The Guardian's Return (Ethan Rivers) novel Chapter 23

“What’s wrong?” 

Stephen noticed George’s unusual reaction, so he curiously took the document for a quick look. 

Instantly, he too was dumbfounded. They were bank transaction records showing Ethan’s payments to the widows and the widows‘ spending habits! 

Every month, Ethan had been transferring between 80 to 100 thousand dollars to each family, plus the annual tuition of 200 thousand dollars, without fail! 

In other words, Ethan gave each family nearly 1.5 million dollars yearly, which was just for one family. There were seventy to eighty families there, meaning the total amount added to at least 105 million dollars! 

“105 million!” 

“105 million dollars every year!” 

For a moment, George could barely breathe as he was overwhelmed by that astronomical figure. 

Stephen’s jaw dropped, and for a moment, he was lost for words. His earlier comment on how much Ethan could afford to give now felt like a boomerang that had circled back to smack him right in the face. The embarrassment stung badly, and he wished he could find! a hole to crawl into. 

The amount Ethan had been giving out was staggering. George, upon recalling his promise to the widows, felt a sharp pain in his chest. 

By saying everything Ethan gave and no less meant they too would have to shell out 105 million dollars a year to take care of them; by promising to do even better than Ethan meant they would have to give even more than that. 

Both men slumped onto the sofa, stunned. 

“How is this possible?” 

“How could he be giving away so much money? 

“Doesn’t he care about money at all?” 

They sat in shock for a while before Stephen asked, his mouth dry, “What should we do?” 

George shook his head. “I don’t know. 

“Are we really going to give away so much money?” 

George gritted his teeth and said, “We have to. We have no choice. As for the losses… we 

+25 BONUS 

can reduce spending in other areas and develop new districts. Real estate in Riveria is worth its weight in gold.” 

Stephen sighed. It seemed they had no other option now. 

Both were confused and doubtful. How on earth had Ethan been giving away 105 million dollars a year to others without harming anyone’s interests? 

“I think he must be hiding money somewhere,” Stephen said. 

He refused to believe all that money came through legitimate channels. 

George perked up a little and said, “I think so too.” 

Stephen thought for a moment before saying, “I’ll have someone investigate Ethan’s financial transactions and personal connections right away.” 

No sooner said than done, he immediately sprang into action. Bringing down Ethan could 

not wait. 

They had to prove that Ethan was indeed corrupt. Otherwise, once news of Ethan’s arrest spread, people might take his side and secretly disrupt Riveria’s peace, affecting Stephen‘ plans to rapidly increase Riveria’s GDP.