LOGINShare
Chapter 9
Last Updated:
2024-08-28 13:31:32Related chapters
The Guardian's Return Chapter 10
However, he did not dare to say that out loud.All he did was look at the door and shout, “Leave the door open so Mr. Rivers can come and go as he pleases, got that? Also, get some curtains to cover that iron door. We’ll replace the door soon.“Say, is it me, or is that lightbulb dim? Isn’t it time we upgraded the bathroom? I’ll have a hot water system and a bathtub installed tomorrow!”Liam muttered to himself, loud enough for everyone to hear, as if he was venting his frustrations to someone else. He genuinely felt sorry for Ethan. After everything Ethan had sacrificed, that should not be his fate.Meanwhile, the inmates in the other cells were bewildered, not knowing what was going on. They all pressed their faces against the bars, trying to look outside. Just who could be so important for Liam to make such a big fuss?After ensuring Ethan was settled, Liam left, not wanting to disturb the man further. Once outside, he called the lieutenant governor, Zane, and asked about the situat
Last Updated : 2024-08-28The Guardian's Return Chapter 11
“You’ve just taken office, so they'll have their opinions about you and target you at every turn. That is why you have to find a way to publicly take Ethan down.”Stephen put down the toast, thought about it, and realized George was right. Since he had just arrived, his only supporters were George and Rachel.He needed to kick Ethan down to prove his capabilities and show everyone he was far stronger than Ethan! Then, managing Riveria would be much easier. Even achieving a GDP of 20 trillion might not seem so far-fetched.Stephen asked, “Do you have any ideas on how to do that?”George smirked. “Of course. That’s exactly what I wanted to talk to you about today. Ethan owns several properties in Regal Estates, the most upscale neighborhood in Riveria. That’s where all his mistresses live. “At the right time, invite those close to Ethan and expose him right in front of them. Then…” George trailed off and smiled slyly.Stephen caught on. It was about publicly humiliating Ethan.No
Last Updated : 2024-08-28The Guardian's Return Chapter 12
“What?” Liam was shocked by the startling news.“Mr. Rivers, are you joking?” Liam found it hard to believe.Ethan chuckled. “You’ll soon find out if I am.”Then, he finished his breakfast and left.By noon, Stephen’s office was already filled with officials who had previously worked with Ethan. Even the lieutenant governor, Zane, was present. He had his arms crossed, looking visibly angry. Anyone could tell it was best not to provoke him at the moment.When the others saw Zane’s mood, they became curious. “What’s going on?”Noting everyone had arrived, Stephen said, “I know all of you have a good relationship with Ethan Rivers, but I have some news. Ethan has been arrested for embezzlement and bribery.”Except for Zane and Liam, that announcement shocked everyone present.“Ethan embezzled and took bribes?”“That can’t be!”“Is there some kind of mistake?”They had all seen Ethan’s work over the years. He was always hands-on with everything. He was even the first to arriv
Last Updated : 2024-08-28The Guardian's Return Chapter 13
“Who does he think he is? The king?”Many of them did not know Ethan well, so they started believing Stephen, thinking that Ethan really was corrupt. Satisfied with their reactions, Stephen said, “Follow me.”Then, he glanced at Zane, adding, “Now, I’ll take all of you to see Ethan’s ‘harem’ and show you just how corrupt this supposedly indispensable Ethan really is!”Everyone noticed that Stephen’s last remark was aimed at Zane. They all turned to look at Zane, but the latter said nothing and looked completely disinterested.In fact, he had tuned out. For all he cared, Stephen could yap all he wanted. Riveria was about to go down in flames anyway.Seeing Zane’s silence, Stephen felt even more smug. He was relishing the moment, especially after Zane mocked them the previous night, saying that Riveria was doomed without Ethan. Now it was time to show just how worthless Ethan really was!With the file in hand, he entered the first building, starting his search on the first floor.
Last Updated : 2024-08-28The Guardian's Return Chapter 14
The next second, a middle-aged woman appeared before everyone. She was not even close to pretty, and her figure was somewhat plump. More importantly, she had salt and pepper hair, making her look like she was in her late forties or early fifties.Everyone was stunned when they saw her. She looked a little too old, and her looks and figure were nothing impressive either. Was that really the type Ethan was into?“That’s odd,” someone muttered softly. There was a saying that men would never stop being attracted to younger and prettier women, so how could a successful man like Ethan be interested in someone like that?While the people were trying to wrap their heads around it, the woman, named Felicia, scanned the crowd and frowned slightly when she did not see Ethan.“Who are you?” she asked.Her question snapped everyone back to reality.Stephen chuckled and mocked, “I have to say, Ethan has quite unique tastes. Haha! Thank god Rachel left him! At a closer look, she and Ethan do
Last Updated : 2024-08-28The Guardian's Return Chapter 15
Felicia nodded again. Those were the names of the other widows Ethan had placed to live there. Thanks to Ethan, they saw much of each other and were all familiar with one another.Stephen smirked. “Get everyone down here now and have them gather in front of the building.”His plan was to call everyone out so the officials behind him and the governors watching the stream could see how depraved Ethan was!While Felicia left to gather the others, George said to the other governors, “I see now. The woman on the first floor must be a smokescreen. Ethan must’ve deliberately put someone unattractive on the first floor to throw us off and make us think he’s not keeping any mistresses. Tsk, tsk. He’s smart, but too bad it’s wasted on this!”The other governors nodded in agreement.“It’s true. He’s got so many tricks up his sleeve when it comes to deceiving the public.”“If only he put even a fraction of that energy into actually doing his job, he wouldn’t be in this mess.”“This should b
Last Updated : 2024-08-28The Guardian's Return Chapter 16
“Mr. Rivers was arrested for embezzlement and bribery? And we’re all part of his harem?”“Don’t slander us!”“Mr. Rivers would never do such a thing!”“Besides, our relationship with him is completely innocent!”A cold smile spread across Stephen’s face.“Sounds convincing, but let me ask you something. If you have nothing to do with him, why did he spend a billion dollars to buy you guys homes? Why does he spend every holiday here with you instead of going home? Why does he send you money regularly? Well? Answer me!”He sneered. “Can’t answer, can you?”He had come prepared, and his demand for an answer was echoed like thunder, startling the officials behind him.Some governors even clapped and cheered. “How intimidating!”“Good, good! That tough attitude is exactly what you need!”“I thought he might go easy because they’re women, but that’s a good attitude.”They were all pleased with Stephen’s performance. Even George could not help but smile with pride. That was his fut
Last Updated : 2024-08-28The Guardian's Return Chapter 17
Stephen had asked why, yet the answers he received seemed completely unrelated. However, every response answered his question perfectly. Why did Ethan treat those women so well? It was because they were the widows of the fallen heroes. Their husbands had sacrificed their lives for Riveria, and Riveria’s prosperity was built on the sacrifice of those men. Did their families not deserve such luxurious homes? They did; they more than deserved it.“What…” Stephen suddenly felt his throat go dry.The officials behind were stunned, not to mention George and the other governors watching the livestream.Zane sighed softly. He knew Ethan would not have any mistresses, but now that the truth was out, he could not help but feel a deep respect for Ethan. The man had taken on the burden of the entire province’s well-being all by himself. “No wonder Riveria is thriving. With someone like him around, Riveria will only get better!”Liam gulped hard, finally understanding why Ethan was so ca
Last Updated : 2024-08-28
Latest chapter
The Guardian's Return Chapter 644
Lily shook her head. She knew what the result was just by looking at Stephen’s expression. She smiled wryly. “You’ve done enough. I’m very happy about all you’ve done for me. Let’s head down the mountain.”Stephen was barely keeping it together, so Lily drove them down. She seemed fine on the surface, but once they reached the foot of the mountain, she could not hold back anymore. She stopped the car and burst into tears.Stephen listened to her sobs but was powerless. He knew why Lily was crying, but he could not comfort her.Just then, someone knocked on the car window. Lily held back her cries and rolled down the window.A couple carrying a child stood outside, and the man asked in concern, “Is something wrong? Do you need help?”Lily looked at the happy family in front of her and felt worse.“I’m fine. Please leave.”Then, she rolled the window back up.The couple exchanged a look before leaving helplessly.Inside the car, Lily choked out, “Steph, I don’t want to leave y
The Guardian's Return Chapter 643
There were many things Ethan could say to refute that statement.For example, Lily was a young lady of a wealthy family, and her partner would be the heir of another wealthy family. No matter how much emotional pain they were in, they had more money and resources than most people could dream of. Life was not just about romance, and this was what people meant by crying over nothing. However, all Ethan said was, “What has that got to do with me?”Stephen thought about it and replied, “I can give you money.”Ethan said indifferently, “I have enough money as is.”Too many people had offered him money, and there was nothing he needed money for at the moment. He had long stopped worrying about cash.Stephen paled. Emotional appeals did not work, and neither did money. He had run out of ideas.He glanced at Lily beside him. “Go outside first.”Lily’s mind was a mess. Every word Ethan spoke hit her hard. It was her first time meeting Ethan, and she had no idea how to handle it.She n
The Guardian's Return Chapter 642
Seeing Stephen so timid, Lily muttered in disappointment, “Steph…”Ethan could not be bothered to continue the conversation.“You can go now. I won’t help you.”Lily looked at Ethan, feeling resentful and disappointed. “People call you a clairvoyant, but you call Stephen a coward. In my eyes, you’re the real coward. You have the ability to help, but you choose to do nothing.”She was angry at Ethan’s unwillingness to help and his insult to Stephen. To her, there was nothing Stephen could not do. How could she allow him to be humiliated like that?However, the next second… “Shut up! Don’t be disrespectful to Ethan. Apologize to him now!” Stephen rebuked her.Lily froze, her eyes wide as she looked at Stephen with shock and disbelief. She defended him, and not only did he not help her, but he even scolded her and told her to apologize to Ethan.She could not believe it. Was he really the Stephen Quinn whom she knew?Stephen did not care what Lily was thinking. All he knew was t
The Guardian's Return Chapter 641
Ethan noticed the two people approaching.Lily was too nervous to meet Ethan’s gaze, and Stephen gulped as he greeted, “Ethan.”Ethan looked at him. “What now?”Stephen glanced at Lily before saying, “This is the daughter of the Ford family. Her name is Lily.”“I know,” said Ethan, “and I know she’s marrying Sebastian Katz in thirty-five days.”Lily looked at Ethan in shock. She knew she would marry in about a month but did not know the exact date, so how could Ethan, who did not live in Metropolis or had any connection to the powerful families, know? Now, she began to understand why Ethan was called a clairvoyant in the stories beyond the borders.In truth, deducing the date was simple. All Ethan had to know was the vague timeline.Stephen said, “I want your help to stop her from marrying Sebastian.”“Why?” Ethan asked. “Neither the Fords nor the Katzes have a problem with it. You’re a Quinn. Why would you care?”For a moment, Stephen did not know how to answer.Lily quickly
The Guardian's Return Chapter 640
“That’s soon…” Stephen was at a loss for words again. He was overwhelmed with emotions. The girl who used to play with him had become quiet and reserved, and she was about to marry someone else. He took a deep breath. “Who are you marrying?” Lily gave a name. “Sebastian Katz.” Stephen was shaken. He remembered Sebastian. The heir of the Katzes was handsome and surrounded by admirers since he was young. He was also highly educated, having studied abroad. On top of that, he worked out regularly and could even hold his own in a fight against guys like Andy.Besides, Stephen had heard that the Katzes were doing well, not just in the country but also expanding abroad. The future looked incredibly bright for them. There had been times when Stephen felt envious of Sebastian. “Oh, it’s him.” Stephen did not know how to continue the conversation. He knew that Sebastian was too perfect and, as a result, was surrounded by beautiful and accomplished women. As for Lily, Stephen kne
The Guardian's Return Chapter 639
Stephen hid in his room, too afraid to check his phone. His scandal was still making headlines online, showing no signs of fading in popularity. That woman had also been found. Stephen dared not imagine what type of questions people would ask her, let alone the impact her interviews would bring. Stephen was consumed by fear right now. He feared the shame, the disgrace, and the possibility of being sent back to his family in humiliation. He was even more afraid that Snow would see the news. Just as he was at a loss as to what to do, his phone rang, startling him. Glancing at the screen, he realized it was a call from Andy.Stephen was stunned, wondering why Andy would suddenly call him at that moment. Still, he picked up the call. “Do you have time?” Andy’s voice sounded. “Lily is in Riveria.”Stephen’s eyes widened. Lily was the eldest daughter of the Fords—the girl who used to follow him around and call him Steph. She was also the one who was about to get married in the grou
The Guardian's Return Chapter 638
More than a decade had passed, but Simon could still remember a friend’s comment when comforting someone heartbroken. “It’s the same for me. It gets worse year after year, but we get by.”Simon knew he could not interfere in that matter. Perhaps the only person in the world who could cure Stephen now was Ethan, who could reveal Snow’s whereabouts. Simon said, “Just have a child with Rachel. After the child is born, I won’t interfere with whoever you decide to be with in private.”After all, Stephen was the Quinns’ heir. It was normal for him to have a few lovers in his life. Likewise, once Rachel gave them a child, they would not interfere with Rachel’s love life. The child would be raised by the family, groomed from a young age to love and serve the family, and prepared to sacrifice their life if needed.Stephen thought of Ethan’s story. Two people who had no feelings for each other were bound for life by the interests of their families. “I’ll talk to Rachel.” Simon said, “
The Guardian's Return Chapter 637
Not knowing where he should go, Stephen wandered aimlessly on the streets until he spotted a bar. “How long has it been since I let go of myself and drink?”Stephen walked into the bar. The noisy, chaotic music and flashing lights made him forget his troubles temporarily. After downing two drinks, an average-looking woman approached and started chatting with him. He looked at her as the alcohol took over. He had been working hard for so long, yet he had achieved nothing. Perhaps he was unsuitable to manage Riveria. Besides, with Simon around now, there was nothing much left for him to do. He might as well indulge himself and become that carefree heir of the Quinns again!Stephen decided to head to a nearby hotel with the woman. When he sobered up, it was already 9 p.m. Seeing Simon standing by the bed with a stern expression, he subconsciously wanted to get up. However, a sharp headache struck him. Before he could recover, the pressure, troubles, fear, and uneasiness that w
The Guardian's Return Chapter 636
What could he do? He was merely someone who had to act under the orders of the family. Ask Ethan for help? Ethan had no obligation to help, and Stephen himself could not think of a reason or excuse for him to help.The matter had nothing to do with him, and he did not know them. Ethan did not need to involve himself in the messy disputes between those families. Well, should he try on his own? However, he was just the Quinn family’s heir, not the head of the family. The other families might not respect him, and even if he were the head of the family, the others could choose to ignore him. At that moment, he thought of Ethan’s words again. “Perhaps even until now, you still think you can solve every problem just by relying on yourself and the Quinn family’s power.”Stephen hung his once prideful head lowly. “If only… I could be like him.”After hearing Ethan’s story, he gained a deeper understanding of Ethan’s power. Even when it came to a conflict between two great families
