Share

Chapter 116

Author: Old Pumpkin
last update Last Updated: 2024-10-08 14:07:54
Simon grabbed a phone and yelled into it. “Smash those loudspeakers now! Cut the livestream too!”

“Bam!”

A gunshot rang out, and Howard’s voice was abruptly cut off. Then, a group of people rushed into the vehicle, yanked open the doors, and dragged everyone inside out.

The livestream suddenly went dark, and Howard’s voice disappeared. He did not get the chance to finish what he was saying, but his words had reached the ears of everyone present and the audience watching online.

“Stephen has abandoned Seaside City?”

“So has Stephen known everything happening in Seaside City all along?”

“Wait, if we piece everything together, that means Seaside City is in this situation because of Stephen!”

That realization left everyone shaken.

Before they could process what they had just heard, someone online made a shocking discovery.

“Look at this video. Stephen has visited Crestwood before!”

A mysterious video surfaced online. It was a recording of Stephen leading a team into Crestwood.
Locked Chapter
Continue to read this book on the APP

Related chapters

  • The Guardian's Return   Chapter 117

    Then, he pushed the reporters aside and left.After Stephen left in a hurry, the scene erupted into chaos.“Is he going to abandon Seaside City? Abandon us?”“Was everything he said just a lie?”“Why didn’t he answer the question?”Everyone was doubtful. The moment Stephen left, he hurriedly pulled out his phone to call Simon.Simon had been watching the broadcast, so he knew everything that had happened and even found the situation tricky.Howard had made two major moves. The first was bribing someone to go to the scene and play the recording. Since the scene was broadcast live, many people heard it, and that alone was causing enough trouble.The second was him uploading a video online. The video contained a conversation between Stephen and Dennis, proving that Stephen knew about the situation in Seaside City all along.That video shattered their plan to use a scapegoat! It could even backfire on them and make the consequences more severe!Even though the video was quickly

    Last Updated : 2024-10-08
  • The Guardian's Return   Chapter 118

    At the thought of getting Ethan’s help, Stephen instantly perked up.However, after thinking about how the people from the government headquarters had contacted Ethan before for help, Stephen grew disappointed again. “Will he really help?”He was not confident. “Maybe I should just forget about it.”Putting aside whether or not Ethan would help, he felt embarrassed simply asking Ethan for help.He was part of the Quinns, a prominent and influential family from Metropolis, whereas Ethan was just an orphan raised by someone unknown, with no power and background. He was just an ordinary person.If it was revealed that he went to Ethan for help, he would become a laughingstock.“Let’s think of something else. As the saying goes, where there’s a will, there’s a way. There must be something I can do.”Stephen unlocked his phone.Online, the situation between Howard and Stephen was still trending. Many were feeling guilty about Howard. Howard had protected Seaside City for three yea

    Last Updated : 2024-10-08
  • The Guardian's Return   Chapter 119

    Stephen wiped the sweat from his forehead, swallowing hard. The situation was way worse than he had expected.Discussions about him were everywhere online, demanding him to come forward and tell the truth.“No. This can’t go on. I have to ask Ethan for help!”Stephen was frightened. He thought he could find a way to solve the problem, but after reading the comments online, he gave up on that idea.He quickly took out his phone and called Simon.The call soon connected.“Dad, I have an idea.” Stephen said, “I’m thinking of asking Ethan for help.”“Ethan?” Simon frowned. “Why Ethan?”Soon, it clicked. The situation started because of Ethan and Howard, so it could be easily resolved if Ethan intervened. The easiest way would be for Ethan to have Howard say that everything was false and was just lies that Dennis and he orchestrated. That way, Stephen would be completely off the hook. Since Howard would never return to the country anyway, there would be no consequences for him.“

    Last Updated : 2024-10-08
  • The Guardian's Return   Chapter 120

    All Stephen could do was have his bodyguards chase away the reporters as he quickly boarded his flight.It was dark when he returned to Riveria, and as soon as he stepped out of the airport, he saw Rachel waiting for him outside. Instead of saying anything, he quickly got into the car.When he walked over, he could feel many people watching him. Even from several dozen meters away, he thought he could hear them pointing at him.Stephen did not dare to linger.“Let’s go home.”With that, Rachel drove him back to the villa. Once home, Stephen finally let out a long breath.Rachel handed him a glass of water and asked, “Are you okay, darling?”“I’m fine.”Although that was what Stephen said, he felt bitter inside.George, who was also there, asked, “What’s your plan now?”He, too, felt helpless about the situation in Seaside City. To fix those issues would require a lot of effort.At that moment, he could not help but miss Ethan again. Nothing like that ever happened when Eth

    Last Updated : 2024-10-08
  • The Guardian's Return   Chapter 121

    “You should be visiting the doctor instead of coming to me. I can’t do anything about your condition,” Ethan said while putting his book down. He knew about Seaside City and why Stephen came to him. Hence, when he spoke, his words carried two meanings.The first interpretation was literal: Stephen should see a doctor for his cough instead of coming here. The second was more subtle: Stephen needed to learn how to deal with the problems he had caused, rather than seeking help from him. Stephen, unfortunately, did not understand Ethan. His expression turned bitter as he sat down on the couch. “I’m here with good news.” Ethan had a look at his face and said, “Hm. I guess it’s really good news. It explains why you have that look on your face.” “We have decided to let you go,” Stephen said with a cold grunt. Then, he stared at Ethan, hoping to see excitement or gratitude, but all he saw was an expressionless face. “You seem awfully calm knowing that you can leave.” Stephen coul

    Last Updated : 2024-10-08
  • The Guardian's Return   Chapter 122

    If Shawn Hill, Eric Morningstar, Brandon North, Dennis Lewis, and Howard Green were already leaving Stephen with no way out, what about the big players in the pool? People like the South Regent wanted to dye the entire province in its own blood. Stephen, who still had no idea how serious the situation had gotten, got up and bellowed, “You know what Howard did. Why can’t you talk to him? Is it that hard for you to help? You know Dennis is a ticking time bomb and what Howard has contributed, yet you say nothing. “You’re actually partially responsible for what happened to Seaside City. Are you really just going to sit back and do nothing?” Stephen took a deep breath to regulate his emotions. “If you’re willing to help, we will give you more money. In fact, you can get more than just money, you can get women and young men—whatever you like!” Money, women, and freedom were the three more tempting things to a man, so Stephen believed Ethan would say yes to him this time. “I tol

    Last Updated : 2024-10-08
  • The Guardian's Return   Chapter 123

    “Just go. It’s getting late,” Ethan said. Stephen had no memory of how he left the place. He only regained his senses when he felt the cool mountain breeze on his sweaty face. He turned around for a glance at the mansion. An uncontrollable fear flickered in his eyes before he rushed down the hill. On the way back, he could not help but give his father a call. “I offered him money, women, and freedom, but he rejected all of them. He doesn’t want to help.” Simon gasped when he heard the news of Ethan rejecting the offer. “What? Why did he reject you?” “He said he doesn’t need any of those.” “He doesn’t need any of those?” Simon thought he had heard wrong. A man locked up in a mansion on the mountain had no need for money, women, and freedom? He pondered, but he could not figure it out either. He simply thought Ethan was bluffing. However, Ethan’s rejection made things more difficult for Simon, and he could not think of a better solution for the time being. “Go home

    Last Updated : 2024-10-08
  • The Guardian's Return   Chapter 124

    Simon never wanted to take that step, but Ethan’s refusal left him no choice. “Dennis has agreed. He will delete the video and take a new one to clarify everything. It might not be as useful as Howard clarifying himself but at least it's something,” Simon said. Upon listening to the good news, Stephen slumped back onto the couch. With the weight lifted off his shoulders, he felt a great relief. He was safe and had overcome the crisis. Once Dennis made the clarification, everything would be better. Stephen also could not believe that his savior would also be his enemy. After Dennis poisoned him and tossed him into the thrash, he had sworn to capture Dennis at all costs, but now he found himself having to rely on the very man for help. He knew that insult would be with him for the rest of his life. Maybe others would believe everything was fake, a prank video just to slander him, but he knew it all really happened. He could fool everyone but not himself. Meanwhile, Simon br

    Last Updated : 2024-10-08

Latest chapter

  • The Guardian's Return   Chapter 654

    Stephen couldn't believe what he just heard. He asked in disbelief, "Dad, what did you just say?"Simon spoke gravely, "Lily Ford is dead. She poisoned herself.”Clatter.Stephen’s phone fell to the floor. At that moment, he felt all his strength drain away.Just a short while ago, Lily had called him, wanting to see him one last time. Now the next news he heard of her was that she had taken her own life!"No! It's impossible! She wouldn't do something so foolish. You're lying, you're all lying!" He clutched his head, his whole body shaking."What's wrong?" Rachel was startled by Stephen's reaction and quickly got up to ask.Stephen came to his senses. Ignoring Rachel, he quickly picked up his phone. "Where is she? Where is she now?"Simon answered, "In the capital. She seems to have been on Drakthorn Ridge."Whoosh.Stephen immediately got out of bed, hastily put on his clothes, and rushed out of the room."Where are you going?" Rachel shouted. However, she got no response.

  • The Guardian's Return   Chapter 653

    Lily smiled and reached out her hand, gently stroking Jason's face. "It's nice here, but there's somewhere else I want to go now."Jason grabbed her hand. "Lily, don't go. I promise you won't have to marry Sebastian. I won't agree with anyone! Please don't go. Stay with me, please!"Lily smiled brightly at these words. She still thought Stephen was speaking to her.The bodyguards nearby were also getting teary-eyed.Lily held Jason's hand. "When you're old, will you dream of me? I won't wait for you. By then, I'll surely be reborn into a good family. But if I have the chance, I'll definitely come find you. When that time comes, make sure you manage Riveria well and become a well-known figure, so I can find you more easily."It's getting a bit cold. Stephen, hold me tight... I'm a little scared."Only then did Jason realize she was mistaking him for Stephen, but he still held her tightly. He sobbed, "Don't be afraid, don't be afraid. I’m here!"Lily's gaze seemed to look past him

  • The Guardian's Return   Chapter 652

    Meanwhile…Rachel had pulled Stephen into their room.Unable to find any trace of Lily at the foot of the mountain, Jason felt that something was amiss. After asking around, he learned that no one was seen driving down. At this point, alarm bells started ringing in his head.He quickly led his men up to the summit where he found Lily."Lily!" Seeing her standing at the cliff's edge, his heart lurched, and he cried out, "Calm down! Get away from there!"Lily turned to look at him, her face already streaked with tears. She had wanted to see Stephen one last time but was unable to. Instead, it was Jason, her brother who wanted to drag her back, who found her."We can talk about the marriage. Just come here first.” Jason inched forward carefully. "Come to me. I'll make things right."Lily shook her head, knowing these were just lies to trick her. Once they got her back to the Fords, these words would mean nothing."Brother, don't lie to me," she responded. "I know that you’re only

  • The Guardian's Return   Chapter 651

    Jason could not understand the conversation between Lily and Ethan, but he had not forgotten why he came here. He said to Lily, "Come back with me right now. Everyone's been looking for you since you ran away. Go home and apologize to Mom and Dad, and don't run off like this again. You're getting married in just over a month. Stay home and learn how to be a proper wife."Hearing this, Lily's heart grew heavier. She became more convinced that her gut feeling was correct."I'm not going," Lily said."Stop being ridiculous!" Jason grabbed her arm. "You're coming back with us right now. If the Katz family finds out you're running around like this, it won't be good for any of us. The Fords raised you for all these years. It's time for you to repay them."Lily's last hope died. She finally understood why the Fords were forcing her to marry into the Katz family—they had never seen her as a person. Just like in Cora and Scott's story, both she and Cora were merely bargaining chips for thei

  • The Guardian's Return   Chapter 650

    Jason’s eyes widened. “Who wiped them out?”“Ethan Rivers! This name keeps coming up.”Jason froze, taken aback. The bodyguards around him and Lily also looked terrified because the man named Ethan Rivers was right before their eyes! Just moments ago, Jason had arrogantly demanded that Ethan apologize to them.The bodyguards could not help but stumble backward.Jason’s mind raced. Those powerful forces were not much weaker than his family, yet Ethan had wiped them all out.What did that mean? It meant it would be no problem for Ethan to wipe out the entire Ford family!“You should understand now,” said Ethan, “that in my eyes, your family and all other families have no dignity or honor to speak of.”Jason turned paled, and his body trembled uncontrollably. “Who exactly are you?”He never knew that such a terrifying figure existed in Riveria.Suddenly, he understood why Stephen had changed so drastically after coming to Riveria. The place was far more terrifying than the powe

  • The Guardian's Return   Chapter 649

    "You're alone with him in his house. Just the two of you, a man and a woman. Aren't you worried about what people will say? And don't forget your place—you’re still the Katzes’ future daughter-in-law!"Lily lowered her head in despair. Only Ethan remained seated, his expression calm as he looked at Jason.“I can assure you that I don’t find Lily attractive. I can also assure you that the Katzes would not dare to say anything even if they found out she spent the night here. Also, a family that sells off their own daughter has no dignity to speak of.”Jason frowned. “Is that your justification? Do you think you can avoid apologizing with that and simply brush the matter aside?”“No,” said Ethan. “I have just one answer. Your family has a vast intelligence network and access to the largest database. Find out who caused the chaos in Riveria three years ago.”Jason did not understand what Ethan was up to. However, he was curious, especially since Stephen had encountered a series of set

  • The Guardian's Return   Chapter 648

    “Mr. Rivers.” Lily lowered her head.Ethan looked at her calmly.“I was reckless and irrational yesterday. Please forgive me, Mr. Rivers.”Then, she bowed toward him.In the span of a day, she had experienced Stephen leaving her and her own family locking her up, demanding that she cut ties with Stephen. She had thought things through and came to a realization that the only person in the world who could help her now was the person in front of her—Ethan Rivers. She also understood that she could not walk away unscathed.Her visit today had two purposes. The first was to apologize to Ethan sincerely and earn Ethan’s forgiveness. As for the second...Lily raised her head and looked at Ethan. “I have an unreasonable request. I can’t let him go. Please help me move on from him, Mr. Rivers.”She knew she had to marry Sebastian, so she wanted to move on from Stephen. That way, it would be better for both her and Stephen.Ethan said calmly, “You should go to a psychologist or neurolo

  • The Guardian's Return   Chapter 647

    Everyone was surprised. In the past, Stephen would always find excuses to avoid responsibility, but now, he was openly admitting to his mistakes.“He’s actually facing all the issues head-on.”“This doesn’t seem like Stephen’s usual style. Is this a PR tactic?”“Who cares what it is? Just criticize him as usual. None of the previous problems have been solved yet.”“That’s true. He still deserves to be criticized!”“A rotten apple will always be rotten. No matter how nice his words sound tonight, he’ll go back to his old tricks tomorrow.”The public was only slightly surprised at his behavior, but they had no doubt as to what he would do in the future—he would continue to destroy the city’s peace.Stephen was prepared for that reaction.“I’ve made too many mistakes in the past. It’s impossible for everyone to believe in me immediately. However, as long as I keep working hard, they’ll slowly change their opinions of me.”After getting everything off his chest, he felt lighter, l

  • The Guardian's Return   Chapter 646

    “You sure like joking around, Dad,” Rachel responded, trying not to show how much she actually cared about the situation.Then, she added, “It’ll happen naturally.”Simon did not expose her either and simply said, “Do as you please.”He stood and left. He still had a lot to handle, such as the companies leaving in droves and the problems with the development zone.After he was gone, Rachel immediately stood up and went upstairs to look for Stephen. She wanted to take action immediately.When she walked into the room, she saw Stephen sitting at his desk, reading through some documents.“Stop reading that.” Rachel stepped forward and tried to drag him to bed.However, Stephen was not in the mood. His mind was a chaotic mess, consumed by the proposals in front of him and the haunting image of Lily breaking into tears when he left her.“Don’t bother me.” Stephen pushed Rachel away.Rachel was stunned. Stephen had always cared deeply for her. Since their marriage, she had not even

DMCA.com Protection Status