Cheated & Despised, now the Billionaire Heir

Chapter Three

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 of Group A—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 and Group A'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.