However, Rachel knew that Ethan could not return. First of all, the Quinns would not allow it, but even if he could return, the consequences would be serious.Ethan would definitely expose the truth, and then both the Lowes and Quinns would get caught in a whirlwind of public scrutiny, especially Rachel, who reported Ethan back then. Rachel said, "Fine, I'll give you a little more time and another chance. Don't disappoint me again." Only then did Stephen look up. "Thank you." Though they were technically still engaged to be married, their interaction felt more like that of two strangers. Once back in his room, Stephen sunk into bed, feeling drained. He wished Snow was still by his side. At least then, he would have someone to comfort and encourage him. However, just thinking about Snow made his heart ache. If he had not hurt Snow, she would not have left him. At the thought of Snow, the weariness that had been weighing on him now felt more than physical; it was as if his ver
Rachel's efforts could not be denied. Stephen stood frozen in place, surprised that Rachel had done so much for him. What had he done? He had only hit and insulted her. Even his attempts to apologize felt hollow, lacking any real sincerity.He felt an overwhelming sense of guilt, and as if that was not enough, the memory of Snow’s sacrifices resurfaced, reminding him that he had hurt her too. Stephen felt like his heart was being ripped apart. The pain was unbearable.Disappointed in him, Rachel said, "I'm not feeling well. You should leave."Stephen wanted to say something, but she added, sounding a little impatient, "Just go." Left with no choice, Stephen quietly left the room, heading to find another room for himself. However, as he lay in bed, sleep would not come. Every time he closed his eyes, all he could see was Snow's sobbing face and the look of disbelief on Rachel after he slapped her. He wished he could slap himself in return. The next morning, Stephen dragged
"South Regent, we meet again.""Oh?" The South Regent scanned Ethan from head to toe, but he could tell at a glance that Ethan possessed an extraordinary presence—just as commanding as the late Grand Marshal. "Isn't this our first time meeting each other?" Ethan replied calmly, "Seven days ago, I met you with my mentor." The South Regent chuckled. "I see, but someone as insignificant as you is hardly worth remembering. A dead man wouldn’t remember much, anyway." The South Regent's smile immediately froze. That was the first time someone had dared to talk to him like that, throwing his insults back at him. "How impudent!" his guard beside him shouted, his hand already gripping the riffle as if he would pull the trigger on Ethan at any moment. "Wait." The South Regent stopped the guard. Then, he turned his cold, piercing gaze back to Ethan. "You're the Grand Marshal's mentee, and today marks three days of his passing. Also, I've just claimed the title of South Regent, so
As long as the South Regent could get a hold of those people, it would mean he had something against his enemies. Even if they wanted to do something, they would have to think twice. Although that would not guarantee his position as the South Regent, it could buy him lots of time. The South Regent was tempted, but he knew better than to agree with Ethan. The more chaotic Riveria was, the better it was for him. If he were to send troops to help Riveria, it would not be easy for him to take over Riveria in the future. The South Regent sighed. "I wish I could help, but your mentor killed so many of my people. If it weren't for him, I would've helped you."In this situation, you’ve played yourselves right into a corner."He wanted to shift the blame onto Ethan’s former mentor for not being able to send troops to the Grand Marshal, hoping to make Ethan hate the man. However, all Ethan did was smile. For some reason, the smile unsettled the South Regent. "Actually, if you hadn't lo
The South Regent studied Ethan's face, trying to determine if he was telling the truth.After a moment, he realized that Ethan remained perfectly calm.The South Regent sat back down, trembling. "I think the Grand Marshal, my enemies in Riveria, and everyone who dislikes me combined are nowhere as terrifying as you.""Thank you for the compliment," Ethan said. "You just need to send the people to the foot of Sky Peak. I'll take over from there."With that, Ethan turned and left, quickly disappearing from sight.The South Regent stared blankly as Ethan departed. Even though he had become a king and his greatest enemy was dead, he did not feel happy at all.After all, a more formidable opponent had now arrived."Your Highness, do we really have to agree to his demands?" asked the man who had previously pointed a gun at Ethan.The South Regent nodded. "I can't refuse the conditions he's offered."He then glanced at the man and said, "You should go to Riveria too."The man was st
"100 billion dollars."Stephen frowned. "That's not really that much, is it?"George was silent for a moment before responding, "Well, compared to what you lost, it's certainly not much."Stephen was left speechless. He had lost 3.6 trillion, or in other words, 360 billion dollars. Compared to 360, 100 certainly seemed small.George almost laughed in exasperation. After losing so much money, Stephen still dared to scoff at 100 billion dollars.As if he himself had ever helped Riveria earn 100 billion dollars! Forget 100 billion dollars, he had not even brought in a million!"Ethan was much more capable than you," George said. "Only someone like Ethan would have the right to consider 100 billion dollars too little."Stephen's face darkened. Ethan again? Why bring up Ethan?He admitted Ethan had some ability, but surely not enough to deserve such praise. Ethan was just a man, not a god!Their plane soon landed in Celestial City.As George and Stephen disembarked, they saw the m
So long as Ethan was still in charge of Riveria, he and his subordinates were to stay away from the border.As such, now that Ethan was gone, the South Regent could finally act freely. However, this meant that the various schemes that he had come up with would go to waste. It was truly regretful.At the very least, he wanted to win at least once.The mayor bowed his head and said, "I understand, Your Highness."He looked back at the villa, then turned and left.The next day, the mayor came again.In this subsequent visit to the villa, the mayor noticed that George and Stephen appeared refreshed and content. They clearly had a good time."Gentlemen, I hope I'm not disturbing you."George smiled and said, "Of course not.""That's good." The mayor breathed a sigh of relief.He briefed them on the wealthy investor's itinerary. Everything was on schedule with an expected arrival in Celestial City tomorrow at noon.They then chatted about Celestial City's development and future pl
Ethan looked at him and said, "Let's talk about that when I get tired of the scenery here."The South Regent smiled wryly, knowing Ethan was rejecting his offer. He then asked, "Are you really not going to manage Riveria anymore?"This was the real purpose of the South Regent's visit. He wanted to find out how Ethan felt towards Riveria.If Ethan still wanted to manage Riveria, there would be no game to play. No one here was a match for Ethan.If Ethan no longer intervened, then it would be every man for himself.Ethan took a sip of tea and said calmly, "Managing Riveria is the governor's job. It has nothing to do with me."The South Regent got excited.This answer meant that Ethan was not going to manage Riveria anymore.Their opportunity had truly arrived!After his initial burst of excitement, however, he felt a bit wistful, realizing that he would never have the chance to face off against Ethan again."There are still many people in Riveria waiting for you. Are you really