American Tax Officer

The other party's words almost made him laugh.

If it weren't for that old geezer using his own group to suppress his promotion, he wouldn't even bother with him. Now that he's been defeated, he's acting all aggrieved, as if he's been wronged. How can someone who's nearly lived a century still be so ridiculous!

Murdoch clenched his teeth and continued, "Director David, this time it is indeed my fault. If you could look upon me favorably just this once, I not only assure you there will be no more false criticisms from me, but if you ever need the support of our group, I'm willing to help. You must know our news group, being a leader in the media industry, is top-notch in packaging and promotion. This could greatly benefit your career."

Even though they, the Freemasonry, were now mortal enemies with Director David, in order to save his life's work, he couldn't care less about that.

"If you got into trouble with my Internal Revenue Service, I might consider discussing it. However, I really can't intervene with the FBI business, I'm sorry, Mr. Murdoch!"

"Da...vid!"

Upon hearing this, Murdoch's eyes turned blood-red with a face full of rage. He had lowered his stance so much, and offered such a high price, yet the other party still refused to give him a break, which made him furious.

"I know what you're scheming. You're just trying to crush me and then take over my group. But what will you do if in the end, all you get is a 'rotten building'?"

Director David's expression tightened upon hearing this, but he pretended to be nonchalant and replied, "I don't know what you're talking about. Alright, Mr. Murdoch, I'm very busy, let's not chat anymore!"

"Very well, I hope you won't regret it!"

After grinding his teeth and uttering these words, Murdoch hung up the phone.

In the office, Director David's expression shifted. He then picked up his phone to dial a number and instructed, "The fish is ready to break the net in desperation. Speed up the netting..."

After ending the call, he made separate calls to John, Ted, and Sally, similarly asking them to expedite their work.

At the news group's top-floor office, the room was a complete mess, with scattered papers and shattered cups everywhere.

And at this moment, Murdoch, with his hair in disarray and face flushed red, sat in his chair, his chest heaving with breaths, and his fists showing some traces of blood.

After a while, he picked up the phone to summon his secretary.

The secretary was startled by the sight upon entering but didn't dare upset the boss, and carefully asked, "Sir... please give your instructions."

"Call a media conference. I shall speak personally this time! Also, arrange some journalists to ask me questions, the content should be..."

Murdoch's eyes were full of malice as he said these words.

Ever since he established the news group, he had never demeaned himself like this. But just now on the phone, he had practically begged, and that damn Director David still wouldn't cut him any slack.

If the other side wanted him dead, then he wouldn't make it easy for them before his demise!

...

"What, the news group dares to call a press conference? Do they want to be slapped in the face even more?"

"It's said that the boss, Murdoch himself, will speak at the conference. There must be some significant announcement to be made!"

"Heh heh, the documents released by the FBI in these few days may not be conclusive evidence, but they certainly raise major suspicions. No matter how eloquent that old guy Murdoch is, what can he rebut?"

News of the news group's impending media conference spread quickly, and the internet was abuzz upon hearing that Murdoch would personally be delivering the statement.

And the media rushed to the news group's lobby as fast as possible, setting up their cameras, awaiting Murdoch's arrival.

Los Angeles IRS.

"What do you think this guy wants to say by calling a press conference at this critical moment?"

"No matter what he says, it's all just the struggles of a dying man!"

"..."

In the director's office, Simmons, Bucky, and Nisen were conversing with slight confusion, while David's face showed a thoughtful expression.

He couldn't guess what Murdoch wanted to tell the media, but he was sure it would be detrimental to them!

"He's here!"

At Nisen's alert, the three men collected their thoughts and turned their attention to the large television screen, where Murdoch appeared, surrounded by a plethora of security personnel.

Even though his hair and clothes were well-groomed, the pallor of anger on his face was somewhat undeniable.

Standing under the spotlight, he pressed his hands down signaling for silence, then spoke, "Greetings to the media and friends watching, I am Murdoch. Regarding the recent series of events targeting our group, I feel it is necessary to make a few points."

"Firstly, regarding the FBI documents accusing us, we might indeed have some improper conduct, but as the investigation is still ongoing, we have not accepted these charges!"

"Secondly, as for the wiretapping scandal, it was resolved several years ago. The FBI concluded there was no direct evidence, which proves our innocence. So why has it suddenly resurfaced? Is someone behind the scenes manipulating all this? Or could it be said that someone is purposefully manipulating public opinion to cover up something?"

Murdoch was well aware that the reason David didn't dare to take action against him under the name of the Internal Revenue Service, but rather used the FBI, was simply for fear of sparking a public outcry about suppressing press freedom.

Well then, he would now directly expose this in front of everyone worldwide!

Of course, he knew that his words would likely not have much impact since they were unproven claims, but now that David was out to ruin him, being able to vex his opponent was satisfying enough for him.

At the end of his speech, the media present and everyone watching were taken aback.

Manipulating public opinion to cover up what?

Soon, a journalist on site stood up and immediately asked, "Mr. Murdoch, before the explosion of your group's scandal, the national focus was on Director David's promotion. Are you suggesting that the FBI brought up this issue to divert attention from that matter?"

"I did not say that, nor do I have direct evidence to prove such a connection, but the FBI had declared years ago that there was no evidence in the wiretapping case. Now suddenly new evidence has emerged. As everyone knows, collecting evidence is Director David's forte. Perhaps... the FBI sought some expertise from our Director David, and that's how they dug up new evidence!" Murdoch said with a sly smile. Read new chapters at My Virtual Library Empire

"What, how does it relate to Director David again?"

"This is an FBI investigation, what does it have to do with Director David? It's almost laughable!"

"The FBI and the Internal Revenue Service are two separate departments. Is Murdoch suggesting that Director David is behind the FBI revealing this issue?"

Amidst the heated discussion on the internet, there were exclamations of curse words coming from the Los Angeles IRS.

"Damn it!"

"Freak, this damn bastard!"

"..."

Watching the snide Murdoch on the TV screen, Simmons, Bucky, and Nisen were furious, and curses filled the entire office.

Now they finally understood why this old man suddenly called a press conference; it was to mislead the public into thinking they were suppressing press freedom.

"Let him speak, he doesn't have any evidence anyway, just a dying struggle."

David looked slightly grim, but he soon had an idea and said, "Like this, after he's finished, we'll hold a press conference too, and I'll come forward to clarify!"

Although the opponent's last-ditch struggle wouldn't cause much damage since the FBI and the Internal Revenue Service were indeed separate, his clarification was still necessary to prevent the situation from escalating.