Chapter 9

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 him, inspecting the contents with a critical eye. “These are barely worth the trouble. They’ve lost most of their potency. Did you buy them because you couldn’t afford better ones?”

Ethan looked away, embarrassed. “Yeah, pretty much.”

Without a second thought, Rebecca tossed the bag into a nearby trash bin. “We’ll get you better ones. These are useless.”

Ethan stared at her, shocked. “Rebecca, I can’t keep accepting things from you. You’ve already done so much.”

She waved off his concern. “And I’ll do more. You can repay me when you’re successful and wealthy.”

Ethan’s throat tightened, her words filling him with a sense of hope he hadn’t felt in a long time. “You really think I can do it?”

Rebecca smiled, her gaze steady and sincere. “I know you can. You have something in you, Ethan. You just need to believe in yourself as much as I do.”

Ethan swallowed hard, emotions welling up inside him. “I don’t know how to thank you.”

“By not crying,” she teased lightly, her smile widening. “A man shouldn’t cry so easily.”

He chuckled, wiping at his eyes with the back of his hand. “I’ll try to remember that.”

Their moment was interrupted by the sudden screech of tires. A large van pulled up, and a group of burly men jumped out, brandishing wooden bats. At the front stood a bald, scar-faced man with a menacing grin—Johnny.

Ethan tensed, his heart pounding. “Rebecca, you need to leave. It’s not safe.”

Rebecca didn’t move, her eyes fixed on Johnny. “I’m not going anywhere. Besides, I’m just a frail woman. What could they possibly do to me?”

Ethan’s stomach churned with anxiety. “Please, Rebecca, this isn’t a joke.”

Johnny swaggered forward, his eyes locked on Ethan. “So, you’re the tough guy who beat up my friend Brandon?”

Ethan squared his shoulders, his voice steady. “Brandon attacked me first. I just defended myself.”

Johnny snorted, his grin widening. “Doesn’t matter. Brandon’s got the right to do whatever he wants. And you should’ve just taken the beating like a good little boy.”

Ethan clenched his fists, anger simmering beneath his calm exterior. “I’m not afraid of you, Johnny.”

Johnny’s laugh was harsh and mocking. “Oh, we’ve got a brave one here! But let me tell you something, kid—in this world, the strongest fist is the law.”

He glanced at his men, who laughed in agreement, their expressions menacing. Johnny turned back to Ethan, his smile cruel. “Now, how about you kneel down and beg for mercy? I might let you off with just a few broken bones.”

Ethan stood his ground, his voice unwavering. “I won’t kneel to you or anyone else.”

Johnny’s face darkened, and he raised his hand, about to signal his men to attack. But before he could, Rebecca stepped forward, her voice cold and cutting through the tension like a knife.

“Are you seriously suggesting that Ethan should kneel before you?”

Johnny’s head whipped around, his eyes narrowing as he took in Rebecca’s presence. “And who the hell are you, lady?”

Ethan, his voice low and urgent, tried to intervene. “Rebecca, please, don’t get involved. It’s dangerous.”

But Rebecca ignored him, her gaze locked on Johnny’s. “I’m someone who doesn’t appreciate thugs threatening my friends.”

Johnny’s sneer faltered, confusion flickering in his eyes. “Your… friends?”

Ethan reached out, trying to pull her back. “Rebecca, please, just leave.”

She gently shook off his hand, her eyes never leaving Johnny’s. “I’m not going anywhere, Ethan. You need to stop underestimating yourself.”

Johnny’s confusion turned to recognition, his face paling. “Wait… You’re—”

Rebecca’s smile was cold, her eyes glinting with a dangerous light. “Yes, Johnny. I’m that Rebecca. And you’re about to make a very big mistake.”

A wave of shock passed through Johnny’s men, their eyes widening as they realized who she was. Johnny, his bravado crumbling, took a step back, his voice shaking. “Miss Rebecca, I didn’t know—”

Rebecca cut him off, her tone like ice. “Didn’t know, or didn’t care? Either way, you’ve overstepped.”

Johnny’s face turned an ashen shade, his bravado completely gone. “I—I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to—”

Ethan, stunned by the turn of events, could only watch as Johnny, the feared gangster, practically cowered before Rebecca. She looked at him with disdain, her voice calm but commanding.

“Leave. Now. And don’t let me hear about you bothering Ethan again.”

Johnny nodded frantically, his eyes wide with fear. “Y-yes, Miss Rebecca. I’m sorry. We’re leaving.”

He gestured to his men, and they scrambled back into the van, their expressions a mix of fear and confusion. As they sped away, the street fell silent again.

Ethan turned to Rebecca, his mind reeling. “Who… who are you?”

Rebecca’s smile softened, the hard edge fading from her eyes. “Just someone who doesn’t like bullies, Ethan.”

Ethan shook his head, still in shock. “Johnny was terrified of you. I’ve never seen him like that.”

She shrugged lightly. “I have a certain… reputation. But that’s not important right now.”

Ethan stared at her, awe and confusion mingling in his gaze. “Why are you helping me?”

Rebecca’s eyes softened, and she reached out, squeezing his arm gently. “Because I believe in you, Ethan. And I want everyone else to see what I see. But remember this—I’m giving you this chance, and I’ll help you as much as I can. But if you can’t handle it, if you crumble under the pressure, I won’t be able to protect you forever.”

Ethan nodded slowly, understanding the weight of her words. “I won’t let you down, Rebecca. I promise.”

She smiled, her gaze holding his. “Good. Now, let’s get you some real herbs and see what you’re truly capable of.”

As they walked back toward the villa, Ethan felt a sense of purpose and determination he had never known before. He didn’t know where this path would lead, but with Rebecca by his side, he was willing to face whatever challenges came his way.

And for the first time, he felt like he was finally stepping into his own destiny.