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Chapter 252
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The Guardian's Return Chapter 253
George said, “Celestial City’s economy is still declining. If a little pollution can help the economy to recover, I don’t think it’s a big issue.”Those words tempted Stephen. After all, the most pressing concern right now was indeed the economy!Despite that, he still decided to consult a professional and asked if building a food hall at the base of the mountain would cause any pollution. If it would, would it affect the mountain?“There won’t be any pollution,” the professional assured. “Food halls are completely safe. They won’t cause any pollution to the environment.”Only then did Stephen relax completely. He tipped the man handsomely and sent him on his way.Outside, the man got into a car.“How did it go?” James asked from beside him.“I told him exactly what you wanted. He’s convinced that building the food hall won’t cause any pollution.”“Excellent.” James smiled in satisfaction.In fact, he knew very well that the food hall would cause pollution. Things like cooking
The Guardian's Return Chapter 254
Many people had forgotten that the assassins who tried to kill Stephen were still on the loose, and that was exactly what Stephen wanted. Although he planned to catch the two assassins, he could not find any trace of them despite searching every corner of Celestial City. It was as if they had vanished into thin air.As the construction of the food hall progressed and the story of Crystal Lake spread, many famous restaurants reached out to Stephen, expressing their desire to set up shop there. Stephen was over the moon. “Come! Everyone is welcome!”In just one day, seven restaurants wanted to join the food hall.That night, Stephen woke up several times from his sleep, smiling.“It’s getting better. It’s all getting better!”He recalled the fortune card that he had drawn. It had really come true—everything in his future was going to be smooth sailing!However, it did not stop there. Even a film production company approached him.“We think the legend of Crystal Lake is fantastic
The Guardian's Return Chapter 255
Stephen nodded in agreement. They then approved James’s request for a development zone and allocated a large sum of money for it.With the money in hand, James wasted no time and headed straight for the villages.“This land is being turned into a development zone, so you’ll have to relocate. Don’t worry, we won’t move you for nothing. You’ll be compensated.”The price he offered, however, was insultingly low. Houses were priced at 6,000 per square meter, and farmland was 30 thousand per acre. The villages were not having, but James had a solution. Since he was working for the South Regent, that night, a group of thugs entered the village and beat up those who resisted.Frightened, many villagers who initially refused were forced to agree. Still, some reached out to the reporters, hoping to expose the situation, but James had thought ahead.He took action first and arrested a few thugs behind the trouble, claiming they were just drifters looking to cause chaos. As for compensatin
The Guardian's Return Chapter 256
Following the rapid increase in housing prices, some major issues started emerging without Stephen and George noticing. Rent had started becoming more expensive. What used to be 2000 dollars per month increased to 5000 dollars within a few days, with signs of further increase. Many people who had plans to buy houses also noticed that the gap between housing prices and their savings was growing. It was a massive blow, especially to the non-locals who worked there. Half a month later, the housing prices at Celestial City peaked. James immediately sold off the properties he owned for eight million dollars each, raking in five billion dollars. Construction on the food hall had been going smoothly, and work on the development zone was also in full swing.James had started selling booths in the food hall. There were only 2000 booths, so it was quite limited. Due to scarcity, those booths were extremely expensive. Even spots with lower foot traffic cost two million dollars a year, whi
The Guardian's Return Chapter 257
Simon then asked how exactly they managed to boost Celestial City's economy, to which Stephen explained their plan of integrating the food hall with the nearby tourist attractions.After listening, Simon nodded in approval and praised, "Well done. Aqua City's tourism is done for, so developing Celestial City's tourism is a great plan."Building a food hall is also a clever idea. If you have time, check whether Riveria has any traditional delicacies. That could help build your brand identity, boost recognition, and make you big money."It'd be even better if the food could be tied to the legend surrounding Crystal Lake." Stephen immediately took note of Simon's suggestions. Looking into traditional specialties was something he had not thought of. "I got it. I'll look into it later." Simon said with a smile, "Alright then, I’ll leave you to it." After the call, Simon was in a good mood. The issues arising in several cities in Riveria over the past few months had left him quite
The Guardian's Return Chapter 258
"Not bad." Stephen even showed George the story, and George also nodded in approval. With that, the two immediately started promoting the risotto restaurant as a traditional specialty of Celestial City.The restaurant quickly partnered with influencers and online promoters to recommend their risotto online. As people learned about the risotto's backstory, they were deeply moved. "They met and regained their memories because of risotto. I'm in tears! I must try it out!" "It's not far from my place, so I'll check them out first!" "This story is so touching! But that old priest is so wicked for erasing their memories."The risotto restaurant became an overnight sensation. Many people came, attracted by the news, all eager to taste the risotto that was said to have been shared by the priest and the troll. Seeing the demand, the restaurant kept raising the risotto's price until they were fifty dollars a plate, with each plate barely containing any protein. Moreover, the taste
The Guardian's Return Chapter 259
James understood now was the best time for the food hall to generate revenue. Every day, they were raking in millions. If they were to lower the prices or shut down a few stalls, it would upset other businesses and lower their revenue. Everyone knew the vendors were using top-quality ingredients, so most people were willing to put up with the higher prices. After all, James said it himself. Stephen and George had personally checked everything. If those two had signed off, it had to be legitimate. Moreover, Stephen was involved. Who was he? He was the Grand Marshal's mentee and the legend who brought peace to Riveria. Since the businesses could pass through his inspections, there was no doubt everything was above board. Stephen and George watched as the food hall’s profit grew, grinning ear to ear. George said, "This is just the beginning. Once the other businesses get going, we'll earn even more." Stephen nodded. He really wanted to show Ethan how much progress Celestial Cit
The Guardian's Return Chapter 260
"You should get Michael to ask the other villagers about it, and I'll call James over," Stephen said to George.Stephen could not help but feel relieved. Having a partner to work with made things a whole lot easier. If it had just been him, he would have not thought of such a clever solution. While Ethan might have been able to outsmart him before, he had George working with him now. Even if Ethan were to step in, he would have to leave in defeat! Soon, James arrived.Stephen asked sternly, "I just received complaints from the villagers saying that the compensation you gave them was too low, only 6,000 dollars per square meter of housing and 30 thousand dollars per 666 square meters of land. Is that true? James immediately refuted, "Who said that? Such accusations! I gave them 10 thousand dollars per square meter of property and 50 thousand dollars per 666 square meters of land." Stephen narrowed his eyes as he asked, "Is that so?""I swear it’s true!" James answered.Steph
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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
