Return Of The Prodigy
Return of the Prodigy Chapter 207

Johan scoffed and continued, "Ms. Hartley is not selfish and greedy like you guys. She made us withdraw from the new Chamber of Commerce for two reasons. First, she didn't want us to continue suffering losses due to the sanctions of the old Chamber of Commerce. Second, she wanted to make you lower your guard, giving you the illusion that you were in control while we all tried to replace a way to deal with you." Now, the people at the scene were enlightened. The reporters also nodded in understanding. However, although the explanation made sense, her plan seemed way too hard to pull off.

As expected, he did not believe the explanation and clapped back, "That makes no sense! Why would she even do that? By drawing all the firepower of our Chamber of Commerce, she would only bring about the destruction of Hartley Group!" The reporters nodded, agreeing with Jenkins.

Johan snorted and said, "This is the difference between you and Ms. Hartley, and it's also the reason we're willing to follow her lead. Unlike you, she's kind-hearted and thinks of what's best for everyone. That's why she decided to take on this risk despite the consequences.

"You should stop judging her by your standards. Also, the Hamiltons never contacted us, and we're helping her out of the respect we have for her. This is how we do things in Lisle. You should all learn from her!"

The room plunged into silence once again. None of those present knew how to reply.

Some turned around to look at Katie. They were seeing her in a different light at this moment, to the point that they even wondered if she was the same Katie Hartley from before.

Her looks were outstanding, and it was hard to replace a woman as beautiful as her in all Lisle. Yet, what surprised them was that she was also very capable and not just a pretty figurehead. She endured all the pressure by herself and fooled Leroy Ortiz into thinking that he had everything under control.

Leroy had not noticed anything amiss and was convinced until the last moment that everything was going according to his plan. Only when everyone turned against him did he realize that he had been played.

However, what was most remarkable was Katie's courage and kindness. Everyone was surprised that she had taken on such a big risk to help her business partners.

Most businessmen in Lisle knew how hard it was for Hartley Group to get through his period. From this experience, they knew that Katie was the type of person that would take a bullet for a friend. She was worthy of their respect and admiration.

Leroy Ortiz was still dazed, unable to accept that he had been played. "No, this isn't right... Things weren't supposed to go like this! How was she able to turn the tide? Hartley Group was supposed to be wiped out! Dammit, I don't care! It's not like I've lost!" He walked up to Katie furiously and stared daggers at her. "Don't think that you've won the war just because you won this battle. The score has been reset, nothing more!

"My Chamber of Commerce didn't lose many people, and as long as I have their support, I'll suppress your new Chamber of Commerce again! Heh, even if I lost today, I'll defeat you next time!"

"There won't be a next time, Leroy," Katie said coldly. "You've lost. Just accept it."

Leroy was stunned. Furious, he roared, "Shut up, I haven't lost!"

Katie shook her head.

At this time, all the bystanders heard the sound of cars braking outside the building. Before long, a dozen or so police officers rushed into the room accompanied by a few members of the IRS.

As the police officers approached, the people at the scene felt a chill down their spine.

The room plunged into pin-drop silence, yet again.

"Which one of you is Jenkins Poe?" the police officer in the lead demanded coldly.

Jenkins shivered, and he looked at the police captain with fear in his eyes.

The captain gestured with his hand. The next moment, two police officers stepped forward and went to handcuff Jenkins.

Jenkins was startled and began struggling. "Let me go! Why are you arresting me?"

"Why, you're asking?" A cold voice came from the crowd. Then, the president of a company stepped forward and said grimly, "You're being arrested because you hired a hitman to kill the manager of our purchasing department. I secretly investigated the driver and gave the evidence to the police. Have fun in jail." Jenkins Poe was panic-stricken, his expression one of disbelief.

In the next moment, he threw himself at Leroy's feet and started begging, "Mr. Ortiz, you have to save me! You're the one who told me to do it. I was just following your orders!"

Leroy's expression changed. He raised his leg and kicked Jenkins away. "What nonsense are you babbling? You're the one who did it! This matter has nothing to do with me!"

Jenkins' face paled. After a short moment, he howled, "How can you just throw me to the wolves?! You brought me in so that I could be your fall guy, didn't you? You bastard, I wish you a painful death!"

The captain said with a frown, "Take him away."

The two police officers dragged Jenkins outside.

With Jenkins gone, the room fell into silence once again. Everyone was looking at Leroy now.

Leroy's expression was unsightly, and it took all of his self-control to keep his emotions in check.

The captain asked again, "Which one of you is George McConnel?"

In the crowd, a man in his thirties almost lost his balance and tumbled to the ground. His face became deathly pale.

Without waiting for their captain to speak, two police officers walked up to the man and handcuffed him.

Another member of the new Chamber of Commerce stepped forward and said, "George McConnel, you bribed a local politician to stall my company's project. Too bad that your two mistresses told me everything. You're done for, bastard!" George's legs gave in, and he kneeled on the ground.

"Sir, please forgive me! It was Leroy Ortiz who told me to do those things. He told me to make things difficult for rival companies, or I would've suffered the same fate. I'm also a victim! Please, give me another opportunity! Please!" Leroy lost his temper and cursed, "McConnel, I don't even know you! Keep my name out of your f*****g mouth!"

However, no matter how Leroy tried to defend himself, none of the bystanders believed him. Even an idiot could tell that Leroy was definitely behind these accidents.

The captain said coldly, "Take him away. Now, which one of you is Jeremy Johnson?"

A man who was about to sneak away shivered. He quickened his pace and tried to run away.

However, a group of reporters hurried to block his way and shouted, "It's this guy!"

Jeremy was so scared that he fainted on the spot.

The captain gestured with his hand, and two police officers took the suspects away. He then continued, "Which one of you is Paul May?"

For the next few minutes, the captain kept calling names. All the members of the old Chamber of Commerce were panic-stricken, afraid that they would end up in jail next. "My name is Jake Simmons, and I plead guilty!"