A Bumpy Road to Power

Chapter 647 - 647

"Hehe, Dirk Carter, as I remember, was supposed to be someone with a firm stance. How come he's changed his temperament just after a promotion?"

Herman Bates' words carried a hint of sarcasm.

Dirk Carter smiled slightly.

He said, "Secretary Bates, in Koryn City, I am considered a leader. Even if someone has an opinion about me, they can't move me. But in Rexton City, in some people's eyes, I'm a leader, yet in your eyes, I'm still just a small figure. My idea is simple, it's just self-preservation. I don't want to get involved in your power struggle vortex."

Herman Bates sneered.

He said, "You don't want to get involved? Do you think Fabian Vincent will let you go? You moved his cake, do you expect him to promote you or appreciate you?"

"The conflict between Mayor Vincent and me is a personal grudge, not a factional rivalry. I know he hates me, but that has nothing to do with political wars."

Dirk Carter said sincerely.

Herman Bates sighed deeply.

He said, "So, you staged all this today to tell Fabian Vincent and me that you don't want to pick sides, nor will you pick sides?"

"Yes! I hope Secretary Bates will understand."

Dirk Carter said.

Herman Bates stared at Dirk Carter for a long time.

He patted him on the shoulder and said, "If that's the case, I won't make it difficult for you. If you encounter any problems you can't solve, come to me. I do appreciate you."

"Thank you, Secretary Bates, I'll certainly remember this."

At this moment.

A coughing sound came from behind.

It was a reminder from Fabian Vincent.

Herman Bates glanced back and left with his hands behind his back.

Fabian Vincent smoothly walked over to Dirk Carter, stopped, and said, "I heard what you said to Herman Bates. As you just said to Herman Bates, we still have personal grievances. I hope you take care of yourself in Rexton City. Don't let me catch anything on you, or I won't be polite."

After throwing these words.

Fabian Vincent also left.

Dirk Carter breathed a sigh of relief.

Sitting down on the chess stone bench.

Muttering, "The first hurdle is finally over."

Arlo Yarbrough appeared from somewhere and said, "Dirk, I think you were a bit foolish."

"Why do you say that?"

Dirk Carter asked.

Arlo Yarbrough said, "Actually, you should side with Herman Bates. Anyway, Fabian Vincent is going to give you a hard time. Your so-called not offending either is practically offending both."

Dirk Carter smiled.

He looked at Arlo Yarbrough and asked, "Do you think Herman Bates is a good person?"

"Isn't he? No matter what, he's better than Fabian Vincent, right?"

Dirk Carter shook his head.

He said, "For someone who can be the secretary of the municipal committee, his scheming isn't ordinary. Fabian Vincent has the backing of the Houseman Family, yet Herman Bates shows no hint of fear, nor has he compromised with Fabian Vincent. Do you really think he doesn't have some backing? Moreover, the reason Herman Bates shows goodwill towards me is because our interests align in dealing with Fabian Vincent. Once he's no longer threatened by Fabian Vincent, a slight disobedience on my part, and he'll crush me just like Fabian Vincent. Fabian Vincent's evil is evident, while Herman Bates' evil is concealed. I'd rather have an evident enemy than a concealed trickster, do you understand?"

"When two tigers fight, one gets hurt. Regardless of whether Herman Bates or Fabian Vincent holds power in Rexton City in the future, today, not picking sides is my biggest asset. Rexton City is just a stepping stone on my career path; I just need to do my job well. Currently, Fabian Vincent's focus is on Herman Bates, so he shouldn't harm me during this period, as I'm the City Government Secretary, and pushing me towards Herman Bates is something he won't do."

He spoke at length.

Arlo Yarbrough finally had some epiphany.

He sighed.

He said, "Seems I'll never learn to be an official. The intricacies here are truly daunting."

Dirk Carter patted his arm.

He said, "Each gate is difficult, but you'll pass them one by one. There are two things you need to handle immediately."

"What matters? Go ahead."

Arlo Yarbrough said seriously.

Dirk Carter paused and said, "First, investigate the conflict between Organizing Minister Jackson Perry and City Government Office Gilbert Dixon; this shouldn't be difficult to check."

"Okay, what's the second matter?"

Arlo Yarbrough asked.

Dirk Carter replied, "The second thing is harder. You need to go to the airport and pick someone up for me."

"Who?"

"Elaine Nolan."

As Dirk Carter spoke these two words.

Arlo Yarbrough shivered.

In disbelief, he stared at Dirk Carter, suddenly, as if electrified, his whole body shook, and he hugged Dirk Carter abruptly, kissing him on the cheek.

Dirk Carter felt nauseated.

Pushing him away.

He scolded, "What are you doing? Is it disgusting?"

Arlo Yarbrough laughed non-stop, saying, "I... I got a bit too excited... couldn't hold back."

"After you pick up Elaine Nolan, you must hold back. She's taking a ten-day vacation, I've invited her to Rexton City to play, but I don't have time to accompany her. I'll give you ten days off, make sure you seize this opportunity."

Dirk Carter advised earnestly.

Arlo Yarbrough was stunned and asked, "Just me? I can't do it alone!"

"Fine, I'll find someone to buy some drugs later; you add them to her drink. After the effects kick in, sneak into her room and have your way with her, then it'll be a done deal, and she'll be your woman."

Dirk Carter said.

Arlo Yarbrough pondered for a moment and said, "Dirk, this won't work. It's a crime, I'm too scared to do it."

Dirk Carter kicked him angrily, saying, "You know it won't work? Then what can I do? Lock both of you up naked in a room?"

Arlo Yarbrough stuck out his tongue.

He said helplessly, "Fine, fine, I'll go myself."

Seeing Dirk Carter about to kick him again.

He ran off.

Dirk Carter hailed a taxi.

Returned to the Municipal Committee Compound.

After paying, he got off the taxi.

He saw a red Audi TT sports car slowly driving in through the gate.

The driver was a woman wearing sunglasses; Dirk Carter couldn't see clearly, but he felt a sense of familiarity.

It was fleeting.

He didn't pay much attention.

When he reached the parking lot, the sports car had just stopped.

After the driver's door opened.

A fair-skinned leg in high heels stretched out.

Then.

A very poised woman stepped out of the car.

Dirk Carter looked carefully and was completely stunned.