As the ovation rang in his ears like sweet music, Ethan scanned the room with a confidentsmile. But then, the policemen escorting the old man out the door caught his attention. Instantly,a pang of regret filled him. He had been careful about this plot, making sure the old man neverfound out. He didn't want to ruin the surprise for his enemies.His plan was to use one stone to kill two birds. This act of disgrace would serve as a distractionas at the same time, test the old man's loyalty to House Anderson.Well, recent events just proved that he can't trust anyone. The Old man should give himconcrete reasons why he should trust him as well as the rest of the staff he single handedlypicked.Make no mistake, Ethan knew the old man was innocent. How? By checking the events indetail—everything that's happening now would never benefit the old man. Not only did Ethancheck the library for House Anderson’s lineage of housekeepers, but he also asked questions.They all claim
Thankfully, his relationship with the old man was mended. All Ethan wanted to do was have agood night's sleep. To him, today was fulfilling and he hoped the day after would be better. Ashis eyes fluttered close, he drifted to sleep.In the depths of his slumber, Ethan found himself trapped in a haunting dream of his past. Thevery images he had tried to bury resurfaced vividly and relentlessly.This time around, he stood in the shadows of a bright alley, his hands stained with guilt. Helooked down to see the street boy he had just confronted for stealing food at the general foodsupply. He was in charge today but the boy had disregarded his warnings out of hunger.Ethan was hungry, the mafia boss was hungry, everyone in the streets was hungry, but none ofthem resorted to stealing because of the owner.The Mafia boss who doesn't take no for an answer. All he had told him was to prepare to die ifhe didn't bring the boy back to their den."I can't do this," he protested w
There were some things Sandra Walton should have consulted about before going ahead anddoing anything she wanted as his partner. He was beginning to regret his decisions now. Ethanran to the garage as if he was chased by fire. “Paul!”“Yes, Master Ethan,” Paul replied, appearing beside the waiting car. It was looking pristine andready for use. Ethan had always wondered if Paul lived in one of these cars because of how fasthe answers his calls. But he knew that there was a fully furnished apartment just behind thegarage. It made it easier for Paul to slip through, back and forth.“Can we make it to the office on time?” Ethan inquired, though he had already decided to go.Paul hesitated. “The old man advised you to rest today. He's handling the—”“Sandra Walton is attempting to alter the project plans. I need to be there now. If I don't getthere, she will have her way, I know her.” Ethan interrupted, urgency lacing his voice.Paul nodded, understanding Ethan's point eve
“Because you are double crossing me. This wasn't the deal.”Sandra cackled like a chicken. Then she got serious. “Oh, poor Ethan. The moment you signedthe contract, you agreed to my terms. I won't hesitate to make your life a living hell if you stopme. I will take charge of this project and that's final.”“Er.. no.” Ethan said with a smile playing on his lips. Now, he could see what the old man wassaying. Her true colors were becoming visible by the second. “Sandra, do you know one ofAnderson's strengths?”How words seemed to confuse her. “And where are you going with this discussion?”“It’s the four houses' weaknesses. That's why you can never beat me.” Ethan knew he was justbluffing, but he had other things to assign Rachel to. “Either you play by my rules or I cut theproject off totally. It is my building, my project, my rules.”“The Houses will hear about this.”What House? Ethan scoffed. “They are only waiting for you to mess up so that they would scoopin and
"You're all fired." Ethan concluded. It was the only way he could think off to keep everyone around him safe. "Master Ethan..." Paul began. He had never seen anyone so frightened, despite how Ethan tried so hard to hide it."I can't risk it Paul." Ethan interjected. "It's the only way to nib this in the bud.""You're excused." Rachel faced the other person with them. It was obvious that this was now becoming an inner circle issue."I suggest we call the Housekeeper and also keep him in the loop." Rachel suggested once the other lady left them."Definitely I'll do that. But your safety is more important right now." Ethan still insisted.Rachel and Paul looked at each other and suddenly understood why Ethan was so much bothered about their safety. — Suzan.It was obvious that their beloved Master was still grieving and while they may not hold the same weight Suzan did, he cared for them all the same."You don't have to worry about us Master Ethan" Paul assured him with a smile."We kno
"It's Denera Lockwood." The maid answered."What could be her motive for coming here?" Sandra thought in her mind. She knew Denera wasn't someone to do something without planning at least 5 steps ahead.She was a Lockwood after all. It was carved into their system. Constantly being aware of Denera's end goal has been how Sandra always beat her but now she couldn't place her reason for coming to her house - something she had never done before. She didn't like it one bit."Keep her in the visitor's living room, I'll be there shortly." Sandra ordered the maid after contemplating for a while. It would be rude to refuse to see her after all."Yes ma'am" the maid bowed and walked out to do as told.Sandra turned her gaze back to her meal, but she had already lost interest. This was why she hated being disturbed during meals. She pushed the plate away from her front. "Let's get this over with." She said to herself, standing up to meet her visitor.———"I thought my maid wasn't seeing well
**FLASHBACK**13 YEARS AGO"There's hope for people like you anyway." A young highschool boy said, pushing sixteen year old Ethan to the ground."Stop it Sean." A young girl cautioned. She was clad in ........"Stay out of this Rebekah!" Sean fired back. "This good-for-nothing has to know that just because he schooled with us doesn't mean he'll make it life like we'll do." Sean spewed out, facing young Ethan who was on the floor..His clothes was already mixed with dirt, a symbolism of his social status and the gap between him and the rest of his classmates.It was the last day of highschool. Everyone was with their loved ones enjoying the happy moment — except Ethan.He had no one to share the joy of the day with, despite being one of the best academically in his class. Picking him self from the ground, Ethan Dusted himself off and took a look at Sean and Rebekah. "Get lost before I make you one eyed." Sean threatened. "Jesus! Sean!" Rebekah couldn't believe what she was hearing.
**PRESENT DAY**"So what happened next?" The Old Man asked, filled to the brim with curiosity."The unbelievable happened." Ethan answered... **FLASHBACK**10 YEARS AGO"How long do you think the food scarcity will last?" The other man asked, as he and Ethan reached the spot where the distribution would take place.As soon as the two guys reached there, almost as if laced with magnets, all the kids starting trooping out one after the other. "No idea, let's just get this over with." Ethan answered. "Make a straight line everyone." Ethan commanded, facing the kids. Even in his late teenage years, he already had a built shape and a commanding appearance. He didn't look like the Ethan that was bullied 3 years ago.Without wasting time, they all fell in line, eager to receive food from the men. Each child took a step forward and received a small package from the men, with joyful smiles on their faces as they collected the package. — Food at last!"You're only entitled to one package." T