Chapter 197
“Kill us if you dare!”
“We owe a few hundred thousand in debt. Do you think we’re afraid of dying?”
“If you protect that asshole today, he might destroy your entire family tomorrow! Believe it or not!”
With a loud crash, the front door splintered under the impact.
Stephen panicked, but he knew he could not hide anymore. If he were caught, those people might really beat him to death.
At that moment, Stephen realized his mistake! Dragging things out and avoiding confrontation would only make matters worse. The real enemy wasn’t from outside; it was the locals of Aqua City!
“I’ll pay!” he stammered as he stepped out. “I’m willing to pay.”
As soon as Stephen emerged, the crowd grew more agitated, especially those related to the ones who had committed suicide. Their eyes reddened, and they wanted nothing more than to kill Stephen on the spot.
“Everyone, please calm down!” shouted a middle–aged man.
He was one of the towns‘ mayors and had led the group to confront Stephen. His voice cut through the chaos, bringing a slight calm to the crowd.
Watching from the sidelines, Adam felt pathetic. Who was in charge here? He had barely stepped outside before being pelted with eggs, his attempts to speak drowned out. No one was listening to him.
However, all the town’s mayor had to do was shout once, and everyone fell silent.
The man turned to Stephen and asked, “You are Stephen Quinn?”
Stephen nodded.
Suddenly, the town’s mayor slapped him hard across the face.
He growled, “I’m asking you, what is your name? From now on, speak louder so all of us can hear!”
Stephen covered his face, stunned and in disbelief. He, the son of the Quinns, had just been hit by an ordinary man!
He glared at the town’s mayor angrily, but when their eyes met, Stephen immediately lowered his head. The man’s gaze was far more terrifying.
“Are you mad? You murdered my townspeople. Do you have any idea how much they
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Chapter 197
suffered when they died? Do you know how heartbroken we were? What right do to look at me like that?”
The town’s mayor balled his fists, but Adam rushed in to stop him.
“Calm down! Calm down! Let’s talk this out!” Adam said.
you
have
At least it was good that they could speak one–on–one now. That was the best scenario they could hope for; at least there was still room for negotiation.
Everyone could also hear Stephen’s voice. If all of them rushed at Stephen at once, it would be over for him.
Stephen lowered his head, sneaking a glance at the crowd below. Every face was filled with rage, and he quickly looked away. The anger radiating from each person was overwhelming!
“Answer us now. What’s your name?” The town’s mayor asked again.
Although he knew the man was Stephen Quinn, who they were looking for, he wanted Stephen to say it aloud!
“I’m Stephen Quinn.”
The town’s mayor took a deep breath. “You want to develop the industrial sector? Fine. We have no objection, but how could you destroy the fishing and tourism industries?”
“I didn’t,” Stephen muttered.
Another hard slap landed on his face. That made two slaps today.
“Speak louder. We can’t hear you!”
Everyone needed to hear the answers they wanted!
Adam rushed to get a loudspeaker and handed it to Stephen, whispering, “Answer clearly.”
Stephen raised his head, his gaze flitting nervously as he glanced at the angry crowd below. “I–I never intended to destroy the fishing and tourism industries.”
He truly did not realize that letting the factories into Aqua City would lead to those consequences.
“But you’re the one who ruined the fishing and tourism industries.” The town’s mayor said, “We want compensation!”
Stephen looked troubled.
