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Cheated & Despised, now the Billionaire Heir Chapter Sixty-five
The dim lights of the bar cast a warm glow across the wooden counter.It was nearly empty, just the way Ethan liked it.Soft jazz played through the speakers, blending with the quiet clink of ice in glasses and the low murmur of a few scattered conversations.In the corner, the bartender lazily wiped down glasses, clearly not interested in anything past the edge of the bar.Ethan sat alone in a booth, one hand wrapped around a glass of whiskey, the other holding his phone.He took a slow sip, eyes locked on the screen as one of the trending videos of Damian's father officially cutting ties with his own son played.Ethan had seen it more times than he could count, but it still made him grin.“From this day forward, I no longer recognize him as my son.”As the words echoed through the speakers, his grin grew wider.Then, he let out a small chuckle, tilting the glass as he muttered under his breath, “Good.”He knew Damian's father's decision was a strategy in order to protect the company
Cheated & Despised, now the Billionaire Heir Chapter Sixty-six
Mr. Chen pretended to be completely unaware of Ethan's presence at the counter, who was now staring at him as he continued sipping his drink.Curiosity got the better of Ethan, and he walked over.“I really hope you’re not stalking me,” he scoffed, his brows drawing together slightly as he stopped beside Mr. Chen.Mr. Chen looked up and quickly forced a smile. “Oh, it's you.”He gestured to the empty seat across from him.“Hmm…” He tilted his head slightly once Ethan had taken the seat."Let’s just call it a coincidence.”“I honestly didn’t know you hang out here. Or… is this your first time?” he added with a smile.Ethan narrowed his eyes, studying Mr. Chen’s expression. He didn’t buy it. There was no way someone like Mr. Chen would randomly show up at a place this far from the city—especially not a spot with such a low profile—unless he had a reason. And right now, Ethan was pretty sure that reason was him."I think the ring makes me hear people's thoughts, after all," Ethan thought
Cheated & Despised, now the Billionaire Heir Chapter Sixty-seven
The voices of Vanessa's family and the soft clinking of the cutlery in the spacious dining room felt distant, like they were happening in another world as Vanessa barely touched her food.She sat quietly, picking at the grilled chicken on her plate as her thoughts spun wildly.She wasn’t there—not really. Her mind was stuck on the look on Damian’s face—the way shock hit him when the cameras caught the exact moment his dad publicly disowned him."Did he even have anywhere to go now that his father had disowned him?" Her chest ached just thinking about it.Her phone lay beside her, screen dark; still no response from him. She had called too many times already.“He could at least answer my calls.” Frustrated, she let her fork drop onto the plate, the soft clink cutting through the noise around her."What if he’s breaking down right now and I’m just here… eating? How is he handling everything? Does he have anyone with him?" Her brows pulled together as the troubling thoughts swirled in he
Cheated & Despised, now the Billionaire Heir Chapter Sixty-eight
Vanessa whispered in disbelief and shock, her eyes widening. "You want me to break up with him? To abandon him?"Her father nodded."Because of what? Because his father has disowned him?"She scoffed in disbelief. "I can't believe this."Her father exhaled sharply. "Honestly, I expected more from you. I can't believe how naive you're being, my princess.""Why are you still clinging to that loser? What makes him any different from that other idiot—what was his name, Ethan? The one who thought giving you his bone marrow would make you love him?"He scoffed, his words cutting. "Tell me, what sets them apart? Because from where I stand, they're both just desperate losers.""But I believe all this drama is just a phase. Sooner or later, the dust will settle, and his father will call him back. Damian is the only son of his father. The rest of his siblings are girls. So, why would his father abandon him?" She countered."This is exactly what I meant by your lack of foresight and being naive,
Cheated & Despised, now the Billionaire Heir Chapter Sixty-nine
Ethan sat on the chair inside the chamber, his fingers rubbing his temple in slow circles, trying to chase away the dull headache that had become a regular visitor as the weight of what his father called "destiny" pressed down on him like an invisible force.Each day that passed, his strength drained a little more.This morning had been the worst yet. When he had tried to get out of bed, his legs had felt like they were filled with lead rather than bone and muscle. He couldn't even stand up. For hours, he had lain there, staring at the ceiling as sunlight crept across his bedroom wall, waiting for enough strength to return so he could at least walk to the bathroom."What's happening to me?" he whispered to the empty room.The weakness was spreading—starting from his extremities and working its way toward his core, like some invisible parasite feeding on his life force.The ring on his finger—once warm and alive with power—now felt cold and heavy. The surge of strength that had allowed
Cheated & Despised, now the Billionaire Heir Chapter Seventy
The motel looked like it had crawled out of a bad horror movie—flickering neon sign, chipped paint peeling off the walls, and a faint stench of mildew hanging in the air like a warning.The cracked pavement beneath Vanessa’s heels clicked with each cautious step, and she swore she could hear something scuttling in the bushes nearby.Her lips curled in disgust as she pulled her coat tighter around her, like she had just walked into a dumpster fire.“God, this place is vile,” she muttered under her breath.And just like that, her father’s voice when he asked if she wanted to degrade herself by continuing to date Damian echoed in her head.He was right. All her life, she had been surrounded by glass chandeliers, polished marble floors, and the fresh scent of imported lilies in the hallways. Not… whatever this was. A cockroach motel.She stopped in front of room 107, the number barely hanging onto the door, screwed in lopsided and half-rusted.“Is this where he’s been living since it happ
Cheated & Despised, now the Billionaire Heir Chapter Seventy-one
The tension in the room was palpable, hanging in the air like a storm was about to break as Damian's fingers dug into the mattress, staring at Vanessa in disbelief."Can you say that again?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper."I don't think I heard you right," he chuckled.Vanessa shifted on the bed, putting distance between them."I said we need a break, Damian," she repeated, more firmly this time.She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "We need some time apart to figure things out. To get things right."Her eyes, usually warm, now looked distant and resolved.Damian laughed sarcastically. "So, getting things right… Is that what we’re calling a breakup now? Is this the end for us?”"What’s next? You are also going to ghost me?”He knew all too well that when someone asked for space in a relationship, it usually meant things were already over—there was rarely a comeback after that.His eyes narrowed as he searched her face. "Are you breaking up with me? Just say it stra
Cheated & Despised, now the Billionaire Heir Chapter Seventy-two
"They didn't poison anything," Vanessa snapped. "They just helped me see reality.""Reality?" He stood up again, fists tight at his sides."And what reality is that?""This one." She gestured around the room. "Look at where you are, Damian. This isn't a temporary setback. This is serious. The government is involved. Your accounts are frozen."He ran his hands through his hair in frustration. "I'm not done yet. This isn't my downfall, okay?"He took a step forward, desperation lining his voice. "I'm going to bounce back. I just need more time. But I can't do it without you.""I'll figure it out. I always do." He insisted."How?" she challenged, crossing her arms. "What's your plan? Tell me exactly what you're doing to fix this!"His throat constricted instantly, and he swallowed hard, trying to formulate something that sounded even halfway reasonable.But it didn’t come."I... I'm still working on—" he stammered, "—I… I’m working on it, okay? It’s complicated—"To his surprise, she
Latest Chapter
Chapter 103
Mr. Hayes' brows arched. "I don't understand.""What do you mean?""You really don't know what you did to deserve it?" Ethan asked, his voice eerily calm.Mr. Hayes swallowed hard, nodding. "Yes. Tell me. I'm confused."Ethan leaned back, a cold smile playing on his lips. "It’s pretty simple, honestly. A species will always produce another of its own kind.”"What?" Mr. Hayes whispered, confusion etching deeper lines into his already worried face.Ethan let out a dry chuckle, no real amusement behind it. “Isn’t he just a reflection of you?”“Your son only did what he learned from you.” He motioned toward Mr. Hayes with an open hand."Your traits, your methods, your... disregard for those beneath you. The apple didn't fall far from the tree, did it?"Mr. Hayes' face flushed red. "That's—that's not true! I don't know where you heard such nonsense, but that's a big fat lie.""A big fat lie?" Ethan's eyebrows shot up as he leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees. "Do you think I d
Chapter 102
***BACK TO PRESENT***As Ethan told the story to Mr. Hayes, his knuckles turned bone-white, his fists clenched so tightly that his nails dug into his skin.His voice trembled—not from weakness, but from the weight of betrayal.But the real reason behind the fire in his eyes wasn’t what he was saying. It was something deeper. Something he wasn’t ready to share.Then, his thoughts snapped back to the real reason—that exact night.***FLASHBACK***At the police station, he was thrown into a holding cell.Three other men were already inside—one lying on the bench with a busted lip, another pacing like a caged animal, and the third, a heavy-set guy with dead eyes, just staring into nothing.A few hours after Ethan had called Vanessa for help, telling her he’d been charged with burglary, an officer appeared at his cell."Ethan Cross," the officer called, unlocking the cell. "You've been cleared. Someone posted your bail."Confused, Ethan followed the guard to the front desk where, to his sh
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
