Chapter 527


    Chapter 527 Tit for Tat


    On this asion, a social gathering was underway. Dexter personally hosted a banquet at the


    Mandarin Oriental Hotel, apanied by the top executives of Russell Group.


    Among the attendees were some of the city’s most influential and affluent individuals.


    Over the past few months, Dexter had tirelessly engaged with numerous influential figures in his quest


    to revive the economy of Russell Group. Some negotiations bore fruit, while others faltered. Rest was a


    luxury he couldn’t afford, as he was whollymitted to stabilizing thepany.


    As an outsider, Josie couldn’t bear to witness him in a state of despair, especially considering the


    efforts she had made for him and Russell Group.


    Around the bend, a sleek ck official car with a distinctive license te glided into view. Without a


    hitch, it smoothly bypassed a police checkpoint, evading any need for a breathalyzer test.


    Then, the car pulled up before Dexter and the others. The personal assistant sprang into action,


    alighting from the vehicle and graciously opening the rear door. Stepping into view, a man in his forties


    or fifties emerged from the shadows, his face sharp and his hair graying gracefully. Leaning on the


    support of a woman, he greeted Dexter with a firm handshake, “Hi, Mr. Russell.”


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    “We are truly honored to have you join us this evening, Mr. Perkins,” Caesar, Wavery’s third–in–


    command, expressed with a smile.


    Dexter reciprocated the smile until his gaze fell upon the woman beside Caesar. His smile subtly faded,


    sensing an unspoken tension in the air.


    The woman instinctively averted his scrutiny and gracefully took a step back.


    The man and woman proceeded to greet the attendees, shaking hands with the crowd. At the same


    time, Caesar directed his attention toward the grand hall of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. “Choosing


    such an exquisite venue, Mr. Russell, are you trying to damage my reputation?”


    “Everyone in Wavery knows that Mr. Perkins is renowned for his integrity and transparency. I have


    meticulously taken care of every detail. The food and beveragesply with all regtions and


    standards. Even in the event of an investigation, there won’t be any issues,” Dexter replied with a


    subtle smile, motioning for Caesar to continue.


    Caesar yfully scrutinized him for a moment before following the waiter’s lead and stepping forward.


    “I have witnessed Mr. Russell’s capabilities, so I can certainly put my mind at ease.”


    Dexter had explicitly requested that no entertainment facilities be provided on the hotel’s top floor.


    After three rounds of drinks, Caesar kept a clear head and disclosed the news Dexter had been eagerly


    awaiting. “The Carter Group has secured the project in the city. The official announcement is set to be


    made within the next three days. To prevent any potential mistakes or loopholes that Russell Group


    could exploit, Mr. Carter has taken the preemptive step of canceling the bidding ceremony and blocking


    any possible interference.”


    Dexter raised an eyebrow upon hearing this, showing little surprise, “I understand. After all, Russell


    Group made mistakes in the previous project, so it’s only reasonable for the higher–ups not to choose


    us.”


    He casually reached for the teapot on the table and poured tea for Caesar. “Who is Arnold’s immediate


    supervisor in the municipal government?”


    Caesar, known for his intuition and sharp senses, shook his head. “We don’t have the answer yet. It’s


    still a mystery in Wavery


    “A mystery!”


    Dexter took a cigarette from the box, not bothering to light it, and leisurely savored its aroma, “It won’t


    remain a mystery for long.


    Caesar furrowed, “What do you mean?”


    “The office director’s retiring soon. He’s got his family all sorted for their overseas ns. He’s looking to


    cash in on this project in his final days on the job. The city’s putting three hundred million on the table,


    but from what I’ve heard, the Carter Group’s only getting a slice of up to one–fifty. So, what’s happening


    to the leftover moh?”


    Dexter deftly directed the conversation, observing Caesar’s shifting expression.


    Dexter tossed the cigarette into the trash bin, keeping his thoughts hidden. “Do you think Arnold can


    sessfullyplete the project with a budget of just one hundred and fifty million?”


    Caesar got the hint of Dexter’s strategy. “Looks like you’re gearing up for a direct confrontation.“


    Dexter neither confirmed nor denied it. He nced past Caesar at the woman who had silently stood


    by all along, “Mr. Perkin’s assistant seems oddly familiar. I have a feeling I’ve seen her before.”