2024-12-26 04:12:18Douglas met Nelson’s gaze without flinching.
“I was brought in on accusations of corruption, bribery, and solicitation,” he said casually, as though discussing the weather. Nelson’s face twisted in shock. “What?!” He nearly jumped out of his skin, his reaction so abrupt that even the officers flinched. Nelson couldn’t believe his ears. The man before him was none other than the same Douglas Garnett who, over the past four years, had revolutionized PortVarter State. Under Douglas’s leadership, schools had been built, child trafficking rings dismantled, infrastructure modernized, and healthcare for ordinary citizens drastically improved. Prices had stabilized, production increased, crime fought relentlessly, and social welfare programs enhanced to benefit everyone. Even the mayor of Grena, a notoriously tough and critical figure, had treated Douglas with the utmost respect, often speaking to him with the politeness reserved for dignitaries. “Impossible!” Nelson blurted out, his disbelief spilling into his voice. “Someone like you accused of such crimes? You’ve done nothing but work for the betterment of PortVarter. Who in their right mind would—” Before Nelson could finish, Douglas interrupted him with a wave of his hand. “Chief Nelson,” he said, with a firm but calm tone, “I didn’t come here to discuss what I’ve done or haven’t done. I came to let you know something.” Nelson straightened, his confusion mounting. “What is it?” Douglas leaned forward slightly. “I plan to visit Maccano Mountain before I’m jailed.” Nelson froze, his eyes widening in surprise. “Maccano Mountain? But why?” Maccano Mountain was a towering, snow-capped peak at the southern edge of PortVarter, famed for its breathtaking beauty and treacherous terrain. It was more than just a natural wonder—it was the state’s final barrier before the lawless, chaotic regions to the south, known as the eternal abyss. The mountain was notorious for the countless lives it had claimed, with many deaths going unnoticed due to the remoteness and danger of the area. Douglas leaned back, his expression inscrutable. “That’s not something you need to know. I’m just informing you because, at the moment, I’m technically a man with a criminal record.” Nelson frowned, clearly uneasy. “If that’s your decision… I can’t stop you. But Maccano Mountain is dangerous, and the area around it even more so. "Why don't you let me accompany you, Mr. Garnett, to ensure your safety?” Douglas gave a small, almost imperceptible smile, then stood without another word. The two uninformed officers, pale and drenched in cold sweat, stood to the side, too scared to even meet Douglas’s gaze. As Douglas walked toward the exit, Nelson fell in step beside him. It was only then that realization began to dawn on the seasoned station chief. The accusations against Douglas weren’t mere coincidence—they were part of a larger scheme. Someone powerful, likely connected to Governor Clarke, had orchestrated this! Nelson’s heart sank. He knew that if Douglas was taken out of the equation, PortVarter State would crumble under the weight of its unresolved problems. Gangs would return, corruption would flourish, and the fragile peace Douglas had painstakingly built would shatter. Nelson shuddered, unwilling to imagine the chaos that would follow. Without hesitation, he immediately called Lieutenant Governor Mason to report the situation. Mason was stunned upon hearing the news. How could Douglas, of all people, be arrested as a criminal? He struggled to comprehend the shocking news, fully aware of who Douglas was and what he represented in PortVarter State. After a brief pause, he assured Nelson that he would contact the Governor to check if he was aware of the arrest. As soon as Mason hung up, a nagging feeling lingered—something didn’t add up. If the Governor was indeed behind the arrest, it was a serious misstep. Mason couldn't shake the thought of how Douglas's arrest might negatively impact PortVarter. After ending the call, the station Chief, Nelson directed one of the officers, "Prepare a vehicle." Within minutes, a sleek black SUV pulled up, driven by Don, one of Nelson’s most reliable officers. Don stepped out and saluted sharply, his expression one of respectful curiosity. “Chief Nelson,” he said. “The vehicle is ready.” Nelson gestured for Douglas to enter first, then followed him inside. He took his place in the driver’s seat, and the vehicle roared to life.
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Meanwhile, at Venice airport, Linda Clarke stepped out of her sleek, black luxury car. Dressed in an elegant crimson gown that shimmered under the airport lights, her high heels clicked rhythmically against the polished floors. She exuded confidence and poise. as she walked toward the VIP lounge to greet Marvin Drake, the eldest son of the powerful Drake family. Marvin was already waiting; his tailored suit emphasized his tall frame and sharp features. His confident smirk grew as he spotted Linda approaching. As the son of one of Sierra's most influential families, Marvin knew this alliance was his golden ticket. Taking over PortVarter would be a shortcut to more wealth and political prestige, propelling him into the upper echelons of power. “Linda,” he greeted warmly, extending his hand. “Marvin,” she replied with a dazzling smile, shaking his hand before leaning in for a brief air kiss on each cheek. "Welcome to PortVarter!” After exchanging pleasantries, Lin
Douglas's Triumph and Their Regret Chapter 7
However, before Armand could finish his sentence, his words were cut short by Linda. “What does Douglas have to do with our dinner?”"Why would you ruin our mood by mentioning that criminal's name?" Linda snapped, her voice sharp and biting."Criminal?" Armand blinked in confusion.How could Douglas Garnett be called a criminal? Had they understood who he was talking about?"Haven't you heard the news?" Linda narrowed her eyes.Armand stammered, looking even more confused. "What... news?""I'm talking about the renowned Douglas Garnett who saved PortVarter..."Linda let out a sarcastic laugh."Look it up yourself. Douglas is a criminal involved in numerous crimes! He is nothing more than a dog we took in out of kindness.""Don't tell me you actually believe the ridiculous rumours about him—that he's some great leader who saved PortVarter..."Linda leaned back in her chair, a glass of expensive wine in hand, as she continued her tirade. "Let's be clear," she sneered, narrowing he
Douglas's Triumph and Their Regret Chapter 8
The air in the room grew tense as all eyes turned to Lieutenant Governor, Mason.His stern gaze swept across the room, settling on Linda, Governor Clarke, and Marvin. “Who was foolish enough to suggest framing Douglas Garnett with charges of corruption, bribery, and prostitution?”Mason demanded, his tone sharp and accusatory.Linda, seated confidently beside her father, raised her chin defiantly. "Those charges are legitimate,” she snapped. “We have irrefutable evidence to prove it.”Mason's piercing gaze locked onto hers, and his lips curled into a cold sneer. "Evidence? Then show it to me,” he said, his voice laced with derision. “Produce this so-called proof that you've concocted to tarnish the name of the man who rebuilt this state from the ashes.”Linda's bravado faltered. Her face flushed, and her hands clenched into fists on the table. “Well?” Mason pressed, his tone growing sharper. “I'm waiting.”Linda opened her mouth to speak, but no words came. The silence that
Douglas's Triumph and Their Regret Chapter 9
The tension in the dining hall reached its peak as Stewart and Marvin's expressions darkened upon hearing Lieutenant Governor Mason's cutting remarks. Linda shifted uncomfortably in her seat, glancing nervously between her father and Marvin. Stewart, his face flushed with anger, stood abruptly and slammed his fist against the table, causing the silverware to rattle.“How dare you speak to me like this, Mason!”He barked, his voice filled with indignation. “You think some uneducated, talentless orphan like Douglas Garnett is indispensable? Let me remind you that without my mercy, that man wouldn't even be alive today.”Mason, unshaken by the governor's outburst, crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow. His disdain was palpable. “Mercy, you say? Mercy didn’t build PortVarter’s roads or stabilize its economy. Mercy didn’t drive ‘The Baddie’ back across the border or save countless lives in this state. Mercy didn’t achieve a GDP of 20 trillion. Those accomplishments belong to Douglas
Douglas's Triumph and Their Regret Chapter 10
Late that night, Chief Nelson drove the black SUV to the base of Maccano Mountain.The deeper they drove, the louder the faint rumble of gunfire echoed from the distant border.This region was always tense!The residents who lived here endured sleepless nights, flinching at the sound of gunfire, never knowing when conflict might sprout up again. But one thing had remained constant over the years: as long as Douglas Garnett oversaw PortVarter, the turmoil from beyond the border never truly crossed into the land. His presence held enough weight to keep certain forces at bay.Before alighting from the vehicle, Nelson felt a little uneasy about Douglas's safety.The whole area was too quiet—eerily so.Nelson had brought along a handful of trusted subordinates to escort Douglas.They scanned the darkened streets with their trained eyes before stepping out of the car. “Stay alert!” Nelson instructed them as he rounded the vehicle and opened the door for Douglas.Douglas stepped out calm
Douglas's Triumph and Their Regret Chapter 11
In unison, the heavily armed personnel turned their heads toward Douglas. Then, in perfect synchrony, they saluted.The silence now felt thunderous. Nelson’s subordinates, equally shocked, exchanged bewildered glances. Their eyes snapped toward Douglas, who stood calm and unperturbed as though the display was nothing out of the ordinary."Sir…?" Nelson whispered, uncertain of what to say. He was filled with confusion!He wondered what kind of hidden identity Douglas possessed that made him command such reverence in the most dangerous region of PortVarter!However, Douglas remained still with his eyes sweeping the formal assembly before him. His gaze, as sharp as a blade, held the soldiers' attention like a magnet!Finally, in a calm and unwavering voice, he spoke,“Did ‘The Baddie’ at the border have a change of heart?” Douglas's voice was neither mocking nor harsh—it carried a quiet authority that seemed to demand answers without force. “Has he decided to break his promise not
Douglas's Triumph and Their Regret Chapter 12
This time, another set of armed forces, wearing the distinct marks of rival warlords, stood silently on either side of the road. Each soldier had lowered their weapons and stood with heads bowed in eerie unison.Their gazes fixed downward as if avoiding eye contact with something—or someone—they dared not offend.“What is this…?” Nelson muttered to himself.Normally, this place was one of chaos—an unspoken battlefield where skirmishes between warlord factions erupted almost daily. Yet today, the landscape was unnaturally calm with armed forces seen all over the place!Nelson’s subordinates exchanged uneasy glances, their hands itching for the comfort of their weapons. Whatever power Douglas held here extended far beyond anything they had anticipated.At the summit of Maccano Mountain, frost covered every inch of the ground. A sharp wind howled through the craggy peaks, cutting like a blade. The convoy came to a stop, and Douglas stepped out first. Nelson and his men followed cau
Douglas's Triumph and Their Regret Chapter 13
Nelson sat rigidly in the driver’s seat, his hands gripping the wheel so tightly that his knuckles had turned white!He didn’t dare to speak, let alone suggest one of his subordinates take over.The drive down Maccano Mountain was silent, save for the soft hum of the engine and the rhythmic crunch of gravel beneath the tyres. As Nelson glanced at the road ahead, he noticed Henry at the base of the mountain, upright, solemn, exuding an air of unshakable authority, as though awaiting their departure. Behind him stretched a long line of armed personnel. Their weapons slung across their chests as they stood like statues, two neat rows on either side of the road.Nelson’s hair stood on end, his throat tightening as he felt a little fear with the way they were all gathered.They all stood as loyal sentinels, their eyes trained forward, unmoving.Suddenly, a powerful, synchronized shout rang through the crisp mountain air, startling Nelson so badly that he nearly slammed on the brakes.“
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Chapter 42
After ending the call with the bank's representatives, Marvin held his phone high to video-call Stewart. His face was flushed with excitement as he panned the camera across the rows of stacked boxes. The sheer number of them was breathtaking, even to him, and he couldn’t wait to see Stewart’s reaction. “Governor Clarke, look at this!” Marvin exclaimed, his voice trembling with enthusiasm. “It’s all here. Dozens of rows, each filled to the brim with what I believe are that criminal’s dirty millions!” On the other end of the line, Stewart leaned closer to his screen, his eyes gleaming with excitement. “Incredible! Marvin, this could be the biggest embezzlement case in the history of PortVarter. That bastard, Douglas, is finished!” Stewart paused, as if struck by an idea. “Listen, Marvin. Record a proper video of the entire warehouse—every single row and box—and send it to me. We need to document everything. This is evidence that could shake the country.” Marvin nodded, eage
Chapter 41
Soon, Marvin and the officials arrived at the most prestigious estate within Exquisite Garden.The lush greenery, meticulously maintained gardens, and opulent mansions lining the streets exuded an aura of wealth and privilege. This upscale area was known to admit only the crème de la crème of PortVarter’s elite, making it a dream far beyond the reach of ordinary citizens!As the group moved through the estate, their admiration for Douglas's real estate holdings was palpable, though many tried to mask it.The villas and warehouses Marvin had described earlier were architectural masterpieces!One of the officials murmured, “Each of these properties is worth more than what an average person could ever earn in a lifetime!”Smirking, Marvin gestured to one of the towering villas they passed. “The man some of you refer to as a 'hero' must have been very comfortable here, living among PortVarter’s elite while the rest of the state struggled to make ends meet. Can you imagine the audacity?
Chapter 40
“Marvin, are you absolutely sure about this?” Stewart asked, his tone sharp. “We can’t afford another mistake. The last time you convinced me to act, we humiliated ourselves. The fallout was immense!”Marvin, seated across from him, leaned forward confidently, his hands clasped on the desk. “Governor Clarke, I understand your hesitation, but this time is different. I’ve done my homework. Everything checks out.”Stewart stopped pacing and fixed Marvin with a skeptical glare. “You’ve done your homework? That’s what you said last time. And what did we find? Nothing. Just baseless accusations that backfired and gave Douglas more sympathy than ever before.”Marvin didn’t flinch. Instead, he smiled faintly, as if Stewart’s words rolled off him like water. “Governor Clarke, listen to me. I’ve been observing the other properties that fool owns in Exquisite Garden. These are no ordinary houses. They’re multimillion-dollar villas and warehouses—vast spaces with hardly anyone living there.
Chapter 39
Marvin’s mind raced as he pored over the documents detailing Douglas’s extraordinary financial transfers to the widows and orphans. Something didn’t add up!How could one man, no matter how resourceful, consistently fund over $3.596 billion annually without tapping into questionable sources? Then it struck him like a bolt of lightning: Douglas must have hidden money somewhere—money obtained through illegitimate means.Determined to uncover the truth, Marvin decided to launch an immediate investigation into Douglas’s financial dealings. If he could expose Douglas as corrupt, it would justify the arrest and solidify Stewart’s authority while bolstering his own reputation!Marvin knew he had to act quickly. The news of Douglas’s imprisonment was already spreading, and it was only a matter of time before someone influential stepped forward to defend him.Marvin leaned back in his chair with a determined glint in his eyes. “I’ll find the evidence,” he muttered. “That bastard won’t be
Chapter 38
Marvin stared at the documents in disbelief, his eyes darting from one line to the next as he tried to process the astronomical figures.Each widow and orphan’s daily expenses amounted to $5000, with monthly living costs totaling $150,000! On top of that, the annual tuition fees for each child ranged from $5,000,000 to $20,000,000, depending on the institution. Marvin couldn’t fathom the numbers—especially considering the potential expenses for families with multiple children.“This has to be some kind of joke,” Marvin growled, his face flushed with anger. “This is not just unreasonable—it’s extortion!”Unable to contain his frustration, Marvin slammed the stack of documents onto the table. The sharp sound echoed in the quiet office, causing Stewart to flinch slightly.“I’m not even sure how that fool managed to pull this off,” Marvin continued, pacing the room. “It’s no wonder the fool was so beloved. He was practically throwing money at them!”Stewart, still seated, furrowed hi
Chapter 37
Phileo’s hand trembled as the bottle he was holding slipped from his grasp, shattering on the floor. The sharp scent of liquor filled the room as the liquid spread across the polished surface.His crimson eyes darted to Nath, who stood wide-eyed, clutching a stack of newspapers.“Douglas Garnett... in prison?” Phileo’s voice wavered with disbelief thick in his tone. “This must be some kind of April Fool’s joke, right?”“No joke, boss,” Nath insisted, shaking his head. “It’s all over the city. Everyone’s talking about it.”Phileo’s brows furrowed as he paced the room with his footsteps squelching against the spilled liquor. “This doesn’t add up. How could Douglas Garnett be arrested and imprisoned?He’s too smart, too strategic. What if this is a trap?”Nath frowned.“A trap?”“Yes, a trap!” Phileo barked, his voice rising.“What if that stroke of misfortune leaked this news on purpose to see who would crawl out of the shadows? He’s done it before, luring people like me into thin
Chapter 36
Chief Nelson's suggestion to release Douglas hung in the air like an unspoken challenge. Marvin's face flushed red with anger."Just because Douglas isn't involved with women doesn’t mean he’s innocent in everything else!" Marvin spat, his voice tinged with fury."There’s still the matter of bribery, embezzlement, and misappropriation of public funds. Or do you all think those houses and benefits for widows and orphans came out of thin air?"Marvin’s sudden outburst stunned the room into silence. The officials exchanged uneasy glances, unsure whether to challenge Marvin's assertion or remain quiet. Without waiting for anyone to respond, Marvin turned on his heel and stormed out.The remaining officials stared at one another in disbelief. “This is absurd,” one muttered under his breath. “That man, Mr Drake, is grasping at straws.”Another sighed heavily. “And dragging all of us down with him. How can we expect a man like that to lead us effectively?”Chief Nelson, seated at the
Chapter 35
“He’s innocent, always treated us with kindness, and has been nothing but an exemplary leader. Why would you want to destroy someone who has done so much good?” The woman continued.Marvin’s frustration flared. He felt these people were too naive to reason with. To him, they were blinded by their dependence on Douglas and incapable of understanding the complexities of power. He took a deep breath, trying to maintain his composure, but his irritation seeped into his tone.“That criminal you call a hero is guilty!” he declared firmly. “The evidence is clear. Even if he hasn’t kept mistresses, he’s involved in bribery, embezzlement, and misappropriation of public funds. How else do you think he managed to build these houses and support all of you? It’s obvious he used public money, and for that, he must be punished!”The moment Marvin finished speaking, the women and children burst into tears once more. Their cries filled the air, echoing their despair and belief that Douglas was
Chapter 34
The other Governors, visibly agitated, faced Marvin with sharp words and stern expressions on their faces."How could you barge into their abode without conducting a proper investigation?!" "How dare you question the families of fallen heroes? This is not just incompetence; it’s a blatant dereliction of duty!"Various Governors voiced their disappointment.Several others nodded in agreement, their dissatisfaction clearly visible.“This is beyond unacceptable. The memory of our heroes has been tarnished, and their families have been publicly humiliated. Governor Clarke and Mr Drake, you owe us an explanation, or we will escalate this to the federal government!” Governor Emilia added.Stewart, startled by the growing intensity of the accusations, nearly slid off his chair in panic. His mind raced for an explanation that could salvage the situation. ."This... this is a misunderstanding!" he stammered, his voice trembling. "We didn’t mean for it to escalate like this. Marvin and I ac
