The Mercedes glided through the city streets, leaving Riverside Plaza and Charlotte's mocking words far behind. Ethan stared out the window, watching the urban landscape shift from commercial districts to upscale residential areas. He needed to focus on practical matters now. A place to live. A base of operations for whatever came next."James," he said finally, breaking the silence. "Take me to the best residential area in the city. I need to find a place to stay."James glanced at him through the rearview mirror. "The Oceanview district would be your best option, young master. Luxury properties along the coast. Very exclusive.""That sounds perfect.""It will require taking the coastal highway. Approximately forty minutes from here.""That's fine."James nodded and adjusted their route. The buildings gradually became more sparse as they left the city center behind, heading toward the waterfront properties that only the wealthiest could afford.Twenty minutes later, the landscape had

Ethan stood over the groaning thugs scattered across the asphalt like broken toys, a cold sneer playing at his lips. He'd expected some resistance—maybe even a decent fight—but this? This was pathetic."Is that all you've got?" Ethan's voice dripped with contempt as he surveyed the carnage. "I've seen stray dogs put up a better fight than you clowns."One thug with a snake tattoo sprawled on his back clutched his ribs, wheezing like a punctured tire. Another lay face-down, moaning into the pavement. The rest weren't in much better shape.James leaned against the car, arms crossed, his expression shifting from concern to genuine admiration. He'd served military men, corporate executives, even foreign dignitaries—but watching Ethan dismantle nine armed thugs with nothing but his fists? That was something else entirely."Young master," James said, shaking his head slowly, "I must admit, I underestimated you."Ethan barely acknowledged the comment, his attention fixed on the man who'd led

Ethan looked down at Vanessa with the kind of detached interest one might give a particularly noisy insect—mildly irritating, but ultimately beneath concern. A faint, cold smile played at the corners of his mouth."You know, Vanessa," he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm so subtle it took a moment to land, "I've always admired your consistency. Most people grow and evolve over time, but you? You've managed to remain exactly as shallow and uncouth as the day I met you. That takes a special kind of dedication to mediocrity."Tyla blinked, her mouth forming a small 'o' of surprise.Vanessa froze mid-step, her brain seemingly struggling to process what had just been said. She turned slowly, her perfectly made-up face cycling through confusion, realization, and finally settling on pure, volcanic rage."What... what did you just say to me?" Her voice came out strangled, disbelieving."I believe my words were quite clear," Ethan replied smoothly, examining his nails with exaggerated disin

Vanessa's entire body trembled with rage, her carefully manicured fingers curling into claws at her sides. Ethan's words had hit their mark with surgical precision, and the humiliation of it—the public nature of her exposed insecurity—twisted in her gut like a rusted knife."You... you BASTARD!" she screamed, her voice cracking with fury. "How DARE you speak to me like that!"Ethan didn't even turn around, his hand still resting on the door handle.That indifference—that casual dismissal—was gasoline on the fire of Vanessa's wounded pride. She whirled toward the small crowd that had gathered, her face flushed and twisted with vindictive rage."Everyone! EVERYONE, listen to me!" She pointed a shaking finger at Ethan's back. "Do you see this man? This worthless, pathetic excuse for a human being? Let me tell you EXACTLY what kind of creature he is!"Several onlookers shifted uncomfortably, but nobody left. The promise of drama was too enticing."This is Ethan Morrison!" Vanessa announce

"Completely impossible!" Vanessa practically shrieked, her voice echoing through the pristine sales office lobby. Several agents looked up from their desks, startled by the commotion. "There's NO WAY that pathetic worm has thirty-two million dollars! Not even his ancient sugar mama would give him that much!"Tyla nodded vigorously, her earlier hesitation evaporating. "You're absolutely right! He's probably going to make some excuse about needing to 'check with Rebecca' or 'verify his account balance' before slinking out of here like the coward he is!"The small crowd that had followed them inside—curiosity overcoming propriety—murmured their agreement. The math simply didn't add up. A man in an unremarkable suit who'd arrived at the Bianco estate in a taxi couldn't possibly have that kind of liquid capital.Ethan stood in the center of the gleaming marble lobby, completely unbothered by the spectacle around him. He turned to James with a slight nod."James, would you mind calling my a