The Innova Group had amassed a significant fortune. Besides paying taxes, they had also invested a substantial amount in municipal projects. The sum easily ran into the triple-digit millions.Sylvia never expected Donald would still entertain the idea of nationalizing Innova Group at this stage. How could he expect something so unreasonable? If this kind of precedent was set, not just Salt City but private enterprises and capital across the entire country would flee. This wasn’t mere alarmism.In a hostile environment, where assets could be forcibly seized, who would dare to remain? Donald had to understand the implications, yet he insisted on pursuing this course.Sylvia fumed. "In my opinion, we should halt all investments in municipal projects on our end. I don’t care how much it costs us. Donald’s actions make me feel worse than swallowing bile!"I’ll call my brother and then Mr. Sonnex. We need to make sure they hold onto their money tight, so they don’t become targets!"Sh
At Sonnex Corp.Irvin leisurely sipped his coffee. Ever since Keith got married to Valerie, Irvin had gradually begun to delegate more responsibilities. Nowadays, most of the company's affairs were handled by Keith. A few years ago, a priest from the Celestial Sage Sanctum had enlightened Keith, enabling him to shoulder the heavy responsibilities of Sonnex Corp. Over these years, Keith had indeed transformed, now fully capable of independently managing various aspects.Irvin's visits to the company were now more about inspecting the foundation laid by the Sonnex family and enjoying some coffee and a stroll. He rarely involved himself in company matters, yet everyone, including Keith, knew that his word still carried significant weight.Today's announcement was arranged by Irvin himself.Keith didn't question it—he knew that the new mayor had been eyeing the Innova Group. Sylvia's call undoubtedly meant that the Innova Group was dissatisfied with Donald.Keith voiced his concern.
Irvin suddenly sat up and looked at Donald. "Mr. Ford, do you want it? I'll lower the price and just sell it to you!"Donald waved his hands frantically. "I can't afford it! I can't afford it!"Irvin chuckled softly. Realizing he couldn’t extract any valuable information from Sonnex Corp., Donald exchanged a few more pleasantries before leaving with his secretary.Seeing them off, Keith scratched his head. "What on earth did Donald do to anger Uncle Eric so much? Was it really necessary?"Irvin smiled. "Who cares? You should prepare on your end. Sylvia will probably take further action soon. Be ready to take over those projects."He had an accurate eye for people, just like when he first assessed Eric years ago.Still puzzled, Keith asked, "Dad, if we take on those projects, we’ll need to pour a lot of money into them. In the end, we’re bound to lose. Can Uncle Eric really put up that much money?"Irvin lit a cigarette and replied, "You underestimate him. That amount is nothing—
Donald suddenly remembered to ask about Sylvia’s background. They both shared the surname Williams, and he speculated that they might be related.Sylvester did not hesitate and replied, "Mr. Ford, you seem unaware. Sylvia of the Innova Group is indeed my younger and only sister!"Donald was taken aback. Suddenly, everything made sense! Williams Corp.'s announcement to cut off funding now appeared completely reasonable."Mr. Williams..." Donald understood the gravity of the situation. "You cannot act so impulsively. This affects many people in Salt City. You—"Sylvester raised his hand to interrupt. "Mr. Ford, you misunderstand. We are not acting on impulse. We truly have no money. We're already struggling and can't squeeze any more out. It's impossible to prioritize a grand scheme over the livelihoods of our tens of thousands of employees."Donald said no more and left, furious. He was now convinced that the Innova Group, Sonnex Corp., and Williams Corp. had conspired to put him i
As the saying went, "A single penny can stump a hero," let alone half a billion.Previously, the projects were initiated because three major companies had promised funding—there was no dedicated budget from the municipality. Elijah had good relations with these companies and dared to take bold steps.Now, however, after Donald offended the Innova Group, they pulled their investment, leaving him utterly helpless.Donald was anxious. The special funds would only last a few more days—what could be done?But Donald had no shortage of ideas. He gathered his subordinates for a meeting. During the meeting, he made a decisive announcement: all departments would suspend salary payments for three months! The salary funds would be redirected to keep the projects going.Everyone was stunned."Mayor, isn’t this a bit extreme? Even if we consider all units in Salt City, three months of salaries amount to only a few million. The gap is still enormous!" "When salaries can’t be paid, people wil
Robert was astounded by how accommodating Eric was. He had only come to casually complain, not expecting Eric to offer up money to pay the salaries. What more could he say?Robert's team quickly calculated the amount needed, and Eric, without hesitation, instructed the bank to transfer the funds.Upon confirming the transaction, Robert promptly told his team, "Disburse the salaries immediately. I fear if we delay, someone might intercept the funds!"He was particularly wary of Donald. With money involved, Donald would certainly have his eyes on it. Many departments in Salt City wouldn't receive their salaries for three months. Even if Donald secured the funds, he probably wouldn’t disburse them.It was straightforward logic: in Donald’s position, if he declared that salaries wouldn’t be paid, they wouldn’t be—money or no money.Otherwise, how would he maintain his authority? Declaring no pay and then paying would be like contradicting himself.After profusely thanking Eric, Rober
It was a straightforward situation. Robert and Eric were close, while Eric and Donald were at odds.Naturally, Robert would side with Eric. Moreover, Donald had diverted the payroll funds, and a single word from Eric resolved the issue. There was little left to debate.However, it was clear that Robert’s words were barbed, aimed directly at Donald.Donald scoffed. "It seems, Commissioner Wilson, that your connections run deep. Your department is crucial to Salt City, and some expenses must be spent wisely!"If lack of funding leads to other problems, I'm afraid you won’t be able to shoulder the responsibility!"Upon hearing that, Robert’s face stiffened. He quickly understood that Donald suspected him of misappropriating other funds. What a joke! Did Donald not understand the distinction between emergency funds and untouchable money?Seeing the crowd behind Donald, Robert knew they were here to challenge him. With the previous mayor gone, it was clear that a power struggle was
Robert was taken aback when people started returning, even more so as the number of visitors gradually increased.After sending off Donald and his entourage, he hoped to settle down and organize some documents, but no sooner had he sat down than someone arrived!"Robert!" A voice called out cheerfully as a man walked in.Robert looked up, recognizing the visitor. "Pattel, back so soon?"The man, Pattel Mork, chuckled awkwardly. He was a leader too and had received notice that salaries wouldn’t be paid for the next three months, causing an uproar among his subordinates. It was a tough situation for him as well. He had met Eric a few times, though they had barely exchanged words. nevertheless, they were at least acquainted.Settling into a chair, Pattel rubbed his hands together. "Robert, everyone knows you have a good relationship with Mr. Johnson…"Robert immediately grasped the nature of the visit. He remained impassive.Pattel continued. "Look, we’ve all put our hearts and sou