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Chapter 509
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The Guardian's Return Chapter 510
“Unfortunately, your arrogance and pride haven’t changed. Did you think you understood me so well that a few words would convince me to help you? If it were that easy, there would not be any poor people left in the world.”Stephen was stunned. Ethan’s response caught him off guard. He thought that Ethan would agree to help him.“I do have a way to help you.” Ethan smiled faintly.Stephen’s eyes lit up. “What is it?”“Go down the mountain now, head home to charge your phone, and take bus No. 11 to the plaza. Then, start a livestream to confess the whole truth, then kill yourself on camera. After that, I’ll come down from the mountain and take over Riveria again. I’ll enter the cabinet and destroy the Quinns for you.” Ethan smiled. “If you were to take the Quinns on for yourself, it would take twenty or thirty years, but if I handle it, it won’t take long. I’ll get rid of them in just fourteen days.”Swoosh!Stephen stood up, glaring at Ethan furiously. “Are you mocking me?”Ethan
The Guardian's Return Chapter 511
“You noticed Snow gave me five million dollars but failed to see that it was her entire life savings, and you certainly missed her subsequent death," Ethan said."You saw the South Regent gave me 10 million dollars but missed the fact that he and Jeremy had only met once—and Jeremy was actually an enemy who infiltrated his company to steal information."Stephen's head drooped lower and lower as Ethan continued."If you can give me the Quinns’ entire fortune, kill Simon, and somehow survive afterward… I might consider helping you once. Or, if you can get one of your enemies to ask for my help with money in hand, I might consider it. I won't ask for much. Just a single dollar would do."Stephen was speechless. Those conditions were impossible to meet.He slumped back onto the sofa, his energy visibly draining away. After being mocked, Stephen had no counter to Ethan's arguments, both emotionally and logically. Though frustrated, Stephen truly could not think of any solution.At tha
The Guardian's Return Chapter 512
Instead of rushing, Stephen rushed back to Hill City while contacting Howard and the others. Although Ethan had not provided any help, he managed to come up with his solution. He did not need them to vouch for him; he just needed them to stop talking about the Grand Marshal's mentee situation.Stephen spent several hundred million dollars, successfully silencing Howard and the others. After resolving that issue, he had his team prepare a statement. The content focused on an apology, explaining that everything was a conspiracy and claiming that someone was deliberately trying to frame him.Since he had paid Howard and the others to keep quiet, he could loudly proclaim his innocence without worrying about them coming forward with explanations. As long as they stayed quiet, even if people had doubts, there would be no concrete evidence to prove anything. Then, he would video himself helping others, promote those videos heavily, and continue suppressing the negative voices. Before long
The Guardian's Return Chapter 513
Hearing that, Stephen finally felt the weight lift from his shoulders. At least, part of the issue was settled now. All that remained was to hold a meeting to discuss how to increase welfare in Hill City, and that incident would be over. However, Stephen dared not rest yet. He immediately called people over for a meeting.In the conference room, Stephen spoke gravely, "I'm going to increase welfare in Hill City. I want everyone to report which areas need improvement."Everyone found it strange that Stephen would suddenly think about increasing welfare.Nolan frowned and said, "Sir, we understand what you want to do and how you’re feeling, but Hill City's current situation doesn't allow this."Hill City's GDP had fallen to just one trillion dollars, and it was taking everything they had just to prevent it from dropping further. Increasing welfare now would only burn through Hill City's GDP, meaning that the disadvantages of the decision outweighed the benefits.Stephen looked at
The Guardian's Return Chapter 514
Stephen fell silent as he recalled his thoughts. Ethan had remained calm throughout their interaction, while he was the one who had been anxious. Their interaction could not be considered an argument as Ethan had crushed him, one-sidedly.Nolan continued, "Being scolded is one thing, but you didn't threaten him or try to deceive him, did you?"Stephen remained silent. He had indeed tried to play innocent to trick Ethan into helping.Seeing Stephen's reaction, Nolan's heart sank. This was bad! The worst-case scenario had happened."Let me guess. You had a problem and tried to trick Ethan into solving it?"Stephen snapped out of his thoughts, asking in confusion, "What's wrong with that?"Nolan paused before responding, "You’ve invited disaster, and worst of all, you didn’t leave before it hit. I admire your courage, but it should be directed elsewhere."Too many people had tried to deceive and kill Ethan before. However, the many deaths that unfolded proved one thing: if they wer
The Guardian's Return Chapter 515
"Who are you?" Charles asked nervously. Finding a stranger in his home, he suspected a burglar had intruded. However, based on how calmly the man was sitting on the sofa, it seemed like the man had been waiting.Charles quickly introduced himself, "I'm Stephen Quinn's assistant. What do you want here?"Ethan looked at him and smiled faintly. "I'm Ethan Rivers."Charles felt a shiver down his spine."You're Ethan Rivers?"Just moments ago, he had been talking about Ethan, saying if he ever got the chance to meet him, he would handle him for Stephen’s sake. Now, before him, in his house, was Ethan.Charles then recalled what Nolan had said about people across Riveria owing Ethan favors and that someone might come home to find Ethan waiting for them.He thought long and hard. He had never met Ethan before, much less owed him any favors. Since he did not owe Ethan anything, it meant he did not have to be afraid of Ethan!Realizing that, Charles sneered, "So you're Ethan Rivers. I
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
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
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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
The Guardian's Return Chapter 885
Stephen’s mind went blank. Pleading Ethan to return did not work. He had missed his final opportunity. Ethan no longer cared about Riveria anymore. He was doomed, and so was Riveria. “Enough,” Ethan said. “You can leave. This should be the last time we meet.”After that, Ethan turned around and walked back into the villa. “No!”Stephen scrambled over to Ethan on his hands and knees, trying to grab hold of his thigh. Thud! Ethan’s strength surpassed that of a military expert. Before Stephen could reach him, Ethan kicked him to the ground. Stephen rolled on the floor disgracefully and was covered with dust when he stopped, looking like a beggar on the side of the road. “Please. Give me and Riveria a chance. I’ll tell everyone the truth!”Bang. Only the sound of the door closing slowly responded to him. Stephen crawled up and slumped on the ground. He failed to get Ethan to step in. Even his life was not worth anything now. All of the karma had come to him.Stephen’s b
The Guardian's Return Chapter 884
After waking up from his dream, he must face the fact that they had already left. “I’m fine,” Stephen said weakly. “Please discharge me.”He knew he was not physically sick, but it was his mind that was troubled. Staying in the hospital further was useless. He knew he had more important things to do and that staying would only waste his time.The nurse frowned. “I’ll let them know.”Discharging Stephen from the hospital was not a decision the nurse could make on her own. The doctor arrived and gave Stephen a full-body examination.“You’re in a bad state. We recommend you stay in the hospital and have some rest.”Stephen shook his head. “No.”“But…”“No buts!” Stephen raised his voice, “I don’t have much time left!”After joining the Rhys Festival, learning about Rhys, and hearing that Snow and Lily chose to leave him, he had a dream. In his dream, Rhys said that he had a way to solve the problem and asked him to follow him.Although he could not follow Rhys, Stephen knew tha
