A Bumpy Road to Power

Chapter 554 554:

"That's a bit of a stretch. You say the Houseman Family hasn't achieved anything economically, but Jeanette Houseman is clearly a senior executive at a state-owned enterprise. Doesn't that count?"

Aurelius Hughes retorted.

Dirk Carter shook his head and said, "It doesn't count. State-owned enterprises use national resources; they aren't private enterprises. Moreover, as the current trend continues, monopolies of state-owned enterprises will certainly be broken in the future. Even some state-owned enterprises will move towards shareholding reforms. Take Apex Group, for example. Although Koryn City State-Owned Assets Commission holds the major share, it's already a completely market-oriented enterprise. Bennett Kane isn't a career official, yet he's still the primary decision-maker for Apex Group. I wonder if Secretary Hughes understands my point?"

"That makes a lot of sense. The future development of state-owned enterprises will be dominated by the market."

Aurelius hadn't spoken yet.

But Grant Hughes nodded in agreement.

For some reason, Aurelius just couldn't stand Dirk Carter.

Perhaps it was because the Hughes Family scandal was exposed by this young man in front of him.

He muttered, "I still think this is scaremongering, a pack of lies."

Miles Hughes pondered for a while.

He said to Nora Hughes, "Nora, take young Dirk Carter to the guestroom for a break and arrange a lunch."

"Okay, Dad."

Nora stood up after speaking.

Dirk Carter bowed slightly to Miles Hughes again and then turned to leave.

He knew that the Hughes Family was about to start internal discussions.

As soon as Dirk Carter left.

Aurelius couldn't wait to ask, "Dad, you don't really believe what he said, do you? That kid has a slick tongue; what else does he have besides talk?"

Miles Hughes replied, "A young man whose career has been entirely in the county and is less than thirty years old can still see through the current situation. This alone makes him better than you. You don't really think you became the head of this commission entirely on your own merit, do you?"

"I..."

With his father speaking, Aurelius didn't dare to retort.

He felt a lump in his throat, very uncomfortable.

After a pause, he said, "But our family suffered humiliation this time, such a big issue, it's all thanks to that kid."

"I think you've been blinded by Teresa Thorne. You don't think about the fact that she's not even pregnant with your daughter. Shouldn't such a woman be removed from our family?"

Miles' voice gradually grew louder.

Aurelius didn't dare to speak for a while.

"Grant, what do you think?"

Miles turned to ask his second son, Grant Hughes.

Grant pondered for a moment and said, "I think that kid is quite interesting."

"From now on, the Teresa Thorne incident shall not be mentioned in our family anymore; let's turn this page."

Miles said.

Grant was taken aback and asked, "Dad, if what Dirk Carter said is really true, are we just going to let it go?"

"What else can we do? The Houseman Family is powerful; we're not a match for them. Besides, do we have any evidence in our hands?"

Miles retorted.

Grant clenched his fist, glanced at the dejected Aurelius, and said, "Damn it, it's so frustrating!"

"You'll have to endure the frustration. Who says your brains aren't as good as theirs? But there still can be opportunities coming up. Since the Houseman Family has already started in Rexton City, it's time for us to get involved too..."

Aurelius suddenly looked up and said, "Dad, but we haven't implanted any forces in Rexton City."

Miles' eyes grew sharp and he said, "Right now, isn't there a ready-made one?"

"You mean Dirk Carter?"

Aurelius asked incredulously.

Miles smiled slightly and said, "Dirk Carter has been dismissed on both counts; besides us, no one dares to help him, which is precisely why he wants to see us. You lost two of your three children, and Grant has remained unmarried, leaving no hope for the third generation of the Hughes Family. It might be worth betting on Dirk Carter; maybe there's still a chance..."

"Dad, you mean... are you suggesting giving Dorothy..."

Aurelius asked.

Miles nodded and said, "It seems Dorothy is very fond of Dirk Carter. After returning, she asked me several times to help him out; more importantly, Dirk Carter is also Dorothy's savior. Having him marry into our family wouldn't be unfair to Dorothy."

"Dad... Dirk Carter, he..."

Aurelius was reluctant and just started to speak when Miles interrupted him.

"I just said, the Teresa Thorne incident is not to be mentioned anymore. No matter how angry you are, the Hughes Family's interest comes first. I'll ask Dorothy how she feels; if she's willing, then this decision is made."

Miles spoke resolutely.

Aurelius also knew his father's temperament, opened his mouth, but dared not argue further.

In a room upstairs.

Dorothy was pacing anxiously.

She had already heard the news of Dirk Carter's arrival but was helpless since her father wouldn't let her leave the room, so she was scratching her head, terribly anxious.

"Creak" sounded.

The door suddenly opened.

Miles maneuvered his wheelchair and entered from outside.

Seeing Miles, Dorothy was delighted.

"Grandpa!"

She exclaimed and rushed over.

"What? You can't stay in the room anymore?"

Miles asked Dorothy, who kept glancing toward the door.

Dorothy's face turned red with embarrassment, "Not at all."

"If not, then let it be. Grandpa will leave then."

After saying that.

Miles was about to turn around.

Dorothy panicked.

She grabbed the wheelchair and said, "Grandpa, you're teasing me again. I heard from Auntie that Dirk Carter has arrived, but Dad won't let me go out."

"Do you want to see him?"

Miles asked.

Dorothy blushed and nodded, murmuring in agreement.

Miles had never seen his granddaughter like this before and had some understanding. He asked, "Tell Grandpa, do you like Dirk Carter?"

"Grandpa..."

Dorothy twisted her body, acting coy.

"Grandpa isn't teasing you. He's asking seriously. Tell Grandpa the truth."

Seeing Miles so serious.

Dorothy shivered a bit.

After hesitating for a moment, she nodded and said, "I like him."

"Then if Grandpa were to let you marry him, would you agree?"

Miles asked.

Dorothy's mouth suddenly opened wide, surprised. Then, her face and neck flushed with color, and she slightly nodded, saying, "I'm willing, but I don't know if he would agree."

Miles snorted coldly, "For him, to marry my granddaughter, it's impossible for him not to agree. First, you must agree. Once you agree, Dirk Carter isn't really a problem."

"Grandpa, you don't understand him. Dirk Carter is different from others."

Dorothy defended.

Miles indulgently smiled and said, "How many men have you met? How can men be different? The Hughes Family is big and powerful, and my granddaughter is so pretty. As long as he's a normal man, would he not happily agree?"

"Grandpa..."

Dorothy was about to speak.

Miles interrupted her.

And said, "Alright, stay in the room for now. Grandpa will go meet him. Just wait for Grandpa to bring you good news."

After saying that.

He turned and left.

Originally already uneasy.

Hearing that Grandpa wanted to marry her to Dirk Carter, Dorothy felt like needles were pricking her hands and feet; she couldn't stand or sit.

Her heart was filled with confusion, longing, and worry.

The feeling was indescribably distressing.

Then she thought of the scene where Dirk Carter treated her illness, and a silly smile appeared on her lips.

In the reception room downstairs.

Dirk Carter had already finished his meal.

After spending seven to eight days in custody, today's meal was the most delicious he'd had in days.

Nora Hughes rested her chin on her hands, watching Dirk Carter gobble down his food and couldn't help but laugh.

"What's up? Why are you laughing?"

Dirk Carter asked, puzzled.

Nora Hughes chuckled lightly and said, "Watching you eat so heartily, like you haven't had food for several lifetimes."