A look of delight appeared on Rivers Archer's face. He immediately said, "As long as the City Lord and Division Commander Preston don't find me unworthy, I am willing to serve you loyally!"
Keith Preston roared with laughter, declaring him a promising talent.
With Rivers Archer as the bellwether, Leopold Koenig of the Koenig Family immediately followed his example and pledged loyalty to Maisie Joyce, leaving Clan Leader Arnold Koenig fuming but with no recourse.
But after years of being suppressed by the Woods and Forrest Families, he harbored his own resentment and thus went along with recognizing Maisie Joyce as the new City Lord.
Marcus Monroe watched with a cold, detached gaze. 'What a fine play,' he thought.
'This Rivers Archer and Leopold Koenig must have been bought off a long time ago…'
'They're acting like completely different people.'
'Recalling their long-winded, rambling speeches from this morning, it suddenly clicked. Those two were clearly stalling for time!'
