The crimson light faded from Ethan's eyes, but the power remained—coursing through his veins like molten steel. He pushed himself upright effortlessly. The broken ribs, shattered cheekbone, internal bleeding—all gone, healed completely.But there was more. Knowledge flooded his mind—ancient cultivation techniques, combat forms, energy manipulation methods. Secrets that felt foreign yet familiar, as if they'd been sleeping in his soul.Savage growls erupted from the darkness.Six massive dogs emerged—pit bulls mixed with something more feral. Scarred bodies, foam-flecked maws. Fighting dogs. Starved and trained to kill.The lead dog lunged at his throat.Time slowed.Ethan's leg whipped up. His foot connected with the dog's ribcage mid-leap with a sickening crack. The massive animal flew backward, crashing into two packmates. Its ribs collapsed inward. It didn't get up.The remaining dogs charged together.Ethan moved like water, struck like lightning. A punch caved in the second dog's

The clerk hesitated, glancing between the Chen women and Ethan. "Mrs. Chen, I apologize, but this gentleman arrived first and was already in the process of purchasing—""First?" Margaret's laugh was sharp and cruel. "Look at him! He probably can't even afford the security deposit on this store, let alone a fifty-million-dollar crystal."Claire circled Ethan like a predator, her voice dripping with mockery. "This is honestly pathetic. Did you come here to pretend you're someone important? To play dress-up with the real elite?" She leaned closer. "You're still the same worthless orphan my sister had to tolerate. Nothing's changed."Ethan remained silent, his jaw clenched tight."Oh, he's not even denying it," Margaret said with false sympathy. "Poor thing probably thought he could walk in here and... what? Impress someone? Buy his way into relevance?" She turned to the clerk. "Darling, stop wasting our time. Put the stone on our account.""Ma'am, I really must insist that the first cust

Lily's phone buzzed on the nightstand.Margaret's name flashed on the screen. She'd called back."I thought about it more," Lily said, skipping any greeting. "Don't worry about Ethan. Tomorrow, Damien and I are attending Zenith Global's anniversary ceremony. I'll make sure Damien personally deals with him.""Deals with him how?" Margaret asked."However is necessary." Lily's voice was cold and measured. "Ethan surviving was a complication we didn't anticipate. But whatever this woman is to him, it doesn't matter. Damien will remind him exactly what he is.""Good," Margaret said with satisfaction. "That little rat humiliated us tonight.""There's something else," Lily continued. "Something that should put everyone's mind at ease about our future." She lowered her voice with barely contained excitement. "Damien's father received inside information about tomorrow's ceremony. The new chairman of Zenith Global will be making a public appearance. Apparently the ownership transfer has been f

At the command, guards converged from every direction—eight, then ten, then twelve of them, batons drawn, hands on tasers, moving with coordinated aggression toward Ethan."Yes! Finally!" Lily's voice rang out, shrill with vindictive excitement. "Break his legs! Make sure he never walks properly again!"Damien stepped forward, practically vibrating with anticipation. "You heard the lady! Be ruthless! Show this trash what happens when he forgets his place!"Several of the gathered guests nodded their approval, some even voicing their support."About time someone dealt with these gate crashers," an older executive muttered."The audacity to attack security," another added. "He deserves everything coming to him."Ethan stood perfectly still, watching the guards approach with weapons raised. His posture was relaxed, his breathing even. Not a trace of fear crossed his features.The guards formed a semicircle, tightening the noose."WHAT IS GOING ON OUT HERE?"The voice boomed across the en

Damien and Lily stood surrounded by their audience, basking in the attention and the mockery directed at Ethan."Look at him standing there," Lily said, loud enough for everyone to hear. "Still pretending he belongs in places like this.""Just because you managed to steal or forge some access card doesn't mean you can compare yourself to us," Damien added, his voice dripping with contempt. "You're still the same worthless nobody you've always been."The crowd murmured their agreement, some openly laughing.Ethan remained perfectly still, his hands in his pockets, his expression unreadable."Once the chairman signs off on our partnership this afternoon," Damien continued, puffing his chest, "the Cross family officially becomes second tier. My father will control partnerships worth billions. And you?" He gestured dismissively at Ethan. "You'll still be exactly where you've always been—at the bottom, looking up at people like me.""The chairman won't be signing anything," Ethan said quie