Ethan stood outside the bedroom door, his hand hovering just inches from the handle. The muffled laughter and intimate whispers coming from inside twisted his gut. He strained to make out the words, his heart pounding painfully in his chest.“I can’t believe you’re still with that loser,” a male voice sneered.“That’s because he’s useful, Brandon,” Lauren’s voice replied with a mocking lilt. “Besides, my grandfather insisted. He thought Ethan would bring us luck.”“Lucky?” Brandon scoffed. “He’s nothing but a pathetic excuse for a man.”Ethan’s knuckles whitened around the doorknob. The sting of their words pierced deeper than he thought possible. Summoning every ounce of courage, he threw the door open.“What the hell is going on here?” Ethan’s voice trembled with a mix of anger and hurt.Lauren and Brandon sprang apart, their faces reflecting shock, then annoyance. Lauren quickly composed herself, a cruel smile tugging at her lips.“Ethan,” she drawled, not bothering to cover hersel
Ethan’s speech aggravated the bodyguard, he clenched his fist and bit his lips so hard it drew blood. He wanted to beat Ethan so bad, that he wished Miss Rebecca was not there.Miss Rebecca on the other hand was left in awe, she couldn’t believe what was coming from Ethan’s mouth as she stared at him with her mouth wide open.The bodyguard was still burning in fury, he has never been humiliated in his life. He fervently begged Rebecca to let him teach Ethan a life time lesson. “Miss, please allow me to teach him a lesson,” he said with rage.It wasn’t an easy decision but Rebecca had no choice than to agree. She had to satisfy her curiosity, “okay” she said, “but don't harm him” she added.The bodyguard quickly charged at Ethan, with a tip of his fingers, he ripped his shirt into two like he was a protagonist in an action movie. Revealing his well built Abs and strong arms.The excitement in Ethans eyes was visible as he watched the bodyguard display all sorts of man power. He badly n
Ethan, who has been trying to play cool with the secretary, could not help but let his irritation show.He has always known Rebecca to be extraordinary, but he never thought she was sponsoring the Williams family. “Oh! Rebecca Williams” he connected the puzzle immediately. He said her full name.No wonder she has a powerful aura. No wonder the turbulent johnny melted in her presence and his father had told him that the Williams family will look after him.The secretary who has been standing there gave Ethan the “I hope you understand all I have said” look.Ethan, who has been keeping quiet, suddenly sparked. “Is it a crime that I am not on Rebecca’s level? She has never made me or anyone feel less of ourselves,” he declared.The secretary's face turned cold. He hated Ethan's guts. “If you don't want to end up in regrets, you better stay away from Rebecca,” he said in an icy tone before turning around to leave.Ethan felt immense pressure the moment the secretary finished speaking to h
“Miss Rebecca, the invitation cards are ready and we will send them out the following day,” Williams reported his task to his boss, who merely acknowledged with a nod. He could tell something was going on in her mind, but what? “Get some herbs and send it to Ethan tomorrow,” Rebecca instructed him “Ethan?” William's countenance turned sour, his face like he tasted Citrus. “That low life…” he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper “Did you say something?” Rebecca retorted. Sensing an attitude “No, Ma’am, I will do as you have instructed,” Williams replied, hiding his disgust behind a pretentious smile. He had a lot to say, especially about that worthless Ethan, but he knew Rebecca would not have it, so he kept quiet. “Have it in mind that the herbs must be of high quality. In fact the older the better,” Rebecca said before walking away. “Yes, Ma’am,” William replied, still forcing his smile. He could not understand why the mighty Rebecca would stoop so low to rub shoulders w
Ethan made his way back to the villa, a small bag of herbs clutched in his hand. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts—Johnny’s threat, his desperate need for resources, and the nagging uncertainty of his own abilities. The meager bundle of low-quality herbs felt like a mockery of his ambitions.As he approached the entrance of Dragon Paradise, he was startled to see Rebecca standing there, her elegant white dress billowing softly in the breeze. She looked ethereal, a stark contrast to the chaos in his mind.“Rebecca?” he called out, quickening his pace. “What are you doing here?”Rebecca turned, her eyes sparkling with a playful glint. “I thought I’d surprise you. You’re not disappointed, are you?”Ethan shook his head, feeling a warmth spread through his chest. “Of course not. I’m just… surprised.”She glanced at the bag in his hand, raising an eyebrow. “What’s this? Planning on making some soup?”Ethan’s cheeks reddened. “Uh, no. Just some herbs I bought.”Rebecca took the bag from
Back at the banquet, Rebecca watched the guests milling around, her eyes scanning the room with amusement. William approached her, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern.“Miss Rebecca, you seem very interested in Mr. Ethan’s affairs,” he observed cautiously.Rebecca sipped her wine, her smile enigmatic. “I am, William. He’s… intriguing.”William hesitated, then asked, “What is it about him that’s caught your attention?”Rebecca’s eyes sparkled with a secret joy. “He’s resilient, humble, and determined. He’s been broken and humiliated, but he’s still standing.”William frowned slightly. “But do you really think he can make a difference?”Rebecca’s smile widened, a playful glint in her eyes. “I don’t just think, William. I know. And I’m looking forward to watching him prove everyone wrong.”She turned her gaze to the entrance, anticipation thrumming in her veins. The banquet would be the perfect stage for the Williams family—and everyone else—to see the beginning of Ethan’s tra
Back at the banquet, Rebecca watched the guests milling around, her eyes scanning the room with amusement. William approached her, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern.“Miss Rebecca, you seem very interested in Mr. Ethan’s affairs,” he observed cautiously.Rebecca sipped her wine, her smile enigmatic. “I am, William. He’s… intriguing.” Brandon’s laughter echoed through the quiet street, his eyes gleaming with malice as he looked Ethan up and down. “Kneel and apologize?” he repeated, his voice dripping with mockery. “Are you out of your mind, Ethan? You want me to apologize to you?”Lauren stood beside him, a smug smile playing on her lips. “You’ve really lost it, Ethan. This new attitude of yours is almost… amusing.”Ethan’s gaze was cold and unwavering. “I’m serious, Brandon. Apologize now, and I might let you walk away with some dignity.”Brandon’s laughter grew louder, and he leaned back, slapping his knee. “Dignity? Oh, that’s rich! You think you’re in any position to de
William stared at the screen of his phone, then back at Rebecca, confusion etched on his face. “You want me to reinstate the Williams family’s invitation to the banquet?”Rebecca nodded, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. “Yes, that’s exactly what I want.”“But, Miss Rebecca,” William hesitated, his brow furrowed, “you just instructed me to revoke it. Now you want to invite them again?”“Yes, William, I changed my mind,” Rebecca said calmly, leaning back in her chair. “I want them there. I want them to see Ethan.”William blinked, clearly baffled. “Ethan? What does he have to do with the Williams family?”Rebecca’s smile widened, her eyes gleaming with amusement. “Everything. Let’s just say I’m curious to see how they react.”“But why?” William pressed, his curiosity getting the better of him. “What are you planning, Miss Rebecca?”“I’m not planning anything,” Rebecca said lightly, though the glint in her eyes suggested otherwise. “I just want them to see the man they’ve undere
Ethan hesitated at the entrance of the Lauren residence, his hand hovering over the doorbell. His heart pounded with a mix of dread and anger. Rebecca stood beside him, her presence calm and reassuring.“Are you ready?” she asked softly, her voice steady.Ethan swallowed hard, nodding. “I don’t think I’ll ever be ready, but I have to do this.”Rebecca gave him a small, encouraging smile. “Just remember, you’re not alone. Face them with your head held high.”Taking a deep breath, Ethan pressed the doorbell. Moments later, the door swung open, revealing Gloria’s disapproving face. Her eyes narrowed as she took in the sight of Ethan and then shifted to Rebecca, surprise flashing briefly before it was replaced with a sneer.“Well, well, Ethan,” Gloria drawled, her voice dripping with contempt. “I didn’t expect you to bring company. And such… refined company at that.”Ethan’s jaw tightened, but he forced himself to remain calm. “I’m here to finalize the divorce, Gloria. That’s all.”Gloria
Ethan wandered along the main street, his steps heavy and aimless. The bustling city around him blurred into a haze of lights and noise, but he barely noticed. His mind was consumed by the memory of his father’s voice in his dream, filled with disappointment and disapproval.“Why, Father?” he muttered to himself, kicking a pebble down the pavement. “Why did you believe in me when I’ve done nothing but fail?”The words echoed in his head, mingling with the fresh sting of rejection from Rebecca. She hadn’t said much when she dismissed him, but her silence had spoken volumes. He sighed, feeling the weight of his entire life pressing down on him.“What am I supposed to do now?” he whispered, his voice lost in the evening breeze.Suddenly, the screech of tires broke through his thoughts. A sleek Bentley pulled up sharply in front of him, blocking his path. Ethan’s heart skipped a beat as the car door swung open and several men in black suits stepped out, their expressions stern.“Mr. Etha