American Tax Officer

Senator Phipps was indeed panicking, for he couldn't understand how David knew he had received One Million USD and even knew about the conditions promised to him by Saint Perod Shipyard.

Could it be...

The Western Suburb Branch had secretly conducted an investigation against him?

But how dare the Western Suburb Branch investigate him, a distinguished Congressman?

If this gets out, wouldn't Congress be shaken to its core?

Could it be that Director David and the tax authorities no longer fear even Congress?

But how could that be...

Phipps took a deep breath, trying to calm the panic inside him. He worked hard to adjust his expression, allowing his facial muscles to relax, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly in an attempt to show the composure he had just before then he denied, "Director David, I don't know where you heard these things, but it's utter nonsense.

Saint Perod Shipyard has never sought me out, I swear on my honor, there has been absolutely no backroom dealings in this matter!"

David couldn't help but sneer inwardly at these words, swearing on his honor, as though moral credibility was nonexistent in the eyes of these politicians.

But it seemed normal, had Wu Zetian not said, "Those who wish to accomplish great things can kill even their closest kin."

Now, Phipps was just swearing oaths for his own future, which was quite low-key.

But no matter.

He had already made up his mind to make a fool of Senator Phipps and naturally wouldn't let him off so easily!

He continued, "Is that so, Senator Phipps? Aren't we broadcasting live in front of the entire nation right now? How about I send someone to invite Mr. Pence Goldfrey, Stuart Avery, and Defoe Ernest over to have a talk?"

At these words, Phipps's face turned white, his eyes bulging and round, and a fine layer of sweat broke out on his forehead. His hands clenched into fists involuntarily, trembling slightly.

The reason was simple, the three individuals David mentioned were the very people Saint Perod Shipyard had sent to negotiate with him.

David not only knew about the bribery of One Million USD from the shipyard and the conditions promised to him, but now he even knew exactly who had negotiated the deal. Yet that wasn't even the worst part.

If, as David said, these three were invited to the TV studio, given the information David currently had, this debate might turn into a public execution of him in front of the whole nation.

In a moment's time, Senator Phipps, who had navigated the political arena for years, was completely thrown off balance by David's relentless assault.

"Pence Goldfrey, Stuart Avery, Defoe Ernest, although I do not know who these three are, they must be 'very important' to Senator Phipps, otherwise, he would not be in such a state of panic."

"Ah, Senator Phipps came here today mainly to attack the dark tax bill, but it seems he's gotten more than he bargained for."

"Based on Senator Phipps' current demeanor and performance, I'm inclined to think that what Director David said about the internal affairs of the shutdown of Ingalls Shipyard might actually be true."

If Senator Phipps' behavior had been only slightly off before, now he was clearly displaying panic, causing the TV experts to sigh with disbelief.

"What's going on? Wasn't Senator Phipps full of confidence just now? Why is he like this all of a sudden?"

"The more he panics, the more it proves he has something to hide, meaning that what Director David said about the dubious dealings within Ingalls Shipyard must exist."

"This is getting interesting, let's see how the Senator will wrap this up."

"..."

Phipps's awkwardness displayed on camera was plain for the viewers at home to see, sparking a lively debate among them. Continue your journey on empire

Meanwhile, within the Washington D.C. Headquarters, watching Phipps, who had been so aggressive before, reduced to this embarrassed state, many high-ranking officials felt a sense of gratification and cheered aloud.

However, among them, Obadiah and Welton Heng, and other senior officials seemed not as excited, but rather, their eyes held a hint of hidden concern.

It was clear to anyone now that what David had said was highly likely true, this was what had thrown a seasoned politician like Phipps off his game.

That meant David had probably investigated Phipps, who was after all a Congressman, and if so, it could alarm Congress.

If Congress became alarmed, it might initiate legislation or policies to restrict the powers of their tax authorities, effectively fulfilling the objective Phipps sought to achieve through this debate.

But as it stood, Phipps was paying a heavy price himself, resulting in a scenario where both parties were losing.

Of course, what worried Obadiah Ville Tonghen the most was not just this prospect, but that Saint Perod Shipyard belonged to General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Company, which in turn was a subsidiary of General Dynamics Corporation.

And what was General Electric Company's reputation?

This was the world's sixth-largest defense contractor and another one of America's military-industrial conglomerate enterprises, alongside companies like Raytheon, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman.