?Chapter 1021:


    Harlee hadn’t anticipated Matteo would deploy such a force for a mayoral speech. This was troubling news. With Matteo’s forces involved, theirbined strength far exceeded hers, by at least three to four times.


    “Did someone leak our ns?” Harlee murmured, frustrated.


    “Or is it…”


    Before she could finish, Rhys sent her the answer.


    “Don’t worry. This army is known for switching sides. Stick to the n, and they’ll back off without us needing to do a thing.”


    Harlee read the message, her brow furrowing. The timing of his message was impable.


    Either he had known about this in advance, or his people were close by.


    Harlee scanned the area cautiously, but aside from her own team, there were only Matteo’s forces and the Uwhor military personnel. No sign of any third party. Since


    No one else was around, so Rhys’ people must be among hers. This didn’t surprise Harlee, as they had once belonged to him.


    After a moment of contemtion, Harlee sent a reply.


    “Thanks. I’llpensate you after this is over.” Ultimately, she chose to trust Rhys. She knew this was a high-stakes gamble. Winning would grant her a long-desired victory. Losing… No, failure was not an option!


    Slowly, Harlee’s resolve grew stronger.


    As she lowered her gaze, Rhys’ reply came through.


    “No need. Just remember that favor you promised.”


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    Harlee didn’t respond.


    By now, besides the Uwhor military, Matteo’s people were arriving to finalize security checks for any threats.


    The sun steadily climbed higher, casting light over the bustling venue where reporters and performers, bribed by Matteo and disguised asmon people, had gathered to show support for Matteo’s campaign.


    Matteo stood confidently at the front, addressing the crowd with an approachable facade, while the reporters captured every moment.


    “I aim to serve this country and its people in a practical role!”


    Having shed his reputation as an intimidating gang leader, Matteo now sought to be mayor.


    Everywhere he went, those performers, disguised asmon people and blending into the crowd, weed him with open arms.


    Today, this small stage where Matteo would deliver his speech would mark the final, most pivotal stop in the campaign.


    The locals were immune to persuasion or force, yet they controlled the majority of the votes. Matteo waspelled to win them over with his performance of being sincere. Once this stop was secured, he could dominate both the legitimate and underground worlds.


    By then, no one would be able to touch him.


    Even after controlling much of Uwhor’s criminal underworld for three years, Matteo had faced numerous threats to his life, narrowly escaping death with the protection of a powerful ally. This fueled his desire to shed his image of the underworld leader and pursue a political career. Mastering both legal and illegal worlds was the key to ruling the country.


    Thinking about this, a contented expression spread across Matteo’s face, and his apparently approachable vibe seemed to grow even stronger.


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