Love at the Wrong Table
Chapter 2229 The Battle Behind the Votes
Under Ansel’s firm command, the uproar in the hall gradually died down.
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The representatives returned to their seats one by one, though tension still lingered in the air.
Teddy sat down, too, but his eyes sparkled with satisfaction as everything began to fall into place.
He and Mackenzie both knew their base support–each had roughly 230 votes locked in. The remaining 50 moderate votes would decide the winner.
Yet after the earlier spectacle, Teddy had managed to shift public perception just enough. By turning the room against Mackenzie, he had made her look just as ruthless as him.
In a close race like this, even the slightest edge could tip the balance in his favor.
Unlike modern elections, this process remained rooted in tradition. There were no electronic ballots or digital records; handwritten votes were counted on the spot.
Each representative received two cards upon arrival. One displayed their name and title, which was placed in front of their seat, while the other was used to cast their vote.
It was an antiquated system, outdated yet still upheld for the sake of “tradition.”
Before voting could start, formal procedures needed to be followed–lengthy, monotonous, and advantageous to the incumbent.
As the current chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, Teddy was required to give a speech outlining his achievements over the past three years.
This wasn’t just protocol–it was another opportunity for him to reinforce his influence and sway the undecided voters.
Meanwhile, Beatrix and the others anxiously followed the official live broadcast outside the venue.
“Why does it feel like everything is working against Mackenzie?” Beatrix muttered, her unease growing.
Her words only deepened the tension around her.
The deaths of Ken and Anthony, coupled with the poisoning from the previous night, had already diminished their numbers. Several West End representatives hadn’t even shown up–whether they still had the right to vote remained uncertain.
Even the customarily composed Terence now wore a serious expression.
Everyone understood the stakes.
This election wasn’t just about the Chamber of Commerce–it would reshape Chanaea’s political future.
On the sidelines, Hattie turned to Magnus, needing clarity. “Magnus, how much does this election actually affect the bigger picture? What happens if Mackenzie wins or loses? And what’s your next move?”
Magnus adjusted his glasses, his expression unreadable.
“Hattie, I always prefer to be on the same side as you. That’s why I’m hoping Mackenzie wins,” he replied
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Chapter 2229 The Battle Behind the Votes
His words made Hattie smile slightly, but she knew Magnus never spoke without reason.
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He continued, “If Mackenzie wins, it will destabilize Teddy’s hold on power, shifting momentum to Ethan. while weakening Catherine’s support. Ethan already has the upper hand in the presidential race, but Mackenzie’s victory would all but guarantee his win. Of course, the final decision will still be made next week in the presidential election.”
Hattie nodded as she absorbed his words.
“Still, here’s the real consequence–Catherine and Mason will realize they can’t win fairly if Mackenzie wins. That’s when they’ll be forced to take drastic measures. When that happens, the final showdown will happen at Divine Mountain’s Chapel of Oros,” Magnus explained.
Hattie exhaled slowly. “So, if Mackenzie wins today, it officially kicks off the real fight for power in Chanaea?”
“Exactly.” Magnus‘ smirk deepened before speaking, “If Mackenzie loses, the entire landscape changes. Some of Ethan’s allies might waver, and even the Chapman Family could reconsider their stance.”
Hattie’s brow furrowed. “Would the Chapman Family really turn against Emmanuel?”
Magnus nodded. “They might. The Chapman Family didn’t become the wealthiest by making reckless bets. Business and politics go hand in hand. If they back the losing side, they risk financial ruin.”
“That’s why they’ve remained cautious. So far, they’ve let Veronica handle things, keeping their real position hidden. If Mackenzie fails today, just wait–the true decision–makers in the Chapman Family will step in. When they do, they won’t hesitate to undo everything Veronica and Nathan have built.”
Hattie sighed, realizing Magnus wasn’t just guessing–he was laying out the playbook before it happened.
After a pause, she asked, “The Four Great Aristocratic Families of Zovince–are the other three already fully committed to Teddy and Catherine? What happens if Teddy loses?”
Magnus chuckled. “Let’s start with the Tanner Family first.”
He never minded explaining things to his sister–if she wanted his analysis, he could go on for days without missing a beat.
Magnus began, “The Tanners only reached the top because of the first Maestro Moretti. Despite Teddy’s current power, their foundation is the weakest among the Four Great Aristocratic Families of Zovince.”
“If Teddy loses control of the Chamber of Commerce, the entire Tanner Family will be in danger. The influence he’s built and the private army he’s secretly funding overseas could all fall apart.”
Magnus‘ expression darkened slightly. “That said, there’s another possibility. If Teddy’s back is against the wall, he may align with foreign powers to protect himself.”
Magnus added, “And the Lannister Family? They’re different. Unlike the Tanners, they don’t rely on political influence–they rely on their martial dominance. This election won’t shake them. The real factor at play is Yorick.”
Hattie’s expression tightened. “Yorick? As in Yorick Dotson?”
“Yes, the Martial Saint.” Magnus nodded, his gaze sharpening. The weight of that title was undeniable.
He continued, “A Martial Saint is a force of nature. Their influence alone is enough to shift the tides of a
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Chapter 2229 The Battle Behind the Votes
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nation. They only act when the timing is perfect. Yorick is no different from the Silver Dragon Spear Saint.”
Hattie tensed at the mention of that name.
Though she didn’t know much about Santiago, she understood one thing–he had spent twenty years in isolation, waiting for the right moment to strike.
“Yorick came to Chanaea with four objectives,” Magnus continued, raising four fingers. “First–assassinate Artemis.”
Hattie’s eyes widened. “What? He was the one who killed the former president? Magnus… do you have proof?”
Magnus smirked, tapping his temple. “I am the proof. The president’s security team was one of the best. Only a Martial Saint could have successfully assassinated him alone.”
He added, “Mom once tried to create elite assassins on Dark Night Island, but the plan failed. When it did, and the president was assassinated, I knew immediately–Yorick had struck a deal with the Holy Trinity.”
Hattie’s breath caught in her throat. She had always been praised for her intelligence, often compared to Magnus. Yet the truth was–Magnus was far ahead of her.
Magnus continued, “That wasn’t the only reason. Beyond any deal with the Holy Trinity, Yorick had his own vendetta. That assassination wasn’t just political–it was personal. Revenge twenty years in the making.”
Magnus paused before delivering his final statement, “His second mission–destabilizing Chanaea for Shoiya to prepare for war.”
