They clearly knew who she was, but refused to acknowledge it.Feeling a knot forming in his stomach, Ethan cautiously approached the woman, his stepshesitant as he prepared himself for the worst. How did she slip past security? However, beforehe could speak, the old man stepped forward, his expression firm."May I help you?" The old man asked, his voice steady despite the tension in the air.The woman's lips curved into a knowing smile as she extended her manicured hand, free fromblemish and adorned with fancy rings. "I'm Sandra Walton from House Walton."Ethan's heart pounded in his chest as he processed her words. He just heard from the old manthat House Walton was one of the most powerful and influential houses in the city, and theirreputation for ruthlessness was well-known. He couldn't help but wonder what business theyhad with him, and why they had sent Sandra Walton to his office.Rachel, who had been quietly dialing the security, paused at Sandra's introduction, herex

“"Like sands of the sea,” he finished triumphantly.That made Ethan consider many points. “If they are that influential, why aren't they the head?”A disapproving finger wagged in front of Ethan – the old man's. “House Walton.”Ethan nodded in understanding. “All this means that the only thing the librarians have to showfor their expanse is their arrogance?”Rachel, who had been standing conspicuously in the room for a long time, cast a shocked gazeat the old man. The old man caught her gaze with the same fervency. “I know, I know. He hasn'teven met them but knows their weakness from the little I said,” the old man said softly so Ethanwouldn't hear.But Ethan did hear. What was he, a stone? Knowing the answer to that ridiculous question, hehid a smile.“The sworn enemies of House Rhodes are the House Walton?” Ethan wanted to be sure.“Yes.”Ethan's eyes widened as he observed his notes. “House Rhodes has a long line of industries,their Achilles' heel is their arrogance and I am

His tuxedo, tailored to perfection, cooperated with every graceful movement he made. Thisfabric differed greatly from the clothes he wore the previous week, which smelled cheap andwere used even for special occasions. Ethan swore this tuxedo was limited as he stood beforethe mirror, admiring his broad shoulders. There was a definite difference between Ethan fromlast week and Ethan from this week.His bow tie, a silk white, added an air of class to his outfit, completing the look fit for a billionaire.He felt special. Ethan chuckled at his reflection. His flesh had certainly filled out in places henever imagined they would. Once upon a time, he was skinny and pale; now, his cheeks arerosy and plump. There weren't any blemishes or wrinkles.Ethan felt healthy. Why wouldn't he when he was living his dreams? Yesterday’s breakfast eventmade him smile more. Dish after dish had been served until Ethan couldn't eat anymore. Whenhe whined about being set up, the old man muttered som

"Look, I'm not being defensive, I just don't see why it's any concern of yours.” Okay, now I ammaking it obvious, Ethan muttered under his breath.He trained for this! So why was he losing his cool? This could be a test too, he figured.Ethan took a deep breath to calm down. After all, there was nothing to hide. So what if therewas something going on between him and Suzan? He couldn't label it yet. “I don't see why it'sany concern of yours because we have other important matters to attend to.” Ethan put it insuch a nice way. He surely didn't want to offend the old man who took care of him. “We have afundraising event to attend to, don't we?”The old man sighed. “You'll be on your own at the event, but... Hmph, I am just trying to look outfor you, boy. You seem to be getting in deep with that girl.”“And what's wrong with that?” Ethan's tone was higher than he intended, yet he gave nothingaway.The old man felt he was blowing this out of proportion. He decided to bac

As expected, the press erupted into a frenzy, their cameras clicking furiously as they tried tocapture every word.Ethan felt his smile grow. He felt a sense of satisfaction at finally taking control of the situation,even if just for a moment. Clearing his throat, he ignored the old man's curious look.Just as he entered the large hall, someone bumped into him. He just wasn't expecting thatperson to be Rebekah. Ethan threw the old man an annoyed look. He should have taken care ofher that day. What the hell was she doing here?“Oh my God!” Rebekah yelled, but then she paused at the sight of him. Her face lit up with falsecheerfulness. Ethan swore he knew what she was going to do next.Humiliate him for the other day."Ethan? If it isn't, Ethan! I fancy seeing you here. How on earth did you manage to snag aninvitation to this event?" Ethan raised an eyebrow at her overly cheery greeting. He felt repulsedwhen her gaze raked over his suit hungrily.Was that the first th