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
“What-what did you hear?” The old man stuttered helplessly. He did not know that Master Ethanlistened in on the conversation.Ethan sighed, placing both hands into his pockets as a sign of defeat. “You weren't exactlydiscreet.”The old man knew it must be hard for Ethan to admit it. “You had a rough life, my boy.” Hebegan softly, his face giving nothing away. “I will take care of whatever you think might be theproblem. I just need you to focus on the situation at hand.His words made sense to Ethan.maybe it was time to get out of the pity wagon and join thecourage wagon. “Fine. About the fund raising event, I need to know the weaknesses andstrengths of each house.”The old man's eyes twinkled with interest. “That’s simply the best way to learn about them. I amglad you asked.”Immediately, Ethan was handed a sheet of paper and his pen strained against the paper inanticipation of what the old man was about to say.“There are five houses as you well know, but the house Anderso
“"Like sands of the sea,” he finished triumphantly.That made Ethan consider many points. “If they are that influential, why aren't they the head?”A disapproving finger wagged in front of Ethan – the old man's. “House Walton.”Ethan nodded in understanding. “All this means that the only thing the librarians have to showfor their expanse is their arrogance?”Rachel, who had been standing conspicuously in the room for a long time, cast a shocked gazeat the old man. The old man caught her gaze with the same fervency. “I know, I know. He hasn'teven met them but knows their weakness from the little I said,” the old man said softly so Ethanwouldn't hear.But Ethan did hear. What was he, a stone? Knowing the answer to that ridiculous question, hehid a smile.“The sworn enemies of House Rhodes are the House Walton?” Ethan wanted to be sure.“Yes.”Ethan's eyes widened as he observed his notes. “House Rhodes has a long line of industries,their Achilles' heel is their arrogance and I am