Chapter 327: The Breakdown of Charles

Charles was furious when the phone rang. He glared at the cracked screen, gritted his teeth, and answered. A furious voice erupted.

"Charles, what the hell is going on?"

His hands trembled as he gripped the phone.

"Oscar's poll numbers are skyrocketing! Do you even stand a chance at this rate?" the voice seethed.

"I didn't anticipate this much trouble from him," Charles replied. "I followed our plan; initially, everything went smoothly. I thought he'd lose, but then everything changed. I never expected him to become a hero!"

"You're simply not good enough! You've let me down again, Charles. Oscar's always been the black sheep of the Wells family—we never expected anything from him. Now he's your biggest rival, constantly frustrating you. Have you considered why?"

Humiliated, Charles admitted, "I never imagined Oscar would be such a significant obstacle." He gritted his teeth, composed himself, and asked, "Is ballot fraud possible?"

"Are you insane?" the man roared. "If I could do that, why would I need you? The votes are fair; if fraud is discovered, I'll go down with you. Are you trying to get me killed?"

"I can't think of a better way to turn things around."

"What else can you do?" The contempt was palpable.

Charles suppressed his anger. Oscar's transformation since his relationship with Hannah infuriated him. He refused to acknowledge Hannah's influence or Oscar's improvement. He hadn't married Hannah out of spite, and felt no pity; only resentment at her perceived ingratitude.

"I've thought of a way to salvage this," the man said abruptly.

Charles, clutching the phone, asked eagerly, "What?"

"Drop out of the race," the man stated bluntly.

Charles was stunned, speechless with anger and shock.

"To maintain grace. Your withdrawal won't damage your image as severely."

"No, I refuse!" Charles retorted. He'd always achieved his goals.

Hannah's broken engagement hadn't harmed his career. Oscar's City Hall appointment, despite initial setbacks, had made him a popular newcomer. Even the failed attempt to frame Hannah's father had been inconsequential. Quitting, however, would be devastating. The chief executive position was a crucial stepping stone. Failure would set him back years. He couldn't accept Oscar's seniority; the insult and professional disadvantage were unacceptable.

"It's not over yet," Charles insisted. "No one knows who will win. He's still behind, and I can use...extreme measures, like bribery, to surpass him."

"Charles, I don't care about your failure; I know it's not entirely your fault. But your refusal disappoints me. Perhaps it's not that he's too strong, but that you're stupid!"

Charles' face flushed. He was justified in rejecting the proposal; acceptance would be an admission of defeat.

"No matter what you do, Oscar will win," the man continued. "Or you'll enrage the public and trigger protests, exposing your manipulations. Can you handle that? Moreover, Oscar's recent achievements have made him a government icon. What makes you think you can secure the chief executive position under those circumstances?"

Charles clenched his jaw.

"You have two choices, Charles: agree to my arrangement, or I withdraw my support. I mean it." The man showed no patience.

Charles didn't want to comply, but knew he couldn't fight it. Through gritted teeth, he conceded, "You're the boss. But I won't let him win so easily!"

"What's your plan?"

Charles outlined his scheme. The other man paused, then sneered, "Charles, you may be incompetent, but you're still capable of inflicting considerable harm. I'll arrange it."

"Thank you."

"Don't disappoint me this time. There are limits. Be careful."

"Yes."

The man hung up. Charles's face darkened. He envisioned the ridicule, the comparisons to Oscar, the praise heaped upon his rival. He gnashed his teeth, clinging to the adage that things often worsen before improving.

He would make them pay.