Share

Chapter 139

Author: Old Pumpkin
last update Last Updated: 2024-10-08 14:08:07
At the same time, they also analyzed the project of the water stadium to maximize their profit gains.

“We can’t slack off on this project either. If things go wrong, we won’t have a good excuse to give.”

Soon, they came up with a schedule for the construction.

Oliver gave Stephen a call and said, “After meticulous calculations, the water stadium will cost at least three billion.”

“Three billion?”

Stephen was surprised by the astronomical figure. The previous stadium cost just over a billion, but now it was more than double that to build it on water.

“Three billion is just an initial calculation. We might have to increase the budget as it goes. The time frame is too short, after all.

“We’ll need to work four shifts and use the best materials and equipment,” Oliver explained.

Stephen understood a month was indeed a tight schedule, but it would all be worth it. If the water stadium could be completed in time, the money invested would ensure huge returns.

“Provide me with
Locked Chapter
Continue to read this book on the APP

Related chapters

  • The Guardian's Return   Chapter 140

    Back at the federal headquarters, Simon shared the latest updates about Aqua City with everyone in the meeting. “Did Stephen come up with all those plans?” “Simon, were they your ideas?” “Not only is he juggling the tourism and industrial factories well, but he even seized the opportunity to capitalize on the sports games. What an impressive job!” Everyone was surprised that Stephen did such a good job, and seeing his colleagues praising his son, Simon felt proud. He chuckled. “I’m not part of this. He did it all on his own. His previous failures have taught him a lot, and he has grown more mature.” Everyone nodded. “Yeah. He’s more mature now.” “His plans are well thought out. Everything will go smoothly for Aqua City this time!” “I have to say that he’s stepping up and becoming as good as Ethan, even surpassing the latter in a certain aspect.” “Replacing Ethan was the best choice we made.” “Someone used to say without Ethan, Riveria would be over. But with Steph

    Last Updated : 2024-10-08
  • The Guardian's Return   Chapter 141

    With things progressing in the right trajectory, Stephen had a lot more free time at hand, so he decided to return to Riveria for a while. “Do you want to come with me?” Stephen asked Snow. “I’ll go wherever you go.” She nodded. Over the past two weeks, their relationship had grown significantly intimate, and Stephen had thought of a way to break the news to Rachel. Being with Rachel was the decision made by the two families, but Snow was his true love. Hence, he decided he would bring Snow along to meet Rachel and make Snow his lover. Rachel, thrilled to have learned that Stephen was coming back, drove to the airport to pick him up. However, when she saw him walking out hand in hand with a girl, she felt completely blindsided. Only when Stephen came up to her did she snap back to reality. She took a deep breath, trying to persuade herself that maybe it was just Stephen’s colleague. Stephen said, “Let me introduce you. This is Snow. You can treat her like your sister from

    Last Updated : 2024-10-08
  • The Guardian's Return   Chapter 142

    Once outside the house, Stephen asked Snow, “Are you okay?” “I’m fine. I understand how Rachel feels, so I’ll talk to her when I get the time. I just want to be with you,” Snow said softly. Moved by Snow’s resolve, he said, “I want you to meet someone.” Snow’s heart skipped a beat. Was she finally going to meet Ethan? Still, she asked, “Who is it?” Stephen scoffed. “My arch nemesis. Let’s go.” With that, he drove to Drakthorn Ridge with her. He had been waiting half a month to see Ethan again. In that time, everything in Aqua City had gone smoothly for him, and he had even found love, which would surely crush Ethan when they met again. A while later, they arrived at the mansion. Staring at the mansion, Snow felt nervous. The one responsible for Nina’s death was beyond those doors. Different questions flooded her mind: what was he like? How did he do it? How should she take revenge? “Come on,” Stephen, who was already a few steps in, said when he noticed Snow had not

    Last Updated : 2024-10-08
  • The Guardian's Return   Chapter 143

    All the criticism Stephen threw at Ethan had come back to haunt him, and it was a slap in his face.Stephen could feel his face stinging with embarrassment, and his expression was ashen. He had to take a deep breath to force himself to calm down. “Hmph. It’s been half a month, and you’re still as sharp-tongued as ever.” “I’m just stating the truth.” Ethan then asked, “So are you going to publicly criticize yourself? Or are you planning to hide this woman away in some mansion like a dirty secret?” “That’s none of your business!” Stephen could not answer the questions because the answers were not in his favor. “No matter what you say, it won’t change the outcome. You will die here alone!” He had always wanted to crush Ethan mentally, hoping to regain some ground. However, Ethan simply smiled. “Do you really think you can have two women around you for all your life? You’re incapable, but you want everything. However, you won’t get anything, just like the woman beside you.”

    Last Updated : 2024-10-09
  • The Guardian's Return   Chapter 144

    “Thump!”Nina knelt before Ethan, thanking him. “Thank you for helping me with finding the killer.” Ethan said, “You should know I’m not helping you.” He just wanted to use Nina to remove her employer. If Nina could kill her employer and then take her own life, Ethan would have two fewer enemies to worry about. It could also set an example for the others. It was a win-win, and Ethan would not even have to lift a finger. Despite knowing Ethan wanted her dead, Nina thanked him. “Mr. Rivers, I know I won’t walk away alive, but I have a request. I have a junior. She’s not all that bad. If she doesn’t leave Riveria, I don’t ask for you to help her, but please don’t kill her.” She then handed Ethan a bank card. “This is all the money I have. A total of five million. Please show some mercy and don’t kill her.” Ethan took the card, and Nina then left around the evening. Three days later, Ethan received the news of her death. Nina had killed her employer and his family before

    Last Updated : 2024-10-09
  • The Guardian's Return   Chapter 145

    Hearing the question made Stephen’s heart sink. He had a feeling that if he found out the truth, there might be no turning back. Hence, he did not dare ask anymore. He looked down in silence, avoiding eye contact with Ethan. He did not want to talk to Ethan anymore. In fact, he wanted to leave. Ethan had some strange things he could not understand, and Snow looked defeated. If he stayed any longer, who knew what else Ethan would say? “Snow, let’s go.” He scooped Snow into his arms and turned on his heels, practically running from the place as if his life depended on it. Back in the car, Stephen glanced at Snow, who still sat there, blank and lifeless, and his heart ached. “What did he mean by all that? Why are you reacting like this?” Desperate for answers, he quickly brought Snow to the hospital for a checkup. The doctor came back with the results. “She’s traumatized. Take her back and make sure she gets enough rest. With care, she should recover soon.” Traumatized?

    Last Updated : 2024-10-10
  • The Guardian's Return   Chapter 146

    Stephen answered the call. The mayor had requested his presence back in Aqua City for some matters that needed his attention.“The construction of the stadium needs more money, and a few towns have been restless. They think that the compensation for the demolition is too little.”The mayor also felt overwhelmed. All those issues were under Stephen’s management now, and he did not dare to make decisions without Stephen’s input.“Okay.”Stephen hung up the phone and looked at Snow apologetically.“I need to take care of some matters in Aqua City. Do you want to accompany me back?”Snow shook her head. “I’ll wait for you here.”“Okay.” Stephen gently stroked her cheek and said, “I’ll be back as soon as possible.”He left quickly, never once sparing a glance at Rachel in the living room.Rachel felt her heart aching so badly. It was as if someone had reached inside and squeezed it hard, twisting until she could barely breathe.In terms of looks, she was more beautiful than Snow,

    Last Updated : 2024-10-10
  • The Guardian's Return   Chapter 147

    Snow raised her head to look at Ethan. “Have you ever been affected by fate before?”“So far...” Ethan looked outside the door and said, “I control my fate.”Snow’s heart skipped a beat, her face filled with shock. The teacup in her hand dropped to the ground, spilling tea everywhere.Her mind flashed with the many things she had heard about Ethan over the years—how he taught the ruthless town of Lytton how to farm and how he turned the fierce Crestwood into a place of song and dance. He also stopped a group of billionaire tycoons at the border of Riveria, killing half of them, and used their money to develop Aqua City; he even forced the South Regent, who commanded over a hundred thousand soldiers, to flee in the middle of the night and declare that he would never cross the border again!Snow smiled bitterly. “If you step in, would that mean I could finally be with him?”“Yes.” Ethan said, “I have many ways to bring you two together, but I won’t help him. All I’ll do is pick a

    Last Updated : 2024-10-11

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