The Rise of Ethan Ryder: The Despised Husband & CEO

Chapter 5: A Friend in the Shadows

As Ethan wandered through the city streets, the cool night air seemed to sharpen his thoughts, clearing the haze of humiliation he had endured. Tonight had been the breaking point; he could no longer continue this life as a shadow, a man disregarded and humiliated by his own wife and her friends. For years, he had buried his true identity to fulfill his promise to Jasmine, hoping she might one day see the man he was beneath the surface. But that hope had finally crumbled, leaving only a resolve to rediscover himself.

Just as he was about to turn back towards his apartment, his phone buzzed. He glanced down, surprised to see a message from an unknown number:

“Long time, Ethan. Meet me at The Raven’s Den.”

The Raven’s Den. The name stirred something deep within him. It was an upscale, private club known only to an elite few, nestled in the shadows of the city. It was a place where those of wealth, influence, and power gathered discreetly, far removed from the eyes of the public. Ethan had frequented it in his former life, before he met Jasmine and chose to live as an unassuming man. Only a select few knew of his connection to that world, and even fewer would dare to reach out.

Intrigued, he decided to go. After all, the person who’d contacted him had managed to access his personal number, a feat only possible for someone well-acquainted with his past.

Upon entering The Raven’s Den, Ethan was greeted by the familiar, low-lit ambiance and the scent of cigars and polished leather. He scanned the room, noticing the discerning glances from men and women dressed in tailored suits and designer attire. To these people, he was not an outcast or a disappointment; here, he commanded a silent reverence, even without announcing his identity.

He saw the man waiting for him in a private booth at the back—a tall figure with dark hair, intense eyes, and an aura of confidence. Marcus Hale. An old friend, one of the few who had known Ethan in his true form. They had once fought side-by-side in ruthless business deals, always having each other’s back. But when Ethan had decided to step away from that world, Marcus had respected his choice, even if he hadn’t fully understood it.

As Ethan approached, Marcus stood up, a grin breaking across his face. “Still know how to make an entrance, don’t you?” he joked, extending a hand.

Ethan shook his hand, chuckling. “And you still haven’t lost your sense of timing, Marcus. What’s brought you out of the shadows tonight?”

They sat, and Marcus poured them both a drink. “Word travels, even when you don’t want it to,” he began, eyeing Ethan with a mix of amusement and concern. “I heard you’ve been hiding out, letting people walk all over you, particularly a certain wife and her family.”

Ethan’s face hardened, but he remained silent, his fingers drumming lightly on the glass.

“You know, Ethan, the man I knew wouldn’t take that kind of treatment,” Marcus continued. “The Ethan Grey I knew was a force to be reckoned with, someone who could crush his enemies without batting an eye. What happened to him?”

Ethan took a slow sip of his drink, allowing the warmth to settle before he responded. “He made a choice,” he said finally, his voice laced with bitterness. “He chose to be something… less, to live a life devoid of pride, to support someone who didn’t want him to be anything more than what she imagined him to be.”

Marcus scoffed, shaking his head. “And look where that got you. Ethan, you were born to command. Why let yourself fade into the background when you’re capable of so much more?”

Silence settled between them, punctuated only by the low hum of voices in the background. Marcus leaned forward, his expression serious. “I didn’t reach out to lecture you. I came because I think it’s time you remember who you are. The world has been quiet without you, my friend. But the things we built… they’re still there, waiting for you to reclaim them.”

Ethan looked up, meeting Marcus’s gaze, and for the first time in years, he felt something stir within him—a sense of purpose, a reminder of the man he once was.

“What do you propose?” he asked, his voice steady, laced with a rekindled resolve.

Marcus’s eyes gleamed. “You step back into your world, but this time with a vengeance. Show those who doubt you, who trample on you, that they’ve made a grave mistake. We start with Jasmine’s business. I’ve been watching it closely, you know. Her rise in the company, her sudden access to capital—most of it was your doing, wasn’t it?”

Ethan nodded, knowing he’d used his resources to give Jasmine every advantage, propping up her reputation and guiding her to success.

“Let her think she’s built it on her own,” Marcus said with a wry smile. “But we both know who’s really behind it. You could tear it all down or make her see what she’s taken for granted. The choice is yours.”

As they spoke, a plan began to form in Ethan’s mind. No longer would he tolerate the humiliation he’d endured for years. He would reclaim his power, but he would also do it in a way that showed Jasmine and everyone who had scorned him just how wrong they’d been.

As the night wore on, Marcus reminded him of past alliances, connections that could be renewed, and opportunities for him to regain his position. But beneath it all, there was a personal mission forming—a desire not only for power but also for justice. He would become the man he once was, a man his enemies feared and his allies respected.

As he left The Raven’s Den, Ethan felt a renewed sense of purpose pulsing through his veins. He knew that returning to his former life would mean sacrifices, challenges, and perhaps even heartbreak. But he was done hiding, done pretending to be something he was not.

The silent, submissive son-in-law was gone. In his place was a man with a legacy, a force of will, and a desire for retribution. He was ready to rise again, and those who had cast him aside would soon learn the true meaning of regret.