American Tax Officer

"Yes."

David raised his chin, realizing Hakim was right. To create a breach in the eight major film companies, it would be necessary to start with their actors, producers, and investors. Once a complete chain of evidence was formed, it would then be possible to question the big eight.

These stars, producers, and investors were normally scattered due to work, so summoning them individually for an investigation was not an easy task.

Fortunately, the Oscar ceremony served as an opportunity to gather them, allowing him to slip in quietly and use the "golden finger" to scrutinize everyone. Certainly, the harvest would be significant.

Thinking of this, David nodded and said, "Okay, let's do as you suggested!"

No sooner had Hakim left than Selina came in. Seeing her arrival, David asked, "Is there something you need?"

Selina sat down and said, "As your secretary, I feel obliged to remind you that this Human Rights Organization matter might cause you some potential trouble."

"Oh?"

David looked interested to know more.

"It's simple. You convicted three members of the Human Rights Organization on charges of tips, vouchers, and the like. Legally, the charges stand. However, everyone knows this amounts to 'trumped-up charges,' which could unsettle many in this country."

Selina's words plunged David into thought. He had considered this issue before, but had no choice. If he hadn't done it, he wouldn't have been able to handle the Human Rights Organization. Thus, this action was a double-edged sword, with both advantages and disadvantages.

Either way, he was no longer the junior Inspector he once was. Now, as the head of the Los Angeles West Suburb Branch and with substantial support from the higher-ups, he had developed a strong backing. Those with ulterior motives thinking of targeting him would have to think twice!

"I understand. Thanks for the heads up. Anything else?"

Selina bit her lip, hesitating for quite a while, but ultimately left the office without saying anything more.

Night, a bright moon hung high, and inside the presidential suite of the Universal Studios Hilton Hotel.

"Selina, he's firmly in the position of branch head now, I think it's time to bring up the matter of alliance through marriage."

"No, Father, I don't think it's the right time. He's about to make a move on Hollywood soon, which will surely lead to a fierce battle. It might be better to bring this up when he's in a stalemate or facing trouble."

In the room, Selina clenched her teeth. Previously, when David was still Chief Tax Officer, Selina had the upper hand psychologically.

After all, she was the Kennedy Family's young miss, a figure beyond the reach of ordinary people their entire lives!

But now that David had become head of the Los Angeles West Suburb Branch and garnered the favor of many at the headquarters, potentially securing a high position in the future, her psychological advantage was waning.

Going straight to discuss an alliance, as her father on the phone had suggested, seemed somewhat difficult for her at the moment.

She preferred to wait until David was in a stalemate, to offer help in a time of need, thus gaining the upper hand psychologically.

After a pause, the voice on the phone replied, "Do you think he can handle those Hollywood people?"

"Hard to say. Hollywood's capital may not seem as strong as Silicon Valley or Wall Street, but over the years, the Illuminati's power has continuously infiltrated the film industry and its stars. If the Illuminati gets involved, David may not have an easy time of it."

"The Illuminati? They're all cunning. Surely they wouldn't be too willing to take the risk and step into the ring with the Tax Investigator, right?"

"That depends on how far David goes. Even though they've infiltrated the film industry over the years, to them, it's just a side business. If David doesn't push too far, they likely won't step in. But if it affects their core interests, they will undoubtedly intervene."

"You're right, and about those three Human Rights Organization members—what's your take?"

"I talked to David about it today. His actions will definitely cause some unease among Americans. Although they might not say or do anything now, it could be a hidden issue for the future."

"Certainly, because through those three members, many have realized that if they ever have a conflict with David, he could use the same methods to charge them with crimes at any time. The elites wouldn't want a Sword of Damocles hanging over their heads."

"But I think for us, it's a good thing. Perhaps in time, without our intervention, David might come to us!"

"You're right. Let's see what happens next!"

...

Following the Rodrigozki affair, eight crime lords had been imprisoned for alleged tax underreporting, and three Human Rights Organization members had met the same fate, significantly deterring the major crime groups in the Western Suburb.

To avoid a repeat of their mistakes, these crime syndicates hired numerous accountants to perform detailed audits of their personnel and transactions from the past few months. After ensuring no taxes, not even a single cent, were missed, they flocked to the Western Suburb Branch in the following days to pay their taxes.

Time quickly came to March 15, the deadline for the current assessment period and David's first assessment period as head of the Western Suburb Branch.

At one o'clock in the afternoon, all staff of the Western Suburb Branch gathered in the conference hall.

Once everyone was assembled, David came out of the passageway to the microphone at the front and announced loud and clear, "Good afternoon, everyone. This is my first assessment period as head of the Western Suburb Branch. It's thanks to your cooperation that our branch has achieved excellent results in this assessment period.

Today, I want to thank every Inspector, Chief Tax Officer, Tax Investigator... and all of the staff from each department..."