All Chapters of The Guardian's Return: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

“Right now, everyone's focused on whether Ethan is corrupt or not. We definitely can't let this discussion continue. We need to divert everyone's attention," George said. "In that case… His reputation!”A spark of inspiration came to George as he figured out a way to turn Ethan’s move to his own benefit.“I got it! We should be targeting his reputation instead!” With that thought, George finally came up with a plan.“It's no longer about whether Ethan is corrupt or not. We need to tarnish Ethan's reputation first. We can say he's got dirty hands, using his local influence to suppress the regional officials.“We'll also say he has connections at the border, earning him large amounts of ill-gotten gains.”Simon considered it for a moment and found the plan feasible. After all, Ethan had been working there for so long. Surely some people disliked him.They could contact those officials and find a few towns that had issues with Ethan to testify. That could serve as proof that Ethan w

The mass resignations further angered George and Stephen, who were already in a foul mood."Why am I dealing with this?" Stephen wondered, confused. He had just taken over, and a bunch of people quitting now was very detrimental to the region's stability.George, angry, felt like flipping the dinner table. He had absolutely no appetite. He could not believe those people had the nerve to use their resignations to pressure him into releasing Ethan. Did they think he could be so easily intimidated?"Good riddance," George said through gritted teeth, his tone icy. "With them gone, we can bring in our own people. Riveria will function just fine without them!" He already had plans to use that opportunity to groom his people, which would help him maintain control and manage Riveria in the future.The next day, news of the mass resignations had spread.In Lytton, a town in North Hill City, Brandon was attending the weekly town council meeting at Lytton's community center. Though not

"I'll do an excellent job!" Eric declared, thumping his chest. "Rest assured, Governor Lowe. If I can't solve this case in three days, I'll offer you my head!"After the call ended, George was in a good mood. Individuals so committed were rare. It was all Ethan's fault for being short-sighted and suppressing such talent. What kind of trash were the previous commander and deputy commander for resigning when North Hill City needed them most?"But it's good they left. If they had stayed, they would only have made North Hill City worse," George thought out loud. Meanwhile, Eric hung up the phone and prepared to take action. He already had some suspicions about who would have brought people in illegally.From his previous experiences working with the commander and deputy commander, he was familiar with the various forces in North Hill City."It's highly likely that Lytton was involved in bringing these people in. If I investigate Lytton, I can wrap up this case in less than half a d

Ethan tossed a list onto the table and continued, "Hand over the people on this list, and then, cease all your operations."Brandon picked up the list, and as he went through it, his face sank.The list included discovered moles and some of the town's most successful “businessmen”. They not only manufactured dangerous weapons but also had close ties with foreign entities, helping with human trafficking and smuggling goods.If Ethan took those people away, they would surely be sentenced to death. More importantly, it would have a massive impact on Lytton’s economic activities."You must be joking." Brandon tried to play dumb. "We don't have such people in Lytton."Ethan calmly replied, "Whether you hand them over or I find them myself makes no difference to me. But for you, the difference will be significant. I assure it."Brandon gritted his teeth.Ethan's message was clear. Whether they cooperated or not would not deter him in the slightest. He could easily find these people an

The other officers, still dazed, followed his lead. Just like that, this officer managed to lead everyone away.At that point, Eric was the only person under the tree shade. He waited and waited, growing increasingly anxious when Sky did not appear, but the thought of ice-cold water to drink soon calmed him down a bit.Unfortunately, after half an hour, not only was Sky nowhere to be seen, but his officers had also disappeared."Huh? Have they gone missing too?" he muttered. "Do they cannibalize people in this town?"He grumbled but remained seated, the thought of searching for his subordinates not once occurring to him.It was not until 4 p.m. that Eric, now barely conscious, saw Sky casually strolling toward him with an ice pop in hand.Sky had reported Eric’s activities, or lack thereof, to Brandon. "This commander is about to faint, and he hasn't called anyone."Brandon nodded. "Bring him to me."They had deliberately left Eric in the heat for so long, yet he did not call f