“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
At first, they didn't notice Herin standing at the door, observing the situation with hooded eyes.Not until he spoke.“Suzan.” Herin called carefully. Then, as if remembering a higher hierarchy was in the room,herin bowed a little. “Master Ethan.”He took a step back from Suzan. “It is time.”They both nodded, gesturing to the garage. On his way there, Ethan was a bit worried that Herinsaw what he shouldn't have. Would the old man frown on a master-servant relationship? Hewasn't sure. Suzan was a nice lady. Maybe he was going too fast.“Herin?” Ethan called once Suzan was a few steps ahead. He was sure she wouldn't hear theirconversation.The blonde turned immediately. “Yes, master Ethan?”“How long have you been standing at the door?”Herin raised an eyebrow. “I don't understand what you mean, sir.”Goodness, how Ethan failed to keep up with the twins was beyond him! They were giggly,always teasing, and the best at their jobs. Besides, the old man hired them, but there wasso
"Look, I'm not being defensive, I just don't see why it's any concern of yours.” Okay, now I ammaking it obvious, Ethan muttered under his breath.He trained for this! So why was he losing his cool? This could be a test too, he figured.Ethan took a deep breath to calm down. After all, there was nothing to hide. So what if therewas something going on between him and Suzan? He couldn't label it yet. “I don't see why it'sany concern of yours because we have other important matters to attend to.” Ethan put it insuch a nice way. He surely didn't want to offend the old man who took care of him. “We have afundraising event to attend to, don't we?”The old man sighed. “You'll be on your own at the event, but... Hmph, I am just trying to look outfor you, boy. You seem to be getting in deep with that girl.”“And what's wrong with that?” Ethan's tone was higher than he intended, yet he gave nothingaway.The old man felt he was blowing this out of proportion. He decided to bac
Paul came to the rescue, shielding Ethan from the relentless paparazzi. Ethan wanted to keepthis tuxedo clean through and through. Suzan handpicked the suit herself. She should be here,Ethan thought guiltily. It wasn't healthy for such a woman to be at home. Yes, it was her duty tokeep him professionally satisfied, yet he couldn't shake the feeling that Suzan should be herewith him."Are you missing her?" the old man inquired, gesturing towards the camera. He gave a dazzlingsmile that almost blinded Ethan.Instead of responding, Ethan sighed and rolled his eyes. If he hadn't been certain of the oldman's loyalty, it might have seemed like the old man was stealing the spotlight. He, too, raisedhis hands and smiled.He didn't know what his smile did to the paparazzi.They all swarm around him with their cameras. As the flashes of the cameras blinded him,Ethan tried to maintain his composure.“Jesus Christ!” He muttered under his breath, not used to such attention. On
As expected, the press erupted into a frenzy, their cameras clicking furiously as they tried tocapture every word.Ethan felt his smile grow. He felt a sense of satisfaction at finally taking control of the situation,even if just for a moment. Clearing his throat, he ignored the old man's curious look.Just as he entered the large hall, someone bumped into him. He just wasn't expecting thatperson to be Rebekah. Ethan threw the old man an annoyed look. He should have taken care ofher that day. What the hell was she doing here?“Oh my God!” Rebekah yelled, but then she paused at the sight of him. Her face lit up with falsecheerfulness. Ethan swore he knew what she was going to do next.Humiliate him for the other day."Ethan? If it isn't, Ethan! I fancy seeing you here. How on earth did you manage to snag aninvitation to this event?" Ethan raised an eyebrow at her overly cheery greeting. He felt repulsedwhen her gaze raked over his suit hungrily.Was that the first th