The Guardian's Return (Ethan Rivers) novel Chapter 486

Since it was Stephen’s order, he could not refuse. Besides, he actually knew how Hill City had achieved stability in the past. While Julius did play a part, Ethan was the one who truly made things work.

The Spencers had stood up against Ethan back then, so they knew him very well.

Ethan would pit the forces in Riveria against foreign forces, causing them to weaken each other. At the same time, he would get a significant amount of money from the forces in Riveria, like what he had done to the Spencers. He had taken away 90% of the Spencers’ assets.

As for the foreign forces, Ethan would have the South Regent deal with them, and then obtain benefits from the South Regent, such as money and people he trusted. With money and manpower, Ethan was able to further eliminate the forces in Riveria, keeping useful ones for the city’s development.

After Riveria’s GDP surpassed the 20-trillion mark, he began the final clean-up, sparing those willing to change and arresting those who resisted. Then, he had the South Regent watch the borders. If anyone dared to cross the borders, he would look for the South Regent.

People beyond the borders and illegal goods could not enter Riveria, and the majority of the local forces were eliminated or brought under control.

Using money he earned and took from the various forces and owed favors, Ethan improved the public welfare in Riveria. He built hospitals, schools, and roads, supported the families of heroes, increased security, and attracted company investments…

Riveria was finally free of chaos. Nolan could learn from Ethan and solve Hill City’s current problems, but the biggest source of the problem in Hill City now was himself.

Therefore, he would not help Stephen solve these issues. In fact, he would prevent him from doing so.

On the other side, Stephen prepared some gifts and brought his subordinates to visit Julius’s family. He took a few deep breaths at the door, mentally preparing himself before daring to press the doorbell.

After a while, the door opened with a click. A little girl stood behind the door, looking up at Stephen.

Stephen knew she was Julius’s daughter. Although he had prepared himself mentally, he still felt nervous when he saw Julius’s family in person.

Before he could speak, the little girl chimed, “Mommy, the bad guy is here!”

Stephen quickly went in with his men. They placed the gifts on the table while Jane lit candles on Julius’s altar. Stephen walked over and silently lit another candle for Julius.

“We don’t have any difficulties now,” Jane said. “Everyone treats us well.”

Julius had always worked diligently and contributed wholeheartedly to Hill City, and everyone knew it. After his death, people treated Jane and her daughter with great care. Even in school, nobody dared to make fun of Julius’s daughter.

“Is that so?” Stephen was slightly relieved. “That’s great.”

“Tell me, what are you really here for?” Jane was the former mayor’s wife, after all. She saw through Stephen’s visit immediately.

“I can’t hide it from you.”