Chapter 288: A Fair and Just Vote

Jackson and Jefferson—one a political figure, the other a religious leader—had both achieved remarkable success in their fields. Their achievements were earned through relentless competition, taking positions from others. With limited state senate seats, one must leave for another to come in. York’s churches each only had one presiding pastor; there couldn’t be two.

Beneath their polished appearances lay a clear understanding: Ms. Tracy, their daughter and niece, could not achieve her demands. She hoped to dominate the matter and claim core interests without spending money, relying on feminist specialties. This was wishful thinking—she couldn’t do it.

Not only her, but even the head of the Federal Women’s Rights Association couldn’t manage that.

Frankly, spending tens of millions yearly just on in-depth talks with women would exhaust them.

From Tracy’s expression, the two elders realized she had come to her senses—they had even bet a Sol on it. Jackson believed Lynch would persuade his daughter; he had heard rumors about Lynch, a remarkable young man. Jefferson was skeptical, influenced by his work and his view of Tracy as a difficult woman, despite her being his niece.

Now everything was resolved, but the two men grew curious about what convinced Tracy to abandon her unrealistic ideas.

After sitting down, Tracy asked a question she’d never considered: “Is the term for professional athletes switching teams… transfer?” Upon confirmation, she continued, “Does a transfer cost a lot?”

Men often followed sports, and after years of the Federation’s promotions—including stirring rivalry between cities and likening sports to war—the elders naturally followed transfer news.

Jackson nodded and said, “Recently, during the transfer window, the Kings spent 2.3 million to acquire their midfield core player from the Giants…”

Tracy straightened and gasped. The transfer fee alone matched the Women’s Rights Association’s entire yearly income. She now grasped Lynch’s point.

Women’s rights groups wielded terrifying influence—they could create stars as they once had feminist leaders, making crowds cheer. They could also destroy reputations by embroiling people in scandals, forcing them to surrender or vanish.

They controlled whether players were suitable for transfers, fit to continue playing, or whether clubs discriminated against or abused female athletes. They gained public trust, launched investigations, and even if nothing was found, the taint remained.

Understanding this, Tracy’s thinking opened up. Raised in this unconventional political family, influenced by her father and uncle’s politics, she understood society better than most but had previously focused too much on wealth, ignoring unseen forces. She now sincerely thanked Lynch for steering her away from mistakes.

She shared her ideas with Jackson and Jefferson, who nodded repeatedly. The plan cleverly sacrificed visible interests, keeping public attention on the Federation while some benefits quietly went to women’s groups.

Jackson summarized, “Lynch was right.”

After a night’s rest, the next morning Lynch, the Foxes, and others gathered in a nearly empty 200-seat conference hall at a five-star hotel.

Originally, the Federation had planned to hold the meeting at their York branch, but Tracy, recalling Lynch’s words, requested changing the venue an hour before, saying this matter was unrelated to the Federation and holding it there would imply otherwise. The Federation agreed.

The Federation’s representatives were young, around thirty, energetic, accompanied by a female assistant in her late twenties wearing glasses. Their polished appearances slightly softened Tracy’s stern demeanor.

The negotiation covered many topics. Compared to the Federation’s experience, others were novices, slowing progress.

The Federation proposed an operating framework: the Federation as the lead, with women’s groups and others assisting. Benefits for Lynch’s side included the Earl Kazril’s tournament becoming the top-tier women’s professional football event. Their women’s football team would be first-tier, enjoying top broadcasting fees and revenues. Future outcomes were uncertain—competitive sports always bring winners and losers.

The Federation emphasized their promotional strength and strategic partnerships: 87% of the federation’s TV stations and channels were closely connected to them, with the remaining 13% being adult channels with limited cooperation.

They had tried adult sports programs before but ratings were low. Adult viewers preferred watching women undressed in person at events rather than on subscription channels.

The Federation preferred controlling matters themselves, but this time they wouldn’t succeed.

Tracy frowned, impatient: “This is too complicated—I don’t understand it yet. It’s already this complex, and it’ll only get worse. I have a proposal…”

Others exchanged looks as she spoke, never glancing at Lynch to hide that she’d met him last night.

“I suggest we establish a new organization, like the Federal Athletes Association. Let’s create a fresh group.”

Before anyone could respond, she added, “Call it the Baylor Federation Women’s Professional Sports Development Association. The name fits our mission perfectly; people will know what we do.”

She refined the name Lynch had casually suggested, which silenced the young Federation representative’s objections.

Such a name wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment idea and aligned well with their work, showing Tracy’s effort.

Lynch nudged Mr. Fox, who had been daydreaming. Fox blinked, smiled kindly, and said, “I think that proposal is good!”

They had planned this signal beforehand: a kick meant I think the proposal is good, a cough meant The proposal may not be suitable, and tapping the table meant You’re wasting time, followed by leaving.

With Lynch’s kick, Fox gave the intended approval.

Encouraged, Tracy nodded at Fox, showing gratitude for his support.

The Earl Kazril scanned the faces and smiled, “I also think that proposal is good.”

A mere suggestion turned into a vote. The Federation’s people didn’t react before two votes were cast.

About to interrupt, Lynch leaned back and said, “Why refuse to unify loose individuals, leverage group strength, manage and distribute centrally?”

He raised his hand slightly, “I also support Ms. Tracy’s proposal to form a new organization to manage women’s professional sports.”

The owners of the other two teams were friends of the Earl Kazril. Both had started their football teams at his urging, so, in a way, they owed him and chose to agree.

In a very short time, consensus was reached, leaving the Federation representatives visibly unsettled—this was nothing like what they had initially expected.