Chapter 2231 The Shift Begins
While the votes were being cast, Emmanuel remained by Ethan’s side, closely monitoring the election via live video feed.
Everyone understood–this wasn’t just about the Chamber of Commerce presidency.
Whoever won today would gain a huge advantage in the presidential race.
As Emmanuel studied the screen, Albin approached him and spoke in a low voice, “Commander Lowe, the task has been taken care of.”
“Good.” Emmanuel nodded in approval and gave a subtle thumbs–up. He thought, With that, one of Teddy’s major schemes is already dismantled.
“Spread the word. Make sure the news reaches the venue,” Emmanuel ordered.
“Understood, Commander Lowe!” Albin responded before slipping away.
Everything was moving into place. It was a carefully coordinated effort involving multiple players who had set things in motion long before today.
Meanwhile, Teddy was still irritated by Ansel’s earlier move.
He had instructed Ansel privately that Mackenzie’s people shouldn’t get a turn until he had at least 30
votes.
Yet, Ansel had already let Jidrus vote early, subtly disrupting Teddy’s plan.
Teddy drummed his fingers against the table. Did Ansel think following my ons suspicious, so he adjusted things slightly?
exactly would look
Needing to reel him back in, Teddy cleared his throat–once, twice, then a third time. Ansel finally glanced in his direction. Teddy raised his glass, pretending to sip
It was a small, seemingly innocent gesture–but Mackenzie wasn’t fooled.
Mater
Teddy believed he was still in control, using Ansel’s family as leverage to dictate the voting
order.
However, Magnus, Stanley, and Terence had already tipped off Mackenzie, and Emmanuel had dismantled Teddy’s leverage well before the election even started.
Unfortunately, Ansel was still in the dark–he had no idea that Teddy’s grip on him was already broken.
A video message greeted him when he arrived at the election hall this morning. On the screen, his family appeared trapped in a dimly lit room, serving as a clear warning.
Teddy’s instructions were straightforward–rig the voting order or face the consequences.
With no choice, Ansel played along unwillingly.
Yet, every part of him resented it.
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Chapter 2231 The Shift Begins
།g ས ི་ 74%
Finished
the first ten votes, he ensured at least two went to neutral representatives—a small disruption, but a disruption nonetheless.
Still, Teddy wasn’t oblivious. Another silent warning followed that he was still being watched.
Jaw tightening, Ansel forced himself to comply, allowing Teddy’s faction to sweep the first 29 votes, shifting the odds entirely in his favor.
Teddy sighed, his voice tinged with forced sincerity. “Ms. Quillen, to be honest, I was thinking about stepping aside and letting the younger generation take the reins. However, it seems the people aren’t quite ready for me to retire just yet.”
His expression was convincing, almost genuine. To anyone unfamiliar with him, it would seem like a humble remark. Still, Mackenzie knew better–beneath the surface, he was mocking her.
She remained poised. “Mr. Tanner, we’ll make sure your wish comes true.”
A brief flash of irritation crossed Teddy’s gaze before he quickly masked it with a chuckle. “Hopefully, Ms. Quillen.
Disgust immediately twisted in Mackenzie’s stomach. She had studied countless stories and wisdom texts, each warning that the most dangerous villains often wore the warmest smiles.
Experiencing it firsthand proved far worse than reading about it in books. Watching Teddy play his role so effortlessly made her skin crawl.
Then suddenly, a new voice interrupted the moment.
“Sorry for the delay!”
Heads turned as Julian Summerton, one of Mackenzie’s key representatives from Nuthana, strolled into the hall.
Despite being hospitalized for poisoning the night before, he walked in as if nothing had happened.
“Hmm… As far as I remember, even if someone’s late, they still get to vote, right?” he added with a smirk.
Murmurs filled the room.
Teddy’s calm expression twitched for a split second.
He had counted on Julian being out of the picture.
With Ken and Anthony dead and several representatives absent due to the poisonings, Mackenzie’s numbers were supposed to be crippled.
Yet here Julian was–standing tall and ready to vote.
Even though one vote wouldn’t overturn the election, was a crack in Teddy’s well–crafted narrative–and
he knew it.
Keeping his expression neutral, Ansel responded, “Yes, ll representatives retain their voting rights until the final vote is cast.
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Chapter 2231 The Shift Begins
for Julian to take a seat.
However, Julian had no interest in playing along with Teddy’s performance.
Instead, he walked straight toward the voting podium.
3
“What do you think you’re doing?!” One of Teddy’s men snapped, moving to block Julian’s path.
Several notaries also stepped forward, ready to intervene.
Finished
Noticing Julian’s subtle eye movements, Ansel raised a hand and signaled them to hold back. Something about Julian’s expression suggested he was trying to send a message.
Julian didn’t even blink. Turning to Ansel, he asked, “Mr. Morrison, can I vote first? I’m still recovering, and my doctor told me I shouldn’t be stressing myself out.”
He casually pulled out his phone and added, “Don’t believe me? Here, take a look.”
Most people thought Julian was talking nonsense or about to show a doctor’s note.
When Ansel glanced at the screen, his breath hitched.
It wasn’t a medical report.
It was a live video feed of his family–safe, unharmed, resting comfortably in a hotel.
Meanwhile, Teddy’s men weren’t about to let things slide.
“Is this Nuthana delegate out of his mind?”
“The voting order is randomized!”
“Yeah! No special privileges for anyone!”
“I say we strip him of his vote for causing a disruption!”
Despite the mounting pressure, Ansel kept his voice even and replied, “Please return to your seat and wait for the draw.”
Julian smirked. “Of course. No hurry–it doesn’t affect me at all. I can wait,” he spoke casually, slipping his phone back into his pocket.
His words carried an unspoken message, one meant only for Ansel. Relax. Your family is safe. No one’s going to die.
As a seasoned professional, Ansel understood the message instantly.
He took a deep breath, steadying himself before turning to announce the next voter.
This time, his voice was clearer and steadier. “The next representative to vote–Julian Summerton of Nuthana!”
The room froze.
Teddy’s connorters who had just been celebrating nucl no lulian aside suddenly looked like they had
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Chapter 2231 The Shift Begins
swallowed their tongues.
Their mind raced. We fought so hard to block him from voting, and now he’s randomly selected as the next in line?! Is this just dumb luck?
Julian grinned, turning toward the people who had been yelling at him a moment ago. He gestured at them mockingly. “Looks like even fate is tired of your nonsense! Go on, keep whining! Let’s hear the next excuse!”
Silence.
No one dared to argue.
As Julian stepped forward, Teddy’s eyes burned into Ansel’s. His expression said it all, ‘Do you no longer care about your family?‘
However, Ansel wasn’t the same man he was an hour ago. He didn’t flinch, didn’t acknowledge the stare.
He had been forced to rig elections under Teddy’s threats for years.
Yet this time–he had a way out.
અને અને છે, એલ
If he let this opportunity slip away, there might never be another chance to bring Teddy down.
Taking a deep breath, he made the announcement. “Nuthana’s representative, Julian Summerton, votes for Mackenzie Quillen
The screen refreshed. The score was 2 to 29,
The gap remained vast, almost insurmountable.
Yet, for Mackenzie’s side–it was the first real sign of hope.
Outside, Beatrix and the others let out a quiet breath of relief.
Still, no one relaxed just yet. They all keath of relief.
chance.
they didn’t shift the tide now, they wouldn’t get another
