Ethan’s jaw clenched, his fists tightening at his sides as Nikolai casually dropped the bombshell that would shatter everything he thought he knew about his family.“Cut the crap,” Ethan growled, his patience running thin.“You’re wasting my time, and I don’t have any brother. You better get out before I have you thrown out.”Nikolai’s smirk only deepened, a cold, calculating glint in his eyes.But before he could respond, Ethan noticed the subtle change in Lisa’s posture.She had gone stiff, her eyes wide with fear, her body frozen in place.Her face paled, and for a moment, Ethan's focus shifted.His gaze flickered between Lisa and Nikolai, confusion mounting in his mind.Then, with an almost mocking gesture, Nikolai turned toward Lisa, his tone dripping with sardonic amusement.“Oh, come on, bro!" he said, his smirk widening."You should thank me for sparing your bride’s life. I only wanted to postpone the wedding, after all.”Ethan’s blood ran cold as his heart skipped a beat.He

Ethan was glued to the television, his stomach churning as he watched Nikolai speak with such authority.The reporters were on edge, cameras flashing, as Nikolai continued.“For years, my father, Mr. Elliot, and his company have flourished while I lived in neglect,” he said, his tone laced with mock sincerity.“He abandoned my mother and me, throwing us aside to protect his reputation. The family name, the fortune, all of it meant more to him than me or my mother. But I’ve spent my life working to survive. And now, I demand my rightful place in this family.”Ethan clenched his fists as Nikolai painted himself as a victim of neglect.It was as if he had rehearsed every word to evoke sympathy from the public.Nikolai knew exactly how to manipulate the narrative, and now the media was eating it up.The cameras zoomed in on the audience, capturing their shocked faces as they absorbed the revelation.“My mother may not have had the fortune she deserved, but I’ve worked for everything I hav

The boardroom was tense.Ethan stood at the head of the table, his usual confident demeanor wavering slightly.His father’s comatose state had left the company teetering on the edge of uncertainty.The board members exchanged uncertain glances, murmurs filling the room.“I believe it’s time we make a decision,” a member, Mr. Carrington, said.“We can’t afford to keep waiting. The company’s future is at risk.”“I agree,” added Mrs. Foster, her voice tight.“But, there’s a matter of the heir that hasn’t been settled. Until we know for certain that Mr. Nikolai is the rightful successor, we can’t transfer control to Ethan.”Ethan clenched his fists, his frustration bubbling to the surface.“I am the rightful heir!” he snapped, his voice rising.“My father tested me. He made me struggle like a common man, but I’ve earned this position. I’ve proven myself.”“Then prove it with evidence,” Mr. Carrington countered.“You’re asking us to make a decision based solely on your word. We need verifi

“You think I haven’t suffered? You think it’s been easy for me, either?”“Oh, it’s been hard for you, hasn’t it?” Nikolai said mockingly, his voice dripping with sarcasm.“You had everything handed to you. A name. A legacy. A father who tested you and watched from afar, making you feel like you were struggling. But it was all a game to him, wasn’t it? A test. A cruel, endless test.”Ethan’s heart clenched at the words.His father had always been distant, demanding that he prove himself, but it had never been easy.Every victory, every accomplishment, had felt like a small, hollow achievement, knowing that his father’s approval was the only one that truly mattered.But now, hearing it from Nikolai, it stung in a way he hadn’t expected.“You think I had it easy?” Ethan spat, stepping closer.“You know nothing about what I’ve been through.”“I know enough,” Nikolai shot back, his voice hard.“You’ve had your father, your family. I had no one. I fought for everything I have, and I’ll keep

The estate was quiet, the lush green of the garden surrounding them in a peaceful embrace.The backyard, typically reserved for gatherings and family dinners, was transformed into a simple yet beautiful setting for their secret wedding.String lights hung delicately from the trees, casting a warm glow over the small gathering of close friends and family.Ethan stood at the front, his hands trembling ever so slightly as he adjusted his tie.He had waited for this moment, but now that it was here, his mind raced with every possible consequence.This wasn’t just a wedding—it was a declaration, a stand against everything Nikolai was trying to take from them.His gaze shifted to the soft rustling of the trees, the sound of the wind carrying the scent of blooming flowers.The guests were seated in quiet anticipation. But the moment he’d been waiting for was coming.“Are you nervous?” Lisa’s brother, Matt, whispered from beside him.He gave Ethan a small, encouraging smile.Ethan glanced ove