Chapter 483

Simon tried to calm himself. "You hate Stephen, don't you?"

"Yes." Andy was honest. "He nearly got me killed."

"He didn't mean to."

"It would have been better if it was!" Andy was enraged.

Images of the man getting shot in the chest and the team sacrificing themselves to save him flashed across his mind. There were also those people living in suffering, chanting Ethan's name, yet Stephen, out of his own selfishness, imprisoned Ethan on Drakthorn Ridge.

Simon could see from Andy's reaction that the man did not plan to forgive Stephen this time. He let out a sigh. He had watched Andy grow up and never expected the day would come when these best friends would become enemies.

"Let me see him." Simon decided to give in and pay.

The camera shifted, and he saw Jeremy standing beside Andy.

After confirming that Jeremy was alive, he asked, "Did Ethan save him?"

"Yes." Andy said, "Because Jeremy is still alive, Stephen has a chance to overcome this, but the irony is that the person who saved Jeremy is now the one you've imprisoned. Your way of treating a hero is disgraceful."

Simon responded, "This has nothing to do with you. I'll transfer the money now."

After receiving the money, Andy handed the phone to Jeremy. Simon quickly took the phone and rushed to find Stephen.

When Stephen saw Jeremy, his eyes instantly reddened with tears.

"Is that really you?" Stephen was still afraid it might be another cruel trick from Austin and the rest.

"It's me." Jeremy nodded.

He looked and sounded the same.

Stephen, filled with guilt, choked out, "I'm sorry. I wronged you, and I'm sorry about your mother."

"It's alright,” Jeremy spoke his mind. "These are all in the past, and I have let go. I have a new purpose now, so you should pick yourself up soon too. The people of Riveria need you."

"But I..." Stephen was doubting himself.

"It's normal to make mistakes, as long as you correct them in time and make sure they don't happen again in the future. I've made mistakes too," he added, thinking of Fabian.

"I really don't blame you. Stop beating yourself up over it." Jeremy said, "I am doing well now, so you can finally let it go."

Stephen felt much better after receiving Jeremy's forgiveness, but he had an important question gnawing at him. "Who's the culprit? I destroyed your evidence back then, and now I can't trace who's the culprit anymore."

Jeremy shook his head. "Sorry, I can't remember either."

Stephen was stunned. "You still can't forgive me?"

"No," Jeremy said. "I never blamed you, but I really don't remember. Do you still not believe me?"

Stephen found himself at a loss for words. He stared into Jeremy's eyes for a long moment before letting out a deep sigh. He understood now that some chance, once missed, would be gone forever. He could only rely on himself to look for the culprit.

“Alright. It's getting late, and I have to be on my way. Let's stop here. I hope you find happiness and peace in your life. Take care of yourself."

"Goodbye." Stephen nodded, and the call ended.

Simon walked up to him. "How are you feeling now?"

"I feel much better," Stephen replied, standing up.

Although he could not get to meet Jeremy in person, he was satisfied with being able to talk one last time.

Watching Stephen regain his composure, Austin also felt his own relief settle in. Now, both Stephen and Austin were finally saved by the weight of their past.

Meanwhile, Andy transferred 700 million dollars to Ethan. He had asked for a billion, but they split the money, saving 30% for himself.

When Nolan heard about Stephen's recovery, he said, "I have to speed things up!"