When Ethan arrived at City Hall, John Hott was already waiting for him.

This time, John Hott also got a slice of the municipal project pie.

However, it was clear he didn't feel there was anything to be happy about.

Compared to the private liquor business, this was just small fry.

Today's hearing was nothing but a formality.

He was still worried about tax issues.

"I've spotted a good bank these past few days in Butan City. On the surface, their financial situation looks fine, no issues, but in reality, their cash flow is nearly dried up. I've made initial contact; if it's suitable, I can take it over for three million. What do you think?"

He whispered to Ethan.

"Let's talk later," Ethan shook his head.

While banks were certainly a good choice, they were also a sector he had never ventured into.

The Bolita Clan had no power in this circle, so caution was imperative.

Moreover, it wasn't the right time to discuss this matter.

Because the hearing was about to start.

Ethan had already seen Oswaldo walk in.

However, it was odd since Oswaldo hadn't participated in this hearing before, and a project of this level indeed didn't require his presence.

Today he had suddenly come.

Maybe he wanted to give Ethan a bit of face?

But Ethan also noticed that next to Oswaldo, there was someone unfamiliar.

This person was a stranger.

He was definitely not from City Hall or from the Wenster circle.

The man was about forty years old, with a stern-looking face. His muscles bulged all over, and even wearing a formal suit couldn't hide it.

Or perhaps this person was not suited to wearing formal clothes; in his suit, he looked somewhat ridiculous. He should be wearing hunting gear or... armor?

This person's height was quite staggering, nearly two meters.

Just from his physique, he was quite imposing.

Who is this person?

At this time, Oswaldo also saw Ethan and smiled, nodding towards him.

Ethan naturally returned the smile.

However, Oswaldo didn't seem to intend to sit near him but chose to sit elsewhere with the strong man.

"Who is that?" John Hott asked in confusion.

"No idea."

The hearing officially started.

It was indeed a formality; the money was paid, the people were committed, and the basic details were settled, just awaiting the final announcement.

After a few people wrapped up their part, it was time for Oswaldo to speak.

Oswaldo slowly walked onto the stage, looking around at everyone, but he didn't say what he was supposed to say.

Instead, he said, "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your contributions to Wenster, which will remember you. Because of these efforts, I can't take this matter lightly, so I specially invited an expert to safeguard our municipal project. Vito, my friend, come up here, let everyone get to know you."

With his call, the muscular man slowly walked up to the stage.

"Hello everyone, I am Vito Klaus, from Sofenia. Happy to serve you all."

As his words fell, whispers erupted below the stage.

Some were discussing his surname, while others couldn't help but glance at Ethan.

Because in the initial plan, this municipal project was supposed to be handed over to Ethan.

Recently, Ethan and Oswaldo's relationship wasn't bad; they appeared together in the newspaper not long ago.

But today, according to Oswaldo, this project had been poached.

And poached by an outsider.

Although this project wasn't particularly significant, it carried considerable implications.

Had Ethan fallen out of favor?

Connecting to where this Vito came from, Sofenia, which in the Kingdom was widely known as—Steel City.

That was exactly where Oswaldo had previously held a position, where he was extremely influential.

What's going on now?

Sandro had fallen, and Oswaldo was preparing to support his own forces?

And he brought someone from his home base?

This Vito's surname was also a subject of discussion, Klaus...

Bear in mind, one of the Kingdom's largest automobile manufacturers is Klaus Company.

The Klaus family, even more, was the steel magnate of the Kingdom.

Could this Vito be part of the Klaus Clan too?

John Hott's face had turned unpleasant; being a partner in the project meant he was suddenly kicked out too.

Ethan, on the other hand, remained calm and even smiled and nodded again to Oswaldo.

"Ethan..."

"I know, we'll talk later."

On stage, Oswaldo continued his speech: "Actually, the reason I invited Vito here is not only for this project. This project is just the beginning. I'm sure everyone remembers our plan to rebuild Saint Kuanti at the start of the year, which is the main event, and Vito will be involved too. He has experience in city expansion and renovation back in Steel City. I believe we can bring a brand new city to the displaced citizens of Saint Kuanti."

"Oh, and besides the Saint Kuanti reconstruction plan, the City Hall has another new project today to announce, and that is…"

Oswaldo said, gently clapping his hands.

Soon, someone brought up a city diagram.

Oswaldo used a wooden stick to point to a section by the sea, which had been outlined in red beforehand.

"I proudly present to you all our new project, the Wenster expansion plan, also known as the land reclamation plan. As you may have noticed, Wenster has been rapidly developing these past few years, and the city area is already stretched thin. As a port city, it's unwise to develop inland; the space for such growth is limited. So, why don't we reclaim land from the sea and expand the Port District? Previously, a major obstacle in this plan was that Sandro owned a large piece of north seaside land, but he's dead now. His assets have reverted to the Kingdom's ownership, so our final barrier is removed, meaning... we can venture out to sea."

He emphatically tapped the red-circled area with the wooden stick.

If Ethan recalled correctly, that was the location of Sandro's seaside castle.

With Oswaldo stating it this way, the attendees could only applaud vigorously.

Finally, he naturally invited those present to continue attending subsequent hearings.

Today's hearing wrapped up.

Ending with Ethan's defeat.

Watching Oswaldo and Vito leave together.

Ethan took a deep breath, adjusted his tie, and said to John Hott: "Call everyone for a meeting, there's trouble approaching."

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