Alice stared at the sleek black car Ethan had just started driving away in. It gleamed softly under the streetlights, a clear sign it wasn’t some cheap ride. And besides she had heard Loic saying it was fucking expensive. “Ethan,” Alice said quietly, still holding his hand, “This car… it’s beautiful. When did you get it?” Ethan glanced at her with a calm smile. “I saved up a bit over time. Wanted to get you something special. A gift.” Alice’s eyes widened. “You saved up all this?” She looked at the car again, then back at him, feeling a warmth in her chest. “I mean… it’s not cheap, right?” “No, not cheap.” He nodded. “But I kept some money aside for things like this. For you.” Alice felt touched, almost overwhelmed. But then, a small thought poked at her mind. “Ethan… how does someone save up nearly eight hundred thousand dollars?” She tried to keep her voice casual but her eyes searched his face. Ethan’s smile faltered just a tiny bit, though he quickly recovered. “I work hard

When Paul saw Ethan across the lobby, he froze for a moment. Then he whispered something to Sierra. She looked at Ethan, her eyes opening wide for a second before she forced a smile. Paul smirked, clearly pleased with himself.He pulled Sierra close, one arm around her waist, and walked forward like he was showing her off.“Well, well… small world, huh?” he said loud enough for others to hear. “This is my new girl. Sierra’s been keeping me busy.” He laughed and leaned in to whisper to her.Sierra smiled at him, but the smile got stiff when she saw Ethan staring.Ethan’s lips curved a little not friendly, not warm just a sharp look that said he wasn’t impressed. “Oh,” he said lightly, “your face is still in bad shape. Let me guess—makeup didn’t hide it? Still swollen from when Marcus slapped you?” Sierra froze, her cheeks heating under the layers of powder she’d carefully applied that morning. She had spent hours trying to hide the faint bruise and puffiness, but Ethan could still

Ethan’s eyes darkened. “You’re overpaying for something you don’t even want.” Paul’s lips curled into a slow, mocking grin. “Wanting it isn’t the point. Taking it from you is.” The leasing agent gave a strained smile, clearly regretting showing either of them the property. “Gentlemen, I really think—”Paul lifted his hand slowly, cutting him off without taking his eyes off Ethan. “Go ahead, gentleman. Write up the papers. My name only.”Ethan’s jaw tightened, but he stayed still, watching Paul lean on the counter and sign his name like he was just signing an autograph.The leasing agent pushed the papers over. “Congratulations, Mr. Bellano. That’ll be $800,000 upfront.”Ethan’s brows twitched. Eight hundred thousand? For a place worth a hundred grand a month.Paul didn’t even blink.He took out a black card and set it on the counter like he was just paying for coffee. When the receipt came, he gave it a quick wave before slipping it into his jacket pocket.“I’ll take the twentiet

As soon as Alice hung up, a sharp voice broke the silence in the lobby. “You can’t wait here,” the man said, cold and commanding. He was very bossy. “Step outside. This isn’t for people like you.” He stood tall, chest out, chin high. His dark eyes were full of hate, and his suit fit him perfectly. Alice frowned and held her bag tight. “But my boyfriend said—” “I don’t care what he said,” he snapped. “Out. Now.” Alice had no choice. She stepped into the hot sun. The heat hit her hard. Sweat ran down her face. Her clothes stuck to her skin. Her lips were dry. She tried to stay calm, gripping her bag. Her eyes kept looking back at the building door, hoping Ethan would come. Where is he? Why isn’t he here? she thought. He promised he’d meet me. What if something happened? No… he’ll come. He has to. Minutes passed. The sun was strong. Half an hour went by. Her patience ran out. Her stomach hurt. Her throat felt dry. Then the man came back. He smiled cruelly. “You’ve waited long

The man froze. Could what Ethan just said really be true? His hand shook as he gripped his phone, sweat running down his temple.Then, the loud wail of sirens.Blue and red lights flared outside the glass doors, and within moments, the police chief stormed in with a full team of officers. “Mr. Storm!” the chief called, his tone full of respect as he hurried straight to Ethan. “We’re here as you ordered.” The entire hall fell silent then gasps erupted in the room. “D-Did he just call him… Mr. Storm?” someone whispered.“No way! The chief… he never bows to anyone!” a man stammered, his eyes wide with fear.“What kind of person is he?” a woman whispered, clutching her friend’s arm tightly.The arrogant man’s jaw hung open. His lips moved, but no sound came out. His face was pale, like all the color had drained away.Ethan’s eyes were cold like ice. He wasted no words. “Find Alice. Now. Search every floor, every room. I want her location immediately.” “Yes, sir!” the chief barke