When Hansel saw the three of them keeping mum, he laughed. “Since you're not willing to say, I will then share my opinion. I think Garrett is young, steady, capable, and pragmatic. Despite the exceptional results he produced at the provinces which he was in charge of, he never boasted about them. I think he is the best man for the job. What do you all think?”
Garrett eyes flashed with gratitude.
As for Zion, his expression changed dramatically as President Windsor no longer supported him.
Outraged, Clifford asserted, “Mr. Woods is indeed capable, but he doesn't have enough experience. A few more years of it will do him a lot of good.”
Just as he spoke, they heard Hailey requesting an audience outside. “President Windsor, I have something to report. There is a new development with regards to Corey and Ceaser's death. It involves the attempted assassination of the General which is a serious crime.”
When Clifford and Zion heard Hailey, their expressions changed drastically as they looked toward Hansel.
Hansel laughed and replied to Hailey aloud, “Don't you see that I'm entertaining the three Cabinet members? No matter how important the matter is or even if the death penalty is involved, you will have to wait in the lobby. We will deal with it later.”
Hailey acknowledged, “Understood!”
Hansel turned his attention back to Clifford and smiled. “Mr. Davier, I'm already old so I didn't catch what you said just now. Would you mind
repeating it for me?”
Clifford seethed in his heart.
He could sense that if he didn't compromise Hansel would hold him accountable for his past crimes, such as hiring the assassin to kill Nathan and sending the Demon Troopers to kill Corey. He would then be prosecuted in public.
As he was overwhelmed by complex emotions, he looked as if he suddenly aged after a long while.
Finally, he answered, “What I said just now was that I think your suggestion is a good one. Garrett is indeed suited to be President.
Therefore, I willingly relinquish my candidacy in the election.”
Hansel pressed on. “Do all of your other supporters, including prominent families and
business groups, share your sentiment?”
Clifford gritted his teeth, “They do! But I have one request.”
Hansel furrowed his eyebrows, “What is it?”
Clifford grimly stated, “Remove Nathan from his position as the General of the North and discharged him from the army.”
His request shocked everyone.
Hansel frowned. “What if I refuse?”
Clifford threatened, “In that case, I will fight for the election together with all my supporters.”
Hansel's expression darkened at how adamant Clifford was.
It seemed to him that Clifford was willing to comply with his request to let Garrett ascend the Presidency. However, in return, he wanted to maintain his position as the Cabinet secretary and also remove Nathan from his station.
He still held a grudge against Nathan and wanted to exact his revenge in the future.
By stripping Nathan of his rank, killing him next time will be a lot easier.
Hansel weighed his options for a long while. “At least give me a reason for why you want to strip Nathan of his title?”
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Salute to the General