The Guardian's Return by Old Pumpkin

Chapter 208

Rachel's efforts could not be denied.

Stephen stood frozen in place, surprised that Rachel had done so much for him. What had he done? He had only hit and insulted her. Even his attempts to apologize felt hollow, lacking any real sincerity.

He felt an overwhelming sense of guilt, and as if that was not enough, the memory of Snow's sacrifices resurfaced, reminding him that he had hurt her too. Stephen felt like his heart was being ripped apart. The pain was unbearable. Disappointed in him, Rachel said, "I'm not feeling well. You should leave."

Stephen wanted to say something, but she added, sounding a little impatient, "Just go."

Left with no choice, Stephen quietly left the room, heading to find another room for himself. However, as he lay in bed, sleep would not come.

Every time he closed his eyes, all he could see was Snow's sobbing face and the look of disbelief on Rachel after he slapped her. He wished he could slap himself in return.

The next morning, Stephen dragged himself downstairs with dark circles under his eyes. When he arrived, George and Rachel were almost finished with breakfast.

Stephen stayed silent. In the past, no one would have started eating without him, but now they had not even bothered to wake him up, much less wait.

"Good morning." Stephen took the initiative to greet them first, but George put down his fork and said, "I'll be getting to work now."

Aqua City had been mostly handled, but George still had to boost Riveria's GDP again. Only by raising the GDP could the

Rachel were the only ones left

said guiltily,

glanced at him. "What

speechless. Rachel let out a cold laugh and said nothing much,

which city to focus on developing next,

nestled within a sprawling three-hectare estate, stood a

malior.

Chapter 208

muttered to himself under his breath, his face marred by a vicious scar, and his eyes gleaming with a

the South Regent, one of the

word earlier that Ethan was gone, but his fear of Ethan had prevented him from making any moves. Hence, he had been

witnessed North Hill City's downfall, Seaside City's destruction, and now the decline of Aqua City. Through

Regent could finally confirm that Ethan had fallen. Riveria no longer had

"What a pity, Ethan."

recalled his first

ago, Riveria was in utter chaos. With the Grand Marshal's death added to the situation, the entities barely kept in control rose again, causing more disorder in Riveria. Things

Grand Marshal gone, everyone thought nobody in Aqua City could stop them now. Hence, their ambitions grew, wanting to seize

South Regent had recently conquered a few forces, securing his position as