Chapter 423: Chapter 423 Accident_1
 

Bran Cook’s smile froze instantly when he heard the voice, thinking he had secured his position.

He hadn’t expected someone to throw a wrench into the works at the last minute!

The rich businessmen below were just about to start cursing, but when they saw who walked up to the podium, they all shut their mouths.

Because the person who stepped onto the stage was none other than Gonzalez City’s own feared widow, Itai Huntington.

Seeing Itai Huntington ascend to the podium, Bran Cook forced a smile and said, “Welcome, Sister Huntington.”

He cursed inwardly countless times, relieved that Quella Radcliffe hadn’t caused trouble, only for Itai Huntington to stir things up.

But he did have some relationship with Itai Huntington, which was better than if Quella Radcliffe had come up.

And with the support of the locals from Gonzalez City, Bran Cook felt Itai Huntington wouldn’t influence the outcome at all.

After all, this widow had been away from Gonzalez City for a long time, and many people were no longer familiar with her.

To everyone, Itai Huntington was more of a figure to be feared.

They would never vote for her.

So Bran Cook’s smile returned once more.

“Is it just the two of us? Come on, everyone, join in!”

He asked the crowd below, but no one else was preparing to come up.

“It seems that it might just be the two of us now.”

Bran Cook spoke with a hint of resignation, his heart, in fact, bursting with joy.

This opponent posed no challenge at all!

What he feared most were people like Aron Jackson and Ovidiu Cook getting involved. Fortunately, none of them had shown up, and instead, Itai Huntington had appeared out of nowhere, posing no threat whatsoever.

Itai Huntington, albeit very capable and well-reputed, did not have many friends in Gonzalez City.

“Then, shall we begin expressing our positions?”

Initially considering a vote, Bran Cook, seeing how easily he was winning, dropped the idea of an anonymous ballot.

Firstly, in what was a sure win, he wanted to win openly, showing everyone present how many supported him!

Secondly, he also wanted to savor the feeling of being adored by thousands and to show the people of Gonzalez City just how outstanding he was.

“Where should we start?”

Someone called out with a question.

“Let’s begin with the representative from the Willson Group!”

Bran Cook extended his hand toward the table in the first row.

Sitting there were all important figures.

Aron Jackson, Ovidiu Cook, the Willson Group representative, and other well-known local businessmen.

Bran Cook had always been worried that the deal brokered by Quella Radcliffe would earn the support of the Willson Group.

But now with Quella Radcliffe not participating, it was obvious to these people whom they should vote for!

After all, Itai Huntington wouldn’t hold it against them.

Moreover, having these bosses speak out first would spare any under-the-table pressure from Itai Huntington on the smaller merchants.

“I…”

Aron Jackson glanced around, pointing to Itai Huntington: “I choose Miss Huntington; she too has spent a long time in the capital, and since she came into the family, she has been managing the family business all by herself, making it grow larger and larger. I believe in her!”

Hearing this, many people fell into silence.

Aron Jackson was a de facto local emperor, and his words carried significant authority.

Many merchants and bosses had to deal with Aron Jackson’s people, and if he caused trouble for them, they wouldn’t be able to withstand it.

The first boss’s stance took Bran Cook by surprise, he instinctively wondered if Itai Huntington had some affair with Aron Jackson, or if she had spent the night with him?

How else could she have gotten Aron Jackson’s support?

But in the end, it was just one vote, and there were many more bosses to follow.

He speculated this might also be Aron Jackson’s way of not letting Itai Huntington lose too badly.

“Congratulations, Sister Huntington!”

A pale smile crept onto Bran Cook’s face.

“Thank you, but in the end, the winner is still you, little brother!”

Itai Huntington gave a soft smile, which left Bran Cook utterly distracted.

He really liked such a woman—both her figure and appearance were top-notch!

But without exception, anyone who had ever set their sights on Itai Huntington ended up dead.

Bran Cook hoped that once he expanded the business alliance, Itai Huntington would proactively climb into his bed.

He felt confident he could make it happen.

“Next!”

After settling his emotions, Bran Cook turned to Ovidiu Cook.

The richest man in Gonzalez City.

Recently, Ovidiu Cook had kept a low profile, barely participating in any public activities.

Yet today, he chose to attend without knowing about Itai Huntington’s participation in the election, which Bran Cook took as a sign of respect toward himself.

As for Ovidiu’s vote, it would surely be cast for him.

However, Ovidiu Cook cleared his throat and declared, “I also support Miss Huntington.”

He nodded at Itai Huntington and then fell silent.

Both of them had chosen Itai Huntington, and Bran Cook was completely flabbergasted!

How could this be?

Did Itai Huntington manage to get on the good side of both bosses at the same time?

His face paled slightly, but he still turned to Itai Huntington and offered his congratulations, “Congratulations, Sister Huntington, you’ve already gotten two votes, you really are impressive!”

His tone was unavoidably sarcastic.

Being blindsided despite knowing he was sure to win was far from satisfying.

“Don’t worry, Sister. I won’t be a threat to you.”

Itai Huntington smiled again at Bran Cook, who responded with a cold snort.

“What do the representatives of Willson Group think?”

When it came to the representative of Willson Group, Bran Cook was full of anticipation.

He knew that this would be his first vote.

He had proposed the idea of the business alliance, and it was he who convened this meeting. He was the only one who could bring benefits to Willson Group!

Itai Huntington?

It was probable that Willson Group had never even heard of her.

The others also held their breath, curious to see which way Willson Group’s vote would go.

After all, the events of today had been most peculiar.

That included Itai Huntington’s participation in the election and the fact that neither Aron Jackson nor Ovidiu Cook had voted for Bran Cook—all big news!

“I choose Miss Itai Huntington,” announced the representative of Willson Group.

“What! How could this be? All three tycoons are supporting Itai Huntington; could they have come prepared?”

“Where is Bran Cook lacking compared to Itai Huntington that he hasn’t received a single vote?”

“We really need to think this through. We can’t ignore the stance of Aron Jackson and Ovidiu Cook! Otherwise, if Aron Jackson causes trouble, both you and I will have tough days ahead!”

As the discussions unfolded, those who had been firmly intending to vote for Bran Cook began to waver,

Voting for Bran Cook meant antagonizing the three heavyweights present.

For the locals of Gonzalez City, neither Ovidiu Cook nor Aron Jackson could be offended!

“Since the representative chooses Itai Huntington, it seems that Sister Huntington is very popular today! I hereby extend my early congratulations to Sister Huntington for becoming the chairman of the business alliance,” he said with a hint of bitterness. With that thought, the pain in his chest intensified.

Bran Cook couldn’t understand why everyone today seemed to be under a spell, abandoning him to choose Itai Huntington?

Did Itai Huntington know all about this beforehand?

Otherwise, why would she risk offending him to vie for the chairman’s position?

“Brother, you jest. Let’s continue with the voting!” said Itai Huntington. She then stealthily glanced at Julius Reed sitting below and winked.