If Ethan was removed and the South Regent made a move again, would the cities at the borders survive?George and Stephen’s expressions were grim with anger when their plan was exposed.“Nonsense. Ethan is just an orphan with no skills. He even dropped out of high school. What contributions has he made?“On the other hand, Stephen is the son of the Quinns in the capital. Not only did he graduate from the top academy, but he also studied abroad for three years and gained exceptional skills. Ethan is nothing compared to Stephen!”Zane scoffed in disdain. “If he’s so amazing, the GDP of the capital should’ve long surpassed that of Riveria and become the top in the nation, right?”George was instantly silenced, and Stephen’s expression darkened further.“I only have one thing to say. Riveria when it’s managed by Ethan and when not are two completely different places. Ethan will have an easier life if he leaves Riveria, but without him, Riveria will crumble!”George slammed the table
As Liam took a closer look, he gasped in shock. The street was filled with cars, and beside each car stood two to three men in suits, standing tall!All of them were dressed in suits and ties, looking like they were there for a job interview. Liam and his men were so startled that their hands instinctively moved toward their guns.Just then… “Welcome, Lord Rivers!” They all spoke in unison, their voices booming in perfect harmony.Dumbfounded, Liam turned to look at Ethan with his men, wondering if those people were there to greet Ethan.Their eyes widened with disbelief, and they failed to wrap their head around the situation. Who exactly was Ethan to be able to summon so many people in that chaotic place?Ethan, however, merely glanced at them calmly. “The South Regent promised he wouldn’t cross the border. Is he going back on his word?”A young man in a red suit quickly stepped forward, dropping to his knee and lowering his head respectfully. “You’ve misunderstood, Lord Rive
“Whose grave is it?”The man quickly covered Liam’s mouth.“Shh! Don’t ask questions you shouldn’t. All you need to know is that while there’s chaos and bloodshed at the base of the mountain, no one dares to fire a single shot up here.”Liam’s eyes widened as he stared at the grave, finding it terrifying! There could be gunfire and explosions below, yet no one dared to disturb the peace of the place?“Master, it’s been a long time.”Ethan opened the bottle of whiskey and slowly poured it in front of the tombstone.“I came in a hurry this time, so I didn’t bring the good stuff, but I know you never liked drinking anyway.“You told me to look after Riveria for a year, but I did it for three. In those three years, I’ve watched Riveria turn from a chaotic place to a land where people can live in peace.“Your student, I, didn’t let you down. I’ve turned Riveria into the place you always dreamed of. I’ve done all I can, and now that Riveria is thriving, it’s time for me to move on.”
As he drove, he was rattled to see the suited men lining the road. Firstly, he was terrified by the sheer number of men because their presence indicated that the South Regent’s power was far greater than he had imagined. However, what really shocked him was how deferential they all were to Ethan. Even someone as powerful as the South Regent treated Ethan with such respect!He could not help but think, ‘I wonder if the lieutenant governor has spoken to the governor. If the governor is still bent on locking Ethan up, Riveria will be in ruins.’In the evening, Liam took Ethan back to the station. His subordinates approached, looking at him, confused.“Chief, where should we put him?”They glanced at Ethan as they spoke. They could not possibly put someone like him in a regular cell, could they?Liam was also at a loss. The station was not equipped for long-term accommodations, let alone anything with a comfortable bed.Ethan, who had overheard their conversation, said calmly, “Just put m
However, he did not dare to say that out loud.All he did was look at the door and shout, “Leave the door open so Mr. Rivers can come and go as he pleases, got that? Also, get some curtains to cover that iron door. We’ll replace the door soon.“Say, is it me, or is that lightbulb dim? Isn’t it time we upgraded the bathroom? I’ll have a hot water system and a bathtub installed tomorrow!”Liam muttered to himself, loud enough for everyone to hear, as if he was venting his frustrations to someone else. He genuinely felt sorry for Ethan. After everything Ethan had sacrificed, that should not be his fate.Meanwhile, the inmates in the other cells were bewildered, not knowing what was going on. They all pressed their faces against the bars, trying to look outside. Just who could be so important for Liam to make such a big fuss?After ensuring Ethan was settled, Liam left, not wanting to disturb the man further. Once outside, he called the lieutenant governor, Zane, and asked about the situat
“You’ve just taken office, so they'll have their opinions about you and target you at every turn. That is why you have to find a way to publicly take Ethan down.”Stephen put down the toast, thought about it, and realized George was right. Since he had just arrived, his only supporters were George and Rachel.He needed to kick Ethan down to prove his capabilities and show everyone he was far stronger than Ethan! Then, managing Riveria would be much easier. Even achieving a GDP of 20 trillion might not seem so far-fetched.Stephen asked, “Do you have any ideas on how to do that?”George smirked. “Of course. That’s exactly what I wanted to talk to you about today. Ethan owns several properties in Regal Estates, the most upscale neighborhood in Riveria. That’s where all his mistresses live. “At the right time, invite those close to Ethan and expose him right in front of them. Then…” George trailed off and smiled slyly.Stephen caught on. It was about publicly humiliating Ethan.No
“What?” Liam was shocked by the startling news.“Mr. Rivers, are you joking?” Liam found it hard to believe.Ethan chuckled. “You’ll soon find out if I am.”Then, he finished his breakfast and left.By noon, Stephen’s office was already filled with officials who had previously worked with Ethan. Even the lieutenant governor, Zane, was present. He had his arms crossed, looking visibly angry. Anyone could tell it was best not to provoke him at the moment.When the others saw Zane’s mood, they became curious. “What’s going on?”Noting everyone had arrived, Stephen said, “I know all of you have a good relationship with Ethan Rivers, but I have some news. Ethan has been arrested for embezzlement and bribery.”Except for Zane and Liam, that announcement shocked everyone present.“Ethan embezzled and took bribes?”“That can’t be!”“Is there some kind of mistake?”They had all seen Ethan’s work over the years. He was always hands-on with everything. He was even the first to arriv
“Who does he think he is? The king?”Many of them did not know Ethan well, so they started believing Stephen, thinking that Ethan really was corrupt. Satisfied with their reactions, Stephen said, “Follow me.”Then, he glanced at Zane, adding, “Now, I’ll take all of you to see Ethan’s ‘harem’ and show you just how corrupt this supposedly indispensable Ethan really is!”Everyone noticed that Stephen’s last remark was aimed at Zane. They all turned to look at Zane, but the latter said nothing and looked completely disinterested.In fact, he had tuned out. For all he cared, Stephen could yap all he wanted. Riveria was about to go down in flames anyway.Seeing Zane’s silence, Stephen felt even more smug. He was relishing the moment, especially after Zane mocked them the previous night, saying that Riveria was doomed without Ethan. Now it was time to show just how worthless Ethan really was!With the file in hand, he entered the first building, starting his search on the first floor.
The celebrity host took the stage, delivered a welcome speech, and introduced the theme of the gala. The host was quite well-known and starred in several hit dramas. The audience below the stage cheered her name.Three minutes later, Simon stepped onto the stage and gave his New Year’s greetings to everyone following the prepared script.Then, the opening performance began!Five major celebrities participated in the first act, combining singing, dancing, and a dazzling light show with fireworks, leaving the audience in awe.Each of the five celebrities took turns singing a few lines one after another, mesmerizing everyone. When they came together for the chorus, the crowd could not help but applaud.As the song neared its end, even more stars and singers joined hand in hand on stage, singing together and igniting the crowd’s atmosphere.The audience stood up in excitement, some even moved to tears.Meanwhile, the viewers in the livestream took screenshots, recorded videos, and s
Avery said faintly, “If you’re done apologizing, you can leave now. We’re about to have lunch. After lunch, we have things to do. We’re not idle like you. We’re very busy.”Those words hit a nerve. Stephen did not want to be idle either.Now, he had no friends left. Everyone kept their distance from him. It was New Year’s, but the only person he could think of who he could talk to was just Ethan.However, Ethan was not like him. He had a happy family, and there were countless things to do as a couple such as going for walks or visiting family and friends...Stephen let out a heavy sigh.“I see.” His voice was soft. “Sorry for disturbing you.”Then, he turned and left. When he walked out of the villa, the cold mountain breeze cleared his mind a little.Stephen let out another sigh, then took out a bouquet from his car and slowly walked to the summit. He wanted to go to the place where Lily died to give her a bouquet of roses and tell her that he missed her.Not long after he lef
The next day at noon, Stephen gathered enough courage to go back up the mountain.He was scared now.He was scared of seeing Ethan with a happy family while he himself was a lonely, pitiful man. The comparison would make him feel so miserable that he would not even be able to lift his head.At the same time, he was also afraid of missing this perfect opportunity to apologize to Ethan on New Year’s Day.Stephen arrived at the villa again. Holding a gift in hand, he took a deep breath and slowly walked in. He saw Ethan in the living room and quickly greeted, “Ethan, Happy New Year. I brought you a gift. Please accept it.”Ethan looked at him calmly. “There’s still a gala in Breeze City tonight, and you’re an important guest. Do you have time to run around like this?”Stephen smiled wryly and gently placed the gift on the table. “I’m not interested in that gala.”He knew what the purpose of the gala was. It was just to stimulate Breeze City’s economy. However, that was not a long-t
Stephen immediately opened his eyes, but there was no one beside him.“Stephen, I wish you an early happy birthday too!” Lily’s voice rang out from his other side.Stephen turned his head and saw Lily lying beside him, smiling sweetly.Then, he looked toward where Snow’s voice had come from. Snow was also lying beside him, looking at him with gentle eyes.Stephen knew in his heart that it was just an illusion.“Aren’t you making a wish?”“What’s your wish?”Stephen closed his eyes again. At that moment, a thousand thoughts rushed through his mind.Who was he?He was the heir of the Quinns. From the moment he was born, he held a position that countless people envied.However, out of a million possible paths, not one was truly his own.He could not be with his loved ones. He could not achieve success overnight. He was not admired by all or surrounded by family and friends.Stephen thought that at least one of those fates belonged to him and her.However, their final meeting
Stephen would be lighting the first segment, and Simon would light the final one.As the celebrities arrived, the riverside became even more lively. People called out their favorite celebrity’s names or nicknames.Seeing this, Stephen felt emotional. If he had not made mistakes, perhaps these people would be calling his name too.When it was nearly midnight, Simon approached Stephen and said, “It’s about time. Get ready to light the fireworks.”He pulled Stephen over to the spot where the fireworks he was responsible for were, and a staff member handed him a torch.“When the countdown ends, use the torch to ignite the fuse, then run and pass the torch to the next person, who will continue lighting the fireworks.“Good luck,” Simon encouraged him. “You can do it!”Stephen took the torch and sighed inwardly. He felt like this whole thing was meaningless. However, when the countdown began, he started to feel a little nervous.“Ten! Nine!”Stephen instinctively tightened his grip
After Simon’s livestream, everyone felt slightly more reassured about Breeze City’s situation.“If he dares to guarantee this, he must have prepared thoroughly.”“It should be safe to attend the gala, right?”“My favorite celebrity will be there, and right now, Breeze City has 40% off train fares, 20% off flight tickets, and 50% off tour packages. It’s so tempting.”Simon placed all his hopes on this gala. He was willing to pour money into it to ensure its success.The event venue was fully set up three days before the new year. The tickets were completely sold out, and the city’s visitor count was now dozens of times higher than before!Breeze City’s declining economy finally showed signs of rising!Simon’s eyes nearly welled up when he saw the financial reports.Two days before the gala, the celebrities attending the event started arriving and followed Simon’s instructions to interact with fans so that more tourists would be attracted to come and spend.Even some celebrities
During this past week, Simon worked without stopping. He spent most of his rest time either in his office or sleeping in cars or planes.He got less than five hours of rest every day!However, thanks to his efforts, Breeze City improved significantly. Its economy stabilized, goods prices returned to normal, robbery incidents decreased, and dangerous elements were eliminated. Furthermore, seventeen new factories were also established in the city.Everything was moving in a positive direction, but Simon’s lack of rest was just one of the consequences. Every day, the Quinns were spending money. In just a week, another 300 million had been spent.Harrison called him again and told him to spend more cautiously. Although the Quinn family had a lot of money, it was not infinite.Furthermore, most of their wealth was not in liquid cash. The actual funds they could use at any time were only a few tens of billions.The South Regent and Victor observed Simon’s actions and felt slightly amaz
Without Ethan’s support, what had Breeze City become? It was somewhere people struggled to survive.What happened to Stephen? His hair turned white overnight, and he grew depressed like a soulless walking corpse.All of this was the result of their wrong decisions.Simon stared at the scattered documents on the ground and let out a long sigh. He felt a heavy weight on his shoulders. He had hoped to use Ethan’s past methods to turn things around, but in the end, he only ended up harming himself.Just then, his phone rang. He glanced at the screen and saw that it was a call from Harrison.As soon as he picked it up, Harrison said, “Something’s happened to Stephen again. He went out with his friends but coughed up blood at a riddle booth. The doctor said his condition is serious.”After a brief pause, he continued, “His will to live is extremely low.”“What?” Simon was stunned. He had sent Stephen back in hopes that his friends could help him recover. However, things had gotten wor
Everyone watched as Simon made a solemn promise. Coupled with his offer of 300 million dollars to restore Breeze City, their anger somewhat subsided.“Maybe Stephen really was framed.”“Should we trust him again?”“At this point, let’s just trust him one last time.”After a brief discussion, they decided to believe Simon once more.Simon sighed in relief and quickly said, “Thank you, everyone!”Although the 300 million dollars and his final guarantee were not a big deal to him, it was still a disgrace to the Quinn family’s reputation.Simon knew that from now on, he had to devote himself to protecting Breeze City and ensure that it would never fall into chaos again. Otherwise, he would have no more excuses, and no one would trust him anymore.Back in his office, he had a subordinate retrieve Breeze City’s development plans and important decision-making documents from the past three years.Back then, Ethan had been in charge of the city. Simon planned to study Ethan’s methods a