American Tax Officer

Collecting her thoughts, Katherine, with a disdainful expression restored to normalcy, said, "Do you really think a measly document like this is enough to topple our incumbent President? It's like a fool's dream!" "Madam Vice President, who told you that this is the only document I have?" "What do you mean?" "This is merely the tip of the iceberg of what we have in our possession, do you understand?" "Chief Inspector David, I admit you're quite resourceful, but the President has been entrenched in his position for years, with control over resources and power beyond your imagination. I don't think you can fabricate enough dirt to bring him down!" Just as Katherine had said, she truly didn't believe David could possess enough incriminating material to overthrow Payden. In her view, it was more likely that David was bluffing her, with the sole purpose of obtaining her precious vote. "Madam Vice President, if I didn't have it, why do you think we would dare to let this bill pass through the Senate and House of Representatives?" Upon hearing this, Katherine blanched instantly. That's right, she'd suddenly realized a problem. Indeed, whether it's the House of Representatives or the Senate, the number of votes in favor of passing the bill isn't sufficient to reach a two-thirds majority. Meaning, even if the bill passes both the Senate and House of Representatives, if the President doesn't sign it, it will be sent back to Congress. At that point, a two-thirds majority in both chambers is needed for it to take effect. So the question is, what happens if the bill is returned to Congress? Either you fight for a two-thirds majority in both chambers, which is clearly unrealistic, or the President has to sign it again! But considering the current situation, if the bill really does pass the Senate, then The Big Three Groups are sure to apply maximum pressure to the White House. Would Payden have the courage to sign it then? And if he doesn't sign, there would only be one choice left – install a President who will! More directly, replace him with her for the signature! Following this line of deduction, it became clear to Katherine that David indeed might possess enough blackmail material to impeach or even bring down Payden. Otherwise, even if the bill passed through Congress, without the President's signature, it would be largely meaningless. "How about it, Madam Vice President? The 28 years they've promised you won't amount to the opportunity at hand. If you take the position now, you'll be America's first female President and first President of African-Asian descent." "Just on these two accounts alone, you don't even need to make any contributions to be etched into America's history books!" David continued to persuade. At this point, Katherine was no longer as resolute as before; her heart had begun to waver immensely. The Big Three Groups had indeed promised her the presidency in 28 years. But as David pointed out, there are nearly 6 years until then, and with the rapidly changing political landscape, who knows what might happen by that time? Who knows what unforeseen events might occur? And now, here was an opportunity to reach for the highest office right in front of her. If she wasn't tempted, she wouldn't be human. Yet... if she chose to side with the Internal Revenue Service, The Big Three Groups would not take this lying down; how would she face them then? For a moment, Katherine was caught in a swirl of indecision. David, realizing her difficulty, quickly reassured, "Madam Vice President, I understand your apprehension about the might of The Big Three Groups, but rest assured, no matter what, we will protect you!" "Moreover, once this bill is passed, many of them will be in a state of self-preservation, preoccupied with how to safeguard their interests to the greatest extent, and they won't have the capacity to deal with you." At this, Katherine's heart had already shifted significantly. That's right, once the bill passed, members of The Big Three Groups would likely be too preoccupied to seek immediate retribution. Those profit-driven individuals would first ensure the security of their wealth to avoid further losses. And even if they sought revenge, David was at the forefront to take the hit; with his current control over Congress, he certainly had the ability to protect her! Additionally, if things went as David suggested, and Payden was impeached and removed from office, with her stepping up from Vice President to President, she would then hold the title. Regardless of The Big Three Groups' immense power, they would have to consider the political weight of the presidential title before seeking retribution. All things considered, this deal seemed somewhat more advantageous than what The Big Three Groups had offered… "I have a question..." "Please, ask away!" "Although the White House hasn't taken a clear stance on this current issue, they don't seem outright hostile towards this bill. What if the bill really does pass the Senate, and the President actually signs it?" If the bill passes the Senate, there's no doubt that The Big Three Groups will exert every possible effort to pressure the White House. However, judging by the current situation, Payden might not necessarily refuse to sign. And if Payden doesn't refuse to sign, then David would have no reason to target him. How would she ascend to the position, then? "You've asked a good question, Vice President Katherine. There's indeed a possibility that the White House might withstand the pressure to sign, but there's also a chance they might refuse. If the White House finally stands firm and signs, then I can make you the same promise as The Big Three Groups: full support for your campaign in 28 years!"