A Bumpy Road to Power

Chapter 688 - 688

At this moment.

Inside the office of Secretary Bates.

He was having a conversation with his subordinates.

Suddenly, Secretary Adelaide Linden hurried in.

Whispered something in Herman Bates' ear.

Herman Bates' expression was suddenly one of astonishment.

He waved his hand, ending the conversation early.

When the office was empty, Herman Bates asked, "Who initiated it? Was it Fabian Vincent?"

Adelaide Linden shook her head and said, "I heard from the Municipal Government staff that Secretary General Carter changed the itinerary last minute, arranging for Mayor Vincent to visit Starlight Night Market."

"How did Dirk Carter get involved with Starlight Night Market?"

Herman Bates murmured to himself.

Frowned.

He said, "Go get Minister Reid in here, quickly."

After Adelaide Linden hurried out.

Soon, a middle-aged woman pushed open Herman Bates' office door.

"Secretary Bates, you were looking for me?"

This was Autumn Reid, a member of the Rexton City Committee and the head of the Public Relations Department.

"Comrade Reid, take a few people and head to Starlight Night Market now."

Herman Bates said.

Autumn Reid froze.

Asked, "What's going on at Starlight Night Market?"

Beside her, Adelaide Linden explained in detail about Fabian Vincent, Dirk Carter, and others investigating Starlight Night Market.

Herman Bates continued, "Kanes Bates just went in. Whether it's Fabian Vincent or Dirk Carter, they're sure to make a move at Starlight Night Market. We can't let things get out of control, so nothing must go wrong over there."

Autumn Reid pondered for a moment.

Said, "Secretary Bates, I know what to do now. I'll head over immediately."

After speaking, she quickly turned and left.

...

At the entrance of Starlight Night Market.

The atmosphere was still bustling and harmonious.

As the on-site manager of the night market.

Austin Walsh was ingratiatingly shaking hands with each leader present.

Suddenly, his expression froze.

Staring at Dirk Carter in front of him, feeling somewhat dumbfounded.

"Manager Walsh, this is Secretary General of the Rexton City Government, Dirk Carter."

Beside him, Mayor Vincent's secretary, Briscoe Young, warmly introduced him.

Austin Walsh frowned and said, "Secretary General Carter, have we met somewhere before?"

Dirk Carter laughed heartily, "Manager Walsh, your memory isn't great, is it? Last night, you forgot? You locked me in your office, wanted to fine me three thousand dollars, and even said if I didn't pay, you'd destroy me. What's the matter? Don't you remember?"

As he spoke.

The atmosphere remained harmonious.

But as soon as he finished speaking.

The murmurs ceased abruptly.

Everyone turned to look at Dirk Carter, who was smiling.

Upon hearing this.

Austin Walsh reacted as if electrocuted.

His whole body shuddered.

Looking closely at Dirk Carter's face, sweat began to drip from his forehead.

"Ah... so it's Secretary General Carter... A misunderstanding, a huge misunderstanding... If I'd known your identity earlier, I wouldn't have dared to say such things, Secretary General Carter... I'll certainly apologize to you later..."

Austin Walsh said, swallowing hard.

By now, his heart was pounding violently.

"Dirk Carter, what does that mean? What fine of three thousand? What 'destroy you'? I don't understand any of this?"

Fabian Vincent couldn't miss the chance to add fuel to the fire.

He leaned over and asked.

Dirk Carter smiled slightly.

In front of the leaders present, he recounted in detail his experience at Starlight Night Market last night.

After listening.

Fabian Vincent flew into a rage.

He said to Austin Walsh, "Manager Walsh, don't you think you owe an explanation for this?"

Austin Walsh was already drenched in sweat.

His body even started to tremble.

He hemmed and hawed, unable to say anything coherent.

Fabian Vincent, with a stern face.

Asked the acting deputy chief of the police, Pierce Griffin, "Chief Griffin, does this kind of behavior constitute extortion?"

Pierce Griffin was also in a quandary.

Unsure of how to properly evaluate the situation.

The head of the City Oversight Bureau, Kelby Fletcher, immediately stepped forward.

Said, "Mayor Vincent, this behavior is indeed quite vile and must be dealt with seriously. However, I believe it's a personal act by Austin Walsh and has nothing to do with the market."

This statement was actually a hint.

To characterize Austin Walsh's behavior.

And at the same time to remind Austin Walsh to take the responsibility alone.

Not implicate the market.

Austin Walsh was a clever man.

Upon hearing this, although he felt an inner lament.

But for now, this was the only way.

He quickly stepped forward and said, "Right, right, it was me who wanted the fine out of greed, wanting to make some money. It has nothing to do with the market. No matter what the outcome, I, Austin Walsh, will bear it alone."

A strategic sacrificial move.

Dirk Carter smiled.

Patted Austin Walsh's shoulder.

Said, "Manager Walsh, as far as I know, this isn't your first or second time extorting. Also, detaining tourists is already considered illegal detention. I've also heard that you beat people if they don't pay. So, I've calculated your charges: extortion, illegal detention, provoking trouble, intentional harm, plus organizing and leading a criminal organization. With all these charges combined, you might have to spend the rest of your life in prison. Chief Griffin, did I analyze this correctly?"

If it was merely extortion.

The prison sentence would be less than three years.

With some connections, he might be out in a year.

For Austin Walsh, that wasn't a concern.

But hearing Dirk Carter listing so many charges against him.

The previously somewhat spirited Austin Walsh suddenly deflated.

He looked for help, his eyes turning to the City Oversight Bureau's head, Kelby Fletcher.

Kelby Fletcher was scratching his head in frustration.

Cursing Austin Walsh a fool internally.

But in this situation, being insignificant, he couldn't change anything.

Just when he didn't know what to do next.

Suddenly, a voice rang out.

"Secretary General Carter is absolutely right. We must not tolerate criminals. They must be dealt with according to the law to ensure a clean business environment in the market."

Everyone turned to the source of the voice.

Another group of people was approaching from the market entrance.

At the forefront were a man and a woman.

The woman was none other than Rexton City's Public Relations Minister, Autumn Reid.

Accompanied by a slightly overweight middle-aged man who seemed quite authoritative.

The words had been spoken by this middle-aged man.

As he spoke.

He had already walked up to Dirk Carter.

Extended his hand proactively.

Said, "Secretary General Carter, greetings. I am Shaun Shelby, head of Starlight Night Market."

"Greetings, Mr. Shelby."

Dirk Carter also shook hands with him openly.

Shaun Shelby laughed heartily.

Said, "It's really bustling today. It's truly an illustrious day for Starlight Night Market. First, there's Minister Reid from the Public Relations department coming to inspect, and now Mayor Vincent is here for a survey. Had I known, I'd have tidied up a bit."