Ethan’s knees started to bend. “Just kneel,” he told himself. “It’s not worth losing your arm.”“Break his left arm first,” Jason said casually. “He’s right-handed, right? Let him keep the good one so he can still mop.”Adam laughed. “Very generous.”“Wait,” Ethan heard himself say. “I’ll...”“What is going on here?”The voice cut through everything. Vice Chancellor Hector Freeman stood in the doorway, a big man in his mid-fifties, built like someone who still hit the gym at five a.m. Behind him were two people Ethan knew well. Amelia Freeman, the VC’s daughter, she was considered the queen of the university, at just twenty years old she was the student union president, youngest board member, campus goddess, and, surprisingly, Ethan’s friend. And Trevor Stevens, last child of the thirty-billion-dollar Stevens hospitality empire, whose Mayfair Gardens resorts Ethan could never afford to enter, but who had been his friend for years.Amelia took in the scene instantly, Ethan soaked in ch

Donald rushed toward the police chief, face twisted with fury. Behind him, the Silvercrest security team moved as one, heavy weapons raised, red dots landing on every officer's chest."Wait!" Chief Dolan threw his hands up. "I was only trying to help! He was running back to the cell..."Donald's fist connected with his chin three times, each impact like meat hitting concrete. "Helpful? You threw the young master to the ground. You had your men tackle him like a common criminal."A kick to the stomach folded the chief in half. He dropped to his knees, coughing blood onto the pavement. His officers knelt in perfect surrender, surrounded by men with guns who clearly wanted an excuse to pull the trigger. If Donald ordered the entire force wiped out, nobody would say a word.Donald turned away from the bleeding chief, his entire demeanor shifting from killer to servant again. He gently helped Ethan to his feet. "Young Master, please forgive me. I failed to protect you."Ethan touched his s

The lobby stayed frozen for a bit after Ethan’s threat. Then Adam burst out laughing. “Oh, I get it now, it because of Ray. He thinks Amelia will get Ray to talk to his father, and Donald Steflon bankrupts our families. Classic desperate thinking.”Relief washed over the Golden Five, as their shoulders dropped and their laughter returned.“You almost had me worried,” Cady said.Brad stepped forward, his smirk restored. “My family and Cady’s are direct subordinates to the Silvercrest Clan. We work for them, under their protection. Why would the Silvercrests throw loyal subordinates under the bus for some janitor?”“Even Ray has limits,” Cady added. “Donald Steflon serves the Silvercrest family. He wouldn’t bankrupt us over someone his son’s crush asked him to help.”“Just watch,” Ethan said, turning to leave.“Wait!” Cady called. “You better get ready to become Ray’s wife, Amelia.”Ethan spun back. “What does that mean?”Cady twirled her hair. “If Amelia asks Ray for another favor this

Minutes later, a woman stepped out of the bank. She was in her late twenties, sleek ponytail, cream-colored suit that fit like it was stitched onto her. Everything about her radiated competence. Behind her stood Brian, hovering like an anxious fly. She scanned the compound, eyes landing on Ethan in his shabby uniform and bruised face.Ethan walked toward her. Brian rushed forward, blocking him. "Stay back!" His voice cracked. "One more step and I'll have you arrested!"Ethan ignored him, looking past him at the woman. "Are you Austin Ross's PA?"Her eyes sparked with interest. "Are you Ethan?""I am, I was invited here personally by Austin Ross."She turned to Brian, whose hand was raised to physically block Ethan. "Stop," she commanded. Brian's hand froze. "Miss Samson, you don't understand he is a pauper, our elite clients are threatening to boycott...""I said stop. Did you not hear me the first time?"Brian's mouth opened and closed, silent.She extended her hand to Ethan. "My nam

The grand hall of Silvercrest University blazed with light. Crystal chandeliers hung like frozen fireworks, marble floors polished to mirrors, music drifting through the air. The annual Donor Banquet had begun, it was a status symbol, a playground for billionaires to show off, and a way to say, "I matter to the Silvercrest family."The parking lot had become a car show. Trevor's custom Rolls-Royce Ghost which was a ten million dollars car pulled in. He stepped out, adjusting his cufflinks, and five more cars rolled in beside him in unison. It was the Golden Five, as planned.The crowd erupted. "Adam's new Ferrari, twelve million! His suit's Valentino, three million!" "Jessica's Bentley Continental, fifteen million, and a five-million-dollar dress!" "Jason's Brabus, twenty million, and a two-million-dollar watch!" "Cady's Porsche 911 Cabriolet—her jewelry could feed a small country!" And finally, Brad's Lamborghini Miura SVJ, thirty million, matched with an eight-million-dollar Tom For