Chapter 453: Mockery and Scorn

"You currently have but two votes; one garnered from the corrupt Markhan and another from the feeble Leon family. Yet, you lack the crucial third, the vote that is paramount." 

"Without my vote, you stand to lose all of Venice!" 

Howard let out a cold laugh, "Hmph! Are you threatening me? You think without your vote, I'll be brought to my knees?" 

"You must realize, Venice is governed by not three, but five elder senate families! Besides your Sheffield, there are the Pibb and the Daddaro!" 

Gallieni, rising in agitation, slammed his hand on the table, causing it to emit a resounding thud.

Howard could sense the Sheffield patriarch's irritation and shifted his tone.

With a glint of murderous intent in his eyes, he spoke, "Given that, I suggest you reconsider the worth of your vote. Is it worth the permanent governorship of Baslan?"