Chapter 1424 - 1364: Kiya Wants to Work at the Company Too

"I’ve written numerous election speeches before; it’ll be done shortly. Let’s finish it after lunch; there’s still time," Kiya said following Sienna Johnson’s lead.

Sienna Johnson said, "I know a nearby restaurant that’s pretty good. Let’s go together; I’m just not sure if you guys are used to the food."

Kiya, who is from Abyanabad and particularly fond of Abyanabad’s cuisine, was invited by Sienna Johnson to an Orienta restaurant.

Kiya said, "I can handle it; Orienta cuisine is delicious, just as tasty as the food in Abyanabad."

No wonder he’s part of the Abyanabad Royal Family, with a heart full of patriotism; in Kiya’s eyes, Abyanabad is the best.

"Paige, my wife wants us to go out for a meal."

Paige Desmond gave Kiya a glance, and the three of them headed out for lunch.

...

Eastminster Group, Sienna Johnson’s office.

After lunch, Kiya came over to help Sienna Johnson write her speech. Sienna Johnson had spent the entire morning on a speech she wasn’t satisfied with, but Kiya got it done quickly.

"A speech is essentially face-to-face communication. First, you need to introduce yourself so people know you. Talk about the position you’re running for, why you’re running for it, and then focus on your skills, letting people see that you’re capable of being the President. Afterwards, elaborate on how the association would develop under your leadership, addressing challenges and solutions, and conclude the speech," Kiya explained, refining the speech with his pen, adjusting expressions that aren’t suitable for verbal presentation.

Sienna Johnson looked at the well-articulated and logical speech, and sincerely thanked Kiya, "Thank you so much, Kiya. With your adjustments, I’m feeling more confident."

"No need to thank me."

Paige Desmond tasked Kiya, "Wife, whenever you need a speech written during your campaign, just let Kiya write it; he’s idle every day."

As Sienna was about to speak, Kiya interjected, "Wife, see, Paige complains that I only eat and don’t make money. Perhaps I should come work at your office too."

Sienna Johnson: ...

Kiya added, "Isn’t wife running for Pharmaceutical Association President? I’m quite adept in that area and can advise you.

I’ll head off now, wife; I’ll be back to work first thing tomorrow."

Worried Sienna Johnson might refuse, Kiya didn’t even give her a chance to speak, smiled at Paige Desmond, reminded her to go home early, and left.

Before leaving, Kiya closed the door.

After he left, only two women remained in the office. Sienna Johnson, perceptive and insightful, quickly saw through Kiya’s little schemes.

The Sultan of Abyanabad isn’t in need of making money to support a family; he’s doing it to spend every moment with his wife.

"Kiya must feel so insecure; he even follows you to work," Sienna jested.

Paige Desmond laughed, "If he wants to come, let him come. Don’t pay him a salary."

"Kiya treats you so well now, don’t constantly bully him."

"When do I ever bully him?"

...

After a busy day, Sienna Johnson returned home but didn’t see Adrian Desmond.

Adrian recently came home very late each night, often with the smell of alcohol and occasionally with a scent of perfume. It was unclear what he was busy with.

Sienna Johnson tried calling him, but she couldn’t reach him.

Looking at her phone, Sienna faintly murmured, "Why not answering the call? What are you busy with?"

Sienna tossed the phone onto the bed and went to shower.

After a while, Adrian Desmond called back, but the sound of running water masked the phone’s ringtone, and the screen dimmed again after a short ring.

...

Underground casino,

Adrian Desmond sat beside a hefty middle-aged man with red eyes, disheveled hair, and with his tie loosened, engaged in high-stakes gambling.

Next to the man was a dazzlingly alluring woman, with tender attentiveness, serving him.

Adrian glanced at the two men across the table, who were initially ready to lay down their cards, but suddenly held back, leading to the man’s victory.

"Haha... I won again!" the man exclaimed with enthusiasm, pecking the cheek of the beauty beside him, his face gleaming.

The man was none other than Otto Hodges, Deputy Mayor of Sileria City.

Despite being Deputy Mayor, in Sileria City, Otto Hodges’s words carry more weight than those of Mayor Welch, who was sent down by the upper echelons.

The saying ’a powerful outsider can’t overtake a local bigwig’ applies here; Otto Hodges is a native of Sileria City, with a strong family background, and considerable effort was made exclusively to gain connections through him.

"Adrian, I haven’t been this lucky in a long time. Thanks to your teaching me these gambling skills, I’m as good as a film star," Otto Hodges boasted, patting Adrian’s shoulder with pride.

"Mayor Hodges, would you like to play a few more rounds?" Adrian asked, a cigarette dangling from his mouth.

"No more, no more."

Tonight’s high-stakes gambling saw Mayor Hodges win over one hundred fifty grand, with a pile of banknotes in front of him making Otto smile uncontrollably.

"After playing for so long, Mayor Hodges must be exhausted. Let Rebecca accompany you for some rest. Whenever you’re free, do drop by and help with my business."

"Certainly, certainly."

Mayor Hodges indulges in gambling and womanizing, yet is exceptionally skilled at public relations. Wearing cheap clothes and smoking inexpensive cigarettes, he bikes to work... In others’ eyes, he’s a model of integrity.

In reality... alas, Adrian rather appreciates someone with all these flaws.

Rebecca clung to Otto Hodges’s arm, coquettishly saying, "Brother Hodges, let’s go; I’ll give you a massage."

"Let’s go, let’s go..."

This was Hodges’s third visit here, with every penny he won safely held by Adrian, who is thorough in his care, making Hodges appreciate him even more.

Preserving the facade of integrity can be exhausting, and Otto Hodges needed a place to unwind.

Adrian Desmond exited the underground casino late at night, Marion following closely behind, puzzled by Adrian’s recent zeal to build connections with Sileria City’s elites.

Sabrina Conner brought the car around; Marion opened the door for Adrian to board.

Sitting in the car, Adrian checked his phone, realizing Sienna had called him, but there was no answer on her end when he dialed back.

Marion asked, "Sixth Master, you’re networking with so many officials lately, we’re all unsure of your intentions. Could you let us know, so we have an idea?"

Adrian twirled the ring on his ring finger, slowly saying, "Since we’re settling in Sileria City, naturally we need these connections.

Having money isn’t enough; one also needs power.

In the future, they’ll all be my pawns."

"..."

"Isn’t this place ruled by law and order? We can’t act as in Abyanabad, where if you don’t like someone, you get rid of them. Since we’re settling here, we’ll play by its rules." Adrian chuckled coldly, his smile tinged with sarcasm.