Chapter 230: Cause, Feminism, Ambition

“Mr. Neo?”

When Vera heard Lynch say that Neo was behind this, she momentarily went blank.

For a long time, as a part-time housewife, she had centered her life around Gap. He often talked about interesting things in the Liston Group, as well as stories about President Neo and the board.

These were part of the corporate culture—people liked to discuss the executives, as if their opinions could be heard and respected by those at the top.

To Vera, Neo wasn’t just a symbol; the name represented the ultimate goal Gap had struggled for over the years.

It was a longing, not a destination. Gap knew he couldn’t reach it, but that didn’t stop him from trying.

Lynch sat nearby, the TV on but muted. The people on screen performed calmly, like a silent play.

Curious, he asked, “You know Neo?”

Vera nodded, coming back to herself. She took a sip from the wine glass on the table. “Yes, I once attended a management celebration held by Liston, marking a new peak in their stock.”

“At that event, I saw him from afar. He was like the big figures on TV, carrying an imposing presence.”

Vera didn’t realize that her sense of Neo’s authority came from Gap’s unconscious or subconscious influence.

When someone you trust constantly tells you stories of one person’s impressive deeds—chatting casually with the mayor one day, dining with the governor the next—these legends build a larger-than-life image.

Gap had told so many stories about Neo that Vera had formed a powerful mental image. When she first saw Neo, she easily immersed herself in that perception, deepening her impression.

Without those stories, she might not have found Neo so imposing—maybe even approachable.

Lynch nodded without comment. “Mr. Gap works for Liston, for Neo. But now Neo wants the police to pull back. Has Gap been involved in some important, confidential work?”

He leaned back slightly, creating some distance between them. Giving space can help put uneasy people at ease, especially when discussing sensitive topics.

“I’m not trying to pry into secrets. It’s just that understanding why Mr. Neo is acting this way is important for how we respond. We don’t know if it’s for Gap’s benefit, or if he wants to…”

Lynch left the sentence unfinished, leaving Vera to fill in the blank with her worst fears.

After a few seconds, her expression shifted. She gripped the glass tightly with both hands and took a sip.

The slightly sharp liquid slid down her throat, spreading a faint warmth that seemed to gather strength and ease her a little.

She shook her head. “I don’t know.”

She didn’t reveal the truth to Lynch. She wasn’t sure if she could yet.

Though betrayed by Gap, Vera wasn’t ready to end the marriage.

This was a relatively conservative world. Despite the fiery women’s rights movements and new women marching half-naked with flags, conservative women still formed the majority.

Conservative women learned to maintain at least the appearance of harmony in their families. No one told them they could be the first to end an unsatisfactory relationship or marriage.

Vera was one such conservative but open-minded middle-class woman. Many women in her class shared her attitude—sometimes clearly conservative, other times surprisingly bold.

Lynch didn’t press her. He patted her hand and had a maid escort her to the guest room.

He already suspected the issue. Gap was an accountant, reportedly a manager. If the police and Neo were after him, it was definitely a ledger problem.

Gap was in big trouble.

But this wasn’t Lynch’s concern; his focus lay elsewhere.

For several days, there was no news from Gap. Strange people began to appear near Lynch’s house. To ensure safety, Lynch had his sergeant and men guard the house. This deterred the watchers.

No one wanted to test the aim of a group of evidently ex-military men patrolling the yard with high-powered weapons.

About a week later, at a newly built temporary football field on the outskirts of Sabin City, some witnessed a groundbreaking event—the world’s first women’s football game, destined to be historic.

Perhaps to ensure the event ran smoothly, the weather was good—cold, but the players would warm up quickly.

Lynch personally welcomed President Elena at the temporary parking lot. The elderly woman dressed plainly. If not for her styled hair, she would blend into the crowd.

“I’m glad you came in person to watch the game. I thought someone else might come,” Lynch said, dressing younger than usual.

He was naturally handsome, his youthful face untouched by time. A change into youthful clothes made him look like a teenager.

Young, clean, sunny, with respectful manners and a charming smile, Elena kept smiling from the moment she saw him.

She glanced at her entourage, checked her hair, then said, “Lynch, this game is far more important than you think. We need to wait here a bit longer…”

Seeing Lynch’s obvious confusion, she explained, “The state office staff will be here today. Let’s welcome them together.” She suddenly remembered something. “Oh my, do you have other pressing matters?”

There could have been, but not now.

The State Women’s Rights Protection Office was the highest regional administrative office for women’s rights—quiet but powerful.

They could easily change the social climate without many realizing their influence.

“Nothing more important than this, President.”

“What a good boy!” Elena’s gaze lingered on Lynch briefly before moving on. She led the way; Lynch followed quickly.

She felt comfortable around this young man who seemed to understand people intuitively.

After distancing themselves from the crowd, Elena said, “The headquarters is very concerned about women in professional sports. You might not know, but for centuries, discrimination against women by men has never fully disappeared.”

“Thanks to our efforts, some of that discrimination has lessened, granting women roughly equal rights and responsibilities as men.”

“But in more traditional areas, like professional sports and politics, there’s been no breakthrough yet.”

“The federation is very resistant to women’s professional sports. That’s why headquarters takes your game seriously. If it goes well, we might even form our own federation games.”

A knowing smile appeared on President Elena’s face. Despite her middle-class background, she was far from ordinary.

In truth, Elena was dissatisfied with her current role. As a women’s rights leader in a small city, she had neither real power nor money—only some social status that wasn’t highly respected.

None of it translated into wealth or influence, so she wanted to make a move.

If the federal women’s rights group could establish their own federation games, it would be a great hope. Her good relationship with Lynch could help her secure a key role in building this new league.

Look at the current federation—they control almost all sports broadcast rights and hold immense power over athletes and clubs.

Billions flow through their hands yearly. Even a small share would be a huge gain.

Lynch spoke supportively but inwardly was skeptical. The federation had woven a vast network controlling all sports-related affairs in the country.

Would they just stand by if someone tried to start a rival federation to take their share?

If they launched a resistance, refused to buy or air women’s sports broadcasts, that would be enough to kill the new federation outright.

From the start, Lynch never planned to go solo. He just wanted to exploit some of the federation’s flaws to gain benefits. He had neither the will nor the means to confront such a giant.

No one could beat it until it collapsed from within.

Still, his expression showed longing—he hoped for the day women would stand tall in professional sports.