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2024-12-27 10:11:57However, 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 her eyes at the restaurant manager. "Everything good that has happened in PortVarter is thanks to my father, Governor Clarke.” “His vision and leadership are what brought prosperity here.” “Douglas Garnett? He's just an opportunist who got lucky. A nobody who had no impact!" Hearing Linda's words, Armand couldn't help but frown deeply. Was this some kind of joke? Everyone in PortVarter knew that without Douglas's leadership behind the scenes, PortVarter would have been in shambles! Even the success of Helton Hotel was because of the stability and development Douglas fostered. However, from Linda's expression, he could tell that she wasn't cracking any jokes. His hands tightened at his sides. "With all due respect, Ms. Clarke," he said carefully. "Everyone in PortVarter knows that the state is what it is today because of Mr. Garnett's unwavering commitment. “In fact, without his leadership behind the scenes, none of this, including the dishes—" He gestured to the opulent dining room and beyond. "—would have been possible.” “The success of Helton Hotel is a direct result of the stability and development he fostered." The room fell silent. Linda's expression twisted with anger. While Governor Clarke's face darkened with barely concealed rage. Marvin, who had been silent, leaned forward with a scowl. His previously carefree demeanour had been replaced by irritation. They had planned to ruin Douglas's reputation by fabricating numerous charges against him, hoping he would be forgotten in PortVarter's history. However, this manager was one of those who refused to believe Douglas was simply a criminal, dismissing the idea that he had no impact on PortVarter's progress. "Armand!" Governor Clarke said sharply, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade. "Don’t you think you're overstepping?” “It is not your place to comment on political matters. Stick to running your restaurant and leave the governance of PortVarter to those who understand it!" “Well, sorry for interrupting.” Armand inclined his head to avoid revealing the contempt in his eyes. The Governor's defensive reaction only confirmed his suspicions. Apparently, Douglas Garnett had been used and discarded by Governor Clarke and his allies. They were determined to erase his contributions and tarnish his name, all for their own gain! Armand couldn't help but feel a surge of disdain for the powerful figures seated before him. At the same time, a chill of fear ran through him. If Douglas were truly removed, PortVarter could descend into chaos once again, and the stability his hotel relied on could crumble! Before anyone could speak further, the heavy double doors of the dining hall burst open, and Lieutenant Governor Mason hurried in, his face pale and grim.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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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Meanwhile, after dinner that evening, Stewart, Linda, and Marvin returned home with a sense of satisfaction. Despite the unwelcome interruption of Lieutenant Governor Mason during Marvin's celebratory dinner earlier, their spirits remained high. After all, they had every reason to feel confident.The triumph of Marvin taking over PortVarter State was seen as a foregone conclusion.Douglas was now nothing more than a relic in their eyes!They were confident that Douglas could no longer turn the tide, especially with Stewart's careful planning and the family's expanding alliances.Stewart sat back in his large, cushioned chair in the family’s drawing room with a glass of aged brandy in hand. He imagined more promotions, wealth, and power.Images of him shaking hands with influential politicians in Sierra, including members of the powerful Drake family, flashed through his mind.“If all goes well, a move to Sierra isn’t out of the question. I could establish myself as a key figure in
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Half an hour later.Marvin reclined against the curved edge of the grand bathtub with a self-satisfied smirk stretched across his face. Linda also flashed a satisfied smile. "The best decision I ever made was breaking off my engagement with Douglas and being with you."Her eyes gleamed as she tilted her head back. A satisfied moan escaped from her lips.Her alluring curves pressed tightly against Marvin. Marvin swallowed hard and chuckled, his breath quickening again. “I bet he’s sitting in some dirty prison cell, his head hung low in defeat." "Maybe he’s even crying out, begging for someone to save him,” Marvin laughed heartily. Linda’s laughter joined his.“Serves him right. That lowlife was always a thorn in everyone’s side. Now, he’s being given what he deserves,” Marvin grinned, his eyes gleaming with a vindictive satisfaction. “I’ll drink to that,” he said, pretending to raise an invisible glass. “Here’s to Douglas Garnett, languishing in prison where he belongs, while
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Learning that Governor Clarke remained adamant about pursuing a marriage alliance with the Drakes, and placing Marvin in control of PortVarter, pushed Nelson to the edge of his patience.Nelson cursed under his breath as he stubbed out yet another cigarette in the overflowing ashtray beside him. “Idiots,” he muttered. “All of them. They’re playing with fire, and PortVarter will burn because of their arrogance.”Nelson’s fists clenched as he thought about Marvin’s smugness and Linda’s scheming.Compared to Douglas, Marvin was no doubt a joke!Unable to sleep, Nelson tossed and turned on his bed, chain-smoking and wrestling with the despair that gripped him. The next morning, Marvin emerged from Linda’s room, looking refreshed and self-satisfied. He wore a smug grin as he descended the grand staircase.Downstairs, Stewart had arranged for breakfast to be ready for him. A lavish spread of milk, bread, eggs, and fruit awaited Marvin at the dining table. Stewart greeted him warmly, e
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Nelson stopped to inspect the work his subordinates had completed under his meticulous instructions. The previously cold and unwelcoming cell now bore the semblance of a modest, yet cosy, bedroom. The curtains hanging over the iron bars lent a softer, almost domestic feel to the room, masking the stark reality that this was still a prison.However, Nelson remained unsatisfied as he noticed the bed prepared for Douglas.It was a thin mattress on top a creaky frame, and this bothered him. How could someone like Douglas, a man who had done so much for PortVarter State, be subjected to such discomfort? Nelson turned to one of his subordinates.“Go find a more comfortable bed,” he ordered.“Something proper. And tell the others to keep the door unlocked at all times. Mr. Garnett is not just any prisoner.”Without hesitation, the officer nodded and left without a word. The team under Nelson’s command had learned to obey orders without questioning them. Though whispers about the VIP tr
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Half an hour later.Marvin reclined against the curved edge of the grand bathtub with a self-satisfied smirk stretched across his face. Linda also flashed a satisfied smile. "The best decision I ever made was breaking off my engagement with Douglas and being with you."Her eyes gleamed as she tilted her head back. A satisfied moan escaped from her lips.Her alluring curves pressed tightly against Marvin. Marvin swallowed hard and chuckled, his breath quickening again. “I bet he’s sitting in some dirty prison cell, his head hung low in defeat." "Maybe he’s even crying out, begging for someone to save him,” Marvin laughed heartily. Linda’s laughter joined his.“Serves him right. That lowlife was always a thorn in everyone’s side. Now, he’s being given what he deserves,” Marvin grinned, his eyes gleaming with a vindictive satisfaction. “I’ll drink to that,” he said, pretending to raise an invisible glass. “Here’s to Douglas Garnett, languishing in prison where he belongs, while
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Meanwhile, after dinner that evening, Stewart, Linda, and Marvin returned home with a sense of satisfaction. Despite the unwelcome interruption of Lieutenant Governor Mason during Marvin's celebratory dinner earlier, their spirits remained high. After all, they had every reason to feel confident.The triumph of Marvin taking over PortVarter State was seen as a foregone conclusion.Douglas was now nothing more than a relic in their eyes!They were confident that Douglas could no longer turn the tide, especially with Stewart's careful planning and the family's expanding alliances.Stewart sat back in his large, cushioned chair in the family’s drawing room with a glass of aged brandy in hand. He imagined more promotions, wealth, and power.Images of him shaking hands with influential politicians in Sierra, including members of the powerful Drake family, flashed through his mind.“If all goes well, a move to Sierra isn’t out of the question. I could establish myself as a key figure in
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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 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 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
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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
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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
