The Guardian's Return (Ethan Rivers) novel Chapter 361

Chapter 361 

They had always wanted to expand their companies into Aqua City but were consistently stopped by Ethan. However, when Stephen took over, he welcomed them all without hesitation. Now, Aqua City’s economy had become entirely dependent on them, and for that, Oliver and his associates were genuinely grateful to Stephen. 

Unfortunately, one of Stephen’s friends quickly snatched the gift box and threw it violently to the ground. An exquisite blue and white porcelain piece fell out and shattered instantly. 

Stephen’s friend froze when he saw it was not a phone or a recording device. It was a genuine gift! 

They immediately realized their mistake. They had smashed the wrong thing! 

An elderly man rushed over and picked up the porcelain fragments to examine them. As he looked, he became even more aghast. 

“This porcelain is over 500 years old! It’s a true one–of–a–kind antique! How could this happen?” 

He was devastated. The blue and white porcelain was not just valuable–its collectible and historical worth was beyond measure! 

The person who broke the gift turned pale and staggered backward. He had no idea the gift would be so precious. He had destroyed an antique! 

“I” 

He was at a loss for words. Although his family was wealthy, that was not his property–it was a gift meant for the Quinns, and he had just humiliated the Quinns! 

“I’m sorry,” he quickly apologized. “It wasn’t intentional. I didn’t know. I thought it contained something meant to mock Stephen.” 

As soon as those words left his mouth, he realized that he had only made things worse. However, he did not know what else to say and began to stutter. 

Stephen took a deep breath, suppressing the anger bubbling up in him. “Why don’t you take a break?” 

Someone had finally brought him a genuine gift. Unfortunately, before he could even open it, it was destroyed, by his own friend, no less. 

Stephen felt terrible. Was he not worthy of receiving sincere blessings? 

He rubbed his temples. He thought getting married would be easy, but now he realized how wrong he had been. Only half a day had passed, and so much had happened. He was exhausted and wanted nothing more but to lie down and rest. 

1/3 

Chapter 361 

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Just then, several men walked in together. The arrival immediately caught everyone’s attention. They wore suits, hats, and sunglasses, looking quite distinguished. They did not look like they were there for the wedding. 

At the front of the group, a man held a small box that appeared to be a gift. Everyone was surprised. 

None of today’s gifts for Stephen had come in such a small box. What could fit in there? A diamond ring? A watch? Gems? The Quinns had plenty of those things. 

Besides, why would it take so many men to deliver such ordinary items? It was all show and no substance! 

That was what the crowd thought until the men spoke, “We bring a wedding gift from the South Regent!” 

Everyone froze. 

The South Regent was the most powerful ruler beyond the border, and he wanted to send Stephen a gift? 

Simon and George stepped forward, eyeing those men warily. Security guards also moved closer, ready to prevent any potential armed attack. However, the men remained calm and unfazed. 

“We come bearing sincere congratulations. Are you planning to arrest us?” the man in front said with a slight smile. “We haven’t broken any laws.” 

Stephen said firmly, “Don’t arrest them.” 

There were many people present. If the men were truly here to offer congratulations and not to cause trouble in Riveria, they could not be arrested. Making the first move would put them in the wrong. 

Stephen asked, “What are your intentions?” 

“We’re simply here to deliver the South Regent’s gift.” 

Everyone looked at Stephen in amazement. The South Regent was really sending him a gift? 

What would a gift from the South Regent symbolize? It was either respect for Stephen or submission to Stephen! Either way, it meant Stephen was exceptionally impressive.