Slept With An "Ex-convict Nobody" - A Hidden Trillionaire!

Chapter 18: Unexpected humiliation

Ethan stepped into the grand boardroom of Enzogrande Corporation, the air inside cool and tinged with the faint scent of polished wood and leather. 

Jules Thunder, the acting CEO, stood respectfully as Ethan entered, documents neatly arranged on the table. Several senior executives were present, their faces full of curiosity, some even disbelief. 

To them, Ethan looked nothing like the kind of man who should be sitting at the helm of such a prestigious company. He wore no tailored suit, no silk tie—just his quiet confidence and the kind of authority that didn’t need embellishment.

One by one, the pages were turned and signed. The sound of the pen gliding across paper carried more weight than any gavel. By the time the last signature was placed, the empire of Enzogrande had officially shifted. A once-impossible reality had become fact.

Ethan closed the folder, his gaze steady on Jules Thunder.

“There are two immediate instructions I want carried out,” he said, his voice calm but carrying an authority that silenced the murmurs in the room. “First, no contract leaves this corporation unless it is in the hands of Emma Robbins—my wife. She alone is to be recognized.”

Several executives exchanged uneasy glances. The mention of Emma’s name stirred whispers, her family's reputation among the upper circles being one that shouldn't be named alongside Enzogrande.

“And second,” he continued, rising to his feet, “I want the best wedding organizers in the country contacted immediately. Spare no expense. What I want planned is not just a wedding—it will be the most lavish wedding this nation has ever witnessed.”

Jules Thunder blinked in surprise, then quickly straightened, giving a respectful nod. “Understood, sir. Consider it done.”

Satisfied, Ethan left the boardroom, heading back toward the grand lobby where the morning traffic of staff, executives, and visitors ebbed and flowed. 

But as fate would have it, the quiet he carried out of the boardroom shattered the moment he descended the stairs.

Chloe appeared at the front entrance, her diamond-studded clutch sparkling under the lobby lights. Beside her, Titus strutted in, phone in hand, his arrogant smirk plastered on his face. The two paused as if they owned the entire building, only to bump into Loretta, who was standing near the reception desk.

“Well, if it isn’t the queen of second-hand favors,” Chloe said coolly, folding her arms as her sharp gaze swept Loretta from head to toe. “Still trying to worm your way into the good graces of Enzogrande?”

Loretta’s lips curled into a sneer. “Funny coming from you, Chloe. Last I heard, your family’s been rejected by Enzogrande and Emma is now married to an ex-convict. Too bad to see your family beg for the Enzogrande contract which I would be leaving here with, in the next couple of minutes.

Chloe chuckled darkly, unmoved by Loretta's derogatory remarks about her family. “Stip making a fool out of yourself Loretta. I understand that you're just the pitiful wannabe, desperate for attention.”

The verbal clash drew stares from nearby staff, who slowed their steps, eager to witness the clash of two powerful but bitter families.

“Just so you know, I came here for business,” Loretta shot back. “Unlike you two, I don’t need to cling to old names to stay relevant. This contract will be mine, and when it is, you’ll both remember today.”

Chloe smirked, tossing her hair over her shoulder. “Yours? Don’t make me laugh. The contract belongs to me. Always has, always will. And if not, well—at least it won’t go to Emma.”

The moment Emma’s name was mentioned, a sudden spark lit in all their eyes. A brief silence fell, and then, almost simultaneously, each spoke again—

“As long as she doesn’t get it!” Chloe spat.

“We have a common enemy afterall," Loretta smirked.

It was rare to see Chloe and Loretta agree on anything, but Emma Robbins was the exception. She was the enemy they shared, the one they both wanted to see humiliated.

Loretta’s eyes narrowed dangerously as she leaned in. “Fine then. Whether it’s me or you, it doesn’t matter. What matters is making sure Emma never touches this contract.”

Chloe’s lips curved into a cold smile. “On that, we can agree. Let’s see who ruins her first.”

Just then, the glass doors to the executive wing slid open, and the Jules PA walked in. His eyes were cold and dismissive, scanning Chloe, Loretta, and Titus as if they were nothing more than nuisances cluttering the space.

“You three need to leave,” the PA said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument. “The new owner has no interest in seeing you, and as for the contract—forget it. It’s already been decided. None of you are qualified.”

The words struck like a whip. Loretta’s face twisted in disbelief, Chloe’s lips parted in outrage, and Titus, refusing to be humbled, stepped forward with a smirk.

“You clearly don’t know who you’re speaking to,” Titus sneered, straightening his suit jacket as if to emphasize his stature. “My family has influence that stretches across this city. If only you could introduce me to the new owner personally, I'm confident he won't be able to refuse me. My fiancée Chloe will have that contract. That’s not a request—it’s a fact.”

The PA’s eyes narrowed dangerously, surprised to see Titus speak with so much arrogance like his family owned the Enzogrande contract.

And so, without a word, he raised his hand and delivered a stinging slap across Titus’s cheek. The sound cracked through the lobby like a gunshot.

Titus staggered back, stunned, his hand flying to his reddening cheek. Chloe gasped in shock, and Loretta let out a sharp laugh, enjoying his humiliation for a moment before realizing the hostility applied to all of them.

“Get this into your thick skull,” the PA barked, stepping closer so his voice cut like steel. “Your family’s so-called influence means nothing here. If you or your father think you can intimidate Enzogrande Corporation, then by all means—try. Do whatever you think you can do. But understand this: from today, you have no power here. None.”

The weight of his words pressed down like a hammer. Chloe’s proud posture faltered, Loretta clenched her fists in silent fury, and Titus, still nursing his stung face, could only glare in shame and rage.

The PA adjusted his tie with deliberate calm, as though dismissing insects. “Now… leave before I have security throw you out.”