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Cheated & Despised, now the Billionaire Heir Chapter Thirty-four
The cold marble tomb shone in the moonlight, surrounded by an eerie silence.Ethan knelt on the white stone, his knees pressing against the ground as he placed a bouquet of white lilies—his mother's favorite according to his father—at the base of the ornate headstone.His face showed deep pain as he traced the golden letters of her name: Elizabeth Aurelius.Ever since learning about her death and what caused it, a constant ache of grief and anger had been eating away at him.The mortuary was silent except for the sound of Ethan's own ragged breathing as he fought back tears."Hey, Mom," he whispered, his voice cracking. "It's me, your son." He sniffed.The silence that answered him was deafening."I'm sorry I haven't been here sooner. It's been..." He paused, running a hand through his hair."It's been fucked up, honestly."He adjusted his position, sitting cross-legged on the cold floor."So, it turns out I'm alive. Funny, right?" he chuckled.He wiped at his eyes wi
Cheated & Despised, now the Billionaire Heir Chapter Thirty-five
Damian's father waited nervously in the living room of Magnus' mansion, his normally confident demeanor replaced by the anxious fidgeting of a man who knew he was barely tolerated in this sacred space. The opulent room, with its crystal chandeliers and ancient artifacts that whispered of power accumulated over generations, made him feel like the peasant he essentially was in comparison to its owner.He was there to talk with Magnus about the deal that fell apart. Since he didn't trust Damian to fix the problem, he followed what Mr. Richard had suggested instead.The moment the door to the living room swung open, revealing Magnus, who was in his pajamas, Damian's father shot to his feet, nearly knocking over the untouched glass of scotch on the side table."Mr. Aurelius, sir, thank you for seeing me on such short notice," Damian's father started with a slight bow, his voice uncharacteristically pitched higher than usual.He knew better than to offer his hand to Magnus.
Cheated & Despised, now the Billionaire Heir Chapter Thirty-six
Back in Magnus' living room, Lara had joined Magnus, now sitting across from him on one of the couches.They had been in his study talking about work when the guards told Magnus that Damian's father was outside causing a scene, desperately trying to meet with him.She looked confused when Magnus told her to let the board members of Aurelius Group and Aurelius Imprint Conglomerate know about a meeting in two days where Damian would present the deal."So you gave them another chance," she stated, not bothering to phrase it as a question.He sighed and leaned back on the couch. "That's what Ethan wanted. He already predicted something like this would happen before now. I don't just know what he aims to achieve with it."Her lips curled in a faint smile. "He's just so unpredictable."He nodded in agreement. "Yes, he is.""But that's one of the things that concerns me about him," he said, a rare moment of vulnerability he allowed only in her presence."What has Ethan been doing with himsel
Cheated & Despised, now the Billionaire Heir Chapter Thirty-seven
The low hum of the Mercedes’ engine blended with the quiet of the night as it glided down the dimly lit streets.Ethan sat in the backseat, his posture relaxed but his mind anything but, as he stared out the window, watching the blur of streetlights and towering buildings.Lara occupied the front passenger seat, her expression unreadable.Her chauffeur handled the wheel, his eyes fixed ahead, as if sensing the storm brewing behind him.The auction they were heading to had been marketed as a charity event—a noble attempt to rescue a financially struggling orphanage. A place that, on paper, existed to nurture abandoned children. But Ethan knew better.That institution was nothing more than a breeding ground for cruelty, run by soulless opportunists who fed off misfortune. It had been his prison, his battleground, the place where kindness was a currency never spent on children like him.He had lived in its suffocating walls, endured its brutality, and now, he was returning—not as a helpl
Cheated & Despised, now the Billionaire Heir Chapter Thirty-eight
Lara frowned slightly. “That’s a lot of information. What exactly are you looking for?”“Everything,” Ethan repeated, his gaze unreadable. “Their assets, their investments, their investors, their weaknesses. I want a full breakdown—who they do business with, where their money flows, and what they don’t want the world to see.”She studied him carefully. “And what are you planning to do with it?”He tilted his head, a slow smirk forming. “That’s not your concern.”She gave a small nod, her hesitation fading into resignation. "You’ll have the files tomorrow night."He leaned back, satisfied. “Good.”The auction was already in full swing when they arrived.The hall was illuminated by cascading chandeliers.A painted canvas adorned the walls, waiting for the highest bidder to claim it.The soft hum of conversation barely interrupted the auctioneer’s steady calls, each bid raising the stakes for the masterpiece currently on display.Yet the moment Ethan and Lara stepped through the grand do
Cheated & Despised, now the Billionaire Heir Chapter Thirty-nine
A grin spread across Ethan’s face the moment he spotted the house supervisor of the orphanage, now aged, along with a few staff members.“Perfect,” he murmured, his smile growing as he and Lara strode toward the front row, aware of the lingering gazes following them.However, the moment they settled into the first row, hushed voices fluttered around them:"Look at them... they're sitting so close.""Is that really her? I've never seen her show interest in anyone before.""Who is that man with her? He... they look like they could be a couple.""She’s never even smiled at a man in public before. This is history in the making.”"It's not possible. She's known for being married to her work. She's allergic to romance."“But look at how close they’re sitting… do you think…?”"Who is he, though? I’ve never seen him before."Ethan’s lips curled into a smirk as he leaned close to Lara and whispered, "Looks like you’ve got yourself a reputation.’”His smirk widened, but her expression remained
Cheated & Despised, now the Billionaire Heir Chapter Fourty
“What… did I just hear him place a $10 million bid?” Blanche’s voice wavered in disbelief."Or am I dreaming?”Vanessa’s brows knitted together as she turned to Ethan, who met her gaze with that same smug smirk—only now, it had stretched even wider.“Whoa! Who is this guy?” someone blurted out.“He must be filthy rich to throw out a bid like that, as if he’s just buying a toy,” another person chimed in.“Never seen him before,” a man muttered under his breath."But he’s got to be someone big if he can drop that kind of money without flinching.”Even the auctioneer, momentarily stunned, stared at Ethan with his mouth slightly open before regaining his composure. “Just to confirm—$10 million?”Ethan met his gaze and gave a firm nod. “Yes.”The hall erupted in another collective gasp, even louder than before.One of Ethan's admirers exclaimed. "Wow! This is crazy!"Lara, just as shocked as everyone else, leaned in toward Ethan. “I know what you’re trying to do, sir. But honestly, you hav
Cheated & Despised, now the Billionaire Heir Chapter Fourty-one
Ethan leaned back in his chair, his lips curling into a smirk. “What’s the matter? Not even going to put up a fight for the bid? Or have you finally accepted that you simply can’t afford to?”Vanessa scoffed, her expression twisted with disdain. “You? My competitor?”She let out a scornful chuckle. “You’re not even worthy of being my opponent. You’re not even worthy to stand in my shadow.”He nodded and gave a slight shrug. "Yet, here we are."“Why do you insist on living a fantasy, huh?” she spat, eyes blazing."You walk in here, acting like you belong—throwing out ridiculous bids like you actually have the money!"Someone murmured, “What… she really mean it? That he's poor?""Interesting." He nodded, tapping his fingers against his knee."That’s what you think of me?”"Who do you think you are?” she scoffed loudly, flipping her hair as she let out a sharp laugh."Seriously, do you think sitting here makes you one of us? This isn’t some street market where you can bluff your way to t
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Chapter Eighty-two
The bag was ripped from Damian's head, and he blinked rapidly as his eyes adjusted to the dim light. His heart hammered against his ribs like it wanted to escape."What the hell is happening? Where am I?" He shouted, struggling against the ropes that bound him to the chair.The room was dark, with only a single lamp casting long shadows across what looked like an abandoned warehouse. Concrete walls. High ceilings. The smell of dust and forgotten things.“Can someone just answer me?” His voice wavered, panic creeping in as he glanced over his shoulders—seeing two figures standing there.A deep voice cut through the darkness. "That's enough."Damian squinted, trying to make out the figure sitting across from him. It was the mysterious man.He was leaning back in a leather chair, his face hidden in shadow. All Damian could see was the outline of broad shoulders and the occasional glint of light reflecting off a watch."What's going on? Where am I?" He whispered.The mysterious man tap
Chapter Eighty-one
Damian felt a brief flicker of hope, realizing someone was about to stand up for him.“I hope you all know that’s an offense,” the man said coldly, the words like an icy slap.Damian’s eyes flickered around the room, trying to gauge the reaction.The crowd was still, frozen in uncertainty, before murmurs began to spread again. Some seemed to hesitate, the weight of the legal consequences sinking in, but others were not so easily deterred.Then, he stood up and approached the bartender. "How much does he owe?"The bartender looked surprised. "Thirty-seven dollars and fifty cents."The man pulled out his wallet and slapped sixty dollars on the counter."That covers his tab—and mine too,” he said calmly.The whole bar went silent. Everyone just stared, completely caught off guard.Relief washed over Damian's face. "Thanks, man. I really appreciate it."He hesitated, then added in a whisper, "Could you spare a little more? Just to get me through the night?"With his car now impounded by
Chapter Eighty
Damian's head swam as he leaned against the sticky bar counter.Three empty glasses sat in front of him, and he was working on a fourth.The cheap whiskey burned his throat, but he didn't care. It numbed everything else."Another," he slurred, pushing his empty glass forward.The bartender, a burly man with a thick beard and tired eyes, shook his head. "You've had enough.""I said, another." Damian's voice rose, drawing a few glances from nearby patrons.With a sigh, the bartender poured one last drink. "This is it, then we're settling up."Time blurred as Damian drained the glass.When the bartender returned with the bill, Damian fumbled for his wallet, pulling out what little cash he had left. He counted it twice, his fingers trembling.“What’s up?” the bartender asked, raising a brow when he noticed Damian’s face turn red after counting it a second time."I'm... I'm short," he slurred."That's funny because I didn't even realize it.""How short?" The bartender's voice hardened.“A
Chapter Seventy-nine
In a dining room on the other side of the city, the mysterious man sat by himself at a long table, eating his dinner. His phone vibrated against the table. He wiped his mouth with a napkin before answering. "Speak," he commanded. "Sir," came a nervous voice from the other end. "We've been trying to contact the assassins, but there's no response. None of them are replying to their emails." The man's hand tightened around his fork. "And?" His voice was dangerously calm. "And... we think... well, it appears Ethan's power has already been activated. It seems we were wrong about it." "So, the assassination failed," the man said under his breath. There was a momentary silence, then a crash as the man slammed his fist against the table, sending wine glasses toppling and plates clattering. "You're telling me," he said, his voice shaking with rage, "that not only did they fail to kill him, but his power is already active?" "Y-yes, sir. It seems so." "Find out exactly what happened,
Chapter Seventy-eight
Ethan stood in the center of the chamber, feeling the power surge through his veins.The ring pulsed with golden light, sending waves of energy up his arm and throughout his body. It felt different now—stronger, more intense—since he had accepted his destiny.Magnus watched him from a few feet away, his eyes filled with a mixture of pride and something else Ethan couldn't quite identify."So," Ethan said, breaking the silence, "what's the next step? Now that I've decided to embrace all this."Magnus walked over to a stone pedestal in the corner of the chamber and ran his fingers along the ancient carvings."First, we need to formally announce your return as the King of the World to the Order," he said."There will be a ceremony—a ritual as old as the organization itself. But some members will have to be present to witness your official acceptance. That's the problem at the moment."He turned to face Ethan, his expression serious. "Then, your training begins. You need to learn how to c
Chapter Seventy-seven
The apartment door burst open with a bang.Magnus rushed in, his face pale with worry. Lara was right behind him, accompanied by several of his soldiers who had their hands on their weapons."Ethan!" Magnus shouted, freezing at the sight of the bodies scattered across the floor.Blood was everywhere. On the walls. The furniture. Pooling on the floor.Magnus rushed to Ethan, grabbing his shoulders and looking him over frantically.“Are you okay? What happened?” His eyes quickly landed on the blood staining Ethan’s clothes, then shifted around, checking him for any injuries.Ethan smiled calmly, lifting his hand to show the ring on his finger."I'm fine, Dad. Thanks to this ring." He wiggled his finger.Magnus’s jaw tightened. He wasn't comforted.Lara pushed past the soldiers, her face ghostly white as she took in the scene.Her hand flew to her mouth."Oh my god," she whispered, her voice shaking.Then, she crossed the room, stepping carefully around a body.She reached out, touching
Chapter Seventy-six
Then, like a dam breaking, power surged through Ethan.The ring on his finger grew warm, then hot—pulsing with golden light that traveled up his arm in glowing veins. The pain in his side faded as strength filled every muscle in his body."What the—" one of the men started to say.Ethan moved so fast he surprised himself. His fist connected with the leader's jaw with a sickening crack. The man flew backward, smashing into the wall with enough force to dent the plaster, then slumped to the floor in a daze.The other three attacked at once.Ethan ducked under a knife swing and caught the man's wrist, twisting until bones snapped with a wet crunch. The attacker screamed, his weapon clattering to the floor. But Ethan didn't stop there. In one fluid motion, he pivoted behind the man, placed one hand on his chin and the other on the back of his skull, and wrenched with supernatural strength. The crack echoed through the apartment as the man's cervical vertebrae shattered. The attacke
Chapter Seventy-five
Ethan drove through the quiet city streets, the buildings blurring past like ghosts. His fingers drummed the steering wheel as he replayed the evening in his mind. “She’s either brilliant,” he muttered, “or trained to be." "And him..." He believed Mr. Chen was too grateful. "He is not just some grateful old man throwing a thank-you dinner. No." Ethan shook his head. He was convinced there was a hidden agenda behind it. "It would be smart to keep them all at arm's length," he muttered. "Especially her." Yet he couldn't deny she intrigued him and that he wanted to see her again. The thought followed him all the way home, along with the memory of her smile when she talked about her research. Real or fake? He couldn't tell for sure, and that bothered him more than he wanted to admit. When he finally reached his apartment building, he was tired, and his head was beginning to pound again—that same dull ache that had been plaguing him for weeks. As he unlocked his door and steppe
Chapter Seventy-four
The garden was beautiful under the soft lights that lined the stone paths.Flowers bloomed everywhere, their scents mixing in the cool night air."I'm actually glad for the chance to talk with you properly," Sophia said as they walked."My father said you spotted financial irregularities that no one else caught. That requires an incredible eye for detail."Ethan glanced at Mr. Chen. "You give me too much credit, Mr. Chen.""I doubt that," she replied before her father could."Speaking from experience?" Ethan asked."My research involves finding patterns in protein folding that might lead to new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases," she explained."It's about seeing what others miss."Then, she gave a slight shrug. "So, yeah.“I might be speaking from experience.” Her smile turned soft—just enough to make his heart skip a beat.“That’s… actually kind of fascinating,” he said, genuinely intrigued.He got what she was saying, even though he was pretty sure he wasn’t supposed to—jus
