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
Ethan blinked in confusion. “Er..”Soft giggles filled the air.“We are sorry, Master Ethan.”Ethan figured their characters would be the same after a week. “What's funny?”“We love messing with people. I am Henric. You can call me Herin.” Henric bowed to Ethan'ssatisfaction. “You can differentiate the both of us from our hair. Dirty blond.” He quickly addedafter noting Ethan's blank face.“Come closer.” Ethan said. Up close, he saw what Heric meant. Herin's hair was light blond.“What is up with Suzan?”Both twins stared at themselves knowingly. They just had a way of communicating withoutspeaking. Ethan was getting irritated.“Well?”“She is…a bit under the weather.” The light blond responded.“Huh?”“We are sorry, Master Ethan but we don't know anything else about her mood today.”“Aha!” Ethan exclaimed, shocking the twins. “You do know about her mood.” He wanted to drillthe twins for more information, but he had to take breakfast and report to work.Unfortunately, they had to
His tuxedo, tailored to perfection, cooperated with every graceful movement he made. Thisfabric differed greatly from the clothes he wore the previous week, which smelled cheap andwere used even for special occasions. Ethan swore this tuxedo was limited as he stood beforethe mirror, admiring his broad shoulders. There was a definite difference between Ethan fromlast week and Ethan from this week.His bow tie, a silk white, added an air of class to his outfit, completing the look fit for a billionaire.He felt special. Ethan chuckled at his reflection. His flesh had certainly filled out in places henever imagined they would. Once upon a time, he was skinny and pale; now, his cheeks arerosy and plump. There weren't any blemishes or wrinkles.Ethan felt healthy. Why wouldn't he when he was living his dreams? Yesterday’s breakfast eventmade him smile more. Dish after dish had been served until Ethan couldn't eat anymore. Whenhe whined about being set up, the old man muttered som