For a moment, my perfect life changed for the worst. Fiona began to act weird around me and wasn't giving me any more attention. I remembered the kiss and didn't understand. Yes, we were family, but the kiss meant a lot to me.And Elena, She had promised to be there for me and even help me take down Ethan, but with the rumors circulating inside the school premises, she had been ghosting me.I knew one thing: it was going to be a tough battle if Ethan, Elena, Linda and Fiona all gang up against me. I stood no chance.I looked at the cryptic message I had been receiving from the strange number and wondered who it might be. My mind went back to my kidnappers and knew Ethan had a hand in it, but there was no proof to show that he was the one that sent some people after me.My mind went back to what Eric had told me. He might actually be the only one who wanted what was best for me, but I was smart enough to know that the game was not for the weak. I was able to call this number when the d

The Carter mansion was bussling with an uneasy energy as cars lined up the long driveway, their tires crunching against the gravel. I watched from the second-floor window, my eyes narrowing as I recognized some of the arriving family members. There was a sense of foreboding that settled deep in my stomach—Edward's death had not only fractured the family's unity, but it had also sparked a dangerous competition for power.By late afternoon, the house was filled with unfamiliar faces. I had never seen so many Carters in one place, each one wearing the same cold expression of barely concealed ambition. They had come from all corners of the world, each with their own reasons for attending Edward’s burial. As they mingled in the mansion’s lavish foyer, I caught snippets of hushed conversations—rumors about the will, whispered alliances, and veiled threats of what was to come.My Aunt Camilla had taken it upon herself to greet each arrival with a charming smile, all while maneuvering like a

I stood in front of the vault with a glint of happiness in my eyes. The thought of what was inside gnawed at me. The vault didn't contain just treasure but untold secrets and family trees.My heart pounded rapidly, adrenaline coursing through my veins, and the eagerness to see what was there was all I could think about.I slowly walked closer to the vault, my eyebrows furrowed. The vault had an encryption, and it had to be opened with a password.“Not now,” I grunted.I was about to start deciphering the password when I suddenly heard a loud bang against my head. The sharp thud of brick clashing against my skull sent me crashing to the ground.As I bled onto the cold floor beneath me, I tried to see who had attacked me, but all I could hear was a strange laughter that sent a shiver down my spine. The thought of Fiona trying to hurt me was all I could think about, but deep down, I knew the battle was about more than the hatred she had for me.I looked back at the only clue left by my g

I watched Eric walk out on me. The man who had promised to be there for me throughout the journey was now gone, leaving me with nothing but his words to prove myself.“What should I do? Where do I start from?” Those were the only thoughts running through my mind.I stood frozen as camera flashes exploded around me like a violent storm. Microphones were shoved in my face, and questions rang out one after another, blurring together in a chaotic assault. The sound of journalists speaking all at once filled my ears, their voices rising as they demanded answers.“Jason, is it true that you forged documents to prove your connection to the Carter family?”“Are you just another gold digger looking for a quick fortune?”“Did Edward Carter even acknowledge you before his death?”The questions hit me like a series of slaps, and my mind went blank. My mouth opened, but no sound came out. I wanted to defend myself, to shout that I was Edward’s grandson, that Carter blood ran through my veins, but

My heart thudded with fear. I had initially wanted to take a leak after washing my clothes, but then, like magic, the urge suddenly disappeared."Who is that?" I asked in a shaky voice, even though I already knew who it was.It was the last day of Ethan's suspension, and he was already back on the school premises.I cursed under my breath for meeting Fiona that morning. While cursing, I also said a few silent prayers, hoping it wasn't Ethan."Can you please come out? I really need to poo!" a student shouted, releasing some poisonous gas into the air.I covered my nose as I looked at the chubby student."Jeez! What did you eat this morning, Pete?" I asked angrily.Pete quickly ran inside and slammed the door behind him.I wiped the nervous sweat from my forehead and walked toward the mirror. Suddenly, I felt the urge to pee again, so I quickly walked to the white porcelain sink to relieve myself.I was now the underdog of the school, and I knew everyone would want to pick on me.I zipp