2024-12-26 04:36:12The 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 followed was deafening, and the tension in the room became unbearable. Mason shook his head in disdain. "Exactly what I thought,” he muttered. “You have nothing. This entire farce is nothing more than a sham to discredit Douglas and install him—” He pointed a contemptuous finger at Marvin. “—so he can bask in the glory of Douglas's achievements. Shameless doesn't even begin to describe it!” "Look!" Mason faced Marvin with a stern look on his face. "Don't you ever think you can replace Mr Garnett! What do you even know about PortVarter's leadership?" Mason couldn't help but flash back at Douglas's achievements in PortVarter. He had served as Lieutenant Governor for six years and had witnessed firsthand the transformation of PortVarter under Douglas's leadership. When the border was under siege by ‘The Baddie’ and his gang, Douglas was the one who stood up and put an end to the chaos. He single-handedly confronted those criminals and forced them to retreat. They swore never to cross the border as long as he was in charge. The invasions, kidnappings, and murders in PortVarter were hell! Soldiers and civilians alike lived in constant fear. But Douglas changed all that. He didn't just bring peace; he brought hope! Even now, there's a saying outside the border: 'PortVarter stands because Mr Garnett stands.’ So who was Marvin to even think he could achieve a quarter of what Douglas had achieved? "PortVarter is what it is today because of Mr Garnett!" Mason continued, but Governor Clarke was quick to interrupt. Although Mason's words struck him like a storm, he struggled to maintain a façade and salvage his wounded pride. After all, he had to pretend not to understand what Mason was talking about while projecting confidence in his role as Governor. Stewart spoke with confidence. “Lieutenant Governor, PortVarter will thrive without Douglas and even fare better with Marvin. Douglas is nothing but a rumoured hero!" Mason barked out a bitter laugh at Stewart's words. "Governor Clarke, you think this state can survive without Douglas Garnett? If you remove him, you're inviting chaos back to PortVarter. Do you think ‘The Baddie' will stay quiet if Mr Garnett is gone? I just hope your 'Marvin' has the strength to keep him in check! Because I can assure you, 'The Baddie' is watching, waiting for any sign of weakness...” The gravity of Mason's words sent a chill through the room. Even the restaurant manager, who had remained silent in the background, looked visibly shaken. Mason let out a deep sigh and continued, "I can't sit back and watch the border cities of PortVarter descend into chaos and lives being lost! The peace we've worked so hard to build will crumble.” He turned his gaze toward Linda, Stewart, and Marvin. "You think you can play games with this state? Frame an innocent man and expect everything to fall into place? That’s not just foolish, it’s dangerous!"
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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.“
Douglas's Triumph and Their Regret Chapter 14
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
Douglas's Triumph and Their Regret Chapter 15
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
Douglas's Triumph and Their Regret Chapter 16
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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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
