Chapter 1146 - 1146

"Colter Hall, you're here? Sit, please sit."

When Colter Hall walked through the door, Hadley Thorne was looking at a document, inviting him to sit down, though he himself showed no intention of rising.

It had been more than half a month since the 626 case was solved.

Whether in meetings or in public, Hadley Thorne seldom mentioned the topic, as if such a significant matter was outside his jurisdiction.

Could it be he had no opinion, or simply didn't care?

Of course not.

Even he had been harshly reprimanded by the leaders; if he showed no reaction, it would truly be untenable.

The reason he remained silent was because he knew very well that the case impacted Colter Hall much more severely. Compared to himself, Colter Hall should be more anxious.

An army standoff.

Whoever flinches first loses.

They had sparred for so many years.

No one understood Colter Hall better than he did.

This guy would sooner or later come seeking him.

Colter Hall glanced around the familiar yet unfamiliar environment before him.

Sitting down obediently.

Hadley Thorne leisurely continued to browse through the documents.

The office was filled with a strange yet calm atmosphere.

This vibe lasted for about five or six minutes.

Hadley Thorne finally put down the folder in his hand, stood up deliberately, and said, "Apologies, I had to deal with that document immediately."

After saying this.

He changed his expression.

Shouted towards the door: "Secretary Reid, what are you doing? Mayor Hall has been here for so long, don't you know to serve tea?"

Only then did Jules Reid enter hurriedly upon hearing this.

It's a joke.

Who is Jules Reid?

The secretary to the Municipal Secretary.

Could he not know to serve tea to a visitor?

The reality is, Hadley Thorne's attitude decided everything.

Though Colter Hall cursed inwardly, he had no solution.

"Secretary Thorne, the weather is nice today, isn't it?"

Colter Hall initially didn't get straight to the point.

Hadley Thorne glanced out the window and sighed, "Yes, it's sunny, but a bit too hot, the weather forecast says the high today might reach 38 degrees."

After uttering this.

He paused for a moment.

Asked, "Mayor Hall, has the Municipal Government held this year's high-temperature work meeting yet?"

"Yes, yes, it's been held."

"That's good; this weather, especially the intensity of labor for frontline workers, shouldn't be too high. The city must arrange things, adopt mandatory measures, otherwise the companies below might cause some mess; if anything happens, we'll be caught off guard, and then you, Mayor Hall, would be on the front lines."

If outsiders were present.

They would hear them discussing high-temperature work.

But not Colter Hall.

As an experienced official, he clearly discerned the signals in Hadley Thorne's words.

In other words.

Hadley Thorne was implying that after the 626 case, Mayor Hall suffered the most.

In front of me, you ought to lower your posture.

Indeed, compared to me, you need assistance more.

Colter Hall naturally felt a gnawing bitterness within.

But the necessary demeanor still had to be maintained.

He smiled slightly.

Nodded and said, "You're right, Secretary Thorne; once I return, I'll strengthen efforts in this regard, aiming to implement them swiftly."

Regarding this attitude.

Hadley Thorne was satisfied.

With his legs crossed, he said, "If there are any particular difficulties in the work, feel free to come to me. The resources I have, Mayor Hall can access, as in such high temperatures, our goals and directions align."

This statement.

Made Colter Hall rejoice inwardly.

He asked, "What about other departments? My units have coordinated well; it's just waiting on your side."

"Party departments, of course, align with the Municipal Government's goals; high temperatures are daunting, but unity between the Municipal Committee and Municipal Government means no obstacle is insurmountable, right, Mayor Hall?"

"Yes, yes, Secretary Thorne is right..."

At this point.

Colter Hall finally felt relaxed...

Were they merely discussing hot weather?

Of course not.

Replace "high temperature" with "Dirk Carter."

Their conversation content becomes crystal clear.

At that moment.

Suppressing Dirk Carter had become a shared understanding.

Also at that very moment.

After years of entanglement, Hadley Thorne and Colter Hall formed a new alliance of interests.

As the saying goes.

In politics, there are neither eternal enemies nor eternal friends; all relationships depend on current interests...

Though the 626 case was solved.

The Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection remained quite busy.

The previous Frederick Eames case wasn't formally concluded.

The 626 case involved numerous complexities across various areas.

Thus, overtime work was a common occurrence.

The tense and thrilling moments swiftly passed, more focus was on the subsequent investigations and wrap-up work.

In late September.

The investigation of the Frederick Eames case concluded, and it was handed over to the prosecuting authorities for indictment.

The first trial ruled Frederick Eames guilty of nineteen charges, including embezzlement, bribery, abuse of power, infringing upon community rights, engaging in feudal superstitions long-term, and sentenced him to life imprisonment.

Frederick Eames expressed acceptance of the court's judgment on the spot, deciding not to appeal.

If there are no unexpected turns.

Frederick Eames's case would be fully resolved.

This would free up some personnel from the Disciplinary Inspection Commission to focus on the 626 case.

Upon hearing this news, Dirk Carter also breathed a sigh of relief.

Indeed, the result was satisfying.

Looking at the time.

It was nearing noon.

Dirk Carter stretched lazily.

About to rise, when at that very moment, a knock echoed.

"Come in."

As he called out.

The door swung open.

Athena Meyer stepped in.

"Dirk Carter..."

"Oh, Athena, you have something?"

Dirk Carter inquired.

Athena Meyer's face was serious as she said, "The Frederick Eames case has ended; the court has rendered its verdict."

"I know about that; very well done, deserves praise."

Dirk Carter said jovially.

Athena Meyer nodded slightly, placing a file envelope before Dirk Carter and said, "Dirk Carter, we found this in Frederick Eames's home; initially deemed unrelated to the case, it wasn't archived. After the case closed, while sorting his personal items, we noticed it again. Thoughtful consideration led to delivering it to you for review."

"Oh? What is it?"

Dirk Carter asked curiously.

Picking up the file envelope.

Upon opening it, what fell out was a rather antique-looking book.

Though it appeared antique, it felt relatively new in hand.

He flipped it over to glance.

Dirk Carter was instantly stunned.