Chapter 4.

Ethan came out of the police station in confusion, his mind swirling with unanswered questions. 

As the cool evening air hit his bruised face, he blinked in surprise, noticing a middle-aged man standing near the entrance. 

The man was staring directly at him, his posture calm yet purposeful. It took Ethan a moment to recognize him.

"Uncle Steve?" Ethan asked, his voice filled with uncertainty. Steve Jackson, his neighbor's uncle. Ethan's brow furrowed in confusion. 

“Ethan. Glad to see you’re alright.” Steven smiled warmly.

"Uncle Steve, what are you doing here?" asked Ethan. “Did you… did you pay my bail?"

Steven chuckled softly, shaking his head as he offered a slight bow.

"No, Ethan. It wasn’t me. But I’m here to take you to someone who did."

Ethan’s confusion deepened.

“Wait, what do you mean? Who—”

“Come with me,” Steve interrupted, gesturing toward a sleek black car parked nearby.

The car gleamed under the streetlights, its luxury unmistakable.

Ethan's heart skipped a beat.

This was no ordinary car; this was the kind of car he’d only seen in magazines or speeding past him on rare occasions.

"Whose car is that?" Ethan asked, glancing at Steve with a mix of suspicion and disbelief.

"You'll find out soon enough." Steve simply smiled. “Get in, Ethan.”

Reluctantly, Ethan followed Steve to the car. 

The door opened with a quiet click, and before he could process what was happening, he found himself sinking into the soft leather seats.

It felt surreal—just hours ago, he had been locked in a dingy cell, and now he was being chauffeured in a vehicle worth more than anything he'd ever owned.

As the car smoothly glided through the city, Ethan turned to Steve, unable to hold back his questions any longer.

“Where are we going? What’s happening?” asked Ethan.

“Patience, Ethan. You’ll get your answers soon.” Steve’s eyes sparkled with amusement.

The rest of the ride passed in silence, Ethan's mind racing with possibilities.

Nothing made sense.

Who would pay his bail? And why would someone like Steve, a man he barely knew, be involved?

After what felt like an eternity, the car finally slowed as it approached a massive gate.

Ethan leaned forward, eyes wide, as the gates parted to reveal an enormous estate.

 Manicured lawns, towering fountains, and grand buildings stretched out before him, each more opulent than the last.

"Is this…?" Ethan trailed off, his voice barely above a whisper. He felt out of place—like a mere speck in a world far beyond his reach.

Steve pulled the car to a stop and gestured for Ethan to step out.

"Welcome."

Ethan hesitated for a moment before opening the door and stepping onto the cobblestone driveway.

He looked around, his breath catching in his throat as he took in the scene before him. 

Two rows of people stood neatly, all dressed impeccably in tailored suits, their faces emotionless yet respectful.

They bowed slightly as Ethan passed, which only served to further fuel his confusion.

"Welcome, sir."

"It's a pleasure to see you, sir."

“What the hell is going on?” Ethan muttered to himself as Steve led him toward the largest building in sight.

The house—or rather, mansion—was an architectural marvel.

Tall pillars supported a grand entrance, and the doors, carved with intricate designs, seemed to tower over him as they opened on their own.

"Uncle Steve, why are we here? This place... who are we meeting?" Ethan couldn't hold back all the questions in his head.

"In a moment, you'll find out, Ethan," Steven smiled again. Accompanying Ethan deeper inside.

Inside, the luxury was overwhelming. Crystal chandeliers sparkled from above, casting soft light onto marble floors that stretched out endlessly.

 Gold-framed portraits lined the walls, each depicting men and women of apparent importance.

Ethan barely had time to process it all before Steve guided him into a lavishly decorated living room. 

In the center of the room, sitting on a plush chair with an air of authority, was a man Ethan hadn’t expected to see.

“Dad?” Ethan blurted out, his voice filled with disbelief. “What are you doing here?!”