Ethan Cross sat in the grand study, his fingers tracing the smooth edge of the black card his father had given him.
The weight of Magnus Aurelius’s words still pressed heavily on his mind. “The world is yours to take, Ethan.” "Ethan," Magnus said, leaning forward in his leather chair, "I need you to prepare for the Aurelius Group anniversary tomorrow." Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Me, Father?" Magnus's eyes gleamed with purpose. "Yes, to step up as my heir and take over as CEO —the official announcement will happen at the event." Though he was nervous, he confidently nodded his head. Magnus had no doubt that Ethan would accept. After everything he had endured at the hands of others, Magnus knew he would want to prove them wrong. Ethan let out a slow breath, pushing down the storm inside him. This wasn’t just about stepping into a powerful position. This was about proving something—to himself, to those who had abandoned him, and to the people who thought he was nothing more than a disposable tool. He met Magnus’s steady gaze. “I’ll do it.” A flicker of satisfaction crossed his father’s face. “Good.” Lara, who had been standing silently near the window, nodded in approval. “The arrangements are in place. The city’s elite will be in attendance. You’ll make your first public appearance as Ethan Aurelius.” Ethan leaned back, rubbing his temple. “Who else is attending?” Lara pulled out a tablet, scrolling through the guest list. “Some influential families in the city will be attending.” Ethan nodded, his eyes scanning the names until one caught his attention. “Copper Group?” he murmured. He knew the company. It was owned by Damien’s family—a powerhouse that controlled a large portion of the city’s industrial and pharmaceutical sectors. But it was a small part of the business in front of his father's business empire. He smirked. Magnus smiled. “You should get some rest now,son. Lara will take you to your villa. It’s already been prepared for your stay.” Ethan didn’t argue. He needed time to clear his head, to process everything. The newfound power surging through him wasn’t just a mystery—it was a tool, and he needed to master it. The drive was silent, apart from the occasional hum of the engine. Lara maneuvered the sleek black car through the winding roads leading to the secluded villa. When they arrived, Ethan stepped out, taking in the sprawling estate before him. It was massive—high walls, a modern architectural design with sharp edges and vast glass windows, a perfectly manicured garden, and a private training ground at the back. Lara walked ahead, leading him inside. “This place has everything you’ll need, including a private study filled with documents on Aurelius Group's operations. You should familiarize yourself before tomorrow.” Ethan nodded, but his mind was elsewhere. The ring on his finger pulsed faintly—a reminder that his body still held an untapped power. He turned to Lara. “Where do you know I can get some rare herb?” He wanted to start training as soon as possible because he could feel something inside him—something beyond just business and wealth. However, he'd need an herb before beginning. Lara's brows creased in confusion. "Herb, sir? May I ask what you need it for?" "For my soup," he replied, his voice cold. "Please tell me where I can find it." Lara straightened her posture, recognizing his authority. "Of course, Mr. Aurelius. Which herb are you looking for specifically?" Ethan thought back to the knowledge that had surged into his mind when the ring activated. "Bloodshade Root." Lara nodded respectfully. "That's quite rare, sir. But fortunately, the city's largest herbal store should have it in stock." Ethan smirked. "Then let's go shopping." "Right away, sir," Lara responded efficiently. "I'll take you there now." The store was grander than Ethan expected, located in the heart of the city. It wasn’t some hole-in-the-wall apothecary—it was a lavish establishment, with intricately carved wooden shelves stacked with rare herbs, glass cases holding the most precious ingredients, and a faint scent of incense lingering in the air. A few well-dressed individuals browsed the shelves, some engaged in hushed discussions with the store’s clerks. Ethan stepped inside, ordering Lara to remain outside. He still wasn’t used to having someone handle things for him or follow him everywhere. The moment he walked in, all eyes were on him. An older man behind the counter glanced up, his sharp eyes studying them. “What can I do for you?” Ethan didn’t hesitate. “I need Bloodshade Root.” The man’s expression tightened, though he remained composed. “That’s not an easy request.” Ethan crossed her arms. “Is it in stock or not?” The old man exhaled. "We do have a limited supply, but… the price is steep.” Ethan smirked, pulling out the black card Magnus had given him. "Try me.” The clerk’s eyes flickered with surprise before he nodded. "Very well. Follow me.” Before he could finalize the purchase, an arrogant voice sliced through the air like a rusted knife. "The last one, you say? Then I’ll be taking it.” Ethan didn’t need to turn around to know trouble had arrived. He sighed. Here we go. A tall, extravagantly dressed woman strutted forward, the jewels on her fingers gleaming under the store’s warm lights. Beside her stood a younger woman, the resemblance clear—same arrogant tilt of the chin, same air of entitlement. Vanessa’s mother and sister. Just his damn luck. The clerk hesitated. “Ah… Madam Blanche, Miss Yvonne, I’m afraid this gentleman has already claimed the Bloodshade Root.” Madam Blanche’s lips curled in disdain. “Gentleman?” Her sharp eyes finally landed on Ethan, and a slow smirk stretched across her face. “Oh. It’s you.” Yvonne giggled, covering her mouth in mock surprise. "What’s a stray pig like you doing here?” Ethan exhaled sharply. Not worth it. He turned back to the clerk. “Ring it up.” But Blanche stepped forward, voice dripping with exaggerated concern. “Oh, dear. Are you sure about that? This herb is quite expensive, you know. Not the kind of thing a beggar like you can afford.” Yvonne nodded eagerly. “Exactly! Clerk, don’t waste your time. This man’s just putting on a show.” Ethan clenched his jaw. Breathe. He wasn’t about to waste energy on these vultures. The clerk looked between them uncertainly. “Uh… Sir, do you have a method of payment?” Ethan pulled out the black card Magnus had given him and placed it on the counter. “Charge it.” The room went silent. Then, laughter erupted from Blanche and Yvonne. Yvonne wiped away a fake tear. “Oh my God, this is priceless! A black card? From him?!” Blanche snorted. “A fake black card, you mean. Did you print that yourself, boy?” The clerk hesitated, eyes flickering to Ethan’s calm expression. Yvonne leaned forward, smirking. “You know, bugs like you should stick to the dirt where you belong. Flashing fake cards? Pathetic.” Blanche sighed dramatically. “I almost feel sorry for him. It’s like watching a cockroach try to dress up as a butterfly. No matter how hard you try, you’ll always be scurrying in the filth.” Yvonne grinned. “More like a dung beetle. Rolling around in whatever scraps he can find.” The two burst into laughter again. Ethan exhaled slowly. Ignore them. Focus. He tapped the card against the counter. "Try it." Blanche waved a dismissive hand at the clerk. "Please. Just give the herb to me already. This fraud can barely afford a cup of water." The clerk gulped, clearly unsure what to do, but then straightened his posture. "I'm sorry, sir, but I don't think we can accept this card. It seems... suspicious." Ethan's eyes narrowed. "Suspicious? You haven't even tried it." "We have protocols for verifying payment methods," the clerk said stiffly, pushing the card back toward Ethan without scanning it. "And I'm afraid this doesn't meet our standards." "In other words," Ethan said, voice dropping into a deadly calm, "you've decided I can't afford it based on how I look?" The question sent a chill through the air. For the first time, the women hesitated. Blanche recovered quickly, smirking as she placed her own card on the counter. "That's exactly right. Now, be a good boy and leave the herb for those who can actually pay for it." Ethan's grip on the Bloodshade Root tightened as the clerk reached for it. "I don't think so.Related Chapters
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 her, nodded quickly. “Yes, Madam. This establishment values its esteemed clientele above all." The clerk shifted his gaze to Ethan. "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. . “O
Cheated & Despised, now the Billionaire Heir Chapter Five
The room was thick with silence. Lara’s cold gaze locked onto Manager Hensley, her fingers twitching at her sides. Then— SMACK! The crisp sound of her palm meeting his cheek echoed through the store. Hensley staggered, clutching his face, eyes wide with pure disbelief. Blanche and Yvonne gasped audibly. The clerk nearly dropped to his knees. Ethan? He just smirked. Hensley, still dazed, scrambled to recover. His mind worked at lightning speed, and suddenly, a brilliant conclusion formed in his head—this man, this pathetic errand boy, must be Lara’s personal servant! He immediately bowed. “Madam Lara! I—I had no idea your assistant was here to collect something on your behalf! Please forgive my ignorance!” Lara’s lips twitched in irritation. “My assistant?" Hensley nodded rapidly, sweat forming at his temples. "Yes, of course! A noblewoman like you wouldn’t waste time buying things yourself! This lowly servant should’ve spoken up sooner!” Ethan’s smirk deepe
Cheated & Despised, now the Billionaire Heir Chapter Six
Vanessa sat at her sleek vanity, her fingers drumming against the polished surface as she listened to her mother’s indignant huffing on the other end of the line. “You should have seen it, darling,” Blanche seethed. "That filthy stray acted like he was somebody important! If I hadn’t witnessed it myself, I wouldn’t have believed it!” Vanessa’s eyes remained cold as she adjusted her earrings. “That doesn’t matter,” Vanessa said flatly. “Tomorrow, at Aurelius Group's anniversary celebration, I’ll be attending with Damian. That's what matters for now. I’ll make sure he gets a proper lesson afterwards." Blanche gasped, excitement immediately replacing her anger. “Oh, you’re going with Damian?” Vanessa smirked slightly. “Yes. And trust me, Damian won’t let Ethan continue to act out. He’ll remind that stray dog of his place.” Yvonne practically squealed. “Oh, this is perfect! He’s just pretending to be rich. I can't wait to see how Damian will get him utterly humiliated!”
Cheated & Despised, now the Billionaire Heir Chapter Seven
Ethan finally stopped, turning his gaze to see Vanessa and Damian standing just a few steps away. Vanessa was draped in an elegant designer dress, her arms crossed, her lips curled in amusement. Damian, dressed in an expensive tailored suit, had one hand tucked in his pocket while the other was casually slung over Vanessa’s waist. Damian let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. “Unbelievable. I thought we left the stray dog in the dirt, but here he is, wagging his tail again.” Vanessa tilted her head. “Maybe he’s here to beg?” She smirked. “How pathetic.” Ethan remained calm, his hands resting inside his pockets. Damian let out a mock sigh. "You do realize where you are, don’t you? This isn’t a place for people like you.” He adjusted his cufflinks before giving Ethan a disdainful look. "Unlike you, I actually belong here.” Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Oh?” Damian’s smirk widened. "That’s right.” He puffed his chest out. “I was personally invited to Aurelius
Cheated & Despised, now the Billionaire Heir Chapter Eight
Ethan stood in the gleaming lobby of Aurelius Group’s headquarters, every nerve in his body thrumming with energy. The guard he’d slapped away was sprawled several feet back, groaning in pain. Nearby, Damian and Vanessa looked on with a mixture of shock and smug triumph, as if believing that, any second now, Ethan would be dragged out in disgrace.A small crowd of onlookers, many of them lower-level employees or visitors to Aurelius Group, began to gather around.Their hushed murmurs and curious glances only amplified the tension in the air.The fallen guard struggled to his feet, his voice hoarse with anger.“He… he attacked me! This guy’s got a fake black card, and he’s causing trouble!"Ethan merely rolled his shoulders, refusing to rise to the provocation. He couldn’t help but notice Vanessa’s derisive smirk and the condescending tilt of Damian’s head as they both seemed to savor the spectacle.“Fake card, huh?” Ethan said softly, holding the sleek, jet-black piece of plastic b
Cheated & Despised, now the Billionaire Heir Chapter Nine
One guard stepped forward, placing a meaty hand on Ethan’s shoulder. "Let’s go.”Before Ethan could shake the hand off, a sharp voice cut through the tense silence. "What in the name of all that’s holy is going on here?”All eyes turned toward a tall, older gentleman in a distinguished gray suit striding purposefully across the lobby. His posture radiated authority, and a faint badge on his lapel indicated a high-ranked position within Aurelius Group.The manager stiffened instantly, turning to face the newcomer. "S-Sir Chandler! I, uh, we have a situation with a trespasser.”Sir Chandler—clearly the manager’s superior—shot a quick glance at the group of guards, at Damian and Vanessa, then locked his gaze on Ethan. "A trespasser, you say?”Damian opened his mouth to speak, but Sir Chandler ignored him, directing his attention to the manager’s hands, which still clutched the clipboard. "Give me a proper explanation, or I’ll start demoting people on the spot.”The manager swallowed har
Cheated & Despised, now the Billionaire Heir Chapter Ten
Vanessa’s and Damien’s mouths fell open in shock at the sight before them— Sir Chandler, apologizing to Ethan. Damien ignored Sir Chandler’s warnings and sneered. “Are you seriously apologizing to this worthless bastard?” He let out a scoff, his brows drawing together in disbelief. “Or wait… are you two in on this together?” His lips curled in disgust as he gestured at Ethan. “Did you set this up? Is this your doing?” Straightening his suit, he gave Sir Chandler a look of pure disdain. “Don’t worry, once the chairman signs that document, this will be your last day here. Scum like you, who will always be filth no matter where you go, don’t belong in a place like this. I’ll personally make sure you crawl back to the gutter where you came from—” The manager stepped closer to Damian and whispered something in his ear. "You clearly don't know who he is, Mr. Damiab. I'd advise you to keep your mouth shut—" "Or what?!" Damian snapped at the manager, his face twisted in fury. Van
Cheated & Despised, now the Billionaire Heir Chapter Eleven
“What’s so funny?” Damian snarled, his jaw tightening. Ethan ignored him, the smirk still playing on his lips as he swirled the wine in his glass that a waiter had handed to him begrudgingly. Vanessa turned to Damian, lifting her chin to meet his gaze. In a low whisper meant to calm him, she said, “Don’t waste your breath on someone like him, babe. Today is for winners, not losers.” She glanced at Ethan before adding, “Besides, it’s good he’s here. At least he’ll get to watch you seal the deal right in front of him.” Damian chuckled, nodding in agreement before leaning in to kiss her. When she pulled away, she turned her attention back to Ethan, closing the space between them as she locked eyes with him. “Trash like you should know your place,” she spat, her voice dripping with disdain. “Just because you managed to sneak in with some cheap trick doesn’t mean you’re on the same level as Damian." She tossed her hair over her shoulder and let out a fake laugh. "Dream all
Latest Chapter
Chapter Fifty-two
At the head of the table in the Aurelius Group boardroom sat Magnus. To his right was Lara, while to his left sat the Vice President of Aurelius Group, Mr. Lorenzo.On the right flank, the directors of Aurelius Imprint Conglomerate sat in crisp suits, while on the left, Aurelius Company’s top executives sat.At the far end, opposite Magnus, a group of individuals sat in composed silence—Damian and his team, awaiting their moment to shape the future of their company.Magnus let out a slow breath, his gaze sweeping over everyone as he tapped his fingers lightly on the armrest.After a brief pause, he gave Damian a small nod. "You may begin.”Damian, exuding the same confidence as the tailored suit he wore, rose to his feet with effortless ease.He straightened his tie and cast a glance around the room.His voice then cut through the air. "Ladies and gentlemen, it is both an honor and a privilege to stand before you today as we unveil a partnership proposal that is not just lucrative but
Chapter Fifty-one
The moment Vanessa cracked the door open just enough to see Damian's face, he flashed a grin, holding out a flower. "Hey, babe."Relief washed over her instantly—he wasn’t here for what she had feared.Still, she forced a frown, narrowing her eyes as she asked coldly, "What do you want?”Despite the anger still simmering inside her, his presence somehow made it less sharp—but she refused to let it show, not after what happened last time.He sighed, his shoulders sagging. "I expected this reaction from you, Vanessa. And honestly, I deserve it.""But can you at least let me in first? Let me explain," he said gently.She hesitated for a long moment, locking eyes with him, before stepping aside."Make it quick,” she muttered, crossing her arms as he entered.He stood in the middle of the room, meeting her feigned burning gaze.“I owe you an apology, Vanessa," he began, his voice low."For how I treated you the last time… I was out of line.”She scoffed. “Out of line? That’s putting it lig
Chapter Fifty
Vanessa slammed the door behind her, her breath coming in sharp, uneven bursts. The humiliation burned hotter than the anger, wrapping around her like a noose.She pressed her back against the door, sliding to the floor as tears stung her eyes."Me? Held up in a holding cell for almost twelve hours… all because of Ethan?!" The thought alone sent another wave of anger crashing through her, making the tears spill faster.She clenched her fists, her nails biting into her palms. It didn’t matter that it was late when they detained her—she could have been released last night, but no, they kept her there until the morning. Like a criminal. Like she had done something wrong.And when she finally got home that morning? Her family had tried to calm her, speaking in measured tones, trying to act like this wasn’t a big deal.“All I need to do right now is get back at Ethan for the disgrace he’s done to me.” The words had left her mouth before she even thought about them, raw and full of fury.He
Chapter Fourty-nine
A man in a coat crossed the nearly empty street with careful, measured steps, his eyes darting around with every step.His sharp jawline, neatly combed dark hair, and calculating gaze were partly concealed behind his sunglasses.When he reached a sleek black luxury car parked under a lone streetlight, he quickly glanced left and right before pulling the door open and sliding into the front passenger seat.Inside, the air was thick with the rich scent of cologne, carried by the car’s air conditioning.A solid partition separated the backseat from the front, ensuring that whoever sat behind remained unseen.This was how the man had always met with the person waiting in the back—no driver, no face-to-face contact, just a voice speaking from the shadows."You’re supposed to be a professional," the familiar voice said."So tell me—how the hell did he figure out he was being followed?”The man in sunglasses—who had just entered the car—was the one who had been secretly tailing Ethan.The ma
Chapter Fourty-eight
Ethan gripped the steering wheel tighter as he chased the black sedan that had always been following him, speeding through traffic in one of the cars his father brought, dodging between lanes with a recklessness that made his heart race.He slammed the accelerator, weaving between startled drivers, eyes locked on his target.His heart pounded as he swerved into the next lane, barely avoiding a delivery truck that honked furiously.The side mirror scraped against the truck’s metal frame, but he didn’t care—his focus remained locked on the car ahead.He was getting too close.They knew he was following them as they took a sharp turn at the intersection just as the light turned red, nearly clipping a passing truck, but he didn't back down—veering after them.He had them—he almost had them—until a mother and child suddenly stepped onto the road.The woman screamed and pulled her child close, shielding him as if that alone could stop the impact."Shit!" Ethan slammed the brakes, tires scre
Chapter Fourty-seven
***BACK TO PRESENT***Yawning, he stood and stretched before making his way to his private gym, ready to train for his morning routine.But the moment he started, something felt off.The raw power that had been coursing through him since the ring activated was weaker today. His limbs felt heavy, and his muscles burned too fast, as if he hadn't trained in weeks. Sweat poured down his face with every movement, and by the third set of push-ups, he was already panting."This is new," he muttered, his brows furrowed in confusion.He clenched his fists, expecting to feel the usual power coursing through him—but instead, he felt nothing.The ring had given him strength beyond human limits, yet now it felt like something was siphoning it away."What could be happening?" he thought.Trying to figure out what was wrong, he attempted to lift the same barbell he always did.But the moment he did, his arms shook uncontrollably, his grip slipping as it crashed to the floor, barely missing his foot.
Chapter Fourty-six
The first thing that registered in Ethan's mind as he stirred awake was the satisfaction from the night before. A slow, almost lazy smile stretched across his lips.He had done more than just pass judgment on Matron Grace—he had given Vanessa a taste of her own medicine.She was never in his plans, but calling him a gigolo—in front of everyone? That was a mistake he made sure she regret.***FLASHBACK***"Isn’t false accusation a crime?” he said when the officers turned to him, their brows furrowed in confusion.Their brows deepened.“She just accused me of being a gigolo in front of an audience which I assure you is a blatant lie.” He clarified."And last I checked, defamation is still an offense. So tell me, gentlemen, why is Mrs. Adams the only one being taken in?"Vanessa’s breath hitched."What... what the hell are you saying?” Her voice trembled as shock and confusion bled through.The officers exchanged uncertain glances.“I know it doesn’t make sense,” the stocky officer mutte
Chapter Fourty-five
“For what?” Mrs. Adams barked, confusion laced in her voice.The second officer—younger—stepped forward."For child abuse, endangerment, and embezzlement,” he stated coldly."We also have reason to believe your crimes go beyond what was captured in the footage you already admitted to.”Ethan had been prepped by the police after filing his report, instructed to find additional evidence to strengthen the case—even with the card in his possession. They didn’t consider him worthy of keeping it but pursued the case as a precaution.When Ethan learned about the auction, he saw it as the perfect chance to act—until he found out his father had been invited and decided to come with Lara.He watched her closely, relishing the flicker of panic in her eyes.Still, she refused to go down without a fight.She chuckled, shaking her head. “Under arrest? On what grounds? Do you think a pathetic video is enough to take me down? You really are as foolish as ever.”“Do you even have a warrant? Because if
Chapter Fourty-four
Gasps rippled through the crowd. Some people stared in shock, while others remained indifferent, their expressions unreadable.Ethan wasn’t surprised. He had long since learned how most of the elites viewed people like him—like they were nothing.He casually slid his phone back into his pocket, watching the Mrs. Adams' arrogance crumble into something dangerously close to fear and disbelief.He let the corner of his lips curl into a slow, satisfied smirk as his eyes, cold and triumphant, locked onto her. He took a step closer, savoring the moment. "You have no idea how much I've been waiting for this day," he murmured, his voice almost a purr.Then, tilting his head slightly, he looked directly at her. “Tell me, Mrs Adams… What were you saying earlier?”Her mouth opened, but no words came out. She looked around, as if searching for someone to pull her out of the sinking pit she had just been thrown into.His voice dropped, filled with an eerie calmness. "You always thought I was bene