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Cheated & Despised, now the Billionaire Heir Chapter Thirty-three
"Because..." Ethan's father hesitated."Because the ring chose you before you could even walk." He finally revealed.He continued, his voice growing steadier as he revealed more of the past. "He had dedicated his entire life to restoring The Order to its former glory—which, by the way, everything fell apart under his leadership because most members couldn't stand his methods."His father's eyes narrowed at the memory. "And then you came along... just days old, and the ring fit your finger perfectly."Ethan's brows furrowed in confusion. "That doesn't explain—""He snapped!" His father roared."Thirty years of preparation, only to be passed over for a toddler! His own nephew!" His father's face contorted with rage and grief."The ring never chose him, but he couldn’t accept that. He’d rather destroy the true heir than let the order have a real king.”"So he faked your death to make your mother and me believe you were gone forever," he father said, voice cracking slightly."Apparently,
Cheated & Despised, now the Billionaire Heir Chapter Thirty-four
The cold marble tomb shone in the moonlight, surrounded by an eerie silence.Ethan knelt on the white stone, his knees pressing against the ground as he placed a bouquet of white lilies—his mother's favorite according to his father—at the base of the ornate headstone.His face showed deep pain as he traced the golden letters of her name: Elizabeth Aurelius.Ever since learning about her death and what caused it, a constant ache of grief and anger had been eating away at him.The mortuary was silent except for the sound of Ethan's own ragged breathing as he fought back tears."Hey, Mom," he whispered, his voice cracking. "It's me, your son." He sniffed.The silence that answered him was deafening."I'm sorry I haven't been here sooner. It's been..." He paused, running a hand through his hair."It's been fucked up, honestly."He adjusted his position, sitting cross-legged on the cold floor."So, it turns out I'm alive. Funny, right?" he chuckled.He wiped at his eyes wi
Cheated & Despised, now the Billionaire Heir Chapter Thirty-five
Damian's father waited nervously in the living room of Magnus' mansion, his normally confident demeanor replaced by the anxious fidgeting of a man who knew he was barely tolerated in this sacred space. The opulent room, with its crystal chandeliers and ancient artifacts that whispered of power accumulated over generations, made him feel like the peasant he essentially was in comparison to its owner.He was there to talk with Magnus about the deal that fell apart. Since he didn't trust Damian to fix the problem, he followed what Mr. Richard had suggested instead.The moment the door to the living room swung open, revealing Magnus, who was in his pajamas, Damian's father shot to his feet, nearly knocking over the untouched glass of scotch on the side table."Mr. Aurelius, sir, thank you for seeing me on such short notice," Damian's father started with a slight bow, his voice uncharacteristically pitched higher than usual.He knew better than to offer his hand to Magnus.
Cheated & Despised, now the Billionaire Heir Chapter Thirty-six
Back in Magnus' living room, Lara had joined Magnus, now sitting across from him on one of the couches.They had been in his study talking about work when the guards told Magnus that Damian's father was outside causing a scene, desperately trying to meet with him.She looked confused when Magnus told her to let the board members of Aurelius Group and Aurelius Imprint Conglomerate know about a meeting in two days where Damian would present the deal."So you gave them another chance," she stated, not bothering to phrase it as a question.He sighed and leaned back on the couch. "That's what Ethan wanted. He already predicted something like this would happen before now. I don't just know what he aims to achieve with it."Her lips curled in a faint smile. "He's just so unpredictable."He nodded in agreement. "Yes, he is.""But that's one of the things that concerns me about him," he said, a rare moment of vulnerability he allowed only in her presence."What has Ethan been doing with himsel
Cheated & Despised, now the Billionaire Heir Chapter Thirty-seven
The low hum of the Mercedes’ engine blended with the quiet of the night as it glided down the dimly lit streets.Ethan sat in the backseat, his posture relaxed but his mind anything but, as he stared out the window, watching the blur of streetlights and towering buildings.Lara occupied the front passenger seat, her expression unreadable.Her chauffeur handled the wheel, his eyes fixed ahead, as if sensing the storm brewing behind him.The auction they were heading to had been marketed as a charity event—a noble attempt to rescue a financially struggling orphanage. A place that, on paper, existed to nurture abandoned children. But Ethan knew better.That institution was nothing more than a breeding ground for cruelty, run by soulless opportunists who fed off misfortune. It had been his prison, his battleground, the place where kindness was a currency never spent on children like him.He had lived in its suffocating walls, endured its brutality, and now, he was returning—not as a helpl
Cheated & Despised, now the Billionaire Heir Chapter Thirty-eight
Lara frowned slightly. “That’s a lot of information. What exactly are you looking for?”“Everything,” Ethan repeated, his gaze unreadable. “Their assets, their investments, their investors, their weaknesses. I want a full breakdown—who they do business with, where their money flows, and what they don’t want the world to see.”She studied him carefully. “And what are you planning to do with it?”He tilted his head, a slow smirk forming. “That’s not your concern.”She gave a small nod, her hesitation fading into resignation. "You’ll have the files tomorrow night."He leaned back, satisfied. “Good.”The auction was already in full swing when they arrived.The hall was illuminated by cascading chandeliers.A painted canvas adorned the walls, waiting for the highest bidder to claim it.The soft hum of conversation barely interrupted the auctioneer’s steady calls, each bid raising the stakes for the masterpiece currently on display.Yet the moment Ethan and Lara stepped through the grand do
Cheated & Despised, now the Billionaire Heir Chapter Thirty-nine
A grin spread across Ethan’s face the moment he spotted the house supervisor of the orphanage, now aged, along with a few staff members.“Perfect,” he murmured, his smile growing as he and Lara strode toward the front row, aware of the lingering gazes following them.However, the moment they settled into the first row, hushed voices fluttered around them:"Look at them... they're sitting so close.""Is that really her? I've never seen her show interest in anyone before.""Who is that man with her? He... they look like they could be a couple.""She’s never even smiled at a man in public before. This is history in the making.”"It's not possible. She's known for being married to her work. She's allergic to romance."“But look at how close they’re sitting… do you think…?”"Who is he, though? I’ve never seen him before."Ethan’s lips curled into a smirk as he leaned close to Lara and whispered, "Looks like you’ve got yourself a reputation.’”His smirk widened, but her expression remained
Cheated & Despised, now the Billionaire Heir Chapter Fourty
“What… did I just hear him place a $10 million bid?” Blanche’s voice wavered in disbelief."Or am I dreaming?”Vanessa’s brows knitted together as she turned to Ethan, who met her gaze with that same smug smirk—only now, it had stretched even wider.“Whoa! Who is this guy?” someone blurted out.“He must be filthy rich to throw out a bid like that, as if he’s just buying a toy,” another person chimed in.“Never seen him before,” a man muttered under his breath."But he’s got to be someone big if he can drop that kind of money without flinching.”Even the auctioneer, momentarily stunned, stared at Ethan with his mouth slightly open before regaining his composure. “Just to confirm—$10 million?”Ethan met his gaze and gave a firm nod. “Yes.”The hall erupted in another collective gasp, even louder than before.One of Ethan's admirers exclaimed. "Wow! This is crazy!"Lara, just as shocked as everyone else, leaned in toward Ethan. “I know what you’re trying to do, sir. But honestly, you hav
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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
