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Chapter 74
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The Guardian's Return Chapter 75
Stephen observed Ethan, noticing the latter’s improved complexion. In fact, Ethan looked like he was doing better than when he was in prison. How did that happen? Stephen was baffled. Ethan was trapped in the mountain with no one to talk to. Despite having internet access, the residence’s settings had been configured to block all forms of communication. Stephen would not want to be in Ethan’s situation, yet Ethan was having the time of his life. Unbeknownst to Stephen, Ethan was pretty much alone when managing Riveria too. Communication only happened when he assigned work. Now that Ethan lived in a remote villa, work was the least of his problems, and that was a huge weight off his shoulders. He now had time to write his novel. Stephen asked, “Don’t you feel bored living here alone?” Ethan smiled, his book still in hand. “Living here is no different than my life in the city.” Riveria faced a turbulent time under the leadership of Stephen, and Ethan had his ways to keep hi
The Guardian's Return Chapter 76
On his way home, Stephen was struck by a thought. Ethan talked about raising North Hill City’s GDP to a trillion dollars in six months. However, he did not mention the GDP before the increase. What if it was 999 billion dollars? Back at home, Stephen shared his doubts with George. “What was North Hill City’s GDP when Ethan took over? I have no idea. Look into it.” Stephen tasked his team to dig up records. He was curious about Ethan’s contribution to the city’s GDP. The information soon came along, and Stephen opened the file, stunned. “What was the GDP?” Curious, George looked over and also found himself taken aback. They both froze in a shell-shocked position for three whole minutes. It was 30 million dollars. North Hill City’s GDP was worth 30 million dollars when Ethan started running Riveria. The number filled Stephen with dread. If Ethan raised North Hill City’s GDP from 30 million dollars to one trillion dollars in just six months, it meant North Hill City prog
The Guardian's Return Chapter 77
Unable to keep to his feet, Stephen fell back on the sofa with a thud, his face pale. George, standing nearby, was also stunned. The loss of 300 billion dollars was a massive hit to North Hill City’s GDP. The GDP started at a trillion dollars, fell to 500 billion dollars, and was reduced to a further 200 billion dollars. The brain drain of locals, the increase of foreign workers, and the eviction of legitimate businesses could only lead to one thing: the city was done for. This time, North Hill City was utterly wrecked. While North Hill City struggled before, six years could have given it new life, but nothing could help North Hill City now. Otherwise, Riveria or the others would have to pour investment into the city to take the foreign workers out, attract businesses and factories, enhance security, keep tabs on inflation, and ensure the well-being of the people. North Hill City would need at least a decade or more to bounce back. Stephen was at a loss, and George found the
The Guardian's Return Chapter 78
Once the meeting was over, Simon gave Stephen a call. “Don’t worry about North Hill City anymore. The state is giving up on North Hill City.” Stephen said nothing. That was the second time they had said that now—No, it was the third time. North Hill City had faced three crises since its heyday, and Stephen was there when each issue occurred. He had the chance to stop it, yet he had no idea. In fact, he was either the direct or indirect cause of those problems. North Hill City’s downfall today was all closely linked to him. Stephen could write an apology letter, play innocent in front of the people, and lie to everybody. However, there was one person he could not fool, and it was himself. North Hill City was destroyed at his hands. “Would he have a way?” Ethan came to mind since the man raised North Hill City’s GDP from 30 million dollars to one trillion dollars in just six months. Even if the record may very well be fake, Stephen was still curious. “I doubt he can do
The Guardian's Return Chapter 79
Lounging in his villa overlooking Seaside City, Howard Green read an article on Ethan. According to the news, Ethan was free and had acquired a house as a gift. However, Howard had not been able to get in touch with Ethan despite multiple attempts. Howard was worried about Ethan’s safety. After all, he would not be where he was today if it were not for Ethan. … Three years ago, Seaside City was a hotbed of conflict as various entities and organizations vied for power. Howard was the leader of one of the entities, and his organization was one of the best in Seaside City, potentially giving Crestwood a run for its money. However, a traitor in the ranks and Crestwood’s aggressive approach of usurping other organizations led to Howard’s defeat against Crestwood. Howard could never forget the day of his downfall. It was raining that day, and he met Ethan for the first time. At the time, the mayor of Crestwood and his people were hunting Howard down. Howard, having sustained
The Guardian's Return Chapter 80
“That’s right.” “I can’t let you do that.” Dennis said, “You can take anyone away but not him. He and his men are obstacles to the development of Crestwood. He hurt and killed many of our people. How can I face my people if I let him go?” “Tell them that I want to take him,” Ethan replied.Dennis fell silent. Then, he hissed through clenched teeth, “I still can’t let you, but I can give you a chance. You might be strong enough to be my rival. If you beat me, I’ll let you take him away.” In the middle of the pouring rain, Ethan stood calm and collected, his expression never wavering as he said, “You’re not qualified to be my nemesis.” Dennis clenched his fists at the statement. Unqualified? Ethan sure was cocky. Dennis had a reputation to uphold as a mayor to thousands of town residents. Ethan continued, “But I can give you three pieces of advice in return for taking him.”Dennis was confused. He had no use for advice. “Here’s the first piece of advice,” Ethan spoke.
The Guardian's Return Chapter 81
Ethan’s plan was for Howard to restrain all local entities and change Seaside City for the better. The city’s positive transformation would strike those people that times were changing, and brute force was unnecessary in the pursuit of happiness. Once violence was put aside, they would be ready to address the issues in the city. Three years had passed since, and Ethan felt that the time was right. However, he was put behind bars before Howard could get the instructions for the next step. Without those orders, Seaside City was just one step away from gaining peace, but news arrived that Crestwood was stirring up trouble again. Howard immediately rallied his team to keep Crestwood in check, stopping them from causing havoc in Seaside City. Meanwhile, Stephen received the file on Howard, and his brows furrowed as he read on. Howard used to be the leader of an entity. While he did not have blood on his hands, he had wounded many, and his men had blood on their hands. “He’s a m
The Guardian's Return Chapter 82
Howard took the call from his secretary. “We have a visitor from the state government, sir. His name is Stephen Quinn. He wants to see you.” Howard frowned. He knew of Stephen, the man who apologized for trusting North Hill City in the hands of the wrong guy. Stephen was also the one who gave back Ethan his freedom, yet Howard could not reach Ethan to this day. “Why does he want to meet with me?” Howard headed straight to the office. Upon learning where Stephen was, he stepped into his office and immediately spotted Stephen on his chair with his legs across his desk, acting like he was in charge. Howard entered the office and closed the door behind him before asking, “What can I do for you?” Stephen sized Howard, a lean-looking middle-aged man with a scar on his face, up.‘Ethan doesn’t seem to have a good eye. He could’ve looked for someone easier on the eye.’ Stephen thought to himself.Then, Stephen took out a file and threw it near Howard’s feet. “Take a look. You
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