Chapter 102

The man turned away from the window, his mind already calculating the next move in a game only he could see.

***

The rhythmic thud of fists meeting punching bag echoed through gym. Ethan's muscles rippled with each powerful strike, sweat glistening on his tanned skin under the dim, lights.

The gym had always been his safe space, a place where he can gather his thoughts and let out all stress and pent up feelings.

His eyes were fully locked on the punching bag in front of him, but his mind was sorting and arranging a whole lot of other things. A steady, controlled breathing pattern accompanied his movements, his eyes focused and unyielding.

The silence was interrupted by the soft, almost hesitant, creak of the gym's heavy oak door. Ethan paused, mid-punch, glancing over his shoulder.

Standing at the entrance was Hera, the maid of the house. She looked slightly out of place in the austere, almost Spartan, environment of the gym.

Hera, held a pristine white envelope in her gloved hand