The Guardian's Return by Old Pumpkin

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 bribery."
and
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 arrive at the
disaster site after the recent earthquake in the northern region.
Seeing the shocked, confused, and disbelieving looks on everyone's faces, Stephen smiled triumphantly. That was exactly the
reaction he wanted! He was determined to crush Ethan's reputation completely!
"My sources can't be wrong," Stephen said confidently. "I wouldn't say this without solid

evidence."
He then slammed a file onto the table. It contained information about Ethan's real estate holdings and the financial transactions
with several women.
"Could he have afforded two apartment buildings without accepting bribes or embezzling? Could he have handed out tens of
thousands of dollars to people? Furthermore, he gave it to each person! Open your eyes. Ethan is a parasite, and you've all
been deceived."
Liam was reluctant to believe it. A parasite? Just yesterday, he had seen the South Regent's men escort Ethan with the utmost
respect. Was that the kind of power a parasite could
Chapter 12
hold?
Before he could speak up, Zane pulled him aside.
"It's no use. He won't listen. People like that only realize their mistakes when it's too late. Don't waste your time with them. Let
them dig their own graves.
Zane had given up. Without Ethan, not even God could save Riveria, and he was already thinking about how to escape. He was
certain that without Ethan, Riveria would fall into turmoil.
Stephen waved his hand. "Let's set off!"
He led the group to Regal Estates, the most luxurious neighborhood in Riveria.
Upon arrival, they were all stunned by the grandeur of the place.
The wide roads were easily the width of four buses side by side, and the landscaping along the roadside was impressive.
However, what shocked them the most was that the neighborhood had its own private elementary, middle, and high schools
staffed with renowned teachers.
That was why the property prices there were astronomical. The cheapest unit went for 10 million dollars, and the most expensive
one could go for as much as 100 million dollars!

As they walked, Stephen said, "Ethan has two apartment buildings here. Two! That's over a billion dollars in value! Let me ask
you. How could he have that much money without breaking the law?"
The others felt their jaws drop in shock. Two apartment buildings worth a billion dollars? Even those who had worked with Ethan
knew nothing about it.
"Is Ethan really corrupt?"
"If he isn't, how could he afford a billion dollars worth of property? Not to mention all the women he has in there..."
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