Hansel stood up and cleared his throat, catching everyone's attention.
Some of the guests, who did not know what was happening, gave him a confused look.
Hansel swept his gaze past all of the guests present and said with a sullen face, “Ladies and gentlemen, all of you are either my relatives, my former subordinates, or my disciples. All this while, I've reminded you not to do anything that goes against the law. Yet, my advice has fallen on deaf ears.
He continued, “One of you is suspected of corruption. Braydon Goodall and his men from the Integrity Department's Special Investigation Unit are here to arrest the suspect. Thanks to this particular person, my long-standing reputation is now tarnished.”
Everyone present became anxious upon hearing his remark.
Hansel added, “I don't want to say any more unnecessary words. I want the suspect to own up to their mistake and leave with Braydon right now.”
The crowd exchanged bewildered glances, but no one stood up and left the banquet.
Hansel could not hold his frustration in any longer. “What now? You don't even know if you've committed corruption?”
He raised his voice. “Did you not hear what I said? Braydon and his men are here! Are you still thinking of weaseling your way out of the situation? I want the suspect to get the hell out of this place immediately!”
Yet, no one left.
Just when Hansel was about to fly into a rage, Sage rushed in with his subordinates.
Upon noticing the expression on Sage's face, Nathan knew the negotiation with Braydon did not go well.
He asked Sage in a calm voice, “What's wrong? Did Braydon refuse to give in?”
Sage hesitated for a bit but decided to tell it all. He said furiously, “Not only did he refuse to give in, but he was also being unreasonable. 1 informed him that we're celebrating Mr.
Windsor's birthday today and that the Chief Military Governor hoped he could make an exception. I also told him he could do what he wanted after the banquet ended. However, he refused to budge. He said no one could stop him from carrying out his duty—not even Mr. Windsor or the Chief Military Governor. He warned us to get out of his way, or we'd have to face the music.”
Upon hearing what Sage said, the crowd expressed their dismay.
“What the f*ck? Who the hell is this Braydon Goodall? How dare he disrespect Mr. Windsor? Does he not know Mr. Windsor is the former president who has served the country and the people for decades? Why can't he allow us to celebrate Mr. Windsor's birthday in peace?” “I know, right? Why must he insist on ruining Mr. Windsor's birthday banquet when the Chief Military Governor had told him he could arrest anyone he wished after the banquet ended?”
“What an arrogant, disrespectful man! We have to teach him a lesson today!”
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