American Tax Officer

Mr. Bennett was disgruntled for a reason.

After the Freemasonry meeting ended two days ago, the Morgan Family and their representative immediately paid a visit to the Washington D.C. National Tax Bureau Headquarters.

But the Tax Bureau took a tough stance, even pulling out the White House as a bargaining chip.

The primary mission of Freemasonry and the Morgan Family was to prevent Director David from entering the headquarters. Therefore, after the Tax Bureau showed their firm attitude, they eventually had no choice but to compromise.

So, he ended up being the sacrificial lamb between the two.

What was consoling to him, though, was that as long as he could block David's career path, he would have his revenge, taking a breath of satisfaction!

David sat down, tapping his fingertips on the tabletop, and said indifferently, "Now that you're here, let's discuss your purpose in coming."

"The thing is, with The Walt Disney Company being shut down these past few days, it has had a significant impact on the entire American society. Of course, it has also exhausted countless manpower and resources of your National Tax Bureau. If this goes on like this, without bringing mutual destruction, it still does no good to either party. So, please give a solution, Director David."

Freeman said those words.

"I have already provided a solution. Pay the full amount of the initial US$4.1 billion you used to acquire 20th Century Film Company, plus a penalty fee, and this matter will be written off."

"US$4.1 billion... We at The Walt Disney Company can pay that amount, but the penalty fee seems unnecessary, doesn't it? $4.1 billion is a significant sum."

"Heh."

David let out a cold laugh, "You need to understand, the US$4.1 billion was a tax you had to pay during your initial acquisition, yet you chose to commit financial fraud to evade it, and it's been three years since then. Do you think it's appropriate not to accept the penalty?"

"This..."

Freeman was somewhat at a loss for words, and then cautiously looked towards Mr. Bennett. Seeing that Bennett had no intention of speaking, Freeman cautiously asked, "Then may I know how much this penalty fee will be?"

"According to 'Federal Tax Code Section 7201', if the failure to report accurately is due to negligence, a fine of 20% of the unpaid taxes is due. If the Tax Bureau determines that there is tax evasion, then 75% of the unpaid taxes need to be paid as a fine. Clearly, you fall into the latter category, so the penalty fee is US$3.075 billion."

"Three billion..."

Though Freeman had mentally braced himself, he was still startled by the penalty fee of over $3 billion for tax evasion.

Mr. Bennett, though silent at the side, clenched his fists and glared with anger at this moment.

A penalty of $3.075 billion was one thing, but the key issue was the $4.1 billion in back taxes still owed, adding up to over $7.1 billion.

Despite their family being wealthy, the thought of coughing up such a large sum of money was as painful as cutting flesh.

"Director David, may I have a look at our so-called tax evasion files?"

Although Okonji had previously detailed that the evidence of Disney's acquisition of 20th Century Film Company was indeed in David's hands, it was, after all, just hearsay, and Freeman wanted to see for himself if there was any room for negotiation.

David didn't refuse, simply pulling out the cabinet drawer and placing the Disney files in front of him.

Freeman carefully examined the documents, and after around ten minutes, his expression increasingly soured.

The information and evidence in the possession of the Western Suburb Branch were just as Okonji had described—notably detailed.

With his expertise, he could tell that even if Disney's legal department was ranked first, there would be no chance of winning.

With that in mind, Freeman could only say in a subdued tone, "Director David, we've come with sincere intentions. Asking us to pay over $7 billion all at once is surely asking too much. Perhaps we could..."

"What do you mean 'asking too much'!"

David interrupted him sharply, "You need to be clear, it was your own cunning decision to evade that tax payment of US$4.1 billion initially. Otherwise, you wouldn't have to pay over $3 billion now. Everything is simply the consequences of the capitalists' own actions."

"Fine, fine, fine! David, so you want to take it to the extreme, do you!"
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Those three grating words, "capitalist," made Mr. Bennett lose his composure, and he made the first statement since he came in.

"It turns out Mr. Bennett not only listens but can speak as well," David continued mockingly, "It's easier to deal with talkers, so let me repeat, my pursuit of Disney's taxes and the penalty fee is entirely lawful. Of course, you may also choose not to pay."

David wasn't worried; after all, it was merely a matter of distributing some additional shutdown pay to the employees—how much could it cost?

And Disney, not operating even for a day, meant losses counted in the billions.

It's a matter of who can outlast whom!

Listening to these sarcastic remarks, Bennett's forehead bulged with veins, but eventually, he seemed to have an idea and calmed down, smiling sinisterly, "Alright, if spending over $7 billion can end Director David's career, it's worth it!"

"What do you mean?"

David's gaze sharpened,

"You'll find out later!"

With that, Mr. Bennett stood up and left the room.

"Director David..."

Freeman had caught on to what his boss meant; to get the company back on track, the money had to be paid.

So in the subsequent time, he negotiated with David one by one over the funds and the resumption of Disney's operations in various regions.