Chapter 302
In the meeting room at headquarters, everyone was shocked when they learned about the situation in Celestial City.
The South Regent dared to start a business in Celestial City.
Furthermore, he had used schemes to drive away all the other businesses, making him the only major company left, which made it difficult for Stephen to act.
Since the city was still in turmoil, Mark’s company had become its economic backbone. If anything happened to it, Celestial City’s economy would collapse completely.
They could still arrest Mark, but that would come at too high a price.
First, the economy would crash. Second, Mark was a hero who had captured the criminals.
They all felt trapped.
“At this point, we have no choice but to support him. Once the economy stabilizes, we can gather enough evidence and arrest him.”
The others nodded in agreement.
After the meeting, Simon called Stephen.
“Have people infiltrate his company and gather evidence, but don’t make any other moves. Support the company and stabilize Celestial City’s economy first.
“When new businesses come in, you can support the companies that are clean. Once Celestial City stabilizes and the new companies have grown strong, we’ll take down the South Regent’s company in one fell swoop.
Stephen nodded.
Right now, all they could do was compromise with the South Regent. They had to allow him to openly profit from Celestial City.
“As for your public report, just write the truth,” said Simon. It could not be hidden, after all.
Stephen lowered his head, knowing what the consequences would be.
The Internet would curse him to death!
He had already ruined North Hill City, Seaside City, and Aqua City. Now, Celestial City was on the brink of collapse too.
The Crystal Lake and Azure Cloud Mountain tourism projects had failed.
The food hall and development zone had fallen apart.
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The real estate bubble had burst.
Two business owners had killed each other.
All the other companies had pulled out.
Celestial City’s GDP had plummeted from 2.5 trillion to 800 billion. It was a loss of 1.7 trillion dollars!
Simon continued, “There’ll be disciplinary action against you in a few days.”
He was also helpless. Although he had tried his best to support Stephen, Stephen had failed too many times. Each failure was severe, especially this time.
They were now forced to support an enemy company to stabilize the economy.
It was humiliating!
Stephen knew that punishment was inevitable.
“I understand.” Stephen felt exhausted.
The call ended.
Stephen went to his room and started writing a report.
At that moment, he felt that every word was a struggle.
When he first arrived in Riveria, he was full of confidence and believed that he could break through the 20–trillion–GDP mark within a year. Instead, he caused the destruction of four cities.
Even though he had grown more composed and mature this time, he still lost to the South
Regent.
He was completely defeated. He could not even win a single round!
The South Regent remained at large, so Stephen would still face him again in the future. Would Stephen be able to win next time?
For the first time, Stephen felt a sense of doubt.
Just then, George rushed over and knocked on the door.
Stephen opened it, and George said, “Bad news.”
Those words caused Stephen’s heart to sink into the abyss. Celestial City was already ruined. What else could possibly go wrong?
George said, “Mr. Holt’s wife has committed suicide.”
Stephen staggered back and fell onto the bed. His eyes were wide open but completely
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devoid of light.
“She couldn’t handle that her husband killed Mr. Lynch and then himself because of her, so she chose to end her own life.”
Hearing that, Stephen felt his head buzz uncontrollably.
The death of Mr. Holt’s wife was the
straw
Three lives!
He had watched Mr. Holt and Mr. Lynch die in front of him.
Now, he found out that Mr. Holt’s wife was also dead.
He could not protect anyone!
Stephen’s confidence was shattered. He knew he had to include Mr. Holt’s wife’s death in the report as well. He had the blood of another three lives on his hands.
The Internet would never forgive him!
His punishment from headquarters would be even harsher!
Stephen sat there in a daze, unable to return to his senses for a long time.
George saw his state and understood his fears. He slowly sat beside Stephen. “Just write that everything was my fault.”
