Old Gods, Rapid-Fire Guns, and Prohibition

Chapter 135 [Unkind Visitors]

When Ethan arrived at City Hall, John Holt was already waiting for him.

John Holt also had a share of this municipal project.

But, obviously, he didn't feel there was anything to be happy about.

Compared to the bootlegging business, this is just a piece of cake.

Today's hearing is just a formality.

He is still worried about tax issues.

"I've found a good bank in Butan City these past few days. Their financial situation appears to be good and there are no problems, but in reality, their cash flow is almost cut off. I've already made preliminary contacts with them. If they're suitable, they can get it for three million. What do you think?"

He whispered to Ethan.

"Let's talk about it later." Ethan shook his head.

Banking is certainly a good choice, but it is also an area he has never been involved in.

The Pauleta family has no power in this circle, so they must be extremely cautious.

And this is definitely not the time to talk about things.

Because the hearing is about to begin.

Ethan had seen Osvaldo walk in.

But it is a bit strange that Osvaldo did not participate in this hearing before. A project of this level does not really require him to show up.

But he came suddenly today.

Maybe he wanted to give Ethan some face?
But Ethan also noticed one thing, that is, there was another person following Osvaldo.

This person is a stranger.

Not someone from City Hall, not someone from Winster's circle.

This man was about forty years old. He looked extremely tough on the face and his body was full of muscles, which could not be concealed even by a formal suit.

Or perhaps, this person is not suitable for formal clothes at all. He looks a bit funny in formal clothes. He should wear hunting clothes, or... armor?
This person's height is also quite astonishing, nearly two meters.

It can be said that he is very oppressive just from his physique.

Who is this guy?
Osvaldo also saw Ethan now, and nodded at him with a smile.

Ethan naturally smiled back.

Osvaldo had no intention of sitting over here, but instead sat down on the other side with the strong man.

"Who is that?" John Holt asked puzzledly.

"I don't know."

The hearing officially begins.

It was indeed just a formality. The money had been given, the people had been hired, the basic matters had been finalized, and we were just waiting for the final announcement.

After several people on the stage had finished their performance, it was Osvaldo's turn to speak.

Osvaldo walked up slowly, looked at everyone, but didn't say what he should say.

Instead, he said, "Everyone, thank you for your contribution to Winster. Winster will remember you. Precisely because you have all contributed so much, I cannot neglect this matter, so I have specially invited an expert to escort our municipal project. Victor, my friend, come up and let everyone get to know you."

Following his call, the muscular man slowly walked to the front of the stage. "Hello everyone, I'm Vito Klaus from Sofonia. I'm happy to serve you."

As soon as he finished speaking, there was already a whisper in the audience.

Some people were discussing his last name, while others couldn't help but look at Ethan.

Because in the original plan, this municipal project was definitely to be handed over to Ethan.

In recent times, Ethan and Osvaldo have had a pretty good relationship and were featured in the newspaper together not long ago.

But today, according to what Osvaldo said, this project was intercepted.

It was still intercepted by a foreigner.

Even though this is a meaningless project, it has great significance.

Ethan has fallen from grace?
Considering the place where this man named Victor came from, Sophenia, in fact, it is more widely known in the kingdom as the Steel City.

That was where Osvaldo had previously served, and he had a huge influence in that city.

What's the situation now?
Now that Sandro has fallen, is Osvaldo planning to support his own forces?
He also brought people from his base?
The last name of this man named Vito is also worth discussing, Klaus...

You know, one of the largest car manufacturers in the kingdom now is Krauss.

The Klaus family is the steel tycoon of the kingdom.

This Victor...is he also from the Klaus family?
John Holt's face had turned very ugly. He was also a partner in this project, which meant he was suddenly kicked out.

Ethan seemed unfazed, and even smiled and nodded with Osvaldo again.

"Ethan..."

"I know. I'll talk to you later."

On the stage, Osvaldo continued his speech. "Actually, I invited Victor here not just for this project. This is just the beginning. I believe everyone will remember our reconstruction plan for San Quanti years ago. That's the highlight, and Victor will be involved. He participated in urban expansion and renovation during his time in the Steel City and has a wealth of experience. I believe we can bring a brand new city to the displaced citizens of San Quanti."

"Oh, by the way, in addition to the reconstruction plan for San Quanti, the City Hall actually has a new project that will also be announced to everyone today, which is..."

Osvaldo said, clapping his hands lightly.

Soon, someone brought up a map of the city.

Osvaldo used a wooden stick to point to the seaside area in the picture, which had been partially outlined in red pen in advance.

"I would like to solemnly introduce our new project, the Winster Expansion Plan, which can also be called the Land Reclamation Plan. I believe you have all noticed that Winster has developed rapidly in recent years, and the urban area is already stretched to the limit. As a port city, it is unwise for us to develop inward, and the space for inward development is also limited. Therefore, it is better to reclaim land and expand the port area. Previously, this plan had a difficulty. Sandro occupied a large area of ​​land on the northern coast. However, he is now dead, and his property has been confiscated by the kingdom. Now, our last obstacle is gone, so... we can go to sea."

He tapped the red circled area heavily with a wooden stick.

If Ethan remembered correctly, that was where Sandro's seaside castle was located.

Since Osvaldo had already said this, the people below could only applaud loudly.

Finally, he naturally invited everyone present to continue to attend subsequent hearings.

Today's hearing has come to an end.

It ended with Ethan's miserable defeat.

Watching Osvaldo and Vito walk away together in the end.

Ethan took a deep breath, adjusted his tie, and said to John Holt, "Call everyone to a meeting. Those who come here have bad intentions."

(End of this chapter)