登入Both Ethan and Kristen were stunned by Anastasia's words."My fiancé?" Ethan frowned. "What the hell are you talking about?"Anastasia burst into laughter, her eyes gleaming with mockery.Kristen stared at her, barely recognizing the woman standing before him."What did you do, Anna?" he asked sternly. "I told you to let him go. Don't tell me you ignored me."He looked at his childhood friend, desperately hoping she hadn't done something that would hurt both herself and Ethan.Ethan's confusion only deepened."Let who go?" he demanded. "What the fuck are you two talking about?"Anastasia scoffed."As usual, Ethan is completely clueless. You'll find out exactly what's happening when Damien arrives."She turned to leave before glancing back with a sinister smile."Sit down and enjoy the show."She no longer needed Ethan. He had already served his purpose by bringing Damien here. Since Damien had promised Ethan he would attend, she knew he wouldn't break his word.Tonight, her grandfathe
Anastasia walked past her, feeling completely confident. She couldn't wait to put Aileen and everyone else who had ever doubted or insulted her right back in their place. By the time they saw her walking in beside Damien Blackwood, they would all be utterly speechless.A few minutes later, Anastasia had finished getting dressed. She had originally prepared another outfit for when Damien arrived, never expecting she would end up wearing it herself. It was a stunning white dress with elegant black stripes along the sleeves. The moment she looked into the mirror, a proud smile spread across her face."Today's the day," she murmured to her reflection. "I'm finally going to claim what's mine."With renewed confidence, she stepped out of the VIP suite. After all, it was her family's hotel. She could use any room she wanted whenever she pleased.As she walked downstairs, her smile gradually faded. There was still no sign of Damien.Moments later, Harold was escorted into the hall by Monica an
Ethan furrowed his eyebrows, thoroughly confused. "I don't get it. I've been played by who?"Kristen threw his hands up in frustration at how blind his friend was being. "Can't you see what's going on, Ethan? Why did she pick Damien out of all the men in the city? Doesn't she have anyone else she could ask?"Ethan fell silent. Kristen's words hit close to home; the thought had crossed his mind before, but he had quickly brushed it aside without giving it any deeper meaning.Meanwhile, the main event was beginning to get under way as guests poured into the grand ballroom. High-profile figures, business moguls, and socialites filled the room. For a man as powerful and wealthy as Harold Banks, a birthday celebration was never just a party—it was a display of status.The hotel hall was massive, yet a subtle hierarchy was clearly at play. The richest and most influential guests occupied the prime VIP tables right near the stage, while lesser-known attendees and distant acquaintances were s
Kristen was still confused. "Damien? Why is his coming here such a big deal? I don't understand—is there something else I need to know?" He looked back and forth between Anastasia and Ethan, searching for an explanation.Anastasia quickly decided this was not the time for Kristen to find out what was going on. If he found out, he might talk Ethan out of it and ruin her plans entirely, which she couldn't allow.She turned to Ethan. "Please text him again. I'll catch up with you guys later." With that, she spun around and walked away, needing to discuss something important with her father.Once Anastasia was out of earshot, Ethan was left alone with Kristen, who was still demanding answers."Are you going to keep hiding whatever secret you and Anna have," Kristen asked, his voice low and serious, "or are you going to spill it right now?"Ethan sighed. "Let's find our seats first. It's a long story."Kristen nodded, and the two of them followed the usher to their designated table. It was
Ethan and Kristen soon arrived at the venue, which was the prestigious Banks Hotel where the birthday celebration was being hosted. All sorts of luxurious sports cars and limousines were parked outside. Because they had arrived late, Kristen had to park their car a bit far from the main entrance, as the front lot was entirely full. As they were led toward the entrance, they were greeted by a massive crowd of reporters flashing cameras and holding microphones. If it hadn't been for the hotel bodyguards guiding them through, they wouldn't have been able to push past the media wall. Once they finally made it inside the lobby, Kristen let out a breath and adjusted his white suit jacket. "I have a feeling this party is going to be crazy," he sighed, looking around the beautifully decorated hotel interior. "Wow, they really went all out for the old man, didn't they?" He clapped a hand onto Ethan's shoulder. Ethan, meanwhile, had been a nervous wreck since the moment they pulled up. His
Ethan was completely distracted as Kristen kept talking to him about the dress code for Anastasia's grandfather's birthday party. "Why do you think they picked white for the theme? Isn't that a little weird for a birthday?"Ethan just nodded his head absentmindedly, his eyes glued to his phone screen. "Yeah, yeah."Kristen finished buttoning up his suit jacket and snorted, realizing that Ethan hadn't heard a single word he had said. Testing him, Kristen asked, "And you're a total fool, right?"Ethan nodded once again without looking up. "Yeah."At that point, Kristen knew his friend was completely checked out. He gave Ethan a light push, shouting, "Ethan!"Ethan jumped in surprise, dropping his phone onto his lap. "Bro, what the hell?"Kristen shook his head in disappointment. "Are you serious right now? You haven't heard a single thing I've said."Ethan didn't answer. Instead, he finally looked up at Kristen's suit.Ethan paused, shifting uncomfortably. "Of... course I heard you," he l
Ethan pushed the heavy thoughts of the Vales aside and focused on the reflection in the mirror. Julio’s masterpiece was a black satin suit, but it wasn't just plain fabric; a delicate silver flower design wound across the shoulders and chest, glittering under the studio lights like stardust. Ethan
Ethan spent the entire day drifting in and out of sleep. The silence of the mansion was a jarring luxury compared to the screaming halls of Metropolis Prison. He was grateful to Damien ,he knew Damien had saved him but the mystery of Damien’s agenda loomed over him like a shadow, he may be naive bu
Ethan was awake the next morning as Anna knocked on the door. He quickly sat up and Anna entered. She greeted him good morning and told him to come downstairs for breakfast; she added that if he couldn't walk, she'd be glad to assist him, but he politely declined, saying he felt better that Dr. Ric
You just made the right choice,” Damien said calmly.He walked toward Ethan and extended his hand.Ethan stared at it. His eyes lingered on Damien’s hand, hesitation filling him at first.Slowly, Ethan reached out. His hand was weak as he placed it in Damien’s whose grip was strong and without hesit







