Chapter 6
Author: Anton Hansen
last update2026-07-07 23:30:36

Ethan’s POV

The black limousine glided through the massive gates of Black Villa.

I stared out the window at the mansion I left years ago—tall columns, perfectly manicured gardens, and lights that made the whole place glow like a palace. 

Now it felt both familiar and strange.

When the car stopped, Alexander stepped out first, then turned to offer me a hand. I ignored it and got out on my own, my cheap suit still sticky with dried cake frosting. 

Security men stood at attention along the driveway.

“Welcome home, son,” Alexander said quietly, his voice full of emotion. “It’s been too long.”

The hall smelled of polished wood and fresh flowers when we walked inside. Servants bowed slightly as we passed. A tall man in a butler uniform stepped forward. “Young Master Ethan, it is an honor. Your rooms have been prepared.”

I nodded. 

We moved to the large sitting room with leather sofas and a fireplace that crackled softly. Alexander poured two glasses of whiskey and handed one to me. We sat down facing each other.

“Drink, son,” he said. “You’ve had a hell of a night.”

I took a sip. The warm liquid burned down my throat. “Father, I don’t even know where to start. Five years of living like that… and it ended with cake in my face.”

Alexander leaned forward, “I watched the security feed in the car. What Victoria did was unforgivable. But son, don’t be too quick to throw away your marriage. Sophia is not her mother.”

I set the glass down hard. “She stayed silent, Father. When Victoria demanded divorce and smashed that cake on me, Sophia said nothing. I looked at her, hoping she would finally stand up for me, but she lowered her eyes. How can I trust that?”

Alexander sighed deeply. “I understand the pain. But think about it. She has lived under Victoria’s control for years. That kind of pressure breaks people. You chose to hide your identity to test true love. Maybe she failed the test tonight, but five years of marriage shows she stayed when others would have left. Don’t let one night of weakness destroy everything.”

I rubbed my face, feeling tired. “I told them to prepare divorce papers by Monday. I wanted Victoria to feel the fear. But Sophia… I still love her. That’s what makes it hurt more.”

We talked for over an hour. Alexander told me stories about my mother—how she used to laugh so hard at every little joke, she would cry at the little things that hurt her, how stubborn she could be when she believed she was right, and how proud she would have been of the man I’d become. More than once, his voice softened with emotion, and I found myself hanging on every word.

Then his expression turned serious.

He walked to the window, clasping his hands behind his back as he stared into the dark grounds outside.

“The danger isn't over, Ethan,” he said quietly. “There are still people who want the Blacks destroyed.”

He went on to explain the threats still lurking in the shadows—old enemies who had tried to kill us years ago. Richard Kane's name came up more than once.

“He's dangerous,” Father warned, turning to face me. “Watch him closely when you return to the company.”

I nodded. “I will.”

A long silence settled between us before Alexander stepped forward and placed a hand on my shoulder.

“Goodnight, son.”

“Goodnight, Father,” I replied.

A servant then escorted me through the grand hallways to my luxurious bedroom suite, which I barely recognized.

I showered off the last traces of cake and humiliation, changed into soft clothes, and sank into the enormous bed. Within minutes, exhaustion claimed me, and I fell into the deepest sleep I'd had in years.

………..

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the tall windows of Black Villa, warming the luxurious bedroom I had barely slept in. 

I woke up feeling lighter—no more janitor uniform waiting for me, no more pretending. For the first time in five years, I was stepping into my real life.

Downstairs in the grand dining room, Alexander sat at the head of a long table filled with a feast of fresh fruits, eggs, coffee, and pastries. 

He smiled when he saw me. “Today is the day, son. You resume your position fully as the heir to Blackstone Global. The board is nervous, but I believe in you. We’ll head to headquarters this morning. I’ll introduce you myself.”

I sat down and started eating. The food tasted richer than anything I’d had in the Carter mansion. 

“What about Carter Technologies?” I asked between bites. “Titan Dynamics is still circling them like sharks.”

Alexander waved a hand calmly. “One step at a time, Ethan. We secure our empire first. Then we decide how… or if to help the Carters. You don’t owe them anything after last night.”

“Right." 

We talked more over breakfast. He warned me again about Richard Kane and the board members who doubted my ability after years away. 

“Show them strength, but remember your mother’s kindness,” he said. “That balance will make you unstoppable.”

Two hours later, our convoy arrived at Blackstone Global Tower. The skyscraper dominated downtown Los Angeles. Security cleared a path as employees in the lobby stopped and stared, whispering excitedly. 

Obviously, news of my reveal had spread so fast.

The day flew by in a blur of meetings. In the top-floor conference room, senior leaders and board members waited. 

Richard Kane greeted me with a polished smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Welcome back, Young Master Ethan. The board has questions, but we stand ready to support you.”

Alexander addressed everyone with commanding presence. 

“My son has returned. He will take his rightful place starting today. Doubts about his leadership will disappear quickly.”

I listened carefully through presentations on deals, market threats, and internal operations. I asked sharp questions that made some nod in approval. 

Richard watched me too closely, his deceptive calm never slipping. 

By late afternoon, the meetings wrapped up. Alexander clapped my back. “You handled it well. Your new office is ready. Your secretary will assist with anything you need.”

I walked down the wide executive hallway toward the CEO suite, my mind heavy with everything—Sophia’s unanswered messages, the looming corporate war, and the weight of this new power.

As I stepped out of the main elevator into the ground-floor lobby, ready to head home, I spotted trouble near the security desk. Victoria, Jason, and Sophia had been waiting there for hours. 

Security personnel blocked them firmly. Victoria argued loudly with a guard. “Do you know who we are? We are family! Let us see Ethan Black right now!”

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