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Chapter 79
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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
The Guardian's Return Chapter 83
The people of Seaside City were surprised. “Has Howard killed before? I doubt that happened.” “Yeah. He’s active at giving. A charitable man can’t be a murderer.” “This can’t be true.” Many were skeptical. In Crestwood, however, Dennis jolted to his feet in thrill at the news. “Has Howard been arrested? Go and find out if it’s real.” Howard had been keeping Crestwood in line, preventing Dennis from being a menace, and Dennis had had enough. The worst part was the dwindling drive of his men. Some of them had actually settled down—working regular jobs, getting married, and starting families. Few had even persuaded Dennis to stop raising hell. “We like our lives now. Isn’t that good enough?” “Yeah, we’ve worked hard to get where we are today. Now, we can finally relax and enjoy the fruits of our labor.”“My family is my priority, and I want to spend more time with them.”Dennis knew that was his last shot at making a fortune and getting even. His two right-hand men a
The Guardian's Return Chapter 84
Stephen quickly sought out Howard’s men. “Howard has been arrested, but fear not because you can work for me.” Stephen’s men barged into the place, guns blazing. The speech bore striking similarities to Dennis’ recent remarks, and Howard’s people quickly came to a decision. Sure enough, their peace was short-lived. Here came another to recruit their services. Even though pleading allegiance to Stephen would get them killed, they could not say no to his face. They would be done for if Stephen had them arrested on the spot. Hence, they expressed their loyalty to Stephen. With Howard’s forces yielding to him, Stephen burst out in laughter. “I win this time. I took the fruits of your labor, Ethan. How are you going to react when you find out?” Stephen could not wait to fly to Drakthorn Ridge to tell Ethan. However, he still had more things to do in Seaside City. After Stephen left, everybody set out for Crestwood and joined Dennis’ gang. Dennis laughed out loud at the tur
The Guardian's Return Chapter 85
Stephen wanted to take Howard to Ethan. Since they both would only have a life on the inside, Stephen thought it was appropriate for them to meet and cry in each other’s arms. “I bet it’s going to be funny. I should have everything ready to take a picture.” Howard looked haggard dressed in his orange jumpsuit during his first day in prison. It seemed like he had aged ten years overnight.His hair was a mess, and he looked out of it. Stephen approached his cell and said, “How do you feel, Howard?” Howard glanced up at him but did not say anything.Stephen snickered. “If you hadn’t turned me down, things might have turned out differently. I guess there’s no turning back now.” Howard remarked solemnly, “Are you here to make fun of me?”“Not at all.” Stephen said with a smile, “I’m here to help you. Come with me.”He led Howard to a car, and they set off for Drakthorn Ridge. As the car went up a mountain, Howard perked up. Was he going to be executed, or was he being brough
The Guardian's Return Chapter 86
Ethan sized Stephen up.Stephen? A genius? Well, he certainly did not see it. If Stephen were truly a genius, North Hill City would not be in its current state. Honestly speaking, Ethan could not even think of a way to save it.Ethan mused, "Your family background is impressive. Perhaps you are indeed a genius in the eyes of ordinary people, but you still need to learn to see things from their perspective."Ethan was probing Stephen with his words. The deeper meaning was clear—Stephen had spent too long on his pedestal, and it was about time he learned how ordinary people lived and thought.Stephen scoffed, "Learn the foolish thinking of the commoners?"Ethan shook his head.Stephen had completely missed the point. It seemed he was not a genius after all. He was merely an ordinary person born into the right family.At that point, Ethan had only one thing to say."No," Ethan said as he slowly stood up. "It's about learning to see me from their perspective."A breeze swept by,
The Guardian's Return Chapter 87
Half a day later, Simon received the materials and immediately called for a meeting. Everyone was puzzled as to Simon’s sudden and urgent gathering."What's going on? What’s the rush?""Has something happened in North Hill City again?""I hope not. We handpicked the new mayor ourselves this time. Surely there won't be any more problems?"They had been frightened by the string of incidents that unfolded in North Hill City. As such, the new mayor they appointed had been sent directly from the capital.He had no connections to the local people, and the federal government knew his background inside out. They were certain that there would not be any issues."It's not about North Hill City," Simon said. "It's about Ethan Rivers.""Ethan? What's he gone and done now?""Is he unsatisfied with the villa we gave him?""Giving him a villa was our biggest concession. He should curb his greed."They all assumed Ethan was trying to ask for more benefits."That's not it either," Simon sa
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The Guardian's Return Chapter 802
That step was called "forging the heart." The logic was simple: if they could kill someone they loved, what else would they hesitate to do?Yet, even with such brutal training, those assassins failed, and their organizations were eventually destroyed root and branch."If it were me," the South Regent said, "I would ask him: 'Everyone around you, in every city you've been to, has met with misfortune. You had solutions to all these problems, so why did you just stand by and watch it happen?'"He turned to Ethan with a grin. "What do you think of my question, Lord Rivers?""Don't ask such foolish questions during dinner," Ethan replied coolly. "If you want to break him, just have Hugo ask him when he plans to die."The South Regent froze, stunned by the vast difference between his approach and Ethan's. Ethan's question was not just more concise; it was lethal.Hugo was Stephen's greatest weakness. If Hugo were to ask Stephen about his death, the results would be devastating. A blow
The Guardian's Return Chapter 801
Perhaps he would end up coughing up blood and being hospitalized again. Then, all their previous efforts to comfort him would be instantly ruined. On top of it all, those questions would reveal many truths they had desperately tried to conceal.Simon quickly had someone escort the lucky audience member away while ordering others to forge Stephen's spending records. After that, he hurried up on stage himself."I’m sorry. There was a small interruption just now. I know all of you have many questions, so let me explain everything. Stephen is indeed the Grand Marshal's only successor. As for what that person said about the spending records, those were baseless lies. I've gotten someone to retrieve the spending records, which will be published online later.”Simon spoke with conviction. "That person earlier was deliberately trying to sabotage the event."Due to our excellent security measures, they found no way to disrupt the event. And so, they got desperate and started making up lies
The Guardian's Return Chapter 800
The number of viewers in the livestream skyrocketed.Everyone wanted to know if Stephen’s skills really came from the Grand Marshal. Would the Grand Marshal really have trained a student like him?All eyes were on Stephen.Now, it was Stephen’s turn to be silent. He had not expected this question, and he instinctively wanted to lie.However, just as he was about to speak, Ethan’s words from today flashed through his mind.“You don’t even dare to tell the truth. What right do you have to apologize?”Maintaining a lie often meant weaving an even bigger one, over and over, until the truth was inevitably exposed.Should he admit the truth?Stephen hesitated. If he revealed the truth here, everything would end. He would not have to be so exhausted anymore.“What are you waiting for?” Suddenly, Simon’s voice rang in his earpiece, “Hurry up and answer. You are the Grand Marshal’s student. The gala is our only hope. Nothing can go wrong!”Stephen’s heart instantly sank. He wanted to
The Guardian's Return Chapter 799
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
The Guardian's Return Chapter 798
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 Guardian's Return Chapter 797
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
The Guardian's Return Chapter 796
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
The Guardian's Return Chapter 795
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
The Guardian's Return Chapter 794
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
