Jolie's expression had gone from amused to ice-cold, but Charlie was beyond noticing."Women like you make me sick," Charlie spat, his voice rising. "Throwing yourself at pretty boys who've never worked a day in their lives, while actual successful men get ignored. You want to waste your money on this parasite? Fine. But don't come crying when he bleeds you dry and moves on to the next rich idiot willing to bankroll his lazy—""Is he serious right now?" someone in the crowd muttered, their voice carrying clearly in the shocked silence."Does he have a death wish?" another guest whispered back."Who insults Jolie Spencer to her face? At her own family's event?"The name rippled through the crowd like a shockwave.Spencer.Jolie Spencer.Helen felt her blood turn to ice. Her hand flew to her mouth as the realization crashed over her like a tidal wave.The Spencer family's eldest daughter. The adopted child of Harvey Spencer, one of the most powerful men in the world. The woman who sat o

An hour later, the incident had faded into background gossip as the gala continued. Jolie had been pulled away to the reception room to meet with several international business partners—the kind of critical connections that required her personal attention.Ethan had excused himself, needing a moment away from the crowd and the endless small talk. He found refuge on one of the estate's many terraces, a secluded balcony overlooking the gardens, where the music from the ballroom was muted and the night air was cool and refreshing.He stood at the railing, wine glass in hand, looking out over the perfectly manicured grounds and thinking about how different his life had become in just a few days.A week ago, he'd been standing at City Hall alone, abandoned by Helen for the ninth time.Now he was home, surrounded by family, reclaiming the future he'd almost thrown away.The sound of footsteps behind him made Ethan turn.Charlie stood in the terrace doorway, his face flushed—whether from alc

Ethan stood on the terrace for a moment, watching Charlie's performance with Helen, listening to the lies spill from his mouth so smoothly, so practiced.The man was a professional victim, a master manipulator who'd spent three years poisoning Helen against him, and he was doing it again right now.Something cold and final settled in Ethan's chest.He'd been patient. He'd been diplomatic. He'd let Charlie's provocations slide because fighting back seemed beneath him.But maybe it was time to stop being the bigger person.Ethan turned and walked to the small bar cart positioned at the edge of the terrace—a thoughtful touch the staff had added for guests who wanted to enjoy drinks while admiring the gardens.He selected a bottle of red wine, a vintage Bordeaux that probably cost more than Charlie made in a month back when he'd actually worked for a living.The weight of the bottle was satisfying in his hand.Charlie was still on the ground, Helen leaning over him with concern etched acr

"We're not calling the police." Charlie leaned his head back against the seat, his eyes closed, his face pale beneath the blood and wine. "Ethan's right. They won't do anything. Not here. Not against the Spencer family.""But he assaulted you! We have witnesses!""Witnesses who all work for or associate with the Spencer family," Charlie said bitterly. "Who do you think they'll side with?"The truth of it settled over Helen like a shroud. She'd been operating under the assumption that law and justice were absolutes, that right and wrong mattered regardless of wealth or influence.But she'd been naive.This was the world the truly powerful inhabited—where consequences were optional, where police were suggestions rather than authorities, where a billion-dollar legal team could make reality itself negotiable.She'd never fully understood it before. Never been on this side of the equation."This is your fault," Helen said suddenly, her voice sharp with displaced rage. "If you hadn't gone a

"As long as necessary," Ethan said simply. "I'm currently enrolled at GBI to complete my graduate degree. Simultaneously, I'll be shadowing department heads, attending board meetings, studying our portfolio companies. When I'm ready—when both my father and Jolie believe I'm ready—I'll take on more responsibility."Sarah Martinez exchanged glances with Thomas Wright. They seemed to be communicating silently, coming to some shared conclusion."That's a mature approach," Sarah said finally. "Most heirs assume the name alone entitles them to immediate power. The fact that you're willing to work for it suggests you might actually succeed.""Though it won't be easy," Thomas added. "There are sharks circling the Spencer empire constantly, looking for any sign of weakness. The moment they think leadership is uncertain or the heir is incompetent, they'll strike.""I know," Ethan said. "Which is why I'm not announcing my return publicly yet. Let people underestimate me while I learn. It's bette