The Guardian's Return by Old Pumpkin

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!"

echoed in the

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

Stephen kept a

facade than a reality as he was taken at dawn and transported to a secluded

in fog. Local legend whispered of a dragon dwelling there, which was how it got its name. Ethan was

1/2

Chiapam 64

and the towering mountain were all

just a

was his supposed freedom, but

could not complain about the and scenery. It was not a

there.

for a look, Judging by the cleanliness, the place had been tidied

Ethan were not in a hurry

stuck around for a while before meeting Ethan's gaze and saying, "We probably won't meet

smile, "There's

was reluctant to part

need me to do

"Just

even suggesting that he sell his house and rent a cheaper