Chapter 37
The news of Harrison's potential candidacy spread through the city like wildfire,
sparking intense debates and widespread excitement.
The people remembered his bravery during the crisis three years ago,
and his recent success against Vance had solidified his reputation.
To the ordinary citizens,
Harrison was a man of action,
someone who actually delivered on his promises of safety and justice.
However,
not everyone was thrilled by his sudden rise in the political arena.
In a high-rise office building overlooking the city center,
a group of wealthy elites gathered in a private boardroom.
These were the men who pulled the strings behind the scenes,
funding campaigns and controlling major developments through backroom deals.
"Harrison is a wildcard,"
a wealthy developer named Sterling complained,
pacing the floor angrily.
"He cannot be bought,
he cannot be blackmailed,
and his reforms are ruining our profit margins."
"He represents a threat to the established order,"
another businessman agreed,
sipping an expensive glass of whiskey.
"If he gains a seat in the senate,
he will dismantle the tax loopholes we have used for decades."
"Then we must ensure he does not win,"
a cold,
calculating voice sounded from the head of the table.
It belonged to Senator Vance's old political ally,
a powerful politician named Charles.
"We cannot attack him physically,
the public would make him a martyr,"
Charles explained,
his eyes narrowing.
"We must destroy his reputation,
dig into his past,
and find the dirt that will turn the voters against him."
"His past is a minefield of violence,"
Sterling noted,
a cruel smile spreading across his face.
"Before he became the city's hero,
he did some terrible things to establish his power."
"Find the records,
find the witnesses,"
Charles ordered,
slamming his pen onto the table.
"Leaking his dark past to the press will crush his political aspirations before they even start."
Unbeknownst to them,
Elena had already anticipated this exact strategy from Harrison's political opponents.
In her office at the courthouse,
she was meticulously organizing every record of Harrison's past actions,
preparing a comprehensive defense.
"They are going to come after your history,
Harrison,"
Elena warned him during a afternoon meeting.
"They will try to paint you as a criminal who masquerades as a savior."
"I know,"
Harrison replied calmly,
standing by her desk.
"I am not ashamed of where I came from,
because it led me to who I am today."
"We will be transparent,"
he decided,
looking her in the eye.
"When they try to expose my past,
we will tell the truth ourselves,
and let the people decide."
May you like
Elena looked at him with profound admiration,
realizing that his honesty was his greatest weapon against the corrupt forces of the city.
