Ethan Storm’s Dark Awakening

10

Everyone turned toward the voice.

A collective gasp rippled across the hall.

It was Elsa Logan—the icy, elegant CEO of Nova Corp—standing tall in her midnight-blue gown, her posture commanding and her gaze razor-sharp. The hem of her dress trailed like dark silk smoke as she walked down the aisle, her heels tapping a warning with every step.

Maxime Trent’s face turned ghost-white.

Why is she here? he panicked internally. Elsa had no official title or shares in the parent corporation, but everyone in the company knew one chilling truth: she was the only one with a direct line to the mysterious boss—the real power behind the empire. Maxime wouldn’t dare offend her.

“Miss L-Logan,” he stammered, trying to maintain his composure. “I—I didn’t know you were attending tonight…”

Elsa didn’t spare him a glance. She addressed the host once more, her voice clear and sharp. “There was no mistake. MorganTech belongs on the list. That was my decision.”

Murmurs surged again, confused and louder this time.

Sierra’s eyes narrowed. She didn’t recognize this woman and wasn’t about to back down. “Who the hell do you think you are, mouthing off in front of Mr. Maxime!” she snapped, striding forward. “You’re not on the board. You don’t speak for the organizers or the host! On what basis do you say—”

To her, Maxime was the highest authority in Nova Corp—she had no idea who Elsa was.

SMACK!

Hearing Sierra’s foolish words, Maxime’s expression darkened, and Marcus’s face turned deathly pale. Enraged, he raised his hand and slapped Sierra hard across the face.

“Ah!” Sierra screamed, collapsing to the floor. Clutching her cheek, she stared at Marcus in shock and fear. “You… you’re insane! Why the hell did you hit me?”

Marcus’s expression was grim. Without sparing her another glance, he quickly bowed to Elsa. “I’m sorry, Miss Logan! This woman is out of her mind—she has no idea who you really are!

please forgive her. She didn’t know. She’s ignorant—I sincerely apologize!”

Sierra shrieked, “Marcus, are you out of your damn mind? You actually bowed to this bitch? Don’t tell me her status outranks Mr. Maxime’s?”

Marcus turned back and slapped Sierra again, even harder. “You blind fool! This is Miss Elsa Logan, the Chief Executive Officer of Nova Corp! She’s the only one who has direct contact with Nova’s mysterious boss! If you want to die, don’t drag us down with you!”

Sierra froze in disbelief. She had never imagined that this young, beautiful woman standing before her was actually the CEO of Nova Group.

Sierra blinked rapidly, her pride burning hotter than her cheek. But the moment she saw Elsa’s emotionless stare, a chill ran down her spine. Even the guards had stepped back.

“…I-I’m sorry,” Sierra mumbled, bowing her head. “I didn’t mean any disrespect.”

Elsa finally looked at her, her voice as cold as marble. “You’ve been loud enough for everyone to remember your face tonight. Be grateful we aren’t revising the guest list mid-event.”

Maxime stepped forward nervously, trying to salvage his reputation. “Miss Logan, I… I truly didn’t mean to meddle. I was just trying to ensure everything went smoothly. If I crossed a line—”

“You did cross it,” Elsa interrupted flatly. “You saw a list yesterday. That was a draft. The final decision wasn’t yours to see, nor to use for your gain.”

Maxime began to sweat profusely, gulping. “I understand. I apologize. I’ll accept any consequence…”

Elsa turned away from him, clearly done. She raised a hand, signaling the host to calm the murmuring crowd.

“Let me remind everyone,” she said, “the cooperation list was finalized through the internal council and delivered directly from the boss himself. No one else has the authority to question it.”

“So… Morgan Tech is the partner we’ve chosen, not some no-name company,” Elsa said lightly, casting a faint glance at the disheveled Sierra.

“Damn, who would’ve thought Morgan Tech had such powerful backing? I thought Sierra had connections, but turns out her so-called background is just Marcus Lang—what a joke…”

“She thought cozying up to some mid-level Nova manager made her untouchable. What an idiot…”

Hearing the mocking voices around her, Sierra’s face twisted. Faced with so much scorn, she didn’t dare talk back. Instead, she cursed furiously in her heart.

“You sycophantic bastards! When you thought I’d secure a deal with Nova Group, you couldn’t lick my boots fast enough. Now you all dare to mock me? Just wait. The moment I connect with Nova Corp's mysterious boss, I’ll make every last one of you go bankrupt!”

A sickly smile crept across her face at the thought.

“Shit, is this woman really insane? She’s still smiling at a time like this?”

“Alright, everyone, quiet down!” Elsa frowned, silencing the crowd. “I’ve just received word—the company’s mysterious boss is here at tonight’s banquet. He’ll be meeting all of you in person!”

The boss?

He’s here?

The room erupted in gasps. Even Sierra scrambled to pull out a mirror, frantically covering the cheek Marcus had slapped red.

She straightened up, smoothing her dress. Her eyes gleamed with sudden hope. Even if I lost the partnership slot… if I can meet him, charm him… Her lips curled in a small, triumphant smile.

“I can’t wait to see him! He must be incredibly handsome! I swear, I’ll find a way to marry him!” one woman gushed.

“The mysterious boss of Nova Corp… I’ve heard he’s quite old. Otherwise, how could he have amassed such a fortune? His wealth must rival the city’s top families!”

“No way. The real tycoons of the city didn’t show up tonight, and they’re worth billions. But this mysterious boss must still have assets in the tens of billions—he’s far above the likes of us.”

“Quiet, everyone!” Elsa raised her voice. “Now, let us welcome Nova’s mysterious boss with the warmest applause!”

Thunderous clapping filled the hall. People craned their necks in every direction, eager to see who the mysterious boss truly was.

Amid the ovation, Ethan slowly rose to his feet. With a calm, expressionless face, he walked toward the podium.