Zenith's New Master: The Lost Sterling heir Returns

CHAPTER 4

The clerk hesitated, glancing between the Chen women and Ethan. "Mrs. Chen, I apologize, but this gentleman arrived first and was already in the process of purchasing—"

"First?" Margaret's laugh was sharp and cruel. "Look at him! He probably can't even afford the security deposit on this store, let alone a fifty-million-dollar crystal."

Claire circled Ethan like a predator, her voice dripping with mockery. "This is honestly pathetic. Did you come here to pretend you're someone important? To play dress-up with the real elite?" She leaned closer. "You're still the same worthless orphan my sister had to tolerate. Nothing's changed."

Ethan remained silent, his jaw clenched tight.

"Oh, he's not even denying it," Margaret said with false sympathy. "Poor thing probably thought he could walk in here and... what? Impress someone? Buy his way into relevance?" She turned to the clerk. "Darling, stop wasting our time. Put the stone on our account."

"Ma'am, I really must insist that the first customer has priority—"

"The first customer," Claire interrupted, "needs to actually be able to afford something to be considered a customer at all. Otherwise he's just... what do you call it? A window shopper?"

Both women laughed cruelly.

The ring burned hotter against Ethan's finger. His fury was building, a crimson tide threatening to overflow, but he forced it down. He didn't have time for this.

Without a word, Ethan placed the Sterling Black Card on the counter.

The laughter stopped abruptly.

Then it erupted twice as loud.

"Oh my God," Claire gasped between giggles. "Is that supposed to be a black card? That's the worst fake I've ever seen!"

Margaret picked it up with two fingers like it was contaminated. "The craftsmanship is terrible. You can practically see where the paint is chipping. Did you buy this online? Or make it yourself in your sad little apartment?"

"Some people have no shame," Claire added. "Trying to commit fraud in front of witnesses. That's a criminal offense, you know."

The clerk stared at the card uncertainly, her professional facade cracking. She looked at Ethan's plain clothes, then at the Chen women's designer outfits and dripping jewelry.

"Sir," she said slowly, "I need to verify this card's authenticity. If this is fraudulent—"

"It's obviously fraudulent," Margaret snapped. "Look at him! Does he look like someone who would have a legitimate black card?"

The clerk's expression hardened. She pushed the card back toward Ethan. "Sir, I'm going to have to ask you to return the crystal and leave the premises. We don't tolerate attempted fraud."

"I was here first," Ethan said, his voice dangerously quiet. "And the card is legitimate."

"Sure it is," Claire mocked. "Just like you're secretly a billionaire, right?"

"Sir, please return the crystal or I'll have to call my manager," the clerk said, her tone now openly hostile. "You clearly can't afford this purchase."

"Call your manager then."

The clerk blinked, surprised by his calm insistence. "You're just embarrassing yourself—"

"Call. Your. Manager."

Something in his tone made her reach for the phone. She dialed, spoke quietly, then hung up. "Mr. Harrison will be here shortly. And when he confirms that card is fake, I'm calling security."

"Oh, this is delicious," Margaret said, pulling out her phone. "I'm recording this. Lily will die laughing when she sees her ex-boyfriend getting arrested for fraud."

Two minutes later, a portly man in an expensive suit emerged from the back offices. Mr. Harrison, the store manager, had slicked-back hair and an expression of permanent superiority. His eyes swept the scene, lingering on the Chen women with recognition and respect, then dismissing Ethan entirely.

"Mrs. Chen, Miss Chen, I apologize for this inconvenience," he said with an oily smile. "I understand there's been some... confusion?"

"This person," Margaret said, gesturing at Ethan like he was an insect, "is trying to use a fake black card to purchase the Celestial Essence Stone. We'd like to buy it instead, and we'd appreciate if you'd remove this fraud from your establishment."

Harrison picked up the card, barely glancing at it before his lip curled. "I see. Sir, this is clearly counterfeit. The weight is wrong, the finish is amateur, and quite frankly—" he looked Ethan up and down with contempt, "—someone of your... appearance... would never legitimately possess such an instrument."

"The card is real," Ethan said.

"Of course you'd say that." Harrison's smile was patronizing. "Look, I understand times are tough, but fraud is a serious crime. Leave now and I won't press charges."

Ethan pulled out his phone. "I'm calling someone to verify the card's validity."

The women laughed.

"Oh, who are you calling?" Claire mocked. "Your imaginary friend? Your fake rich uncle?"

Ethan ignored them, dialing Sophia. She answered on the first ring.

"Young Master?"

"I need you to come inside. There's a situation."

"I'm on my way."

He hung up. "Sophia Winters is coming to verify the card."

Harrison froze. "Sophia... Winters?"

"Who?" Margaret asked, confused.

"He's bluffing," Claire said dismissively. "Probably just made up some random name."

But Harrison's face had gone pale. "You said... Sophia Winters is coming here? Now?"

"That's what I said."

"He's lying," the clerk said, though her voice wavered. "There's no way someone like him knows anyone important."

"Yes," Harrison said, though his voice had lost its confidence. "Yes, obviously he's lying—"

The doors opened.

Sophia Winters strode into the showroom, her black suit immaculate, her presence commanding instant attention. Her cold eyes swept the scene, taking in everything in seconds.

Harrison's face went from pale to white. His hands began to tremble.

"Young Master," Sophia said, walking directly to Ethan.

Harrison's legs gave out. He actually collapsed to his knees, his voice strangled. "Miss Winters... General Manager of Zenith Global Industries... you actually... you actually know this man?”