Chapter 5: Enemies Named

"Reporting to the President, the matter’s been investigated."

Having lost presidential favor, Gabe went all-in this time. In just two days, he’d unraveled the entire affair.

He arrived early, files in hand, sweat beading on his brow. The air in the Oval Office was colder than usual, the mood tense.

"Speak."

Harrison’s face was unreadable, arms crossed, eyes narrowed—the look that made senators quake during budget hearings.

Gabe, afraid to anger the president again, replied carefully:

"According to my investigation, the rumors about you and Lady Savannah were orchestrated by Quentin Simons, Governor of Oregon, and Gregory Young, cousin of Lady Savannah. They learned you’d shown favor to her, presumed your intentions, and tried to send her into the White House to serve you."

Gabe shuffled his papers, voice barely above a whisper, eyes glued to the desk.

Harrison was so angry he laughed—a bitter chuckle echoing off the marble fireplace. Schemes layered on schemes, each one more desperate than the last.

Sebastian Whitmore, this unfilial descendant, really knows how to be president! Shameful acts like stealing one’s daughter-in-law, and yet people try to make it sound noble.

He shook his head, wondering how the family name had survived this long. If only the Founding Fathers could see them now.

"Issue a statement: Quentin Simons and Gregory Young are guilty of deceiving the president. Strip them of office and assign them to remote border duty as a warning. Anyone who dares discuss me and Lady Savannah will be punished the same."

He spoke with the finality of a Supreme Court verdict. Staffers scribbled notes, knowing these words would hit the news before sunset.

If Harrison remembered correctly, Gregory Young was one of the main contributors to the Whitmore legacy’s downfall. Harrison had been waiting for an excuse to deal with him, and now he’d delivered himself right to the door—a perfect setup.

He smiled thinly, satisfaction settling over him. Sometimes, the wheels of power turned in his favor.

As for Julian’s residence, who suffered most from Sebastian’s scandal? Julian Whitmore, blindsided by disaster. Truly, a man sitting at home, disaster falls from the sky.

Harrison, weary, rubbed his brow. Since he’d chosen to be a good father, he wouldn’t skimp on what was owed.

He reached for his pen, scribbling notes on a legal pad. The responsibilities of family weighed just as heavy as those of state.

"Also issue a statement: Change Julian’s title to ‘Governor,’ and grant him the lands of Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire as consolation."

He spoke quietly, but the meaning was clear—a gesture of goodwill, a chance for Julian to rebuild.

After speaking, Harrison waved his hand, ordering Gabe to withdraw.

Gabe bowed, retreating with relief. The air seemed lighter, as if the storm had passed—for now.

Having dealt with Gregory Young, Harrison started choosing the next target.

He opened the cabinet register, flipping through the names. Each one carried a story, a history of alliances and betrayals.

Harrison circled a name with his red pen, eyes lighting up.

"Alright, it’s you."

He leaned back, a hint of satisfaction in his smile. The game was far from over.