Chapter 247
“That’s right. He fought against all of Riveria’s enemies by himself three years ago. Why is he fleeing from two assassins?”
“Fleeing is one thing. What’s more important is that he didn’t arrest the two shooters.”
“He’s a disgrace to the Grand Marshal.”
“He’s not just a disgrace. If he really brought peace to Riveria three years ago, those two gunmen wouldn’t have shown up. They would’ve been dealt with long before they made a move.”
“It’s strange. The way Stephen acted doesn’t match General Kenning’s description.”
“Yeah. If he really brought peace to Riveria three years ago, why are North Hill City, Seaside City, and Aqua City in a mess?”
“Do you think Stephen is faking his identity as the Grand Marshal’s mentee?”
Online, many people began doubting Stephen’s identity.
“Does anyone know what happened in Riveria three years ago?”
“I don’t think Stephen was capable of pulling off those feats.”
“Yeah. Someone explain it, please.”
Many people were curious about the truth. Was Stephen really the Grand Marshal’s mentee, or could someone else be the actual mentee?
Meanwhile, many local businesses were also considering leaving Celestial City, and those who planned to set up companies in Celestial City all dismissed their ideas. After the recent shooting during a speech, Celestial City felt too dangerous. If they were not careful, they might lose their lives in Celestial City.
When Stephen heard that numerous businesses were leaving, he panicked.
“Increase the search efforts. We have to find those two men! If there’s not enough manpower, bring in more from other places. They have to be caught!”
Stephen had no reason to let them off the hook for shooting at him. Moreover, it happened during his public speech about safety, and it felt especially humiliating, especially in front of a live audience. Thus, they had to be apprehended!
Besides, the people online were starting to doubt his identity. If they did not apprehend the shooters, it would be too hard to explain himself.
What Stephen did not know was that the mayor had secretly let the men go as he could not let those two get caught.
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+25 BONUS
Chapter 247
Desperate to retain the remaining businesses, Stephen and George approached the CEOS. However, the CEOS were blunt with their responses.
“We businessmen don’t hold the same status as you, and if you’ve been attacked, that makes us even more vulnerable.”
“We might even end up dead in Celestial City one night.‘
“Don’t try to convince us. We have to leave.”
There was no room for negotiation.
George’s face was dark with anger, and Stephen also felt an overwhelming despair. How had things come to that?
In his mind, the speech was supposed to go smoothly, and it should solidify the businesses ‘ decision to stay and attract a flood of new companies into Celestial City. Where did the gunmen come from?
A single gunshot had shattered all his hopes!
Stephen felt terrible.
“Could it be because of this identity?”
He recalled what Ethan had said earlier.
Riveria enjoyed peace for three years only because he had kept all the forces in check. Although Riveria seemed peaceful, beneath it all, dark undercurrents stirred.
Now that Ethan was gone, no one was left in Riveria to keep them in check, and they could now move however they pleased. As the Grand Marshal’s mentee, Stephen might have become a target for all those forces lurking in the shadows!
Realizing that possibility, cold started to trickle down Stephen’s forehead.
“Find me some bodyguards. I think I’ll need them whenever I go out from now on.”
George’s eyes widened. “Is it that serious?”
“You were there today. What do
you think?”
The assassins even vandalized his billboard and had the nerve to mock him.
George sighed in resignation. “Okay, I’ll get you some bodyguards for you. What should we do about Celestial City now?”
