Darkstone Code

Chapter 1123 - 1121: Just Playing Ball

The room had central heating, but winter wasn’t completely over yet, so the coffee on the table cooled quickly.

Lynch pointed to the dining corner, and the second lady stood up to get the coffee pot.

Soon she returned, poured the coffee on the table into the trash can, and poured new coffee for everyone.

These tasks should have been done by the maid, but she wasn’t here now, so it wasn’t a problem for the lowest-ranking person among the three to do it.

She first poured hot coffee for Ms. Trish, who expressed her gratitude.

Then she poured coffee for Lynch, standing so close that when she bent down... a white flash caught Lynch’s eye.

He turned his head slightly for a look and then quickly looked away; frequent exposure meant less allure.

Ms. Trish noticed too but said nothing, though there seemed to be a shift in her gaze.

After Lynch thanked her, the second lady returned to her seat and poured herself some coffee.

Ms. Trish suddenly checked her pocket, "It seems I’ve left my cigarettes in the car..." she looked at the second lady.

The latter paused, then stood up, "Let me find them."

It was a signal that Ms. Trish wanted to talk to Lynch alone; pretending ignorance would only make her feel awkward.

Once she left, Ms. Trish said, "This wasn’t my intention, I didn’t expect her behavior."

Lynch waved it off, "Maybe it’s just a coincidence, we can’t always assume malicious motives in others."

Ms. Trish sighed in relief, glancing at the corridor upstairs, knowing the maid wouldn’t suddenly appear.

Unless Lynch called her, she’d stay in the study all night.

"I’ve got a competitor; my campaign team suggests amplifying publicity, more posters, more TV appearances, creating more connections to the election and me."

She paused here, undoubtedly requiring more effort and more plans, which would demand more funds.

The campaign account was getting tight, yet her team continually advised spending more, creating massive financial pressure.

Her supporters weren’t many, Lynch was among them, so she sought his help.

She had invested heavily in this election, mentally, physically, emotionally; failure would likely end her political pursuits.

This step was critical; after Lynch’s previous donation, she proactively approached this topic again.

"Is the opponent strong?", Lynch inquired.

Ms. Trish nodded, "Someone from the Conservative Party..." then mentioned a name Lynch knew.

After deliberate thought, he gave Ms. Trish a political donation of one hundred and fifty thousand.

The check was in his hand, Ms. Trish’s eyes filled with intense longing for the thin, few-grams piece of paper, more than she’d ever looked at her husband!

"I support your career, but it can’t be limitless. You know, Catherine is set to become a city legislator soon."

Ms. Trish patiently nodded, "Yes, I know, she’s doing very well."

Then Lynch said, "But the mayor of Sabin City is the Governor’s nephew; Catherine likely won’t run for Mayor there. You two get along well; perhaps there’s a suitable place on your side?"

Ms. Trish’s gaze fell, sinking into silence, aware that every supporter had their demands.

Some hoped her victory would amend local laws for direct benefit, others wanted positions in state government, aiming for departmental leadership.

Everybody had their demands; they weren’t giving her money without wanting anything in return.

Ms. Trish’s mind raced; after about a minute, she nodded, "No problem, I’ll make it happen."

Lynch placed the check in Ms. Trish’s hand, and she exhaled deeply.

Not long after, the second lady returned; Ms. Trish smoked a cigarette and then took her leave.

After their car left Lynch’s villa, Ms. Trish’s expression suddenly darkened, "You actually tried seducing a child!"

Her remark shocked the second lady, as if she couldn’t believe these words came from Ms. Trish’s mouth.

But she dared not retort, for Ms. Trish was a top leader in the Federation’s Equal Rights Movement, wielding significant political power.

Her father was a politician, her uncle a Shepherd, making her election far simpler than others.

The second lady remained silent, but Ms. Trish seemed unyielding, "You must understand, you’re soon entering politics; you need to change your bad habits."

"It’s not that you shouldn’t behave this way; you must grasp your situation. You’re married now. People wouldn’t want an indiscreet woman as a government official, do you understand?"

Ms. Trish hoped she wouldn’t chase shortcuts.

Indeed, there were rumors Lynch had a preference for mature women, but her behavior truly embarrassed Ms. Trish, lowering her status alongside Ms. Trish.

However, to the second lady, these words had another implication.

Not every woman is virtuous; some might naturally be promiscuous. The Equal Rights Movement has pushed them further into the abyss.

Ms. Trish’s words displeased her; she felt insulted yet began pondering other matters.

Seeing the second lady fall silent, Ms. Trish thought she’d gotten through.

She planned to leverage the second lady’s husband, a judge, in her campaign for advantage. Ideally, she preferred not to fall out.

But evidently, she’d overestimated; once home, the second lady used her husband’s connections to secure the President’s number.

The President usually resided in the Mansion, with a separate communication system for "private occasions".

The President glimpsed at the ringing phone in the corner while watching news, said a word to his wife, and went to the study to answer.

He expected Truman or someone else, but upon answering, he recognized a familiar female voice.

"Mr. President, it’s me, today’s second place finisher..."

Instantly, the President recalled the lady who almost beat him, around thirty, well-built.

It’s unsurprising for someone athletic to have a good physique.

"I remember you; is there something you need?"

The President’s tone was gentle, unusually so, unlike an executive, which is why the Progressive Party considered backing another candidate.

First, the current President was a "loser"; second, he lacked aggression—the assertive, rallying cry style favored by Progressive radicals.

His speech was soft and often timid; it was difficult to associate with radicalism.

If not for Mr. Truman representing military support, he might’ve missed his career peak.

The President was aware yet couldn’t change the habit; fortunately, Mr. Truman advised him not to force unwelcome actions—such tension would be uncomfortable for all.

While Emperor Gafura bellowed obscenities in the Ruler’s Hall, the Federation’s President conversed calmly with an ordinary person, "I remember you."

The second lady was elated, already lying in bed, bothered by Ms. Trish’s reprimands, craving excitement.

Nothing was more thrilling than calling the President; perhaps arranging a meeting was even better.

"Today we almost finished a thrilling game; honestly, I believed I was the winner!" As Ms. Trish’s perceived promiscuous woman, the second lady clearly excelled in certain areas.

Upon hearing her boast, the President too felt invigorated.

A mere point difference between skilled players was indeed more engaging than solitary play.

He found immense satisfaction in today’s match, lingering longer on this call meant to be brief.

"Yes, it was intense; my palms sweated, you know, it’s challenging for someone my age!" The Federation loved self-deprecation, which added humor and charm.

The President’s self-mockery worked; the second lady praised his bowling several times, sighed, "I wonder when we can play again; I refuse to admit loss today. I believe a rematch means victory."

The President hesitated; it was an apparent "date" signal, yet he trusted himself to remain composed—it was just bowling, no big deal.

Besides, loneliness required genuine relaxation—by bowling.

He reviewed his schedule, pinpointed a time, "Saturday night after six, week after next, I’ll be at my estate. There’s some excellent lanes; you might want to try?"

The second lady subtly suggested, "Only bowling?!"

The President breathed relief, "Only bowling!"