Chapter 328
“Perhaps this is all the South Regent’s plan. He wants to use the same trick to drive away the companies here, subsequently bringing in his own businesses, forcing me to support his enterprises!”
At that thought, Stephen’s face turned grim.
It was very much possible. After all, because of that move, he lost to the South Regent in the previous city, Celestial City.
“How dare he try again? This time, I won’t let him succeed! If I’m deceived and tricked again, I’ll have failed the Quinns!”
Stephen took out his phone and dialed George’s number.
“Did you hear? Today, many villages suddenly acted together and raided some companies‘ orchards and farms, causing a total economic loss of 23 billion.”
George nodded. “I heard.”
However, he did not know that the losses were as high as 23 billion!
“What’s the situation?”
“I’m guessing it was the South Regent’s plan.” Stephen said, “He wanted to repeat what he did to Celestial City and force the companies away, so he can forcefully move his own in.”
George found the explanation possible.
He quickly asked, “What should we do?”
Stephen said in a heavy tone, “He was able to proceed with his plan smoothly in Celestial City because he had an insider helping him. This time, he must have someone too.”
George’s eyes lit up. “You mean the mayor, Julius?”
Stephen replied, “He’s the most likely suspect now.”
“Alright, I’ll keep an eye on him. I won’t let him have any chance of success. If he makes any strange moves, I’ll definitely stop him!”
That made Stephen feel relieved. With the South Regent’s subordinate being watched, how much trouble could the South Regent stir up?
This time, the South Regent’s plan would never succeed!
George had been roJulius closely recently. He noticed Julius seemed to be doing
something in the hero’s village, Stone Village.
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Chapter 328
Two days later, the companies contacted Stephen again after still not receiving compensation.
“When will you pay us?”
Without the money, the companies felt uneasy because it was not the first time trouble h happened in Riveria. Since Ethan went missing and Stephen took over, North Hill City, Seaside City, Aqua City, and Celestial City had major problems.
Now that Stephen had come to Hill City, they were all on edge. They hoped more than anything for Ethan to return. When Ethan was around, they never had to orry about stuf like the villagers robbing them.
Stephen quickly said, “I’ll follow up for you.”
He called the police chief and asked how the compensation recovery was going.
The police chief shrugged exasperatedly. “We can’t get it. They have a numbers advantage and none is willing to pay.”
Stephen felt numb all over. He could not believe not a single cent was recovered.
He did not know how to break the news to the companies. However, after much hesitation, he finally called the companies and told them the truth. They could not recover the stolen goods, and there was no money either.
The company owners were taken aback and stunned. They had worked hard for so long, and now that they were finally about to reap the benefits, everything was stolen. To make things worse, there was not a cent of compensation!
For a moment, they felt utterly hopeless.
Stephen knew it was outrageous not to provide compensation, so he said, “Rest assured, everyone. Give us some more time. We will definitely give you a satisfactory answer.”
The company owners felt exhausted. Two days had passed, and they had yet to receive a single cent. They did not think there would ever be a satisfactory result.
They hung up the call and started deciding between leaving or staying in Hill City.
They did not really want to leave as they had been in Hill City for some time now, and they were still hoping for Ethan to return. If Ethan came back, everything would start improving. Alas, Ethan was still missing.
Suddenly, one of the owners thought of an idea “Why don’t we ask Mr. Rivers to return?”
The companies immediately worked together and released a statement. “Bring Ethan back! If Ethan returns, we are willing to stay in Hill City!”
The news quickly spread in Hill City, and the people were confused.
Chapter 328
“What are these companies doing?”
“Bring Ethan back? Why bring back that criminal to continue harming Riveria?”
“They should investigate these companies thoroughly!”
+25 BONUS
Someone found it funny and posted it online, inviting others to mock,the companies. The netizens began commenting once they caught wind of the news.
“I think there’s something fishy about these companies.”
“Are they trying to destroy Riveria?”
“Why would they want to bring a criminal back? We can’t let these companies stay!”
The backlash was overwhelming. The locals of Hill City and the netizens did not want Ethan to return. In their opinion, they should remain imprisoned!
