A Bumpy Road to Power

Chapter 803: The Opportunity to Be Seized

"Report to Secretary General Carter, I started working with the county's Commission for Political and Legal Affairs when I was 25 years old, which makes it fourteen years now."

"Oh? Fourteen years already, that makes you quite a veteran in the political and legal system. Not bad, not bad."

Dirk Carter's words were only half spoken.

Quentin Bates was feeling quite itchy in his heart.

He really couldn't hold it back anymore.

He asked, "Secretary General Carter, is there something you're asking about?"

Dirk Carter noticed his eagerness for a promotion.

He said, "There is something, you heard about Iris Baldwin's situation?"

Quentin nodded.

He said, "I've heard a bit, but not much."

Dirk Carter nodded slightly and said, "The county intends to promote Iris Baldwin to serve as the Secretary of Northgate Town, but with that comes an empty position for the town mayor. After thinking it over, I thought of you, so I've called you over to ask for your opinion."

When he said this.

Dirk Carter pushed the teacup towards Quentin.

At the time, Quentin reached out with his hand to receive it.

At that moment, he was taken aback.

So excited, he didn't even notice the tea spilling on his hand.

Excited, truly excited.

Deep down, excitement fills him.

If he didn't try to control it, Quentin might even jump up.

He followed Graeme Lewis for four to five years, plus his wife's sacrifices, to exchange for a deputy level position. Now Dirk Carter actually wants to promote him to a full level, and as a town mayor, which has real power, how could he not be excited?

"Secretary General Carter, can I... can I manage it?"

His heart a thousand times affirms he can, but his mouth still needs a bit of humility.

Dirk Carter laughed, "Comrade Bates, just the fact that I called you over today means I have my eyes on you."

"Thank you... thank you Secretary General Carter, I... Quentin Bates will definitely live up to your expectations. I... I will definitely do well."

Still couldn't hold it.

Quentin said, his voice trembling slightly.

His desire already stirred up.

It's time to get down to business.

Dirk Carter's face suddenly darkened, then he sighed and said, "Comrade Bates, to be honest, the mayor position in Northgate Town is yours alone, but there is still a problem. If this problem isn't solved properly, it might be difficult for you to secure the mayor position."

Quentin's heart sank.

He asked, "Secretary General Carter, what is the issue? I'll resolve it quickly, no... I will resolve it right away."

Dirk Carter lifted his head.

He said, "I haven't been here long, so I'm not very familiar with the inner workings of Helios County. A few days ago, I heard some unfavorable rumors about you, regarding your wife Ruth Yarbrough and leadership relationships."

Quentin's face fell.

"Secretary General Carter..."

He originally wanted to explain a few things.

But Dirk Carter stopped him with a gesture.

He said, "Comrade Bates, we are all inside the system, the truth of the matter isn't actually important, and I won't refrain from using you due to such gossip. But I also communicated with Secretary Lawson, who expressed he's not willing to release people, putting me in a difficult position."

Secretary Lawson naturally refers to Graeme Lewis.

Quentin was shaken.

In his heart, he cursed Graeme Lewis's ancestors one by one.

Automatically thought of how it's due to Ruth Yarbrough.

If he leaves Graeme Lewis's side.

Naturally, Ruth shouldn't get to enjoy him for free.

But such a chance might not come once in a lifetime.

With gritted teeth, he said, "Secretary General Carter, I'll communicate with Secretary Lawson about this, could you give me another chance?"

Dirk Carter suddenly froze.

He asked in confusion, "Comrade Bates, do you really not care about being mayor? Communicating with Secretary Lawson on this is making it hard for me. Ignorant people might think I am fighting Secretary Lawson for personnel. Forget it, just let my words be unsaid."

Dirk Carter sighed and stood up.

Quentin was anxiously scratching his ears.

Seeing the opportunity slip away like that.

He hurriedly called out, "Secretary General Carter, I won't communicate with Secretary Lawson anymore. Please guide me on what I should do…"

Dirk Carter stayed where he was.

Pretended to contemplate for a while.

Turned and said, "Comrade Bates, you need to fight for the opportunity yourself. Secretary Lawson has reasons to hold onto people, and we certainly can't persuade him. But if there is something that forces him to let go, I'm still willing to try it."

Reading between the lines.

Let's see Quentin's comprehension.

With words to this extent, if he still doesn't understand, then there's really no help.

Fortunately, Quentin isn't foolish.

He muttered, "Forces him to let go… forces him to let go…"

Murmured twice.

He suddenly looked at Dirk Carter, seeming to make a great resolve, walked up to him, and whispered something in his ear.

Dirk Carter looked at him very surprised.

Asked, "The rumors, are they true?"

Quentin nodded.

He said with grievance, "Secretary General Carter, I was forced, and I really couldn't help it. I wanted to leave Secretary Lawson's side long ago. But as you know, we little people can't contend with the leaders. Secretary General Carter, you have to help me, I beg you, please save me…"

Finishing his words in a plaintive tone.

Quentin's knees softened, visibly about to kneel.

Dirk Carter grabbed him by the collar.

He said, "Comrade Bates, since I am optimistic about you, I will surely help you. This matter should never be blown up; it won't be good for you. Here's what…"

The rest of the words.

Dirk Carter also whispered in Quentin's ear to finish.

After listening, Quentin kept nodding and gratefully said, "Secretary General Carter, rest assured, this matter will be handled well by me. In the next few days… no… tomorrow, I will bring the items to you."

Dirk Carter patted Quentin's shoulder.

He said, "Comrade Bates, I genuinely feel sorry for you. Alright, no more saying, once you are in Northgate Town, such things will never happen again."

Quentin was so moved.

With snot and tears, he thanked Dirk Carter and then reluctantly left.

That night.

Quentin hummed a tune as he opened his home door.

His wife Ruth Yarbrough lay on the sofa playing on her phone, and the dining table was empty, with no meals prepared.

Since Ruth became Graeme Lewis's woman, her mindset also changed.

At first, she felt guilty towards her husband Quentin.

Agreed with him on everything.

Over time.

Ruth started to realize Quentin's position was earned by her sacrificing her body, so she put on a high and mighty posture.