As soon as the words were spoken.

Zachary Ford appeared at the doorway and said, "Chadric Gates' car has arrived."

Anselm Hall slapped the armrest of the sofa, stood up, and said, "Alright, let's go meet the new mayor, but remember one principle: we can't let Dirk Carter get into trouble for now."

At the entrance of the customs building.

A Coaster slowly drove in.

As soon as the door opened.

Anselm Hall took the initiative to greet him.

When the door opened, Chadric Gates, dressed in an administrative jacket, stepped down slowly.

The welcoming team at customs erupted into thunderous applause, and everyone beamed brightly, reminiscent of the scene when Dirk Carter was welcomed.

"Mayor Gates, welcome to the customs for research and guidance."

Anselm Hall proactively extended his hand.

After a handshake, Chadric Gates chuckled and said, "Commissioner Hall, I'm sorry for bothering the customs."

"Mayor Gates, what are you saying? Your guidance at customs is our honor."

"Hahaha..."

After a bout of formal pleasantries.

Chadric Gates, led by Anselm Hall, shook hands with each of the customs leaders.

The others basically just exchanged greetings.

When it was Dirk Carter's turn, Chadric Gates pretended to be surprised and said, "Oh, Comrade Carter, you've been transferred to customs too?"

This was a known question.

After all, the two had just met days ago at the entrance of a restaurant.

Dirk Carter smiled slightly and said, "Like a brick of the people, I am moved wherever needed."

Chadric Gates smiled and said to Anselm Hall beside him, "Commissioner Hall, you may not know, but Comrade Carter and I go way back. When it came to proposing him as deputy county head, I was the one who brought it up first. Isn't that right, Comrade Carter?"

This was true.

At the launch ceremony of the Jinde Vocational School.

Indeed, Chadric Gates nominated Dirk Carter as deputy county head and head of the preparatory team.

But strictly speaking, while he nominated, the actual decision was made by someone else.

And after the nomination, for a long time, the matter was basically left unresolved, and no one mentioned it again.

"Yes, yes, I still have to thank Mayor Gates for his promotion and support,"

Dirk Carter said politely.

"No need to be polite. It's your ability, Comrade Carter. Alright, let's go in, Commissioner Hall..."

After saying that.

As Chadric Gates was being ushered into the building.

A sound of sirens came from afar.

Everyone turned back in confusion to see two police cars weaving their way through the gate.

When the car doors opened.

A total of four police officers got out, the leader looked to be about forty years old, and as soon as he saw Chadric Gates, he jogged over to him.

He saluted Chadric Gates.

And said respectfully, "Hello, Mayor Gates."

"Bartel Perry? What brings you here?"

Chadric Gates asked with a frown.

This Bartel Perry was a member of the Ardmore City Police Department's party committee and the chief of Florin District Police Precinct.

Bartel Perry scanned the surroundings and his gaze landed on Dirk Carter.

After pausing for a second, he looked back at Chadric Gates, respectfully saying, "Mayor Gates, could I have a word with you privately?"

"What's all this 'private' talk? We're all family here, speak your mind,"

Chadric Gates scolded.

Bartel Perry looked troubled but nodded since the mayor insisted, and said, "Report to Mayor Gates, the precinct received a report stating that Deputy Commissioner Dirk Carter intentionally caused injury and severe harm, I... I'm here to take Comrade Carter in for questioning."

"Nonsense! Bartel Perry, do you think this is appropriate? Comrade Carter is the Deputy Commissioner of customs; how could he intentionally harm anyone? Have you clarified this matter?"

As soon as Bartel Perry finished speaking.

Chadric Gates angrily rebuked.

Their back-and-forth was quite well-coordinated.

It'd be a pity if they didn't become actors.

Bartel Perry nodded and said, "We've thoroughly confirmed the evidence; we only came to customs after finding both witness testimony and material evidence."

Chadric Gates frowned.

He looked at Anselm Hall and said, "Commissioner Hall, about this matter..."

At this moment, Anselm Hall was naturally a bit anxious.

Dirk Carter was his arrow aimed at Jaden Lawson, and if Dirk Carter failed now, it would mean all previous efforts were in vain.

After a pause, he said, "Mayor Gates, I believe there's a misunderstanding here. Comrade Carter just started working at customs, and it's unreasonable to accuse him of intentional harm."

"Well... this makes it difficult."

Chadric Gates turned his gaze to Dirk Carter.

And said, "Comrade Carter, about this matter..."

Dirk Carter, unfazed, looked at Bartel Perry and asked, "Chief Perry, I can go back with you, but there must be conclusive evidence. Otherwise, I'm not going anywhere with you."

"Exactly, Chief Perry, no matter what, Dirk Carter is our Deputy Commissioner at customs. If you just take our people without cause, what does that say about customs?"

Zachary Ford stepped forward and unceremoniously addressed Bartel Perry.

Bartel Perry saw Dirk Carter's resolute attitude.

And sneered, "Commissioner Carter, as I said, the police wouldn't come to arrest someone without sufficient evidence. If there was a misunderstanding, you'll find out once we get back."

"Rumors are powerful, but what if Chief Perry arrested the wrong person? My reputation doesn't matter, but if customs loses face, can you bear that responsibility?"

Dirk Carter rebuked.

Amidst the quarrel.

Anselm Hall said to Chadric Gates, "Mayor Gates, you're the leader here. This matter can be big or small. On a small scale, it might be someone seeking revenge against Comrade Carter; on a large scale, it's an attempt to frame customs, so I hope the leader treats this seriously."

The decision landed on Chadric Gates.

Chadric Gates, with a gloomy face.

Said to Dirk Carter, "Comrade Carter, come with me."

After speaking, he turned and walked towards the corner of the courtyard.

Dirk Carter didn't hesitate and immediately followed.

In a secluded spot, Chadric Gates halted and turned to face Dirk Carter, "Carter, you're a smart man. I don't need to say much. You see the situation now, only I can protect you, right?"

"What does Mayor Gates mean? Just say it,"

Dirk Carter said, looking composed.

Chadric Gates sneered, "Theodore Hughes is my son-in-law, practically half my son. You've messed with him, where does that leave my dignity?"

"So, Mayor Gates' intention is still to deal with me?"

Dirk Carter asked.

Chadric Gates chuckled coldly and said, "As I said before, Theodore Hughes is just my son-in-law, only half a son. A son-in-law could be him, someone else, or anyone, but Dirk Carter is only you. You should weigh the consequences."

The same words held two meanings.

The first layer implied that Theodore Hughes is his person, and harming his person means retribution.

The second layer meant Theodore Hughes is replaceable; losing him is bearable, but Dirk Carter cannot handle the aftermath.

The latter implied another hidden meaning.

That if Dirk Carter met certain conditions, he'd be let go.

This demonstrated the prior farce was just a prelude; this conversation was the main event.

Dirk Carter nodded and said, "I understand. Mayor Gates' intention is for me to take a side. If I side with you, this matter just disappears, right?"

Chadric Gates smiled slightly and said, "It's easier dealing with smart people; no need for me to waste so many words."

Dirk Carter also smiled and asked, "Mayor Gates, one last question. Should I side with you or Jaden Lawson behind you? Those are entirely different concepts."

As soon as he said this.

Chadric Gates' expression changed.

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