A Bumpy Road to Power

Chapter 735:

Who is Jethro Houseman?

The patriarch of the leading family among the three families of Argentum.

One of the former leaders.

You must understand, ordinary people only get to see such figures in the news or on television.

But now, he appears alive and well right in front of them.

Dirk Carter didn't expect him to come from Argentum to Rexton City.

A big shot is truly a big shot.

His sudden appearance even stunned Yale Quill, Alphonso Forrest, and Gage Nolan, these three high-ranking individuals.

The entire venue instantly fell silent.

There wasn't even a whisper of discussion.

Jethro Houseman leaned on his cane.

Supported by Jeanette Houseman.

Two young men dressed in black followed behind, looking very capable at first glance.

It's obvious that they are his bodyguards.

Jeanette Houseman glanced timidly at Dirk Carter, then shifted her gaze to Dorothy Zechariah.

That look was very complex, indescribable in feeling.

"Embarrassing!"

Jethro Houseman rebuked Vernon Houseman.

Then he raised his head, scanned all those present, and slowly said, "Dirk Carter, are you determined to go against our Houseman Family?"

His voice wasn't loud.

Yet his presence exuded a natural authority without anger.

This is a kind of aura that comes naturally to someone who has long been in a high position, something others can't replicate even if they try.

Yale Quill saw this.

He wanted to step forward to speak.

He was directly glared at by Jethro Houseman.

He said, "Old Quill, I have no problem if you answer for him now, but can you answer for him all his life?"

Though Yale Quill is a military big shot,

Compared to Jethro Houseman, he lacks significantly, so a light word blocked his mouth, leaving him annoyed and too afraid to speak.

Everyone thought Dirk Carter would be intimidated in such circumstances.

Unexpectedly, he just took a deep breath and said, "Mr. Houseman, you're wrong to say this. What do you mean by me going against the Houseman Family? Since you're here, shouldn't you know what your precious grandson has done?"

The crowd was astonished.

None expected Dirk Carter to dare speak to Jethro Houseman with such a tone.

Jethro Houseman coldly laughed, saying, "Young man, don't be too arrogant. When speaking and doing things, always leave yourself some leeway, otherwise, when the sky collapses and the earth splits, it'll be too late to regret."

This sentence already carried a sense of pressure.

He meant to tell those present that he's going to take action against Dirk Carter next.

After saying that,

he looked in Barron Zechariah's direction and asked, "Are you Dirk Carter's father-in-law?"

"I am."

Barron Zechariah answered.

Jethro Houseman smiled slightly and said, "You've seen what Dirk Carter has done to our Houseman Family. I've spent a lifetime in the officialdom, still have some connections. Take some time to consider if you still want Dirk Carter as your son-in-law. After all, if such a big company turns to dust, it would be quite a pity."

If the previous words were meant for everyone,

then these are a blatant warning to Barron Zechariah.

He definitely knew Barron Zechariah's identity.

That's why he said what he did.

This statement is akin to a nuclear bomb.

It implies that if Barron Zechariah insists on having Dirk Carter as his son-in-law, his company will face the Houseman Family's siege, which everyone understands what fate awaits them.

If it were anyone else,

they'd be scared stiff.

But Barron Zechariah wasn't.

After all, he is someone who has weathered storms.

He chuckled and said, "Mr. Houseman, I believe if you say it, you can do it; I don't doubt that for a second. However, unfortunately, I have only one daughter, and my daughter loves Dirk Carter dearly. As a father, even at the cost of my life, I'm bound to protect her. So, regardless of the threat, I've thought it through: Dirk Carter is my son-in-law, half my son. If something happens to him, I, Barron Zechariah, will not stand by idly."

After saying this,

some people quietly cheered inside.

Unexpectedly, Barron Zechariah was so resolute.

It seems Jethro Houseman didn't expect such a response from him.

Jethro Houseman's expression turned somewhat unpleasant.

He looked at Herman Bates and Fabian Vincent standing beside him.

He said, "Oh, so Rexton City's two officials are here too. Looks like Dirk Carter holds quite a prestige here. What are your thoughts, you two?"

Upon hearing this, Herman Bates' entire body trembled.

Previously, he wanted to cooperate with The Maplewood Gang.

His goal was to cling to the Houseman Family's big tree.

Now that there's an opportunity to face Jethro Houseman, isn't it a golden chance?

He couldn't help but seize the moment to stand by Jethro Houseman's side, saying, "Mr. Houseman, I happened to pass through today; I didn't specifically come to attend Secretary General Carter's wedding."

These words intend to dissociate himself from Dirk Carter.

Fabian Vincent turned to look at Dirk Carter.

At that moment,

he felt most conflicted.

Originally part of the Houseman circle, albeit on the fringes, at least still within the circle.

Later, The Maplewood Gang chose Herman Bates and abandoned him. Though there was a fallout, the Houseman Family's influence remains; if he forcibly supports Dirk Carter, there won't be any benefits. However, by siding with Jethro Houseman, at least he won't face repercussions.

After weighing the pros and cons,

Fabian Vincent suddenly thought of Eve Vincent's tragic situation.

He felt a chill and said, "Mr. Houseman, Comrade Dirk Carter is the Municipal Government's Secretary General, also my Secretary General. As his superior, attending his wedding banquet seems quite reasonable to me."

"Is this your answer?"

Jethro Houseman asked.

Fabian Vincent bit his lip, nodded, and said, "Yes, that's my answer."

Honestly,

This answer from Fabian Vincent,

came as somewhat surprising even to Dirk Carter.

In his view,

Fabian Vincent should have been the first to succumb to pressure.

Unexpectedly, at the critical junction, he chose to stand beside him.

"Good, good, good, I remember your answer."

When Jethro Houseman said this, Herman Bates had a look of disdain,

as if he was mentally cursing Fabian Vincent as an idiot.

Of the three questioned,

only one sided with him.

This left Jethro Houseman quite embarrassed.

The anger in his heart naturally began to flare up.

He tapped the ground with his cane.

With self-mocking tone, he said, "Perhaps I'm getting old, less and less respected by others. Fine then, if that's the case, I won't be polite. Dirk Carter, you touched my grandson, not letting your wedding finish shouldn't be too excessive, right?"

After saying this,

Jethro Houseman pulled a chair over.

He sat right in the center of the hall.

His attitude was very resolute.

He didn't plan to give face to anyone today.

You should understand, with Jethro Houseman's identity and status, saying such things aren't mere boasts.

Even if he committed murder now,

no one in Janton State would dare touch him.