The black sedan cut through the heavy Aethelgard traffic. Ethan Vance sat in the back, staring out at the unfamiliar city skyscrapers. After three years of handling a long-distance relationship over video calls, he had finally reached his limit. He had transferred to Aethelgard University to surprise his girlfriend, Chloe, and put an end to the distance for good. He was wearing a plain, slightly oversized gray t-shirt and cheap black trousers—his usual comfortable, low-profile look. ​As the sedan turned a sharp corner near the high-end shopping district, a massive, gleaming storefront caught his eye. The gold lettering across the glass facade read HVXL International. It was the newest flagship luxury boutique in his global empire, acquired by his corporate team just last week. As the sole owner and chairman of the multi-billion-dollar brand, the entire place belonged to him, though none of the local staff had ever seen his face. ​The sight of the boutique reminded him that he hadn

The hallway leading to the university cafeteria was bright and sunny, and Ethan felt a nervous excitement as he walked down it. He had spent three years in a long-distance relationship, managing everything over video calls. During all that time, he had intentionally kept his massive wealth and his global business empire a secret. He wanted to be completely sure that Chloe loved him for who he was, not for his money. Today was the day he finally planned to tell her the truth.As he got closer to the entrance, he noticed a young man leaning against the wall. The guy was wearing expensive designer clothes from a brand Ethan’s company actually handled, and he had a very arrogant, wealthy look about him. Ethan didn't think much of it and kept looking down the path for Chloe.A moment later, he saw her. She was walking toward the glass doors, smiling and looking happier than he had seen her in a long time."Chloe!" Ethan called out, smiling widely as he stepped forward to surprise her. He q

"Hey! There you are!" a breathless voice suddenly broke through the silence of the hallway.Ethan looked up from the trash can, turning his head toward the sound. Walking quickly toward him, was Cynthia Rose. She stopped right in front of him, panting slightly as she tried to catch her breath. "I had hoped you'd still be lingering around here."Ethan forced his expression into a calm one. "Is everything alright?""The doctors... they pulled it out," Cynthia whispered, her voice trembling slightly as her hand gently touched her throat, which was now completely free of the tightness. "It was exactly what you said. A parasite. Dr. Sarah told me that if I had waited even five more minutes, the creature would have breached my main artery and released a fatal toxin. I would have choked to death right there in the lobby. How did you do that? How could you possibly know that deadly insect was hidden inside my throat without a single medical tool?"Ethan looked at the famous influencer, shrugg

Julian marched right up to Ethan, his face contorted in absolute rage. "What the hell are you doing here? Seriously, man? This party is an exclusive event for the elite, for crying out loud! I literally blame myself right now for not putting extra security right at the front door just to stop trash like you from sneaking in."Ethan didn't move an inch. He just stared back at him with an incredibly calm, bored expression.Julian stepped closer, pointing a menacing finger at Ethan's chest. "You have exactly two options, you idiot. You either turn around and walk out of here on your own two feet right now, or I personally kick you out. Choose one."The wealthy students standing around the base of the stairs immediately noticed the confrontation. They turned around, looking at Ethan’s dust-streaked gray t-shirt and creased cotton trousers, and a wave of cruel whispers broke out."Look at his clothes," a girl snickered loudly from the crowd. "He probably pulled that outfit straight out of

At the sound of Cynthia’s furious voice, Julian’s hand froze mid-air. Panic flashed across his face, and he instantly released Ethan’s collar, taking a quick step backward.For a split second, the grand hall was completely silent. But as the students realized who was standing at the top of the stairs, the tension melted away, replaced by pure excitement. The entire crowd erupted into loud cheers and applause."Oh my god, Cynthia Rose is actually here!" a girl near the front squealed, clutching her hands together."Look at her dress!" another student yelled over the noise. "She looks like a literal goddess!""She is so pretty in person," a guy said, taking out his phone to record. "The photos online don't even do her justice."The hall buzzed with compliments as everyone clapped, thrilled by her arrival. Julian quickly smoothed down his jacket, forcing a bright, welcoming smile onto his face as he took a step toward the staircase."Cynthia! It is so amazing to finally have you here," J