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
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
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,
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
"What's going on with Ethan Rivers? Wasn't he an ally of justice, fighting against the criminal forces in North Hill City?""Wake up, you fool. This is the real Ethan.""I knew Ethan couldn't possibly be innocent!"Online discussions about Ethan were intense. His status had gone through multiple transformations—from criminal to hero, and now back to criminal."He must be up to something. Maybe his fight against the criminal elements in North Hill City was all an act.""That makes sense. Shawn Hill and his group might’ve been working with Ethan all along. When Ethan was arrested, they foresaw the end of the line and quickly grabbed the money before running away.”"Maybe Danny Brooks was Ethan's backup plan all along.""I have to say, they did a great job this time. Howard Green almost got away clean.""The company that the criminal started must be profiting from the people's misery. The authorities should save the people who are trapped working there!"As soon as the news repor
Stephen's office was festively decorated, with a banner hanging on the wall that read, "Seaside City GDP Breaks Two Trillion."After arresting Howard, taking over the leading enterprise, and subduing an entire entity, Stephen was filled with optimism about Seaside City's future. Seaside City’s economic outlook was undeniably bright.He was confident it would not be long before Seaside City's GDP actually broke two trillion. For that reason, Stephen was now rehearsing for that momentous moment, preparing for the day when Seaside City's GDP would reach that milestone.“Knock, knock.”At that moment, there was a knock on the door.Stephen, lounging in his chair, answered, "Come in."The door opened, and Rachel entered.Feigning confusion, Stephen asked, "Rachel? What brings you here?"Rachel smiled warmly. "I'm here to congratulate you.""Congratulate me for what?" Stephen continued to play dumb, despite knowing full well why she had come.Rachel's congratulations were part of t
Jimmy had experienced the chaos in Seaside City years ago and knew how bad it used to be. However, the current situation was ten times worse than what he had seen three years ago!People were acting like a pack of wild dogs that had been chained up for a decade and set free, running wild.Jimmy’s legs quaked as he made the phone call. The situation was so dire that he was even considering fleeing."Why aren't you saying anything?" Stephen noticed Jimmy's silence and asked, "Are you too excited to speak?""No!" Jimmy snapped back to reality, his voice panicked. "Seaside City is in trouble.""What?" Stephen frowned. "How could it be in trouble? What happened?"Stephen was breaking out in a cold sweat just hearing the words "in trouble."Jimmy frantically explained, "A large number of dangerous individuals have suddenly appeared in Seaside City. They're moving in groups, smashing up shops and looting everything in sight."Many of them even have guns. Now everyone is too afraid to
A few hours later, Stephen finally arrived at Seaside City and rushed out as soon as his plane landed. Jimmy was already waiting for him.Stephen jumped into the car and hurriedly asked, “Quick. Tell me what’s going on.”Jimmy replied, “I’m not sure either. The chaos started out of nowhere and without any warning. I have a feeling they’ve been planning this for a long time.”He was right. Dennis had been waiting for that day for three years. Even the smaller entities had started making their moves after Howard was arrested. They all sprang to action once Dennis gave the order. No one could stop them!“How could none of you have noticed if they’ve been plotting in secret for so long?” Stephen’s frustration boiled over, and he was close to losing his temper. “And you call yourself the mayor?”Jimmy fell silent. He genuinely had no idea.Howard had been too good at what he did. He was from the underworld, so he had men everywhere and was very well-informed.Anytime an entity or o