Or will he try to manipulate control from behind the scenes?

Both are trying to manipulate the process for their own ends.

None of this would have worked if I was trying to manipulate the process or the people involved.

There were always too many powerful men trying to manipulate the boy king.

He had not used his power and influence to try to manipulate me.

They want to be close, to see, to hear, to try to manipulate the investigation.

"But I feel as if you were trying to manipulate her through me."

At least his own daughter wasn't trying to manipulate him.

"You're trying to manipulate me into playing by your rules."

"It's just that I had a feeling both girls were trying to manipulate me."