THE HEIR'S REVENGE

chapter 5

Ethan POV

CHAPTER 5

After the driver dropped me off at the mansion, I decided I needed to go back to the Pierce house one more time. I still had a few things there—not that any of it was worth much. But it was mine.

"Should I take you there, young master?" the driver offered.

"No," I said. "Drop me off a few blocks away. I don't want anyone to see this car."

I wasn't ready for the Pierce family to know about my new life. Not yet.

The driver let me out on Rolling Street, far enough from the Pierce house that no one would notice. I waited until he drove away before walking toward the place I used to call home.

The cold bit at my skin, but it wasn't as bad as before. Maybe because I knew I had somewhere warm to go back to now.

I pushed open the front door quietly. The living room was empty. Strange. Usually, Victoria was there, barking orders at the staff.

Then I heard voices coming from downstairs.

My old room. The basement.

"Didn't you say he was in his room?!" That was Marcus, my father. His voice was sharp with anger.

"He was here hours ago," Victoria replied.

"Where is that brat?!"

I crept toward the basement door and peered inside. They were all there—Marcus, Victoria, Daniel, Sophia, and Emma—tearing apart my tiny room.

"Why are you looking for him?" Daniel asked. "We kicked him out, like you said. He's nineteen now. We don't have to deal with him anymore."

Marcus whirled on Daniel, his face red. "You should've waited until I got home! He has something important!"

I tensed. What could I possibly have that Marcus would want?

"That stupid necklace his mother left him is valuable!" Marcus declared. "I just found out its name and its worth!"

My hand automatically went to the necklace hanging around my neck. It was a simple silver chain with a small pendant. Mom had given it to me before she died, telling me to never take it off.

They'd always mocked it, calling it worthless junk.

Now suddenly it was valuable?

"I can get him back," Emma's voice cut through my thoughts. "I'll convince him to give us the necklace."

"And who are you?" Marcus demanded.

"She's my wife," Daniel said. "She's Tedmond's ex. He's still in love with her. She can trick him."

My jaw clenched. They really thought I was that pathetic.

"Perfect," Marcus said, relaxing slightly. "Get the necklace from him. We don't need to bring him back here. That useless brat has caused enough trouble."

"His room will become storage," Victoria added with satisfaction. "I've wanted him gone since the day he was brought here as a baby."

I'd heard enough. I turned and left before they could notice me.

So that's why they were looking for me. Not because they cared. Not because they felt guilty.

Because they wanted something from me.

Well, they could try. But I wasn't the same person I was yesterday.

The next morning, I got ready for class at Crestwood University. For the first time, I felt confident walking onto campus.

I wore one of the new outfits I'd bought—nothing too flashy, but definitely better quality than anything I'd owned before. New shoes. A decent watch.

"When will you be back?" Lily asked, tugging at my pants leg and clutching her rabbit doll.

I knelt down to her level and smoothed her hair. "I'll be back before seven. I can't pick you up from kindergarten today, okay?"

She nodded slowly. "The nanny will pick me up."

"Good girl."

I stood up and looked at Henry, who was watching us with concern.

"Do you need a driver?" Henry asked. "You can choose any car from the garage."

I shook my head. "No thanks. I'll take the bus like I used to."

"The bus?" Henry looked horrified. "Absolutely not. You're taking a car, young master."

I knew he wouldn't let me leave otherwise. "Fine. The driver can take me."

Henry nodded, satisfied.

The driver dropped me off several blocks from campus. I didn't want anyone seeing me arrive in a luxury car.

As I walked toward the main building, a sports car nearly ran me over. I jumped back just in time.

"Watch where you're going, loser!" The driver—Brandon Mitchell, one of Daniel's friends—stuck his head out the window and gave me the middle finger. "Bastard thinks he can just walk around like he belongs here."

I clenched my fists but kept walking. Brandon wasn't worth my time.

The moment I entered the building, I felt eyes on me. Students whispered as I passed.

"Isn't that the guy whose girlfriend married his brother?"

"I heard he's not even really part of the family. Just the maid's kid."

"He wasn't even invited to the wedding. They sent him away."

"Poor people don't deserve love anyway."

I ignored them and headed to my first class. My usual seat in the back was empty, as always.

Before I could settle in, three guys approached my desk. Brandon and two of his friends.

"You're here," Brandon said with a smirk.

"What do you want?" I asked, not looking up.

"I heard what happened yesterday. You got kicked out of the family. Where did you sleep last night? The streets?"

I stayed silent.

"Come on, answer me!" Brandon leaned closer. "Or did you go crying to Lisa? Oh wait—she dumped you for your brother. Must hurt, knowing she was using your money to buy gifts for him."

The other students were watching now, enjoying the show.

"Is it true?" someone whispered. "His girlfriend was cheating on him with his brother?"

"How pathetic."

Brandon grinned wider. "You know what? I'm going to do you a favor. Let's settle this with a basketball game. If you lose, you become my slave. Sound fair?"

The class went silent. Everyone knew Brandon was the best basketball player in school. He'd led the team to multiple victories.

"And if I win?" I asked.

Brandon laughed. "You won't. But if you do, I'll be your slave instead. Deal?"

He expected me to back down. Everyone did.

I looked him in the eye. "Deal."

The shock on his face was priceless. "What?"

"I said deal. When and where?"

"Today. 2 PM. Basketball court."

"I'll be there."

Brandon's shock turned to anger. "You'll regret this. You're going to embarrass yourself in front of everyone."

"We'll see," I said calmly.

As Brandon stormed out, the class erupted in whispers.

"Is he insane?"

"He's going to lose for sure."

"This is going to be so embarrassing to watch."

I ignored them all. I had a plan.

And Brandon Mitchell was about to learn a very important lesson.