The gentle breeze swept over the Capitol, carrying momentous news that shook the entire state. Governor Richard Dickson unexpectedly held an emergency press conference. In a room filled with reporters, he spoke into the microphone with a serious expression.
"Greetings, my fellow New Yorkers," Governor Dickson said, his voice trembling. "Today, I stand before you with a heavy heart to share some news. After much contemplation, I have decided to resign from the position of Governor of New York."
His voice quivered as he continued, "This decision was not taken lightly. I understand that this position is a trust from our people, and I have strived to serve this state to the best of my abilities. However, there is a significant issue facing me now, and I believe it is the right time to relinquish this responsibility."
In his brief speech, Governor Richard acknowledged his resignation was due to serious allegations of election fraud hanging over his head. While he continued to deny all such allegations, he expressed his willingness to cooperate if the government initiated an investigation.
However, the surprises didn't end there. Jonathan Thomson, after assuming the position of Governor, announced that he had chosen Isabella Wilson as the new Lieutenant Governor. In his short speech, Governor Thomson explained his choice, "I believe that Isabella Wilson possesses the leadership qualities needed to help us navigate through this transition period and keep New York a great place for all its citizens."
This decision stirred mixed feelings among the people of New York. Some supported the change and hoped that the new leadership would bring positive change. Others remained skeptical and awaited to see how their new leaders would carry out the duty.
At the same time, in the same city courthouse, a surprising legal decision was announced. Vincent Thomsen was unexpectedly acquitted of criminal charges against him. The court concluded that the presented evidence was not strong enough to prove his guilt.
News of his acquittal spread rapidly throughout the city. Many were not surprised by the court's decision, while others speculated whether political influence played a role. However, with the Guild Master Morning Star now free, more people began to believe that Richard Dickson had indeed engaged in wrongdoing.
New York was divided by these two major news events. On one hand, they had to face the departure of Governor Richard, whom they had elected with high hopes. On the other hand, Vincent Thomsen's release raised questions about the integrity of the justice system they had trusted.
Undoubtedly, today was a day filled with drama in New York.
...
In a luxurious car gliding calmly along the busy highway, Klaus sat in the back seat. Seated next to him was Sheila, double-checking their schedule for this day.
Klaus appeared quite pleased, enjoying an article on his phone discussing Governor Richard's resignation from office. "Have you read the latest news?" Klaus asked with a thin smile.
Sheila replied, "Yes, Boss. I didn't expect him to give up so quickly. I thought there would be a lot of drama with investigations and all."
"The longer he stayed in his position, the more he would have crumbled in the end. Stepping down before the situation worsened was a wise decision."
Klaus put down his phone and looked at Sheila seriously. He knew that Sheila knew more about the real reasons behind Governor Richard's resignation than what met the eye. "You know, Sheila," Klaus said in a soft tone, "Sometimes, the best revenge is watching your enemy crumble to pieces."
Sheila swallowed and nodded, aware of how dangerous her boss could be. "Yeah," she replied cautiously.
Klaus explained, "Actually, I had many plans for him. But he rebelled early. So, I have to advance my initial plan."
Sheila tried to process this information. She felt there was something she didn't know, something deeper and bigger than she realized. However, she knew that Klaus was someone who was very careful about keeping his plans secret.
"Getting rid of Richard?" Sheila asked inquisitively.
Klaus shook his head. "Elevating Isabella to become Lieutenant Governor."
Naturally, Sheila was surprised. "Eh!"
Klaus chuckled. "Like I said, there are bigger things at play than what meets the eye."
Sheila became even more curious. However, there were other concerns troubling her. "Boss, I also need to tell you about Vincent Thomsen's release," Sheila said with a worried tone, recalling the longstanding feud between Klaus and that guy.
Klaus smiled calmly. "No need to worry about Vincent, Sheila. I already have a plan for him."
Upon learning this fact, Sheila furrowed her brow. The longer she knew Klaus, the more she realized there were many things she didn't know about him.
After half an hour, the car they were in came to a stop.
As Klaus exited the car, a towering building greeted his eyes. This building had 50 floors and was shaped like a square with sharp angles. It had a blue and gold accent. At the top of the building, there was a large symbol shaped like a hammer with a lightning bolt logo.
Yes, Klaus was currently at the headquarters of his cousin's guild, Sons of Thor.
"Let's go, Sheila."
Immediately after they entered the grand lobby, a group of neatly dressed employees welcomed them.
"Welcome to the Sons of Thor headquarters, Mr. Klaus," one of the employees said politely. "Mr. Noah is already waiting for you in his office. Please follow us."
The employees escorted Klaus and Sheila to the elevator. They rode to the top floor of the building, where Noah's office was located. Along the way, they passed several rooms filled with advanced equipment, research laboratories, and training rooms for awakeners.
Upon reaching the top floor, they stopped in front of a large door that read "Guild Master." One of the employees knocked on the door and said, "Mr. Noah, your guests have arrived."
"Come in," came the voice from inside.
The employee opened the door and ushered Klaus and Sheila inside. In the office, they saw Noah sitting behind a large desk. Wearing a short-sleeved white shirt and blue jeans, he appeared relaxed as he welcomed his guests.
Noah smiled widely as he saw Klaus and Sheila. He got up from his chair and walked toward them.
"Klaus, long time no see!" Noah said as he hugged Klaus tightly.
"Yes, it's been a while," Klaus replied as he returned Noah's embrace.
Since the conquest of the orange dungeon in the Bermuda Triangle, Klaus and Noah's relationship had improved. They talked on the phone every few weeks, even if their conversations were about trivial matters. Of course, Klaus did this for a reason.
Noah didn't have much confidence in winning the inheritance. He didn't even have a chance to win their grandfather's heart. Both of his cousins were outstanding in various aspects. One was an S-Class awakener with numerous achievements, and the other was the owner of a large company and a renowned guild. Deep down, Noah knew he was mediocre.
And Klaus saw his cousin's vulnerability. He built a relationship with Noah, touching his soft side to gain his trust. He convinced his cousin to work for him. Klaus promised that he would provide a place for Noah to live peacefully.
Naively, Noah trusted Klaus, even when his mother had sacrificed everything for him.
With a mischievous smile, Noah glanced at Sheila. "Huh, are you still dating her? I didn't know you were the loyal type," he teased his cousin.
Klaus just smiled, while his secretary blushed awkwardly. The last time Sheila had met Noah was when she accompanied her boss to get the guild license at the Branch office of the Awakener Association. Back then, Klaus had introduced Sheila as his girlfriend.
"Come on in, and make yourselves comfortable," Noah invited.
In this spacious office room, there was a desk and three black sofas. Klaus and Sheila sat down, while Noah called his secretary to prepare drinks for them.
"Where's Gavin? I haven't seen him since Port Miami," Klaus asked casually.
The question made Noah hiss. "Well, he's in the hospital. His condition has worsened over the past few months. He's suffering from an illness, and I only found out recently."
Klaus nodded in response. He knew that Gavin wasn't suffering from an illness but had been poisoned. It was the same poison that had affected Alexa and Michael. However, Klaus didn't reveal this to his cousin just yet.
The smell of coffee tickled their noses as a woman in a white blouse entered the room, carrying three cups on a tray. She gently placed the coffees on the table.
"So, what brings you here, Klaus?" Noah asked, sipping his coffee.
Klaus smirked. He reached into his suit pocket, pulled out a brown envelope, and placed it on the table.
Naturally, Noah raised an eyebrow in curiosity.
"What's this?" Noah asked.
Klaus pursed his lips. "You'd better open it."
Consumed by curiosity, Noah cautiously removed the contents from the envelope. It was a series of photographs. With narrowed eyes, Noah tried to figure out the meaning behind these photos.
It didn't take long for his hands to tremble.
"What is this, Klaus?" Noah mumbled; his tone subdued but filled with resentment.
Klaus didn't answer, keeping his head down. He pretended to be reluctant to speak.
Bam!
Noah slammed the table, causing the photos to scatter in the air before landing on the table. Filled with curiosity, Sheila glanced at those photos. They were pictures of Liliana and Vincent entering a hotel. It took her only a split second to understand what it meant.
"Answer me!" Noah shouted.
Taking a deep breath, Klaus said, "As you can see, your mother slept with Vincent."
After hearing his cousin's response, Noah was utterly shaken. His shoulders felt weak, his lips quivered, and he struggled to accept this fact.
"W-Why?" Noah asked, his breath catching.
Klaus lowered his head, as if reluctant to say more. "Honestly, I wasn't sure whether to tell you this or not."
"Just get to the point, Klaus." Noah's every breath was drawn deeply.
Klaus smirked. "Sometimes our mother does everything for us."
Noah widened his eyes.
"I don't know the exact details," Klaus continued. "But I suspect she did this for you, so that you would win our grandfather's inheritance. There are two possibilities: Liliana willingly slept with Vincent so that he would be willing to help you, or he blackmailed your mother in exchange for—"
"Enough," Noah interrupted.
Klaus stopped speaking. He looked at his cousin, anger evident on his cousin's face.
"I know, Klaus. I know." Noah gave him an angry glare. "We'll kill that bastard."
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