Aside from being an aunt figure, Liliana was like a friend to Klaus.
In the past, Liliana lived in New York. Every weekend, she would visit the mansion, bringing clothes or toys for Klaus. He was only eight years old back then.
Liliana and Klaus were very close. In fact, she was closer to Klaus than her son. At first, Liliana treated Klaus like any other child. But as time went on, she realized that Klaus was not like most kids his age.
They often talked about various things, ranging from light-hearted conversations to life's challenges. Sometimes, while they were engrossed in conversation, Liliana would show her vulnerable side. She frequently shared her life problems, especially those concerning her family.
Despite her extraordinary beauty, her husband rarely paid attention to her. He seldom came home and only visited a few times. Their interactions were limited to brief phone calls.
To make matters worse, Liliana's relationship with her son was not much different from her marriage. Young Noah was like a male version of Joanna. He was rebellious and caused chaos. If his desires weren't met, he would destroy anything around him.
The absence of a positive male role model and her son's difficult temperament led Liliana into depression. She gave up on raising Noah. While Liliana sought refuge at her brother's house, she left her son in the care of a maid.
Klaus often heard heartbreaking stories from Liliana. This is why he could connect with his aunt but despised his cousin.
Klaus always thought that his aunt couldn't bond with her son. However, information from Richard changed his perspective. No matter how flawed a mother might be, she wouldn't let her child suffer in the end.
"Does this surprise you, Klaus?" Richard asked.
Klaus had been gazing at the light projection for quite some time. Taking a deep breath, he cleared his mind, inhaling the fresh air.
"Well, I understand. I've been keeping my distance from her. I'll send a few people to gather more information about their coalition."
"No need," Richard replied, shaking his head. "I've sent many people to spy on Vincent, but none of them survived. The person who took this photo was killed after sending it to me."
Alexa was slightly taken aback as the conversation involved murder.
"Wait, hold on. They went that far?" Alexa inquired with curiosity.
"It's not a quite shocking thing. When you're dealing with Morning Star in Queens, your life could be at risk anytime," Richard answered casually, as if it were normal.
"We're dealing with former mafia families here, Alexa. What did you expect?" Klaus added.
"They have money and power. They could resort to legal avenues rather than directly killing people. It's impulsive," the bespectacled woman shook her head.
Richard sighed. "Sometimes we forget how dangerous Morning Star can be. It's like a dark guild with a legal façade."
A moment of silence enveloped the room as the three individuals immersed themselves in their thoughts. Eventually, Klaus broke the silence.
"So, I assume you didn't just come here to deliver this news."
Richard snapped his fingers. "Ah, I almost forgot. I came to tell you this."
The light projection shifted as Richard waved his hand, displaying two photos, a man and a woman. Lines of text accompanied the images, containing basic information about them.
[Jonathan Thompson - 33%]
[Isabella Wilson - 45%]
As Alexa gazed at the faces in the light projection, she squinted, examining them closely. Some of them looked familiar.
"Are they your rivals?" the bespectacled woman asked Richard.
"Yes and no. Some say they're running, claiming to have high electability."
"So, you want to approach one of them to be your running mate," Klaus chimed in.
Richard snapped his fingers. "Exactly."
Electability refers to the likelihood or potential of a candidate to win an election or gain support from voters. In a political context, electability measures how appealing, popular, and supported a candidate is in order to secure a majority of votes in an election.
Factors that can influence electability include the candidate's personality, political track record, proposed vision and policies, communication skills, charisma, popularity, support from guilds or specific groups, and how the candidate addresses relevant societal issues.
A candidate deemed to have high electability is more likely to garner greater support from voters and has better chances of winning the election.
In other words, whoever Richard chooses to run alongside him in the upcoming election will determine their success.
Klaus pursed his lips. "I promise to assist in the campaign strategy. But for matters like this, I believe Terry Owen is a better fit."
"Well, I got these names from him," Vincent replied.
A few weeks earlier, Richard had been in regular communication with the guild master of the Golden Hammer Company. They discussed and researched to find the right lieutenant governor candidate. At that time, Klaus was conquering an orange dungeon.
After conducting surveys, they identified two names with high electability ratings. These individuals were prominent figures in New York's society.I think you should take a look at
"If you already have the names, then why are you telling me this?" Klaus asked suspiciously.
Richard smirked. "I need your help to persuade them to join me."
"Do you think they'd be willing to listen to the words of a 19-year-old like me? Besides, you're the gubernatorial candidate; you should approach them yourself," Klaus retorted.
"Not quite, Klaus," Alexa chimed in, focusing on her tablet as she spoke. "It seems you might be better at this."
Hearing his secretary agree with Richard, Klaus raised an eyebrow in bewilderment. "Why?"
"I understand why I feel familiar with them. These individuals have connections to Julia Winston. I met all of them when I had a meeting with your mother's friend. You could use Julia as a shortcut to get along with them."
Klaus nodded. "Ah, I see. Alright. I'll contact my mother and ask Julia to arrange meetings with them."
"We don't have time for that," Richard stated.
Naturally, Klaus raised an intrigued eyebrow. "Why?"
"Because the candidate registration deadline is only a week away," Alexa added. "We won't have time to persuade them if we set up meetings. People like them have busy schedules."
"Then what? Don't tell me you're suggesting I go to Julia's house and ask for their addresses?" Klaus quipped, exhaling in annoyance.
"You don't need to do that," Richard said. "Look at this."
As Richard waved his hand, the light projection changed again. The faces of the potential candidates vanished, replaced by a decorative banner.????????????????????????????????.????????????
[Charity Event Invitation]
[Art Auction to Raise Funds for an Orphanage]
[Date: January 2, 2XXX]
[Location: Winston Art Gallery, South Houston]
With a quick glance, Klaus immediately understood Richard's intention.
"So, tomorrow I have to attend this charity event, ask Julia to introduce me to her two friends. Once we get to know each other, I'll engage them in conversation while influencing their minds to join us. Is that your plan all along?" Klaus quipped.
"I didn't mean it that way, but it's a good idea," Richard replied.
Klaus sighed. "You know, I may be skilled in literature, but I know nothing about silly paintings. I can't possibly go there alone."
Richard pursed his lips. "I'd like to come with you, but my plate is full. I have to assemble the campaign team."
Klaus rolled his eyes toward Alexa, but before he could ask, the bespectacled woman crossed her arms. She said, "I'm sorry, I can't. The company has been in trouble since you accepted the order for 50,000 units of Elemental Guns."
Naturally, a sigh of disappointment escaped Klaus.
Alexa and Richard looked at him with hope. Klaus really didn't want to attend that charity event, but they were pinning their hopes on him. They needed a companion who understood art.
Suddenly, an idea crossed his mind.
"Ah, fine. I'll come and try to persuade them. Luckily, I have a friend who can assist me in difficult situations."
Richard grinned. "Thank you, Klaus."
His business here was concluded. Richard stood up from his seat and shook hands. Then, he left the room, followed by Klaus shortly after.
…
Under the shimmering glow of street lamps, the night carried a special atmosphere in the city. A luxurious car glided smoothly along the road, amidst the dazzling lights of towering skyscrapers. Stepping out of the car with confident strides was Klaus. His elegant and shimmering attire reflected the street lights, exuding an undeniable charm and charisma.
In front of him stood a grand building, its entrance illuminated by soft light. This was the venue for the highly anticipated charity event: Winston Art Gallery. Guests arriving filled the surrounding area with hushed conversations and gentle footsteps. In the mysteriously lit night, murmurs blended with laughter and glimmering whispers.
"Hey, Klaus! Help me out here! This dress is a pain!"
A sigh of exasperation escaped Klaus as he heard the woman's shout.
Klaus reached into the car and a woman took his hand, stepping out with graceful movements. Her golden-touched brown skin radiated with a natural allure that was hard to ignore. The evening gown she wore flowed beautifully, embodying grace and elegance.
Tonight, Olivia would accompany Klaus until the event's conclusion.
