2025-02-26 15:02:29One guard stepped forward, placing a meaty hand on Ethan’s shoulder. "Let’s go.”
Before Ethan could shake the hand off, a sharp voice cut through the tense silence. "What in the name of all that’s holy is going on here?” All eyes turned toward a tall, older gentleman in a distinguished gray suit striding purposefully across the lobby. His posture radiated authority, and a faint badge on his lapel indicated a high-ranked position within Aurelius Group. The manager stiffened instantly, turning to face the newcomer. "S-Sir Chandler! I, uh, we have a situation with a trespasser.” Sir Chandler—clearly the manager’s superior—shot a quick glance at the group of guards, at Damian and Vanessa, then locked his gaze on Ethan. "A trespasser, you say?” Damian opened his mouth to speak, but Sir Chandler ignored him, directing his attention to the manager’s hands, which still clutched the clipboard. "Give me a proper explanation, or I’ll start demoting people on the spot.” The manager swallowed hard. "This man, uh, claims he has a black card from Aurelius Group. But it’s clearly not the standard design. We, um, concluded it must be a fake.” Sir Chandler’s gaze sharpened. “Not the standard design, hmm? Did you actually read what’s on the card, or did you just assume based on what you’re used to seeing?” A flicker of doubt crossed the manager’s face. He nodded stiffly. "I, well… you know, our top executives have black cards with the embossed logo, and his is engraved. It just didn’t match.” Sir Chandler’s lips thinned. “Let me see it.” Ethan pulled the card from his pocket, extending it without a word. Sir Chandler took it gently, flipping it over. The tension in the lobby was palpable. Even the guards seemed uncertain now, glancing back and forth between the older gentleman’s face and the manager’s trembling figure. For a moment, Sir Chandler’s expression was unreadable. Then, abruptly, his eyes widened. “You absolute fool,” he muttered under his breath, glaring at the manager. The manager took a step back, panic swirling in his eyes. “S-Sir, I—” SMACK! Sir Chandler’s palm connected with the manager’s cheek in a sudden, fierce slap. The sound reverberated across the lobby, turning every whisper into stunned silence. The manager clutched his face, looking like he’d just been struck by lightning. "Sir Chandler, please, I—” “You dare to lay hands on someone who holds the highest-level black card in Aurelius Group?” Sir Chandler roared. “You call security on him? Threaten him with force? Have you lost your mind?” Damian took an involuntary step backward, eyes darting to the side. Vanessa’s mouth hung open, no clever quips forthcoming. The newly arrived guards blinked in confusion, unable to process the sudden shift. "Highest-level…?” the manager repeated, voice trembling. “But, I—I—” “Yes!” Sir Chandler hissed, thrusting the card forward. "This is beyond the executive rank you’re familiar with. It’s only issued under very specific circumstances—and you were about to manhandle the cardholder?” The manager dropped his clipboard in shock, papers scattering across the marble floor. His mind whirled with the realization: The card he’d just dismissed as a counterfeit was actually a special black card that even top directors rarely saw. “I’m… so sorry…” he stammered, his face burning with shame. “I didn’t know…” Sir Chandler’s demeanor turned icy. “That’s exactly your problem, isn’t it? You. Didn’t. Know.” He swept a furious gaze over the trembling manager and then flicked it toward the security guards. "You’re all a disgrace to Aurelius Group’s professional standard.” Damian attempted to intervene, forcing a nervous chuckle. "Sir Chandler, maybe you’re misunderstanding. This guy—” Sir Chandler cut him off with a raised hand. “One more word, Mr. Hayes, and I’ll have you escorted out." Damian paled, stepping back to Vanessa’s side without protest. She stared daggers at Ethan, as if blaming him for this entire fiasco, though she no longer had the confidence to run her mouth. Turning to Ethan, Sir Chandler’s demeanor changed in an instant from anger to respect. He bowed his head slightly. "I’m terribly sorry for this ordeal, sir. I offer my sincerest apologies on behalf of Aurelius Group. If there’s anything we can do…”
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Vanessa’s and Damien’s mouths fell open in shock at the sight before them— Sir Chandler, apologizing to Ethan. Damien ignored Sir Chandler’s warnings and sneered. “Are you seriously apologizing to this worthless bastard?” He let out a scoff, his brows drawing together in disbelief. “Or wait… are you two in on this together?” His lips curled in disgust as he gestured at Ethan. “Did you set this up? Is this your doing?” Straightening his suit, he gave Sir Chandler a look of pure disdain. “Don’t worry, once the chairman signs that document, this will be your last day here. Scum like you, who will always be filth no matter where you go, don’t belong in a place like this. I’ll personally make sure you crawl back to the gutter where you came from—” The manager stepped closer to Damian and whispered something in his ear. "You clearly don't know who he is, Mr. Damiab. I'd advise you to keep your mouth shut—" "Or what?!" Damian snapped at the manager, his face twisted in fury. Van
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“What’s so funny?” Damian snarled, his jaw tightening. Ethan ignored him, the smirk still playing on his lips as he swirled the wine in his glass that a waiter had handed to him begrudgingly. Vanessa turned to Damian, lifting her chin to meet his gaze. In a low whisper meant to calm him, she said, “Don’t waste your breath on someone like him, babe. Today is for winners, not losers.” She glanced at Ethan before adding, “Besides, it’s good he’s here. At least he’ll get to watch you seal the deal right in front of him.” Damian chuckled, nodding in agreement before leaning in to kiss her. When she pulled away, she turned her attention back to Ethan, closing the space between them as she locked eyes with him. “Trash like you should know your place,” she spat, her voice dripping with disdain. “Just because you managed to sneak in with some cheap trick doesn’t mean you’re on the same level as Damian." She tossed her hair over her shoulder and let out a fake laugh. "Dream all
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She looked powerful and important. Her eyes were angry as she stared at Mr. Lorenzo. "Who do you think you are to try to hurt him?" she said angrily. "Are you trying to get yourself killed?" Mr. Lorenzo's face turned pale as he recognized her. His hand stopped in mid-air, and the guards quickly stepped away from Ethan. "Ms. Lara," he said nervously, no longer acting proud. "I didn't know you would be here tonight." People in the crowd started whispering to each other, looking confused. Lara was the famous General Manager of Aurelius Imperium Conglomerate. Why was she protecting someone like Ethan? "Tell your guards to back off, Lorenzo," Laura ordered in a voice that no one would dare argue with. "Now." Mr. Lorenzo quickly nodded and waved for the guards to move away. "There's been a mistake," he said, trying to save face. Damian and Vanessa looked at each other with worry. They weren't smiling anymore. "A mistake?" Lara laughed in a cold way. "I think the only mistake is tha
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The question sent a ripple through the crowd. "Wrong?" Damian sneered. "I know exactly who holds power in this company. And in a few hours, I’ll be sitting among the top tiers. You’re nothing but a nuisance trying to play a game you can’t win." Ethan chuckled softly, tilting his head with an amused glint in his eyes. "Are you sure about that?" For a brief moment, Damian’s confidence wavered, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his face. Vanessa let out a mocking laugh. "I told you, babe—it’s pointless wasting words on this nothing." With that, she turned her attention to the two guards standing nearby, her tone icy and commanding as if she held some authority. "Throw this dirty pig out. Right now!" The audacity. The guards hesitated, exchanging uncertain glances before their eyes flicked to Lara, silently seeking her permission. When they saw her expression—still unreadable—they shifted their gaze to Mr. Lorenzo, who gave a nod, greenlighting the order. As the guards took their
Cheated & Despised, now the Billionaire Heir Chapter Fourteen
The hall was deathly silent after Ethan announced that he was a VIP guest as confusion spread like wildfire among the attendees before whispers filled the air."A VIP?! Him? No way!""That has to be a mistake!""Wait… If he’s really a VIP, does that mean he holds more power than us?"Ethan couldn't help but smirk as he overheard their whispers.They all seemed reluctant to accept that he was no longer the person he used to be.Mr. Richard chuckled, trying not to offend Lara, and asked her if Ethan's claims were true.When she confirmed, "It's exactly as he said," the whispers intensified.Enjoying the moment, Ethan reached into his pocket and pulled out a sleek black pen that his father had given him, its Aurelius Group insignia shining under the chandelier lights.The gasps of realization that followed were almost overwhelming."Wait… that insignia," a female director from another subsidiary of Aurelius Group exclaimed, pointing at the pen, her shock evident in her voice."Doesn't th
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"Mr. Ethan," Mr. Chen said, extending a hand with a confident smile.Ethan’s sharp eyes met his, and he took the offered handshake, his grip firm."I don't think you mentioned your name earlier," Ethan replied, smiling.Mr. Chen chuckled. "Chen... Chen Wei. A name you might start hearing more often. I believe we’ll be seeing each other very soon."Ethan studied him, noting the confidence in his tone. There was no arrogance, just certainty—like he already knew their paths were bound to cross."Hmm. Why are you so certain we will?" Ethan kept his brows furrowed, feigning confusion."Let's just say I recognize potential when I see it," Mr. Chen replied, taking a sip of his champagne."Besides, I think you and I could have some mutually beneficial conversations about the future."Ethan chuckled, tilting his head with a smirk. “I think you’ve got me confused with someone else, or maybe you just have a really skewed view of who I am.”“Have you forgotten that I’m just a broke nobody? I have
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Damian’s rage-filled eyes locked onto Vanessa’s, suddenly attentive. "This might be a test by the chairman," she clarified with a smile. "Think about it—this humiliation, this public spectacle. It's exactly how the old guard weeds out the weak. They push to see who breaks and who pushes back harder." "And maybe..." She tilted her head. "He wants to see how you'll manage the situation before deciding whether to sign the deal or not. From what I heard, the chairman has unconventional ways of approaching things." She traced a finger down his tie. "And we both know you’ve never been one to back down from a challenge, have you?" Her words penetrated the fog of his anger, and a slow smirk crept onto his lips. "That’s the only explanation for this. Because why else would Mr. Chandler, the manager from earlier, and that woman humiliate us all because of Ethan?" She added.He scoffed coldly, disgust creeping into his expression. "Ethan being the reason I was humiliated? How pathe
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Chapter 101
***FLASHBACK******Fifteen months earlier—before the bone marrow transplant***The rain poured down in heavy sheets as Ethan pulled his thin delivery jacket tighter around his shoulders, the cheap plastic bag containing clutched against his chest to keep it dry. The electric scooter he used for deliveries had broken down three blocks back, and he'd had no choice but to continue on foot.His shoes squelched with every step, his socks soaked through. But he kept moving. This was his last delivery for the night. After that, he’d head back to his tiny apartment, count the few money he’d made, and stress over how he was going to cover even a small part of Vanessa’s hospital bills. She’d been stuck there for weeks, going through endless tests after they found out she needed a bone marrow transplant.He saw her as his girlfriend—his responsibility—even though her parents could easily afford everything."2487 Oakridge Drive," he muttered to himself, checking his phone again. The address
Chapter 100
Ethan chuckled. "Mercy? As how?""Ever since the scandal, the stock of my company has been in freefall," Mr. Hayes explained, words tumbling out faster now. "Crisis has been happening behind the scenes that the public doesn't know about yet. It's only a matter of time before everyone realizes we're worth nothing."He ran a trembling hand over his face. "I've spent every remaining resource and penny the family has to try to make the charges against the company go away. Just disowning Damian wasn't enough. And to make things worse, investors have been pulling out one by one, and the board of directors is losing trust and hope in my leadership."His voice cracked. "Only Chairman Aurelius can help me and my family now because I know he has the resources, influences, and power to make it happen.""And since you’re obviously close to him, maybe you could get him to help me and forget what my stupid, estranged son did with his greedy attitude."Ethan let the silence linger, watching the des
Chapter Ninety-nine
Ethan tilted his head slightly, his expression shifting to one of innocent confusion—a perfect mask that hid the satisfaction bubbling underneath."Why are you on your knees again, Mr. Hayes? Please, there's no need for that anymore."Mr. Hayes remained where he was, his hands clasped together as if in prayer. His voice trembled with desperate sincerity. "It's because my family and I need your forgiveness and mercy. We need it desperately."Ethan's eyebrows rose slightly, his performance flawless. "Forgiveness? Mercy? I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about.""Please," Mr. Hayes continued, his eyes never leaving Ethan's face. "I had no idea until today about the connection between my son and you. I swear it.”"Please, on behalf of my family, forgive us. Please."A smirk played on Ethan's lips as he tilted his head thoughtfully. "Your son?" He paused, as if something had just occurred to him. "Oh, you mean Damian? Your ex-son, the one you've now disowned?"Mr. Hayes nodded
Chapter Ninety-eight
Seated across from each other in leather chairs in the living room, Mr. Hayes couldn’t contain himself any longer; his words tumbled out like water breaking through a dam.“Ethan, seriously, thank you. You have no idea how much it means to me that you actually want to listen when Chairman—”Ethan laughed. “Come on, don’t even start. Honestly, I should be the one apologizing for the way those idiots treated you. It was embarrassing.”Mr. Hayes shook his head. "No.""They were just doing their job. No need to apologize.”Ethan watched the Mr. Hayes with a relaxed smile, enjoying the desperation that seemed to pour from every pore. "So, about—""Before we get to business, Mr. Hayes..." Ethan cut in. "What would you like to drink? We have an excellent scotch that I think you'd appreciate. Or perhaps something softer?"Mr. Hayes shook his head, his eyes darting nervously. "No, no, I don't need anything. Please, I just want to discuss the situation. Time is running out for me."Ethan's sm
Chapter Ninety-seven
The sound of commotion broke through the peaceful night at the Aurelius castle as angry voices and desperate pleas bounced off the high walls and slipped through the slightly open window of Ethan's bedroom.After all of Magnus’ begging and pressure because he was scared there might be another attack and that the ring might not protect Ethan next time, Ethan finally agreed to stay in the castle until he was crowned King of the World. Magnus had even begged him to stay inside the castle the whole time until then."Please! I need to see him! It's a matter of life and death!""Sir, we have strict orders from Chairman Aurelius. You need to leave now!""You don't understand! I need to see him... Please!"Ethan looked up from his phone, eyebrows lifting with mild interest because the desperate voice sounded oddly familiar. He put his phone down on the bedside table and walked to the window, peering out to catch a glimpse of the scene unfolding at the front gate.Two security guards in bla
Chapter Ninety-six
Later in the day, as Vanessa and her family were still celebrating, a sudden news report interrupted the air.“Breaking news,” the anchor’s voice was grim, grabbing everyone’s attention."New evidence has emerged in the Callum Construction scandal, directly implicating Jonathan Callum and his daughter, Vanessa Callum, along with other executives, in what authorities are now calling one of the largest fraud schemes in the city’s history.”Vanessa’s heart skipped a beat, and so did the rest of her family’s.Then, the screen flickered to show emails—dozens of them—between Jonathan and other directors, discussing ways to cut costs by using cheap materials and bribing inspectors. Then came documents with their signatures at the bottom.“What?!” The words escaped their mouths in unison, their faces paling.The anchor continued, “These emails and documents, provided to us by senior vice president Richard Callum, directly contradict Ms. Callum’s statements from the media briefing earlier, whe
Chapter Ninety-five
"I know you're aware that the evidence used against James Harry and the other supervisors is false," Ethan revealed, his voice surprisingly calm. "Vanessa and her father used it to throw them under the bus and save themselves, isn't it?"Richard's eyes widened. He glanced over his shoulder, then scanned the coffee shop as if looking for hidden cameras or eavesdroppers. When he turned back to Ethan, his face had lost all its arrogance."How do you know about that?" Richard whispered, leaning closer. "That information isn't public. Nobody outside the inner circle knows what really happened."Ethan chuckled. "Have you already forgotten what I told you about the Copper Group deal? You can say I'm... well-informed." He tapped his fingers lightly on the table. "I have my ways of knowing things people think are hidden.""What are you, some kind of hacker?" Richard asked, his eyes narrowing."Does it matter?" Ethan shrugged. "Do I have your undivided attention now?"Richard shifted in h
Chapter Ninety-four
Richard rushed back to the table, nearly knocking over his chair. His composure had been replaced by wide eyes and a pale face because he knew that if the words got out, he would be doomed."How do you know about that?" he repeated, his voice barely above a whisper. "Tell me right now!"Ethan said nothing, just calmly took another sip of his coffee.The silence stretched between them until Richard couldn’t take it anymore. He decided to mask his panic and fear by intimidating Ethan, convinced that people like Ethan always give in eventually, no matter their initial arrogance and boldness."It was Lara, wasn't it?" Richard chuckled."Though I can't understand how she found out..." He ran a hand through his hair, messing it up. "I can’t believe she was so blinded by love that she actually told you something like that,” he said, narrowing his eyes at Ethan and leaning forward. "Now, tell me—what do you want from me? Why are you saying this to my face?”Ethan just stared back at him,
Chapter Ninety-three
The coffee shop buzzed with afternoon chatter. Lara had picked the place, and Ethan was fine with it because it was nice and quiet.He sat at a corner table, watching the door through the steam of his untouched coffee.Right on time, a tall man with perfectly styled dark hair walked in. The man was Richard who Ethan had being waiting for. Richard wore an expensive navy suit that looked custom-made, with a silk tie and polished leather shoes.The moment Ethan lifted his hand and waved, Richard’s eyes immediately narrowed. At first, he ignored Ethan, continuing to glance around the place, hoping maybe Lara was just running late. But after a while, when it was clear no one else was coming, he gave a frustrated sigh and stomped over to the table where Ethan sat.Ethan stood up as Richard approached, flashing a big smile.“Mr. Callum,” Ethan said, reaching out for a handshake.Richard stopped, towering over the table without bothering to sit down. His eyes dropped to Ethan’s outstretc