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Cheated & Despised, now the Billionaire Heir Chapter Sixty-one
Still inside the car, sweat beaded on Damian's forehead, rolling down the side of his face like the slow drip of impending doom, even as the AC blasted at full speed.He didn’t even wipe it away because his mind was too clouded with thoughts of what awaited him.His fingers were now gripping the steering wheel so tightly that his knuckles turned white as his father’s words, "Consider yourself disowned. You are no longer my son," echoed in his mind.The weight of humiliation settled deep in his chest because he knew that his father's decision was absolute.He had never known a life without wealth, without privilege. He had always been his father’s son—untouchable, respected, feared. Now? Now he was nothing—it was being stripped away like a filthy rag. The thought alone sent a wave of panic crashing over him.The sleek interior of his Maserati felt suffocating now, like a luxurious coffin."Fuck!" he shouted, voice cracking."This can’t be happening. This can’t be real," he muttered, lo
Cheated & Despised, now the Billionaire Heir Chapter Sixty-two
Damian’s grip tightened around the steering wheel as his car inched closer to Copper Group’s headquarters.The entire street was a mess of flashing cameras, raised microphones, and reporters jostling for position.The second his car slowed down, they swarmed like vultures, slamming their palms against the window, their voices blending into a chaotic blur.Before opening the door, he took a deep breath and stepped out.He had already rehearsed what he would say. The truth—or at least, his version of it—had to sound convincing.The second he stepped out, the crowd exploded."Mr. Hayes! What do you have to say about your company’s alleged use of the chemical compound in the production of Lurexorin?”“Are you admitting to risking the lives of consumers?”“Now that the government has sued and shut down all your subsidiaries till the legal proceedings, what is your next move?”The questions came rapid-fire, the microphones shoved so close to his face that he had to resist the urge to knock
Cheated & Despised, now the Billionaire Heir Chapter Sixty-three
The tension in the air was sharp enough to slice through skin. Slowly, Damian turned to face his father, just like everyone else was doing. The company security bowed respectfully to his father.His father stood a few feet away, flanked by two stiff-looking guards in suits, his expression unreadable but his eyes full of disgust—locked right on Damian.But Damian didn’t care about any of that. He tried to take a step forward, hoping to silently plead with him.Only, he didn’t even get that far, as his father’s eyes stopped him cold, followed by his voice—icy and filled with disdain—as he pointed at him like he was something rotten.“I told you, didn’t I? Stay away from anything that carries the Hayes name,” his father snapped, loud enough for the whole crowd to hear.The reporters froze for a moment—then chaos as cameras flashed like lightning and gasps echoed through the crowd. They rushed past the barricade, desperate to catch every second of the disaster unraveling right in front
Cheated & Despised, now the Billionaire Heir Chapter Sixty-four
Ever since that leaked audio started blowing up online, Vanessa had been freaking out—and Damian still wasn’t answering her calls.Now, in her room, she was pacing back and forth, relentlessly calling him again and again until her door suddenly burst open.Her heart nearly jumped out of her chest, eyes wide with panic—until she saw it was just her sister, Yvonne.“You scared the hell out of me!” she snapped, lowering her hand from her chest.“Why did you just barge in like someone was chasing you?”Yvonne’s brows were knitted in concern. “You haven’t seen the breaking news, have you?”Vanessa groaned, clearly irritated. “What now? Don’t tell me it’s about the expose on Damian and the Copper Group?”“Didn’t we all get to know about that like some minutes ago in the living room?” Her face tightened even more.Yvonne shook her head, still breathless from running. “No, it’s something else.”She paused to catch her breath, studying Vanessa’s still-clueless expression. “Yeah… you definitely
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,
Latest Chapter
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
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,
