Ethan stared at the old man, his mind refusing to process the words. "Kidman? You're... you're saying you're—""Vincent Kidman. Yes." The old man's voice was steady despite the emotion in his eyes. "And you are my grandson. My daughter's son.""That's impossible." Ethan shook his head, stepping back. "My mother never mentioned—""She wouldn't have." Vincent's expression crumpled with old pain. "I made certain of that when I cut her off twenty-three years ago."The admission hung in the air between them."You... cut her off?" Ethan's voice was hollow."I was a fool." Vincent gestured toward the car. "Please. Get in. There's so much I need to explain, and this isn't the place."Ethan's legs moved on autopilot. The interior of the sedan was immaculate—leather seats, polished wood trim, the faint scent of expensive cologne. Vincent settled beside him as the driver pulled away from the curb."Your mother was my only child," Vincent began, his weathered hands clasped tightly together. "Sara

Ethan stared at the silver emblem in his palm, his mind suddenly racing. "The star and moon... I've seen this before." "What?" Vincent leaned forward. "My mother had a necklace. Same design." Ethan's eyes widened. "She wore it every day until... until she got sick. Then she gave it to me. Told me to keep it safe, that it was important." "Where is it now?" "In my room. At the Morrison estate." The words tasted bitter. Vincent's . "I'll send men to retrieve it. You don't need to—" "No." Ethan's voice was steel. "I'll get it myself." "Ethan, after what happened today—" "After what happened today, I won't run from them anymore." Ethan met his grandfather's eyes. "They're nothing but trash. Why should I fear trash?" Pride flickered across Vincent's weathered face. A slow smile spread. "You truly are Sarah's son. Very well. But if you need assistance—" "I won't." Ethan pocketed the emblem. "I'll be back within the hour." "Good." Vincent clasped his shoulder once more. "Show them

The crystal chandeliers of the Morrison estate's grand ballroom cast a golden glow over the assembled elite. Derek Morrison stood at the center of a cluster of admirers, his face heavily caked with makeup to conceal the bruising beneath. "The Kidman family contract," Derek announced, swirling his champagne with exaggerated flourish, "will be signed within the week. They practically begged us to partner with them." "Remarkable, Mr. Morrison!" A portly businessman gushed. "Your business acumen is truly unmatched." Vanessa clung to Derek's arm, her red dress shimmering under the lights. "Of course they chose us. The Morrison name represents excellence in this city." Richard Morrison nodded approvingly at his son, raising his glass. "This partnership will elevate Morrison Holdings to unprecedented heights. The Kidmans recognize quality when they see it." "Your family's success is truly inspiring," a woman in pearls simpered. Derek's chest puffed with pride. "It's all about knowing y

Ethan's chuckle echoed through the ballroom—low, dismissive, utterly unrepentant.The crowd gasped collectively, their faces contorting with shock and gleeful anticipation. This nobody, this street rat, had just laughed in Marcus Sterling's face."Did he just—""He's signing his own death warrant!""Mr. Sterling will destroy him!"Richard practically lunged forward, his face a mask of horrified fury. "Mr. Sterling, please, I sincerely apologize for this creature's disrespect! He's—he's mentally unstable! Completely deranged!""Marcus, darling," Vanessa purred, stepping forward with exaggerated concern, "you mustn't let this filth upset you. He's not worth the air he breathes."Derek clutched his bleeding face, his voice shaking with righteous indignation. "Mr. Sterling, I beg you—let me handle this trash. I'll drag him out myself and—""Silence." Marcus's single word cut through the noise like a blade.Everyone froze.Marcus Sterling stood perfectly still, his sharp eyes locked on Eth

The security guards hauled the Morrison family through the grand ballroom like sacks of garbage, their designer clothes rumpled, their dignity shattered. Guests parted before them, faces carefully neutral, though whispers followed in their wake like vultures circling carrion.Richard twisted in the guard's grip, his face purple with rage and disbelief. "Marcus! Marcus, wait! There's been a mistake! We came here to sign the contract! The partnership with the Kidman family!"Marcus stood frozen near the entrance to the VIP lounge, his back rigid, his hands still trembling."If you throw us out," Richard shouted desperately, "who's going to sign the deal? The agreement was supposed to be finalized tonight! The Kidman family is expecting—"Marcus turned slowly, his expression a mixture of contempt and genuine pity. "You still don't understand, do you?""Understand what?" Derek struggled against the guards holding him, his makeup-smeared face twisted with confusion. "We're your partners! W