Chapter 1024:
Matteo stepped onto the stage, radiating confidence and charisma. Thunderous applause greeted him as he launched into his well-rehearsed speech.
Reporters in the front row streamed the event live, capturing Matteoâs portrayal as a dedicated public servant.
His charm, wit, and ambition won over the crowd effortlessly.
What Harlee overheard earlier represented only a vocal minority. Most attendees had already been swayed by Matteoâs extravagant PR campaigns and promises, believing he had reformed. This was why many people were willing to vote for Matteo, although the primary motivation was financial. Indeed, many of his backers were motivated by the allure of personal benefits.
After each address, Matteo would dispatch money as a strategy to sway the audience.
Matteo was thoroughly pleased with the outcomes, particularly since this crowd was notoriously difficult to charm. To keep the momentum going, Matteo intentionally shortened his address, concluding it within half an hour.
He then stepped away from the platform to engage with carefully chosen âparticipantsâ who posed scripted questions.
The ovation was thunderous and relentless, crafting the illusion that Matteo was universally hailed as the perfect candidate for mayor.
Matteo announced, âMy vision has always been to pioneer fully mechanized farming.
Elevating agricultural earnings isnât just beneficial for our farmers but strengthens our entire nation. Only when our rural workers thrive can we claim to lead the global stage!â
After responding to one farmerâs inquiry, Matteo smoothly transitioned into delivering a series of fiery yet shallow remarks.
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His rhetoric was designed to ignite excitement, and the audience reacted precisely as plannedâbreaking into jubilant cheers and chanting his campaign slogans.
Basking in the crowdâs fervent energy, Matteo relished the admiration.
His ego had never been more gratified.
âIs there anyone else with questions or concerns I can address?â he asked.
Naturally, it was all theater. Matteo had no real intention of addressing genuine concerns.
He stuck to his script, interacting only with the preselected âparticipantsâ to ensure no unexpected disruptions marred the event.
Beaming confidently, Matteo listened as the âparticipantsâ clamored for his attention, their voices merging into an orchestrated symphony of support.
But then, a sharp, clear voice broke through the commotion.
âI have a question!â
Matteoâs head jerked toward the soundâfamiliar and unnervingly distinct.
Harlee had made a deliberate noise before speaking to ensure Matteo couldnât ignore her. She emerged from the shadows with measured steps, each one purposeful. The onlookers turned, stunned, and instinctively stepped aside, parting to create a path for her. It felt as though she commanded the space, her presence dwarfing everyone else.
Matteoâs heart skipped a beat.
Harlee Sanderson! How on earth could she be here?
When Harleeâs familiar features came into full view, Matteoâs eyes widened momentarily before he recovered, narrowing them as he signaled to the security team to stay on high alert.
The disguised soldiers and elite personnel around Matteo stiffened immediately, their hands subtly moving toward their weapons, ready for anything. This woman wasnât here with good intentions.
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