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Chapter 238
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The Guardian's Return Chapter 239
If not for George’s quick thinking this time, they would have been in serious trouble.The South Regent asked, “So, why did you call me? Did you want to show off?”“No,” said Simon. “I’m here to negotiate.”The South Regent understood that Simon wanted to buy his silence.“500 billion dollars.”“That’s too much.”Simon could accept 50 million, but 500 billion? Not even tycoons had that much money.“Think carefully. The money you pay this time isn’t just to save Richard but also your entire family.”Simon gritted his teeth. “300 billion.”The South Regent said, “400 billion.”“300 billion, take it or leave it. Riveria doesn’t have as much money as it used to.”If it were during the peak of Riveria, he would not have been concerned about 300 billion. After all, Riveria used to have a GDP of 15 trillion.“Deal.”The South Regent knew it was the maximum offer, and 300 billion was still a significant amount, enough to support his 200 thousand men for a year.While 300 billion
The Guardian's Return Chapter 240
Once, Ethan had been the Grand Marshal’s mentee.The Grand Marshal had sacrificed everything for Riveria, and as his mentee, Ethan inherited the Grand Marshal’s responsibilities after he passed. In other words, it was Ethan’s duty to carry on the Grand Marshal’s legacy.Now that Stephen had taken Ethan’s identity, he had also taken on the responsibility of carrying on Grand Marshal’s legacy! Now, he had to face all the enemies, both inside and outside of Riveria!What about Ethan? Since he was no longer the Grand Marshal’s mentee, Riveria’s affairs no longer had anything to do with him.How could that happen?Stephen could not smile anymore. That was not what he had anticipated. He thought that by stealing Ethan’s identity, Ethan would be left with nothing. However, contrary to his expectations, Ethan was freed from all burdens!“It seems you finally understand,” Ethan said with a calm smile. “So, let me ask you again. Are you truly ready for this?”Stephen gulped. He was alread
The Guardian's Return Chapter 241
“I…”Stephen’s face turned pale, and his voice trembled. He could not get a word out. Ethan looked at him. “Do you feel like crying? Crying won't stop the clock.”Stephen knew the situation in Celestial City was getting out of hand. If he did not act fast, the city would be in real trouble, and if something happened to Celestial City, it would be disastrous.Panicked, he quickly got up and ran outside.On the way to Celestial City, he gave George a call. “Hold the fort down in Celestial City!”George shouted, “I’m trying!”He, too, was dealing with a headache. After all, he was in charge of Riveria now. If anything happened to Celestial City, the responsibility would fall on him!George immediately contacted the businesses preparing to leave Celestial City.“Why are you all leaving out of the blue? Is something in Celestial City’s policies pushing you away?”George was baffled. Everything had been going fine, so why did they suddenly want to leave? There had been no signific
The Guardian's Return Chapter 242
Richard’s kidnapping was just the beginning.The South Regent had set his sights on Celestial City! Whether or not Celestial City could even survive was a question, so what was the reason to stay? To become the South Regent’s dessert?George watched in disbelief as they left. He had made the biggest concession, yet they had not hesitated to leave!He gritted his teeth and hurried off to contact other companies, but the results were the same. Everyone was leaving, and they were doing it fast and without hesitation. They were even willing to abandon their thriving business.“What’s gotten into them?”Stephen could not make sense of it. Had something happened in Celestial City recently?Two things came to mind. First, Richard was kidnapped, but he was already rescued. Second, Stephen became the Grand Marshal’s mentee, and Ethan’s identity was stripped. However, no matter how he thought about it, both were good news for Celestial City.“Richard was kidnapped, but we saved him. That
The Guardian's Return Chapter 243
Stephen said, “It’ll take too long. Celestial City is a financial hub. If these businesses leave, it’ll lose at least a third of its GDP.”Celestial City originally had a GDP of 2.5 trillion, but they gave 350 billion dollars to the South Regent as ransom. Then, a few companies left, and they lost another 150 billion. Now, only 2 trillion dollars remained. If more companies left, and the GDP dropped by another third, it would bring it down to 1.4 trillion, nearly half of what it started with. Once the ball started rolling, even more companies could lose confidence and follow suit. The chain reaction would destroy Celestial City’s economy. “The loss in GDP is the least of my concerns, but what happens to me is the real issue.” Stephen’s voice trembled.The more he thought about it on the way there, the more frightened he became.The Grand Marshal had fought and sacrificed so much, and being his mentee meant shouldering a huge burden. However, here was the kicker—Stephen was not h
The Guardian's Return Chapter 244
Stephen clenched his fists tightly. What did it mean by ‘his own choice’? He felt disgusted.“We guarantee that nothing like this will ever happen again. Celestial City is very safe! And, as long as you set up your business here, we’ll give you our full support.”Stephen and George felt incredibly frustrated. They had spent a fortune to pay off the ransom, and now, they had to make concessions again, groveling like dogs.“Fine.” Richard said, “Since you’re so sincere, I won’t let you down.”With the contract signed, Stephen finally sighed in relief. At least it was not a complete failure and he managed to keep Richard.Richard had many connections. He might even bring in more large-scale businesses into Celestial City.On the way back, a thought struck Stephen as he reflected on Richard’s reaction.“Richard’s kidnapping will make people think Celestial City isn’t safe. I need to prove that Celestial City is absolutely safe.”He turned to George, saying, “Think of a way to prove
The Guardian's Return Chapter 245
“Well... We definitely didn’t think this through properly.”Simon thought about it, realizing it might be part of Ethan’s scheme. Ethan could be using the Quinns to cut ties with Riveria once and for all!If there was a crisis in Riveria, they could use the Grand Marshal’s influence to make Ethan step in. However, now that everyone knew he was not the Grand Marshal’s mentee, he would have nothing to do with Riveria anymore!Simon’s face darkened. When did Ethan start planning all of that?“I’ll have someone prepare a speech for you. Go and get ready.”He then hung up the call, feeling a headache coming. He thought they had won, but now he realized they had lost again. All the pressure was falling on Stephen’s shoulders.In Celestial City, Stephen immediately ordered a stage to be built for the speech after hanging up the call. He chose to speak in the streets to seem more approachable to the public. That way, the online criticism of him would lighten up. It would also prove tha
The Guardian's Return Chapter 246
Since a young age, he was taught that if anyone pointed a gun to his head, he would blow their entire family’s heads off; and if someone forced him to kneel, he would break their people’s legs!That was why, when it happened, the South Regent was more enraged than afraid. How could he possibly meet Ethan unarmed or speak humbly to him? He was kind to have let Ethan off without carving him into a thousand pieces.He fled because of something else Ethan did.“Thus, rest assured!”Stephen’s words snapped the South Regent back to reality.“With me around, Celestial City is extremely safe.”Upon hearing that, the South Regent slowly picked up his second phone. “Do it.”In the crowd, several of his men nodded and quietly put their phones away. Then, they pulled out pistols and shotguns from their bags.“Bang!” A gunshot echoed through the livestream.The bullet tore through the billboard behind Stephen, obliterating his face on the board.Stephen was stunned, and the crowd below
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The Guardian's Return Chapter 664
Stephen pushed his hand away. "You don't understand.""No, I understand perfectly." The man's weathered face showed no emotion, but his words stopped Stephen in his tracks."I lost my wife in a car accident, and my child to a terminal illness. Yet here I am, year after year, each difficult, but still getting by."After that, he turned and left, leaving Stephen staring at his back.While Stephen was still lost in thought, the funeral began.Everyone gathered in the cemetery to watch as "Lily's ashes" were lowered into the ground. Many people began crying softly. Stephen stood at the front, holding a white rose. Though silent, his eyes were red, tears threatening to fall.After the ground was filled in and people began laying down roses, Stephen spotted a familiar face in the crowd. It was Ethan!Stephen stopped in his steps, wondering why Ethan was there. After all, the man had no connection to the Fords.After Ethan laid down his rose, Stephen quickly caught up to him as he was
The Guardian's Return Chapter 663
Seeing him silent with his head bowed, no one else approached to speak with him.Meanwhile, in a distant room, Ethan took a sip from his teacup, sampling the supposedly premium tea from an elite family. Finding it rather ordinary, he set down the cup and asked softly, "You don't want to see him?"Beside him, Lily gently shook her head."No."After experiencing death, she gained clarity about many things. The current situation could not be changed by her wishes alone.Stephen was not the head of the Quinn family, just as Jason was not yet the head of the Fords. They all had to mind their families' opinions and follow their orders.That was why meeting Stephen now would not change anything; it would only create more problems. Besides… "I have more important things to do now."She glanced sideways at a young woman standing nearby. It was Snow.Ethan had brought Snow there to show Lily another world. Born into the Ford family, Lily had grown up wealthy and privileged, thinking
The Guardian's Return Chapter 662
The next day, Stephen, Simon, and Rachel went to the Fords’ residence for the funeral.The Fords’ mansion was packed that day, with representatives from various families. Many business executives and celebrities were in attendance too. Some of them had red, swollen eyes, clearly devastated by Lily's death. However, the moment Stephen appeared, all eyes turned to him.Everyone present was influential and knew about Stephen's relationship with Lily. They had grown up as childhood friends, and everyone remembered Lily always saying she wanted to marry Stephen one day.When they saw Stephen's graying hair, everyone was stunned, and a shiver ran down their spines.Just six months ago, Stephen had jet-black hair and was an air of confidence. He was the epitome of a young business prodigy, admired by every up-and-coming member of elite families and companies. Now, however, his hair was gray, his energy completely drained, and he walked with a slight stoop. He hardly looked like the youn
The Guardian's Return Chapter 661
"Don't be nervous," Ethan said. "What I need you to do is simple. All you need to do is say one sentence."Simon felt increasingly uneasy. "What is it?""Tell the Fords that the Quinns unconditionally support all of Jason Ford's decisions."Simon slammed his hands on the table with a bang. "You–"That would pit him against the Fords!Now that Lily had been rescued, Jason would certainly oppose some of the Fords’ decisions. When that happened, the family would pressure Jason. If Simon publicly stood with Jason on behalf of the Quinns, it would mean openly opposing the Fords. Although both Jason and Lily would be safe that way, the Fords would hold a grudge against the Quinns until Jason became the head of the family. Moreover, once Jason became the head of the family, his gratitude would be for Ethan, not Simon or the Quinns. After all, it was Ethan who saved Lily and sent the Quinns to help.If Stephen found out that Lily was still alive and that Simon knew yet secretly support
The Guardian's Return Chapter 660
Should he tell Stephen the truth? If he blurted it out and Stephen learned that Ethan saved Lily, he might side with Ethan just like Jason. Most importantly, Stephen was the future head of the Quinns. If Stephen really lowered his head to Ethan, it meant Ethan could control the Quinns in the future!Should he hide the truth from Stephen and use the time and opportunity to shower him with love and care?Still, he could not hide this forever. The longer he kept it from Stephen, the more intense Stephen’s reaction would be when he knew the truth. At that time, he might still choose to side with Ethan. Simon had been through many storms and made many important decisions in critical situations, but at this moment, faced with two choices, he could not choose either. To tell or not to tell—neither would work, and he was stuck in the middle. The final winner would still be Ethan. Ethan was imprisoned in the mansion on Drakthorn Ridge, but he still had everything in control!Simon as
The Guardian's Return Chapter 659
He really could not figure out Ethan’s thoughts. However, if Ethan truly wanted to turn Stephen against the Quinns, Stephen might indeed be used or manipulated after everything he had been through, especially with what happened with Lily. Compared to Scott and Cora, the contrast was enough to make him detest his family and the power struggles even more.“By the way,” Ethan said while he put his phone on the table and pushed it forward to Simon, “I want you to see something.”Simon frowned. “What?” He took the phone, not really bothered about what Ethan wanted him to see. He merely wanted to delete the recording immediately. However, the moment he picked up the phone, Simon froze on the spot, and color instantly drained from his face. Despite having weathered countless storms, he could not help but tremble uncontrollably now.He nearly dropped the phone, and his breath became rushed and erratic as if he had seen a ghost!He saw a photo that had been taken that afternoon. There w
The Guardian's Return Chapter 658
Scott and Cora were safe and sound, and their child was even old enough to walk now. But Stephen and Lily?Lily committed suicide by poisoning herself, and Stephen’s hair turned gray overnight, making him look haggard and miserable. “Ethan! Him again!”Because of his existence, Scott and Cora were able to escape danger while Stephen and Lily must be separated by life and death just because they did not receive help. Simon immediately took a car to Drakthorn Ridge. He wanted answers from Ethan. Why did Ethan not help when Lily died on Drakthorn Ridge?Soon, Simon arrived at Ethan’s mansion. “Ethan, get out here!” Simon did not see Ethan and yelled in the living room. “Just because your son is incompetent, you came here to throw a tantrum at me?” Ethan’s voice rang out behind him. Simon turned around sharply and saw Ethan slowly walking in. Sunlight shone on him, making Simon hesitate to look directly at Ethan. He immediately asked, “Did you know Lily died on Drakthorn Rid
The Guardian's Return Chapter 657
Upon hearing that Stephen’s hair had turned gray out of the blue, Simon hurriedly boarded a plane to the capital. Soon, he saw Stephen, who was lying on the hospital bed. His originally jet-black hair was now mixed with many gray strands. Simon felt distressed and quickly asked the specialists, “What happened? Is this some kind of disease?”Dr. Moore nervously asked, “Have there been similar situations in the family history?”Simon shook his head. “If it’s not a hereditary disease, the gray hair could only be due to overwhelming stress, an emotional breakdown, or heartbreak.”Heartbreak? Simon thought of Lily’s death. He knew Stephen still maintained a great relationship with Lily. They had been playmates since they were young, true childhood sweethearts, and Lily had even said she wanted to marry Stephen as a child. Now that Lily had poisoned herself to death, it must have been a huge blow to Stephen. “Give him a prescription for treatment.” Simon said, “Money is not an iss
The Guardian's Return Chapter 656
The next morning, Scott and Cora brought their child up the mountain again. They heard that someone had died on Drakthorn Ridge, so they hurriedly brought paraphernalia that could ward off evil and misfortune. Cora was cleaning the house for Ethan, saying she wanted to chase away all the filth and bad energy, while Scott walked around, spraying holy water, and vigorously scrubbed the path in front of the mansion. Just as the two were busy, Stephen walked down from the mountain, staggering and unsteady. When Scott, who was cleaning the path, saw him, he was shocked. At this moment, Stephen was pale, and his hair had turned gray, making him appear like a dying man.“Hey, are you okay?” Scott quickly went to support him. “Is everything alright?”He shouted toward the mansion, “Honey! Can you bring a glass of water? Hurry!”“What’s up?” Cora hurriedly came out with a jug of water. “Coming!”When she saw Stephen, she was also stunned. “Did you lose your way in Drakthorn Ridge? How
