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Chapter 324
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The Guardian's Return Chapter 325
Tommy looked at Ethan in shock. He heard about what happened from his father but hearing it from Ethan in person felt different. He knew what his uncle had done in the past. “Uncle Lars got what he deserved. As for my grandparents and mother, they just have to be. It’s fate.” “Fate?” Ethan muttered. After a few rounds of questions, he got a general idea of Tommy’s personality. Unlike his father, the boy could still be saved. “I won’t stop your father, but I can give you two pieces of advice. “First, collect evidence of his crimes and give them to Stephen Quinn. Though you might not be able to fool your father and after today, you won’t get the chance to leave Stone Village again.” Once Nico realized his son was missing, he would go looking for the boy. When he found out that his son went to Ethan’s place, Tommy would surely be grounded. It was not just because Tommy had met Ethan but also because Tommy knew too much. “Second piece of advice: cut ties with your father and br
The Guardian's Return Chapter 326
Nico gnashed his teeth, thinking that his plan for revenge could not drag on any further. When he met with Ethan earlier, Ethan showed no signs of panic, which meant the man might have some backup plan in place. That was why Nico decided that he had to strike first!Nico called the villagers over and asked, “Do you think you’ve made enough money?”Everyone shook their heads. Who would ever complain about making more money? However, that was exactly the answer Nico was looking for. He said, “I have a way to make money quickly. A lot of these out-of-town companies have been leasing orchards and farms around here. The fruit’s ripe, and the animals are fully grown.“You should gather villagers from other villages to pick their fruits and take their animals. Those fruit and animals could be sold for a lot of money!”The villagers’ eyes lit up at the suggestion.“That’s a good idea.”“We’re locals, and these companies are from out of town. They can’t do anything to us.”“We’ll go
The Guardian's Return Chapter 327
Upon learning that the person standing before him was Riveria’s current governor, Martin was shocked. All they did was steal some fruits and livestock. How did it startle such a high-ranking figure? However, quickly calming down, Martin smiled and said, “What brought you here? If you’d informed me beforehand, I would have prepared good food and wine to welcome you.”“I don’t need it.” Stephen said coldly, “I don’t feel at ease enjoying your food and wine. I have a question for you. Did your villagers raid the orchards and farms owned by those companies?”Martin thought, ‘So it really is about that.’He feigned ignorance. “I don’t know.”Stephen slammed his hands on the table with a bang. “Are you sure?”“I really don’t.”Although Martin did not directly participate in the raid, his wife and children went, and many of the involved villagers gifted him goods as tribute. Whether the villagers ate or sold those fruits and animals, it would only benefit the village. Therefore, he wo
The Guardian's Return Chapter 328
“Perhaps this is all the South Regent’s plan. He wants to use the same trick to drive away the companies here, subsequently bringing in his own businesses, forcing me to support his enterprises!”At that thought, Stephen’s face turned grim. It was very much possible. After all, because of that move, he lost to the South Regent in the previous city, Celestial City. “How dare he try again? This time, I won’t let him succeed! If I’m deceived and tricked again, I’ll have failed the Quinns!”Stephen took out his phone and dialed George’s number.“Did you hear? Today, many villages suddenly acted together and raided some companies’ orchards and farms, causing a total economic loss of 23 billion.”George nodded. “I heard.”However, he did not know that the losses were as high as 23 billion!“What’s the situation?”“I’m guessing it was the South Regent’s plan.” Stephen said, “He wanted to repeat what he did to Celestial City and force the companies away, so he can forcefully move hi
The Guardian's Return Chapter 329
Stephen also noticed the commotion online. “They want Ethan to come back…”Things were getting out of hand. The people thought Ethan was a criminal, but he knew there was no problem with Ethan. In fact, Stephen knew that if Ethan returned, he would not be able to keep his position, and the truth would come to light. Then, he would be in big trouble! He quickly called George to help him figure out a solution. At that moment, George was in Stone Village. Julius had received a tip that someone was selling rare wild animals in Stone Village, so he quickly investigated it, and George followed to keep an eye on him.Nico welcomed them both warmly. After learning that Julius had come to investigate the wild animal trade, he told the villagers to show him around to check if there was evidence. Julius agreed readily, and George wanted to go along, but Stephen’s call came at that moment. “Those companies are threatening me with Ethan. What should I do now?”George frowned as he li
The Guardian's Return Chapter 330
Nico watched as George and Julius left Stone Village. After they disappeared from his sight, his expression immediately turned grim. “Julius is already suspicious of me. Unlike Stephen and George, he’s not easy to fool like Stephen and George. I must get rid of him, or he’ll ruin my plan.”Nico started thinking, trying to find a way to get rid of Julius easily. At the same time, the South Regent learned that both Nico and Tommy had met Ethan. “I remember those two.” He had gotten his men to investigate them, and their identities were quickly uncovered. “So they’re Lars Wyatt’s brother and nephew. They’re brave to have met Ethan.”He continued reading and got to know what happened in Hill City. After Nico killed his brother, he was jailed for three years. He was only released over a month ago and had been re-elected as the village chief after the previous village chief’s mysterious disappearance. It was not hard for the South Regent to piece things together, figuring out t
The Guardian's Return Chapter 331
George immediately perked up. “Quick, what is it?”“The mayor is in contact with forces beyond the border. He is heading to an abandoned factory three miles before Stone Village to meet up with the other side.”George’s eyes widened. He knew it!He had guessed correctly from the start that Julius was working for the South Regent! Now, Julius had finally slipped up and exposed himself!“You did well!”George hung up the call and immediately reported the news to Stephen. “He’s meeting up with foreign forces?” Stephen said excitedly, “Use this opportunity to catch him red-handed and expose the South Regent’s evil plan!”George immediately called the police, instructing them to head to the factory and arrest Julius. However, worried that Julius would escape in advance, he also rushed to the factory after ending the call. In Stone Village, Nico put down his phone and smiled slyly. “All I need to do next is wait until they wear each other out. Then, I can swoop in and reap the bene
The Guardian's Return Chapter 332
George sneered, refusing to believe what Julius was saying.“I’d suggest you save your energy. Leave your excuses for when you get in prison!”Julius gritted his teeth in frustration. He knew he could not be arrested. He was the only one keeping watch on Nico now, and if he were to be locked up, Nico would be on the loose. When that time came, the orchards and farms would not be the only ones affected!“I can’t go with you,” Julius stated firmly. He could not get caught now that Nico had set his sights on Hill City. He must protect Hill City!Protecting Hill City meant protecting Stephen as well. If anything happened to Hill City, Stephen’s life would be over. “You don’t have a say in that.”George’s expression was cold. He could not back down because Julius worked for the South Regent and was trying to help the South Regent to destroy Hill City, just like all that had happened in the previous few cities. He must protect Hill City, and most importantly, he had to protect Ste
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The Guardian's Return Chapter 668
His question rubbed salt in Stephen’s wounds, and it hurt. “I’m not in the mood now, nor have I thought about it,” Stephen replied. “Why? Are you that busy?” Simon pressed. Stephen took a deep breath. “When Lily made her final call to me, I hung up on her because of Rachel.”Simon was stunned to hear that. He realized that the problem might be more severe than he expected. From now on, whenever Rachel wanted to sleep with Stephen, he would think of that missed call. That call he had once hung up impatiently would become the regret that would haunt him for the rest of his life. Simon wanted to say something but hesitated. After a while, he finally asked, “Do you still want to sleep with women?”“No,” Stephen said honestly. “It makes me want to throw up.”Simon’s expression turned ugly. The worst-case scenario still happened in the end. The overwhelming stress and trauma had caused Stephen to lose interest in women, and getting him to have a child with someone would be a
The Guardian's Return Chapter 667
“Ah!” Stephen screamed. “Don’t kill me!”He clutched his head with both hands and immediately crouched down on the ground. “Why aren’t you the one dead?” A familiar voice rang out beside him.Stephen trembled and cautiously raised his head to see that all the coffins had vanished and only one person stood before him. The thick mist made it difficult for him to see the person’s face clearly. The next second, as if a breeze just swept through, the mist swirled, and Stephen finally saw the face of the man before him. Recognizing the man immediately, Stephen’s eyes widened. It was Ethan! “You don’t want to die, and neither did they. Why did you kill them?” Ethan looked down at Stephen.Stephen’s face paled. “I didn’t. I didn’t mean to. I didn’t want to kill anyone!”“Is that so?” The South Regent slowly stepped out from the side. “You might be able to explain it if there was only one death, but how many lives has it been now? Do you even remember? You only pick the ones closes
The Guardian's Return Chapter 666
Many people added insult to the injury, mocking Stephen further. “You deserve it!”“Do you want our pity? Truth be told, you brought it all onto yourself.”“What’s this called? This is karma. You’ve done terrible things, and now that your childhood sweetheart is dead, you realize how painful it is, huh?”“It was unlucky for Lily to have met someone like you.”Stephen did not dare to read the comments. In the past, he had spread rumors about Ethan to make everyone misunderstand the man and launch relentless attacks on Ethan online. At that time, he felt delighted about it. Now, it was his turn, and even his friends and Lily were dragged into it. Stephen was heartbroken, and regret consumed him. He knew the words that attacked Ethan were fake. Ethan had never embezzled or bribed anyone. He made everything up, and worst of all, the anger of others did not affect Ethan. However, the criticisms aimed at him were all true. He had indeed done too many wrongs that he now regretted
The Guardian's Return Chapter 665
Simon had tried to retain businesses, but only small, insignificant ones stayed. The large and medium-sized enterprises that comprised the bulk of Breeze City’s economic activities all chose to leave.The only solution he could think of now was to create new opportunities to attract other businesses."And the development zone issue must be addressed too."Simon knew that the problem would not just disappear if they ignored it."We'll have to spend money to fix it."He thought they could use Breeze City's funds to fill that hole, though the impact would be enormous since the city barely had any money left. As such, he planned a meeting the next day to discuss those plans.He found Stephen in his room. "Get some rest with Rachel. You'll need to attend a meeting with me tomorrow."In the room, Rachel had not forgotten her main purpose—to have Stephen's child.Now that they were in the same room, she tried to seduce him again. However, when Stephen saw her lying undressed on the be
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
