He couldn't help but feel a bit out of place among the wealthy and well-connected guests.He tried to blend in, but he couldn't shake the feeling that all eyes were on him. Oh no! Thosefeelings were back. He began to make his way to his usual corner. The clinking of glasses andthe murmur of conversations seemed to echo in his ears, amplifying his sense of unease.Therewere overwhelming displays of wealth around him—the designer outfits, the sparkling jewelry,the air of entitlement that seemed to choke the air in the room.Ethan knew his presence here was wrong. All wrong.Just as he was about to retreat to a quiet corner, he heard a familiar voice.“Wait a minute, isn't that Ethan Anderson?”Ethan froze with his back turned to the source of the voice. He didn't dare turn.“Did you invite him?” Another person asked dryly.“Oh! It is really Ethan.” The familiar voice said in excitement. Footsteps rushed towards him.“Ethan! I'm so glad you could make it!"Summoning courage, Ethan p
Then she paused. “Ethan here was given a key to the No. 1 Villa.”“What?” Sheila nearly choked.“He stole it!” Sean concluded loudly and everyone else joined him. “He has always lied abouteverything. This is no different.”Ethan sat frozen in his seat. He had hoped for some support, some semblance of solidarity from Rebekah. But instead, she seemed content to dismiss him as a mere servant, unworthy of thesame respect and consideration afforded to the wealthy elite.“He works there as a servant.” The words came out of Rebekah's mouth like an abomination. “Iam not judging you Ethan.” She quickly added to Ethan's shock.Yeah, right. Ethan thought bitterly. He could clearly hear the judgment in her voice.“How? How did you rise to the position of a servant at the No. 1 Villa? Not even the presidentcan go there without an invitation.” Sheila snapped. She was really curious.“Actually, I earned my place there. I was helped by a powerful man…after helping him out withsomething…Look, yo
Ethan savored the last drop of the expensive wine, feeling warm as its richness trickled downhis throat and soothed his nerves. Just as he was about to leave, his gaze fell on the other sideof the bar, catching sight of his driver, Paul. What? His heart skipped a beat, hoping nobody elsehad noticed Paul there.With a furrowed brow, he made his way over. He had a lot of questions to ask. Ethanremembered specifically telling Paul not to be seen."Hi, Paul. Um... what are you doing here?" Ethan's voice trembled slightly as he glancedaround, checking for any prying eyes.Paul, who had noticed his nervous employer coming, feigned ignorance, pretending not torecognize Ethan. "Sir, you didn't expect me to leave you all alone..."Well, he is playing the part of ignoring me well, Ethan thought dryly. "I specifically told you not tocome here.”“You said I should keep the car out of sight.”“I meant everything! including you!” Ethan whisper-shouted as he could no longer take the calmwor
“Rise and shine, Master Ethan!” Suzan drew the curtains to the side, causing Ethan to burroweven further into his pillow.“Mmph..” Ethan grumbled, he wasn't ready to be up yet.Suzan busied herself with collecting Ethan's night snack indulgence. Feeling overwhelmed, shecalled for assistance and soon enough, Ethan's room became noisy.Ethan could no longer sleep and once he woke up, he realized it was his fault as he sleepilywatched two men clean his room judiciously. “What is going on?”Suzan raised a piece of chips. “Heric and Herin are cleaning your room.”“When did I..?” His words trailed off as bits of last night came to him. Ethan groaned. Last nighthad been quite eventful as he woke up hungry and thirsty. Somehow, he had found his way tothe fridge, opened it and stared for a few seconds. It was stocked to the brim. Ethan took thethings he could see, tore it open and munched on each of them heavily. All through this, he wasgrateful he wouldn't go out at night to look for
Ethan entered the dining room, greeted by the aroma of freshly prepared breakfast. He met theold man taking a cup of coffee. He took his seat at the far end of the dining table. It didn't takelong for the old man to notice him. His eyes crinkled with warmth as he looked up at Ethan.“Good morning, Master Ethan.” He nodded respectfully. “I trust you slept well?"Ethan returned the greeting with a polite nod, taking his seat at the table. "Yes, thank you".What's on the agenda for today?" he asked, eager to make the most of his time at the No. 1Villa. There must be a thousand things to learn today.The old man didn't disappoint. He took a moment to sip his coffee before clearing his throat, hisexpression serious yet kind.Ethan held his breath."Before you are formally introduced to the company, there are a few important things you shouldlearn." He paused as if to organize his thoughts before beginning to list the crucial lessonsEthan needed to grasp.“Well, that is what I am her
Paul took the wheel, expertly maneuvering the car out of the driveway and onto the open road.It had been a bright day, Ethan noticed, and the compliment the old man gave him was enoughto make his day. Back in school, he always came out first in everything, breeding hatred amonghis classmates. He became a target for bullies, and with no one to help him, he turned to theMafia Boss for assistance. Ethan bit the insides of his cheeks, wondering when the Mafia Bosswould come for his added interest. There was something the old man didn't know.He didn't know that a debt couldn't be settled with money.Money wasn't enough to buy his freedom, Ethan reasoned. He knew the gangsters would misshim, but not in a good way. They could barge into his new life, expecting a warm welcome, andwhen Ethan failed to provide it, they could kill him.It was that bad. Ethan concluded that to safeguard his things, he must be alert."What's on your mind?" the old man inquired.Ethan squirmed uncomforta
On her feet were clear heels, and you could see her manicured legs. She had no single blemishon her skin. In her hands was an expensive notepad.“What's on the agenda for today?" Ethan inquired, glancing between Rachel and the old man.“Shall we?” Rachel gestured towards the elevator while tapping furiously on the notepad. Onceinside the elevator and seemingly away from prying ears, Rachel met the old man's gaze with aforced smile. "Sir, you have nothing important today.” To Ethan, she continued. “All scheduleshave been shifted to next week because of you, Master Ethan." She spoke so fast that Ethanthought he was imagining her mouth move.Ethan felt a knot form in his stomach as he processed her words. Why would they shift theschedules because of him?"We just have the company tour and dinner tonight," Rachel continued, her voice barely above awhisper.“Dinner?" The old man's brow furrowed in annoyance. "I thought it was shifted by two weeks."Rachel nodded, her nerves visibl
They clearly knew who she was, but refused to acknowledge it.Feeling a knot forming in his stomach, Ethan cautiously approached the woman, his stepshesitant as he prepared himself for the worst. How did she slip past security? However, beforehe could speak, the old man stepped forward, his expression firm."May I help you?" The old man asked, his voice steady despite the tension in the air.The woman's lips curved into a knowing smile as she extended her manicured hand, free fromblemish and adorned with fancy rings. "I'm Sandra Walton from House Walton."Ethan's heart pounded in his chest as he processed her words. He just heard from the old manthat House Walton was one of the most powerful and influential houses in the city, and theirreputation for ruthlessness was well-known. He couldn't help but wonder what business theyhad with him, and why they had sent Sandra Walton to his office.Rachel, who had been quietly dialing the security, paused at Sandra's introduction, herex
The warmth of a quiet morning bathed Rhys and Denera in soft golden light as they sat together on a wide sofa in their tastefully decorated living room. The chaos that had consumed their lives for months felt like a distant memory. Denera rested her head on Rhys’s chest, his arm draped protectively around her. Their hands were intertwined, fingers lightly brushing against each other—a silent vow to never let go. "I still can’t believe we’re here," Denera murmured, her voice carrying a blend of disbelief and gratitude. Rhys tilted her chin up, his piercing gaze meeting hers. "We fought for this, Denera. We’ve been through hell, but we came out stronger. I don’t just love you—I’m in awe of you." She smiled, her cheeks tinged with a soft blush. "And I’m in awe of us. Let’s promise to never let anything or anyone come between us again." Rhys leaned down and kissed her gently. "Not a chance. We’re unbreakable now." The two sat in silence for a moment, basking in the tranquility
The morning sun bathed the city in a golden hue as a soft breeze carried the fragrance of blooming flowers. A week has passed and normalcy has somewhat returned. It was a perfect day, fitting for an event of such grandeur. The wedding of Paul and Rachel-the moment everyone had been waiting for had finally arrived. The venue was a masterpiece: one of the most magnificent halls in the city, renowned for its towering crystal chandeliers and intricately carved marble pillars. From the outside, the building glistened with a mix of modern architectural elegance and timeless charm. Inside, the hall was transformed into a dreamland. A canopy of white roses and orchids draped across the ceiling, interspersed with tiny, twinkling lights that mimicked a starry night. Golden chairs lined the aisle, their backs adorned with silk ribbons and floral arrangements. At the center, a raised platform housed an altar framed by cascading vines and glittering drapery. Guests began to arrive, dress
The dim light of Alex’s makeshift room flickered, casting shadows on the cracked walls and the scattered remnants of his old life. He sat on the edge of a wooden crate, methodically strapping his gear into place. His breaths were steady, but his eyes burned with purpose. Tonight was the night. This was what he had been training for—the moment he would finally free Laurel and eliminate Jason. Alex picked up his blade, its polished steel glinting in the faint light. He ran his fingers over the edge, testing its sharpness. A small scar on his knuckle caught his eye—a reminder of all the battles he’d fought leading up to this. He glanced at the photo of Laurel taped to the wall, her smile a beacon of hope amidst his darkened world. “This is it,” he muttered to himself. “For you, Laurel.”With his weapons secured and resolve hardened, Alex stood, pulling his hood over his head. He left the room without a glance back, the door creaking shut behind him.---The screen went black, the t
The sound of tires crunching over the gravel driveway broke the stillness of the evening as Rhys and Denera pulled up to Gerald’s sprawling mansion. The mansion stood like a fortress, its grand columns illuminated by golden lights that cast long shadows across the well-manicured grounds. As their sleek black car came to a halt, the doors swung open, and the pair stepped out, their presence commanding the attention of everyone nearby.Rhys adjusted the cuffs of his tailored suit, his sharp features set in a calm but deadly expression. Beside him, Denera exuded quiet confidence, her heels clicking against the pavement as she moved. She wore a crimson trench coat, her eyes glinting with a dangerous mix of fury and satisfaction.The heavy front doors of the mansion creaked open, and Gerald emerged with his ever-present smirk plastered on his face. He was flanked by a small squad of armed guards, their weapons gleaming under the lights. Gerald was impeccably dressed, his dark green sui
The Anderson mansion was eerily quiet, the moonlight casting a pale glow over the scene of destruction. Ethan and Paul stood amidst the chaos, their eyes fixed on the lifeless bodies of Jackson and Sebastian sprawled across the bloodied garden. The heavy scent of iron lingered in the air, mixing with the faint rustle of leaves. Ethan’s chest heaved as he struggled to steady his breath, his shirt torn and stained with sweat and blood.Paul glanced at Ethan, concern etched on his face. "You good?" he asked, his voice low but steady.Ethan nodded, though exhaustion weighed on every inch of his body. He pulled out his phone, his hands trembling slightly, and dialed Sandra’s number. The ringing seemed to stretch on forever until her voice finally came through.“Ethan…” Sandra’s voice was weak, barely a whisper. Ethan’s stomach tightened. “Sandra, what happened? Are you okay?” he demanded, his tone laced with panic.There was a pause, and then she spoke again, her words strained. “Sebas
The Walton Mansion stood as a fortress of elegance, bathed in the soft glow of moonlight, its high walls and elaborate architecture a testament to wealth and power. But tonight, the serenity of the estate was shattered. The elite strike team, led by Kiara, moved like shadows through the sprawling grounds, their movements silent yet deliberate.A muffled cry broke the stillness as one of the outer guards was taken down swiftly. Kiara stood in the shadows, her piercing gaze fixed on the mansion ahead. Her dark combat attire blended seamlessly with the night, and a wicked smile played on her lips. **This would be a night the Waltons would never forget.**“Move in,” she ordered, her voice low but commanding. Her team obeyed without hesitation, their precision and ruthlessness evident in every step. Inside the mansion, alarms blared as guards scrambled to defend their employer’s home. Shots were fired, echoing through the grand hallways, but the elite team was unrelenting. They moved w
The garden lay in eerie silence after the brutal fight between Ethan and Jackson. The once-pristine space was a battlefield, littered with trampled flowers and streaks of blood. Ethan leaned against the marble fountain, his chest heaving as he wiped sweat and blood from his face. His body screamed in protest with every movement, exhaustion weighing heavily on him.The cool night breeze did little to calm the storm within him. He glanced at Jackson’s lifeless body sprawled on the ground, his neck twisted at an unnatural angle. Ethan closed his eyes for a moment, trying to steady his breathing. **One battle down, but this war is far from over.**The sound of measured footsteps shattered the silence.Ethan’s eyes snapped open, his body tensing as a tall figure emerged from the shadows. Sebastian. Dressed in a dark suit, the Tree House leader carried himself with the air of a predator who had finally cornered his prey. His piercing gaze fell on Jackson’s corpse, and his expression twis
The Anderson mansion loomed like a fortress under the moonlight, its pristine marble façade glinting ominously. The sprawling gardens surrounding it were immaculately kept, their beauty now cloaked in shadows as the night deepened. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, but the tension hanging in the air was palpable.Jackson stepped out of the black SUV parked just beyond the gates, his heavy boots crunching against the gravel. He adjusted his leather gloves, the corners of his mouth curling into a grin that promised violence. The security guards at the gates eyed him warily, but he had been granted access. The intercom buzzed before one of the guards spoke, “You’ve been cleared to enter. Proceed to the garden.”Jackson raised an eyebrow, intrigued.” So, Ethan knew I was coming. Typical. The man had a flair for theatrics, after all.” Jackson strode confidently through the gates, his hand brushing against the hilt of the blade strapped to his side. The adrenaline surged in his vein
The grand hall of the Tree Symbol House was bathed in the warm, flickering glow of the fireplace, but the heat from the flames was nothing compared to the tension simmering in the room. Sebastian sat at the head of the long mahogany table, his sharp features etched with anticipation. Around him, the inner circle of the Tree Symbol House sat silently, their faces illuminated by the massive flat-screen television mounted on the wall. Kiara, Sebastian’s second-in-command, leaned back in her chair, her sharp, calculating eyes fixed on the news broadcast. Jackson, the most aggressive of the enforcers, stood near the window, arms crossed, his reflection distorted against the glass as he waited for orders like a loaded weapon. The rest of the members sat quietly, their unease palpable in the dimly lit room.The anchor on the television wore a neutral expression, but her words carried the weight of a bombshell. “Breaking news tonight: The court has found Ethan Anderson innocent of all cha