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
"Let them try to borrow the money if they must! I seriously doubt they’ll manage to pull it off!"You don’t understand—those capitalists, the wealthy elite, the billionaires—they’re all stingy as hell. Asking them for money is like asking for their life!"Just let them be! If they actually manage to get the funds, it saves me a headache."The secretary muttered, "What do you mean, can’t borrow? Didn’t Commissioner Wilson manage to secure the funds? You might have trouble with many things, but never with money…"What concerned him more was the possibility that even if the departments did secure the funds, would Donald intercept it again? It wasn’t out of the realm of possibility.-On the way, Robert couldn’t stop thinking about this matter. He knew the kind of person Eric was. If he made a request, Eric would likely go through with it. Even if it wasn’t for Donald’s sake, it would be for the employees.But if the money did come through and Donald intercepted it again, what then?
Everyone moved quickly. The moment Donald had an idea, the money was already gone. It couldn’t be helped. If they had acted any slower, the funds might have vanished anyway. Using the money to pay everyone's salaries was the right thing to do. If Donald decided to criticize, they would just let him. After all, everyone was doing it; no one was going to be singled out. As long as the lower ranks were kept steady, the work could continue smoothly. Donald was frustrated. His headaches weren’t just about the money for those projects but also the repercussions of redirecting salary funds.Eric had put forth a considerable amount of money, changing everyone's view of him.Donald sensed that Eric’s influence over the people had likely surpassed his own.The last time Eric came and punched Donald, no one intervened. If Eric returned, not only would no one stop him, but they might even cheer him on.Upon thinking about this, Donald's eyes brightened. He slapped the table and declared, "