Ultimately, under Bob's mediation, Ethan was not taken away by Marvin for detention, but was instead detained by the prosecution.

This ensured that Ethan would at least avoid some private punishment from Marvin or have other means used against him.

As for whether Chief Judge Ned played any role in this, it's unknown.

Ethan was detained at Wenster's detention center.

This place belongs to the Judicial Hall; the safety is decent, but the comfort is not great.

The entire detention room only has a hard bed, and nothing else.

However, Ethan doesn't care about that.

He sat on the hard bed, pondering all the events from last night until now.

Too fast.

Everything happened too fast.

There were no signs, like a storm, striking the crucial point.

Now, even when Ethan wants to think, he faces a mass of fog.

But it's certain that since the acquisition of the smuggling line from the Corleone Clan, the groundwork has been laid.

That seemed like the first victory, allowing Ethan to relax his vigilance a bit.

Then, the charity banquet, the Saint Kuanti investment, Ned's trust, step by step, Ethan felt he was walking steadily; even Sandro couldn't stop him, only fueling Ethan's relaxation.

Until last night, Sandro even took the initiative to talk to him, speaking in a submissive manner.

Even if Ethan doesn't believe it, there inevitably was a slight wavering—a relaxation.

In reality, all the counterattacks were quietly in operation beneath the surface.

So this is your secret to standing firm in Wenster for decades without falling, Sandro?

Ethan looked towards the bars outside, where there was a wall, but what he saw was Sandro's solitary figure standing on a lofty cliff while the sea roared under his feet.

At this time, Bob walked into the detention room, bringing food, water, and a blanket for warmth.

"Young master, are you okay?"

"I'm fine, how's everything outside?"

"Public opinion in the newspapers is very unfavorable to you; many outlets are once again reporting on your Mafia background with detailed information, clearly stirred by someone behind the scenes."

Compared to the string of events before, this actually was expected, a mere side dish.

"As long as I can be released without charges, these are minor issues."

"I'm sorry, young master." Hearing this, Bob couldn't help but bow his head, "If it weren't for me, it wouldn't have..."

The Corleone Clan's business was discussed by him, so naturally, he felt some guilt.

"Bob, don't be like that, you're outstanding; you didn't do anything wrong." Ethan reached out to pat his shoulder.

No matter what the truth of the Corleone Clan's matter is, it doesn't affect Bob's excellence.

In fact, his actions in various events have exceeded Ethan's expectations.

For instance, this morning, if it weren't for him, Ethan would definitely have been taken back by Marvin to the Prohibition Bureau, and things could have been even worse.

It's clear that the law does work.

Investing in Bob was definitely the right choice.

"Now, let's concentrate."

"Yes, young master." Bob took a deep breath and said, "Currently, those ships are indeed legally yours, contract signed and all, but as for the liquor, there's no way to directly prove they belong to you, especially since all the sailors are dead. We can totally pin everything on them, saying they're the ones smuggling illegal liquor."

"If we go with this plan, what are my chances of being cleared?"

"Hard to say, because it was discovered by the Prohibition Bureau on the spot. Even if there are loopholes, we have to go through lengthy disputes. It's foreseeable that you'll probably have to stay here for one to two months."

"That's too long."

It really is too long.

Forget one or two months; even dragging on for half a month, the situation outside will change.

Especially now with Vincent missing, Anya and Virel are the only ones at home.

Not to mention Sandro, would George be content to be a good boy?

"Unless..."

Bob thought for a while and looked at Ethan.

Life in the detention room is extremely boring, nothing but bare white walls.

After eating a bit of food, Ethan leaned against the wall and pretended to sleep.

Around two or three in the afternoon, someone in a red cloak walked into the detention room.

Just by looking at her figure, Ethan knew Sofia was there.

Sofia took off her hood, quickly walked to the bars, and looked anxiously at Ethan, asking, "Ethan, are you okay? Did they hit you?"

She looked somewhat haggard, probably having been woken from sleep early in the morning with a series of bad news, unable to fall asleep.

"I'm fine, Sofia. Are you okay? You look heartbreaking." Ethan walked to the bars and gently patted her hand with a smile.

Seeing Ethan's calm demeanor, still able to comfort her, Sofia relaxed a bit, took a breath, and said, "Ethan, don't worry, I will help you. I believe you; you wouldn't do such a thing. Someone must be framing you... My father also believes in you and will help you."

At the latter part of her sentence, she was obviously hesitant.

Clearly, that Chief Judge Ned doesn't believe or intend to help Ethan that much.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have ignored the phone call this morning.

"Sofia, this matter is very sensitive, especially since eventually Ned might have to be the one to make the final judgment. Let's not make it too difficult for him. But, if possible, I do want to ask you for a small favor."

"What is it? Tell me, whatever it is, I'll help you; my father will listen to me." Sofia bit her lip, looking determined.

"It's not that serious, actually, it's..."

Ethan whispered his request.

Sofia nodded after hearing it.

After talking for a while, Sofia reluctantly left.

"I'll bring some good food to see you tomorrow..."

Until dusk fell, no one else came.

But when Ethan was just about to have dinner, someone finally arrived.

Klei.

Dinner provided by the detention center was a pile of overcooked beans, a piece of black bread, and a bowl of porridge that barely passed as beef stew.

"Have you eaten yet? If not, join me; to be honest, you can't often find this stuff outside."

Ethan placed the plate at the bar, sat cross-legged.

Klei also sat down cross-legged, picked up the black bread, tore off a piece casually, dipped it into the beef stew, and chewed vigorously.

After swallowing completely, he finally spoke, "Believe me, I had no idea about this matter."

"Then, where's Vincent?" Ethan licked the sauce on his hand and asked.

"I… don't know."

"Then, can I still trust you?! Klei!"

Ethan suddenly grabbed the bars, pressed his face against them, staring into Klei's eyes.

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