Chapter 228 Donald Wants to Jump Off a Building
The mayoral election, 4 days to go.
In the afternoon, the sky was overcast, and the wind from the sea howled through the city.
Everyone gathered in my office to discuss the current situation.
Lucas sat on my right, Brian on my left.
Next to Brian were Marcus and Jacqueline. Marcus glared at Lucas several times, annoyed that Lucas had taken his seat.
On the large screen in the office was data compiled by Karen. On the opposite wall, facing the large screen, hung a smaller one, where Gale and Julie were video-calling us from Dawnharbor.
"Right now, Brian is in first place with around 138,600 votes."
"Second place goes to Veselin Hale, the City Hall's Finance Director, with 135,100 votes."
"Third is Derek Baker, with just over 129,900 votes," Karen said seriously.
Jonathan sat beside her, flipping through documents. "Derek was born into a poor family in the Co-governed District. His mother is seriously ill, his father is disabled. His inspiring story has won him a lot of public favor, and he's branded himself as 'the Light of the Common People.' He livestreams regularly, sharing insider information, and has over 800,000 followers on social media. But in reality, he's backed by the power guilds of the Co-governed District."
"This guy is all show and no substance," Jonas said, sitting next to Lucas with crossed legs, commenting casually. "The Co-governed District might be able to create an internet celebrity, but that doesn't mean they can create a mayor."
Edgar, seated at the end, nodded and added, "The Thornfield family is currently split into two factions—half supporting City Hall, half supporting the Co-governed District."
"No one supports Brian?" I asked curiously.
Edgar shook his head awkwardly. Lucas said sharply, "People with vision are always in the minority."
I nodded. "True."
Karen continued, "Although the gap is small right now and the advantage is slim, nearly 30% of the city's residents still haven't voted. Brian's chances of winning were still quite good."
"We have to admire Bella's earlier planning," Jonas said with feeling.
Back when I monopolized Starstream City's pharmaceutical market, aggressively acquiring and opening chain pharmacies, the goal was to get votes for Brian.
A month ago, the pharmacies began promoting Brian.
In the last five days before voting ended, anyone with a voting stub or screenshot showing they voted for Brian could get a gift at any chain pharmacy or any brand store under Platinum Haven Hotel.
One gift per vote, with no requirement to be a city resident, so Brian's support rate would increase significantly in the coming days.
Marcus patted Brian's shoulder. "Thank goodness for Bella."
Brian nodded. "Yes! Thanks to Bella, I can be this relaxed. Meanwhile, those wealthy families we're on good terms with had not taken a position yet. They're probably going to wait until the last moment."
Political struggles are always about interests.
Everyone pursues maximum benefit, so naturally they must be cautious, and then even more cautious.
Gale tapped the table rhythmically with his index finger. "Bella's plan is good, but it's public knowledge. Our opponents will definitely be prepared."
I listened carefully to Gale's words. Marcus said impatiently, "Why don't we have Bella move up the medical school entrance exam? Once those people send their children into our hands, they'll naturally listen to us."
Marcus asked me with frustration, "Bella, you announced at the homecoming banquet that you'd open a school. Why schedule the exam after the election ends? I've heard so many people say we're dragging our feet, that we're doing it on purpose, that we're lying and don't really want to accept students."
"If even you can think of it, don't you think those wealthy and mafia families can too?" Brian knocked Marcus on the head, calling him an idiot. "Those people covet Bella's medical skills but also fear that sending their children would make them Bella's hostages."
Marcus said disdainfully, "They just want to take advantage!"
"Yes, that's why I scheduled the exam after the election ends. By then, it'll be very clear who belongs to which camp." I noticed Jacqueline had the same question as Marcus—her eyes were clear and innocent, but she was too embarrassed to ask—so I explained carefully. "Announcing it early lets them consider my value. If I die, it's no good for them. And the smarter ones who support us now, I won't treat them badly later."
"Like me, for instance," Jonas said with a grin. "The most successful deal I ever made was partnering with Bella."
Lucas subtly adjusted his posture, blocking the look Jonas was throwing my way.
Roger lazily picked at his feet. "And me."
Edgar quickly chimed in, "And me!"
Marcus and Jacqueline exchanged glances. "Got it!"
Karen stretched. "Five-minute break before we continue?"
No one objected.
Lucas thoughtfully prepared dessert and water for me, but I inexplicably felt a wave of anxiety.
As if something was about to happen.
Lucas was always watching me. He asked quietly, "What's wrong?"
From the corner of my eye, I saw a few dark clouds outside the window. I pressed my hand to my chest, trying to suppress the sudden irritation. "Nothing."
Just then Lucas's phone rang, followed immediately by mine, then Brian's, James's, Karen's, Edgar's.
If only Lucas's and my phones had rung, it could be called a coincidence. But so many people receiving calls at the same time—this was highly unusual!
Lucas answered his phone. After hearing one sentence from the other end, his expression changed drastically, a chill settling over his features.
I took a deep breath and answered my phone. The caller was a media reporter who said urgently, "Lucas's biological father Donald is about to jump off a building! He's livestreaming it!"
I thanked her, hung up, and immediately opened the livestream link she'd sent.
"I'm Donald! The Valeri family used to be a great family, but now the dead are dead and the crippled are crippled—all because I gave birth to such a wonderful son!"
Donald's voice was hoarse and crazed, thick with malice.
He stood on a rooftop, behind him an overcast sky and the ocean.
The chaotic wind drowned out voices and the faint sound of sirens.
Donald screamed at the top of his lungs, "Lucas abandoned his surname and destroyed the family that raised him. Even if I jump from here today, I'll make sure everyone knows how he and that vicious woman Isabella drove his own family to the edge!"
I involuntarily shivered, and the baby in my belly turned restlessly.
The calls everyone else received were all about the same thing.
Gale's expression was stern, his brow furrowed. "The enemy has started making their move."
How could someone like Donald actually commit suicide? His goal was to destroy Lucas and me.
We couldn't let him continue this nonsense!
Brian calmly observed the livestream. "First, find out where Donald is."
"I know where he is." Lucas stood up with a cold expression. "At the docks, at my company. I'll go handle this."