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Chapter 22
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2024-08-28 13:31:32Related chapters
The Guardian's Return Chapter 23
"What's wrong?"Stephen noticed George's unusual reaction, so he curiously took the document for a quick look.Instantly, he too was dumbfounded. They were bank transaction records showing Ethan's payments to the widows and the widows' spending habits!Every month, Ethan had been transferring between 80 to 100 thousand dollars to each family, plus the annual tuition of 200 thousand dollars, without fail!In other words, Ethan gave each family nearly 1.5 million dollars yearly, which was just for one family. There were seventy to eighty families there, meaning the total amount added to at least 105 million dollars!"105 million!”"105 million dollars every year!"For a moment, George could barely breathe as he was overwhelmed by that astronomical figure.Stephen's jaw dropped, and for a moment, he was lost for words. His earlier comment on how much Ethan could afford to give now felt like a boomerang that had circled back to smack him right in the face. The embarrassment stung b
Last Updated : 2024-08-28The Guardian's Return Chapter 24
If Ethan were to vie for George’s position as governor, that would be unacceptable Luckily, George had discovered Ethan’s intentions quickly and acted even faster. He had nipped Ethan’s aspirations in the bud!"I’ve really underestimated him. Who would have thought he had such a strong ability to win people over?"George sat on the sofa and took a sip of his coffee, which calmed him down a little."What does Ethan Rivers have to do with Riveria's success? It's all thanks to my wise leadership. Without me, Riveria would have fallen into chaos."Not long after, Stephen returned, bringing some important news he had uncovered."I've made some big discoveries," he told George. "I found out that Ethan owns more than ten properties in Horizon Heights, among which are eight villas.""Oh?" George perked up immediately.More than ten properties, among which were eight villas, was no small number. Although Horizon Heights was not the most luxurious community in Riveria, it was by no mean
Last Updated : 2024-08-28The Guardian's Return Chapter 25
“Especially when he’s lying on a mountain of money. How can we let someone like this stay in power?"He'll eventually bring Riveria to ruins!"Several officials nodded in agreement, finding what Stephen said was spot on.Stephen led the rest to the front of a villa that was one of Ethan's properties. Though uninhabited, it was clean and tidy, indicating that someone frequently maintained it.He made a call, summoning the community manager to open the door. Seeing it was an official visit, the manager had no choice but to comply.“Click.”As the door opened, the scene inside left everyone stunned. The villa was completely devoid of furniture. Instead, it was filled with suitcases! Every space was packed with suitcases, leaving only narrow pathways to walk through."My God."Several officials felt dizzy. How much money could there be if all those suitcases were packed with hundred-dollar bills? Could the amount even be counted?"This isn't just corruption. It's mega-corruption!"
Last Updated : 2024-08-28The Guardian's Return Chapter 26
The bank employee nodded and slowly opened the envelope with his white-gloved hands. There were no money or gold bars inside, just a letter. The handwriting was not particularly beautiful, but it was neat and looked written with care.The employee subconsciously read it aloud, "Dear Mr. Rivers, hello. I'm thirteen years old this year. Our teacher told us that you built our school, provided us with delicious meals, and even prepared clothes for everyone…”The smile on Stephen's face faded, and the officials around also looked shocked."A thank-you letter?"Stephen snapped out of his daze and rushed forward, grabbing the letter to examine it carefully. It really was a thank-you letter!"Impossible!"He hurriedly tore open other envelopes."Thank you, Mr. Rivers. Our family has finally moved on from the earthquake. My sister has started smiling again and often mentions you…”"Respected Mr. Rivers…”"Thank you…”Each envelope contained a letter, and every letter was a note of gra
Last Updated : 2024-08-28The Guardian's Return Chapter 27
“Would someone like Ethan be involved in corruption?""Why would he?""If a person of his status and prestige so much as mentioned he was short on cash, people would probably line up to give him money?"Stephen felt dizzy listening to those comments."How could this be? How could none of these suitcases be filled with money?"He simply could not believe that what they found were thank-you letters.While he was grappling with his confusion, another official came running from outside, shouting, "We've made a new discovery at one of the other villas."Stephen's eyes immediately lit up, like a drowning man grasping at straws."What discoveries? Did you find money?"The official was taken aback, not expecting such a strong reaction from Stephen, but he replied, "Not money. They're letters from readers and viewers."Stephen was dumbfounded. "Readers? Viewers?"What was all that about? The thank-you letters were already pretty bizarre, but now there were readers and viewers too?T
Last Updated : 2024-08-28The Guardian's Return Chapter 28
“After all the sacrifices, the sleepless nights, and the dedication, how could someone like Ethan end up in prison? How is this fair?""Should we take this as a warning sign? Should we start thinking about quitting our jobs and going back to simpler lives?"If Ethan, who had done so much good, could be arrested, they feared an even worse fate if they did not pack up and resign!At that thought, many of the officials could feel their convictions wavering. Living an ordinary life would surely be better than spending the rest of their lives in prison.Having heard those comments, Stephen panicked and shouted, "Shut up, all of you! This is nonsense."Ethan's imprisonment is based on solid evidence."Someone asked quietly, "Then where's the evidence?"Stephen fell silent. He was left exposed and speechless. He realized he had been too hasty. If the investigation had been more thorough, this would not have happened.Suddenly, he remembered something crucial. When they started searc
Last Updated : 2024-08-28The Guardian's Return Chapter 29
"Hello?” George was in quite a good mood. The situation had caught the federal government's attention, and there was talk about an investigation. If the situation proved true, not only would Ethan face punishment, but they would also be rewarded.That was perfect. Not only would it boost his presence in the federal government, potentially paving the way for a future cabinet position, but he could also gain nationwide recognition. It was a win-win situation with no downsides!"George, we have a problem!" Stephen was frantic. "A big problem!"The smile vanished from George's face. "What problem?" He was puzzled. Stephen was supposed to be opening the suitcases to check Ethan's embezzled funds, so why was there suddenly bad news?"Did Ethan have an accomplice who burned all the money? Or did someone help Ethan escape?"Stephen said, "It’s neither of those."George breathed a sigh of relief. "Then why panic? As long as we have Ethan, there's nothing to worry about.""There's no
Last Updated : 2024-08-28The Guardian's Return Chapter 30
The reporter picked up the letter, initially puzzled about why he was being asked to read it. How could a single letter answer anything? However, as he read the contents, he felt a shock run through his body, and his eyes widened in surprise. "A thank-you letter? And it's addressed to Ethan Rivers?"His gaze shifted to the suitcases and he quickly crouched down to search through them. To his astonishment, he found that every single letter was a thank-you note from someone."No need to keep looking," said a bank employee standing nearby. "There are eighty-seven suitcases here, and each one is filled to the brim with thank-you letters."The reporter froze as realization dawned on him. Ethan Rivers was not a corrupt official! On the contrary, he was a great man who had helped countless people, so much so that thank-you letters filled an entire villa."Ethan owns over a dozen properties in this neighborhood, all filled with suitcases containing these letters."The reporter gulped,
Last Updated : 2024-08-28
Latest chapter
The Guardian's Return Chapter 644
Lily shook her head. She knew what the result was just by looking at Stephen’s expression. She smiled wryly. “You’ve done enough. I’m very happy about all you’ve done for me. Let’s head down the mountain.”Stephen was barely keeping it together, so Lily drove them down. She seemed fine on the surface, but once they reached the foot of the mountain, she could not hold back anymore. She stopped the car and burst into tears.Stephen listened to her sobs but was powerless. He knew why Lily was crying, but he could not comfort her.Just then, someone knocked on the car window. Lily held back her cries and rolled down the window.A couple carrying a child stood outside, and the man asked in concern, “Is something wrong? Do you need help?”Lily looked at the happy family in front of her and felt worse.“I’m fine. Please leave.”Then, she rolled the window back up.The couple exchanged a look before leaving helplessly.Inside the car, Lily choked out, “Steph, I don’t want to leave y
The Guardian's Return Chapter 643
There were many things Ethan could say to refute that statement.For example, Lily was a young lady of a wealthy family, and her partner would be the heir of another wealthy family. No matter how much emotional pain they were in, they had more money and resources than most people could dream of. Life was not just about romance, and this was what people meant by crying over nothing. However, all Ethan said was, “What has that got to do with me?”Stephen thought about it and replied, “I can give you money.”Ethan said indifferently, “I have enough money as is.”Too many people had offered him money, and there was nothing he needed money for at the moment. He had long stopped worrying about cash.Stephen paled. Emotional appeals did not work, and neither did money. He had run out of ideas.He glanced at Lily beside him. “Go outside first.”Lily’s mind was a mess. Every word Ethan spoke hit her hard. It was her first time meeting Ethan, and she had no idea how to handle it.She n
The Guardian's Return Chapter 642
Seeing Stephen so timid, Lily muttered in disappointment, “Steph…”Ethan could not be bothered to continue the conversation.“You can go now. I won’t help you.”Lily looked at Ethan, feeling resentful and disappointed. “People call you a clairvoyant, but you call Stephen a coward. In my eyes, you’re the real coward. You have the ability to help, but you choose to do nothing.”She was angry at Ethan’s unwillingness to help and his insult to Stephen. To her, there was nothing Stephen could not do. How could she allow him to be humiliated like that?However, the next second… “Shut up! Don’t be disrespectful to Ethan. Apologize to him now!” Stephen rebuked her.Lily froze, her eyes wide as she looked at Stephen with shock and disbelief. She defended him, and not only did he not help her, but he even scolded her and told her to apologize to Ethan.She could not believe it. Was he really the Stephen Quinn whom she knew?Stephen did not care what Lily was thinking. All he knew was t
The Guardian's Return Chapter 641
Ethan noticed the two people approaching.Lily was too nervous to meet Ethan’s gaze, and Stephen gulped as he greeted, “Ethan.”Ethan looked at him. “What now?”Stephen glanced at Lily before saying, “This is the daughter of the Ford family. Her name is Lily.”“I know,” said Ethan, “and I know she’s marrying Sebastian Katz in thirty-five days.”Lily looked at Ethan in shock. She knew she would marry in about a month but did not know the exact date, so how could Ethan, who did not live in Metropolis or had any connection to the powerful families, know? Now, she began to understand why Ethan was called a clairvoyant in the stories beyond the borders.In truth, deducing the date was simple. All Ethan had to know was the vague timeline.Stephen said, “I want your help to stop her from marrying Sebastian.”“Why?” Ethan asked. “Neither the Fords nor the Katzes have a problem with it. You’re a Quinn. Why would you care?”For a moment, Stephen did not know how to answer.Lily quickly
The Guardian's Return Chapter 640
“That’s soon…” Stephen was at a loss for words again. He was overwhelmed with emotions. The girl who used to play with him had become quiet and reserved, and she was about to marry someone else. He took a deep breath. “Who are you marrying?” Lily gave a name. “Sebastian Katz.” Stephen was shaken. He remembered Sebastian. The heir of the Katzes was handsome and surrounded by admirers since he was young. He was also highly educated, having studied abroad. On top of that, he worked out regularly and could even hold his own in a fight against guys like Andy.Besides, Stephen had heard that the Katzes were doing well, not just in the country but also expanding abroad. The future looked incredibly bright for them. There had been times when Stephen felt envious of Sebastian. “Oh, it’s him.” Stephen did not know how to continue the conversation. He knew that Sebastian was too perfect and, as a result, was surrounded by beautiful and accomplished women. As for Lily, Stephen kne
The Guardian's Return Chapter 639
Stephen hid in his room, too afraid to check his phone. His scandal was still making headlines online, showing no signs of fading in popularity. That woman had also been found. Stephen dared not imagine what type of questions people would ask her, let alone the impact her interviews would bring. Stephen was consumed by fear right now. He feared the shame, the disgrace, and the possibility of being sent back to his family in humiliation. He was even more afraid that Snow would see the news. Just as he was at a loss as to what to do, his phone rang, startling him. Glancing at the screen, he realized it was a call from Andy.Stephen was stunned, wondering why Andy would suddenly call him at that moment. Still, he picked up the call. “Do you have time?” Andy’s voice sounded. “Lily is in Riveria.”Stephen’s eyes widened. Lily was the eldest daughter of the Fords—the girl who used to follow him around and call him Steph. She was also the one who was about to get married in the grou
The Guardian's Return Chapter 638
More than a decade had passed, but Simon could still remember a friend’s comment when comforting someone heartbroken. “It’s the same for me. It gets worse year after year, but we get by.”Simon knew he could not interfere in that matter. Perhaps the only person in the world who could cure Stephen now was Ethan, who could reveal Snow’s whereabouts. Simon said, “Just have a child with Rachel. After the child is born, I won’t interfere with whoever you decide to be with in private.”After all, Stephen was the Quinns’ heir. It was normal for him to have a few lovers in his life. Likewise, once Rachel gave them a child, they would not interfere with Rachel’s love life. The child would be raised by the family, groomed from a young age to love and serve the family, and prepared to sacrifice their life if needed.Stephen thought of Ethan’s story. Two people who had no feelings for each other were bound for life by the interests of their families. “I’ll talk to Rachel.” Simon said, “
The Guardian's Return Chapter 637
Not knowing where he should go, Stephen wandered aimlessly on the streets until he spotted a bar. “How long has it been since I let go of myself and drink?”Stephen walked into the bar. The noisy, chaotic music and flashing lights made him forget his troubles temporarily. After downing two drinks, an average-looking woman approached and started chatting with him. He looked at her as the alcohol took over. He had been working hard for so long, yet he had achieved nothing. Perhaps he was unsuitable to manage Riveria. Besides, with Simon around now, there was nothing much left for him to do. He might as well indulge himself and become that carefree heir of the Quinns again!Stephen decided to head to a nearby hotel with the woman. When he sobered up, it was already 9 p.m. Seeing Simon standing by the bed with a stern expression, he subconsciously wanted to get up. However, a sharp headache struck him. Before he could recover, the pressure, troubles, fear, and uneasiness that w
The Guardian's Return Chapter 636
What could he do? He was merely someone who had to act under the orders of the family. Ask Ethan for help? Ethan had no obligation to help, and Stephen himself could not think of a reason or excuse for him to help.The matter had nothing to do with him, and he did not know them. Ethan did not need to involve himself in the messy disputes between those families. Well, should he try on his own? However, he was just the Quinn family’s heir, not the head of the family. The other families might not respect him, and even if he were the head of the family, the others could choose to ignore him. At that moment, he thought of Ethan’s words again. “Perhaps even until now, you still think you can solve every problem just by relying on yourself and the Quinn family’s power.”Stephen hung his once prideful head lowly. “If only… I could be like him.”After hearing Ethan’s story, he gained a deeper understanding of Ethan’s power. Even when it came to a conflict between two great families
