Everyone knew that Aria Jackson had loved Larry Spencer for years. The usually obedient Aria got tattoos for him, broke rules for him, and even moved to a foreign city for him. But when she fell into the lake and he rescued her rival instead, leaving her soaking and miserable, her heart finally shattered completely. The man who came after Larry held her protectively in his arms and suggested with a gentle laugh, "Miss Jackson, have you considered teaching your ex-husband a lesson?" She promptly filed for divorce and married Archer Duncan, the heir to the Duncan empire and the powerful CEO of Duncan Industries. That evening, their marriage certificate was posted on social media. The typically aloof Larry finally showed his desperation, begging her not to marry Archer and then turning to threaten him, "You think she loves you? She's just using the Duncan family's wealth and connections!" Archer simply tightened his arm around her waist and replied calmly, "So what? Fortunately, I have both in abundance." What no one knew was that Aria had been Archer's carefully laid plan all along. He had deeply loved this rose from the beginning—he admired her ambition and was eager to support her boldness and independence.
view moreIn that moment, Ben hated Stevie Wimmerman with everything in him.Hadn’t he brought enough women already? Why did he have to provoke Archer’s wife of all people? It was Stevie’s fault he’d ended up in this mess.No longer holding anything back, Ben spat out the truth, his voice laced with bitterness. “That resort project Stevie landed was one of those government-led initiatives. He pushed his way in, claiming he’d cover the whole cost himself without asking for a cent from above, and even donated tens of millions to Harbour City’s charity fund. That’s the only reason he got their favor.”He laid out everything he knew, not hiding a thing.Ethan’s smile only deepened.So that was it. He’d thought Stevie might actually be someone important. But no—just another fool trying to buy connections. The resort project had always been government-backed. Stevie forcing his way in only saved those people a chunk of money, money Ethan knew damn well whose pockets it ended up in.No wonder
Anyone with connections in Harbour City knew the truth about Ethan Alexander: the more he smiled, the more dangerous he was. And right now, staring into that grin, Ben could swear the cold glint in Ethan’s eyes was solid enough to cut.Ben forced out a couple of dry laughs. “Mr. Alexander… I’m just a nobody.”“How could you be a nobody?” Ethan said smoothly. “Even I don’t have the right to bring call girls into Grandview. For you to be this bold, you can’t be a nobody. You must have someone backing you.” He tilted his head, still smiling. “So go on, tell me who’s behind you. I’d like to see what kind of big shot dares protect someone who thinks he can challenge Grandview.”Ben’s heart lurched. So Ethan really did know about him sneaking women in. No wonder his face was so dark, no wonder every word dripped with mockery.All thoughts of teaming up with Stevie Wimmerman vanished. Ben just wanted to save his own skin.“Mr. Alexander, I swear, Mr. Wimmerman pushed me into it. I’m
Ben barged in, cursing them out like he owned the place, swagger written all over his face.He figured Lucas had no real backing—just another bunch of spoiled kids freeloading at Grandview. If they wanted to party, why not at Blue Note, where all the second-rate rich boys went? What were they doing here, of all places?He kept ranting, demanding they hand Stevie over.Lucas flicked his tongue against his teeth, a shadow crossing his eyes. Noisy idiot. This was supposed to be a quiet reunion with friends, and this clown wouldn’t shut up? Who the hell did he think he was?Lucas grabbed a bottle and stood. He looked about ready to smash it over someone’s head.Ben flinched and stumbled back. His voice jumped an octave. “Do you even know who Mr. Wimmerman is? He’s donated millions to Harbour City! He’s been handed government projects, including the resort! If you touch him, you’re finished! I’ll make sure the whole city knows—you spoiled brats think you can push people around, but the
It just proved once again—good-looking guys only hung out with other good-looking guys.Ethan couldn’t help thinking, what kind of spoiled rich kid was this green-haired fool anyway? If even an airheaded softie like him counted as one of the “bad boys,” then what the hell was Larry? Right—scum. Pure scum. No fixing that.Lucas, on the other hand, was the playful type. His crowd might all be trust-fund brats, but they had their own code. The real players always laid things out upfront—some wanted fun, some wanted money. If both sides agreed, fine. If not, they’d move on. A few of them were called playboys just because they liked to bankroll small-time celebrities for the thrill of watching them rise. At least they had boundaries.Most of these guys were the youngest sons in their families anyway. Their older brothers handled the businesses, so they had the luxury of wasting time.Ethan caught himself staring at Greenie a little too long. The kid actually looked embarrassed, practica
In Harbour City, Ethan was known for two things—his medical skill and his volcanic temper.He gave women plenty of leeway, but what was Stevie Wimmerman? Male, ugly, and dumb enough to mess with his best friend’s wife in Grandview. That was practically begging to get killed. If Ethan let something like that slide, he wouldn’t be Ethan.The problem was, Stevie was already so drunk his eyes couldn’t even focus. Ethan wanted to beat the crap out of him, but it was hardly satisfying when the guy couldn’t even stay upright.“You hit him pretty hard,” Ethan remarked dryly.Shawn lit a cigarette for him and slouched beside him. Shawn just gave a quiet grunt. “Can’t stand looking at trash.”“Fair,” Ethan agreed. “Ugly enough to shorten your lifespan just by laying eyes on him.”He clicked his tongue. The manager hovering nearby immediately shrugged off his coat and draped it over Stevie’s face.That earned a grin from Ethan. “See? That’s why I promoted you. You’ve got instincts.”He po
The call connected quickly. Ethan had just come off a long surgery that morning, and he was still half-asleep when the ringtone dragged him back up. Irritated, his voice was rough.“You’d better have a good reason for waking me up.”“Ethan, it’s Shawn,” came the flat reply.That woke him a little. He rubbed his eyes, then let out a surprised chuckle. “Well, well. And what does my little brother Shawn need from me?”“I just have one question,” Shawn said, voice even.Ethan leaned back. “Go on.”“When did Grandview start offering escort services? I remember your Blue Note club running that kind of business. But Grandview… I’m pretty sure it doesn’t.”Ethan’s brows shot up. “What? Who the hell is hosting escorts at Grandview?” He paused, then caught something off. “Wait—hold up. You’re back? Since when?”News of the Xander family’s youngest son returning should’ve set off half a dozen banquets by now.“Today,” Shawn said simply. “Ran into something at Grandview.” His gaze slid to
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