Ethan kept walking, ignoring the muffled insults that followed him out the door. His body moved on autopilot.A sleek black car pulled up to the curb, and his driver, James, stepped out, holding the door open. Ethan slid into the backseat, staring blankly out the window as James closed the door and walked around to the driver's side.As the car began to move, silence filled the space. Ethan couldn’t bring himself to speak. His mind kept replaying the scene over and over again, Sophia’s cold words, Brian’s smug face, Max's insults. Zara had been right. He never should have hidden his identity.James glanced at him through the rearview mirror, his brow furrowed. "Everything alright, sir?"Ethan didn’t look at him. His gaze remained fixed on the passing streetlights, his voice flat. "I’m fine."James hesitated, clearly not believing him. "If you don’t mind me saying, you don't look fine. Did something happen?"Ethan let out a breath, shaking his head and held in his hurt and emotion. "It

Ethan drove through the winding mountain roads, leaving the city far behind. The tall buildings and suffocating reminders of his past shrank into the distance as the fresh air of the countryside filled his lungs. The weight of his recent days in the Steele household seemed to lighten with every mile he put between himself and them. He didn’t look back. He didn’t need to.The remote cabin he had booked sat nestled in the mountains, away from the prying eyes and judgmental whispers of those who had belittled him. When he arrived, the peace of the place felt almost foreign to him. He hadn’t experienced true quiet in so long. The absence of noise allowed his thoughts to catch up, to settle in the stillness.As he unpacked his bag and surveyed the rustic interior, he felt a strange sense of relief. Here, there were no reminders of Sophia’s betrayal, no cruel laughter from her family. It was just him, the mountains, and the quiet. For the first time in months, he allowed himself to take a d

Ethan strolled into the bank, his casual attire and unassuming cap a perfect disguise. The last time he’d been in a bank like this, he was dressed in designer suits, the epitome of power and wealth.Today, he looked more like someone who had wandered in to ask for directions. And that was the point. No one would suspect the man who held their futures in the palm of his hand was hiding behind the appearance of nobody.He stood at the back, arms folded, observing the immaculate marble floors, the polished counters, and the overly eager bank employees scurrying to assist the wealthiest clients.A faint smirk played on his lips. It was almost amusing how the air of superiority in places like this was thick enough to choke on.Henry Steele strutted through the doors moments later, head held high, as if he were the one who owned the bank. Dressed in his tailored suit and flashing his trademark smug grin, Henry commanded attention.Bank managers fawned over him, as they always did, and Ethan

The grand ballroom sparkled under the glow of crystal chandeliers, the clinking of champagne glasses and soft hum of conversation filling the space.Ethan stood near the back, blending into the crowd. Dressed in a simple, understated suit, he looked like any other guest.No one gave him a second glance, which was exactly how he wanted it. His eyes scanned the room, taking in the opulence, the wealth on display. But his mind was focused elsewhere.Tonight wasn’t about being seen, it was about stealing the party behind the scene.Ethan knew the Steele family would be here, basking in their perceived glory. They always showed up to these high-profile charity events, projecting power they no longer held.Henry Steele, as smug as ever, Sophia draped in designer clothes, and Max, exuding his usual arrogance, walked in from the stairs. They had no idea their empire was crumbling.Not yet.As he kept his distance, a sharp voice cut through the noise, drawing his attention. "Well, well, look w

The soft hum of conversation and clinking of silverware filled the upscale restaurant as Sophia Steele and Brian Thompson settled into their plush seats.The ambiance was perfect—dim lighting, elegant decor, and the unmistakable scent of gourmet dishes wafting through the air. Brian smirked, feeling completely in his element.Tonight, he planned to indulge in luxury and flaunt his status. They had clawed their way back into society, or so they thought.As the waiter poured their wine, Brian leaned back, casually glancing around the room, but his smirk quickly twisted into a sneer when his eyes landed on a familiar face seated at a nearby table. “Well, would you look at that,” Brian muttered, nudging Sophia.Sophia followed his gaze, her expression hardening when she saw Ethan sitting across from a stunning woman.Sophia’s initial reaction was to dismiss him, but something about the woman with him caught her attention.Her beauty was striking, her posture confident. Still, Sophia could