Douglas's Triumph and Their Regret

Chapter 2

Before Linda opened her mouth, Douglas already had an answer.

He wasn't a fool.

In fact, he was more intelligent than anyone could imagine.

Once, PortVarter State was in chaos because it bordered a volatile region.

The area was plagued with drug trafficking, illegal immigration, smuggling, gang violence, and other criminal activities.

The neighbouring states all looked down on PortVarter State, refusing to be associated with it.

Even the residents of PortVarter State were discriminated against and looked down upon.

Now, however, PortVarter State had completely changed.

Its GDP alone had reached 20 trillion, not to mention that the area was peaceful, stable, and rapidly developing.

It was the most prosperous state in the entire Federation, truly a superstate!

PortVarter State was no longer a despised wasteland but had become a massive coveted prize - a piece of cake that every politician wanted a bite of.

Linda's father, the current governor, who had recently been re-elected, had a nice bite.

Because of the rise of PortVarter State, he was now considered one of the greatest and most influential Governors.

Many of the top-ranked cities in the Federation were eager to establish ties with the Clarke family.

Douglas had previously heard some news that certain families in the capital were even considering a marriage alliance with the Clarke family.

Douglas frowned.

He had no background of his own, and had merely entered the Clarke Family upon his intended marriage to Linda.

Now, it looked like the Clarke Family had finally decided to get rid of him, take his achievements for themselves, and then form alliances with other families in the capital to rise even higher.

What a clever scheme; what a ruthless heart!

Realizing all this, Douglas couldn't help but let out a self-deprecating smile.

"But do you really think, without me, your father will be able to control PortVarter State?"

Before he managed PortVarter State, it was a state of total chaos with no hope at all.

Death was even considered merciful here.

Not to mention, there were also external forces eyeing the borders.

Take Gerrata, for instance, ten thousand people there were still waiting for adequate compensation after the illegal factory explosion.

That disaster wiped out livelihoods, and the wounds hadn't healed.

Then there was Damoda—smuggling runs rampant, and gang influence has seeped into every corner of its society.

Weapons, drugs…did Linda think those issues would magically disappear because her father waved a hand?

In Billaha, a massive Ponzi scheme orchestrated by a so-called businessman was unravelling.

High unemployment and unchecked inflation had turned the place into a powder keg waiting for a spark.

Meanwhile, Grena was struggling with post-disaster reconstruction after the hurricane.

Sure, the rescue phase was complete, but rebuilding? That was a whole different challenge.

And what was more?

‘The Baddie’ at the border—a gangster lord itching to reopen illegal trade routes.

His men were watching, waiting for any sign of weakness.

Yeah, nowadays, PortVarter State was more peaceful than ever, but that was merely because of Douglas's presence.

Because of Douglas, everyone behaved themselves.

However, if Douglas were to disappear...

BOOM!

The consequences were unimaginable!

However, upon hearing Douglas' question, Linda sneered contemptuously.

"Who do you think you are?"

She looked at Douglas with disdain.

"You're just an orphan. If it weren't for my family, you'd have died long ago."

"Do you really think PortVarter State would fall apart without you? How foolish and arrogant!"

"You know what, without you, my father will make PortVarter State even better!"