Ethan replied to Anderson’s email:“I’d rather come in person. Let me know which office I should visit.”After sending the message, he set his phone down and headed toward the bathroom. Just as he stepped inside, he heard his phone buzz again.He was certain it was Anderson’s reply.A smile of satisfaction tugged at his lips.Stepping into the shower, he let the water pour over his head like a cleansing rain. The sensation was soothing, almost as if he were a man who had been chained for years and was finally set free.Then, memories of his past surfaced—the life he had struggled through, the humiliations he had endured, the times people had treated him like nothing more than a stray dog.One particular memory hit him harder than the rest.He had been just a boy, wandering the streets with no food, no shelter. It was the first night he had run away from the orphanage, believing that life outside would be easier. He didn’t want to be like the other kids who stayed behind—he had bigger

That evening, Mr. Maxwell returned home, exhausted. He walked into the house and sank onto the sofa, dropping his briefcase on the table beside him.Lucas came downstairs and spotted Mr. Maxwell sitting there with his eyes closed. He let out a laugh, casually chewing gum as he approached the table.Curious, he picked up the briefcase, examining it closely. He lifted it to his ear and gave it a shake, testing its weight. Then, he ran his fingers along the edges, trying to figure out if he could pull off some trick to open it—completely unaware that Mr. Maxwell was watching him.A dry cough broke the silence. Startled, Lucas quickly dropped the briefcase.Mr. Maxwell opened his eyes and sat up straight.Lucas grinned, unfazed. “Welcome back. I didn’t realize you were home,” he said, still chewing his gum, his tone laced with disrespect.Without acknowledging him, Mr. Maxwell stood, picked up his briefcase, and headed upstairs to his private bedroom.Lucas watched him leave, scoffing. “W

“I’ll find the key and figure it out. Are you with me or not?” Lucas said, standing up, his expression tense.“Are you crazy?” Emily snapped. “Do you have any idea what would happen if he found out we even thought about peeking into that world? He’d destroy us. He’s never mentioned it, not even once, and I never dared to ask because I know it’s a secret.”Lucas narrowed his eyes. “You have to listen to me. You won’t succeed without me. I know what the key looks like, and I understand him better than you do. So let me decide when it happens.” Her voice was firm, but her eyes held a flicker of melancholy.Lucas stomped his foot , frustration radiating off him“Are you afraid of him? Huh?” He locked eyes with her, his tone accusatory.“He won’t even notice,” Lucas continued, his voice urgent. “We’ll plan everything. We’ll hire some guys to take out the guards the night we do it, and then we’ll disappear with everything.”Emily let out a sharp breath and straightened, her expression harde

At the Hotel Where Ethan StaysEthan woke up that morning and glanced at the clock—it was already 7 a.m. He rushed into the bathroom, brushed his teeth, and took a quick shower. After getting dressed, he looked no different from any ordinary man; nothing about his appearance suggested he had ever seen a million dollars in his life. Despite his rugged looks, he was undeniably handsome, with striking eyes that could draw attention. However, due to his poor appearance and social status, no woman wanted to be associated with him.After ordering breakfast from the hotel, he waited a few minutes until it was delivered. Once he finished eating, he stepped out of his room and walked down the hallway.As usual, some of the hotel staff snickered as he passed by.Gossip seemed to be their profession, and minding their own business was a sin they had no intention of committing.Rumors about him spread freely—some speculated that he was in a relationship with Elizabeth, which explained how he coul

Mr. Anderson waved a hand in response to the greetings, a broad smile on his face as he stepped out of the elevator, his eyes scanning the lobby.The manager quickly approached him. “Sir, do you need anything?” he asked respectfully.“Ethan is here,” Mr. Anderson announced, still glancing around as if searching for something—or someone—who fit his expectations.The assistant manager stiffened. His brows furrowed as a troubling thought crossed his mind. Could it be… that man I just looked down on?But Mr. Anderson didn’t elaborate.“Oh, okay,” the manager responded hastily, then turned to the security team. “We’re expecting a very important guest right now. Everyone, prepare to give a warm welcome.” His gaze shifted toward the entrance, anticipating the arrival of a luxury car.Meanwhile, Mr. Anderson made his way through the hall, heading toward the reception desk where a young woman attended to visitors. His two towering bodyguards flanked him, and behind them, the assistant manager