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Chapter 31
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
The Guardian's Return Chapter 32
“Right now, everyone's focused on whether Ethan is corrupt or not. We definitely can't let this discussion continue. We need to divert everyone's attention," George said. "In that case… His reputation!”A spark of inspiration came to George as he figured out a way to turn Ethan’s move to his own benefit.“I got it! We should be targeting his reputation instead!” With that thought, George finally came up with a plan.“It's no longer about whether Ethan is corrupt or not. We need to tarnish Ethan's reputation first. We can say he's got dirty hands, using his local influence to suppress the regional officials.“We'll also say he has connections at the border, earning him large amounts of ill-gotten gains.”Simon considered it for a moment and found the plan feasible. After all, Ethan had been working there for so long. Surely some people disliked him.They could contact those officials and find a few towns that had issues with Ethan to testify. That could serve as proof that Ethan w
Last Updated : 2024-10-29The Guardian's Return Chapter 33
Just one suitcase from Ethan had scared Stephen so badly that he was drenched in cold sweat, his shirt soaked through at the back.“But he should be suffering in prison now,” Stephen murmured. “He must be quite miserable at the moment.”Thinking about Ethan's current situation made him feel a little better.Meanwhile, in prison…“Move slower. That mattress is very valuable. Don't let anything happen to it. If Mr. Rivers doesn't sleep comfortably tonight, none of you will sleep!” Liam was directing others as they set up Ethan's “cell.”“Also, install a doorbell by the entrance so Mr. Rivers can call us easily.“Make sure the floor tiles are spotless.”Ethan, standing nearby, was left speechless. He had repeatedly informed Liam that such setups were unnecessary, but Liam insisted on improving his living conditions.Had Ethan not stopped him, Liam would have torn down the cell walls and combined several of them into one large room for him.Ethan said, "I'm now just a prisoner."
Last Updated : 2024-10-29The Guardian's Return Chapter 34
The mass resignations further angered George and Stephen, who were already in a foul mood."Why am I dealing with this?" Stephen wondered, confused. He had just taken over, and a bunch of people quitting now was very detrimental to the region's stability.George, angry, felt like flipping the dinner table. He had absolutely no appetite. He could not believe those people had the nerve to use their resignations to pressure him into releasing Ethan. Did they think he could be so easily intimidated?"Good riddance," George said through gritted teeth, his tone icy. "With them gone, we can bring in our own people. Riveria will function just fine without them!" He already had plans to use that opportunity to groom his people, which would help him maintain control and manage Riveria in the future.The next day, news of the mass resignations had spread.In Lytton, a town in North Hill City, Brandon was attending the weekly town council meeting at Lytton's community center. Though not
Last Updated : 2024-10-29The Guardian's Return Chapter 35
Brandon carefully orchestrated his plan. He specifically chose a few people to cross the border without much cargo, then deliberately leaked information about illegal border crossings.After setting everything up, Brandon called all the Lytton residents back."The trap has been set. Let's see how they handle it," he said with a smirk.News of the border crossings spread quickly. Due to the mass resignations leaving a shortage of officials, the information quickly reached Stephen and George.Both men’s expressions were grim."More illegal immigrants?"That might not have been a big deal elsewhere, but to them, it was a serious problem. During the three years that Ethan was in charge, there had not been a single case of illegal immigration!"Could they have been right?" Stephen could not accept it. Was Riveria changing with Ethan gone? Was Ethan truly indispensable? How else could people dare to cross the border illegally as soon as Ethan was out of the picture?"Don't overthin
Last Updated : 2024-10-29The Guardian's Return Chapter 36
"I'll do an excellent job!" Eric declared, thumping his chest. "Rest assured, Governor Lowe. If I can't solve this case in three days, I'll offer you my head!"After the call ended, George was in a good mood. Individuals so committed were rare. It was all Ethan's fault for being short-sighted and suppressing such talent. What kind of trash were the previous commander and deputy commander for resigning when North Hill City needed them most?"But it's good they left. If they had stayed, they would only have made North Hill City worse," George thought out loud. Meanwhile, Eric hung up the phone and prepared to take action. He already had some suspicions about who would have brought people in illegally.From his previous experiences working with the commander and deputy commander, he was familiar with the various forces in North Hill City."It's highly likely that Lytton was involved in bringing these people in. If I investigate Lytton, I can wrap up this case in less than half a d
Last Updated : 2024-10-29The Guardian's Return Chapter 37
"What's going on?" Eric kept staring in the direction Sky had left. He was confused as to why Sky had not returned after so long. In all his previous visits, such poor reception had never happened before. Previously, they would be warmly invited inside, offered air conditioning, and served tea. The tea was top-grade, and the water was from natural springs—all luxuries beyond the reach of ordinary people.If that was the treatment he had received prior to his promotion, Eric was eager to learn how they would treat him post-promotion.He assumed Lytton would receive him with open arms, offering him rare delicacies and precious local specialties… However, in reality, he was left sweltering under a tree."This doesn't seem right," he muttered, straining his eyes. He had hoped to solve the case in half a day, but now he had to revise his plans. He would consider it a success just to see the mayor within that time frame.Meanwhile, the air conditioning in the town council office wa
Last Updated : 2024-10-29The Guardian's Return Chapter 38
Ethan tossed a list onto the table and continued, "Hand over the people on this list, and then, cease all your operations."Brandon picked up the list, and as he went through it, his face sank.The list included discovered moles and some of the town's most successful “businessmen”. They not only manufactured dangerous weapons but also had close ties with foreign entities, helping with human trafficking and smuggling goods.If Ethan took those people away, they would surely be sentenced to death. More importantly, it would have a massive impact on Lytton’s economic activities."You must be joking." Brandon tried to play dumb. "We don't have such people in Lytton."Ethan calmly replied, "Whether you hand them over or I find them myself makes no difference to me. But for you, the difference will be significant. I assure it."Brandon gritted his teeth.Ethan's message was clear. Whether they cooperated or not would not deter him in the slightest. He could easily find these people an
Last Updated : 2024-10-29The Guardian's Return Chapter 39
Eric was at a loss for words. The situation was completely different from what he had imagined.With a parched mouth, he watched the passing residents and said to one of his officers, "Quick, go ask if they have any more ice pops."The officer, nearly fainting, replied, "I’m all out of strength."Eric clenched his fist. If his subordinates would not go, who else would? Himself? He was the commander! If he went, would that not mean his rank was just for show?"If no one's going, then we'll all stay thirsty," he declared. "I can endure it."He had plenty of time and resources to outlast them!In the distance, Sky and a few residents were in a house, enjoying the air conditioning and eating ice pops while watching Eric and his team."Those idiots won't wait until someone faints before they go looking for water, will they?" One of them chuckled.Another hour passed, and under the tree, some officers were now lying on the ground.Eric was reaching his limit. "Where are they? Why
Last Updated : 2024-10-29
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The Guardian's Return Chapter 524
“No!” Charles’ face paled. He pulled his phone out to call for help, but then his mother, Jessica, said, “You don’t need to call for help.” She had been fighting her illness for years and should have died a long time ago. It was Ethan’s subsidy and health insurance that helped her to stay alive, and after what happened, she believed she was the reason her son became twisted. She felt guilty, not just toward Ethan, but also toward her husband and their son. Years of pain and the burden she placed on her family had worn her down. She could not go on any longer. Maybe, just maybe, her death could help Charles find his way back.“I know what’s going on with my body,” she said, her voice strained and labored. “Son, I’ve hurt you enough. I’m so sorry. I will no longer be your burden. If you can, turn yourself in. You’re on your own now. We will always love you.” Charles teared up, his body shaking. He did not understand. He had worked so hard and taken so many risks, all to make s
The Guardian's Return Chapter 523
Was Ethan more important than their own son? Stephen said, “I understand. Please get up. Ethan Rivers has been accused of bribery, and it puts me in a tough spot.” Xavier argued, “He’s not capable of that! He has been fixing roads, as well as repairing hospitals and schools. He even used his own money to send other people’s children to school! Why would he take bribes?” Riveria used to be in chaos, and education was scarce. The adults in the family would rather keep their children at home to work than send them to school for education. Ethan then used his personal money to send every child to school, paying the families a stipend of 500 dollars a month. The children could also enjoy free lunches at schools, which drastically improved both attendance rates and nutrition levels in the region.Stephen said with gritted teeth, “It’s bribery! I don’t need you to tell me what he did!” He dared not look them in the eyes, so he quickly called security to send them off. After they
The Guardian's Return Chapter 522
A while later, Charles, who was enjoying his spa and massage with several other business owners, got a call from the hospital that his parents had discharged themselves. The delight on his face disappeared. Why would his parents leave the hospital? He quickly called his father but could not get through. The same happened with his mother. Anxious, Charles called the hospital, demanding an explanation. How could the hospital release his parents without informing him first? The nurse explained, “They said there were not enough beds in the hospital because of the current situation and believed other people needed the treatment more than them, so they insisted on leaving. We tried to convince them to stay, but they were adamant.” Charles was stunned. Not enough beds in the hospital? What kind of excuse was that? He had the money to pay for their medical bills! He had more than a million at hand, and if he kept working hard, the money he was making would be enough to last him a l
The Guardian's Return Chapter 521
Ganter and Austin witnessed the chaos that unfolded in Hill City over the past two weeks. The hospitals were overloaded, and more patients were being admitted. Even they, a psychologist, were asked to help. Ganter shook his head helplessly. He was a doctor in psychology, so there was nothing he could do for those people. All he could do was watch them leave, disheartened and desperate. When he went out on the street, he noticed the people walking around were fewer than before. Every day, he could hear robberies happening and gunshots in the air. The street where his clinic was located used to be a bustling area with merchants selling their goods, but they were all gone. His clinic was the only establishment left in the street. Austin looked worried. “Ganter, we should also think about leaving. Hill City is not safe anymore.” News of robberies, shootings, and outbreaks of sickness were so frequent that the growing fear among the people was palpable. Even Austin was scared too.
The Guardian's Return Chapter 520
Charles went to the hospital to take care of the medical bills and then talk to his father. He believed even without Ethan, he and his family could live a good life. “Ethan committed a crime and was jailed for it. If you want me to take him as our savior, I can’t do it. Besides, I have the money. I have 500 thousand dollars.” Xavier was astonished by the astronomical amount. He looked at Charles, but there was no happiness or excitement in the man’s eyes. As a father, he knew exactly what happened. “You took bribes.” Charles’ expression froze, but he forced a smile and said, “What? No. I’m not that kind of person. I will never bow down to money.” He was slightly stunned when the words escaped his mouth. They felt familiar. It was what Ethan had told him last night, and in less than twenty-four hours, he had done the complete opposite. It was a slap in his face.Nevertheless, he feigned a calm look and said, “The money is clean.” Xavier looked at him but said nothing. He si
The Guardian's Return Chapter 519
Charles went to visit his mother, but his mother was asleep after taking the medication. He sighed. Not wanting to disturb his mother, he left the hospital to go back to work. If he skipped work for even one day, he might not get his full salary at the end of the month. As such, he got into the car and went to pick Stephen up. When he saw Stephen, he felt a mix of feelings. They arrived at the office soon after, and Stephen called a meeting, asking everyone whether they had thought of a way to increase the benefits. Everyone shook their heads, including Nolan. Hill City’s economy was no longer thriving, and things were getting increasingly expensive. The people’s salaries, however, were getting lower or stagnant. With the people lacking the money to survive, why would they care about the benefits? Stephen sighed. The matter was more complicated than he had expected. Not even the experienced Nolan had a suggestion. “I’ll give us more time to think of a solution. Let’s end the
The Guardian's Return Chapter 518
After the doctor came out, he informed Charles about Xavier’s condition and mentioned that the medical bill would cost 30 thousand dollars. Charles went to the reception to make the necessary payment. As his mother was also in the same hospital, he dared not tell her about his father and Ethan when he visited her. With Ethan jailed, the medication subsidy discontinued, and the health insurance expired, the monthly medical expenses reverted to costing tens of thousands of dollars.Charles talked to his mother for a while before leaving. “My salary is only 8000 dollars per month. How am I going to do this?” He felt lost. Suddenly, his phone rang. Looking at the screen and seeing an unregistered number, he answered it. “Hello, we’re from the loan company…” Charles hung up immediately. For some reason, the loan company had caught wind of his situation and reached out to make him an offer. He sighed, baffled by how quickly they had obtained such accurate information. His father
The Guardian's Return Chapter 517
As the only mentee, Ethan took over governing Riveria after the Grand Marshal passed.First, he tackled the issue between Riveria and the land beyond the borders, calming all the conflicts. After that, he entered the Lowes and used George’s identity to continue governing the state. Since George never really did his job, Ethan took full control, which led to his hair growing white at a young age. However, now that he had stepped down, it only took him half a year of rest at Drakthorn Ridge to regain his health. Charles looked at Ethan blankly, not knowing how to react. He was rude a moment ago, calling Ethan a criminal and threatening to serve justice. Now, Ethan turned out to be his family’s savior. He tried to speak but lacked the courage to do so. Ethan said, “Let’s leave the past behind for now. I’m here today to tell you that I’ve been imprisoned, so everything under my name will be forced to cease operation, including the institute. The health insurance plan and the medic
The Guardian's Return Chapter 516
Justin pulled out a bank card and handed it to Ethan with both hands. “There’s one 100 thousand dollars here.” Ethan nodded and said, “Give him the card.” Justin turned around and gave Charles the card with one hand. Charles was confused. Why would the director of the Security Bureau give him 100 thousand dollars? “Are you bribing me? Is that what you can do, Ethan Rivers?” He laughed. “I’m telling you, money is not almighty! I won’t take this! I won’t take whatever you have to offer, and I will not bow to money! And most importantly, I will not bow to you! “You are a criminal! So is the director of the Security Bureau! The hammer of justice will be waiting for you!” He tapped Justin’ hand away, sending the card flying. “This is my answer! I will never compromise!” Charles looked at Ethan scornfully. Ethan glanced at the card on the floor. “The money inside the card was originally yours.” “Huh?” Charles was surprised. “What do you mean?” Then, a middle-aged man stro
