The dim glow of the chandelier bathed Gerald’s study in a golden hue. Seated in a high-backed leather chair, Gerald watched the news on the massive flat-screen TV mounted on the wall. The voice of the newscaster rang out, solemn and charged with scandal. “Breaking news: Ethan Anderson, a prominent elite, stands accused of heinous crimes, including the alleged abduction and murder of a minor. Speculations abound as the court case continues…” Gerald leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk, a slow smirk spreading across his face as he stroked his chin thoughtfully. His piercing eyes glimmered with something sinister as he swirled the dark red liquid in his crystal wine glass. “So that’s why he always managed to crawl out of the traps I set for him,” Gerald murmured to himself. “The secrets he’s been hiding… the skeletons in his closet.” He took a slow sip of the wine, savoring its taste. Setting the glass down, he tapped the armrest rhythmically, his mind already craftin
As Rachel and Paul exited the room, the air grew thick, leaving Ethan in the uncomfortable company of his own thoughts. The silence settled like a heavy fog, each second feeling like a lifetime as he fought to suppress the rising anxiety within him. He walked over to the fireplace, rubbing his temples, replaying every moment that had led to this day and wondering how things had spun so wildly out of control.But just as he found a sliver of calm, the door flew open with a force that made the windows rattle, and in stormed Sandra. Her face was flushed, her eyes sharp and piercing as they locked onto his. “Ethan, what on earth is going on? What am I hearing on the news?” Her voice was a mix of disbelief and anger, laced with something more—a raw, aching confusion.Ethan’s attempt to calm her with a raised hand and a softened voice did nothing to quiet her. “Sandra, please, just let me explain…”“Explain?” she echoed, almost laughing in shock. “Explain what? That the man I thought I k
The courtroom buzzed with a low murmur, a subdued anticipation hanging in the air as people gathered, each person eyeing the entrance with eager curiosity. Today’s proceedings were destined to make headlines, and reporters, lawyers, and bystanders alike felt the weight of it. As the tall mahogany doors swung open, all eyes turned, and in walked Ethan Anderson, flanked by his lawyer, Mr. Garretson—a seasoned attorney with an uncompromising reputation. Ethan’s expression was steely, his gaze fixed ahead as he made his way to his seat, shutting out the whispers that followed him like shadows.Garretson leaned toward him, lowering his voice. “Remember, Ethan, calm and collected. You need to make it clear to the court that this situation is beneath you.”Ethan nodded, but his jaw remained tense. “I understand. Let’s just get through this.”The clock ticked steadily in the otherwise silent room as they waited. Then, promptly at ten, the bailiff announced, “All rise for the Honorable Judg
The clock struck 8pm on a peaceful Wednesday night, the wind gentle and had a touch of serenity. A good night to die some might even say.In an isolated warehouse down the streets, the atmosphere inside was not the same with the one outside, far from sedated. "What do you mean double? That's just too outrageous!” Ethan hollered in fury."The rule is the rule. Pay up or face the consequences." An average height man answered back. He had a scar that ran across his face.Following the man’s utterance, the five bodyguards that stood behind him flashed their weapons at Ethan.Seeing how stupid it would be to be stubborn, Ethan calmed down. "Listen, I-I didn't expect the interest to become this high.""It's nothing personal. It's simply business,” the Mafia Boss responded as he took a seat, pouring himself a glass of whiskey."Look paying back the initial hundred thousand dollars is extremely difficulty, but now you want two hundred thousand dollars? Please I'm going to need more time to c
The Warehouse door banged wide apart, a group of men clothed in black trooped in. Their feet marching in unison as they stormed into the warehouse. They had on black glasses, albeit it was evening and were harmed with assault rifles.It was obvious what kind of men they were, guards who were professionally trained and battle ready. They wore on their faces a big stern look, each taking a fearful stance. Their presence alone brought chills to everyone’s system. The mafia boss, his men, and Ethan inclusive. All exhaling The men formed a semi circle, facing Ethan and the Mafia, their guns aimed at all of them.This was a complete shift in events. No one knew what could happen the very next second, and no one had the nerve to dare to find out."Who the hell are you guys? What gives you the right to barge into my turf?" The Mafia boss summoned courage to ask. He couldn't let these men undermine his Power in front of his men. This was his territory and he had to defend it from these men.
The gangsters took to their heels and ran out of the warehouse with the box full of money. They couldn't risk turning their backs on the men.Ethan still could not make sense of all that happened. It was as if reality itself had fractured, leaving him to figure out what was real and not.Maybe this was all a terrible dream and he would wake up the next day back to normal. Normalcy was all he craved at the moment. "I can see you're still in shock Young Master " the Old man said upon observation. "It's understandable, anyone would feel this way when given such news." He added.The strength to speak was nowhere to be found in Ethan. "You are the heir to the Biggest consortium in the world." The old man dropped the bomb with a proud smile placed widely on his face.Mouth slightly opened but words couldn't escape, Ethan took a step back. He needed a minute to process what he was hearing.Ethan's eyes lit up with shock. Heir? To the biggest consortium? Today just kept pouring out extreme
"Laurel?" Ethan asked in shock, the night has been one with doubtful events and he was no longer sure wether to believe or doubt what his eyes were seeing.Ethan wasn't who Laurel and her lover was expecting to see. The air around them felt heavy with fear, their breaths uneasy filled with panic, but for some reason, they breathing normalized and clarity and calmness returned to their beings."What the fuck happened here?" Ethan fumed with anger. This wasn't a scene any man should see when coming back home - his girlfriend all loved up with another man on their bed.His breathing became laboured, boiling with rage and fury. Heaven knew the thoughts that invaded his mind were not legal.Rather than an explanation, Ethan's question was met with a condescending sneer."Answer me Goddammit!!" Ethan's voice went high with rage."What the hell are you doing here?" Laurel asked, completely ignoring Ethan's question, completely unbothered by Ethan's boiling rage. What was his doing there? In
The insults hurled at Ethan by Alex became unbearable.The gangsters had dealt with him already and stripped him of his dignity as a man, Ethan wasn't going to allow another man do that to him again, let alone that same night."Get off me!" Ethan yelled as he pushed Alex off him with all his strength. He swung his right fist at Alex, who weaved it and punched Ethan on his nose before he could block it.The force of the punch sent Ethan staggering. Brushing off the blood coming out of his nose, Ethan charged at Alex again, who gave him another punch which sent Ethan to the ground. His lips bursted, Blood coming out of his mouth and nose.Ethan was seething with anger but didn't have the strength to do anything with it. He was too weak and tired to fight back.Left with no choice, Ethan wiped the blood from his mouth and dusted his body as he managed to stand back on his feet.He lost. More than once today.Taking a final look at Laurel, Ethan shook his head as he left the house for the