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Chapter 478
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The Guardian's Return Chapter 479
“You’ve lost your mind.” Ethan’s words cut through the air like a knife, and a chill ran down Stephen’s spine. He thought of the doctors and nurses and how Nolan looked at him yesterday. “Impossible!” Stephen shook his head in denial, hoping to shake the doubts away. He was not crazy. He knew no one believed him, but if he started questioning himself too, then it would all be over. “I’m fine. I’m sane. I’m awake! I’m not crazy. You’re just messing with me!” Stephen shouted. Ethan smiled. “You know better than anyone if Jeremy is dead or not. You’re the one who killed him. You watched him die.” Stephen felt a punch in his soul. Images of Jeremy’s lifeless face, his cold, empty eyes, flooded Stephen’s mind once again. He panicked, his breathing hurried. “He’s not dead. You must’ve saved him!” Stephen said, his resolve beginning to crack. “Tell me where he is!” Ethan said, “You know the answer to that question better than me. You’re the one who chose his burial spot. Why
The Guardian's Return Chapter 480
Austin was glad he told Stephen that Jeremy was still alive because he could use it to save Stephen. “Ethan certainly did not expect his own cleverness to backfire on him.” Stephen’s hopeless eyes gleamed and slowly regained focus. “Are you sure?” Austin glanced cautiously at Ethan and said, “I am.” On the way here, Austin could not stop thinking. Stephen had everything—wealth, power, and influence. With just a single word, Stephen could achieve a level of success that most people could not even dream of, so why had he been completely devastated?When he saw Stephen collapse on the floor, losing his mind, while Ethan sipped on his tea calmly, he knew the answer. It was all because of the man before his eyes. He helped Stephen up. After taking a deep breath, he looked at Stephen. “Why are you pushing him this far? This is too much!” Austin was furious. Ethan was a criminal, and Stephen was the one who governed Riveria. Stephen’s well-being would affect the lives of mill
The Guardian's Return Chapter 481
Ethan knew why Jeremy refused to meet Stephen again, so he told Austin the news and got him to inform Stephen that those letters were all fake. Snow did not care about him, and Jeremy gave up on him long ago!Stephen was able to pull himself together because of those fabricated letters. If he found out they were all lies and learned the harsh truth behind them, what would he do? He would not go mad but choose to end his own life instead. He would LAO be the one ultimately responsible for Stephen’s death! Ethan was using him to push Stephen to his death!Austin’s face turned pale as he looked at Stephen in horror, speechless. After all the trouble he went through to save Stephen, he was about to push Stephen back into the abyss again.Was he really a psychologist?Stephen grabbed Austin’s collar. “Tell me! Why did Jeremy refuse to see me? What’s up about the forged letters? Have you all been lying to me this whole time?”Austin’s head hung low, and he did not dare to speak. He wa
The Guardian's Return Chapter 482
By noon, Ganter arrived at the mansion. When he saw Ethan, he was a little shocked. The Austin he knew was always quick-witted, strong, and quickly adaptable. They even once argued on the topic of whether curing a patient with schizophrenia meant killing their friend or lover and if there was a way for both to exist. He thought Austin had remarkable talent and was the chosen one, unparalleled among his peers. However, when he saw Ethan, he realized how naive his assumption had been. Before going up the mountain, he had asked Simon and the others for information about Ethan, including his age. However, despite having prepared himself mentally, Ganter was still intimidated by Ethan’s calm aura and his eyes that seemed to see through his very soul. He appeared to be about the same age as Austin, yet the pressure he radiated felt as if it came from a mentor, not a peer!“Dr. Steel, did you come to seek justice for your protege or to settle Stephen’s grudge?” Ethan’s voice sounded.
The Guardian's Return Chapter 483
Ganter gritted his teeth. “Okay. I promise you!”Ethan took out his phone and dialed Andy’s number. “Lord Rivers, what can I do for you?” Andy asked respectfully. The more he knew about Riveria and its foreign borders, the more he realized Ethan’s influence. The name Ethan had even become a symbol of power beyond the borders!“Is Jeremy available?” Ethan said, “Arrange a time for Jeremy and Stephen to get on a video call.”Andy was confused as to why Ethan would suddenly want Jeremy to see Stephen. However, since it was Ethan’s orders, he would do as he was told. “What does Jeremy have to say to Stephen?” Andy asked. “Just have him express his true thoughts. Oh,” Ethan added, “If you’re in need of money, you can use this opportunity to get more from Stephen.”Andy immediately understood Ethan’s intention. “Got it.”After the call ended, Ethan gave Ganter a number. “As you wish. Stephen can have a video call with Jeremy.”Ganter said gratefully, “Thank you.”Ethan smiled.
The Guardian's Return Chapter 484
Simon tried to calm himself. “You hate Stephen, don’t you?”“Yes.” Andy was honest. “He nearly got me killed.”“He didn’t mean to.”“It would have been better if it was!” Andy was enraged. Images of the man getting shot in the chest and the team sacrificing themselves to save him flashed across his mind. There were also those people living in suffering, chanting Ethan’s name, yet Stephen, out of his own selfishness, imprisoned Ethan on Drakthorn Ridge. Simon could see from Andy’s reaction that the man did not plan to forgive Stephen this time. He let out a sigh. He had watched Andy grow up and never expected the day would come when these best friends would become enemies. “Let me see him.” Simon decided to give in and pay. The camera shifted, and he saw Jeremy standing beside Andy. After confirming that Jeremy was alive, he asked, “Did Ethan save him?”“Yes.” Andy said, “Because Jeremy is still alive, Stephen has a chance to overcome this, but the irony is that the person
The Guardian's Return Chapter 485
Nolan was getting anxious. Stephen had recovered and would be back in Hill City in no time. Besides, with Stephen having met with Jeremy, Nolan was worried that Jeremy might’ve said things he should not. Adding to that, the South Regent’s forces were about to return to Hill City, and he also had to rescue the South Regent’s men. He started planning how to rescue them while discreetly finding out what Jeremy and Stephen talked about. However, when he learned that Jeremy did not mention him, he sighed in relief. Two days later, Stephen returned to Hill City, accompanied by Ganter and Austin. Ganter had promised Ethan to become a psychologist in Hill City, and Austin realized that he still had much to learn after this incident, so he decided to tag along with Ganter. Stephen was very grateful to Ganter and Austin as both of them had essentially saved his life. Hence, he arranged accommodations for them and even bought a storefront for Ganter. “If you need anything in the future, j
The Guardian's Return Chapter 486
Since it was Stephen’s order, he could not refuse. Besides, he actually knew how Hill City had achieved stability in the past. While Julius did play a part, Ethan was the one who truly made things work.The Spencers had stood up against Ethan back then, so they knew him very well. Ethan would pit the forces in Riveria against foreign forces, causing them to weaken each other. At the same time, he would get a significant amount of money from the forces in Riveria, like what he had done to the Spencers. He had taken away 90% of the Spencers’ assets. As for the foreign forces, Ethan would have the South Regent deal with them, and then obtain benefits from the South Regent, such as money and people he trusted. With money and manpower, Ethan was able to further eliminate the forces in Riveria, keeping useful ones for the city’s development.After Riveria’s GDP surpassed the 20-trillion mark, he began the final clean-up, sparing those willing to change and arresting those who resisted.
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The Guardian's Return Chapter 894
The livestream was not over yet. Stephen admitted publicly to everything he had done over the past six months, from framing Ethan to bringing men to raid his properties, only to find that Ethan bought every house with his own earnings, and it was full of thank-you letters from people he had helped. “He wrote novels, songs, scripts, produced TV shows, movies, held charities, built roads, founded schools and hospitals, and gave Riveria a total makeover, turning it into its prosperous state today. And the novels he wrote, the movies he produced—you’ve all seen them.”Stephen admitted his mistakes and also laid bare Ethan’s sacrifices and contributions. Knowing they had all read the novels Ethan wrote, and many of them were even loyal fans, the viewers felt numb. They often discussed why the author stopped publishing, wondering whether the author was slacking off. On top of that, all those TV shows and movies were commercial hits, gaining high ratings on all platforms. Half were hai
The Guardian's Return Chapter 893
[When you come into the world, something else will be born alongside you. You will start your own life, while it will embark on its journey. It moves slowly but never stops. No matter where you go or which path you choose, it will follow you every step of the way. You may run ahead while it strolls, or you may stop to rest. But it needs no such thing. [Some day, when life gets comfortable, or the most unexpected of times, you will notice a shadow beside you. But it will be too late by then, and your life will end there.]The shadow was death, and it was also his mission. Perhaps his only mission in life was to speak the truth and make Ethan’s contributions known to the world.The number of viewers in Stephen’s livestream skyrocketed as the shocking revelation spread like wildfire. With major media platforms reposting it, the number of viewers hit two million in just a minute,Looking at the rapidly climbing numbers, Stephen had never felt calmer. He knew what he was supposed to do
The Guardian's Return Chapter 892
Looking at the viewers in his livestream, Stephen took a deep breath and faced the camera solemnly. He explained, “I’m sorry. I lied to everyone.”The sudden apology baffled the viewers. They had no idea what Stephen was doing. “The truth is…” Stephen choked, his next words stuck in his throat. It was because he was afraid. He knew that telling the truth would doom him, and he did not want to die. He was still young, and as the Quinn family’s heir, there should be a lifetime of luxury waiting for him to enjoy. However, at the thought of Riveria and the Quinns’ current situation, he overcame that fear. He may not want to die, but more than anything, he wanted the Quinns to survive. Besides, it was unlikely for him to meet Snow, Lily, his best friends, and the people who died helping him ever again. Hence, this was his last and best chance to apologize. He looked into the camera. “I’m not the Grand Marshal’s mentee.”His words left the millions of viewers in the livestream in s
The Guardian's Return Chapter 891
Harrison was speechless. He had no idea that the situation was to that extent. Simon continued, “If you have time, give Stephen a call. You’ll understand everything when you see how he looks now.”After the call ended, Harrison was left feeling confused. Why would he understand everything once he sees Stephen? Puzzled, he tried dialing Stephen’s number. Soon, the video call connected. When he saw the person on the screen, Harrison was stunned. He stood rigid, mouth agape, his aged face filled with shock. The feeling was similar to watching someone get hit brutally by a truck but land safely, perfectly unharmed. “You’re Stephen?” Harrison blurted out. Stephen nodded. Harrison’s phone nearly dropped out of his hand. When Stephen headed to Riveria, he was so young and proud, but now, his hair had turned white, and he had wrinkles on his face. His grandson looked almost as old as him!“How?”Stephen said, “This is karma.”His tone was eerily calm, but his eyes were full of re
The Guardian's Return Chapter 890
Simon asked weakly, “Is there really no chance?”Ethan replied calmly, “Figure it out yourselves. This has nothing to do with me.”With those words, Simon’s last hope was completely shattered. His body swayed. He wanted to say many things, but in the end, he could not utter a single word and stood up in a daze.“Sorry for disturbing you.”With that, he turned and slowly left. At that moment, he felt like he aged a lot. Regret filled his heart. If he had known, he would never have provoked Ethan in the first place. He was the one who cut off every retreat and every path to survival.He had doomed himself!As soon as he left the villa, his phone rang. It was a call from his father, Harrison.“Something's happened!” Harrison said anxiously. “Stephen just announced that he’s going to reveal the truth that he deceived everyone! What’s he trying to do? He’s not really going to expose the truth, right?”Simon was silent. He did not expect Stephen to act so quickly. Stephen had just ca
The Guardian's Return Chapter 889
Stephen continued, “I’ve already made up my mind. I just called you to tell you about this. This is my decision. No matter what happens next, don’t try to help me.”Simon was moved. Stephen was telling them to watch as he walked to his death. Simon could not bear it, but the problem was too significant. Refusing would make no difference.In the end, he took a deep breath and said in a low voice, “I understand.”Stephen forced a smile. “Thanks.”The call ended.Simon stood still, holding his phone, lost in thought. In that final moment, Stephen did not seem like a young man, but an elder.“He really has... surpassed me.”Stephen finally had the strength to take over the Quinn family and lead it to glory, but he was going to die. Simon looked up at the sky and could not help but remember the word that Stephen said.“Fate.”What if he took Stephen’s place in death? Could that save him?However, after thinking about it, it was impossible. This whole incident involved Ethan. Ethan
The Guardian's Return Chapter 888
“What?” Simon was shocked.Reveal the truth? How could they do that?Coveting Ethan’s achievements, they wanted to take Riveria from him and claim his victories as their own. They worked with the Lowe family to frame Ethan, erased all his contributions, and painted him as a corrupt official who embezzled money to support his mistresses.Even now, many people still believed them and cursed Ethan online every day.If the truth were exposed, the Quinns would be finished. No one in the Quinns and the Lowes would be able to escape.“Have you gone mad?”Stephen shook his head. “I’m thinking straight. I’ve never been more rational than I am right now. I’ll reveal the truth, but I won’t implicate the Quinns.”He said slowly, “I’ll take all the blame upon myself. The only one who dies will be me.”Simon paled. “No!”Sacrificing Stephen to save the Quinns—he could not accept that!Stephen was the only heir of the Quinn family, and he represented the family’s image. If the public found
The Guardian's Return Chapter 887
A few minutes later, Stephen finally accepted reality and slowly walked out of the washroom.Still feeling lightheaded, he searched through the medicine cabinet, swallowed some fever medicine, and sat on the couch.“I don’t have much time left.”Stephen began executing his final plan. He would take the blame for everything and reveal the truth. Once he did that, Ethan’s name would be cleared, and he would reclaim everything that was rightfully his. The Quinns would also have a chance to survive.The only person who would die was himself.Stephen was afraid of death in the past, but it was different now. He had lost everything. His heart was shattered beyond repair. His heart completely died the moment Snow and Lily walked away from him.Rhys’s experience gave him the courage to face death. They had gone through similar experiences and shared the same fate of death, but Rhys had chosen to meet it head-on.Stephen took out his phone and started drafting his statement. He had to ex
The Guardian's Return Chapter 886
George rushed out upon hearing Rachel’s scream.“There’s a stranger in the house! He’s in the bathroom now!”George grabbed a broom and walked forward nervously. Who would dare to break into the Lowes' house? However, when he saw Stephen’s current appearance, he froze.George was in his fifties and had greying hair and wrinkles while Stephen was only in his twenties. However, Stephen looked even older than him.George rubbed his eyes, thinking they were playing tricks on him. When he opened them again, Stephen still had a head full of white hair.“That’s Stephen?”Behind him, Rachel covered her mouth in shock.The first time she saw Stephen, she had been attracted by his looks. Although he was not as handsome as Ethan, his status as an heir, along with his background and aura, added to his charm.However, that once-dashing Stephen had turned into an old man with white hair and wrinkles. His powerful aura as the heir of the Quinns was completely gone. Now, he no longer looked li
