didn't happen. Instead, Josias Rayburn had interacted with Dirk Carter. It's evident now that owing such a significant favor, Josias Rayburn was no longer within reach for him.

"Alright then, since the matter is clear, nothing more needs to be said. I believe Secretary Rayburn and Minister Carter should still draft a detailed report, and I will ensure it is submitted."

Finally seeing through Dirk Carter's plan.

Robert Shepherd, who had been on edge all along, now understood it clearly.

As long as Josias Rayburn did not lean toward Cornell Morgan, it was good news for him.

The last statement was in a way the final word; no meddlesome individuals would interfere any further.

This situation.

Was not what Jeff Hughes wanted to see.

But the situation was already settled, and intervening wouldn't help.

Nodding, he said, "Since matters have reached this conclusion, let's follow Mayor Rayburn's suggestion. The Discipline Inspection Commission must handle this case well, turn it into an ironclad case, and let those with insatiable greed understand that those who reach out for more will surely be caught."

"Yes, Secretary Hughes, the Discipline Inspection Commission will handle it meticulously."

Feeling a wave of relief inside.

Josias Rayburn sat back down and gave a grateful glance at Dirk Carter.

"Next, let's discuss the second item, which concerns the appointment of the district chief for The Economic Development District. We've already discussed this three times; this is the fourth time, and I hope this time we can come to a conclusion."

After speaking.

Jeff Hughes looked at Dirk Carter and said, "Minister Carter, please present the nominations from the organization department."

Dirk Carter stood up.

He took out a folder and said, "When Mayor Shepherd was in office, the organization department had two nominations for the position of The Economic Development District's chief: one was Asher Satterfield, director of the investment promotion bureau, and the other was Indigo Nash, director of the municipal government office. After research, the organization department added another nomination: Genevieve, deputy minister of the organization department."

Genevieve's ranking in the organization department was relatively low.

The sudden emergence of this nomination surprised some uninformed committee members.

Especially Jeff Hughes, who furrowed his brow.

He said, "Comrade Carter, perhaps you are unaware. Regarding this nomination, the standing committee has already discussed it three times. Now suddenly adding another candidate seems a bit inappropriate."

Having already been cautioned by Dirk Carter, Robert Shepherd, previously in contention over this position with Cornell Morgan, now feared Jeff Hughes might give it to him.

Of course, he didn't want Cornell Morgan to take both top positions either.

He said, "Secretary Hughes, I think Minister Carter's suggestion is feasible. The inability to settle on the previous two candidates indicated issues with the choices, and consensus could not be reached. Now, with an additional nomination, we have more options, and the impasse might be resolved."

In this matter.

Jeff Hughes had no particular demands.

Moreover, in his view, Genevieve, an unknown candidate, had little chance of being selected, so a gesture of goodwill would be appropriate.

He nodded and said, "Alright then, we'll go along with the organization department's nominees. Let's move into the voting process."

No sooner than he finished speaking.

Robert Shepherd was the first to raise his hand and said, "I propose that Genevieve be appointed as district chief for The Economic Development District."

This vote.

Took some by surprise.

Everyone knew that there had been no decision previously because Robert Shepherd had been fiercely vying for this position, even having intense arguments with Cornell Morgan.

No one expected that this time, he would strongly recommend Genevieve.

Even Jeff Hughes couldn't understand what was happening.

"I also propose that Genevieve be appointed as district chief for The Economic Development District."

The second to express support was Brandon Sharp, the United Front Work Minister.

Following that, Trevor Lewis, the secretary of the Taigu Street Work Committee, also expressed his support.

These three votes were not particularly surprising.

After all, with Robert Shepherd's support, those aligned with him would also support it.

Everyone thought that Cornell Morgan would now strongly oppose it.

Unexpectedly, he, too, with a sullen face, said, "I second."

Second?

"Second" meant agreement.

What was going on?

Robert Shepherd was no longer fighting for it, and neither was Cornell Morgan?

Had they seen a ghost today?