Chapter 996 An Excuse
"Kevin, what are you doing here?" Maurice raised her delicate eyebrows in surprise upon seeing Kevin with a glamorous woman by his side.
"Mrs. Maurice, Uncle," Kevin was startled, quickly releasing Natalie's hand. He felt a bit anxious, not expecting to encounter Armando and his wife here.
Natalie, however, was pleasantly surprised. She stepped forward with a smile and said, "Mr. Armando, hello. I'm Natalie. We met at the Clearbrook Tourism Group's inauguration ceremony. Do you remember?"
"Of course I remember. I'm very grateful for your support in our county’s poverty alleviation efforts," Armando replied cheerfully. "But how do you know Kevin? Are you acquainted?"
"Oh, I'm actually Kevin's distant cousin," Natalie answered calmly, holding Kevin's hand affectionately. "The new school term is about to start, and his aunt is occupied, so she asked me to take him out for a bit."
"I see," Armando nodded, looking at Kevin thoughtfully. "President, what are your thoughts on the development of Clearbrook's tourism resources? I'd like to hear your opinion."
"Mr. Armando, I’m not just flattering you when I say that the Clearbrook development plan is both visionary and practical. It integrates red tourism resources with rural revitalization and poverty alleviation, and involves private capital in a way that allows the government to focus on infrastructure while letting businesses handle market operations. I believe that within three years, Clearbrook's tourism industry will flourish," Natalie spoke eloquently, revealing her deep understanding of the development plans.
Armando had only met Natalie briefly at the Clearbrook inauguration and had noted her decisiveness and well-informed nature. Now, impressed by her insight into tourism development, he smiled and said, "This is the result of collective government decision-making, not just my own work. I intend to use Clearbrook as a pilot project. If it succeeds, I plan to implement similar projects elsewhere. I hope President will continue to support our efforts."
"Mr. Armando, you can count on me. I will do my utmost to support your work and contribute to the prosperity of our hometown," Natalie said joyfully. Armando's willingness to accept her support was a significant win for her, giving her the confidence to rival figures like Jasper and Lawrence.
"Very good. Please feel free to contact my secretary with any good suggestions you might have," Armando said, turning to Kevin with a smile. "Kevin, I won't keep you any longer. You are always welcome at our home; Sylvia insists on inviting you."
"Thank you, Uncle. I will certainly visit soon. Goodbye, Mrs. Maurice," Kevin bid them farewell and quickly led Natalie away, only relaxing once they reached a secluded spot. He had been genuinely worried about Armando and Maurice discovering his relationship with Natalie.
Natalie suddenly hugged Kevin and kissed him on the cheek, exclaiming joyfully, "Good little brother, you truly are my lucky star. Now that I've got Armando backing me, I fear no one in this city. Lawrence will bow to me one day."
Previously, despite her investments, Natalie had struggled to secure significant projects without powerful support, making her financial gains feel precarious. But now, with Armando’s backing, her future seemed bright. She understood that many sought Armando’s favor, and if not for her ruse of being Kevin's cousin, he might not have trusted her so readily.
"Sis, let's continue this in the room," Kevin said, still a bit uneasy, scanning the surroundings to ensure they weren't being watched.
"Alright," Natalie chuckled seductively, leading him towards the nearby villas. "Today, I'll properly reward my great benefactor."
...
By the lakeside, Armando and Maurice were strolling and chatting. Armando had been overworking lately, feeling dizzy with high blood pressure, so Maurice had brought him to the reservoir for some relaxation.
"Armando, why do you pay so much attention to this Natalie?" Maurice asked, displeased. "Is it because she’s Kevin’s cousin, or do you find her attractive? Let me remind you, many officials have fallen because of women, and you must be vigilant."
"Come on, you’re making me out to be a scoundrel," Armando said, half-laughing, as he spread his hands. "We've been married for years. Have I ever done anything to betray your trust?"
"That remains to be seen," Maurice retorted with a snort. "I don't think Natalie looks like a respectable woman. What are your true intentions?"
"Calm down and let me explain," Armando said thoughtfully. "Do you know why I insisted on working in this city?"
"My father said it was to gain grassroots experience, making future promotions more secure," Maurice replied. "You've been here for two years now, attracting numerous projects. I've spoken to my father about moving you back to the city by the year's end to secure a gubernatorial position as we planned. You’re not changing your mind, are you?"
"No, I'm not," Armando smiled faintly, observing the shimmering lake. "But in this life, one must leave a mark on the world. If we seek only fame and fortune, we betray the value of our existence. I wish to stay in this city for another three years."
"What?!" Maurice was taken aback. "Armando, think this through. You’re already forty. Even if you become a governor, you won't be young. If you don't seize opportunities now, they'll become scarce, and not even my father can help you then."
"Don't worry, dear," Armando took her hand gently. "The matter of becoming a full-time governor has been settled. Alfred will be transferred next month, and I will assume his position. The federal authorities have approved it."
"Really?" Maurice was overjoyed. She had no objections to Armando remaining in the city if he could hold the gubernatorial post. But she soon frowned, "Yet the governor's role in this city isn't easy. Just look at Alfred, who’s keen to leave."
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