James raised an eyebrow, skepticism clear on his face.


    "Isn''t tomorrow the election for the president of the Pharmaceutical Association?" Mirabe asked, lifting her eyelids slightly.


    "Yes," James nodded. "What, suddenly interested? nning to go?"


    Mirabe''s gaze swept over the coffee table,nding on the documents Wyatt hadn''t taken with him, and said yfully, "Well, as the vice president of the association, I should have the right to vote, shouldn''t I?"


    James gave her a look, knowing full well that her interest in the association wasn''t just about voting rights, but he didn''t press further, simply saying, "Go ahead."


    Mirabe hummed in acknowledgment, then dropped her gaze, saying no more.


    **


    The next day, at the Pharmaceutical Association.


    Devon had just arrived at the association but was stopped before he could make it to the conference hall.


    "Devon, Presley said you''re not qualified to participate in today''s presidential election," said Presley''s assistant, blocking his way.


    Devon, who had barely slept the night before, looked somewhat haggard and listless. He turned to Dominic with a lightugh, "Is Presley afraid he won''t secure the presidency?"


    Dominic looked at Devon as if he were a fool. Everyone in the association


    regarded Presley highly, and shaking his head, he patiently exined, "You didn''t sign the consent form yesterday, which means you''ve automatically forfeited your voting rights."


    The thought of that consent form struck Devon as particrly absurd, "So, everyone entering the conference hall is in agreement with Presley bing president, is that it?"


    Dominic pressed his lips together, choosing not to respond, and stood at the door, clearly not intending to let Devon pass.


    Meanwhile, inside the door, two other individuals stood guard.


    Devon nced at them coldly, realizing that forcing his way through would be extremely difficult. He stood still for a moment, his hands clenched tightly at his sides.


    Two minutester, Devon turned and walked away.


    Watching him leave, Dominic couldn''t help feeling a bit surprised. After a moment''s thought, he turned and instructed the two security guards at the door, then entered the conference hall.


    By this time, the long table in the conference hall was already surrounded by many people.


    Presley was chatting amiably with someone when he saw his assistant enter. Their eyes met, and after excusing himself, Presley walked over to his assistant.


    "What''s up?" Presley asked, his voice low.


    The assistant recounted Devon''s visit, "I found Devon''s reaction a bit odd."


    "Odd?" Presley narrowed his eyes, "How so?"


    "Given Devon''s straightforward nature, it''s unlike him to leave so calmly," the assistant paused, then added, "Could he be plotting something?"


    Presley, however, wasn''t concerned, "What could he possibly plot? He''s just a nobody without any significant background or influence."


    The assistant thought about it and agreed; if Devon had the means to cause trouble, he wouldn''t have waited until today.


    "Still, keep an eye on him," Presley said, not underestimating Devon despite his


    words. "By the way, has David shown up at the association?"


    "No, I''ve had someone watching the


    main entrance the whole time. I guess David isn''t aware of today''s re-election. Given his frail health, any shock might be too much fophim," the assistant spoke calmly


    Presley, with his hands sped behind his back, fiddled with his


    watch and nodded, "Alright,


    goodwatch outside. Once the voting is over, everything will be settled."