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Cheated & Despised, now the Billionaire Heir Chapter Twenty-eight
Two armored guards stood on either side of the Aurelius estate entrance as Ethan drove in.When he got out of his car, the guards at the mansion door instantly straightened."Young master," they said together, bowing deeply as he walked by.When Ethan walked into the mansion, Helena, the head maid who was in her fifties, came up to greet him.Her gray-streaked hair was pulled back in a severe bun."Master Ethan," she said, bowing slightly. "Your father awaits you on the eastern balcony."He nodded, his fingers absently tracing the contours of the ring. "Thank you, Helena."After telling his father to leave the event without him, his father had told him to stop by before going home.He walked through the opulent living room toward the balcony doors.His father stood at the balcony's edge, his imposing figure silhouetted against the night sky.The balcony stretched wide, overlooking the vast city below. The city lights below shined like stars against the
Cheated & Despised, now the Billionaire Heir Chapter Twenty-nine
The dim glow of flickering torches cast shifting shadows along the cold stone walls as Ethan followed his father down the winding corridor.His father had led him down a narrow, spiraling staircase that seemed to appear out of nowhere in his study after they left the balcony.Dust clung to the edges of the steps, and cobwebs draped over the low ceiling, showing it had been abandoned for years.Etha's curiosity burned with every silent stride because his father hadn’t spoken a word since they began this strange journey.Then, suddenly, his father stopped.Ethan nearly bumped into him, his brows furrowing in confusion as he watched the old man turn to face nothing but a solid wall.There was no door. No markings. Nothing. Just ancient, weathered stone.His father finally spoke for the first time since their silent journey began."The ring..." he said, voice steady but laced with something Ethan couldn’t quite place."It is the key.”Ethan’s frown deepened, his fingers instinctively curl
Cheated & Despised, now the Billionaire Heir Chapter Thirty
Ethan exhaled sharply, his fingers absentmindedly tracing the smooth surface of the ring as the weight of his father’s words sank in.According to his father, the ring had existed for centuries, passed down through their bloodline—but not everyone could wear it. Only those it chose.Ethan could hardly wrap his head around it. For twenty-three years, he had worn something ancient without even realizing its significance. There was even a time he had considered selling it to take Vanessa on a lavish date and shopping spree. But no matter how hard he tried, he could never get it off his finger. Now, he understood why.“Now you understand why I said I never thought I’d set foot in this chamber again." His father cut through his thoughts like a blade."Because only the ring’s true bearer can access this place.”"So you're telling me this ring... my ring is some kind of ancient key?" Ethan's voice echoed against the walls, bouncing back at him like an accusation.His father shook his head. "
Cheated & Despised, now the Billionaire Heir Chapter Thirty-one
“So let me get this straight,” Ethan said, tilting his head, his voice laced with amusement."You expect me to just accept this?" His voice had transformed, becoming sharp and defiant."You want me to swallow this whole... destiny nonsense and march off to restore some broken legacy? Be the King of the World? Is that it?"He snorted, shaking his head. "What am I even saying? You said it earlier already."His father chuckled. "You think you can escape destiny? It's not about what you want. It's who you are."Ethan pushed off the table and rose to his feet, his voice sharper now. “Did it ever cross your mind that maybe—just maybe—I don’t want this life you’re shoving down my throat? That I don’t give a damn about your Order, your history, or whatever twisted legacy you think I should be honored to inherit?”His father let out a low, amused chuckle."You think you have a choice?” he mused, tapping the armrest."The ring chooses its bearer. You don't command it—it chooses and command you.
Cheated & Despised, now the Billionaire Heir Chapter Thirty-two
The air crackled with tension as Ethan stood frozen, his father's confession hanging between them like a physical thing.Ethan stared at his father, waiting for the punchline to a joke that never came as the silence stretched thin."Did you just say you killed your brother?" Ethan asked, his voice barely above a whisper, desperately hoping he had misheard.His father remained silent, and Ethan let out a hollow laugh, running his fingers through his hair until it stood on end."I... I can't believe it. You killed your brother? For what?" he demanded.He paced the room, his footsteps echoing against the walls, before he stopped abruptly to lock eyes with his father. "Please, just tell me I didn't hear you right. Please."His father had dreaded this conversation, knowing that revealing the truth might only strengthen Ethan's resolve against his destiny—although he knew Ethan would eventually take his place as King of the World, whether he wanted it or not.His father's lined face twisted
Cheated & Despised, now the Billionaire Heir Chapter Thirty-three
"Because..." Ethan's father hesitated."Because the ring chose you before you could even walk." He finally revealed.He continued, his voice growing steadier as he revealed more of the past. "He had dedicated his entire life to restoring The Order to its former glory—which, by the way, everything fell apart under his leadership because most members couldn't stand his methods."His father's eyes narrowed at the memory. "And then you came along... just days old, and the ring fit your finger perfectly."Ethan's brows furrowed in confusion. "That doesn't explain—""He snapped!" His father roared."Thirty years of preparation, only to be passed over for a toddler! His own nephew!" His father's face contorted with rage and grief."The ring never chose him, but he couldn’t accept that. He’d rather destroy the true heir than let the order have a real king.”"So he faked your death to make your mother and me believe you were gone forever," he father said, voice cracking slightly."Apparently,
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.
Latest Chapter
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
