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Ethan Wilder Rise to Power Chapter 7: Rising to the Challenge
Ethan stood in the center of what could only be described as the most high-tech training facility he’d ever seen—or imagined. The space stretched endlessly in every direction, a stark contrast to the sterile white room he’d woken up in. The walls shifted between glass and holographic displays, while sleek machinery hummed faintly in the background.He turned slowly, taking in the rows of equipment, glowing control panels, and an enormous dome overhead that projected a perfect replica of the sky. If he hadn’t known better, he’d have thought he was outside.“This . . . this is absolutely insane,” Ethan muttered, more to himself than anyone else.A sharp voice snapped him out of his thoughts. “Focus, Wilder. You’re not here to gawk.”Ethan spun around, his eyes landing on a tall man with a lean frame. He was dressed in a tailored black uniform, his face sharp and stern, framed by neatly combed dark hair. A cane rested in his right hand, though he didn’t seem to need it as he strode forwa
Ethan Wilder Rise to Power Chapter 8: First Test of Power
Ethan stepped into the gleaming conference room, his nerves buzzing as the doors slid shut behind him. The walls were lined with sleek, interactive displays showing stock market updates, industry analytics, and lists of global assets under the Jade Society’s control. It was all so overwhelming, so surreal, yet somehow, the necklace resting against his chest made him feel . . . ready.Marcus stood at the head of the long glass table, his cane resting against the chair beside him. His ever-present no-nonsense expression softened slightly as he gestured toward the three women seated nearby.“Wilder,” Marcus began, “meet your personal team. They’ll report directly to you and assist with your day-to-day responsibilities as the leader of the Jade Society.”Ethan blinked, glancing at the three women who turned their sharp, intelligent gazes toward him. Each of them radiated confidence and poise, though their styles and demeanors couldn’t have been more different.“This is Anna,” Marcus said,
Ethan Wilder Rise to Power Chapter 9: The Transformation
Ethan stood in front of the full-length mirror, barely recognizing the man staring back at him. The tailored black suit fit perfectly, accentuating his broadening shoulders and lean frame. His reflection exuded power, the kind that commanded attention without needing to say a word.It hadn’t happened overnight.Weeks of grueling training had sculpted his body, sharpening his features and instilling a confidence he’d never thought possible. Gone were the hunched shoulders and tired eyes of the overworked convenience store clerk. In their place was a man who moved with purpose, his every step deliberate, his every word calculated.“Not bad,” Victoria said from behind him, a sly smile playing on her lips. “You actually look like you belong in the room now.”Ethan turned, raising an eyebrow. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”“It is,” she said with a shrug, stepping forward to adjust his tie. “You’re starting to carry yourself like a leader. People notice that.”He glanced down at the jade
Ethan Wilder Rise to Power Chapter 10: A Return to the Past
The gleaming black SUV rolled to a smooth stop in front of the small supermarket, its polished exterior catching the sunlight and reflecting it like a mirror. The vehicle looked completely out of place in the rundown neighborhood, its presence alone turning heads.Inside the shop, Mr. Harris, the store manager, sat behind the counter, sorting through receipts. He glanced up at the security feed and froze. His wrinkled hands trembled as he rewound the footage to get a closer look at the SUV.“Who . . .?” he muttered, his chest tightening with unease. The last time strangers in fancy cars had come looking for someone here, they’d taken Ethan.The driver’s door opened, and a tall, broad-shouldered man stepped out. Dressed in a tailored gray suit, his shoes gleaming as brightly as the car, the man exuded an air of authority that filled the street like a ripple of power.Mr. Harris squinted at the screen, his stomach flipping when two other men in dark suits emerged from the SUV and stood
Ethan Wilder Rise to Power Chapter 11: Strengthening Connections
Ethan stood in the grand hall of one of the Jade Society’s private estates, a sprawling mansion perched on the cliffs overlooking the ocean. The evening sun poured through the tall windows, casting the room in a warm golden glow.This wasn’t just a meeting—it was a test.Dozens of influential figures from the Jade Society had gathered, their tailored suits and sparkling jewelry reflecting the wealth and power they commanded. These were the movers and shakers of industries, the hidden players behind governments and corporations.And they were all here for him.“Mr. Wilder,” Marcus said quietly, stepping up beside him. “Remember, this isn’t just about shaking hands. You need to show them you belong here. They may be loyal to the society, but they’re not loyal to you—yet.”Ethan nodded, his jaw tightening. He adjusted the cuffs of his suit, the jade necklace resting heavily beneath his shirt. “Got it.”“Good,” Marcus said, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd. “Your team is here to support
Ethan Wilder Rise to Power Chapter 12: A Trip Back Home
Ethan watched from the backseat of his car as they drove deeper into his old neighborhood. It had been years since he set foot here, and yet, nothing had changed.The streets were exactly as he remembered, with cracked sidewalks and unsteady streetlights. The air was also thick with the scent of fried food and the ever-present smoke from old cars and street vendors' grills."Sire," his driver said, glancing at him through the rearview mirror. "Are you sure you want to go alone?""Yes," Ethan replied. "Stay in the car. I won’t be long."The SUV pulled up to a small, worn-down house at the end of the street. Paint peeled from the walls, the fence leaned to one side, and the dim glow of a single bulb flickered by the door.His childhood home.Taking a deep breath, Ethan stepped out of the car. The expensive suit he wore felt out of place here, but he didn’t care. He walked up to the door and knocked.A few seconds passed before it creaked open.His mother stood there, her eyes widening i
Ethan Wilder Rise to Power Chapter 13: A Poor Man's Pride
"You should all move to the city with me."Ethan set his cup down, the ceramic clinking softly against the wobbly old table.His father exhaled through his nose, then adjusted his chair with an unnecessary scrape against the floor. His fingers tapped against the table—once, twice—before he finally spoke. "Hmph."Ethan expected him to protest, so no surprise there.Across from him, his mother stilled, her hands wrapped around her own cup. Her gaze was warm, thoughtful.Caleb and Mia, standing nearby, exchanged quick glances. Mia, always the bolder one, perked up. "Wait . . . seriously?"Ethan glanced around the tiny kitchen. It looked exactly as it had when he left years ago. The same scratched-up table stood in the corner, and in front of them were the mismatched cups his mother always set out whenever there was something important to discuss.He met his father’s eyes. "Yes. Seriously."His mother blinked. Caleb’s eyes widened. Mia gasped dramatically. But his father? He didn’t even f
Ethan Wilder Rise to Power Chapter 14: The Obsidian Order
"CEO Found Dead in His Home—Suspected Suicide.""Investigative Journalist Missing After Exposing Human Trafficking Ring.""Cargo Ship Mysteriously Abandoned—Crew Nowhere to Be Found."Ethan sat in his office, eyes locked on the screen of his tablet as he scrolled through the latest headlines.At first glance, they looked random.Unusual deaths. Political figures disappearing. Ships vanishing without a trace.But Ethan knew better. The jade necklace pressed against his skin, its cool surface sending a faint, unnerving sensation through his chest—almost as if it could sense the unseen hands orchestrating these events.A knot tightened in his gut. None of this was ordinary."Mr. Wilder," Anna’s voice cut through the silence. She stood beside his desk, tablet in hand, her sharp gaze locked onto his. "Another one."She placed the screen in front of him. Ethan scanned the latest report. A business magnate with ties to the Jade Society had been found dead—the third ‘suicide’ this month.They
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Chapter 42: Her Upgrade
“Are you sure you want me to come with you?” Ethan asked as he slipped into the driver’s seat of the Lamborghini, glancing over at Joy.She was already buckling up. “Yes. You practically changed my entire life overnight. The least you can do is back me up when your people freeze my account.”Ethan frowned. “My people?”Joy held up her phone, flashing the bank’s message. “Bank of Dominion. They froze my account over ‘suspicious activity.’ Said I had to come in for verification.”Ethan cursed under his breath and pulled out of the hotel lot. “Didn’t even cross my mind they might do that. I should’ve warned you.”“Guess they weren’t used to seeing seven zeros pop up out of nowhere,” she said, smirking.The ride was smooth, quiet except for the occasional buzz of the city outside. But Ethan’s mind wasn’t. He was thinking about Clandestine, Marcus, the Society, the Jade necklace that had a voice now, and somehow, even Joy.Joy kept stealing glances at him, still trying to wrap her head aro
Chapter 41: Act the Fool
"You're dreaming, you fool. Wake up, Ethan . . . wake up, you fool. Wake up!"Ethan’s eyes flew open.For a moment, everything was hazy. The ceiling above him slowly came into focus. The warmth under the sheets, the soft weight beside him—it all felt too familiar. He turned his head and saw Joy sleeping soundly. And just like in his dream, she was very much naked beneath the covers.But something was off.The room wasn't quiet.No, it was filled.Elite Jade Soldiers lined the perimeter of the room, their weapons lowered but at the ready. Marcus leaned on his cane by the far wall. And in the chair directly in front of Ethan’s bed sat Clandestine Wood, her posture relaxed, but her stare sharp.“What the . . .” Ethan blinked, sitting up slowly.And then he heard it.A voice, male, clear, but coming from nowhere."It's me, you fool."Ethan’s eyes scanned the room again. No one had spoken. At least, no one visibly.Clandestine’s voice cut in, amused. “Had fun last night?”But Ethan ignored
Chapter 40: A Million For Your Time
“Say what now?” Ethan blinked, staring at her.Chloe’s older sister smirked, calm and unbothered, her eyes showing she was nothing like her sister. She reached under the counter, pulled out a near-empty bottle of whiskey. “Yeah. Serves her right. She was a brat. Always thought the world owed her a fairy tale.”Ethan raised a brow. “Oh, really?”She caught his expression and laughed. “Don’t look at me like that. I know my family are terrible people, trust me.”Ethan tilted his head, amused. “Is that why you ran overseas?”“You bet.”Ethan chuckled. “You’re not exactly what I expected,” he said, still trying to wrap his head around it.“I get that a lot.” She poured him another shot. “Name’s Joy, by the way.”He raised his glass. “Joy. That fits. So . . . what’s your story?”She leaned on the bar, arms crossed, eyes steady. “Hmm, my story?” she said, then smiled. “Nothing interesting, to be honest.”“I get the feeling I might find it interesting.”She laughed. “Doubt it,” she said, then
Chapter 39: Her Obsession
When Ethan left the office, he found Isabella sitting quietly on a bench outside. As soon as she saw him, her expression turned expectant—like she wanted him to talk to her or thank her for sending the Unknown.He walked over and sat beside her."You didn’t have to do it. So why?"She gave a nervous smile. "When I was told I’d be marrying the leader of the Jade Society, I cried all night. Refused to eat—right up to the engagement party. But then I saw you. You were warm to me, despite the hatred you had for my brother and the Order. You spoke kindly. You made me laugh. You tried to make it bearable, even though I was marrying a man I didn’t know."She fell silent. Ethan wasn’t sure how to follow up, and the space between them grew awkward."I like you, Ethan," she said at last. "And I know what this engagement means. I know what you were to the Society—a life-force to extend the lives of its real leaders. But when we left the engagement hall, something in me shifted. The feeling was b
Chapter 38: The Three Orders
Through a phone call with Elena, Ethan got to learn that the prestigious Blackwell University served as the front for the Obsidian Order headquarters. It was a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, its name etched in gold across the main hall.Ethan drove through the iron gates, his presence turning a few heads as he stepped out of a limited-edition Lamborghini. The campus buzzed with activity, students in tailored uniforms walking across the pristine courtyard, completely unaware of the dark power that lurked beneath their feet.He was a stranger in enemy territory, yet he carried himself with the same effortless authority that had defined his rule over the Jade Society. But he wasn’t here to make a statement—he was here for answers.Waiting at the entrance was Isabella, his fiancée. Dressed immaculately, she exuded an air of elegance, yet her eyes were gentle and welcoming despite Ethan's unexpected visit."To what do I owe the pleasure?" she asked, her smooth voice laced with some hi
Chapter 37: The Conspiracy
Ethan stared at the screen, his fingers curling into fists. Each image Elena pulled up sent a fresh wave of unease through him. The past twenty leaders of the Jade Society, each with their own era, their own rule—and beside every single one of them was Marcus, unchanged, still looking as he was now, in his mid forties.But it was the oldest photo that sent a chill down Ethan’s spine.Clandestine Wood standing next to a leader from 120 years back.She was exactly as she looked now, in her seventies. She had the same calculating eyes, the same severe expression. A woman who should have been dust by now, frozen in time, spanning over a century.Elena turned to him, her voice unsteady. "Ethan, what the hell is this?"He didn't answer. He couldn't.They had discovered something they were never meant to know.Ethan forced himself to breathe. "Delete everything. Wipe it all. Now.""Are you serious?""Elena, listen to me." His voice was sharp, urgent. "Delete it all. Forget what you saw. Forg
Chapter 36: Beyond the Glory
Ethan barely slept. The weight of the message he had received the night before pressed against his mind like an unshakable force. By morning, he wasn’t interested in breakfast or morning greetings. He needed answers. That was why he found himself knocking on Elena’s door before anyone else was even awake.She opened it, her hair still slightly disheveled, but her sharp eyes locked onto him immediately. "You look like hell.""I need you to do something for me. And it has to stay between us."She raised a brow but stepped aside, letting him in. "What is it?"Ethan hesitated for a second, then said, "Look into the past leaders of the Jade Society. See what you can find."Elena frowned. "Why?"He sighed. "On the night I saved you, I'd been returning from a gala. And at the gala, this asshole Felix challenged me and said something that’s been bothering me ever since. He claimed he'd seen leaders rise and fall over decades in the Society. But here’s the thing—Clandestine has been the only l
Chapter 35: The Unknown Messenger
Ethan woke to the sharp blare of the alarm.His eyes snapped open. A second later, he was out of bed, feet hitting the cold floor. He barely registered that he was still in his pajama pants as he grabbed the pistol from his nightstand and bolted out of his room.The chill night air hit him as he stepped outside. Shouts rang through the estate. Guards were in pursuit of a masked man dressed in all black, their voices sharp with urgency.“Stop right there!”Ethan’s eyes narrowed as he took in the scene. The masked intruder moved with eerie precision, evading the guards like a shadow slipping through cracks.From the opposite corridor, Marcus and Jade emerged, drawn by the commotion. Their expressions were grim, eyes locking on Ethan before shifting to the masked man.The intruder wasn’t running away. Not anymore. The moment he sighted Ethan, he ran straight toward him."Get away from the Sire!"Ethan’s grip tightened around his gun. His stance shifted instinctively, shoulders squared,
Chapter 34: Romantic Intrigues
The wedding was set for the following year.The engagement party had been a success—on the surface, at least. The truce was intact. The demands had been negotiated. The power struggle had played out in polite, measured words instead of bloodshed.But Ethan felt no victory.Now, standing by the floor-to-ceiling window of his penthouse, he looked out at the sprawling city below. The skyline stretched endlessly, glowing under the moon’s quiet light. Yet, for all its vastness, he felt trapped.A pawn in a game too large for him to control.His reflection stared back at him in the glass, jaw tense, mind restless.Clandestine Woods.The real power behind the Jade Society. The woman who moved the pieces while he played the role of the grandmaster.His leadership? A front.His decisions? Guided.His life? Not his own.A soft rustle behind him. Then, warmth.Anna’s arms wrapped around his torso from behind, her bare skin pressing into his. He could feel her breasts against his back, the heat o