Cheated & Despised, now the Billionaire Heir

Chapter Four

Yvonne giggled, tilting her head. “He's just like a housefly buzzing around a feast, thinking it belongs to the table.”

Ethan chuckled, eyes gleaming with amusement. “Funny. But remind me—when has a housefly ever walked away from the table uncrushed?”

Blanche turned to the clerk with a huff.

“You see how disrespectful he is? And you’re still considering letting him take the herb?”

The clerk, desperate to please, nodded quickly.

“Yes, Madam. This establishment values its esteemed clientele above all. Sir, please be reasonable. You wouldn’t want to cause trouble, would you?”

Ethan inhaled deeply,clenching his jaw. So that’s how it is? Just because these two draped themselves in gold and reeked of self-importance, they expected the world to bend to their will.

He leveled the clerk with a cold stare.

“First come, first served. That’s how business works. Or do you just make up the rules as you go?”

Blanche rolled her eyes.

. “Oh, listen to him! Talking about rules like he knows anything about business.”

She turned to the clerk with a dismissive wave.

“Do you really think a filthy stray like him belongs here? Look at his clothes! He’s probably been saving up for weeks just to step into this store.”

Ethan fought the urge to smirk. If only they knew.

The clerk, sensing an opportunity to curry favor, squared his shoulders. “Exactly! That’s why I must insist you hand over the herb immediately.”

Ethan exhaled slowly. These people are exhausting.

He tilted his head. “Or what? You’ll cry?”

Blanche gasped. “You—!”

The clerk puffed out his chest.

“Sir, I’ll have to call the manager if you refuse to comply.”

Yvonne clapped her hands, delighted.

“Finally, some action! Let’s see how long it takes before they drag you out like the garbage you are.”

Blanche smiled smugly. "I bet he’ll grovel. Just like the useless insect he is.”

Ethan sneered.

He leaned against the counter, voice calm. "Fine. Call him.”

Blanche’s smirk widened. "Enjoy this while it lasts, boy. Soon, you’ll be back where you belong—on the streets, licking people’s shoes for scraps.”

Yvonne giggled. “Or in the garbage, with the rest of the cockroaches.”

Ethan didn’t respond. He simply slid his hands into his pockets and waited. Let them dig their own graves.

The door to the back office creaked open, and a man in his late fifties stepped out. Dressed in an expensive tailored suit, his graying mustache twitched as his sharp eyes swept across the room.

The clerk rushed forward, practically bowing. “Manager Hensley, we have a small… situation.”

Manager Hensley’s gaze landed on Ethan, and his lips immediately curled in disdain.

He took in Ethan’s simple attire, his casual stance, and the absence of any visible luxury.

"Ah. I see." He exhaled dramatically, shaking his head.

"Another street rat trying to play with the elite." He stepped closer, his eyes narrowing with contempt as he looked Ethan up and down.

"Listen here, boy. This establishment caters to people of quality, not gutter trash like you. You're interrupting my business and wasting my time."

He turned to the clerk with a scowl. "Why wasn't security called the moment this vagrant refused to leave? We have protocols for dealing with these... disturbances.”

Blanche smirked. “Exactly. This filthy stray thinks he can buy the Bloodshade Root. Can you believe it?”

Ethan rolled his shoulders. His face showed nothing as he looked at them calmly.

He pulled out his phone, dialing a number.

Blanche sneered. “What, calling your imaginary sugar daddy for help?”

Yvonne burst into laughter. “No, no, I bet he’s ordering fake money online.”

Ethan ignored them as the call connected.

“Lara. Get in here.”

The room fell silent.

For a brief second, Manager Hensley's brows furrowed. Then, he scoffed. "You expect us to believe that someone important is going to come here? For you?”

Blanche cackled. “Oh, this is precious!”

Yvonne snorted. “Maybe he should call the King of the World next! What’s next? A personal jet coming to pick him up?”

Hensley adjusted his tie, still smirking. “Look, kid, I’ll give you one last chance. Stop embarrassing yourself, put the herb down, and leave before you humiliate yourself any further.”

Ethan simply slid his phone back into his pocket. “She’ll be here in less than a minute.”

Hensley folded his arms. “I’ll believe it when I see it.”

Blanche was still chuckling. “Honestly, this is the best entertainment I’ve had all week.”

Then—

The door swung open.

The entire store seemed to hold its breath as Lara stepped inside.

Her sharp eyes scanned the room, instantly locking onto Ethan. She strode forward with the kind of presence that commanded authority, her tailored suit crisp, her hair tied back in a no-nonsense ponytail.

Hensley's smug expression crumbled.

Blanche raised an eyebrow, glancing between the newcomer and Ethan with a mixture of confusion and disgust.

She whispered something to Yvonne, who smirked and rolled her eyes.

"So you found yourself a rich woman to hide behind?" Blanche muttered just loud enough for everyone to hear.

"How pathetic."

The clerk staggered backward, clearly recognizing Lara even if Blanche and Yvonne didn't.

Lara stopped beside Ethan, glancing at him. “What’s the issue?”

Ethan gestured lazily to the manager. “Apparently, my black card isn’t good enough for them.”

Lara’s eyes flickered with something dangerous before she turned to Hensley. “You’re the manager here?”

Hensley visibly swallowed. “Y-Yes, Madam.”

Her gaze was ice cold. “Then tell me—why is the owner of the black card being disrespected in your store?”

Hensley froze.