Heavens Fortune System

Scheme and Rumors

“Sir, no offense, but there’s a man who’s been trying to get close to Sophia,” James said, his voice shaky but determined. “He’s a nobody, probably looking to use her as his personal money-making machine. She doesn’t see it, but I’m just trying to protect her.”

Mr. Caldwell studied James carefully, sensing his words were laced with jealousy. “Since when has this been happening? And who exactly is this man? What’s his name?” he asked firmly.

James hesitated, fumbling for a response. “His name is Ethan,” he said finally, forcing confidence into his voice. “I’ve noticed him for a while, and I even tried to warn Sophia, but she won’t listen to me. She—she barely gives me a chance to talk.”

Mr. Caldwell raised an eyebrow. “Sophia is an independent, capable woman, James. I’ve entrusted her with more responsibilities than any of my other children, even those older than her. She handles it all effortlessly. You, on the other hand, are barely keeping one branch of my company afloat, despite her assistance. If you don’t have anything useful to add, I suggest you leave. Good night, James.”

James stiffened at the blunt dismissal. “Good night, sir,” he said through clenched teeth before storming out, his expression betraying his anger.

A few minutes later, Olivia, Mr. Caldwell’s wife, walked into the room, her face glowing with a cheerful smile. “Honey, I’m back,” she announced brightly.

Mr. Caldwell looked up, surprised. “Oh, dear, you didn’t tell me you were coming today! I would’ve picked you up at the airport.” He walked toward her, opening his arms for a warm embrace.

“I wanted to surprise you,” Olivia said with a chuckle. “By the way, I saw James’ car leaving the compound. What was he doing here so late? Is there a problem with the branch he’s managing again?”

“Don’t worry about him,” Mr. Caldwell said dismissively. “He stopped by to report a few minor issues, but nothing serious.”

“Alright,” Olivia replied, sitting down on the couch and reaching for the TV remote. “How are David and Lila doing?” Mr. Caldwell asked as he adjusted his glasses and sat down beside her.

“They’re doing great. They told me to take good care of you while I’m here. They’re planning to visit for your 75th birthday celebration that’s fast approaching ,” Olivia replied with a smile as she flipped through channels.

“Haha, that’s good news! Well, I’m heading to bed now. When you’re done, join me in the room,” Mr. Caldwell said, patting her shoulder before disappearing into the bedroom.

The next morning, the sound of Sophia’s phone ringing stirred her and Ethan awake. They had fallen asleep on the couch, their heads resting against each other after a fun movie night. Groggily, Sophia reached for her phone and stepped away to answer it.

“Hello, Dad. Good morning,” she said, her voice still heavy with sleep.

“How was your night? And tell me, who’s the man you’ve been hiding from us?” Mr. Caldwell’s voice came through the line, firm yet curious.

Sophia’s eyes widened in panic. “You’ve been keeping secrets, haven’t you, Sophia?” Olivia’s voice chimed in the background. “Make sure to bring him home soon!”

“Alright, Dad. Mom. I’ll make it up to you soon. I’ve got to go now,” Sophia replied hastily, ending the call and exhaling in relief. She turned to see Ethan cleaning up the mess from the night before.

“Ethan, leave that. The maid will handle it. Get ready so we can go where we discussed yesterday,” Sophia said, tying her hair back as she glanced at herself in the mirror.

“Okay, I’m ready,” Ethan replied, looking around to make sure there was nothing else to do.

They drove to the apartment Sophia had mentioned, which was not far from the old woman’s place where Ethan had kept his belongings. Standing in front of the three-bedroom flat, Sophia handed him the keys. “I hope you like it. Even if you don’t, just manage it for now. I’ll get you something better later,” she said, avoiding his gaze.

Ethan stared at the building in awe. “This is perfect. I never thought I’d ever live in a place like this. Thank you so much, Sophia. You’ve already done more than enough.”

Sophia smiled faintly, and they shared a moment of silence before Ethan checked the time. “Ah, I need to head to work. I can’t let James accuse me of being late again,” he said with a laugh.

Sophia glanced at him thoughtfully. “Don’t worry about James. For now, just do your job, and I’ll figure something out for you by tomorrow,” she said as they walked back to her car.

Ethan stopped and turned to face her. “You’ve already done so much for me—more than I ever expected. This apartment alone is a dream come true. I don’t want people thinking I’m taking advantage of your kindness, James to be specific.”

Sophia’s expression hardened. “Let them think what they want. James has no right to dictate what I do with my money or my life. He can’t stop me from helping whoever I choose.”

Ethan smiled gently. “Alright, I’ll come back after work to sort out my things here. Thank you again, Sophia.”

Sophia dropped Ethan close to the company as he asked her to so he could avoid James noticing that he came with her again today, could cause him some trouble. At the company, Ethan was greeted unusually warmly by the other workers, though he could sense their stares and hushed whispers. As he walked through the office , Paul, his old friend, who used to be their head cleaner before he was promoted to a better position as a

Assistant representative for James, his job was only for him to sit home and expect a direction email of where he’d go next and come back to explain how things are going there, and get paid when month ends. He approached Ethan with a grin.

“Hey, Ethan! Long time, no see,” Paul said, his voice carrying an easy familiarity.

“Paul? When did you get back?” Ethan asked, surprised.

Paul grinned. “I’m just back for a brief visit,” he explained before lowering his voice conspiratorially. “By the way, I heard something about you and Sophia Caldwell, care to share the details?”

Ethan frowned, already sensing the direction of the conversation. “Sophia? She’s just a kind person who’s been helping me out, nothing more.”

Paul raised a brow. “Just helping? Are you sure you don’t have feelings for her?”

Ethan hesitated, caught off guard by the question. “We’re just friends,” he replied firmly. “This all started just yesterday. How did you even hear about it?”

Paul shrugged casually, though his eyes gleamed with interest. “The office gossip mill is fast.”

Ethan sighed and glanced at the time. “Alright, I’ve got to get back to work before the others arrive,” he said, heading toward the cleaners’ locker room to change into his uniform.

Paul nodded, smiling. “Alright, let’s meet at the cafeteria once you’re done,” he called out as he walked away.

Later, Ethan found Paul waiting at the cafeteria. “Hey, over here!” Paul called out, waving to grab Ethan’s attention as he looked around for him.

Ethan walked over, sitting down just as a waiter approached and gently placed food and drinks on the table. Ethan’s eyes widened in surprise. “Wait… did you order all this? Why?”

Paul laughed. “Of course! It’s been a long time, my friend. I thought I’d treat you today.”

Ethan smiled faintly and picked up his spoon. They ate in companionable silence for a moment until Paul broke it, his tone casual but prying. “So, Ethan, tell me about this Sophia girl. What’s your interest in her?”

Ethan paused mid-motion, lowering his spoon and wiping his mouth with a handkerchief. “I already told you, Paul—she’s just a friend. Nothing more,” he said firmly.

Paul leaned forward slightly, urging Ethan to continue. “Come on, don’t hold back. I’m just curious. What’s the story?”

After a moment’s hesitation, Ethan relented. He explained how he had met Sophia and how she had gone out of her way to help him. He recounted how she treated him to an expensive lunch to apologize for James’ actions, gifted him a phone, and even gave him the keys to a three-bedroom apartment to stay in. He also mentioned the night they spent watching movies together, eventually falling asleep on the couch.

Paul listened intently, nodding along as Ethan spoke. Once Ethan finished, Paul smiled and leaned back. “Thanks for sharing, my friend. I really need to go now—something important came up,” Paul said, abruptly cutting the conversation short.

Paul stood up, leaving Ethan at the table with the remaining food. After paying the bill, he walked straight to James’ office, ready to report everything he had learned.

Later that day, Ethan prepared to clean James’ office as part of his duties. As he approached, he overheard voices through the thin walls. Pressing closer, he recognized Paul’s voice speaking to James, relaying everything Ethan had told him at the cafeteria.

“Can you believe him?” James said, his voice dripping with disdain. “Two days, and he’s already living in a three-bedroom apartment. Who does he think he is? I’ll show him he’s still a nobody. And Sophia—she’ll regret ever thinking she’s smarter than me. I’ll make them both suffer and learn a lesson, her family would plead for my mercy by the time I succeed in my plan. “I don’t even know what she sees in that poor Ethan that makes her like him.” Paul added, his voice barely audible