Single Mother of a Werewolf Baby novel Chapter 281

Chapter 281: Preparing for the Debate

Baroness Angela Dodson could not help asking, "Do you know who the Boss is? If it’s inconvenient, forget I asked." Though curious about the mysterious figure behind the scenes, she knew her limits.

Baron Anthony Hayward Chapman only sighed at the question. He lowered his voice to match Angela’s. "I don’t know. I’ve tried to investigate... but I reached no conclusion. At first I thought it might be someone from the Langford family. Yet on our last visit to Langford Estate I noticed Earl Langford speaking with an odd deference to some of the Boss’s subordinates. That confirmed to me they, too, are under command."

He paused, then added, "Look at the people sent to us... all powerful, and obedient to every instruction they receive. They behave almost like fanatics. I concluded long ago that the Boss must be stronger than them to command such loyalty. And after hearing your estimate of the election expenses, I’m certain he is wealthy, too. It’s better we don’t pry. We do our job... and everyone will be happy in the end."

Angela nodded. "True. Let’s focus on our work, then. You have the televised debate coming up. How is your preparation?"

Anthony exhaled. "There’s a lot to remember... I’m trying."

"The debates are a paradox," Angela said. "They are the most artificial form of politics, yet they reveal the most fundamental truths about a person. The public doesn’t merely listen to your policies; they watch your eyes. They don’t only hear your answers; they feel your patience, or your temper."

Before Anthony could reply, a knock at the door announced the arrival of his preparation team. His secretary, Kevin Blanc, entered with his habitual worried expression, arms full of binders and a tablet glowing with data. He was followed by Baron Constantine’s secretary, Robin, who had been assisting Kevin for the campaign.

"All the documents are ready, sir," Kevin said, placing the material on the table in front of Anthony. "You need one last run-through."

"We’ve shortlisted the attack lines, the vulnerabilities, the precise pressure points of your opponents. Shall we begin?" Robin added with a practised smile.

Angela gestured for them to begin. "Let’s start with the foundation. Kevin, the manifesto."

Kevin opened the primary binder, his fingers tracing the lines of text. "Right. The core pillars. First, the Economic Renewal Plan... built around the National Skills Fund and the Infrastructure Corps. The key message is long-termism versus their short-term fixes. Second, the NHS and Social Care Compact. You’ll focus on the Family Doctor Guarantee and the integration of social care into the health budget. The key word here is security... security in your health, security in your old age. Third, the Green Industrial Strategy. Highlight your wave energy programme and home insulation scheme. The key concept is opportunity... new jobs, new industries."

"They’ll say you can’t afford it," Robin added without looking up from his folder. "The Prime Minister will look straight into the camera, put on his father of the nation act, and say, ’Baron Chapman’s fantasy budget would bankrupt the country for a generation.’ You mustn’t get dragged into a numbers duel. The public don’t care about figures; they care about values."

He paused, then said, "So, you respond: Bankrupting the country is what you’ve already done with your failure to invest. The cost-of-living crisis is your legacy. My plan is an investment... to save people money and to create the wealth that funds our public services."

Robin straightened, his expression serious. "Please remember these lines: ’I understand families are worried about the bills today. But this is about their bills tomorrow, and their children’s opportunities next year. Kicking the can down the road is what got us here. It’s time to fix the road.’"

"Keep a smile when you say it," Angela added smoothly. "You need to show you’re not threatened by criticism. Absorb it... use it to show the scope of your vision."

For the next two hours, they worked through every possible question and attack. Kevin clarified each policy with calm precision, Robin drilled Anthony on rebuttals and tone, and Angela refined his delivery with the polish of her long experience in the political arena.

They moved seamlessly from the economy to education, from foreign policy to housing. Question after question came, and Anthony fielded them all... sometimes serious, sometimes wry, but always measured.

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