Chapter 35
Brandon carefully orchestrated his plan. He specifically chose a few people to cross the border without much cargo, then deliberately leaked information about illegal border crossings.
After setting everything up, Brandon called all the Lytton residents back.
“The trap has been set. Let’s see how they handle it,” he said with a smirk.
News of the border crossings spread quickly. Due to the mass resignations leaving a shortage of officials, the information quickly reached Stephen and George.
Both men’s expressions were grim.
“More illegal immigrants?”
That might not have been a big deal elsewhere, but to them, it was a serious problem. During the three years that Ethan was in charge, there had not been a single case of illegal immigration!
“Could they have been right?” Stephen could not accept it.
Was Riveria changing with Ethan gone? Was Ethan truly indispensable? How else could. people dare to cross the border illegally as soon as Ethan was out of the picture?
“Don’t overthink it,” George said. “It’s surely a coincidence. After all, we’ve had a lot of resignations.”
He refused to believe Riveria could not be without Ethan. The only truly indispensable person was himself!
George’s comment reassured Stephen. On second thought, no matter how capable Ethan was, he could not possibly determine the fate of an entire province, especially the most developed one in the country.
Even the Quinns could not control Riveria’s future, let alone Ethan. How could he be more. powerful than the Quinns?
George added, “For now, let’s focus on finding out how these people entered the Riveria.”
Then, he immediately contacted North Hill City. “Have you figured out how they got in?”
“Not yet. They claim not to know either. The smugglers acted discreetly and cunningly.” George hung up and called the North Hill City Police Department.
In a serious tone, he ordered, “You have seven days to find out who brought them in and arrest them!”
He could not afford to be careless about it.
Chapter 35
+25 BONUS
The area beyond the border was far from peaceful, with constant conflicts and numerous illegal businesses. While those few individuals did not bring much with them, there was no guarantee the next group would come empty–handed.
What if they brought deadly weapons or other dangerous contraband? How would the people of North Hill City live then?
Truth be told, George did not care about the citizens‘ well–being. He was more concerned about how unrest would affect economic development.
North Hill City had been named one of the top ten safest cities for three consecutive years. If that honor was lost on his watch, people would doubt their abilities again!
“Don’t worry!” the police commander said confidently. “I don’t need seven days. I can solve this case in three.”
George’s eyes lit up. “Excellent! If you can crack the case in three days, there will be a substantial reward!”
The commander responded righteously, “The reward isn’t important. What matters is solving the issue for you.”
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