American Tax Officer

"Just like a robber who only steals one dollar, but because the circumstances are so egregious, is it unreasonable to sentence him to ten years?"

"So tax evasion is naturally the same."

"Ms. Charlotte, you are the president of the Human Rights Organization, definitely considered to be well-versed in various laws, this should be easy to understand, right?"

Obadiah spoke eloquently, and towards the end, he even quoted the "catchphrase" that David had repeatedly used in court.

And when Charlotte heard this, she was even more furious.

It was said that David had used this sentence to render her three members and their lawyers speechless in court.

And now here was Obadiah, applying that same sentence directly to her, the president, which was simply outrageous!

Just as Charlotte was about to lash out further, her assistant hurried in, saying, "President, Mr. Butler is looking for you!"

"Can't you see I'm in the middle of a conversation, have him call back later!"

"But President, Butler said it's very important, and you must take the call!"

Hearing it was very important,

Charlotte frowned, then reluctantly stood up, giving Obadiah and Donald a "you wait, I'll be back to argue with you properly" look, before walking out.

"Butler, you better give me a damn good explanation, what's the matter!"

Charlotte, furious, shouted as she entered the restroom.

"President, something's come up at my branch, it's like this..."

Butler explained the spreading atmosphere of fear at the Los Angeles Branch, and how some were even preparing to resign from the organization to save themselves, fearing David would come after them.

After hearing all this, Charlotte was stunned.

And on the other end of the phone, Butler continued gravely, "It's not really a big deal if these people want to resign, but the key is that their exit has also made our other members anxious, worried that David will pin minor offenses like tips or coupons on them."

"So right now, about one-third of our members here in the Los Angeles Branch are preparing to resign, and another third are in a state of panic and indecision!"

If the previous words had just stunned Charlotte, these words now left her completely dumbfounded.

One-third of the organization's members applying to leave, and another third ready to bolt like scared birds.

How many people would even be left in the entire Los Angeles Branch then?

The verdict had only been out for about an hour, why did the vast Los Angeles Branch look on the verge of collapse?

"President, are you still there?"

The questioning voice from the phone snapped Charlotte back to reality, and she cursed, "Sh*t, why are they so afraid of that damn David!"

"President, I can't help it, but if you think about it calmly, we don't have to be afraid. However, if you consider it from the members' perspective, with David controlling these profit regulations, if he really wants to go after them, I'm afraid not many will be able to come out unscathed..."

Butler explained meekly, fearing Charlotte's outburst.

Hearing this, Charlotte calmed down a bit.

Upon reflection, as the president of the Human Rights Organization, although not a highly influential position, she was still a well-known figure in America.

So if David wanted to come after her with petty reasons like tips or coupons, that would definitely not work.

But it was different for the other members.

They were powerless, and for David to fabricate charges and go after them like he did with the previous three members would be all too easy.

"Butler, what do you suggest we do now!"

"President, looking at the current situation, the key issue still lies with Director David. As long as he can retract his previous statement and not really come after us, then our Los Angeles Branch won't fall apart!"

Butler fell silent; the director had already announced on camera that he would come after them at any time.

How could they dissuade him from this idea?

Only if his superiors spoke out.

But with such a golden opportunity to strike at the Human Rights Organization, why would the leaders of the IRS want to let it go?

Unless, the Human Rights Organization showed weakness or begged the IRS for mercy!

But neither showing weakness nor begging for mercy were things the furiously indignant Charlotte could accept!

"President, I've thought it over, and the bigger picture is what's important. If Los Angeles loses our branch of the Human Rights Organization, then who will speak up for the vulnerable, who will voice out for those treated unjustly? Besides, this organization is also our hard work, can you bear to watch it collapse before your eyes?"

If anyone hated David and the IRS the most, it was without doubt Butler.

But there was no alternative; with the entire Los Angeles Branch in turmoil, his anger was futile, and he had to swallow his pride and focus on saving the organization from falling apart!

Charlotte's face flushed with shifting shades of anger and she struggled internally before finally gritting her teeth and replying, "I understand, Butler, calm the members down as soon as possible, don't let the Los Angeles Branch fall!"

As America's largest city after New York, the Los Angeles Branch was as vital to the Human Rights Organization as a human heart, and so, even with great reluctance, Charlotte had no choice but to ensure its survival.