Chapter 317
Xander became more excited as he spoke, jumping right up from the single sofa. As a resident of Dellanez, he had a clear understanding of the events from those days. His mother was a victim of that disaster. The toxic gas explosion at the Wright family’s factory was due to deliberate sabotage during the fierce competition among the four major families. The official death toll reported from Dellanex was 31,900.
But the real number of deaths had already exceeded 100,000, and that was just based on hospital records. Gloomhaven was hit the hardest at that time.
It was densely populated, crowded with people, and close to the port, making it the easiest place for the disease to spread. So, they had to quarantine everyone there.
Back then, the whole Gloomhaven felt like a zombie apocalypse with everyone desperate to survive. But if they let the infected come out, it would spread to others. Moreover, the hospitals were full, and there were no effective medicines. People couldn’t even receive basic treatment before they passed away
Kenneth lifted his eyelids, his deep phoenix-like eyes looked dismissively at Xander, with an arrogant expression. “Are you truly concerned about the people of Heloria, or are you just worried about how this might affect your election?” Xander was stunned, caught off guard by Kenneth’s words. “Is this really how you see me?” Indeed, he was the kind of person who would abandon his wife and daughter for the presidency. He deserved to be viewed like that.
His gaze
now.
faded as he looked at Ophelia. If Queena was still here, she would probably have grown into a young
Ophelia looked up, meeting Xander’s eyes. woman by
His eyes were slightly red, whether from anger or something else wasn’t obvious. His shoulders had completely drooped. The sunlight outside fell on his entirely white hair, evoking an unspoken sense of loneliness and desolation. Ophelia somewhat felt he was a bit pitiful.
After a moment, Xander took a deep breath. “Yes, the presidential election is in November. Nothing can go wrong in the country during this period.”
Pausing, he looked meaningfully at Kenneth. “Kenneth, it was your mother’s sacrifice that ensured the safety of the citizens of Dellanex. Are you sure you want to jeopardize that?”
As those words were spoken, Kenneth’s originally disdainful expression froze, his brow furrowed, eyes narrowed, and his hands unconsciously clenched.
Ophelia noticed the change in Kenneth. “Sir.”
“”Dad.”
Ophelia and Noah spoke simultaneously, and as their words fell, they exchanged a glance.
Ophelia said, “Sir, developing the slums is something I want to do. Even if Kenneth hadn’t asked you on my behalf, I would have done it sooner or later,” It was her desire to develop the slums, and it had nothing to do with Kenneth. He didn’t need to carry this burden.
Noah sat back on the sofa, his face no longer friendly, but rather unusually serious. He found Ophelia even bolder than Kenneth. Instead of discussing the right to develop, she was going to do it directly. That was rather bold and arrogant.
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Chapter 317 83%
“I’ve lived in the slums for as long as I can remember, where there’s always been a persistent stench. At first, I didn’t know why, but later on, I learned. Everything you mentioned earlier is for the people of Heloria, and I trust your intentions.” Hearing this, Noah took a couple more glances at Ophelia.
“But the people in the slums are also citizens of Heloria. Yet, they are abandoned by all of Dellanex, and even the nation itself, despised, and treated as the city’s lower class. Are you aware of this, sir?”
Ophelia’s tone was calm, with a faint smile on her lips, but her eyes were cold. Thinking of those unjust treatments and the elderly and children who froze to death, one after another, she continued without waiting for Xander to respond. “People from the slums are still human. They haven’t done anything wrong, yet they have to suffer the injustice caused by others’ mistakes. Why should it be like that?” Xander remained silent.
Noah, sitting across from him, didn’t say anything either.
Ophelia sensed Kenneth wasn’t as agitated as before, and she felt relieved. “Sir, I understand your concerns. As a citizen of Heloria, I also don’t want any unrest in our country. But can we finally move on from some of these old issues? “Once that chapter is closed, we can move past all the unpleasantness and history. If we can’t turn the page, it would be truly disgraceful for the entire nation of Heloria.”
Years had passed since then. Even if people brought up old issues, they were still part of the past.
Xander’s intended objections suddenly got caught in his throat, leaving him unable to say a word.
Someone like Kenneth, who was tough as nails, could be defeated by targeting his weaknesses and the areas he must avoid. But Ophelia spoke up for the people of Heloria with every word, making it impossible to argue against her. He looked at her once more, seeing her in a new light and gaining a deeper understanding of her. Not only was she very courageous, but she also excelled at reading and influencing human nature.
If she were to team up with Kenneth in the future, the entirety of Heloria would become theirs. Xander felt a headache thinking of this. He rubbed his temples and suddenly looked up at Noah. “Noah, what do you think about this?” Noah remained expressionless, not surprised. He crossed his legs and rested one arm on the back of the sofa, looking relaxed. He first glanced at Kenneth, then let his gaze fall on Ophelia, a rare hint of a smile appearing on his usually serious face. “Dad, I respect any decision you make, but personally, I think the slums in Dellanex still need to be investigated. If they truly match what Ms. Spencer said, then developing the slums might not be a bad idea,” Noah’s words were quite neutral. Ophelia still wasn’t used to hearing such serious talk from him.
“How about this? I can take a trip to Dellanex to check out the real situation of the slums, and after I’ve learned more, you can decide whether to develop the area,” This approach was currently the most neutral solution.
Xander couldn’t be too forceful with Kenneth, and besides, what Ophelia said actually had some truth to it and was worth considering. It gave him some time to think about it properly.
“Alright, let’s do as Noah suggests. Kenneth, do you have any objections?”
“The new shipping line from Waston is mine,” Kenneth’s tone had no hint of negotiation, more like a demand from a bandit. He had suffered quite much and would definitely get something from Xander. Xander sighed, knowing it would be like this. “Alright, or we may have to get someone from a major corporation to manage this project. I trust you with it.”
10:20 Wed, Dec 11
Chapter 317
Kenneth smirked coldly, stood up, and left the head office with Ophelia, without looking back.
“Dad, I’m going with them. Noah said, getting up to leave, but Xander stopped him. “Wait, while you’re going to Dellanex, do me a favor.”
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