Jimmy went to Stephen and relayed the message. “The mayor of Crestwood, Dennis Lewis, says you can meet him, but you have to go to Crestwood yourself.”Stephen could not believe his ears. He was the son of a prominent family in Metropolis and was currently in charge of Riveria. Yet, some small-town mayor was demanding that he go to him?“Who does he think he is?”He usually would not give a mayor like Dennis the time of day, much less go out of his way to meet him.Jimmy next to him spoke cautiously, “Things are different now. Dennis might actually have useful information.”Stephen paused. If Dennis had the audacity to make this demand, he probably did know something important.Stephen took a deep breath and said, “Fine. I’ll go meet him.”Jimmy arranged for a fully armed team to ensure Stephen’s safety. With his security detail in tow, Stephen headed straight to Crestwood.Crestwood was so heavily guarded now that not even a fly could get in or out. However, Dennis had given t
Otherwise, Ethan might wash away the crime that was just pinned on him again.The internet was full of people criticizing him now. If he managed to clear his name again and reverse his identity, Stephen would not be able to bear the backlash!Dennis smiled silently, but that reaction only confirmed the truth that it really was Ethan!Stephen swayed, a little panicked that it was Ethan. However, he soon thought of a way.“Although Ethan contributed a little to the stability of Seaside City, the city is now in chaos again. If I can investigate the truth and resolve the chaos, then all the problems would be solved.”At that point, Stephen still thought that all Ethan had done was keep Crestwood in line. He had no clue about everything Ethan had done for Seaside City.Stephen looked over at Dennis and asked, “Who led Crestwood into the chaos in Seaside City three years ago?”“Me.”Stephen’s eyes widened in shock. That was the last answer he expected. The bodyguards he brought rea
“Get him!”Stephen shouted for his man to capture Dennis. However, the moment he spoke, he felt dizzy and weak.“Thud!”He collapsed awkwardly into a nearby chair, barely able to keep himself upright. All his bodyguards also fell to the ground, unable to move.A group of men then walked in from the courtyard, collected the guns from the bodyguards, dragged them away, and soon disappeared from sight.Stephen watched the scene in terror.“What did you do to us?” he demanded.Dennis glanced at the diffuser and said, “It’s just a simple trick. Actually, the antidote is in the tea I serve you, but it’s a shame you missed your chance. Maybe you’re just too stupid to realize.”Stephen felt like he was about to explode from sheer frustration.The tea was right in front of him the whole time, but he had no strength left in him now. All he could do now was stare at it, not drink it.Not long ago, Dennis had pushed the cup toward him, but he scoffed at the idea of drinking it. Now, it w
Stephen’s eyes widened.It was the first time learning about the story behind Seaside City’s three years of peace. It really was Ethan who brought peace to the city!Ethan’s support of Howard was not to foster a criminal but to boost the economy and suppress the lurking threats!“You might be wondering why Ethan chose Howard out of so many people,” Dennis continued to speak.“First, Howard has never killed anyone before. Second, at that time, only Howard and my names had enough weight to maintain order. Third, it was because Howard’s influence was powerful.”Stephen was stunned. The revelation that Howard had never killed anyone before was shocking.It meant Ethan did not pick anyone at random, and every step he took was carefully considered. Hence, all the accusations about Ethan harboring a criminal and Howard being a ruthless criminal were all false. What would happen to Stephen if the truth got out on the internet? Stephen could not bear to think about it. Dennis smiled i
Once Stephen was taken away, he instructed his subordinates to speed up.Stephen’s arrival meant that the news of Seaside City’s unrest had spread, so they did not have much time left. They had to act quickly and make money fast!Half a day later, Stephen was found in a pile of garbage on the side of the road by a passerby.When the mayor heard of it, he was horrified. He rushed to the hospital to see Stephen.As soon as he walked into the ward, he saw Stephen sitting on the hospital bed, his eyes hollow and devoid of any light.The mayor’s heart sank. How could Stephen have gone to Crestwood and returned alone, looking like that?“Sir?” The mayor stepped forward and asked, “Are you okay?”Stephen slowly came to his senses. The truth had been such a large blow that he still had not fully recovered from it yet.The mayor spoke again, “There’s something I need to report. Due to the situation in North Hill City, not many can come as reinforcements. We might not be able to stabiliz
“You know I was wrongfully accused, but instead of immediately revealing the truth, you want me to solve the problem first and then reduce the charges against me?”Howard laughed. “What a great plan. You’re just going to lock me up again after I solve the problem, aren’t you?”Stephen fell silent. He had thought about giving up on seeking Howard, but Howard was the only one who could go against Crestwood now.As such, he asked, “What will it take for you to come back?”“I’m not going back.” Howard’s response was firm.“You’ve loved Seaside City for years. Can you bear to sit by and watch it fall apart?” Stephen began to appeal to Howard’s emotions.“Think of your family and friends living in Seaside City. They’re suffering right now!”“Heh.” Howard chuckled disdainfully. “I’m sorry to disappoint you, but I sent them out of Seaside City long ago.”Stephen was stunned. He had not expected Howard to act so swiftly and decisively. Howard probably knew that Seaside City would be in
Now that Howard was here, Stephen could not contain his excitement. He immediately handed Howard back the company and underground forces that had once belonged to him.Stephen continued, “If you start working for me, I can clear your name from these charges.”For Stephen, clearing Howard’s name was not a difficult task. Plus, Howard was wrongfully accused from the start. He was never guilty of murder, a fact even the mayor of Crestwood, Dennis, had personally admitted. If even the enemy acknowledged it, how could it be false?Howard nodded slightly, a small smile forming at the corner of his mouth, though Stephen did not notice.When Ethan told him to leave Riveria, he had thought of a plan. If he left with nothing but the clothes on his back, he would surely be miserable in the future.He had to reclaim everything he once owned and more!“Thank you, sir.” Howard said, “I’ll go to Seaside City now and assess the situation.”Although Stephen had returned his company and forces,
“It’s settled, then!”Everyone unanimously approved of Simon’s plan. While the plan could not solve all the problems, it could resolve most of them, and that was enough.Half a day later, news that Howard had always been protecting Seaside City spread.“Howard was arrested and charged with various crimes, but it was all part of a plan to lure out the lurking threat in Seaside City. In fact, he’s always been defending Seaside City’s peace.”The moment the news broke, the internet exploded! No one had expected that to be the truth. Not only was Howard not a criminal, but he had been protecting Seaside City. In fact, he was willing to lure out the evil forces in the city to secure its peace even at the cost of his own reputation.“I didn’t expect the plan to be like that. Howard is truly incredible. I’m going to cry.”“I owe Howard an apology!”“He put himself on the line and defied all odds. Howard’s sacrifice is immense. I’m literally in tears.”“I feel so ashamed thinking bac