Chapter 492

The villagers' anxiety instantly disappeared as they crowded around Arnold, carefully observing him.

Arnold's determined gaze, righteous demeanor, and his distinct uniform left no doubt that he was one of Ethan's people. After all, three years ago, Ethan had also led a team wearing similar uniforms to this village.

Arnold had stumbled into the village by accident and wanted to leave quickly to avoid dragging the villagers into trouble.

However, he was surrounded and could not escape. He looked at the villagers cautiously and said, "Everyone, please step aside. I'm a fugitive. If I don't leave, you might be in danger too."

The villagers did not understand him until they summoned someone who had lived in Riveria for a while.

The person understood Arnold's language and translated to everyone, "He's being pursued."

The villagers were shocked. Who would dare to pursue Ethan's man?

"Have you heard of Ethan Rivers?" someone asked.

Arnold nodded at the translated question. Although he was assigned to Riveria from somewhere else, he had heard about Ethan before.

Ethan was a criminal. Not only was he shameless and despicable, but he was incredibly corrupt and embezzled countless funds.

Everyone hated him!

Arnold nodded. "I know him."

He thought that the villagers held a grudge against Ethan. After all, the latter was corrupt and had committed countless evil acts.

This village looked impoverished, and many houses were made of mud bricks. Arnold thought that Ethan might have exploited this area too.

However, what everyone heard was that Arnold knew Ethan! It was confirmation that Arnold was working for Ethan!

Just as they grew excited and wanted to ask him about Ethan, several cars arrived at the village entrance. A group of men armed with guns came out of the cars, and some even carried rocket launchers.

Arnold's heart sank. They had caught up to him! He wanted to step up to avoid implicating the innocent villagers, but before he could move, all the villagers stood in front of him like a shield.

Jared frowned. Although he held some influence in this area, he did not dare to recklessly harm the villagers. After all, this was the South Regent's territory.

"Everyone, we're just here for one man. We bear no hostility toward you. We'll leave immediately if you hand him over."

"No way!" The person who spoke was the one who had stayed in Riveria for some time. He expressed the sentiment shared by the whole village, "If you want to take him, you't have to go through all of our dead bodies first!"

५ Arnold was stunned. He stared at the people with wide eyes. He could not understand it. It was their first time meeting, but these people were willing to sacrifice their lives for him.

Why?

Jared's expression darkened. "How about this? If you hand him over, we'll give you a handsome amount of money."

"We don't need it. Take your money and get lost!"

The villagers all knew that even though money was important, what Ethan could bring to them was far more valuable-a better life! They would no longer go hungry, fee unsafe when walking around at night, or jump at every sound when they went to sleep.

Their children could go to school, and they could see doctors when they got sick!

Jared became furious. "Are you really choosing to be our enemies? I don't mind killing all of you!"

Arnold was deeply moved, but when he saw Jared losing his patience, he decided to step forward. "I'll go with you. The people here are innocent."

He wanted to step forward, but the villagers held him back firmly. They all looked at Jared. “He's one of Ethan Rivers' men. Are you sure you want to kill him?"

At those words, Jared's eyes widened.

Arnold was Ethan's man?

That changed everything!