The stench of rotting food clung to Ethan Cole's clothes as he dragged the last trash bag toward the collection point behind the Harrison mansion. His hands were raw, his back ached, but he didn't complain. He never did."Ethan! ETHAN!"The shrill voice of his mother-in-law, Margaret Harrison, pierced through the morning air. He quickly straightened up, wiping sweat from his brow with his already filthy sleeve."Coming, Mother," he called back, his voice steady despite the exhaustion.He found her in the main hall, her face twisted in disgust as she pointed at a small water stain on the marble floor.Around her, several Harrison family relatives had gathered for the monthly family meeting—which really meant another opportunity to humiliate him."Look at this mess! Are you blind or just incompetent? I asked you to clean this floor an hour ago!" Margaret's designer heel clicked against the marble as she stepped closer, her perfume overwhelming. "My friends are coming over this afternoon

Ethan returned to the Harrison mansion to find it in chaos. Cars lined the circular driveway, expensive cars belonging to various Harrison relatives who'd come for what was clearly an impromptu family gathering.He knew what this was about before he even entered.The moment he stepped through the door, the noise hit him. Laughter, excited chatter, the clink of champagne glasses. In the living room, at least twenty people had gathered, all dressed in their finest, all celebrating something.His impending destruction."Oh, look who decided to grace us with his presence!" Derek's voice boomed across the room. "The man of the hour! Or should I say, the man whose hours are numbered?"Raucous laughter followed.Ethan's eyes swept the room, taking in every face. Sophia's parents, Margaret and Richard Harrison. Her brothers Derek and Jonathan. Various aunts, uncles, cousins—all people who'd spent three years treating him like a servant.And there, in the center of it all, sat Sophia with Marc

The rain poured down in sheets as Ethan stood outside the Fifth Street homeless shelter, staring at the building with dark amusement.The legal documents from Harrison Industries had indeed been delivered here—handed to the shelter manager who'd looked at him with pity."Mr. Cole?" A thin, nervous man approached with an umbrella. "I'm Roger Bill, the shelter manager. These came for you today."Ethan took the envelope, water streaming down his face. He wore the same worn clothes from his time at the Harrison mansion—part of the image he needed to maintain just a little longer."Thank you, Roger.""Sir, about your stay here... we have rules. No alcohol, no drugs, lights out at nine. Breakfast is at six. You'll need to be out during the day to look for work—""I won't be staying long," Ethan assured him. "Just a few days."Inside the envelope was a formal demand letter, along with something else that made his jaw tighten. A photocopy of a tabloid newspaper. The headline screamed:"HARRIS

The Presidential Gala was the event of the year—a gathering of the nation's most powerful and influential people. Presidents, prime ministers, military leaders, business tycoons, and celebrities all received invitations.Being invited was a mark of prestige; being honored at the gala was legendary.At the Harrison mansion, the family was in chaos preparing for the event."Mother, does this dress make me look fat?" Sophia asked, modeling her fifth gown of the evening."Darling, you look perfect," Margaret assured her, though her attention was on her own reflection. "Remember, tonight is crucial. The President himself will be there. If we play our cards right, Harrison Industries could secure government contracts worth billions."Marcus appeared in the doorway, impossibly handsome in his custom tuxedo. "Ladies, you both look stunning. The car will be here in an hour.""I still can't believe we're actually going," Derek said, adjusting his bow tie for the tenth time. "The Presidential Ga

The thunderous applause slowly faded, but the shock remained thick in the air .Ethan stood on stage beside the President, the Star of Valor gleaming on his chest. The Five Dragon Guards positioned themselves at strategic points around the ballroom as a statement of power."Commander Cole," the President said, his voice still amplified by the microphone."Would you like to say a few words?"Ethan nodded and stepped to the podium. Every eye in the room fixed on him. Cameras flashed. News crews who'd been filming the gala suddenly realized they were witnessing history."Three years ago," Ethan began, his voice calm but carrying absolute authority, "I made a decision to step away from public life. I had reasons—reasons that are now complete. During that time, I lived as a different man. A simpler man with no power, no influence, no status."Murmurs rippled through the crowd. People were connecting dots, remembering rumors."I did this to understand something fundamental about human natur