Chapter 68
“I can see why he feels that way, considering the accusations against him.”
Simon sought help from experts to write an apology letter. It was a deep dive into the subject matter with each word carefully selected to leave the public pondering its underlying meaning.
The brief letter shirked Stephen of any responsibility except his judgment on hiring, pinning most fault on Shawn, Eric, and Brandon. Ethan was also partly to be blamed, and Stephen was just the gullible party who knew nothing.
Though fooled, Stephen only acted out in the public’s best interest, so the public had to keep their thoughts to themselves.
“He’s committed to our well–being.”
“The faults lie on Shawn, Eric, and Brandon. They didn’t just have Stephen fooled, but us
too.”
“Ethan should share a part of the blame too. He knew what was going on but said nothing anyway.”
Simon hired trolls to sway public opinion. Those internet trolls downplayed Stephen’s mistake, making him innocent.
Simon had also gotten Stephen another secret weapon.
At the end of it, Stephen said, “Ethan is free to go from this day onward, and as compensation to make up for the mistake, we’ll be giving him a house.”
“Clap! Clap! Clap!”
Applause echoed in the air.
With Ethan released and given a house, the public’s perception of Stephen shifted for the better. Despite everything, Stephen could put the past behind him, admit his mistakes, and live to serve the people.
The public gave Stephen a standing ovation. In the face of the applause, Stephen kept a smile, feeling relieved. He was safe, and that should be the end of the matter.
What about Ethan? His freedom is more of a facade than a reality as he was taken at dawn and transported to a secluded mountain area.
Drakthorn Ridge, a mountain measuring 6,500 feet, was well known in Riveria. Due to its high altitude, the mountain was constantly enveloped in fog. Local legend whispered of a dragon dwelling there, which was how it got its name.
Ethan was taken to a villa, and Liam told him, “You’ll be staying here.”
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The house and the towering mountain were all than needed to figure out his situation.
That was his supposed freedom, but it was just a cell holding him in a different location.
That was his supposed freedom, but it
Still, he could not complain about the and scenery. It was not a bad idea to stay
there.
Ethan walked into the villa for a look, Judging by the cleanliness, the place had been tidied up the day before.
Those escorting Ethan were not in a hurry to leave.
Liam stuck around for a while before meeting Ethan’s gaze and saying, “We probably won’t meet again, Mr. Rivers.”
Ethan said with a smile, “There’s always a next time.”
Liam was reluctant to part ways.
“Do you need me to do anything for you, Mr. Rivers?”
“No.” Ethan said composedly, “Just remember what I said.”
Ethan urged him to sell his assets, even suggesting that he sell his house and rent a cheaper place.
When another group arrived soon, Liam sighed and uttered, “Take care of yourself, Mr. Rivers.”
“Alright.” Ethan nodded.
Liam was tasked to transport Ethan to the new location, and another group of people would keep an eye on the man.
Those people would not be staying at Ethan’s villa. Instead, they would keep watch on every route off Drakthorn Ridge to stop Ethan from leaving. They would not make themselves visible unless Ethan wished to meet them.
At least, Ethan could enjoy far greater comfort and freedom than what he experienced in prison.
“I might as well make the best of the situation.
The city’s plague no longer concerned him. In fact, it was a pleasure to watch Riveria’s downfall from a great view.
Ethan tidied up a room and began his stay at Drakthorn Ridge. He was the first and only resident of Drakthorn Ridge.
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