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Chapter 846
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The Guardian's Return Chapter 847
“This is Hugo, and he’s a good friend of mine. To save me, he almost got killed.”Everyone immediately understood who Hugo was—Hugo was another hero!Stephen glanced at Hugo. “You showing up today feels like a gift. Now that you’re fine, the weight on my chest has finally lifted. From now on, I won’t let any harm come to you!”Hugo merely smiled coldly. He would have been moved if that had been in the past, but now, he knew what type of person Stephen was. Did any of those achievements have anything to do with Stephen?Hugo held the microphone and spoke slowly, “Before that, can you answer two of my questions?”Stephen was stunned, his brain unable to process why Hugo would suddenly ask that. “My first question,” Hugo said as he recalled what Ethan had said to him. “When did Riveria’s GDP hit the 15 trillion dollars mark?”The moment Stephen heard the question, he understood that Hugo was not on his side. Like Daniel, Caleb, and the South Regent, Hugo was there to expose his
The Guardian's Return Chapter 848
Cold sweat dripped down Stephen’s face. His eyes scanned the surroundings nervously, but he could not bring himself to look at Hugo. He and Simon made many preparations for the commendation ceremony. Any posts questioning him online were swiftly dealt with without any reasoning just to prevent momentum from building. At the venue, Daniel, Caleb, and the South Regent would be arrested on sight, giving them no room to cause trouble. Yet, even the most careful plans could fail, and Hugo was the one who showed up.That man, who had once done Stephen a great favor by saving him, did not need to post his questions online. He could come straight to Stephen without anyone stopping him because everyone assumed he was on Stephen’s side. Yet, Hugo was the one who asked the last two questions! Everything was going according to Ethan’s plan. “Answer me!” Hugo questioned loudly. “You’re Riveria’s leader and the Grand Marshal’s mentee. Don’t you know when Riveria’s GDP hit 15 trillion dollar
The Guardian's Return Chapter 849
At that moment, it was not just Stephen panicking. Simon was also losing his composure. He did not know much about Riveria or the Grand Marshal, and now he was learning that the Grand Marshal had a granddaughter. Simon’s mind was buzzing loudly and completely blank. What should he do now? He turned his head around and saw the audience looking at them. The dark camera lenses not far away were also focused on them. “Turn them off!” He shouted in fear, “Stop filming! Cut the livestream! Cut the livestream now!”Seeing how panicked he looked, everyone’s hearts sank. The more panicked Simon was, the clearer it became that there was something wrong with Stephen’s identity. Stephen could not even answer such basic questions, and now, with both their reactions, the crowd fell silent. Those in the federal government also frowned. “Let’s go!” Simon did not dare to stay any longer. He quickly grabbed Stephen and ran down the stage. It was not just about answering the questions anymo
The Guardian's Return Chapter 850
The federal government officials stared in shock at what was happening in the livestream. They could not believe the commendation ceremony had turned into a complete disaster. “What is going on?” someone questioned. What was the situation with Hugo? What was the truth? “I happen to have something here.” Someone from the Hughes family pulled out a document. “I’ve extracted Stephen’s expenses in Riveria and found something interesting. While running Riveria, he spent money daily in Metropolis and visited nightclubs several times a week. I don’t know how he did it.”He threw the document on the table with a bang.The others quickly took a look. As they read the spending records, their expressions darkened. Stephen had spending records in both Metropolis and Riveria at the same time. How could one person live in two places at once? That could only mean one thing—he had fabricated one of the records. Proving it would not be difficult as well. They were in the capital, and with a
The Guardian's Return Chapter 851
Before Harrison could come up with a solution, headquarters sent people to question him.Harrison could not tell them the truth, but he found an opportunity to secretly inform Simon that headquarters was starting to investigate Stephen.Simon became even more anxious. Headquarters was taking this seriously now.“No, I can’t think of a way.”Simon gritted his teeth. “The only thing I can do now is divert everyone’s attention. I can’t let people keep focusing on Stephen.”By shifting the public’s attention, he could buy more time for Stephen and also cool down the situation.“But... What should I do?”What kind of sensational event would be big enough to completely shift everyone’s focus?He thought about it carefully.Just then, a staff brought him news that many of the owners who originally planned to set up their companies in Breeze City had suddenly withdrawn.Simon had a headache. The problems kept coming as if they would never end.“Wait!” A thought suddenly flashed in h
The Guardian's Return Chapter 852
The sudden situation in Breeze City caught everyone off guard.Breeze City had only just begun to stabilize, but several gangs and factions emerged overnight. Gunshots even rang out in the middle of the night.After hearing about Simon’s plan, the South Regent, Victor, and many other families and factors could not sit still and sent their own people in, planning to profit from the chaos.After all, Simon was the one responsible for the problems. If things went south, he would have to take responsibility.Meanwhile, Simon was still busy staging his and Stephen’s assassination attempt.The next day, news of Breeze City’s chaos spread.Many people posted online, claiming that gunshots and even explosions were heard on the streets of Breeze City last night.Now, online discussions were already filled with doubts about Stephen’s identity. As soon as the news broke, it was like pouring a pot of water into boiling oil.The internet instantly exploded.“What happened in Breeze City?”
The Guardian's Return Chapter 853
“Postpone the investigation of Stephen and quickly send people to stabilize Breeze City.”After the meeting ended, they tried to contact Simon and Stephen. The first few attempts failed, making headquarters suspect that Simon and Stephen were planning to flee.Finally, they managed to get through.“Where have you been? There’s a major crisis in Breeze City!” they demanded.Simon asked in a low voice, “How could this have happened? We were attacked.”“What?” The people at headquarters were shocked. Only the members of the Hughes family smirked, knowing exactly what Simon and Stephen were up to.“Who would dare to attack you?”“I don’t know,” Simon said urgently. “I suspect it was premeditated. First, they deliberately framed Stephen, diverting public attention to him. Then, while no one was focusing on Breeze City, they took the chance to strike.”Everyone frowned. Simon’s words seemed plausible.Simon spent the whole day preparing for this moment. “Are you also doubting Stephe
The Guardian's Return Chapter 854
“I believe everyone can now see through the enemy’s scheme.”Simon took out a few photos showing bullet holes in their vehicles.“As for why we left the commendation ceremony so suddenly, it’s because we received urgent news that Breeze City was in danger. Unfortunately, we were still one step too late. However, as long as we’re still here, we won’t let the enemy’s plan succeed. We’ll protect Breeze City.”Following Simon’s official statement, the authorities immediately helped spread the message.Based on Simon and Stephen’s explanation and thinking about recent events, netizens started to believe Simon’s words.Many people still believed in Stephen because they had defended him fiercely in the past and argued with others over it. Some people refused to accept that Ethan was the one in charge of Riveria before because they had been criticizing him all along. Thus, they believed Simon the moment they saw his explanation.Even if there was a problem with Stephen’s identity, they d
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The Guardian's Return Chapter 868
Stephen felt as if the sky had collapsed when he heard this. He still held onto a sliver of hope the previous day, thinking that since he was found by the roadside, Ethan must have at least brought him down the mountain. However, the truth was that the South Regent had carried him down. If not for the South Regent, Ethan would not spare him a glance even if he knelt to his death!The South Regent looked at the table beside him. “Your table is too clean. There’s no fruit basket or flowers. Did you really have no visitors the whole of yesterday?”Stephen did not speak. He knew the South Regent was mocking him, but he was unable to retort. He had been an absolute failure over the past six months and had nothing to boast of. In fact, Stephen was starting to think he somehow deserved it. “Tsk tsk,” the South Regent looked at Stephen and said, “You’re a completely different person compared to when you just got here.”When Stephen first arrived in Riveria, he was full of himself, a
The Guardian's Return Chapter 867
The South Regent and Victor brought Stephen down the mountain and casually dumped him by the roadside. A passerby eventually recognized him and quickly called the ambulance that sent Stephen to the hospital. Stephen had been kneeling all night. Coupled with the immense emotional blow he had just suffered, the drastic shift from hope to despair left him utterly drained. He was sent to the hospital around ten in the morning but only woke up close to midnight. When he opened his eyes to the white hospital walls, he froze for a moment, unsure where he was. After several seconds, he realized he was in a hospital. However, no one was in the room. He called for the doctor, wanting to know who sent him to the hospital. Deep down, he still held hope that Ethan had sent him to the hospital out of sympathy. “We received a call from a passerby for help, so we took you in.”Stephen frowned. “A passerby?”“Yes. You fainted by the roadside, and someone saw you.”Stephen fell silent. It was
The Guardian's Return Chapter 866
If not for the fact that he was still breathing, they would have thought Stephen was dead. At that moment, Stephen could hear someone speaking beside him, but he did not have the energy to see who it was. He was so exhausted now that he could not even keep his eyes open.“I was wrong.” He managed to squeeze out a sentence with all his strength. “I beg you, help me.”The South Regent and Victor exchanged a glance, guessing that Stephen had come to beg Ethan for help, only to be rejected. They simply stood up, ignoring Stephen, and knocked on Ethan’s door instead.Soon, the door opened. Ethan glanced at the two men before his gaze landed on Stephen, who was still kneeling not far away. Ignoring Stephen, he turned around and returned to the living room.The South Regent and Victor quickly followed him inside, with the South Regent asking curiously, “How long has he been kneeling for?”Ethan sat down and replied, “I haven’t paid attention.”Standing nearby, Victor said, “By the loo
The Guardian's Return Chapter 865
Stephen’s eyes reddened. Too many things had happened in the past six months, all of which he regretted. He used to hold onto the hope that he could make things right one day. However, with his life bound to Riveria, and having no hope of joining the cabinet, he finally realized he never truly had a chance. There was only one way out, and it was for Ethan to forgive him. “I really can’t take it anymore,” Stephen choked up. The past year had taken a toll on both his body and mind. He was not made of steel, and ever since the night his hair turned grey, he knew he had hit his breaking point. “Please. Help me just this once, and I’ll promise you anything.”Ethan looked at him calmly. “I’ve said no. You can leave now.”Stephen kept his head lowered, his whole body shaking. He had gone down on his knees, pleading for help, yet it was still not enough. At that moment, he truly did not know what to do.What should he do to get Ethan’s help? Did he really have no future left? He t
The Guardian's Return Chapter 864
He had ordered someone to collect information on everything happening recently. Before the information came in, he wanted to lie down for a while. It was one of the few moments he still had to himself. After watching him walk away, Rachel and George exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with confusion. Did Stephen not announce that he would no longer manage Riveria? Why was he suddenly back? Besides, he looked overjoyed when he left, but now, he seemed like a man on the verge of death. Stephen lay on his bed and soon fell asleep, physically and mentally exhausted.He had a dream. In his dream, he was in his seventies, almost eighties. A few decades had passed, yet he was still in Riveria. Although someone else had taken over Riveria, he could not leave, and he had not reunited with Snow and Lily either. However, he had received two wedding door gifts from Ethan. One belonged to Snow, and the other belonged to Lily. It was from their wedding. On top of that, Ethan still looke
The Guardian's Return Chapter 863
“No,” Simon answered. From the moment they insisted on stealing Ethan’s identity and achievements, they were destined to face that outcome. Everything came with a price, and Stephen being tied to Riveria for his whole life was that price. Stephen slumped onto the sofa weakly. He felt as if all the strength had been drained from his body. He was so close to joining the cabinet, but now, Riveria had forcefully dragged him back again. The only difference was that his chance at the cabinet was gone, and he had to stay in Riveria for the rest of his life. Stephen thought about how, a while ago, Simon told him that they had won this time. Not only did they get a right to join the cabinet by taking Ethan’s identity and achievements, but Riveria’s mess would also become someone else’s.Now, he looked up at Simon. “Did we really win?”Simon lowered his head. Win? They had suffered a crushing defeat!At the thought of how smug he had been before, his face burned with shame. Every word
The Guardian's Return Chapter 862
Therefore, Riveria would become Stephen’s final destination!Having figured everything out, Simon’s legs turned weak, and he stumbled a few steps backward. That was not the outcome he wanted to see. He wanted Stephen to join the cabinet and then return to the capital to take over the Quinn family and bring them to new heights, not forced to stay in Riveria forever and only return to visit the family during festive seasons!If the Quinns could not remain in the capital, what was the point? “How could it be?” Simon’s breathing quickened, and he found it hard to calm down. “Dad, what’s wrong?” Simon’s drastic reaction frightened Stephen. “I’m fine.” Simon tried to calm down before looking at Stephen, hesitating to speak. Stephen frowned at Simon’s weird behavior. “Dad, what are you trying to say?”“Sigh.” Knowing he could not hide the matter, Simon let out a long sigh. “You must go to Riveria, and you can only go to Riveria.”“Why?” Stephen did not understand. “Didn’t we s
The Guardian's Return Chapter 861
He quickly picked up. “There’s an issue with Riveria. We need you to go and manage it.”Stephen was stunned. Was he hearing it right? Was he really asked to return to Riveria to manage it?“I’m tired.” He returned to his senses and said, “There’s nothing I can do about Riveria.”“This isn’t your choice. You have to do it.” The federal government was firm about it.Riveria was in deep chaos now and showing signs of reverting to its state three years ago. Only one person could solve Riveria’s issues right now, and it was Stephen, the one who brought peace to Riveria three years ago!Stephen frowned. He did not understand why the federal government wanted him to return to Riveria out of the blue. “Let me think about it.” Trying to buy time, Stephen hung up and quickly went to look for Simon. He needed to discuss the special situation with Simon. Meanwhile, in the federal government, someone asked the head of the Hughes family, “What if he refuses to do it?”“Ha!” The man chu
The Guardian's Return Chapter 860
In Metropolis, Stephen’s appointment to the cabinet had been scheduled, but Riveria suddenly fell into chaos.Many people fell into cryptocurrency scams, becoming obsessed with speculating in virtual currency. They poured all their money in, selling their houses and cars, taking high-interest loans, and even borrowing from family and friends, to join the trend.In the end, the scammers vanished with a fortune, leaving behind nothing but devastation.By the time people realized they had been scammed, the culprits had already fled abroad.They rushed to the police, and after an investigation, the economic loss across Riveria was said to exceed 10 billion dollars!That was not all.Agricultural products were also affected by an unknown disease, causing mass crop deaths and reduced yields.Breeze City had several banana plantations, but overnight, the banana leaves turned yellow, and the fruit began to shrivel up.Not a single plantation was spared!The direct economic loss exceed
