Chapter 1155 - 1155

Dirk Carter waved his hand and said, "Of course, this is all just my speculation and doesn't count."

Lane Quincy quickly asked, "Are you trying to make something out of this?"

Dirk Carter smiled and said, "The issue of lifestyle is already a thing of the past and can't be considered leverage anymore. Even if we were to blackmail Jeb Ross, it wouldn't have much effect. I'm just trying to see what kind of person Jeb Ross is and whether his backing is stable."

Lane Quincy frowned, pinching his chin as he said, "If Zeb Stone can control him, it means the forces behind Jeb Ross aren't substantial. Otherwise, such a small matter wouldn't have needed to be transferred from Crestwood City. Besides this, what else can we infer?"

"We can also see that Jeb Ross's determination isn't really strong. Since Noelle Zechariah could succeed, that means similar incidents might have happened more than once. Against an opponent whose stance is not firm, I think it shouldn't be too difficult to deal with."

"So what do you plan to do?"

Lane Quincy asked.

Dirk Carter pondered for a moment.

He said, "Digging into the root of this matter, it still boils down to the alliance between Hadley Thorne and Colter Hall. There are two reasons that prompted these arch-rivals to team up: first, the dissatisfaction of the superiors with me, and second, the need for mutual interests."

"The key figure in this is Colter Hall. Since his backing, Stanley Keating, fell, his career path has lost the upward momentum. So, even though this alliance serves both parties' needs, it's definitely Colter Hall who initiated it."

"Because of this, to completely resolve this matter, we won't find the key from Jeb Ross himself; instead, we should start by dismantling the alliance between these two."

Dirk Carter finished speaking.

Lane Quincy nodded repeatedly.

With a difficult expression, he said, "Since this alliance is established under shared interests, dismantling it won't be easy."

"Hadley Thorne and Colter Hall have been rivals for many years, so even if they've formed a temporary alliance now, there's still mutual vigilance. In other words, their alliance is fundamentally fragile. Therefore, as long as a rift occurs between them, the problem will be solved seamlessly."

"You already have an idea, don't you?"

Lane Quincy asked.

Dirk Carter nodded and said, "In the current situation, the one with the greatest insecurity should be Colter Hall. He wants to suppress me but also fears Hadley Thorne will reap the greatest benefits. So..."

Dirk Carter leaned closer to Lane Quincy's ear.

He whispered softly.

After listening to Dirk Carter.

Lane Quincy gave him a thumbs up.

He said, "Brilliant, truly brilliant. Don't worry; I'll handle this matter. Tonight, I'll have dinner with Jeb Ross."

…

That night at six o'clock.

In a private room of a luxury hotel in Silverwood City.

As Jeb Ross walked in, he saw a table full of seafood.

Along with two bottles of Maotai in the center.

He said to the host Lane Quincy, "Secretary Quincy, you're too kind. Such a table, isn't it exceeding the standard?"

Lane Quincy chuckled and said, "There are set standards for official banquets, but for us brothers having dinner, it doesn't matter whether it exceeds or not. I just want to make friends with Brother Jeb. Eating something good, is it too excessive?"

"Not excessive, not excessive, Secretary Quincy's words make me feel honored."

Jeb Ross spoke politely.

But naturally, he had his own calculations in mind.

Having mixed in the officialdom for so many years, he understood that one wouldn't visit the Three Treasures Hall without reason.

Moreover, he knew the relationship between Lane Quincy and Dirk Carter.

In his view, this invitation was definitely Lane Quincy speaking on behalf of Dirk Carter.

Before coming.

He already planned how to handle the situation.

After all, at this dinner, he just needed to keep joking around. As long as he didn't give a direct response, staying neutral between the two factions shouldn't be a difficult task.

Initially.

Both sides consciously avoided mentioning serious matters.

Instead, they chatted over drinks, boasting and laughing.

After three glasses of wine.

The conversation naturally opened up.

Seeing that the timing was right.

Lane Quincy clinked glasses with Jeb Ross, lowered his stance, and said, "Comrade Jeb, the proposal you put forward at today's standing committee meeting is excellent. Personally, I firmly support your work. I'm putting it out here; regarding this matter, I wholeheartedly endorse it!"

Upon hearing this.

Jeb Ross was momentarily stunned.

What was going on?

Wasn't Lane Quincy closely aligned with Dirk Carter?

The people being reshuffled this time were all Dirk Carter's. Shouldn't he be opposed?

Thinking quickly.

He said, "Then thank you Secretary Quincy for supporting my work. I toast you a drink to express my gratitude."

The two clinked glasses again and drank to the last drop.

Then.

Lane Quincy's expression immediately turned melancholy.

He said, "Brother Jeb might've heard; I've recently encountered some troubles and even been disciplined. Climbing higher seems impossible. As you've just arrived in Silverwood City and instantly felt familiar, wanting to establish yourself here, I do have some experience."

"Oh, please enlighten me, Brother Quincy."

Jeb Ross said.

Lane Quincy spoke mysteriously, "The political scene in Silverwood City is indeed quite complex, but regardless, as long as you hold onto one powerful figure, you'll have no problem at all."

"Brother, who is this powerful figure you speak of?"

"Do you even need to ask? It must be Secretary Thorne. You see, Mayor Hall's backing Stanley Keating has fallen. Although he's the second-in-command, his authority has clearly weakened. Secretary Thorne is different; he's the top leader, and his backing is intact. As long as you follow his lead, everything will be smooth sailing."

Lane Quincy said.

This speech left Jeb Ross somewhat perplexed.

Scratching his head, he said, "Brother Quincy, excuse my straightforwardness. Since you know there's a future following Secretary Thorne, why..."

His question was why Lane Quincy would align himself with Dirk Carter.

Lane Quincy showed a trace of regret on his face.

He said, "It's a long story. I had mingled with Mayor Hall for quite a while, only to be backstabbed by him. I definitely don't want to go back there. But to say I'd join Secretary Thorne also seems unlikely. After all, I aided Mayor Hall in fighting against him for so many years. If I also aligned with Secretary Thorne, wouldn't people backstab me in the whispering corners?"

This explanation made sense.

Jeb Ross thought it over carefully and agreed that it was indeed so.

He immediately showed interest and asked, "Brother Quincy, how could I gain Secretary Thorne's favor and become one of his trusted followers?"

Upon hearing this.

Lane Quincy knew Jeb Ross had taken the bait.

He smiled, saying, "In the personnel change you're orchestrating, there's one position that's particularly crucial—the County Chief of Greshire County. Does Secretary Thorne or Mayor Hall have any specific arrangement for this position?"