Douglas's Triumph and Their Regret

Chapter 7

However, before Armand could finish his sentence, his words were cut short by Linda.

“What does Douglas have to do with our dinner?”

"Why would you ruin our mood by mentioning that criminal's name?"

Linda snapped, her voice sharp and biting.

"Criminal?"

Armand blinked in confusion.

How could Douglas Garnett be called a criminal?

Had they understood who he was talking about?

"Haven't you heard the news?" Linda narrowed her eyes.

Armand stammered, looking even more confused.

"What... news?"

"I'm talking about the renowned Douglas Garnett who saved PortVarter..."

Linda let out a sarcastic laugh.

"Look it up yourself. Douglas is a criminal involved in numerous crimes! He is nothing more than a dog we took in out of kindness."

"Don't tell me you actually believe the ridiculous rumours about him—that he's some great leader who saved PortVarter..."

Linda leaned back in her chair, a glass of expensive wine in hand, as she continued her tirade.

"Let's be clear," she sneered, narrowing her eyes at the restaurant manager.

"Everything good that has happened in PortVarter is thanks to my father, Governor Clarke.”

“His vision and leadership are what brought prosperity here.”

“Douglas Garnett? He's just an opportunist who got lucky. A nobody who had no impact!"

Hearing Linda's words, Armand couldn't help but frown deeply.

Was this some kind of joke?

Everyone in PortVarter knew that without Douglas's leadership behind the scenes, PortVarter would have been in shambles!

Even the success of Helton Hotel was because of the stability and development Douglas fostered.

However, from Linda's expression, he could tell that she wasn't cracking any jokes.

His hands tightened at his sides.

"With all due respect, Ms. Clarke," he said carefully.

"Everyone in PortVarter knows that the state is what it is today because of Mr. Garnett's unwavering commitment.

“In fact, without his leadership behind the scenes, none of this, including the dishes—"

He gestured to the opulent dining room and beyond.

"—would have been possible.”

“The success of Helton Hotel is a direct result of the stability and development he fostered."

The room fell silent.

Linda's expression twisted with anger.

While Governor Clarke's face darkened with barely concealed rage.

Marvin, who had been silent, leaned forward with a scowl.

His previously carefree demeanour had been replaced by irritation.

They had planned to ruin Douglas's reputation by fabricating numerous charges against him, hoping he would be forgotten in PortVarter's history.

However, this manager was one of those who refused to believe Douglas was simply a criminal, dismissing the idea that he had no impact on PortVarter's progress.

"Armand!"

Governor Clarke said sharply, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade.

"Don’t you think you're overstepping?”

“It is not your place to comment on political matters. Stick to running your restaurant and leave the governance of PortVarter to those who understand it!"

“Well, sorry for interrupting.”

Armand inclined his head to avoid revealing the contempt in his eyes.

The Governor's defensive reaction only confirmed his suspicions.

Apparently, Douglas Garnett had been used and discarded by Governor Clarke and his allies.

They were determined to erase his contributions and tarnish his name, all for their own gain!

Armand couldn't help but feel a surge of disdain for the powerful figures seated before him.

At the same time, a chill of fear ran through him.

If Douglas were truly removed, PortVarter could descend into chaos once again, and the stability his hotel relied on could crumble!

Before anyone could speak further, the heavy double doors of the dining hall burst open, and Lieutenant Governor Mason hurried in, his face pale and grim.