Chapter 248: An Unexpected Opportunity
If not for outside interference, the story between Bennett and the stripper Annie would have remained a private matter between two people—one of countless hidden treasures buried beneath the riverbed of history.
Many years later, perhaps through a diary or someone’s recollections, this story full of warmth and redemption might become known to the public.
Filmmakers would love this theme. They could use based on a true story to draw countless young men, women, and middle-aged men into theaters, leaving them in tears or laughter—and of course, emptying their wallets.
Years after that, this story could be listed among the classic films of the past century, possibly becoming an unavoidable masterpiece for most filmmakers: Annie’s Redemption.
If only…
But there are too many ifs. If things really could be different, the world would already be perfect.
The plan proceeded smoothly. George showed no signs of expectation, arrogance, or any other attitude—he just became more low-key than ever. He even told his department he was ill and asked that materials be handed directly to Mr. Bennett. As long as Bennett signed the documents, George wouldn’t object.
George’s workplace retreat, combined with his new cohabitation with Annie, unexpectedly sparked new ambition and passion in Bennett, a middle-aged man.
At work, he held full power. People had almost forgotten George was the real boss; their eyes were only on Bennett.
In life, he elevated the girl to another level. He taught her high-society etiquette, took her shopping for exquisite clothes, and brought her on boat rides to enjoy carefully prepared gourmet meals.
He felt his youth return. Life had never been so wonderful. He never knew he still had such vitality.
The things of youth hadn’t disappeared—they were just hidden away, ready to reemerge at the right moment.
In these seemingly peaceful days, Gap, who had been missing for a time, turned himself in to the police, becoming the final straw crushing the Liston Group.
During this time, Gap worked for farmers in the countryside—he told a pitiful story to gain their sympathy, and kind farmers took him in, but he had to work.
He wrestled with one question: hide and wait for calm before quietly returning, or turn himself in.
After much thought, he chose to surrender. As long as he lived, the altered accounts at Liston would remain a threat. Regardless of who the group’s president was, they would never allow someone capable of ruining a billion-Sol company to live. Removing him was essential for Liston’s survival.
With no other choice, surrender was the best option.
Though he might face a long sentence, at least he’d be safe.
The precarious situation made great progress with Mr. Key’s surrender. Even the mayor’s face brightened and he became more approachable.
Suddenly, many things smoothed out. In the first collective session of the new year, Congress passed the president’s impeachment proposal by a large majority for the second time, signaling the federal government’s imminent new era.
According to the federal charter, once Congress passes a president’s impeachment twice with a large majority, the president and cabinet must complete a handover within two weeks and orderly vacate the presidential office.
The vice president and department heads would form a temporary cabinet.
In other words, less than two weeks remained before the president stepped down.
The entire Eminence and the federation were swept up in celebration. Early in the morning, Lynch was woken by noisy singing outside before he had even risen.
Rubbing his eyes, he sat up and glanced at the clock—just after six. People had just received the news via newspapers and spontaneously took to the streets in a sudden, inexplicable jubilee.
Hand in hand, they sang Long Live the Federation, as if the president’s resignation would change the federation’s current crisis.
After exercising, Lynch sat at the dining table, eating while watching TV.
The broadcast showed the previous night’s congressional session. After rounds of voting and chaotic struggles, the impeachment passed on the second full vote.
The speaker excitedly announced the result, declaring the president impeached in front of everyone.
Then the scene switched to a somewhat unfamiliar figure—the vice president from the Progressive Party, often overlooked by many.
He was fortunate; soon he would become the federation’s second cheap president to move into the presidential office despite a crushing election defeat, assembling his cabinet.
Watching the incoming president passionately speak on TV, Lynch sensed a unique atmosphere: a new, wild, and brutal era was about to begin.
In the following days, everything seemed propelled by a great will, rapidly advancing. People cursed the conservative president’s foolishness while dreaming of the future.
The biggest change came after the new president formed his cabinet. Many countries sent congratulatory messages, declaring the “destined president” chosen by God, the federation, and the people.
This atmosphere lifted the federation society amid economic decline. Even the Baylor Federation Industrial Index, which had been falling, showed its first uptick, easing the fears of those who dreaded a financial collapse.
After taking office, the new president brought many benefits. Isolated from the world, the federation suddenly rejoined the global community.
Some countries gave the federation orders; others opened free trade. To manage this, the cabinet created a new department, replacing the old Foreign Trade Approval Office.
This new department, the Department of International Trade Affairs, partly overlapped with the Foreign Ministry but controlled foreign trade approval.
Everything seemed to be improving.
Late in the month, the mayor arranged to meet Lynch. When they met, the mayor looked at Lynch with a strange mix of envy and emotion.
After a while, he sighed, “You’re lucky. Next month, the president will hold an internal party celebration. Many key party members will attend, and you’re invited.”
Lynch, usually calm, was stunned briefly but quickly regained composure and asked, “Why?”
The president couldn’t know someone like him. He didn’t believe anyone would offer him such a chance without reason.
The mayor shook his head slightly. “I spoke with the governor about what you said…” Seeing Lynch still confused, he reminded him, “You told me the federation should take on more international responsibilities.”
Lynch nodded. Taking on greater international responsibilities is the simplest and most effective way to deepen the federation’s international profile.
Some countries are weak but well-known and accepted because of their active international presence—something the federation currently lacks.
Although people have accepted the federation’s international membership and increased interaction, they still know little about it. Changing that is key to improving the federation’s situation.
“If you’ve watched the president’s speeches carefully, you’ll notice he also supports this idea.”
“The governor submitted it to the Foreign Ministry as a formal suggestion on international affairs. The president liked the term and adopted it.”
Sometimes, some people’s luck is truly admirable—something effort alone can’t achieve. The mayor never expected Lynch to be invited, while he, the city’s leader, wasn’t even eligible to attend.
“But don’t worry too much; this invitation is based on some practical need…” Politicians can blur many things—right and wrong, justice, morality, ethics, law, social order.
Almost nothing is beyond their confusion, but there are things they cannot and dare not blur: their political stance and platform.
The president’s statements came from the governor’s documents, part of which quoted Lynch. So, the president invited someone he barely knew to his celebration to show he had been following those rules.
He wouldn’t steal others’ political platforms or theories; he respects everyone’s ideas and decisions. That fits his identity and reveals his character.
As for whether he’ll have a brief exchange with Lynch? Who knows!