Home / Urban / Ethan Storm’s Dark Awakening / 16

2025-05-10 14:11:46

Ethan leaned against his car, phone pressed to his ear as he waited for Elsa to pick up. The cool evening air did little to calm the simmering tension in his chest. He needed a new place—something permanent, somewhere away from the chaos of his current life.

“Elsa,” he said when she answered, his tone casual but firm. “Do you know of any decent places to stay? I can’t keep hopping from hotel to hotel.”

“Of course,” Elsa’s voice was warm, with the familiar touch of concern. “We’ve always kept a villa for you, just in case. It’s ready whenever you need it. I’ll send you the address.”

Ethan’s eyebrows lifted in surprise. “You kept a place for me?”

“Always,” she replied, a smile in her voice. “You never know when you might need it, right?”

“True,” he muttered, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “Alright, send me the address.”

A few minutes later, the location popped up on his phone. Ethan slid into the driver’s seat, starting the engine and pulling out of the par

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Paul’s smirk grew wider, like he’d just found the perfect way to get under Ethan’s skin.He turned to the leasing agent, puffing out his chest as if he owned the whole building. “Listen,” Paul said, his voice carrying extreme arrogance. “Here’s how this is going to go… you don’t offer anything to him.”He tilted his head toward Ethan without even looking at him, as if Ethan wasn’t worth his attention. “I’ll take whatever space he’s looking at. And I’ll outbid him by twenty percent. No questions asked.” The leasing agent’s eyes darted nervously between them. “Sir, I—” “I’m serious,” Paul cut in smoothly, raising a hand to silence him. “Twenty percent more than whatever he offers. Put it down right now. I’m ready to sign.” Ethan frowned, a line forming between his eyebrows. “You think this is a game?” he asked, his voice low.Paul finally looked at him, grinning wide, showing all his teeth. “It’s not a game when I always win.”Ethan stepped closer, closing the space between them.
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When Paul saw Ethan across the lobby, he froze for a moment. Then he whispered something to Sierra. She looked at Ethan, her eyes opening wide for a second before she forced a smile. Paul smirked, clearly pleased with himself.He pulled Sierra close, one arm around her waist, and walked forward like he was showing her off.“Well, well… small world, huh?” he said loud enough for others to hear. “This is my new girl. Sierra’s been keeping me busy.” He laughed and leaned in to whisper to her.Sierra smiled at him, but the smile got stiff when she saw Ethan staring.Ethan’s lips curved a little not friendly, not warm just a sharp look that said he wasn’t impressed. “Oh,” he said lightly, “your face is still in bad shape. Let me guess—makeup didn’t hide it? Still swollen from when Marcus slapped you?” Sierra froze, her cheeks heating under the layers of powder she’d carefully applied that morning. She had spent hours trying to hide the faint bruise and puffiness, but Ethan could still
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The next morning, Alice stood in line at the government office, holding her folder tightly. Inside were all the documents she had prepared, her business plan, ID papers, application forms, everything she needed to register her company. When her turn finally came, she stepped up to the counter, feeling confident.The clerk barely glanced at her before flipping through the papers with a quick, dismissive look. “Your application is incomplete,” the clerk said flatly. Alice blinked, confused. “Incomplete? I checked everything thrice. What’s missing?” The clerk didn’t bother to explain much. “It’s not our job to explain. Come back when it’s all complete.” “But I brought everything it says on the checklist.” Alice tried to keep her voice steady but felt her frustration building. The clerk shrugged and began typing on the keyboard as if she didn’t have time for this. Alice looked around at the other people waiting, some grumbling, some just quiet. She bit her lip. “Is there so
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Alice stared at the sleek black car Ethan had just started driving away in. It gleamed softly under the streetlights, a clear sign it wasn’t some cheap ride. And besides she had heard Loic saying it was fucking expensive. “Ethan,” Alice said quietly, still holding his hand, “This car… it’s beautiful. When did you get it?” Ethan glanced at her with a calm smile. “I saved up a bit over time. Wanted to get you something special. A gift.” Alice’s eyes widened. “You saved up all this?” She looked at the car again, then back at him, feeling a warmth in her chest. “I mean… it’s not cheap, right?” “No, not cheap.” He nodded. “But I kept some money aside for things like this. For you.” Alice felt touched, almost overwhelmed. But then, a small thought poked at her mind. “Ethan… how does someone save up nearly eight hundred thousand dollars?” She tried to keep her voice casual but her eyes searched his face. Ethan’s smile faltered just a tiny bit, though he quickly recovered. “I work hard
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Nolan’s hand was still in the air from the slap. His cheek hurt, and his eyes showed shock and anger. He looked at Leo, his big brother, not able to believe it. “Leo… what did you do?” Nolan said, his voice shaking. “You can’t just hit me like that!” Leo was quiet. He took a deep breath. He looked worried and scared. He looked at the people, then back at Nolan. “This is not about you,” Leo said soft. “I want to stop problems.” Nolan wanted to yell but no words came out. He stepped closer and spoke loud. “I don’t care who he is!” Nolan said, pointing at Ethan, who was already walking away. “That guy came here to make us look bad. To show we’re weak. We can’t just let him do that!” Leo shook his head, looking serious. “You don’t get it. This isn’t about pride. Ethan’s dangerous. You think I wanted to hit my own brother? But you went too far.” Nolan’s hands turned into fists. “Too far? He started it! And you’re just going to let him win?” “Ben already paid for it,” Leo said quiet
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The small man stopped in his tracks, a confused look flashing in his eyes. Ethan stepped forward slowly, his eyes locked on the taller, broad-shouldered man standing a few steps behind, the Irvings No. 3, Leo. His voice came out low and sharp. “So,” Ethan said his voice cold as ice, “you know who I am.” Leo’s face twitched. He gave a small nod, and his whole posture shifted… no longer threatening, but clearly afraid. “I… saw you earlier,” he said quickly, bowing his head slightly. “At the negotiation meeting. You were standing behind Mr. Devon.” A faint smirk touched Ethan’s lips, but his eyes stayed cold. “Then you know what to do,” he said. “Take your people and leave. And while you’re at it… stop throwing the Irving family’s name around to bully people.” “Y-Yes, sir… understood, sir!” Leo stammered, his fear plain in his voice. The small man’s face twisted in disbelief. “What the hell are you talking about? I don’t care who you are, I’ll kill—” SMACK! The sound echoed acr

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