A Bumpy Road to Power

Chapter 505 505

Could it be that call just now?

No way, absolutely not.

Because before taking the call, Leo Zane had reported to him that the call was from the military leadership, and such a call wouldn't change Leo Zane's decision.

Leo Zane has always been his trusted ally.

From the moment Jeff Hughes arrived in Koryn City, the first person to support him was Leo Zane.

Among all the current members of the Standing Committee, whoever betrays him wouldn't be surprising, except for Leo Zane, which he truly couldn't comprehend.

"Minister Zane, what are you saying?"

Minister of Propaganda, Danielle Linden, reminded.

Leo Zane said seriously: "I'm sure everyone heard what I just said clearly. If you insist on me repeating it, then I'll repeat it again: I support Dirk Carter's decision!"

Danielle Linden still wanted to say something.

Jeff Hughes interrupted.

He said: "Alright, since Minister Zane has already stated his position, only Comrade Cletus Lane remains. Comrade Cletus Lane, what do you think?"

Since everyone had to state their positions.

Cletus Lane naturally couldn't escape.

He yawned.

Straightened his body.

Glanced at Jeff Hughes, then at Dirk Carter, and said: "Then I support Minister Carter."

Boom!

Another huge shock.

Jeff Hughes was again stunned.

Cletus Lane, because of his approaching retirement, usually refrained from intervening in decisions, and when forced to state his position, he would abstain or support the majority.

Unexpectedly, this time he clearly expressed his stance.

What does this mean?

He thought gathering Cornell Morgan and Robert Shepherd's old troops would ensure his control over Koryn City's discourse rights; never anticipating another formidable opponent, Dirk Carter, whom he always dismissed, unexpectedly secured six votes.

Inconceivable, truly inconceivable.

Now, there are 12 members in the Standing Committee, meaning it's six votes to six votes.

Even so, he hadn't lost yet.

His mouth curled into a sly smile, and he said: "Since the votes are tied, I, as the City Committee Secretary, will make the final decision: I announce—"

Just as he was about to announce the nomination as invalid.

Dirk Carter suddenly slapped the table and stood up.

He said: "Wait a moment."

Jeff Hughes frowned, looked at him, and said: "Minister Carter, what do you mean? Since the Standing Committee vote is tied, naturally it's up to me to decide. Are you somehow implying you should be making the decisions?"

Dirk Carter chuckled and said: "According to Secretary Hughes' statement, indeed, but there's still one person who hasn't expressed their stance. This isn't the final result yet."

"Someone else?"

Jeff Hughes was startled.

Then burst into laughter.

He said: "Dirk Carter, are you crazy? Do you want Cornell Morgan to climb out from the police morgue and express his views or something?"

With this laugh.

Those siding with him also laughed along.

At this time.

The meeting room door was pushed open.

A middle-aged man walked in and said: "I haven't expressed my stance yet."

Everyone paused upon hearing the voice, and turned to see that the person who walked in was none other than the Deputy Mayor and Public Security Bureau Chief, Irving Pace.

"Chief Pace, I recall you aren't a member of the Standing Committee, by what right are you here in this meeting room?"

Jeff Hughes asked with a bad tone, his expression changing.

Irving Pace placed a red-letter document on Jeff Hughes's desk and said: "I wasn't before, but now I am."

Jeff Hughes picked up the document, his derisive smile froze instantly.

It indeed was an appointment letter.

Deputy Mayor and Public Security Bureau Chief Irving Pace had been appointed as a member of the City Committee.

Moreover, the effective date was today.

His breathing began to hasten.

He scanned the room quickly.

Noticed that even Robert Shepherd appeared surprised, indicating that Irving Pace's appointment wasn't known. Yet Dirk Carter showed no expression; combining this with what he mentioned earlier, suddenly understood that Irving Pace's joining the committee is related to Dirk Carter.

With a 'rip' sound.

In front of all committee members.

Jeff Hughes quickly tore the appointment letter apart.

Tossed it into the air, broken pieces scattered.

He coldly said: "You say you've entered the committee, so you've entered the committee? I haven't received any call. Director Levin, have you received any call?"

"No."

Bertrand Levin shook his head.

"You... you tore the appointment letter."

Irving Pace said angrily.

Jeff Hughes raised an eyebrow and said: "Chief Pace, you claim you've joined the committee; but is it true? Anyone can forge a piece of paper. If you truly have entered the committee, call the city leaders over here; if they say you've joined the committee, I'll congratulate you."

Who could have imagined he would do such a thing?

Seems today he's determined to void Dirk Carter's nomination.

No matter what he faces next, today, he must completely crush Dirk Carter.

His gaze became obscure, and with a cold voice, Jeff Hughes said: "I announce the organizational department's nominee for The Economic Development District Party Secretary—"

"Jeff Hughes, you're truly hopeless."

A voice full of regret suddenly came from the door.

Upon hearing this voice, Jeff Hughes shuddered visibly.

He turned his head.

Saw a middle-aged man with hands behind his back.

As soon as everyone saw this person's appearance, they immediately stood up.

The person was none other than Rexton City Committee Vice Secretary Fabian Vincent.

"Teacher, teacher, why are you here?"

Jeff Hughes was flustered.

He quickly got up.

Moved towards Fabian Vincent.

Fabian Vincent glared at him and said: "If I didn't come, who knows how impressive Jeff Hughes is in Koryn City."

"Teacher, you misunderstand, I... I..."

In his confusion, he pointed at Dirk Carter abruptly and said: "It's not me, it's Dirk Carter, Dirk Carter gathered a faction, they forced me..."

"Really?"

Fabian Vincent asked.

Jeff Hughes nodded repeatedly, saying: "Yes, it's him. As the organizational minister, he practices nepotism. I just didn't want his plot to succeed."

"And you, whom do you wish to nominate as the district committee secretary?"

Fabian Vincent asked gravely.

Jeff Hughes swallowed and said: "I haven't thought of nominating anyone, really I haven't..."

"Isn't it your junior, Gauthier Pace? Didn't you receive the six hundred grand he sent you?"

Fabian Vincent shouted this.

Upon hearing the sixty thousand figure, Jeff Hughes stood there dumbfounded.

He opened his mouth, unable to utter a single word.

"Jeff Hughes, oh Jeff Hughes, I'm truly disappointed in you. When Dirk Carter informed me of the truth, I still defended you in many ways; even when I personally saw stacks of money in Prosperity Gardens, I didn't believe it was true. You, a child from a poor family, who I thought would bring prosperity to the people; look at your actions now, I believe those villagers who donated money to support your schooling would also be hugely disappointed to see you like this..."

Fabian Vincent's words were loud and clear.

Jeff Hughes's eyes welled with tears.

He staggered and sat on the ground.