Chapter 51

“If I do five things for you, you’ll reward me with a wet kiss, okay?” Mia Sterling pleaded on the other end of the phone, her voice sweet and coaxing.

Ethan Blackthorn was momentarily at a loss for words.

He knew exactly why Mia was being so forward. It was all for the Sterling Family. Her father had given her one clear order: capture Ethan Blackthorn at any cost. To Mia, that command was absolute, so she had thrown herself into it without hesitation. She had never expected him to respond the way he just had.

A strange warmth she had never felt before bloomed in her chest.

Ethan had assumed that after what he’d said, Mia would finally stop trying to seduce him at every turn.

But she only chuckled softly.

“You big silly, thank you for being so kind… but the Sterling Family is the Sterling Family, and you and I are you and I. I want to be with you, and it has nothing to do with them.”

Ethan was even more speechless.

This girl looks so delicate and fragile. How is she this stubborn?

“Fine, pretend I didn’t say anything. If there’s nothing else, I’m hanging up.”

“There is something else,” Mia said quickly.

“What?”

“I told you—a bunch of rich playboys in Silverton City want to treat the Celestial Goddess Celeste Starling to dinner tonight at The Crown Pavilion. You should come too, silly!”

“I can’t. I still have to work. You guys have fun,” Ethan said with a light laugh.

“Then… can I come to the bar and find you tonight?”

“You’re always welcome to come spend your money.”

“Alright, silly!” Mia said coquettishly, her voice dripping with honeyed allure.

Ethan quickly hung up and headed back to the security room.

Derek Vance had just finished brewing him a fresh cup of tea.

“Captain, your tea!”

Ethan took the cup. “Did you take Yara to see the new house?”

Derek nodded eagerly.

“How was it? Did she like it?”

“She loved it! Captain, thank you so much. Really… thank you. From now on, I’ll work like a horse to repay you!”

Ethan’s expression darkened. “Derek, I don’t like that kind of talk. I gave you that house to thank you for your years of service to the country—not so you could become my beast of burden. Understood?”

Derek’s eyes instantly reddened. Who said real men don’t cry? He had never once regretted joining the military, but the guilt of not being able to give his sister a better life had eaten at him every single day. Ethan had just wiped that regret away completely, and the gratitude in Derek’s heart was beyond words.

“Captain, I understand. Don’t worry—I’ll work hard.”

Ethan’s face softened. “That’s more like it. Work hard and make sure Yara is happy from now on.”

Derek nodded vigorously.

“Go on, get back to your post.”

Derek wiped his eyes and left the security room.

It was nearly dinnertime when Ethan’s phone rang again. He had been about to coax Serena Blake into grabbing hot pot with him, but the call from Xander Steele came through at that exact moment.

Ethan answered immediately.

“Boss, I have something to report.”

“Speak.”

“Richard Blake and Marcus Blake went to see Zane Ironwood at noon. They want to use him to deal with you.”

Ethan let out a cold, disdainful laugh. “That’s all?”

“Yes, Boss. I’m calling to ask if you want me to handle Zane Ironwood and those Blake trash.”

“No need,” Ethan replied calmly. “Zane Ironwood is treating me to lunch tomorrow. It’s obviously a trap, and I haven’t even had the chance to enjoy the little show he’s planning. If I kill him now, what fun would be left? As for the Blake trash… they can’t die yet. They’re looking down on us right now, and I still need to slap them across the face—hard.”

“But Boss, you’re destined for far greater things. Are those insignificant lowlifes really worth your personal time?”

Ethan grinned. “That’s where you’re wrong. A man needs a hobby, doesn’t he? Oh, by the way—any progress on investigating the Sovereign Dominion Map?”

This was the very first order Ethan had given Xander the last time they spoke.

“Boss, the investigation is still underway. What we know so far is that the map was split into four pieces. One of them appears to be right here in Silverton City, but I haven’t identified the current holder yet.”

Ethan’s eyes narrowed slightly.

The Sovereign Dominion Map was the key to unlocking the mystery of his origins. It had been deliberately split into four pieces? Was someone trying to keep him from discovering the truth… or was there another reason? Either way, the important part was that one fragment was here in Silverton City.

“Keep digging. Find out who has it—no matter the cost.”

“Understood!”

“Anything else?” Ethan asked.

“Yes, Boss—one more thing.”

“Go on.”

“Regarding the new company we’re setting up for you… forgive my bluntness, but should we make it as large as possible, or keep the scale more contained?”

“The bigger, the better,” Ethan said without hesitation. “Big enough to swallow all of Silverton City would be ideal.”

He had promised Serena he would give her Silverton City as a divorce present. He hadn’t been joking.

“Understood. I’ll proceed exactly as you instructed, Boss.”

Ethan grunted in acknowledgment.

Not long after they hung up, the door to the security room swung open.

Serena Blake walked in wearing a simple white dress. Even in something so plain, she radiated an enchanting, head-turning charm from head to toe.

The moment Ethan saw her, he smiled. “Wife, what brings you down here?”

“Hmph! This bar is mine. Of course I’m here to inspect the work and see if you, you damn scoundrel, have been slacking off!” Serena said brusquely.

“Still angry?”

“Furious! Absolutely furious!” she huffed.

“Well, stay mad then. I’m going out to eat with a beautiful woman.”

“You jerk! Who are you meeting?” Serena demanded.

Ethan grinned. “Take a guess.”

“You scoundrel—don’t tell me it’s Mia Sterling!”

“Guess again.”

“Celeste Starling?” Serena asked, her expression darkening.

For some reason, Serena felt that Celeste Starling was a far greater threat to her than Mia Sterling ever could be. Maybe it was because Celeste had been so blunt and open about her intentions.

“Wife, I have to say… you’re really sharp.”

“You bastard! You are not allowed to go eat with her!”

“Why not?”

Serena said angrily, “Hmph! Because I said so!”

“But you won’t eat with me,” Ethan replied, struggling to keep a straight face.

Serena blurted out, “Who said I won’t eat with you?”

“Perfect. I want hot pot. You’re treating!”

“Hmph! Fine, I’ll treat!”

Truthfully, Ethan had long grown tired of the world’s finest ingredients. What he ate didn’t matter nearly as much as who he was eating it with.

Right now, for example, he was in an excellent mood—because the woman sitting across from him was none other than Silverton City’s foremost beauty… and his wife, Serena Blake.

Ethan ordered. He glanced at the menu, closed it, and told the waiter, “Just bring us your most expensive dishes—enough for two.”

The waiter nodded and left.

Serena shot him a disdainful look. This guy has no real skills, yet he’s so picky about food. Ever since we got married it’s been The Crown Pavilion or exotic seafood every time. He certainly knows how to live luxuriously.

Still, she couldn’t be bothered to argue. The place she had brought him to wasn’t some ultra-high-end restaurant. A meal here would cost a little over a thousand at most—something she could just about afford.

The dishes arrived quickly.

Serena hadn’t had much of an appetite earlier, mostly because she was still irritated that Ethan had defended Celeste Starling. But the moment the rich aroma of the hot pot hit her, her stomach growled. Still trying to save face, she hesitated to pick up her chopsticks. After all, she had just claimed she wasn’t going to eat.

“Why aren’t you eating? Don’t tell me you want your husband to feed you?” Ethan teased.

“Hmph, fine—I’ll eat,” she retorted, reaching for her chopsticks.

Before she could, Ethan had already placed perfectly cooked slices of beef and lamb into her bowl.

A wave of warmth washed over Serena. This guy might not have many talents, but he’s surprisingly good at taking care of people.

Even so, she said haughtily, “Hmph, who asked you to serve me? I have my own hands!”

Despite her words, she still slid the meat into her mouth without hesitation.

Watching her, Ethan smiled. “Honey, do you think you saved the galaxy in your past life to be lucky enough to marry me in this one?”

Serena laughed in annoyed amusement. “You rascal, are you kidding me? If I had to save the galaxy just to marry you, how pathetically small would that galaxy have to be?”

Ethan chuckled. “Don’t be so quick to doubt. One day you’ll find out just how big this galaxy really is.”

“Hmph, keep boasting. If I believe a single word you say, I’ll admit defeat!”

Ethan was speechless, but he casually placed some perfectly cooked tripe into her bowl anyway.

“You rascal, I have my own hands!” Serena protested.

“I know. But my chopsticks have my saliva on them. When you eat what I give you… it’s basically an indirect kiss.”

Serena was momentarily speechless. A mix of disgust and embarrassment flooded her as she remembered what had happened after Madison Harrington drugged her with the aphrodisiac—the way she had forced herself on Ethan. Even under the influence, she still recalled certain details… like how she had kissed him over and over, and how the bastard had even used his tongue.

Her fair, beautiful face instantly flushed crimson. “You rascal,” she fumed, “who wants to kiss you?!”

“Don’t be shy. It’s not like we haven’t kissed before,” Ethan teased with a grin.

Both angry and embarrassed, Serena kicked him hard under the table.

Ethan winced but didn’t get upset in the slightest. He would never get angry with Serena Blake.

The meal ended quickly. Serena paid the bill, and Ethan made no move to stop her. The returns I’ll give her in the future will be enough to cover ten lifetimes of hot pot meals.

After they left the restaurant, Serena tossed the car keys to Ethan.

“What’s this? I’m driving?”

“What else? I treated you to dinner. The least you can do is drive.”

“Serena Blake, are you treating me like your personal chauffeur?”

Serena sniffed haughtily. “That’s right. From now on, you’re only allowed to drive for me. You are not to drive for anyone else.”

“Hey, isn’t that a little tyrannical?” Ethan protested.

“Hmph. I’m being tyrannical.”

Ethan was left speechless as Serena slid into the passenger seat. With a sigh, he got behind the wheel.

Soon they were back at the bar. Even though it had only just opened for the night, the place was already packed and buzzing. Serena got out and headed straight inside. The current manager was Uncle Reginald, who handled all the internal affairs, but Serena refused to sit idle. She helped wherever she could. This bar was incredibly important to her, and she didn’t want anything to go wrong.

As Ethan stepped out of the car to head toward the security office, Derek Vance walked over.

“Captain, there’s a guy named Marcus Blake looking for you.”

“Where is he?”

“Right inside the security room.”

Ethan nodded. “Got it. Go back to your duties.”

Derek acknowledged the order and left.

Ethan strode toward the security office. He didn’t even need to think about it—he knew his so-called brother-in-law was here to stir up trouble. Now that Marcus had latched onto a powerful backer like Zane Ironwood, it was only natural for him to come make a scene. To Ethan, however, Marcus wasn’t here to cause trouble.

He was here to court death.

He pushed open the door and, sure enough, found Marcus Blake sitting arrogantly in a chair, sipping tea.

The moment Marcus saw Ethan, he scoffed with open disdain. “You stinking beggar—you finally crawled back.”

Ethan ignored him, took a seat in the opposite chair, took a slow sip of his own tea, and asked calmly, “Here to die?”

The words had barely left his mouth before Marcus shot to his feet. “You stinking beggar, are you looking for death?! How dare you talk to me like that!”

As he spoke, he lunged forward, ready to throw hands at the slightest provocation.

“Stop!” Ethan barked. “You just ate shit, so stay the hell away from me. You stink.”

Marcus instantly exploded with rage. That incident was his greatest humiliation, and he had sworn to make Ethan pay for it in blood. That was exactly why he had come today.

“You stinking beggar, get on your knees! Otherwise, I’ll have Zane Ironwood kill you, you worthless piece of trash!” Marcus roared.

Ethan sneered contemptuously. “What, you think you’re invincible just because you’re clinging to Zane Ironwood? To put it bluntly, in my eyes, Zane Ironwood is nothing but a piece of dog shit.”

Marcus burst into maniacal laughter, staring at Ethan as if he were the world’s biggest idiot.

“You stinking beggar, you’re dead meat! I’m calling Zane Ironwood right now, and then we’ll see how you beg for mercy!” Marcus exclaimed, giddy with excitement.

The thought of Zane Ironwood about to crush this trash filled him with pure thrill. Without wasting another second, he quickly started dialing.

Chapter 52

The call connected almost instantly.

Marcus Blake shot Ethan Blackthorn a smug, venomous sneer before tapping the speakerphone icon, clearly intending to let Zane Ironwood’s voice crush the “beggar” right in front of him.

A deep, authoritative voice came through the line. “Who is this?”

“Master Ironwood, it’s me—Marcus Blake!” he answered, voice dripping with excitement.

“Marcus Blake? What piece of trash is that?” Zane Ironwood asked coldly.

Marcus froze, blood draining from his face. If anyone else had spoken to him like that, he would have exploded. But this was Zane Ironwood. He forced a wide, servile smile instead. “Master Ironwood, I’m Richard Blake’s son. We had lunch together earlier today.”

He thought dropping his father’s name would instantly change the man’s tone.

Instead, Zane replied with flat indifference. “What do you want?”

“I need your help dealing with a stinking beggar. Don’t worry, once it’s done—” Marcus rushed.

“Busy.”

Zane Ironwood cut him off with a single word and hung up.

Marcus stood there, utterly stunned. Just hours ago at lunch, Zane had thumped his chest and sworn the Blake Family now had his full backing—call him anytime, no problem. That was exactly why Marcus had strutted into the bar ready to humiliate Ethan. He had pictured the beggar on his knees, begging for mercy the second Zane’s name dropped.

He never expected the attitude to flip so fast. It felt like he’d been dropped into an ice cave.

Watching Marcus’s pale, shaken face, Ethan scoffed. “Done with your little performance?”

Marcus snapped back to reality, his face flushing with humiliated rage as he glared at Ethan. “Fuck you! You stinking beggar—don’t get cocky! What right does a worthless piece of trash like you have for me to call Master Ironwood on your account?!”

Ethan almost laughed at the sheer stupidity. “Marcus Blake… you really are an idiot. Alright, get lost. Stop embarrassing yourself.”

The only reason Ethan hadn’t already dealt with this trash was that the Blake Family still had some use left. Otherwise, after the arrogant show Marcus had just put on, Ethan would have beaten him until his teeth were scattered across the floor.

Marcus was already seething from Zane’s cold rejection. Ethan’s words pushed him over the edge. How dare this beggar call him an idiot? The memory of being forced to eat shit, combined with the fact that this same man had broken his sister’s wrist, made fresh hatred boil over old grudges. Marcus wanted nothing more than to tear Ethan apart right there.

Then his phone rang.

It was Zane Ironwood calling back.

Marcus’s eyes lit up with pure joy. I knew it.  Zane had finally remembered who he was. The Blake Family had poured a fortune into winning his favor—there was no way he wouldn’t stand up for them.

Suddenly smug again, Marcus waved the ringing phone in Ethan’s face. “See that, you stinking beggar? Master Ironwood is calling me personally! Your time is up.”

He answered instantly, tone dripping with flattery. “Master Ironwood, what are your orders?”

“You said you wanted my help dealing with a beggar?”

Marcus’s grin widened. He shot Ethan a gleeful, murderous look that clearly said, You’re finished.

“Yes, yes, Master Ironwood! I wanted your help with a stinking beggar. You have no idea how—”

“Shut up! Answer only what I ask,” Zane Ironwood commanded, voice like ice.

A chill ran down Marcus’s spine. This was a man who could end his life with a snap of his fingers. “Please, Master Ironwood, go ahead.”

A cold snort came from the other end. “Tell me—what is this beggar’s name?”

Marcus glared at Ethan, voice trembling. “His name is… Lin—Ethan Blackthorn.”

“Serena Blake’s husband?” Zane pressed, his tone now dangerously low.

“Yes, Master Ironwood—that’s him!”

“Are you with Ethan Blackthorn right now?”

“Yes, Master Ironwood, I’m standing right next to this stinking beggar!”

The moment the words left his mouth, Zane Ironwood’s voice turned vicious. “Listen carefully. Ethan Blackthorn is my most honored guest. You dared to ask me to deal with him? You must have a death wish!”

The words hit Marcus like a thunderclap. His mind went blank. His legs turned to jelly and he nearly collapsed on the spot.

He stared at Ethan in pure horror. Since when has this filthy beggar become Master Ironwood’s most honored guest?  If that was true, what future did the Blake Family even have?

Terror finally broke him. Marcus dropped to his knees, eyes wide with panic as he stared up at Ethan. His mouth opened and closed, but no words came out.

Zane’s menacing voice cut through again. “Are you fucking deaf?”

“M-Master Ironwood… I… I was wrong! I’m an idiot! I’ll never be so reckless again!” Marcus wailed, tears streaming down his face.

Zane snorted. “Get on your knees and apologize to Ethan Blackthorn. You don’t get up until he forgives you—understand?”

The line went dead.

“Master, what happened?” one of Zane Ironwood’s butlers asked cautiously from beside him.

Zane let out a cold laugh. “That idiot son of Richard Blake’s nearly ruined my entire plan.”

“Do you need me to handle him?” the butler asked, tone dark.

“Not yet,” Zane waved him off. “Priority is dealing with that beggar. The moment the Young Lord finishes his breakthrough, inform me immediately. Tomorrow’s show depends on him.”

“As you command.”

Kneel… Apologize…

Zane’s words echoed in Marcus’s head like a death sentence.

The thought of kneeling before a filthy beggar filled him with soul-crushing humiliation. But this was an order from Zane Ironwood. Even with ten times the courage, he wouldn’t dare disobey.

THUD.

Marcus dropped to his knees in front of Ethan, staring up with pleading, terrified eyes. All his earlier arrogance had evaporated, replaced by raw panic.

He tried to force a smile, but it came out twisted and uglier than crying.

Ethan watched the pathetic sight with cold eyes. He had heard every word Zane said. He knew exactly why Zane was doing this—he was just buying time and keeping Ethan placated until tomorrow’s trap at lunch. Turning on him now would ruin the setup, especially after Zane had seen Ethan’s true power firsthand.

“Brother-in-law… I… I was wrong! I’m just an idiot! I shouldn’t have come looking for trouble! Please… spare me!” Marcus begged, voice shaking.

Ethan stared down at him with icy contempt. I really want to slap this scum to death right now.  This was the same trash who had tried to seize his villa and bar. But now wasn’t the time. The Blake Family had humiliated Serena for years. Killing Marcus quickly would be too merciful. Ethan wanted him alive—alive to watch the entire Blake Family crumble with his own eyes. That would be far sweeter.

“Fine. Get lost.”

It was as if Marcus had been granted a royal pardon. He scrambled to his feet and fled the security room in blind panic.

The second he stepped outside, his phone rang again—his father, Richard Blake.

Marcus answered immediately, whining, “Dad, that filthy beggar—”

“Shut up, you worthless idiot! You nearly ruined Master Ironwood’s important plans!” Richard Blake roared.

Just moments earlier, right after Marcus hung up with Zane, one of Zane’s butlers had called Richard and viciously chewed him out for his son’s reckless behavior—claiming it had almost destroyed Zane’s carefully laid plans. Richard had been so terrified he nearly collapsed. The instant the call ended, he dialed his son.

Panic flooded Marcus. “Dad… how did I almost ruin Master Ironwood’s plans?”

“Shut your mouth! Who told you to go after that filthy beggar so recklessly?!”

“Dad, I… I just wanted to stand up for my sister,” Marcus said carefully.

“You fool! That beggar had already offended Master Ironwood. He was obviously going to deal with him himself. Did you really need to go stirring up trouble?”

Marcus’s fear instantly flipped to excitement. “Dad, you mean… Master Ironwood is really going to take care of that filthy beggar?”

“That’s right. And according to the butler, tomorrow at noon is that beggar’s doomsday.”

Marcus was ecstatic. “Dad, can I come watch Master Ironwood finish him off tomorrow at noon?”

“Yes. Now get your ass back here immediately!”

“I’m on my way!” Marcus replied, practically vibrating with glee.

Richard Blake hung up with a deep sigh of frustrated disappointment.

After sending Marcus packing, Ethan was about to take a breather when loud shouting erupted outside the bar. It sounded like an argument breaking out.

Ethan stood up and left the security room. Arguments weren’t rare, but one blocking the main entrance of the nightclub was serious. If a fight started, it would kill business.

The moment he stepped out, he saw a crowd gathered at the grand entrance, completely blocked by a row of luxury cars.

“Dammit, you lousy security guard—I’ll park my car wherever the hell I want. It’s none of your fucking business. Keep yapping and I’ll smack you right now.”

An extremely arrogant voice rang out.

Right after, Derek Vance’s earnest voice answered, “Young Master Hewitt, of course you can park wherever you like. The problem is your car is completely blocking the nightclub entrance. Other customers can’t get in, and it’s hurting our business. Could you please move it to the parking lot instead?”

The speaker was none other than Derek Vance.

“Fuck you—say one more word, I dare you.”

Hearing the exchange, Ethan strode straight over to Derek’s side. “What’s going on?”

Derek quickly explained the moment he saw Ethan. “Captain, this Young Master Hewitt is blocking the entire entrance and refusing to let customers through. I suggested the parking lot, but he won’t listen.”

Ethan’s gaze landed on the so-called Young Master Hewitt. The man looked about twenty-four or twenty-five, average features but dressed head-to-toe in flashy designer clothes—the classic nouveau riche type. A group of equally spoiled rich kids stood behind him.

As Ethan sized him up, Bryce Hewitt was doing the same, eyes filled with open disdain.

“Friend, what’s your name?” Ethan asked with a calm smile.

Bryce sneered. “Who the fuck are you to ask for my name?”

Ethan shrugged. “I’m Ethan Blackthorn, Serena Blake’s husband. That makes me half the owner of this nightclub.”

BOOM.

A roar of mocking laughter exploded from Bryce and his group.

A terrifying killing intent flashed in Derek Vance’s eyes. His face darkened instantly and his fists clenched. One word from Ethan and he would smash this arrogant prick’s skull in.

“So you’re that filthy beggar, huh?” Bryce laughed. “Listen up—my name is Bryce Hewitt, future heir of the Harrow Family in Silverton City. Not only that, my second uncle is extremely close to the number-one family in the city, the Sterlings. If you’re smart, you’ll get the hell out of my way, or don’t blame me when I deal with you.”

Ethan smiled. “Young Master Hewitt, how about this? You move your cars into the parking lot and I’ll give your whole group a ten-percent discount on your bill tonight. Sound fair?”

The customer is always right—even the rude ones. No point causing a scene over something this small. We’re here to make money. Besides, this guy might be connected to Edmund Hayes through the Harrow Family.

But Bryce just sneered harder. “Who the hell do you think you are? You think I need your discount? I feel like parking right here. What are you going to do about it?”

Ethan nodded slowly. “I see. You’re not here to have fun. You’re here to make trouble.”

Bryce smirked. “So what if we are?”

“Alright. If you’re here to make trouble…” Ethan’s gaze shifted to Derek. “Handle them like troublemakers. Just don’t kill him.”

Derek nodded, face grim. I’ve been waiting for this order.  How dare these scum insult the Captain? They deserved everything coming to them.

Derek fixed his sharp, icy stare on Bryce Hewitt and said with chilling calm:

“Kneel down and apologize.”

Chapter 53

Bryce Hewitt flew into a rage. A filthy security guard actually had the nerve to demand that he  kneel and apologize to a stinking beggar. Who the hell gave him the balls to say something like that?

“You worthless security guard, are you fucking looking for death?” Bryce roared.

The moment the words left his mouth, the pack of rich young masters behind him started clamoring like a pack of hyenas.

“Exactly! Just some trash security guard daring to make Young Master Hewitt kneel? I think you’re fucking tired of living!”

“Young Master Hewitt, if you ask me, just kill him. Your family’s backed by the Sterlings now—a mere security guard doesn’t mean shit!”

“…”

Listening to his bootlickers, Bryce shot Derek Vance a look of pure disdain. “You worthless security guard, did you hear me? If you know what’s good for you, apologize to me right now!”

Derek’s eyes turned sharp as lightning, slicing across Bryce’s face like a blade.

Bryce shuddered and unconsciously took half a step back.

Derek snorted coldly. “A maggot like you dares to act insolent in front of our captain? Kneel and apologize right now, and we can let this go. Otherwise, I’ll beat you until you’re on your knees begging for mercy!”

Those words ignited Bryce’s fury. Derek’s stare was intimidating, but Bryce wasn’t the type to fold easily.

“You worthless security guard—try laying a single finger on me!”

SLAP!

Derek’s palm cracked across Bryce’s face with the force of a ten-thousand-pound hammer. Bryce dropped straight to his knees, head ringing, completely stunned.

“Apologize!” Derek bellowed, his voice exploding like thunder.

The roar snapped Bryce out of his daze and sent him into a fresh rage.

“Apologize to your fucking mother!”

He tried to scramble up, but Derek gave him no chance. Without another word, he delivered a second slap—harder than the first.

If Ethan hadn’t ordered him not to kill the man, Derek would have ended Bryce with a single blow. This was a soldier who had once carved his way through entire battlefields. Only after suffering severe injuries, being discharged, and getting crushed by life had his edge dulled. Otherwise, a spoiled brat like Bryce would have pissed himself from a single glare.

Bryce was utterly dumbfounded, his mind blank. He couldn’t believe a worthless security guard had actually hit him.

The rich young masters behind him were equally shocked.

Then one of them suddenly shouted, “Fuck! You dared to hit Young Master Hewitt? You two are dead! I’m calling his family right now!” He yanked out his phone and started dialing.

Derek moved to stop him, but Ethan raised a hand. “Let him call.”

In Ethan’s eyes, the Harrow Family was less than nothing. He had already taught them a lesson at noon today. He didn’t mind doing it again.

The call connected quickly. The young master whined pitifully into the phone, “Second Uncle, Young Master Hewitt just got beaten up by some trash security guards at the entrance of Serena Blake’s bar! They were so arrogant—said the Harrow Family is worthless! You have to get over here right now!”

The kid really knew how to exaggerate.

“What? You’re nearby? Perfect—hurry! Young Master Hewitt is in pretty bad shape!”

Whatever the person on the other end said, the young master hung up with a smug, superior smirk. He helped the dazed Bryce to his feet.

“Young Master Hewitt, your Second Uncle is on his way. When he gets here, these two pieces of trash will be kneeling and begging for mercy!”

Bryce clutched his burning cheek, eyes blazing with hatred as he glared at Ethan and Derek. “Motherfuckers! Just wait until my Second Uncle arrives! I’m going to make both of you kneel and kowtow to me! If I don’t see you dead today, I’ll renounce my own name!”

Ethan sneered. “Is that so? I hope you still have the same courage when the time comes.”

“Damn right I will! Who the hell do you think you are?”

“Exactly! Just a stinking beggar putting on an act. You’ll be crying soon enough!” the one who made the call chimed in.

“Very well. I’ll remember this,” Ethan said expressionlessly. “Congratulations—you’ve just doomed your entire family to destruction.”

PFFT.

The young man burst out laughing. “You stinking beggar, who the fuck do you think you are? You’re going to destroy my family? Let me tell you—my name is Miles Lawson, from the Lawson Family, a third-tier family in Silverton City! Go on, give it your best shot!”

“Don’t be impatient. Your turn to kneel and beg will come.”

“Shit, you really are addicted to acting tough!” Miles Lawson sneered.

Ethan couldn’t be bothered to waste another word on these spoiled brats. If they weren’t so far beneath him, he would have smashed their heads in already. When he had left the mountains, his Great Master had warned him repeatedly: “Young Master, you have too kind a heart. If anyone dares bully you after you descend, just kill them. Never suffer in silence.” Ethan remembered those words well.

While the standoff dragged on, a middle-aged man came rushing over.

The corner of Ethan’s mouth lifted in a faint smile. The newcomer was none other than Edmund Hayes. From the brats’ earlier chatter, Ethan had already guessed that Bryce’s so-called “Second Uncle” was him.

The moment Bryce saw Edmund, he acted like he had found his savior and threw himself forward.

“Second Uncle, you have to stand up for me! These pieces of trash are too arrogant—they dared to hit me!” Bryce cried out pitifully.

Edmund’s voice was grim. “What happened?”

Before Bryce could answer, the rich kids behind him all started talking at once.

“These two pieces of trash wouldn’t let us into the bar! We argued, and they just started hitting people!”

“Second Uncle, they were brutal! Look at Young Master Hewitt’s face—it’s completely swollen!”

“Second Uncle, you have to get justice for us!”

Edmund looked at Bryce and saw the swollen cheek. His rage flared. Bryce wasn’t the sole heir of the Harrow Family, but his older brother was useless, so all the family’s hopes rested on this one. Inside the Harrow Family, Bryce was treated like a little king. No one dared touch him—yet here he was, beaten. Unacceptable!

“Bryce, who hit you?” Edmund asked, voice chilling.

Bryce pointed straight at Ethan and Derek. “It was these two pieces of trash!”

Edmund followed his finger.

The next second, his expression changed drastically.

The healthy color drained from Edmund Hayes’s face in an instant, leaving him deathly pale, as if he had seen a ghost. His legs began to tremble and an overwhelming urge to drop to his knees surged through him.

The scene from noon—when Ethan had dealt with him personally—was still burned into his mind. Combined with this new incident, he knew the Harrow Family was probably finished. No… I have to satisfy Mr. Blackthorn today, no matter what.

“Second Uncle, what are you standing there stunned for? Come and teach these two pieces of trash a lesson!” Bryce bellowed.

The words had barely left his mouth before Edmund whipped around and delivered a ferocious backhand slap. The force sent Bryce crashing to his knees right in front of Ethan. He clutched his burning cheek, completely bewildered.

“Damn it all! You never learn anything good! All you know how to do is cause trouble for me!” Edmund roared.

Bryce snapped out of his daze and exploded with rage. Holding his throbbing face, he glared at his second uncle. “Edmund Hayes, even my father wouldn’t dare hit me! What right do you have?!”

Edmund felt like he could vomit blood from sheer anger.

This idiot still dares to act tough?

He swung again—harder this time. Bryce sprawled across the ground, eyes rolling back as he nearly blacked out.

Edmund didn’t even glance at him. He turned, face ashen, and glared at the dandies behind Bryce like an enraged leopard.

“Miles Lawson, tell me exactly what happened here today. If you dare lie to me, I’ll beat you to death right now!”

Miles Lawson shivered from head to toe.

He stammered in terror, “Second Uncle… it was… it was someone else who told us to do this!”

“Who?”

“It was… it was Young Master Langford.”

Edmund’s heart sank. “Victor Langford?”

Miles nodded frantically. “Yes! Young Master Langford told us to block the bar’s entrance and stop any other customers from getting in!”

Edmund’s stomach twisted. Now Victor Langford was involved. But the only way to fix this was to appease Ethan Blackthorn. Everything he had just done—including slapping Bryce senseless—had been for that single purpose. He had to placate the man even the Sterling Family treated with extreme caution.

Edmund turned to Ethan with a fawning expression. “Mr. Blackthorn, I’m truly sorry. We failed to discipline Bryce properly. But rest assured, I will make this scourge kneel and apologize to you personally!”

The words left Bryce (still on the ground) and the rest of the dandies completely stunned.

His own uncle is apologizing to this stinking beggar? He even wants me—Bryce Hewitt—to kneel and apologize to him?  Everyone knew Edmund Hayes worked for the Sterlings. He wasn’t the most powerful man in Silverton, but he still carried serious weight. People greeted him respectfully as “Second Master.” Yet here he was, groveling to a beggar. Could this stinking beggar’s background be even more terrifying than the Sterlings’?

The rich kids stood frozen like statues, unable to process what they were seeing.

Except for Miles Lawson. He remembered Ethan’s earlier promise to destroy his family. He had thought Edmund would crush the beggar—instead, the man was clearly terrified of him. Miles began to panic.

“And then?” Ethan asked with a calm smile.

Edmund shivered. Even though Ethan was smiling, he could hear the dissatisfaction in his voice.

“Mr. Blackthorn, what do you want done with this vile creature? Just give the order—I swear you won’t be disappointed,” Edmund said hastily.

Ethan replied indifferently, “Start by bankrupting the Lawson Family.”

Edmund didn’t ask why. The only thing that mattered was appeasing Ethan. Right now, if Ethan told him to kill Miles on the spot, he wouldn’t hesitate.

“Understood, Mr. Blackthorn. Rest assured, I’ll handle it immediately!”

Miles Lawson’s face turned deathly pale. He dropped to his knees with a heavy thud.

The inevitable had arrived. The Harrow Family was second-tier; bankrupting a third-tier family like the Lawsons was easier than drinking water.

“Mr. Blackthorn, I—I was wrong! I’m an idiot! Please, spare our Lawson Family!” Miles begged, tears streaming down his face.

“Get lost!” Edmund roared. “You’re nothing! What right do you have to speak to Mr. Blackthorn?”

When Miles tried to plead again, Edmund kicked him square in the head. Miles passed out instantly.

“Edmund, take this trash and get out of here. Don’t interfere with the bar’s business. As for the rest of this debt… we’ll settle it slowly,” Ethan said coldly.

Edmund’s face was ashen. Even after all that, he still hadn’t fully appeased Ethan. The Harrow Family would likely follow the Lawsons into ruin. He was unwilling, but Ethan’s words were absolute. He didn’t dare utter a single word of protest.

He stepped forward, grabbed Bryce by the hair, and began dragging him away. Bryce’s desperate howls and screams fell on deaf ears.

The farce ended as quickly as it had begun.

Derek Vance said gravely, “Captain, Victor Langford is upstairs.”

“Oh? When did he get here?”

“He’s been here about half an hour.”

“Is he with a lot of people?”

Derek nodded. “Five or six. Captain, do you want me to handle him?”

Derek hadn’t known Ethan long, but he already understood one thing: Ethan Blackthorn never let a grudge go unanswered. Today Victor Langford had sent people to blockade the entrance and kill their business. Ethan would never swallow that insult.

Ethan waved a hand. “No need. Keep order down here. I’ll go meet that piece of trash myself.”

Chapter 54

Inside the luxurious private room, five or six people—men and women—were lounging comfortably. The woman seated at the very center, radiant and impossible to ignore, was none other than the nation’s hottest superstar, the Celestial Goddess Celeste Starling. Beside her sat Victor Langford, his face plastered with an obsequious smile as he gazed at her like she hung the moon.

He couldn’t help himself. Setting aside her celebrity status, Celeste was the cherished young lady of the Starling Family—the number-one noble house in Crownspire and a full member of The Apex Nine. A background like that made even the mighty Sterling Family look small. The Langford Family didn’t even register on the same scale.

Victor’s eagerness to win her over wasn’t just about getting close to the goddess herself. More importantly, he wanted to latch onto the colossal tree that was the Starling Family. If he could forge even the slightest connection, the Langford Family’s status in Silverton City would skyrocket. The implications for his entire clan were enormous.

That was why tonight’s gathering mattered so much to him. He had originally wanted to host Celeste at his family’s own exclusive Rosewood Club, but she had insisted on coming here instead. To show off his influence and “protect” her, Victor had quietly ordered some of his lackeys to block the bar’s main entrance—no one in, no one out.

Sitting on Victor’s other side was Zachary Harrington, the sole male heir of the Harrington Family. Zachary was the textbook definition of a hedonistic rich kid who lived for pleasure, but he wasn’t stupid. He knew the future of the Harrington Family would eventually rest on his shoulders. Naturally, he wanted to cozy up to a top-tier powerhouse like the Starling Family. Even if he failed to build a real connection, he couldn’t afford to offend them—especially after the small, unfortunate run-in he’d had with Celeste at the bar earlier that afternoon. Tonight was the perfect chance to clear the air.

On Celeste’s other side sat several dandies from Silverton’s higher-ranking second-tier families. In truth, they were little more than Victor’s personal henchmen. Their only real purpose was to act as green leaves that made the “red flower” of Victor Langford look even more impressive. Victor had already warned them privately to watch their mouths and not court death. The lackeys were already terrified of him, so they wouldn’t have dared cause trouble anyway. They all understood that Celeste Starling was no ordinary woman.

“Heavenly Goddess, thank you for gracing us with your presence tonight,” Victor said, raising his glass with a broad smile. “I’d like to propose a toast to you.”

Celeste smiled gently. “Do you mind if I drink water instead?”

Her smile was like a blooming rose—breathtaking enough to make any man’s heart skip.

If her background weren’t so terrifying, I’d actually consider pursuing her,  Victor thought. Not only is she stunning, but she’s so gentle and refined. What man wouldn’t fall for a girl like this?  Still, he knew better than to entertain such dangerous ideas. She wasn’t Serena Blake. If he angered the Starling Family, the Langfords wouldn’t even know how they had been wiped out. His older brother might serve under the War God of the Western Region, but even that legendary figure was nothing compared to the Starling Family.

“Of course not!” Victor replied quickly.

“That’s good, then.”

Celeste actually took the initiative to clink her glass of water against his. Victor was instantly over the moon. He couldn’t believe the Celestial Goddess had toasted him first. If she weren’t still sitting there, he would have whooped out loud. While Celeste took only a symbolic sip, Victor downed his entire glass of strong liquor in one excited gulp.

Liquor always lent courage to the timid. With a fawning smile, he continued, “Heavenly Goddess, I wonder… might I have the honor of getting your contact information? I swear I won’t bother you.”

Celeste simply smiled. “I’m sorry. I’m afraid I’ll have to disappoint you.”

Victor wasn’t angry. Or, more accurately, he didn’t dare to be. She was the treasured pearl of the Starling Family. Refusing him was perfectly reasonable.

“No, no—it was presumptuous of me,” he laughed it off.

Celeste smiled indifferently.

Right then, the door to the private room swung open and Ethan Blackthorn strode in without a hint of hesitation.

The moment Celeste saw him, the corners of her lips curved upward and her bright eyes sparkled with a captivating smile.

But Victor Langford, seated right beside her, instantly turned furious. The rest of the room looked equally displeased—especially Zachary Harrington, who glared at Ethan with pure loathing. This was the same stinking beggar who had made him lose face in front of Yara Vance earlier that day.

“What the hell are you doing here, you stinking beggar? Get out!” Victor roared.

Even though the sight of Ethan filled him with rage and he itched to teach the beggar a lesson, Victor held back—Celeste was still present.

Ethan acted as if he hadn’t heard a thing. He looked at Victor with a playful expression and asked casually, “Was it you who ordered people to block the bar’s entrance?”

“So what if it was?” Victor retorted disdainfully.

Ethan nodded. “Good. In that case, pay up.”

Before Victor could respond, one of the dandies on Celeste’s other side shot to his feet, glaring murderously at Ethan. “You stinking beggar, what the fuck did you just say?”

Ethan gave him a contemptuous glance. “Whose fly was left open to let a creature like you crawl out?”

“Fuck you! If we didn’t have an honored guest here today, I’d cripple you for that remark alone, you piece of trash!”

The words had barely left his mouth before Ethan’s hand flashed out.

SMACK!

A single heavy slap sent the man collapsing onto the sofa, unconscious.

If I weren’t worried about scaring Celeste, I would have ended him with that slap.  The Starling Family was part of The Apex Nine—technically his subordinates. He had to give her at least that much face.

Victor exploded with rage. How dare this stinking beggar hit one of his men right in front of their honored guest? This wasn’t just an attack on a lackey—it was a vicious slap to Victor’s own face.

“You stinking beggar, don’t push your luck!” Victor snarled. “I’m in a good mood today, so I won’t stoop to your level. If you know what’s good for you, get lost now. Otherwise, don’t blame me for what happens next!”

“Cut the crap and pay up,” Ethan said flatly. “Or I’ll show you why flowers are red.”

Victor’s fury reached its peak. He had already decided to let the beggar go for Celeste’s sake, but the man was completely ungrateful. Fine—Victor would make him regret it.

“You stinking beggar, what if I refuse to pay?” he asked, voice turning ice-cold.

“Then I’ll just beat you until you do.”

“Fuck you! I dare you to touch me!” Victor roared.

Truthfully, Victor had long hated Ethan Blackthorn. From the moment Ethan had “stolen” Serena Blake, to the humiliation at The Crown Pavilion, to the poisoning incident—every single event made Victor want the beggar dead.

If he hadn’t suddenly learned of Celeste Starling’s arrival in Silverton and become obsessed with latching onto the Starling Family, he would have sought revenge long ago. He certainly wouldn’t have let this filthy beggar swagger in and cause trouble—especially not in front of Celeste.

What enraged him most was that the beggar actually had the audacity to threaten him. What has the world come to? Just because a tiger doesn’t bare its claws doesn’t mean it’s a sick kitten!

Hearing Victor’s outburst, Ethan simply nodded. “Good. So you’re refusing to pay, correct?”

Victor’s expression suddenly turned sinister. “Let’s take this outside!” Celeste is our distinguished guest. A fight in the private room would be disrespectful. If I offend her because of this trash, the consequences would be catastrophic.

But Celeste simply gave a placid smile. “It’s quite all right. Settle your affairs right here. I wouldn’t mind seeing how some people choose to court death.”

BOOM!

Victor’s heart pounded with excitement. He was ecstatic. He never would have dreamed the Celestial Goddess would say something like that. Even a deaf man could tell she was siding with him. Victor was far from deaf. Looks like all my efforts to curry favor are finally paying off!

Not only Victor, but Zachary Harrington and the rest of the dandies also grew animated. Bolstered by Celeste’s support, Victor’s arrogance swelled. “You filthy beggar, I’m not paying a damn cent today! If you’ve got the balls, just try and touch me!”

He refused to believe this trash would actually dare lay a hand on him in front of Celeste Starling.

The thought had barely formed when his vision blurred. A searing pain exploded across his face. By the time he regained his senses, he realized he was already kneeling in front of the filthy beggar.

Victor exploded with rage. This filthy beggar had actually dared to hit him—and right in front of Celeste!

“Motherfucker, you filthy beggar, you fucking dare to—”

SMACK!

Ethan slapped him again, much harder this time. Victor staggered, nearly collapsing. His head rang like a struck bell and his soul felt like it was trembling from the pain.

He grit his teeth and tried to push himself up, but Ethan’s foot suddenly came down, pinning his head to the floor.

Victor became even more enraged. He struggled with all his might, but Ethan’s foot felt like it weighed ten thousand pounds. No matter how hard he fought, he couldn’t budge.

The combination of physical agony and soul-crushing humiliation made Victor feel like his lungs would burst. “Damn it, you filthy beggar—get the hell off me!”

Ethan ignored him, staring down coldly at the ant beneath his shoe.

“Pay up,” he said flatly.

Still seething, Victor snarled through clenched teeth, “How much? I’ll pay!”

“One hundred thousand,” Ethan stated.

Victor’s people had blocked the entrance and killed business. A rough estimate put the loss at least at that figure. Ethan operated by his own principles—he wasn’t the type to extort. Anyone else in his position would have demanded far more.

The other dandies in the room shot Ethan looks of pure contempt. Is that all you’re good for?

“Zachary, give him the money,” Victor ordered, voice colder than ice.

Zachary didn’t hesitate. He grabbed the bag he always carried and dumped out more than a dozen thick stacks of hundred-dollar bills. In an age of mobile payments, Zachary was an old-school outlier who liked carrying several hundred thousand in cash at all times.

Ethan lifted his foot, counted out exactly one hundred thousand, and turned to leave.

“Wait right there!” Victor suddenly snarled.

Ethan stopped and gave him a cold look. “What? You want another beating?”

“Fuck you! I paid you the money you wanted. Now let’s settle the score for you hitting me!” Victor said viciously.

Ethan scoffed. He had known the moment Victor suddenly agreed to pay that the man would try something like this.

“And how exactly do you plan on settling it?”

Victor’s eyes were chilling as he stared up at Ethan. “Simple. Either kneel and apologize to me, or pay me ten million.”

Ethan shrugged. “I see. So you’ve chosen to continue the beating.”

“Go ahead, I dare you! Let me tell you something, you filthy beggar—this is the renowned Celeste Starling, the treasured pearl of the Crownspire Starling Family! If you dare touch me today, forget about the Langford Family—the Starling Family themselves will dispose of trash like you! And when the Starling Family moves, you won’t even know what hit you!”

As he spoke, Victor glanced smugly at Celeste. Seeing she was still smiling and didn’t seem the least bit upset that he had dragged her name into it, his confidence soared.

Zachary Harrington noticed it too. Looks like she’s chosen Victor over Serena Blake. Otherwise she wouldn’t be siding with him. Makes sense—the Langfords are a first-tier family in Silverton, while Serena only has her looks. Any fool knows who to befriend. And someone from a family as powerful as the Starlings is definitely no fool.

“That’s right, you filthy beggar!” Zachary added arrogantly. “If you know what’s good for you, get on your knees and apologize to Young Master Langford right now! Otherwise, you’re going to die here today!”

Ethan shrugged nonchalantly. “So you’re planning on using Miss Starling’s status to bully people?”

“I’ll tell you straight, you filthy beggar—yes, we are  using our power to bully you! What the hell are you going to do about it?” Victor retorted, arrogance at its peak.

Ethan looked at the group with pure pity. “I’m afraid you’re going to be disappointed. I don’t think Celeste Starling will be helping you.”

Zachary roared, “Are you out of your mind, you filthy beggar? If the Celestial Goddess doesn’t help us, you think she’s going to help a piece of trash like you?”

“Why don’t you ask her?” Ethan said calmly. “See if she’s willing to help you.”

Every eye in the room instantly turned to Celeste Starling.

Victor couldn’t resist pressing her. “Heavenly Goddess Celeste, tell this piece of trash—who are you helping!”

As he spoke, he shot Ethan another incredibly smug glare.

Celeste smiled sweetly.

“I’m helping Ethan, of course.”

Chapter 55

BOOM!

The faces of Victor Langford and his companions turned deathly pale in an instant. Victor himself was completely dumbfounded. He stared at Celeste Starling in utter shock, unable to believe what she had just said. Zachary Harrington and the others were stunned speechless, their minds blank.

“C-Celestial Goddess… you… you must be joking, right?” Victor asked, his voice trembling.

Celeste smiled sweetly. “What do you think? Am I joking?”

A flicker of hope sparked in Victor’s chest. She was still smiling—that had to mean it was a joke. If she were truly angry, she wouldn’t be able to smile like that. Breathing a sigh of relief, he forced a weak smile. “I… I think you must be joking.”

“Guess again.”

Celeste was still smiling, but Victor could no longer force one of his own. His face turned even paler as he stared at her in growing fear.

Seeing his silence, Celeste continued with a gentle smile. “Victor Langford, do you know why I agreed to have this meal with you? To be frank, for a second-rate scion like yourself, I normally wouldn’t have bothered at all.”

After arriving in Silverton City the night before, Celeste had quietly looked into Ethan Blackthorn’s current situation. She discovered that a handful of fools with zero sense of self-preservation had dared to oppose him. Naturally, she couldn’t tolerate that.

BOOM!  Another crushing blow.

The words landed like a slap across Victor’s face. It didn’t hurt physically, but he felt like dying inside. He realized he had truly, deeply offended Celeste Starling.

She went on, “But I still accepted your invitation. I wanted to see for myself what kind of trash would dare oppose Ethan Blackthorn. And as for why I insisted we come to Serena Blake’s bar tonight? It was to give Ethan a gift. I’m sure you’ve guessed it by now—that gift is all of you. That’s right. I came here to stand up for him.”

Victor collapsed to the floor. He couldn’t withstand the blow. Celeste’s speech felt like a death sentence, a knife stabbing mercilessly into his heart—deep enough to steal his breath, deep enough that he wished he were dead.

The smile finally vanished from Celeste’s face. The temperature in the private room plummeted to freezing. The air itself seemed to grow heavy. Zachary Harrington and the rest felt like they were suffocating. At that moment, every one of them wanted to flee, to escape this disastrous place as fast as humanly possible. But without a word from Celeste Starling, none of them dared move. They were now fish on the chopping block, entirely at Ethan Blackthorn’s mercy.

“Ethan, do you like your gift?” Celeste asked, her smile blooming like a flower once more.

“Not really.”

Of course Ethan didn’t like it. Celeste had taken a simple matter and turned it into something needlessly complicated. Her intentions were good, but he didn’t need her standing up for him like this. In his eyes these people were nothing but worthless trash. If he truly wanted them dealt with, it would be easier than breathing.

Hearing his answer, Celeste stuck out her tongue playfully. “I just wanted to make you happy.”

“Alright, I appreciate the thought—but don’t do this again.”

Celeste smiled. “Fine. So… what do you want done with these guys?”

“Tell them to get lost.”

Celeste smiled. “You’re too kind,” she said, then turned to the others. “You heard him. You can all get lost now.”

The moment the words left her mouth, the pack of sycophants scrambled out of the private room like they had been granted divine amnesty. They fled for their lives without another word. Victor Langford was the fastest of all. Zachary Harrington even abandoned the cash he had left on the table. Ethan didn’t stop him—the money they had drunk through was just enough to cover the bill anyway.

Once outside the bar, Victor’s face was still ghostly pale. Today’s humiliation would be burned into his memory forever. Worse, he now realized that with Celeste Starling backing Ethan Blackthorn, causing trouble for that stinking beggar in the future would be almost impossible.

Truth be told, Victor wasn’t ready to let it go. Not only had Ethan stolen the woman he had always wanted, but he had also poisoned him. Who could accept such a fate?

“Young Master Langford, don’t be angry. He’s not worth it!” one of his minions tried to console him.

“Get lost!” Victor roared.

The minion instantly shut his mouth.

But Zachary Harrington suddenly spoke up. “Young Master Langford, I know why Celeste Starling is protecting that trash!”

Victor had been wondering exactly that. Celeste was the “Second Princess” of Crownspire’s elite circles—second only to Luna, the Human Emperor’s own daughter. Why would someone so lofty protect a stinking beggar?

“Spit it out,” Victor barked.

“Celeste Starling is friends with Serena Blake, and that stinking beggar is Serena’s husband. Naturally she’d protect him!”

“How do you know they’re friends?”

“I actually ran into the Celestial Goddess this afternoon and had a little clash with that beggar. She protected him then, too. At first I thought there was some special connection between them, but then Serena showed up and it turned out they already knew each other. That’s when I realized they’re close friends!” Zachary explained quickly.

Hearing this, Victor—who had been utterly dejected—felt a sudden surge of ecstasy. Serena Blake was already under the Love Venom Hex he had cast on her. Once it fully activated, she would become his puppet. And since Celeste Starling was her best friend… wouldn’t that put the Celestial Goddess right in his grasp as well?

The more Victor thought about it, the more excited he became. He had thought his family was doomed for offending the Starling Family, but this was a dramatic reversal of fortune.

No—I have to find a way to make the Love Venom Hex in Serena’s body activate faster!

Elated, Victor exclaimed, “Zachary, you’ve done a great service—a truly great service! Damn it, let’s go! We’re drinking!”

Only Ethan Blackthorn and Celeste Starling remained in the now-spacious private room.

“Are you having another drink?” Ethan asked. “If not, you should head back. I need to get to work.”

Celeste smiled. “Don’t be in such a hurry. I still have something to tell you.”

“Fine. You have one minute.”

Celeste chuckled at his remark. The girl was already stunningly beautiful, but her laugh was like a blooming rose, making her even more enchanting. The two small dimples that appeared at the corners of her mouth only added to her allure.

“What’s so funny? Hurry up and say what you need to say. I’m really busy.”

“Alright, I’ll keep it short!”

Ethan nodded.

“You know I want to marry you, right?” Celeste asked with a smile.

Ethan nodded again.

“It’s impossible between us.”

Celeste simply smiled sweetly, not seeming upset in the slightest. “I know Serena Blake is prettier than me. In fact, it’s not just you—even I think she’s incredibly beautiful. It’s only natural that you’d fall for her.”

“What exactly are you trying to say?”

“What I’m trying to say is… what if I were willing to be your concubine?”

Ethan reacted as if someone had stepped on a cat’s tail. He leaped halfway to the door, eyes bulging like a startled bull as he stared at Celeste, wide-eyed and speechless.

The woman in front of him was the hottest superstar in the entertainment industry, a goddess in the hearts of millions. That alone was nothing. Her truly formidable status came from being the Second Princess of the Starling Family in Crownspire. She was beautiful and  came from one of the most distinguished houses in the nation.

Yet she had just offered to become his concubine.

Another Mia Sterling.

“Is this your idea… or your family’s?” Ethan asked.

Celeste smiled. “It’s my idea. Alright, I won’t deny that before I came, my father did tell me to secure you at all costs.”

A headache began to bloom behind Ethan’s eyes.

This woman doesn’t know my true identity and background, but her father does. Otherwise there’s no way he’d have her do something like this.

In fact, the moment she had first seen him yesterday and declared she wanted to marry him, Ethan had known her actions were guided by her father. He just hadn’t expected her to admit it so candidly.

“Do you know my background?” he asked again.

Celeste nodded. “Of course. The esteemed disciple of the Eternal Healers Order.”

“Anything else?”

“What do you mean? Do you have another identity?” she asked with a smile.

“No. What I mean is, although the Eternal Healers Order is impressive, it still falls short compared to the Starling Family, doesn’t it? You really don’t need to debase yourself like this,” Ethan advised.

After all, her father was a member of The Apex Nine—technically one of his own subordinates. That was why Ethan’s refusal was so tactful.

Celeste laughed. “I want to be your concubine, but not because of your status or background. Of course I won’t deny my father’s words had some influence, but it’s mostly because I find you very handsome!”

“Good taste,” Ethan said, giving her a thumbs-up.

Celeste giggled. “No, Ethan, I’m not teasing you. I really think you’re handsome. Even though your clothes are shabby, the proportions of your face are excellent—especially your eyes. They’re so deep.”

She continued, “When you look at me, I feel like I’m about to be sucked into them. Plus, your body’s proportions are superb. In short… I’m very satisfied.”

“If you’re going to keep complimenting me, don’t stop now,” Ethan said with a smile. He couldn’t deny that being praised by a top-tier beauty felt genuinely pleasant.

Celeste smiled. “You must have been staying in a high-altitude place before, right?”

“How did you know?”

“Because your skin is clearly sunburned from long-term exposure to the sun. That means what we’re seeing now isn’t your true appearance. I believe once that sunburned layer peels away, a stunningly handsome face will be revealed!”

Ethan gave her another thumbs-up—this time not for flattery, but for her keen observation.

“Alright, enough compliments. Let’s get back on topic. I want to marry you. This is partly because of my father’s orders and partly, as I said, because of you. I know you’ll never divorce Serena Blake. That’s why becoming your concubine is the only way I can complete my father’s mission and  be with you!”

Ethan nodded. “Since you’re being so frank, I’ll be direct too. Celeste, you’re very beautiful. If it weren’t for Serena, I might have considered your offer. Unfortunately, I met her first. And frankly… we gave our firsts to each other. I may not be a good person, but I’m not a scumbag. Do you understand?”

Celeste smiled. “I understand. But Ethan, I’m still a virgin. If you’re willing, you can take my first time whenever you like.”

Holy hell.

Ethan was genuinely shocked. Who would have thought the famous Celestial Goddess would say something like that?

Before he could respond, Celeste gave another charming smile.

“Ethan, I’m not lying to you. The entertainment circle is a mess, but you can rest assured that I’ve always disciplined myself. Besides, with my family background, I wouldn’t encounter any of the so-called ‘hidden rules.’”

“I believe you,” Ethan said. “But Celeste, I have a question for you that’s unrelated to this.”

“You want to ask why someone with my background would want to be a celebrity?” she asked with a knowing smile.

This woman is sharp.

“That’s right. That’s exactly what I wanted to ask. While there’s no hierarchy of professions, your family’s company will eventually be yours to take over, won’t it?”

“Indeed, I’m the one who will take over. I didn’t join the company—I went into entertainment instead. To put it simply, I wanted to temper myself. The entertainment industry is hellishly complex. I have to admit, after three years in this business, I’ve evolved from a sheltered ingenue to someone who can keep a straight face even if the sky itself were crumbling.”

Ethan gave her a third thumbs-up.

This short conversation had given him a whole new perspective on Celeste Starling. She was not only astute but incredibly free-spirited. Beneath her gentle exterior lay an immensely strong heart. The most incredible thing was the clarity with which she lived her life. Even when it came to offering herself as a concubine—something most people would be too ashamed to even mention—she spoke of it confidently and matter-of-factly. She was, without a doubt, a formidable character. It seemed her father’s methods for raising a daughter were quite remarkable.

“So, what do you think?” Celeste asked with a smile. “Can a girl with my looks and figure catch your eye?”

“You’ve caught my eye, yes—but forget about being a concubine. It’s unnecessary.”

Celeste’s smile never faltered. “Ethan, I’m afraid I’ll have to disappoint you. Once I make a decision, I absolutely never change it. In other words, I’ve made up my mind to be your concubine, and I will do as I say. From this day forward, I am your concubine. Unless I die, no one can change that!”

Ethan was so frustrated he wanted to curse. “Alright, I’m done arguing with you. I have to go!”

He had already decided to call Celeste’s father later and have him talk some sense into her. He believed she would listen to her father.

“Okay then, I’ll be on my way,” she said brightly. “But before I go, I have to ask: are you sure you don’t want to find a quiet place to explore each other’s bodies from an artistic perspective?” Celeste asked with a mischievous smile.

Ethan was speechless. He quickly stuffed the cash into Zachary Harrington’s abandoned backpack, stood up, and left the private room, heading straight for Serena Blake’s office.

Serena was sitting at her desk, her face a mask of gloom. Uncle Reginald had just reported that Bryce Hewitt—the second young master of the Harrow Family—had blockaded the bar’s entrance with his men. The news had made her heart skip a beat. She had hastily asked Uncle Reginald for the reason, but he didn’t know. He could only tell her that the young master had already withdrawn his people and that Derek Vance had been the one to resolve the situation.

While that brought a small measure of relief, she was still frustrated. Even though Bryce Hewitt was gone, the bar had lost a significant amount of money—the blockade had happened right during peak hours.

While she was brooding, the office door was pushed open and Ethan Blackthorn strode in with his usual swagger.

Chapter 56

When Serena Blake saw Ethan Blackthorn walk in, she snorted coldly. “You scoundrel, why aren’t you at your post? What are you doing in my office?”

“I missed my darling wife, so I came to see you,” Ethan replied with a grin. “Why the long face?”

“Hmph! And you have the nerve to ask,” Serena shot back angrily. “Bryce Hewitt blocked the entrance to the bar. Why didn’t you report it to me immediately?”

“Does such a small matter really need to be reported? Wouldn’t that make me look incompetent? Besides, I already solved it,” Ethan said casually.

Serena shot him a disdainful look. “Keep bragging. It was obviously Derek Vance who handled it. Did you think I wouldn’t find out?”

Ethan froze for half a second, then burst out laughing. “Oh no, you caught me! How embarrassing!”

Serena glared at him fiercely. This bastard! Can’t he see I’m already depressed enough? And he’s still in the mood to joke around. Completely heartless.

“Alright, stop moping. The matter’s settled,” Ethan said. “Come on, give me a smile!”

“Get lost, you scoundrel!” Serena fumed. “I’m telling you, I’m really annoyed right now. You’d better not provoke me, or I’ll bite you!”

“But honey, the issue is resolved. What’s there to be upset about?”

“Hmph! The entrance was blocked during peak hours—customers couldn’t get in,” Serena said irritably. “Even though it’s fixed, we lost that whole wave of business. The bar lost at least a hundred thousand dollars. That’s  what I’m annoyed about!”

If she didn’t know for a fact that this scoundrel would keep pestering her until she explained, she wouldn’t have bothered. Telling him wouldn’t magically recover the lost revenue anyway.

Ethan just smiled. “And here I thought it was something serious. Turns out it’s just a small thing like that. What a coincidence—I actually came here to give you some money.”

Serena couldn’t hold back any longer. She shot to her feet, her beautiful almond-shaped eyes blazing. “You bastard, are you really asking for me to bite you?”

Ethan chuckled. “Darling, if you want to bite me, we can go home, get in bed, and I’ll let you bite me to your heart’s content.”

Serena felt like she was about to explode. How dare this bastard keep teasing me when I’m this furious?  She could no longer restrain herself. Without another word she lunged forward, grabbed his wrist, and sank her teeth into it.

A sharp pain shot up Ethan’s arm and his brows furrowed. If anyone else had dared do this, I would have smashed their skull. But this is Serena Blake. No matter how angry I get, I could never hold it against her.

Then a terrifying thought struck him. She’s biting so hard she might draw blood! My blood is Dragon Blood. If she tastes even a single drop, the Love Venom Hex inside her will grow uncontrollably. Once it matures, she’ll become someone else’s puppet!

At that realization, Ethan immediately wrapped an arm around her slender waist.

Damn… she’s so thin… and so soft…

But he had no time to enjoy the sensation. The moment his arm circled her, Serena’s entire body stiffened. She instantly released his wrist and jumped back as if she’d been burned, her fair cheeks flushing crimson. “Hmph! You scoundrel!”

Ignoring her protest, Ethan quickly checked his wrist. The bite marks were deep, but thankfully the skin hadn’t broken. He breathed a sigh of relief, then put on an angry face. “Serena Blake, if you dare bite me again, I’ll bite you right back.”

“Hmph, you think I’m scared of you?” she retorted defiantly.

Looking at her proud, stubborn expression, Ethan had the strongest urge to give that irresistibly perky behind of hers a few firm slaps. He reined the thought in.

He smiled. “Since you’re not angry anymore, let’s get down to business.”

“Hmph, as if you have any real business,” Serena said disdainfully.