Chapter 203: Two Conditions?
The Game of Chairs
"One emperor, one court" is a phrase that applies equally abroad.
The quadrennial U.S. election determines the fate of countless officials, especially those at the very top of the pyramid like Jack Harvey. The election is their judgment day.
If they had a choice, they'd wish for the election to be postponed for a century.
Alas, fantasy is just fantasy.
Luke forked a piece of roast lamb and smiled. "Mr. Harvey, do you know the biggest difference between you and me?"
"It's the chair. The seat under your butt doesn't belong to you, and it has an expiration date: four years, eight years, or ten years at most. Once the term is up, you have to get up, hand over the chair, and let someone else sit. But I'm different. The chair under my butt is one I earned with my own hands. It belongs only to me. As my power grows, that chair will rise higher and higher, without end."
"The election will be over in one month and ten days. What will you do then? I genuinely worry about you."
Jack Harvey's voice was frigid. "You should worry about yourself!"
"Me!" Luke burst into laughter. "As a kind, upright, humble, and law-abiding citizen in a country with a sound legal system, what do I have to worry about?"
"Alright, Director, I won't tease you anymore. Clearly, you lack a sense of humor. Let's talk business. You went to such great lengths to invite me here—what's it for?"
Jack Harvey waved his hand, and all the surrounding security guards left.
Luke turned his head.
"You too, step out."
"Understood, Young Master." Adam nodded slightly and turned to leave.
With him gone, the vast second-floor restaurant was left with just the old man and the youth.
The old man poured half a glass of whiskey and downed it. He said coldly, "I know all about your cooperation with that negro."
"Negro?" Luke paused, then asked tentatively, "Amanda Waller?"
"Who else?" Jack Harvey smirked, his alcohol-reddened nose growing even rosier after a few drinks. "She abandoned the newly formed A.R.G.U.S. just to fly on a military jet to Coast City to find you..."
Luke clapped his hands. "Impressive. As expected of the country's top intelligence agency—you have eyes planted even in A.R.G.U.S. But you've misunderstood. Her purpose in seeking me out was the same as yours: she wants something from me."
Jack Harvey narrowed his eyes. "Kid, I never said I was asking you for anything."
"Oh really?" Luke's eyes twinkled. He chuckled. "You came to see me, and it wasn't about the alien?"
Jack Harvey: "..."
What a cunning kid!
Luke put down his knife and fork, leaned back in his chair, and meticulously wiped the grease from his lips with a napkin. His profound expression made him look like an old hunter who had set bait and was waiting for the fox to take it.
Though young, his manner of speech and word choices grated on Jack Harvey, who had weathered countless ups and downs in life. After a moment of silence, he hissed,
"Where is the alien?"
Luke shook his head. "With all due respect, even catching the alien won't significantly help your future. The FBI Director is appointed by the President for a ten-year term, and you've held the position for thirteen years. I don't need to explain those extra three years, you know exactly what happened."
"Those people in the Senate and Congress didn't want a President with a cult background to control a critical department like the FBI, so they fully supported you, allowing you to flourish as Director. But what did you do? You investigated for three years and still haven't found criminal evidence against the President." He paused, shrugging. "Frankly, it's disappointing."
Jack Harvey gritted his teeth, shouting every syllable.
"How do you know all this inside information?"
"Why shouldn't I know?"
That single counter-question left Jack Harvey speechless. The Hongmen had its own political influence, and as its heir, there was no reason he wouldn't be privy to such information.
Luke leaned his hands on the table. "You only had one chance, and you missed it. After this election, whether Joel Nash wins or his opponent wins, you will be kicked out. That's a certain outcome."
"I don't understand. The end is already determined, so why create unnecessary complications? Are you that unwilling to accept it?"
Jack Harvey gnashed his teeth. "Do you think I would willingly accept it?"
"Of course not. Once a man has tasted the cheese, how can he give up such a sweet temptation? Besides, your current situation is awkward. If you give up now, the consequences will be severe. If I were you, I wouldn't give up either."
"Then tell me everything you know." Jack Harvey roared like a grizzly bear.
"Why should I tell you?"
Luke narrowed his eyes, a flicker of green flame momentarily crossing his pupils. Jack felt like he'd been struck by lightning. A wave of immense fear surged from deep within him, his legs giving out, and he collapsed back into his chair.
Luke leaned forward, staring intently at him.
"Tell me, Director Harvey, why should I tell you? What gives you the right!"
The old man pressed his hands against the table, forcing himself to remain upright. "You're right. I will indeed step down in a month. But don't forget, I am still the Director of the FBI right now. I hold the secrets of many people, and I hold the future of many people—for example, your little girlfriend, Emily Song."
Luke smiled helplessly. "If you do that, it would be excellent. I've always wanted Emily to resign from the FBI and work as my private secretary. Unfortunately, she refuses, determined to catch criminals and uphold justice."
The old man sneered. "Do you really not care?"
Luke shrugged. "How could I not care? But everything needs a boundary. If you use her as leverage, I'll simply have to make her give up her dream."
Jack Harvey stroked his beard and cackled like a cunning fox whose plot had succeeded.
"I knew it. You wouldn't give her up."
"Before this, I conducted a detailed investigation into you, especially your private life. You are very lustful. The women you've slept with can't be counted on three hands. But two are special: one is the little girl from the Ferris family, and the other is Emily."
"Emily is outstanding. She is smart, decisive, and possesses real leadership and judgment. If she is properly groomed, she will certainly achieve great things. I assume you see this point. If so, why not cooperate? I am sixty-five this year. I'll work for ten more years at most. In ten years, Emily will have grown enough to possibly become the first female Director. What do you say?"
Luke was speechless. "Mr. Harvey, with your imagination, it's a shame you don't write novels. The problem is, I still don't know what your goal is."
"Two things," Jack Harvey sat back down, speaking seriously.
"First, the alien. I know you have information on him; don't try to conceal it. Second, Joel Nash. The damned bastard is so lucky because he's backed by a group of fools who worship a demon. I want you to help me take them down, and the credit will go to Emily, serving as capital for her promotion."
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