Chapter 239
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If not for George’s quick thinking this time, they would have been in serious trouble.
The South Regent asked, “So, why did you call me? Did you want to show off?”
“No,” said Simon. “I’m here to negotiate.”
The South Regent understood that Simon wanted to buy his silence.
“500 billion dollars.”
“That’s too much.”
Simon could accept 50 million, but 500 billion? Not even tycoons had that much money.
“Think carefully. The money you pay this time isn’t just to save Richard but also your entire family.”
Simon gritted his teeth. “300 billion.”
The South Regent said, “400 billion.”
“300 billion, take it or leave it. Riveria doesn’t have as much money as it used to.”
If it were during the peak of Riveria, he would not have been concerned about 300 billion. After all, Riveria used to have a GDP of 15 trillion.
“Deal.”
The South Regent knew it was the maximum offer, and 300 billion was still a significant amount, enough to support his 200 thousand men for a year.
While 300 billion seemed a lot, spreading it across 200 thousand people meant each person would get 150 thousand per month. However, the reality was different.
He had many capable officials who needed several tens of thousands of dollars each month and various team leaders who needed hundreds of thousands. Besides, he had to pay himself first, buy equipment, procure medical supplies, and bribe others. That was why his other subordinates would only receive several tens of thousands a month.
Furthermore, they might lose their lives at any time. Back when he was still fighting Ethan, his men died every day. Even though he no longer fought Ethan, he still had to fight against other factions, and there was also the occasional traitor. Large–scale conflicts broke out regularly.
After they agreed on 300 billion, Simon called Stephen and told him to transfer the money in Riveria to the South Regent. In exchange, the Grand Marshal would not bring up the Grand Marshal’s real mentee anymore.
Stephen thought about it and decided to divert the funds from Celestial City’s budget. After
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Chapter 239
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all, Richard was coming back, and negotiations could continue. Plus, with several local companies going under, there was room to bring in more major corporations.
He was optimistic about Celestial City’s future, and the 300 billion? He could earn it back in no time!
Stephen brought Richard back from the foot of Sky Peak and returned to Celestial City. However, on the way back, he made a point to visit Ethan.
This time, he had not only escaped disaster. He had also managed to steal Ethan’s identity and diminish the man’s achievements. He could not wait to rub it in Ethan’s face and make
him furious!
“He’ll lose his mind! It’s going to be hilarious.
Soon, he arrived at Ethan’s mansion. He waltzed right in and sat down in front of Ethan, chuckling.
“Still got time to read, huh? I’ve got some good news for you.‘
Ethan glanced at him. “Good news from you? That’s rare.”
“Haha! It is rare.”
Stephen stared at Ethan with a grin and said, “I know you’re the Grand Marshal’s mentee, but we’ve stripped you of that identity. Now, I’m the Grand Marshal’s mentee, and you’re a fraud! How does that make you feel?”
Ethan replied calmly, “Are you really prepared for that?”
Stephen’s grin froze as a sense of unease crept in.
He was confused. Why was Ethan not anxious at all? He had taken his identity and stripped him of his honor, but Ethan was unfazed. He was as composed as always!
“Where are you getting at?” Stephen asked.
Ethan said slowly, “Riveria isn’t as peaceful as you think. Before, I was around to keep everything in order, but since you want to become me, you’ll have to face… the whole of Riveria and all the enemies beyond the borders.”
Stephen shot to his feet.
Was that a joke? Riveria only looked peaceful on the surface? Since he had become Ethan, he would have to face all the enemies?
“Become you?” Stephen sneered. “I’m me, Stephen Quinn. Why would I become you?”
Ethan smiled. “You’re the Grand Marshal’s mentee now.”
Ethan’s words hit Stephen like a bolt of lightning, shocking him.
