"No objections, no objections, definitely no objections."

Just a moment ago, Clifford Levin was still acting high and mighty.

Now, he was suddenly timid and submissive.

"Uncle Augustus, could you wait a moment?"

Suddenly, Dirk Carter spoke to Augustus Hendrix.

Augustus asked, "Do you have anything else?"

"I haven't finished cleaning yet. Director Clifford says I can't assume office if the cleaning isn't done."

Dirk Carter said.

"Cleaning? What cleaning? Doesn't The County Committee hire cleaning services? What do you need to clean?"

"It's like this: Director Clifford says there's a rule at The County Committee Office that all new appointees, regardless of rank, have to clean all 23 offices before assuming their roles."

Dirk Carter explained.

Augustus Hendrix frowned, looked at Clifford Levin, and asked, "Director Clifford, what is this about? Since when does The County Committee Office have this rule?"

At this moment, Clifford Levin felt overwhelmed.

He was grinding his teeth in anger.

But he forced a smile and said, "Vice Secretary Augustus, there's no such rule. Secretary General Carter misunderstood. How could I let Secretary General Carter do the cleaning?"

"Misunderstood? That's good then. Dirk, you're still young and your hearing isn't sharp. Director Clifford isn't senile yet; how could he set such a prankster's rule?"

Augustus Hendrix was ostensibly scolding Dirk Carter.

But anyone could tell it was a warning aimed at Augustus Hendrix himself.

As soon as they stepped out of the office.

The fuming Clifford Levin picked up a cup from the coffee table, ready to smash it on the ground, but reconsidered, fearing the noise might alert Augustus Hendrix, and put it back angrily.

Sitting on the sofa, the more he thought about it, the angrier he got.

He stood up abruptly, walked to the door, and shouted, "Corbin Hall, come in for a moment."

In the large office.

A young man about twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old stood up.

He hurried in, asking, "Director Clifford, did you need something?"

Clifford Levin asked, "The position of director of the Inspection Section has been vacant for a while. Do you have any thoughts?"

Corbin Hall shivered.

He immediately understood Clifford Levin's implication.

He said, "Director Clifford, whatever task you have, feel free to assign it to me. I guarantee it will be completed impeccably."

"Smart."

Clifford Levin nodded affirmatively, gesturing for Corbin Hall to come closer.

Once Corbin Hall was near, Clifford Levin whispered a few words into his ear, to which Corbin Hall promptly replied, "Don't worry, Director Clifford. I'll handle it without any issues."

"Alright, you can go now."

Clifford Levin said.

...

The County Committee courtyard.

Dirk Carter walked leisurely behind Augustus Hendrix to a small garden.

At this moment, Augustus Hendrix returned to his stern, lofty demeanor.

He sat by the stone table in the middle of the pavilion and said to Dirk Carter, "Have a seat."

Dirk Carter had just sat down.

Augustus Hendrix said, "You're quite capable, young man, being able to persuade Old Zhu. You've opened my eyes, but I personally don't like people who play mind games. So, I don't particularly like you, but since Old Zhu has spoken, I will give him this respect. Do you understand what I mean?"

"I understand."

Dirk Carter nodded and said, "Thank you, Vice Secretary Augustus, for your assistance today."

"I'm not helping you; I'm helping Old Zhu, so you don't need to thank me. If similar things happen again, don't come to see me. I don't like trouble. As for other matters, I'll do my best."

"Alright, Vice Secretary Augustus."

After Dirk Carter nodded, Augustus Hendrix stood up.

He turned and left with his hands behind his back.

The first obstacle was over.

But in the following days.

Dirk Carter's days were not easy.

Donal Lewis had gone to the city for a half-month study session and wouldn't be back for at least ten more days.

Although he had the aura of being the first secretary of The County Committee, and Augustus Hendrix's support on the first day, everyone knew Dirk Carter had offended Clifford Levin, so naturally, no one in The County Committee Office dared to get close to him.

Then, on the third day after he transferred to The County Committee Office.

Something major happened in Stillwater County.

The high-end Azure Creek Gardens, a development by Grandlake Group, was ordered to halt construction.

This order, issued by the Bureau of Land, stated that the land approval was not yet completed.

Upon hearing the news from the construction site, Kian Holden rushed back through the night from Ardmore City.

In a tea room at Savor Pavilion.

Alfie Grant was drinking alone.

With a loud bang.

The door was pushed open forcefully.

"Alfie, what do you mean by this?"

Kian Holden shouted loudly as he entered.

Alfie Grant didn't have much of a reaction, asking, "What do you mean?"

"What's the meaning of halting Azure Creek Gardens? Don't tell me you don't know. The Bureau of Land is under your jurisdiction. I called to confirm on my way back that you issued the order."

"Yes, I issued it. What about it?"

Alfie Grant asked.

Kian Holden was so furious that steam was practically coming out of his nostrils. Angrily, he said, "Azure Creek Gardens is the first development that Grandlake Group has in Stillwater County. I planned to pre-sell it by the end of the year, but you're halting construction, putting a knife to my throat!"

"Old Kian, how many years have we known each other?"

While steeping tea, Alfie Grant asked leisurely.

Kian Holden was taken aback.

He sat down.

He said, "I don't remember the exact number of years, but it's been over a decade."

"Eleven years, nine months, and four days."

Alfie Grant said.

The more Kian Holden listened, the more confused he became.

Alfie Grant continued calmly, "For eleven years, I served six years as the deputy director of the Ardmore Building Department. I remember we met during that time. Back then, you were just a contractor. Without my help, do you think you would have the Grandlake Group today?"

"What do you mean by this? Haven't I reciprocated enough? And what about all these years of friendship?"

Kian Holden asked, somewhat angered.

Alfie Grant nodded slightly.

He suddenly lifted his head, giving a sharp look to Kian Holden, and asked, "Do you remember all these years of friendship? When you stabbed me in the back, did you think about that?"

The atmosphere fell silent.

There was clear anxiety in Kian Holden's gaze.

He swallowed nervously and asked, "When did I stab you in the back?"

"The kidnapping of Corrine Quance—were you planning on not telling me about that?"

As soon as Alfie Grant posed this question.

The fear in Kian Holden intensified.

In nervous tones, he said, "Alfie, don't listen to the nonsense outside. Not telling you was for your own good. If Apex Gardens sells out, Azure Creek Gardens will have no market. This is for our benefit."

He finished speaking.

He reached out to grab Alfie Grant's hand, but Alfie avoided him.

"Ha, for our benefit? After being together for so many years, do you think I wouldn't know how you think? If you had told me, I wouldn't have let you do it. But if this thing blows up, you won't be able to handle the consequences, and I surely won't be there to bear the brunt. Am I wrong?"

Alfie Grant's words.

Each one hit upon Kian Holden's hidden motives.

He had nothing to refute.

He paused and said, "Can you blame me? I've told you many times, the market in Stillwater County is huge. As long as Caleb Ford is around, I can't make money. Since you don't dare to move him, can't I act on my own? No matter how formidable Caleb Ford is, if you all fear him, I'm not afraid! Am I less capable than him?"

"Courting death!"

Alfie Grant mumbled.

Then, coldly, he said, "You may seek death, but I don't. From now on, Alfie Grant and Kian Holden will sever ties. We have nothing to do with each other anymore. Don't come to this place again either."

These words left Kian Holden feeling incredulous.

His anger flared up suddenly.

Slamming the teatable, he stood up and pointed at Alfie Grant's face, raging, "You, surnamed Grant, don't be shameless! If you dare to sever ties with me, I will turn against you too. Within 24 hours, the construction must resume, or else, don't blame me for not being polite."

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