Everyone applauded Stephen. His plans seemed perfect. If they followed Stephen’s plan, Aqua City’s GDP would surely rise. Then, someone in the room asked, “There’s still one more month left before the launch, and our construction for the venue is almost done. Are we really moving it to the beach?” Stephen stood firm on his stance. “It has to be on the beach. As for the current construction, we can just tear it down. “With destruction comes creation, right? I’m sure you’ve all heard it before. This sports game is a once-in-a-decade opportunity for us. We cannot afford to miss it. If we capitalize on this, the city’s GDP will rise to four trillion in one year!” Everyone’s eyes lit up. Four trillion was nearly twice the current GDP! If they could make it, Aqua City could be one of the megacities of the country. They could not contain their excitement, fully supporting Stephen’s decision. “Your plan is great!” “Yeah! It’s way better than Ethan’s plans!” “I can already pic
They had never met Ethan, yet he had orchestrated the deaths of eight people. Among the eight, five were forced to take their own lives, while the remaining three fled the country, severely injured. Even the CEOs lost contact with the three of them. It was as though they had vanished into thin air. No one could find them.However, just a few days later, the CEOs learned about their mysterious deaths. They were killed in another country, and their families had been wiped out. The group of bosses got so afraid that they ran, but no matter what, they could not accept their fates. With them dead, all their money and assets were transferred to a mysterious account. After that, Aqua City received huge funding to accelerate its development. That was when they knew Ethan was the person behind their mysterious and gruesome deaths. “This is Ethan Rivers. It’s best to expect the worst. One misstep and we will be joining the rest in hell.” The one who spoke was Thomas Youngman, the owne
“It shouldn't be a problem. He’s not Ethan Rivers, after all.” As long as Ethan was not their opponent, they were not afraid. Meanwhile, Stephen had just concluded the mapping out for the city. “Let’s call it a day. I’ll visit the marked sites tomorrow.” The next day, he and the mayor visited the sites. Along the way, he was captivated by Aqua City’s stunning scenery, and it made him emotional. “This place is beautiful.” The mayor replied with a smile, “It will only become more beautiful under your leadership.” Pleased with the response, Stephen let out a hearty laugh. Soon, they arrived at the first site—a residential area with a river flowing in the center. After surveying the place, Stephen said, “This is the perfect place for some farms and bed-and-breakfasts. And if we build more hotels by the side, I bet they’d be fully booked in no time.” The mayor’s assistant wrote down every detail Stephen mentioned. After another round of inspection, they wrapped up the
“Don’t worry, I’m not Ellen. She must’ve developed feelings for her target. That was why Ethan Rivers used her. I won’t make such a stupid mistake,” Snow said. Oliver was happy with the reply. He did not want one of his women to die on an assignment either. “I will arrange for your next meeting with Stephen. Now, you can satisfy me first.” With that, the Mercedes drove off. Stephen and the mayor, on the other hand, went around the city and completed his mapping for future developments. The mayor then handed him a set of documents. “These are the selected locations for the sports games. You can pick one out, and we will move the venue there.” Stephen went through the list and chose a spacious location, one where multiple rivers intersected so that it could fit a massive stadium. The mayor took the document back and said, “Very well. I’ll tell the men to start working on it.” The reconstruction of the new stadium must be carried out immediately as the event was only a m
While others criticized Stephen for his incompetence, the young woman before him defended him, despite not knowing his name yet. “Thank you.” Stephen thanked the girl in his heart. “Let’s forget about that. We actually haven’t introduced ourselves. I’m Snow, and you are?” the girl asked nervously. “Stephen Quinn.” Snow covered her mouth, feigning surprise.Stephen, finding her reaction amusing, said, “Thank you for defending me.” Snow snapped out of it and shook her head softly. “I’m just stating the truth. People say you’re evil, but I think they’re wrong. You’re quite handsome.” She was good with her words, especially with a man. With just a few comments, she had Stephen on cloud nine. Snow and her fellow ‘sisters’ were trained to capture men’s hearts, and the best among them was her predecessor, Ellen. However, even Ellen died at Ethan's hands, and here was Stephen, already wrapped around Snow’s finger after just a couple of comments.“Thanks again.” Stephen like he
Stephen had thought about it during the planning phase. Although blocking the streams might disrupt the water flow and traffic and cause minor economic losses, the gains and profits surpassed the losses. “Just do as I say.” However, the head contractor shook his head. “It can’t be done. It really can’t. If you insist, you can find another company to take over.” The man might take up the challenge if the stadium had to be completed within a year, but a month was ridiculous. He was afraid to take on the project because if anything went wrong, he might be charged or prosecuted. Stephen lowered his voice, saying. “Let me think about it.” Only that particular construction company was capable of handling the job at the moment. If they dropped out, the construction progress would be disrupted. “Alright, but you better think it through. A decision like this can’t be made on impulse,” the head contractor left Stephen with one last advice. After that, Stephen and the mayor left.
Stephen stood up. “Can you take me to meet your father now?” “Of course,” Snow said softly.She took her phone out and gave Oliver a call, informing him of the meeting, which he had been prepared for.Half an hour later, Stephen met Oliver in the private room of a restaurant. “You must be Stephen Quinn,” Oliver said, extending his hand to greet Stephen. “You’re so young and talented. You’re going to have a bright future ahead.” Stephen shook his hand with a warm smile. “Nice to meet you, Oliver.” The two sat down, with Snow sitting quietly and obediently beside them. Oliver said, “I’ve ordered for us. I hope you don’t mind.” “I’m okay with anything. You don’t need to be so polite. You can call me Stephen.” “Stephen, it is.” Oliver chuckled. “I didn’t expect Snow to know you.” Stephen glanced at Snow who looked down and said with a smile, “Maybe this is fate.” “Hahaha! Fate is doing a great job! So, what brings us together today, Stephen?” Oliver asked. Without was
“Stephen, what do you think about Snow?” Frightened, Snow’s hand trembled and accidentally spilled some wine on Stephen’s pants. “I’m so sorry!” Snow grabbed a napkin, intending to wipe it off when Stephen said, “It’s okay.” At the same time, he instinctively grabbed her hand, and when they touched, both of them froze. “What’s going on here?” Oliver’s voice brought them back to reality. “Snow, you’re so careless! Where are your manners?” Snow pulled her hand away, her head lowered. “I didn’t mean it.” “Yeah, it’s fine. She didn’t mean it,” Stephen swiftly said. “Well, don’t just stand there. Thank him, Snow.” “Thank you, Stephen,” Snow whispered an apology. Stephen’s heart raced as he stared at her.“Stephen, back to my question, what do you think of Snow?” “Snow’s a great girl,” Stephen replied, suddenly pulling his gaze away from Snow. “Haha!” Oliver burst out laughing while Snow quickly returned to her seat after filling Stephen’s wine glass.Stephen then