Tous les chapitres de : Chapitre 21 - Chapitre 30

By the time Ethan returned to the Harrington mansion, it was well past midnight.The city had quieted considerably, but the roads around the Harrington estate were still familiar enough that he could have driven them with his eyes closed. He had spent the entire day dealing with information that had changed the meaning of his life, and although his mind was crowded with questions about Apex, he had not expected anything unusual when he finally headed home.“Home” The word almost made him smile.For three years, the Harrington mansion had been the only place he had been able to return to, even if no one there had ever truly made him feel welcome. It was still where his clothes were kept, where his documents were stored, and where he had slept every night. Until tonight.As his car approached the estate, Ethan slowed near the massive iron gates. The security lights illuminated the entrance, and the small gatehouse stood to one side.The gatekeeper was still awake. Ethan expected him to

By ten that morning, Ethan was standing across the street from Apex Global Holdings.He had seen the name hundreds of times in documents over the past few days. He had read reports carrying its insignia, studied ownership structures that stretched across continents, and learned how dozens of divisions fit beneath one enormous corporate structure. None of that prepared him for the building itself.Apex headquarters rose above the surrounding towers, its glass exterior reflecting the morning sky. The lower floors were surrounded by controlled entrances, security personnel, and employees moving in and out with the hurried purpose of people who knew exactly where they were going.Ethan remained in his car for another minute.This was not a visit to a company he hoped to work for. It was a visit to a company he owned. The thought still felt strange.His phone vibrated, Samuel.“Your access has been cleared. Daniel is waiting inside. Keep your identity private until you decide otherwise.” E

The next morning, he had decided to take some of his belongings before finally leaving the Harrington’s mansion for good.The house was already awake at the time he came into the kitchen to take a towel.Voices came from the dining room.Then just as he was about to go back, he heard his name.“Ethan" Ethan walked toward them and stopped at the entrance.Marcus sat comfortably beside Sophia, speaking with Richard while Margaret listened. Sophia glanced toward the doorway."Is this yours?"Ethan's eyes settled on it, he had carried the gift bag into his room. How come it was in Marcus's hand?The flowers were gone, but the perfume and chocolates remained. He knew that Marcus was trying to cause a scene, so he ignored him.Marcus placed the perfume on the table. Then he picked up the chocolates."What exactly were you hoping would happen? You come home after disappearing all night, leave flowers at Sophia's door, and think a few gifts will make her forget everything?"Marcus stood. The

Ethan woke before sunrise.For several seconds, he stared at the unfamiliar ceiling above him, trying to remember where he was.Then everything that had happened yesterday returned. The humiliation and the promise he had made before walking away.Ethan sat up slowly.The hotel room was quiet. His few belongings were still where he had left them the night before. One suitcase. One small bag. A handful of books.Everything else was gone. There was only silence.His phone vibrated on the bedside table. Ethan reached for it, a secure message had arrived.DANIEL MERCER — APEX GLOBALEthan opened it.“> Mr. Cole, As requested, I have sent the preliminary documents through the secure portal.Included are the current board structure, executive appointment records, ownership structures, voting authorities, and the financial reports you requested.I have also included several board resolutions from the past eighteen months for your review. Please let me know if you require anything else.”Ethan

Ethan returned to the hotel that afternoon with a strange sense of relief.Samuel had promised to arrange an apartment, and Ethan trusted him to handle it. He spent the rest of the day quietly.Daniel had sent another set of documents from Apex, but Ethan only glanced through them. He didn't want to start something he couldn't finish properly. There was too much information, and he wanted his mind clear before returning to it.The next morning, his phone rang.It was Samuel.“Good morning.” Ethan greeted “Good morning, Ethan. Are you free this morning?”“Yes.”“Good. I've found three apartments that fit what you asked for. Come over. You can look at them and choose whichever one feels right.”Ethan sat up.“That quickly?”“I told you I'd make preparations immediately.” Samuel responded Ethan smiled. “I'll be there.”He dressed up quickly and left the hotel.When he arrived at Samuel's house, a car was already waiting outside. Samuel came out a few minutes later.“Ready?”Ethan nodd