THE ANCESTRAl HEIR SYSTEM

Chapter 7: The Encounter

Alexander arrived at the appointed spot just as Ethan did, his car's sudden rumble catching Ethan's attention as he waited. Stepping out of his cab, Ethan made his way towards Alexander's stationary vehicle, parked with precision near the cab's bonnet. Alexander remained in his car, a commanding presence even without stepping out.

"Get in. Grandma wants to see you," Alexander stated, his tone carrying a sense of solemnity.

Assuming that Old Ms. Mini wished to intercede on behalf of her granddaughter Maya. Ethan's voice hardened as he responded, "Even if your grandmother pleads for Maya, it won't make a difference. I am determined to divorce her."

A look of confusion crossed Ethan's face as he heard Alexander's next words. "You fool, what's going through your head? Do you really believe my grandmother is here to plead with you? She's here to enforce the family's traditions and rules upon you!"

Thus began an unexpected turn of events, as Ethan realized that the meeting with Grandma Mimi would not be a plea for reconciliation, but a confrontation with the weight of the family's traditions and consequences.

Struggling against the blinding glare of the sunlight, Ethan squinted as he processed Alexander's words. Shock reverberated through him as he tried to comprehend the accusation.

"Punished according to the family rules? What for?" Ethan questioned, his voice tinged with disbelief.

Alexander's voice boomed, cutting through the air, "What for? You're having an affair, and you have the nerve to ask why?"

"But, I'm glad to see Maya suffering now, but she's still a Reynolds. And because you've disgraced us, you deserve retribution!"

Ethan's world froze as the weight of the accusation settled upon him. "Having an affair? Is that what she's claiming?" His thoughts whirled, grappling with the betrayal he never imagined Maya would manipulate the situation and falsely accuse him of cheating, especially when she was the one who betrayed him.

"This deceitful woman," Ethan muttered under his breath, his heart heavy with a mix of hurt and anger.

"Even in your attempts to intimidate, you must remember your place."

Impatiently, Alexander commanded, "Enough nonsense. Get in the car. We'll entertain the guestroom at the hotel first, and then you'll face the consequences after the birthday feast. You can explain your divorce plans to Grandma then."

Fury flashing in his eyes, Ethan shouted back, "I will not go!"

Alexander seethed, "You good-for-nothing, do you want to provoke me into giving you another beating?"

With a sudden burst of anger, Alexander swung open his car door, leaped out, and charged toward Ethan, who was perched on the car bonnet. In a swift move, he aimed a kick at Ethan.

To Alexander's surprise, Ethan managed to evade the kick by swiftly moving away from the car, catching him off guard and avoiding the blow.

 

Following Alexander's failed attempt to kick Ethan, Ethan retaliated by charging towards Alex and delivering a powerful kick to his gut.

Boom!

Alexander, known for his playboy ways and weakened physique due to substance abuse, was swiftly sent flying by Ethan's blow.

"You... you good-for-nothing, how dare you fight back?!" Alex exclaimed in shock. Over the past three years, Alex had bullied Ethan repeatedly, taking advantage of his weak position as the son-in-law. Despite enduring humiliation in front of his wife's family, Ethan had never dared to retaliate. Yet on this day, Ethan, the underestimated son-in-law, had dared to strike back at the future heir of the Reynolds family.

As Alexander picked himself up from the ground, he strode over to his Land Cruiser, grabbed a bat, and smashed it against the pavement in frustration.

"I will exact punishment on behalf of the Reynolds. I'll make you pay with your life!" he threatened in a fit of rage.

 

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

Alexander charged towards Ethan, swinging his blade thrice, but Ethan effortlessly evaded each strike with skillful agility.

Ethan had begun training in martial arts at the young age of seven, yet despite being bullied by his peers and lacking natural fighting ability, he persisted under the guidance of a skilled martial artist for over a decade. Surprised by his movements, he attributed his newfound strength to the Ancestral system that had empowered him.

Alexander's furious attacks with the bat proved futile against Ethan's enhanced speed and reflexes. With lightning-fast precision, Ethan delivered a sharp blow to Alexander's wrist, causing him to drop the bat to the ground. Seizing the opportunity, Ethan swiftly landed a series of calculated punches on Alexander's face, employing various Wing Chun techniques before Alexander could recover the weapon.

 

With a resounding smack and a sharp whack, Alexander crumpled to the ground, defeated and unwilling to engage with Ethan any further.

Standing tall over Alexander, Ethan issued a stern warning, "Inform Old Ms. Mimi that I am no longer at your beck and call, a mere errand boy for the family. No one can intimidate me unless I allow it."

Having made his point, Ethan strode confidently to his car and checked his device to confirm the ride order.

Meanwhile, Alexander, battered and swollen, chose not to seek medical attention, viewing his injuries as a strategic opportunity to gain sympathy from his grandmother.

Driving back to Ms. Julia's mansion, where Old Ms. Mimi was overseeing the preparations for her daughter's event. Alexander's arrival caught the attention of his mother, Lena Reynolds.

"Alexander, you're home!" Lena exclaimed, spotting his familiar black Land Cruiser pulling up in front of Ms. Mimi.

Old Ms. Mimi smiled approvingly and nodded, "Alexander remains as reliable as ever."

 

To the astonishment of onlookers, Alexander exited the car alone, his face marred with wounds, sparking concern and confusion among those present.

Old Ms. Mimi, visibly distraught, regarded Alexander with deep concern. As the sole male descendant of their third generation, Alexander represented the future of the Reynolds lineage. The thought of any harm befalling him struck a chord of distress within her, as it would jeopardize the family's succession.

"My dear grandson! How did this happen to you? Who was responsible for these injuries?" Old Ms. Mimi inquired anxiously, her worry evident in her voice.

Tears welled up in Alexander's eyes as he lamented, "Grandmother, it was Maya's worthless husband who attacked me!"