Stephen stared at Oliver in surprise. He did not expect such a response from Oliver.In all their previous interactions, Oliver had always spoken politely. Why was he taking up such a tone with him now?Oliver's plan was already complete. He had gotten rid of Snow, legitimately opened factories, and even profited from the sports complex. He no longer needed to pretend to flatter Stephen.If anything, the only people he should ingratiate himself with now would be those who were as successful as Ethan Rivers; not failures like Stephen who had ruined two cities and doubted the words of his own woman."I'll have someone investigate it right away," Stephen hurriedly responded.Stephen had people conduct tests, and the results came back quickly. The factories' pollutant emissions were only slightly above the standard permitted.These levels of emissions would not cause a large number of fish deaths in the river.Oliver looked at the test results and remarked, "Well, you've seen the re
Stephen's current plan was to deal with Oliver and his group after the sporting event, once other businesses had come in.How dare they deceive him, use him, and make him hurt Snow's feelings?He absolutely would not let these people off the hook!This grudge must be settled!Oliver chuckled. "If that's the case, let me lay off a batch of workers first, then I'll tell you how much compensation we need."Laying off workers would also have a severe impact on Aqua City’s economy.Stephen could smell the thinly-veiled threat behind Oliver’s words. He clenched his fists, thinking that as soon as the sporting event was over, he would get rid of all these people!After striking the deal, the pollutant emissions from several factories began to decrease.However, there were too many factories set up, and pollutants were still being discharged, which served little to alleviate the river pollution situation.Moreover, a new issue had popped up too—an invasion of non-native species. As if
At that moment, his phone rang.He looked at the screen and saw that it was Stephen calling.Simon’s heart skipped a beat, thinking that Stephen had already found the truth.Despite his experience, the always composed Simon felt a bit nervous now. He answered the call and asked, “What is it?”“There’s a small problem in Aqua City,” said Stephen.Simon sighed in relief.It was about Aqua.Thank goodness.It would be a much more serious problem if Stephen found out that Snow was dead.Wait!Simon snapped back to reality. There was a problem in Aqua City again!He felt incredibly overwhelmed. Snow’s issue was already serious. If something happened in Aqua City as well, it could not be overlooked!“What happened?”Stephen said quietly, “Oliver tricked me.”“Hm?” Simon frowned.Tricked?He instantly had a bad premonition.What was the cause of North Hill City’s ruin? Shawn, Eric, and Brandon had tricked Stephen. In the end, there was also Danny.What was the cause of Seasi
Simon fell silent. He felt his body go numb.Stephen had scolded Snow before he went to Aqua City.In other words, Snow committed suicide after he scolded her.‘It’s over. His outburst at Snow is likely part of the reason why she killed herself. There’s no way I can tell him the truth now.’If Stephen found out that Snow died now, that she held onto her grievances and starved to death, he would never be able to apologize to her in his lifetime. He would never hear her say ‘it’s okay’.Simon’s body trembled. He did not dare to think what would happen to Stephen.He had to hide the truth!He had to hide it for as long as possible!“I’ll deal with Snow’s issue,” Simon said, “Just focus on the important matters for now. Snow is a good girl. She’ll understand and wait for you.”Stephen nodded. “Yeah. I’ll get back to work now.”The call ended.Simon’s hand trembled uncontrollably, his face pale.He could not understand how Aqua City, which had been progressing steadily, would su
Simon felt that it was very difficult.Should he tell Stephen the truth? Aqua City was at a critical moment. He could not find out right now.However, the truth could not be hidden forever. Stephen would find out eventually, and the longer it was kept from him, the more misery he would feel later.Simon could only ask Liam, “What about the body?”“It was returned to her hometown according to her wishes.”“Give it to me,” said Simon. “She was part of the Quinns.”“Sorry, but I can’t.” Liam sighed and said helplessly, “She severed ties with Stephen before she died. Neither is she part of the Quinns nor is she worthy of them.”Bam!Simon slammed his palm on the table.That apology at the press conference!Stephen publicly cut ties with Snow, leading to this result.Snow was dead, and the Quinns could not retrieve her body. They did not even know where her body was!Liam said, “All this was her choice. Let’s respect it one last time.”Simon hung up the phone. He sat in his cha
Stephen was completely unaware of such matters.All he saw was the growing economy.However, he did not know that this growth was a once-off thing. After people experienced it once, they would never come back again.Some of the influential attraction spots that Stephen specially approved also faced problems.Tourists got injured during their visits!Several water-based influences almost drowned to death!This also severely affected the attraction spots’ profits.News of Snow’s suicide after being charged also spread online. Even Adam knew about it. Only Stephen, barred by the ISP, had no idea.There were two days left until the event.Stephen called Adam. “I want to go out and have a look. Aqua City must be incredibly lively right now.”Adam’s expression was conflicted. He knew that Snow was dead, but he could not say anything. Word on the streets was still discussing this news.If Stephen went out, he might hear about Snow’s death, and it would be a devastating blow to him.
At that moment, the assistant’s head went blank!His neck felt like it had rusted. Even the slightest movement took tremendous effort, and he strained to look at Stephen.Stephen had completely frozen.The two skewers dropped to the ground, covered in dust.Boom!The assistant felt like his head had exploded.It was over!He heard it!Stephen immediately ran to the group of tourists. “What did you just say? What happened to Snow?”The people looked at Stephen in shock as if they were staring at an alien.“She’s dead. Didn’t you know? It’s all over the internet. She committed suicide out of guilt.”Thud, thud, thud—Stephen’s legs grew weak as he stumbled back several steps.Snow was dead?She was dead!How could that be?He paled, his mind in disarray. The tourists were frightened and hurriedly left.Stephen quickly took out his phone to search.There was nothing!He could not find any news about Snow. Even when he typed part of her name, nothing came up.It was as
“Hahaha—” Stephen suddenly laughed in anger.After a few laughs, he raised his hand and slapped himself hard.Smack!Once.Smack!Twice.Tears swirled in his eyes, but he did not seem to feel the pain at all.Adam and his assistant grabbed his hands, shouting, “Calm down!”Stephen’s laughter disappeared. He began to cry softly. Then, the crying grew louder until he was sobbing uncontrollably like a child.Adam and his assistant were helpless and could only sigh.Simon also heard the sobs. At that moment, there was nothing he could do.The Quinns could do anything, but they could not bring the dead back to life!Stephen got on the plane and called Liam. “How did Snow die?”“She starved herself.”“Why didn’t you force-feed her? Why didn’t you send her to the hospital? Why didn’t you tell me?”“I’m sorry. It was her decision.”Sorry. Another ‘sorry’.What use were apologies?Stephen wanted to ask, but then he remembered the last time he met Snow. He also owed her an apol