Chapter 32
Chapter 32
“Right now, everyone’s focused on whether Ethan is corrupt or not. We definitely can’t let this discussion continue. We need to divert everyone’s attention,” George said. “In that case… His reputation!”
A spark of inspiration came to George as he figured out a way to turn Ethan’s move to his own benefit.
“I got it! We should be targeting his reputation instead!” With that thought, George finally came up with a plan.
“It’s no longer about whether Ethan is corrupt or not. We need to tarnish Ethan’s reputation the
first. We can say he’s got dirty hands, using his local influence to suppress regional officials.
–
“We’ll also say he has connections at the border, earning him large amounts of ill–gotten gains.”
Simon considered it for a moment and found the plan feasible. After all, Ethan had been working there for so long. Surely some people disliked him.
They could contact those officials and find a few towns that had issues with Ethan to testify. That could serve as proof that Ethan was indeed corrupt.
Once that “truth” was revealed, people would no longer pay a second thought to the thank- you letters or whatever good deeds Ethan had done in the past.
Better yet, the sentiment around Stephen might change, and the public might even urge Stephen to continue investigating Ethan’s background!
“It sounds like a plan,” Simon said. “Make arrangements to start as soon as possible.”
With that, the call ended and no sooner did George spring into action. He first gave a call to Stephen, telling him to dismiss everyone and come back quickly.
At George’s instructions, Stephen finally snapped back to reality and had everyone leave the villa. Then, he ordered Ethan’s properties to be sealed off before leaving himself.
As he left, he kept his head down and did not say a word–a stark contrast to his confident demeanor when he arrived.
The officials behind him were whispering among themselves.
“There’s still no evidence that Ethan is guilty.”
“I’m starting to think Ethan is locked up just because he’s too outstanding.
“I think so too…”
+25 BONUS
Chapter 32
Stephen’s face burned with embarrassment, and all he wanted to do was disappear. Ast such, he hurriedly got into his car and left in a rush.
Back home, he rushed into the bathroom and splashed his face with cold water. The cold water sobered him up, allowing him to finally feel a little better.
“Ethan!” He gritted his teeth at the mirror.
If it were not for Ethan, he would not have been publicly humiliated like that. The incident
incompetent! had even reached the federal government, and how they knew he wa
He had always been the best in everything since he was young, so he had never experienced such humiliation before!
“Knock, knock.”
Suddenly, there was a knock on the bathroom door, followed by George’s voice. “Stephen, are you alright?”
Stephen took a deep breath, trying to stay calm
Then, he opened the door and said, “I’m fine.”
“Today didn’t go as planned, but don’t take it to heart,” George said. “We have other methods at our disposal.”
Stephen asked, “What methods?”
“First, we’ll divert everyone’s attention from whether Ethan is corrupt or not. Second, we’ll find fault with Ethan from other angles.”
George slowly explained his plan.
“Here’s what I’m thinking. We’ll get in touch with those at the border regions, as well as some officials and towns that have issues with Ethan. We’ll have them all testify that Ethan has poor values and is a problematic person.
“This way, we can achieve both goals perfectly, and you’ll be credited for the investigation, redeeming yourself from today’s failure. It’s a win–win.”
Stephen’s eyes gradually lit up.
He thought about it and realized the plan was good. He would reap all the benefits while also achieving the goal of bringing Ethan down!
“Good… Good. This is really good!” Stephen muttered.
“I’ve had people look into those who have issues with Ethan,” George said. “You should get some rest today.”
Stephen nodded. He was truly exhausted. He was mentally drained and had been on edge
Chapter 32
the entire day.
