2025-02-21 02:14:22Ethan dragged the overflowing trash bag out the back door of the supermarket, the stench of rotting produce hitting him like a slap. He gagged, holding his breath as he hauled it toward the dumpster in the alley. It was a thankless part of the job, but then again, so was everything else.
The jade necklace was still heavy around his neck, a constant, nagging presence that he couldn’t ignore no matter how hard he tried. Every time it brushed against his skin, he was reminded of the strange visions from that morning—shadows, fire, and whispers in a language he couldn’t understand. He shook his head, tossing the bag into the dumpster with a grunt. ‘Don’t think about it,’ he told himself for the hundredth time. The sound of tires screeching to a stop made him pause. Turning toward the street, Ethan squinted as a sleek black car rolled to a halt in front of the alley. The windows were tinted so dark he couldn’t see inside, but the polished exterior gleamed under the flickering streetlights. Ethan’s chest tightened. The car looked out of place in a neighborhood like this, where rusted pickup trucks and beat-up sedans were the norm. He took a cautious step back, wiping his hands on his apron as the driver’s door opened. Two men stepped out, their movements precise and deliberate. They were tall, broad-shouldered, and dressed in tailored dark blue suits that fit them like a second skin. Their shoes shone like they’d never touched dirt, and their sharp features carried an air of authority that made Ethan’s stomach twist. The first man’s gaze locked onto him immediately, his eyes cold, his composure like that of a professional guard. The second man adjusted his tie before speaking. “Ethan Wilder?” Ethan froze, his mind racing. ‘How do they know my name?’ He glanced toward the back door of the supermarket, debating whether he could slip inside and lock it before they reached him. The first man took a step forward. “There’s no need to run, Sire.” Ethan blinked, his heart thudding painfully in his chest. “Sire?” he repeated, his voice cracking slightly. “Yes,” the second man said, his tone polite but firm. “We’ve been sent to escort you. Please, come with us.” Ethan took another step back, bumping into the dumpster. “Look, I don’t know who you think I am, but you’ve got the wrong guy.” The first man tilted his head slightly, his expression official. “We don’t make mistakes.” The second man opened the back door of the car, gesturing toward it with a gloved hand. “If you would, Sire. It’s important.” Ethan’s pulse pounded in his ears. Every instinct screamed at him to run, but the way these men moved—their calm, measured confidence—told him it wouldn’t matter. They didn’t look like the kind of people you could escape from. “Important?” Ethan said, stalling for time. “What are you talking about? Who sent you?” “All your questions will be answered,” the first man said. “But not here.” Ethan’s eyes darted between them and the open car door. His mouth was dry, his palms slick with sweat. ‘This can’t be real,’ he thought. ‘Stuff like this doesn’t happen to people like me.’ And yet, it was happening. The second man’s gaze hardened slightly. “Please, Sire. We don’t have much time.” Ethan clenched his fists, glancing down the empty street. There was no one around. No witnesses. No help. He swallowed hard, the jade necklace feeling heavier than ever against his chest. “Fine,” he muttered, his voice barely audible. Both men stepped aside, watching him closely as he approached the car. Ethan hesitated at the open door, his reflection staring back at him in the dark, glossy paint. ‘What the hell am I getting into?’ Taking a deep breath, he slid into the backseat. The leather interior was smooth and cold against his damp clothes, and the faint scent of expensive cologne filled the air. The door shut behind him with a soft click. The two men climbed into the front seats, the driver adjusting his mirrors before pulling away from the curb. Ethan stared out the window, his mind racing as the city lights blurred past. Every fiber of his being told him he’d just made a mistake. But it was too late to turn back now.
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Ethan Wilder Rise to Power Chapter 5: The Revelation
Ethan sat stiffly in the backseat, his fingers tapping anxiously against his knee as the sleek black car sped through the quiet streets. The polished setting of the interior felt oppressive, amplifying every small sound—the faint vibration of the engine, the soft rustle of his clothes, and the rhythmic tap of rain against the windows.A clear, reinforced glass wall separated the backseat from the front, cutting him off from the two men who had brought him here. Their voices were muffled as they spoke quietly, the driver keeping his focus on the road while the passenger occasionally glanced at Ethan in the rearview mirror.Ethan’s chest tightened. The partition wasn’t just a barrier—it was a reminder that he had no control in this situation.“Where are we going?” he finally called out, his voice slightly hoarse.The passenger turned his head slightly but didn’t meet Ethan’s eyes. “You’ll find out soon, Sire,” he said, his tone still polite and yet firm.Ethan shifted uncomfortably, his
Ethan Wilder Rise to Power Chapter 6: A New Reality
Ethan’s throat tightened as he stared at the woman. Her words hung in the air, heavy and surreal. The Jade Society? The necklace? Him—a leader? It felt impossible, like some twisted dream he couldn’t wake from.“This has to be a joke,” he said finally, his voice trembling with a mix of anger and disbelief. “You can’t seriously expect me to believe any of this.”The woman’s expression didn’t waver. “I don’t expect you to believe. I expect you to see.”She gestured toward the smooth wall to her left, and as if responding to her command, the surface shifted. Ethan flinched as the white walls dissolved into glowing panels, displaying an intricate web of information.His eyes widened.Dozens of financial statements appeared, their numbers so staggering they didn’t seem real. Untraceable accounts with balances that had more zeroes than he could keep up with flowed through companies he’d vaguely heard of—energy conglomerates, tech empires, pharmaceutical giants. Beneath those were lists of i
Ethan Wilder Rise to Power Chapter 7: Rising to the Challenge
Ethan stood in the center of what could only be described as the most high-tech training facility he’d ever seen—or imagined. The space stretched endlessly in every direction, a stark contrast to the sterile white room he’d woken up in. The walls shifted between glass and holographic displays, while sleek machinery hummed faintly in the background.He turned slowly, taking in the rows of equipment, glowing control panels, and an enormous dome overhead that projected a perfect replica of the sky. If he hadn’t known better, he’d have thought he was outside.“This . . . this is absolutely insane,” Ethan muttered, more to himself than anyone else.A sharp voice snapped him out of his thoughts. “Focus, Wilder. You’re not here to gawk.”Ethan spun around, his eyes landing on a tall man with a lean frame. He was dressed in a tailored black uniform, his face sharp and stern, framed by neatly combed dark hair. A cane rested in his right hand, though he didn’t seem to need it as he strode forwa
Ethan Wilder Rise to Power Chapter 8: First Test of Power
Ethan stepped into the gleaming conference room, his nerves buzzing as the doors slid shut behind him. The walls were lined with sleek, interactive displays showing stock market updates, industry analytics, and lists of global assets under the Jade Society’s control. It was all so overwhelming, so surreal, yet somehow, the necklace resting against his chest made him feel . . . ready.Marcus stood at the head of the long glass table, his cane resting against the chair beside him. His ever-present no-nonsense expression softened slightly as he gestured toward the three women seated nearby.“Wilder,” Marcus began, “meet your personal team. They’ll report directly to you and assist with your day-to-day responsibilities as the leader of the Jade Society.”Ethan blinked, glancing at the three women who turned their sharp, intelligent gazes toward him. Each of them radiated confidence and poise, though their styles and demeanors couldn’t have been more different.“This is Anna,” Marcus said,
Ethan Wilder Rise to Power Chapter 9: The Transformation
Ethan stood in front of the full-length mirror, barely recognizing the man staring back at him. The tailored black suit fit perfectly, accentuating his broadening shoulders and lean frame. His reflection exuded power, the kind that commanded attention without needing to say a word.It hadn’t happened overnight.Weeks of grueling training had sculpted his body, sharpening his features and instilling a confidence he’d never thought possible. Gone were the hunched shoulders and tired eyes of the overworked convenience store clerk. In their place was a man who moved with purpose, his every step deliberate, his every word calculated.“Not bad,” Victoria said from behind him, a sly smile playing on her lips. “You actually look like you belong in the room now.”Ethan turned, raising an eyebrow. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”“It is,” she said with a shrug, stepping forward to adjust his tie. “You’re starting to carry yourself like a leader. People notice that.”He glanced down at the jade
Ethan Wilder Rise to Power Chapter 10: A Return to the Past
The gleaming black SUV rolled to a smooth stop in front of the small supermarket, its polished exterior catching the sunlight and reflecting it like a mirror. The vehicle looked completely out of place in the rundown neighborhood, its presence alone turning heads.Inside the shop, Mr. Harris, the store manager, sat behind the counter, sorting through receipts. He glanced up at the security feed and froze. His wrinkled hands trembled as he rewound the footage to get a closer look at the SUV.“Who . . .?” he muttered, his chest tightening with unease. The last time strangers in fancy cars had come looking for someone here, they’d taken Ethan.The driver’s door opened, and a tall, broad-shouldered man stepped out. Dressed in a tailored gray suit, his shoes gleaming as brightly as the car, the man exuded an air of authority that filled the street like a ripple of power.Mr. Harris squinted at the screen, his stomach flipping when two other men in dark suits emerged from the SUV and stood
Ethan Wilder Rise to Power Chapter 11: Strengthening Connections
Ethan stood in the grand hall of one of the Jade Society’s private estates, a sprawling mansion perched on the cliffs overlooking the ocean. The evening sun poured through the tall windows, casting the room in a warm golden glow.This wasn’t just a meeting—it was a test.Dozens of influential figures from the Jade Society had gathered, their tailored suits and sparkling jewelry reflecting the wealth and power they commanded. These were the movers and shakers of industries, the hidden players behind governments and corporations.And they were all here for him.“Mr. Wilder,” Marcus said quietly, stepping up beside him. “Remember, this isn’t just about shaking hands. You need to show them you belong here. They may be loyal to the society, but they’re not loyal to you—yet.”Ethan nodded, his jaw tightening. He adjusted the cuffs of his suit, the jade necklace resting heavily beneath his shirt. “Got it.”“Good,” Marcus said, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd. “Your team is here to support
Ethan Wilder Rise to Power Chapter 12: A Trip Back Home
Ethan watched from the backseat of his car as they drove deeper into his old neighborhood. It had been years since he set foot here, and yet, nothing had changed.The streets were exactly as he remembered, with cracked sidewalks and unsteady streetlights. The air was also thick with the scent of fried food and the ever-present smoke from old cars and street vendors' grills."Sire," his driver said, glancing at him through the rearview mirror. "Are you sure you want to go alone?""Yes," Ethan replied. "Stay in the car. I won’t be long."The SUV pulled up to a small, worn-down house at the end of the street. Paint peeled from the walls, the fence leaned to one side, and the dim glow of a single bulb flickered by the door.His childhood home.Taking a deep breath, Ethan stepped out of the car. The expensive suit he wore felt out of place here, but he didn’t care. He walked up to the door and knocked.A few seconds passed before it creaked open.His mother stood there, her eyes widening i
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Chapter 46: Collateral Damage
The morning sun streamed through the massive windows of the manor’s east wing, making everything feel deceptively warm and peaceful.It wasn’t.Anna moved briskly down the hallway, her clipboard clutched so tightly her knuckles had gone white. She had no real reason to be on that side of the house—except to check if Ethan was free. Or just . . . catch a glimpse of him.Pathetic, she told herself.She was so lost in thought, she didn’t notice Isabella until the woman stepped directly into her path."Anna, isn’t it?" Isabella’s voice was sweet—too sweet.Anna stopped, her heart stuttering for half a second. "Yes?"Isabella smiled. The kind of smile a cat gave a mouse just before it played with it."You've been looking awfully tense lately," Isabella said, circling her slowly. "Jealousy does that to a woman."Anna froze, gripping the clipboard harder."Something on your mind?" Isabella tilted her head, studying her. "Maybe . . . feelings you shouldn’t have?"Anna swallowed, her voice tig
Chapter 45: Queen of the Manor
Ethan sat at his desk, staring blankly at the papers before him. Numbers, names, logistics . . . none of it sank in.Instead, his mind replayed the feel of Isabella’s lips, the glint in her eyes, the way she’d threatened Joy without batting an eyelash.And now she was somewhere in his home. Redecorating, no doubt. Claiming her territory like a lioness.Klaus snickered in his head. "You should’ve run faster."'Shut up,' Ethan muttered internally.A knock came, sharp and brisk.Before he could answer, the door swung open.Isabella entered, hands on her hips, wearing a silk blouse and a pencil skirt that looked more suited to a seduction than a meeting."We need to talk about the west wing," she announced.Ethan pinched the bridge of his nose. "The west wing?""Yes. It’s dreary. I’m ordering renovations. Also, your study—" she paused, looking around with visible disgust. "—this needs a woman’s touch.""My study doesn’t need anything," Ethan said coolly.She laughed, like he’d made a joke
Chapter 44: Her Bloodline
"She’s a descendant," Klaus said, his voice low and steady.Ethan blinked. "Of who?""The witch who forged the Jade Necklace. Her name was Seraphina. A pureblood mage. She made the necklace with the intention to heal, to grant power to the weak. But it was corrupted by men. And I was the first fool to wear it."Ethan stared at the ceiling, barely breathing. "So Joy . . . she’s . . . what? A witch?""Not exactly. Her blood is diluted. Generations removed. But the magic is still there. It slept in her family line, dormant. And your, ah, little entanglement with her must have stirred it. That’s why I can speak now."Ethan rubbed his temples. "So you’re saying my one-night stand triggered ancient magic and woke up the ghost in my necklace. Great.""You’re welcome," Klaus said dryly. "The question is, what are you going to do with this knowledge?"Ethan didn’t answer.Weeks passed. Ethan did what he could to act normal. He attended council meetings, reviewed budgets, signed off weapons shi
Chapter 43: The Voice of Klaus
It was well into the afternoon when Ethan stepped back into the mansion. The sun cast lazy rays across the marbled hallway, warm and golden, but he barely noticed it. His mind was still spinning from the night before, the morning after, and the eerie silence that followed.Anna was the first to spot him.She didn’t hesitate. Her heels clacked sharply against the polished floor as she ran toward him, arms wide, eyes wide with a mix of relief and pent-up panic. She threw herself into his arms like she’d been holding her breath the entire time he was gone."You're back!" she said breathlessly. "Where the hell have you been? Do you have any idea what kind of mess you left behind?"Ethan gave a tired smile, his hands resting lightly on her waist. "Handled something personal."Anna pulled back just slightly, enough to study his face. Her hands slid up to his shoulders. "You okay? You look . . . off.""I'm fine," he muttered. "Just need a minute to myself."Her brows pulled together. "Alone,
Chapter 42: Her Upgrade
“Are you sure you want me to come with you?” Ethan asked as he slipped into the driver’s seat of the Lamborghini, glancing over at Joy.She was already buckling up. “Yes. You practically changed my entire life overnight. The least you can do is back me up when your people freeze my account.”Ethan frowned. “My people?”Joy held up her phone, flashing the bank’s message. “Bank of Dominion. They froze my account over ‘suspicious activity.’ Said I had to come in for verification.”Ethan cursed under his breath and pulled out of the hotel lot. “Didn’t even cross my mind they might do that. I should’ve warned you.”“Guess they weren’t used to seeing seven zeros pop up out of nowhere,” she said, smirking.The ride was smooth, quiet except for the occasional buzz of the city outside. But Ethan’s mind wasn’t. He was thinking about Clandestine, Marcus, the Society, the Jade necklace that had a voice now, and somehow, even Joy.Joy kept stealing glances at him, still trying to wrap her head aro
Chapter 41: Act the Fool
"You're dreaming, you fool. Wake up, Ethan . . . wake up, you fool. Wake up!"Ethan’s eyes flew open.For a moment, everything was hazy. The ceiling above him slowly came into focus. The warmth under the sheets, the soft weight beside him—it all felt too familiar. He turned his head and saw Joy sleeping soundly. And just like in his dream, she was very much naked beneath the covers.But something was off.The room wasn't quiet.No, it was filled.Elite Jade Soldiers lined the perimeter of the room, their weapons lowered but at the ready. Marcus leaned on his cane by the far wall. And in the chair directly in front of Ethan’s bed sat Clandestine Wood, her posture relaxed, but her stare sharp.“What the . . .” Ethan blinked, sitting up slowly.And then he heard it.A voice, male, clear, but coming from nowhere."It's me, you fool."Ethan’s eyes scanned the room again. No one had spoken. At least, no one visibly.Clandestine’s voice cut in, amused. “Had fun last night?”But Ethan ignored
Chapter 40: A Million For Your Time
“Say what now?” Ethan blinked, staring at her.Chloe’s older sister smirked, calm and unbothered, her eyes showing she was nothing like her sister. She reached under the counter, pulled out a near-empty bottle of whiskey. “Yeah. Serves her right. She was a brat. Always thought the world owed her a fairy tale.”Ethan raised a brow. “Oh, really?”She caught his expression and laughed. “Don’t look at me like that. I know my family are terrible people, trust me.”Ethan tilted his head, amused. “Is that why you ran overseas?”“You bet.”Ethan chuckled. “You’re not exactly what I expected,” he said, still trying to wrap his head around it.“I get that a lot.” She poured him another shot. “Name’s Joy, by the way.”He raised his glass. “Joy. That fits. So . . . what’s your story?”She leaned on the bar, arms crossed, eyes steady. “Hmm, my story?” she said, then smiled. “Nothing interesting, to be honest.”“I get the feeling I might find it interesting.”She laughed. “Doubt it,” she said, then
Chapter 39: Her Obsession
When Ethan left the office, he found Isabella sitting quietly on a bench outside. As soon as she saw him, her expression turned expectant—like she wanted him to talk to her or thank her for sending the Unknown.He walked over and sat beside her."You didn’t have to do it. So why?"She gave a nervous smile. "When I was told I’d be marrying the leader of the Jade Society, I cried all night. Refused to eat—right up to the engagement party. But then I saw you. You were warm to me, despite the hatred you had for my brother and the Order. You spoke kindly. You made me laugh. You tried to make it bearable, even though I was marrying a man I didn’t know."She fell silent. Ethan wasn’t sure how to follow up, and the space between them grew awkward."I like you, Ethan," she said at last. "And I know what this engagement means. I know what you were to the Society—a life-force to extend the lives of its real leaders. But when we left the engagement hall, something in me shifted. The feeling was b
Chapter 38: The Three Orders
Through a phone call with Elena, Ethan got to learn that the prestigious Blackwell University served as the front for the Obsidian Order headquarters. It was a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, its name etched in gold across the main hall.Ethan drove through the iron gates, his presence turning a few heads as he stepped out of a limited-edition Lamborghini. The campus buzzed with activity, students in tailored uniforms walking across the pristine courtyard, completely unaware of the dark power that lurked beneath their feet.He was a stranger in enemy territory, yet he carried himself with the same effortless authority that had defined his rule over the Jade Society. But he wasn’t here to make a statement—he was here for answers.Waiting at the entrance was Isabella, his fiancée. Dressed immaculately, she exuded an air of elegance, yet her eyes were gentle and welcoming despite Ethan's unexpected visit."To what do I owe the pleasure?" she asked, her smooth voice laced with some hi
