Chapter 6

 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 underestimated.”

William’s confusion deepened. “You’re saying you want to use Ethan to—”

“To show them what they’ve missed out on,” Rebecca finished, her smile turning slightly predatory. “They think he’s nothing, but they’ll see soon enough. Now, go make the call.”

William nodded, still looking puzzled but obedient. “Yes, Miss Rebecca.”

As he walked out of the room, Rebecca turned her gaze to the window, her mind drifting to Ethan. She had a feeling that the upcoming banquet would be… interesting, to say the least.

Meanwhile, Ethan sat cross-legged in the center of the lavish villa’s living room, his eyes closed and his breathing slow and steady. The luxury around him felt surreal, almost alien, compared to the life he had known. He opened his eyes, looking around at the ornate furniture, the high ceilings, the expensive artwork on the walls.

“What am I doing here?” he murmured to himself. “Why is she helping me?”

He thought of Rebecca’s words, her belief in him, and the unexpected kindness she had shown. He knew she wasn’t just anyone; her influence and resources hinted at a powerful background. But her true identity remained a mystery to him.

“Who are you, Rebecca?” Ethan whispered, shaking his head.

Pushing aside his questions, he closed his eyes again, focusing inward. He couldn’t afford to rely on her forever. He needed to be strong on his own. He took a deep breath, recalling the knowledge from his dream, the techniques his father had imparted to him.

“I have to master this,” he muttered, determination flaring within him. “I need to become someone they can’t push around anymore.”

He began to meditate, feeling the energy around him, drawing it into his body, guiding it to his dantian. The flow of Qi was faint but present, and he concentrated on absorbing it, merging it with his own energy.

Hours passed in a blur of concentration and focus. The room seemed to pulse with energy, a soft hum resonating around him. As dawn broke, Ethan opened his eyes, feeling a surge of power coursing through him.

“Qi Refining Stage,” he breathed, staring at his hands in wonder. He could feel the strength, the vitality. It was real. He wasn’t just dreaming anymore.

Rising to his feet, he looked around for something to test his newfound strength. His gaze landed on a decorative boulder in the garden outside, and he stepped out, the early morning air cool against his skin.

He approached the boulder, his heart pounding with a mix of excitement and apprehension. He clenched his fist, channeling the energy into his arm, and struck.

The boulder shattered into pieces, fragments flying in all directions. Ethan staggered back, staring at the destruction in disbelief.

“I did it,” he whispered, a grin spreading across his face. “I really did it.”

The thrill of power rushed through him, but he knew it wasn’t enough. He needed more, needed to grow stronger. The realization struck him that the spiritual energy in the area was too weak for further cultivation. He would need herbs, powerful ones, to enhance his growth.

With this in mind, Ethan checked his pockets, his excitement fading as he pulled out a few crumpled bills. “A hundred and thirty-two dollars,” he muttered, shaking his head. “That’s all I have.”

He thought back to the days with Lauren, handing over his salary, living on a meager allowance. It had left him in this pitiful state, financially crippled and vulnerable.

“Doesn’t matter,” he said, squaring his shoulders. “I’ll make it work.”

He stepped out of the villa, determination burning in his eyes. As he walked down the driveway, a sleek Mercedes-Benz pulled up, blocking his path. The doors swung open, and Brandon and Lauren stepped out, their expressions smug and superior.

“Ethan,” Lauren called out, her voice dripping with mockery. “Are you stalking me now? Couldn’t stand being without me for even a day?”

Ethan stopped, his eyes narrowing. “What are you doing here, Lauren?”

Lauren’s eyes flashed with anger. “I should be asking you that. What are you doing in this area? Trying to pretend you belong here?”

Brandon smirked, stepping forward. “This is where the elite live, Ethan. You’re out of your league. Stay away from Lauren. She’s mine now.”

Ethan felt the anger simmering beneath the surface but forced himself to stay calm. “I’m not interested in Lauren. She’s all yours.”

Lauren’s face twisted with rage. “How dare you talk to me like that? You’re nothing, Ethan. You have no right to even speak to me!”

Ethan’s gaze was cold as he looked at her. “You’re the one who followed me, Lauren. I didn’t come looking for you.”

Brandon, his face turning red, stepped up, his fist clenched. “Watch your mouth, Ethan. You don’t know who you’re messing with. Apologize to Lauren right now, or I’ll break your legs.”

Ethan’s eyes flashed with a dangerous light. “Apologize? For what? For finally standing up to you?”

Lauren’s voice rose in pitch. “You think you’re so tough now, don’t you? Well, you’re still the same pathetic loser you’ve always been!”

Ethan smiled, a cold, confident smile that sent a shiver down Lauren’s spine. “Maybe. But I’ll tell you something, Lauren. One day, you and Brandon will kneel before me, begging for forgiveness.”

Brandon’s laugh was harsh and mocking. “You’re delusional, Ethan. You think you’re something now? You’re still just trash.”

Ethan’s voice was calm, but there was an edge to it, a strength that hadn’t been there before. “We’ll see, Brandon. We’ll see who’s trash.”

The fury in Lauren’s eyes was almost palpable as she lashed out, slapping Ethan across the face. “How dare you talk to us like that!”

Ethan didn’t flinch, his eyes locked on hers. “Is that all you’ve got, Lauren?”

Brandon, his face contorted with rage, shoved Ethan back. “Get out of here before I do something you’ll regret!”

Ethan didn’t move, his gaze steady and unyielding. “I’m not afraid of you, Brandon. Not anymore.”

Brandon’s fist shot out, aiming for Ethan’s face, but Ethan moved faster, catching his wrist and twisting it. Brandon yelped in pain, his eyes wide with shock.

“Don’t touch me again,” Ethan said softly, his voice cold as ice. “You won’t like the consequences.”

Lauren, stunned by the sudden shift in power, stared at Ethan as if seeing him for the first time. “What… what’s happened to you?”

Ethan released Brandon, shoving him back. “I’ve changed, Lauren. And I’m not the man you used to control. Remember that.”

Brandon cradled his wrist, glaring at Ethan with a mixture of fear and anger. “You’ll pay for this, Ethan. I’ll make sure of it.”

Ethan shrugged, his expression calm. “Do what you have to do. I’m not running anymore.”

He turned and walked away, leaving Lauren and Brandon standing there, stunned and speechless. As he disappeared around the corner, Lauren’s voice echoed behind him, filled with frustration and disbelief.

“This isn’t over, Ethan! You’ll regret this!”

But Ethan didn’t look back. He was done with regrets. It was time to take control of his own destiny.