The Scorned Heir

Chapter Four

Ethan shifted his gaze to his sleeping wife. Her head was resting on a pillow, and she looked so lovely and at peace

A smile lit up his face as he remembered his last night’s resolution. He had said he would assist her. He had persuaded himself that receiving the inheritance from his grandfather would put an end to all their humiliations and worries.

He'd do it, and she'd be free of her family for good.

He got out of bed and looked at the clock on the table. It read 5:30 a.m. He sighed deeply.

His phone, which was also on the table, beeped simultaneously, and stretching his hand, he grabbed the device.

He'd gotten an email from Stark Inc. His eyes widened in surprise. Why would Stark Inc. contact him by email? He opened the email quickly to read the contents.

"Dear Ethan, the board of directors of Stark Inc. has unanimously voted to induct you as the company director, and for the time being, we have made you Chairman and CEO of our new takeover, Buddy Industries." Ethan stopped reading, and his pulse thumped against his chest as he sought to comprehend what he had just seen.

He reread it to be sure he hadn't misinterpreted anything, but it was still the same. Then he went on. "You have twelve hours to accept the position. We hope to hear from you shortly. Thanks.”

He fixed his gaze on his phone. What exactly was this? How was it possible? His thoughts returned to when his grandfather's butler mentioned all the inheritance left in his name and how much it was worth. Stark Inc. was among them.

Stark Inc. was the country's largest and most successful firm. They owned the most valuable stocks and had a net worth in the trillions of dollars. And they had just appointed him as the company's director? That means he would be taking over the company?

He sucked his lip and shook his head slightly. There was no way the email could have been correct. Stark Inc. was far more extensive and successful than the Rogers, Kirks, and Stitch combined. That could only mean that if he accepted this post, he would not only be more wealthy than them, but they would come to him for business agreements regularly.

If accepted within twelve hours, he would be appointed CEO of Buddy Industries, an affiliate of Stark Inc. and a company with assets and stocks worth trillions of dollars. He cast a glance over at his sleeping wife. He considered waking and informing her of the good news but decided against it.

His gaze alternated between her and the phone in his hand. His brain was nagging him to tell her everything. He wanted to say to her that she would never have to put up with her family's disgrace again.

That he would be the director of one of the country's largest corporations, but he stopped himself. He reminded himself that he hadn't yet accepted the job.

He got out of bed and started getting ready for Stark Inc. He had an important meeting with the director, and he needed to look good.

He had to put on his best face.

…….

Ethan came to a halt in the parking lot of the Stark Inc. building. He adjusted his coat and highlighted from the cycle.

A black Audi gently arrived in the parking lot and stopped across from him as soon as he locked his bike.

His gaze shifted to the car, where a young couple exited. The man was dressed in a Flannel suit and brogue shoes. Everything he wore appeared to be immaculate and expensive. Also, the lady with him was dressed flamboyantly, with gorgeous and costly-looking jewelry around her neck.

Ethan discovered they were his wife's sister, Elizabeth, and her fiancé, Taylor Kirk. He wasn't sure why they were at the Stark Inc. office, but he knew it was best to ignore them. They took advantage of each opportunity to make fun of him. He didn’t want that right now.

He turned aside and attempted to exit the parking lot swiftly, but Elizabeth caught up with him.

"Hey Ethan, is that you?" He came to a halt when she shouted out. His attempt to sneak out of the park had failed horribly.

He waited as they approached him gently, their heads held high as they moved with elegance. He merely prayed they would only exchange pleasantries and he would be out of their way.

"Hello, Elizabeth, how are you? What are you doing here?" He inquired when they got close enough to him.

Elizabeth's eyes danced over him, and she eyed him suspiciously before saying. "Taylor is coming to see the Vice-chairman of the Buddy industry for some collaboration agreements. It's all business, but I imagine you won't understand that. I'm here to assist and keep him company." She chipped.

"I see. That's fantastic." Ethan said with a forced smile. He'd just discovered Taylor's company was a tiny partner in the Buddy industry. He would have to determine whether or not to continue the collaboration after he took control.

Elizabeth smiled and looked at Taylor with love in her eyes. "Yes, yes, yes. He is incredible. Kirk Inc has been working with the Buddy Industry for a long time. The collaboration has benefited their company, and we hope it will do the same for ours."

Ethan was at a loss for words. He laughed. "Taylor is a hardworking man."

"Mr," Taylor said irritably. "Mr. Taylor. That’s how you should address me. You have no idea how to talk to someone much above you."

Taylor gave him a scornful look. He'd always detested him. He was initially interested in marrying Cassie, but she changed her mind when Ethan entered the scene. He had no choice but to settle with her sister, who he knew was significantly less attractive than Cassie.

He'd always questioned what Cassie saw in Ethan and how she could say no to such a jerk. He had no money, no businesses, and no cars. How could she give up everything he had to offer for a man like Ethan?

"All right," Ethan murmured.

Taylor laughed. "What brings you here? What is a commoner doing in front of this elegant high-rise building.”

"I'm here to..."

"Look at that awful piece of suit." Elizabeth laughed as he cut him off. "Where did you get that?" She asked, pointing at his clothing.

"I bet he took it out from a dumpster."

They both laughed, and Ethan resisted the temptation to chastise them. He stayed mute, however.

"Are you looking for work? Is that why you're dressed like this?" Elizabeth inquired, pretending to be concerned for him. Of course, he was well aware that she wasn’t. She just wanted to humiliate him, like they all did.

"What I am here to do is none of your business," Ethan said flatly.

"You are under no obligation to inform us. We don't even care about your plans or what you do.” Taylor stated. "However, here's some advice. You can always get a better suit and try out somewhere else. This company is for wealthy businesspeople, and I doubt they'll hire cleaners soon."

Elizabeth burst out laughing again at her fiancé's joke. "I have no idea what my sister sees in you or why she hasn't divorced you yet. You're just a scumbag with no ambition or future."

Taylor pitched in. "She'd soon come to her senses. Your sister will soon understand that marrying this man was a dreadful idea."

Ethan's lips curled into a faint smile. "I'd be delighted to prove you both wrong one day. Have a wonderful day."

With this statement, he turned and walked away from them. He'd show them soon enough he had a far brighter future than they had. Soon, he’d bring them to the ground and treat them far worse than they could ever imagine.

He entered the building and made his way to the elevator. According to the email he got, he was meant to see the company's Director on the 10th floor. He walked into the elevator after pressing the button.

In the elevator, he imagined what it would be like to be the company's Directing Manager. He could elevate his wife to the top executive position so she would not have to work for her family.

The elevator chimed as it stopped on the building's tenth floor. He exited and went to the Director's office.

As he entered the office, he saw Demi Sloan, a beautiful young lady waiting for him. She instantly stood from her seat and smiled as she approached him.

She reached out her hand to him. "Mr. Ethan, welcome to Stark Inc. Demi Sloan is my name. Could we please proceed to my office?"