Joseph ultimately left with Duval.

But he left the box of copies behind.

Afterward, about half an hour later, all the newspapers in Wenster received a breaking news story.

This news made them put aside the hottest current topic of the seawater backflow and Sea God's wrath, and start frantically publishing extras.

And these extras provided a new focus for the citizens who were originally filled with rage and eager to smash the doors of City Hall, demanding the Governor to immediately cancel the land reclamation plan.

Because they were shocked to find out that something happened to Ethan.

In Wenster, Ethan is the biggest celebrity.

His affairs even surpass the large-scale social issues like the seawater backflow and the Sea God's ire.

Everyone began to shift their attention to Ethan, wondering what had happened to him.

Each newspaper had its own way of reporting, but the core point remained unchanged.

That is, Ethan is suspected of using banks for large-scale money laundering, and his core enterprises involve tax evasion, marking him as a suspect by the Kingdom Statistical Bureau.

People's first reaction is, it's fake.

It must be fake.

How could Ethan possibly do something like this?

After a series of events, Ethan is now in the hearts of Wenster people, a hero with an impeccable image.

He's young, talented, devoted to charity, and courageous in fighting against injustice.

Especially this last point, after the nearly legendary four-ship case concluded, Ethan's image was firmly established.

You should know, at that time, all the elite of Wenster's legal field were against Ethan.

He only brought along an obscure Bob, but ultimately triumphed greatly at the Judicial Hall.

Even though all circumstances were so unfavorable to him, with ironclad evidence.

Yet he still won.

Since then, Ethan became a hero in people's hearts; the Prohibition Bureau, including the Judicial Hall, and even those lawyers became symbols of injustice.

Now, upon hearing this news first-hand, the reaction is, here we go again?

The last four-ship case is not yet over, and now they're using money laundering and tax evasion to frame Ethan?

People were already angry, but now they're even more outraged.

However, after all, this time it's the Kingdom Statistical Bureau taking action.

Recently, they have been tormented quite a bit by this dreadful organization.

So only a few people were filled with rage, ready to demonstrate at the Kingdom Statistical Bureau's entrance.

Most people chose to go home.

They want to follow the subsequent developments of the incident.

As for the land reclamation and seawater backflow issues, let's say those will be discussed later.

The crowd that originally gathered at the City Hall entrance dispersed in an instant.

This left many City Hall officials, who were already overwhelmed, completely clueless about what had happened.

Oswaldo and Vito, however, stood at the top of City Hall, smiling as they watched the crowd disperse.

"Therefore, people are always blind. No, humanity is always blind. You just need to give them an idea, and they will naturally follow your lead."

"That one called Joseph won't mess things up, right?"

Vito asked another question.

"He's a smart man. Smart people are actually not scary; they always think everything is under their control. Moreover, I gave him such a big gift of Ethan."

"That's good."

————————

After the extras were published, Ethan's home phone was about to explode.

Similarly, reporters crowded the gates of Bolita Manor.

Everyone wanted to get the first-hand information.

But Ethan had no plans to meet them at the moment.

He first made a call to Ned.

"What's happening, how much is under Joseph's control?" Ned's tone was unusually grave.

This shows the pressure Joseph exerted is indeed significant.

"It's very bad. Currently, it's known that all my funds have been frozen."

Yes.

Right after Joseph left, Ethan received a call from Eugene; he said the bank had suddenly been seized, and all funds were frozen.

Because they found evidence of money laundering.

This is also the latest regulation in the Kingdom tax law, that once money laundering is discovered, all funds must be frozen.

Unfortunately, Ethan had recently transferred most of his money to the bank.

Joseph must have been waiting for this day.

At times like these, even if Ethan doesn't go to jail, just by dragging things out, he could suffocate Ethan.

"Joseph doesn't seem to intend to proceed through the Judicial Hall," Ned said this with a hint of helplessness.

Generally, cases like this would certainly go through the Judicial Hall for hearings, like the previous four-ship case.

However, the Kingdom Statistical Bureau is indeed a different entity.

They have independent law enforcement powers.

Just like Joseph said, today he could completely storm Bolita Manor to capture people, arrest and execute them.

So, in retreat, he could also take Ethan away for independent interrogation.

But he hasn't done so.

"What's his intention?" Ned didn't expect such a sudden change at this critical juncture.

Originally, Ethan's brilliant move had already forced Oswaldo into a difficult position.

Seemingly causing the land reclamation plan to come to a halt.

The Steel Brotherhood doesn't have a foothold anymore; driving them away is just a matter of time.

But now...

"I will help you find a way, if it's about money..."

Ned was about to suggest lending money.

Ethan immediately said, "Absolutely no borrowing money, they must be waiting for that."

Joseph didn't make a move today, partly because Ethan's identity and status are different from before, he is no longer a minor character who could be easily taken away by any small Sheriff.

On the other hand, they might be setting a trap for him to fall into.

Don't get fooled.

Besides...

The situation still isn't entirely dire.

After ending the call with Ned.

Ethan sat in the living room waiting.

Soon, the remaining family members arrived.

Eugene is currently in Butan City, now it's very likely that he's already under control by the Kingdom Statistical Bureau.

Palon went to the Old Continent.

The only ones available are Anya, Vincent, and Virel.

"If push comes to shove, I'll take the blame."

Vincent decisively stood up.

"No."

Ethan shook his head.

If it were something smaller, Vincent's idea might work.

After all, he also bears the Bolita name, theoretically, he also has control over family industries and funds.

But this time, Joseph is not someone easily dealt with.

Moreover, he absolutely doesn't want Vincent to sacrifice himself like this.

"Then what do we do?"

Vincent took a deep breath.

The current situation is undeniably bad, comparable to the previous four-ship case.

"We can only make a gamble."

Ethan looked at the three of them, saying slowly.

"A gamble?"

Vincent was puzzled.

Anya and Virel were also confused.

"Listen to what I have to say..." Ethan gestured for the three to come closer, as he began to disclose information only they could know.

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