After Monroe left, Nisen burst out with a curse: "Damn it, who the hell did Stevenson get to speak for him that even the top brass at the IRS personally stepped in to stop our operation!"
"Even Director Jon couldn't resist, it must be an order from the high-level officials in Washington D.C. Headquarters. Stevenson... does he have connections with our high-level officials in Washington D.C.?"
"Hard to say, after all, he has been Governor for so many years, and to be in that position, his networking surely isn't simple. I think we need to conduct a more detailed investigation into his background..."
Bucky and Simmons were also pondering separately.
Firstly, it was definitely the higher-ups in Washington D.C. Headquarters who intervened, otherwise, even the President wouldn't have the authority to directly instruct Jon to do so.
"Forget it, we've already kicked him out of the Governor's seat; he won't be able to cause us any trouble for a while."
Since the higher-ups wanted to protect Stevenson and Jon had passed the message along, David had no choice but to temporarily stand down.
"Right, let's take a trip to Tianxiang Bay!"
...
Tianxiang Bay, Laurie's family home.
"Be careful, you guys, don't break my gems!"
Stevenson's sudden resignation was like an earthquake for Nevada State, but if you ask who was the happiest person, it was naturally Deputy Governor Laurie.
And at this moment, he was discussing with the moving company, planning to move into the Governor's Mansion as soon as his family home was packed up.
The Governor's Mansion.
This was the place he had dreamt of taking over for so many days and nights!
And to his surprise, it actually came true.
Laurie was feeling more and more delighted.
"Deputy Governor... Governor, the State Treasurer, the Secretary-General, and others... they are all at the door, asking to see you."
Sherwood came over. He instinctively started to call him Deputy Governor but quickly corrected himself upon realizing the change in situation.
"Heh, day in and day out, each and every one of them would pull faces at me, treating me like a fool, thinking they could kick me around, and now that they see I've risen to power, they all come running to pay homage, huh? Tell them I'm busy. After the inauguration ceremony, I will 'summon' them one by one!"
Laurie sneered, not showing much surprise.
According to state law, the Governor has the right to appoint or dismiss any official in the state government. Now that Stevenson has resigned, and according to the federal constitution, he automatically became the new Governor.
"The Emperor's entourage changes with his reign," naturally, these people were afraid of being dismissed by him.
"I will let them know right away."
Turning around, Laurie waited until David and his entourage had entered before he then closed the door and walked in, asking, "Director David and the inspector brothers, would you like something to drink?"
"No need for formalities, Governor Laurie... Eh, Mr. Lawson, you're here too."
Seeing Lawson in the living room, David was also somewhat surprised.
Lawson smiled awkwardly and said, "I just happened to be passing by and thought I'd come in to congratulate Governor Laurie."
David showed a meaningful expression and then turned to Laurie, saying, "Governor Laurie, I have three matters to discuss with you."
"Don't just say three matters, even if there were three hundred, I would handle them without error!"
Pleased, David nodded and said, "First, after you take your oath of office, immediately cancel the crackdown directive in Carson City, and let the work of the local IRS resume as normal."
"Second, clear out all of Stevenson's cronies."
"Third, issue instructions to all your departments to fully cooperate with my tax work from now on!"
Stevenson's affair had wasted too much of his time, and now with only a few days left until the end of the assessment period, he had to unite all forces and make up for the tax performance lost time.
With the state government's cooperation, although it wouldn't give him wings like a tiger, it would definitely yield good results for his tax work.
"No problem!"
Laurie, without a moment's hesitation, agreed immediately.
David turned to Lawson and asked, "Mr. Lawson, I've seen your support rates. Based on these percentages, as long as you don't have a scandal like Stevenson in the coming months, the Senator's position should be secure, right?"
"That's right, but even though there are still several months until the election, unexpected things could happen. I think the exposé on Stevenson these past few days has had a great effect. Could you... could you..."
Lawson didn't finish his sentence, but his intent was clear—he wanted David to continue releasing information to boost his support rate.
Of course, he wasn't doing this entirely for a higher approval rating.
Mainly it was because he and Stevenson were arch enemies.
Now with the Golden Ear Bridge affair and the agricultural bill issue simmering down after Stevenson's resignation, and with some relationship navigation, Stevenson would very likely avoid legal responsibility.
Since he had already taken action, how could he be willing to let Stevenson get off so easily?
Even if he couldn't destroy the man completely, at the very least, he would have to strip a layer off Stevenson!
"The Stevenson affair ends here."
"Ah... this..."
Lawson was surprised but quickly bit his lip and said, "Pardon my bluntness, Director David, but as the saying goes, 'wildfires never quite burn out, and spring winds blow them back to life'. Stevenson is now standing on the edge of a cliff—one more push and he will shatter to pieces. We can't let him have the chance to recover!"