Chapter 67: SuspicionsETHAN The judge had made his ruling. Greg had won.I could barely hold back my anger as I watched Greg stride forward, his attorney Marcus behind him. It was a blow, but not the end. At least, that’s what I tried to tell myself. The week had felt like an endless cycle of frustration, I had hoped that our legal arguments were enough to hold Greg off, but his smug grin had never wavered. And now, here we were, standing in the courtroom, facing the weight of our loss.My mind raced as I glanced at John, who was standing next to me, his face pale. “It’s not over yet,” I muttered, though I wasn’t sure if I believed it anymore.Greg turned towards John, his smile as condescending as ever. “I told you, this was always going to be mine. The house, the company, the money. All of it.” he said, his voice dripping with triumph.John’s jaw clenched, and I saw the fury building in him, but he didn’t speak. He didn’t even look at Greg. He just stood there, taking it, as Gre
Chapter 68: In controlGREG EVANSFinally, The court had done the right thing. As the elder son, it was only fitting that I take control of Dad's estate. Let John and his pathetic lawyer sulk all they wanted; I was the one who deserved this. Walking into the house, my chest swelled with pride. This was mine to handle now—All of it. The sound of footsteps interrupted my thoughts. I turned and saw John and Mia standing in the hallway, their expressions gloomy. They looked so out of place, like uninvited guests in my kingdom.“Greg, we need to talk.” John said, his voice steady but clearly trying to hold back frustration.I smirked, leaning casually against the doorframe. “Talk? About what, little brother? The court’s already spoken. If you’re here to cry about fairness, spare me that crap. It’s done.”“This is still our family home, you don’t have to be so smug about it. Moreover the judge said you are to handle everything concerning the properties till they share it between you and da
Chapter 69: The new CEORYAN WILLIAMSFEW WEEKS AGOThe boardroom was quiet, except for the occasional rustle of papers. I leaned back in my chair, taking in the skeptical faces of the board members as they exchanged glances. They were hesitant, but that was exactly how I wanted them to feel. Suspicion bred caution, and cautious men were easier to manipulate. “Gentlemen,” I began, my voice calm and measured. “I appreciate you taking the time to meet with me today. I know this is an unusual situation, but I believe we’re all here because we care about the future of this company.” The oldest man on the board, a silver-haired man with a sharp gaze, folded his hands on the table. “Ryan, you’re asking us to consider something unprecedented. Why should we trust you?” I smiled, keeping my demeanor composed. “Because I’m the only one who can bring stability to this company right now.” A few eyebrows rose, and I took that as my cue to elaborate. “Let’s be honest, John and Greg are l
Chapter 70: Shattered worldMIAIt felt like my whole world was crumbling, piece by piece, leaving nothing but broken pieces which I couldn't piece back together. My best friend, the one person I could always count on, hated me. My dad was on the verge of losing everything he’d worked his entire life for. And as if that wasn’t enough, we’d been forced out of the only home I’d ever known because of my uncle Greg’s cruel games. And now, here I was, stuck under the same roof as Ethan. Ethan. The man I’d spent weeks avoiding being in the same space with, whose very presence affected me in the worst way possible. It wasn’t just about him, it was about how I couldn’t hide anything from him. He always saw right through me, and I wasn’t ready for any of that. Not now. I sat on the edge of the bed, staring blankly at the wall. The silence in the room being my perfect solace, so I didn’t want to move, didn’t want to do anything. A soft knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. “Miss M
Chapter 71: Why the hell do I have maids?ETHANI didn't like the state that she was in, I also didn't like the way it affected me. She hadn’t eaten for days, and her refusal to speak to anyone affected both John and me. When she stormed out earlier, slamming the door, I knew I couldn’t just sit back and do nothing.I quickly grabbed my keys and followed her car at a safe distance. She was clearly upset, her driving was erratic as she sped down the road. I didn’t want to push her into more distress, but I couldn’t let her be alone in this state. She pulled into a parking lot and headed towards a small bar closeby.A part of me wanted to go to her right away, but I held back, knowing she needed space. After ten minutes, my patience ran out. I entered the dimly lit bar, staying far enough to observe her without being noticed.She was at the counter, already nursing her second or was it her third glass of whiskey? Her face was flushed, and her eyes held a sadness that made my chest tight
Chapter 72: Only mineSOPHIEI had thought Liam would stay longer, but my mother had gently asked him to leave, telling him to rest and return to his life. He hesitated, he looked at me as if asking for permission. I wanted to scream at him to stay. Instead, I offered a weak smile. “It’s fine, Liam. You’ve done enough. Once again, thank you for saving my life.”But it wasn’t fine. My chest ached as soon as he left. I stared at the ceiling for hours that night, replaying every moment he had been by my side. The way he held my hand, the softness in his voice when he said, "You’re stronger than this, Soph." Yes, he was Mia’s boyfriend, but I couldn’t stop the feelings creeping in. I wanted him—desperately. And I would have him.My phone buzzed on my nightstand, Mia’s name flashing across the screen. I debated ignoring it, but something told me she’d just keep calling. With a sigh, I answered. “Don’t you get the memo, Mia?” I said, my voice flat. “Sophie, how have you been holding up?
Chapter 73: Everything, goneMIAWhere was I? I shifted under the covers, only to realize that I wasn’t in my own bed. The scent of expensive cologne, woody, masculine, and all too familiar—wrapped around me. I turned my head, scanning the room as realization hit me.This was Ethan’s room. I sat up abruptly, my heart beating hard. I was no longer wearing my night wear from last night, and that got me thinkingOh shit, he didn't…?I turned to the other side of the bed—it was empty. The door creaked open before I could finish the thought. Ethan walked in, freshly showered, dressed in a casual white shirt and dark pants, his hair slightly damp. His eyes flicked to me, surprise flashing across his face. “You’re awake,” he said, his voice smooth as ever. “You jerk! How dare you take advantage of my vulnerable state.” I screamed immediately I set my eyes on him, my jaw clenching.“What? I don't…” He responded.“Don't even say anything, I don't want to hear it asshole.” I seethed
Chapter 74: Fallen for youETHANI knew I had fallen for her. There was no point in denying it anymore or pretending that she was just some obsession or a challenge I was yet to conquer. It was already certain that no matter how much I tried to resist, I would keep coming back to the same damn realization. I was in love with Mia Evans.I let out a frustrated sigh, rubbing a hand down my face as I replayed this morning’s disaster. She had woken up in my bed and immediately assumed the worst. The anger in her voice, the way she had looked at me like I was nothing but a predator—it hurt as hell. I don't blame her to think that of me, after all, I have always been a womanizer hell, I even slept with her bestfriend and I have a lot of women as my booty call.But the fact was that I had done nothing wrong, the past me would have been so disappointed, afterall that's what I wanted, to have a taste of her pussy, but after she threw herself at me, I just carried her to my room and slept
Chapter 140: With all my heart ETHAN The soft hum of the television filled the living room as I scrolled through my phone absentmindedly. The news anchor’s voice droned on about economic fluctuations, political scandals—nothing that interested me. That was until I heard Smith Cole’s name. I glanced up at the screen. The bold letters at the bottom of the screen made my eyebrows lift. “BREAKING NEWS: BUSINESS TYCOON SMITH COLE FOUND DEAD IN PRISON CELL” I sat up, the remote slipping from my fingers. “According to sources, Smith Cole was found unresponsive in his cell early this morning. While initial reports suggest suicide, investigations are still ongoing.” I grabbed my phone and immediately dialed Greg. He picked up after two rings. “I was wondering how long it’d take you to call.” I didn’t waste time. “Did you hear the news?” Greg chuckled. “I knew the news before the news knew.” I froze. “Damn, don’t tell me you were behind this.” There was a pau
Chapter 139: OliviaMIA A Month Later.Time didn’t erase the grief I felt, but it softened the pain a little. A few months had passed since my dad’s death and Smith Cole’s sentencing, and while the pain still lingered, life had started moving forward. Uncle Greg had stepped up as the CEO of Evans Group, and surprisingly, he was doing a damn good job. It wasn’t just about running the company; it was about maintaining what dad had built. With Marvin by his side, helping in ways none of us had expected, the company was thriving again. His kids, Derrick and Amanda, had finally settled into life in New York. Amanda was adjusting well to her new school, making friends and embracing the city. Derrick became quieter but sharp as ever, and had taken a liking to Marvin. Watching my brother interact with them, laughing and being… normal, gave me hope. Ava moved out of the city after Dad's funeral, she said this city reminded her of him and if she needed to move on, she had to leave.Aunt
Chapter 138: CampingETHANThe drive to the cemetery was silent. Mia stared out the window, her fingers playing with the hem of her sweater. I knew she was deep in thought, maybe even trying to find the right words to say when we got there. I reached over, placing my hand over hers. "You don't have to say anything if you don't want to." She exhaled, nodding slightly but didn't look at me. When we arrived, she hesitated before stepping out of the car. The cemetery was quiet, the only sound being the rustling of leaves in the wind. I followed behind her, giving her space as she walked up to her father’s grave. She kneeled, tracing the name on the tombstone with her fingers. "Hi, Dad," she whispered. "It's been a while." I stayed back, leaning against the car, letting her have her moment. She wiped her eyes. "We won, you know. We got him. Smith Cole is going to rot in prison for the rest of his miserable life. Uncle Greg made sure of it." She let out a shaky breath. "But it d
Chapter 137: Together, We're strongerMIA"Mia, are you okay?" I heard as I woke up with a gasp, cold water dripping down my face. My heart pounded as my vision adjusted, and I saw Sophie kneeling beside me, her face filled with concern. I blinked rapidly, struggling to make sense of what had just happened. The last thing I remembered was seeing Ethan.Ethan, who was supposed to be dead, was standing in that courtroom. My chest tightened. Was I hallucinating? Was I losing my mind? “Thank goodness you're awake, you scared us Mia.” Aunt Cecilia exclaimed.I ignored her, “Wasn't that Ethan? I need to be sure, let's go back to the courtroom.”I struggled to get up and headed back into the courtroom, aunt Cecilia and Sophie behind me. Then I heard the judge’s voice. “In light of the overwhelming evidence presented to this court, Smith Cole is hereby sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.” My head snapped toward the judge’s bench. The courtroom was dead s
Chapter 136: Plea dealAUTHOR POVThe world around Smith Cole was crumbling. Politicians who once shook his hand in private meetings were now scrambling to erase any connection to him. Some fled the country entirely, disappearing into private jets with hastily packed bags, their families already on their way to safe havens overseas. George Ramsey, one of Smith’s closest allies, wiped the sweat off his brow as he rushed through a VIP airport terminal. “Where’s the damn pilot?” he snapped at his assistant, his hands trembling as he checked his watch. “He’s preparing the jet, sir. But…” “No buts! We need to be out of here in ten minutes!” The assistant hesitated. “Sir, the feds are looking into your accounts. If you leave now, it’ll…” “Shut up and do as you’re told!” George Ramsey barked before marching toward the boarding gate. Across the city, others were making similar escapes. Some tried bribing their way out of investigations, while others resigned from their governme
Chapter 135: Walk freeMARVIN EVANSMia wasn’t the same anymore. Since Dad’s funeral, she had withdrawn into herself, barely speaking, barely eating. I saw it in her eyes, the emptiness. She would sit for hours, staring at nothing, lost in a world none of us could reach. Sophie visited often, trying to get her to eat, to talk, to function. Sometimes, Mia responded with a weak smile or a nod, but most times, she just existed in silence. Greg’s kids were around too, trying to lighten the mood, but it was like talking to a ghost. I knew what she was feeling. I felt it too. Dad was gone, Murdered in cold blood and the bastard who did it was still out there. That changed the day Greg walked in. I was sitting in the living room, flipping through TV channels, not really watching, when Greg strode in with a determined look on his face. “I found him,” he announced. I turned off the TV. Sophie looked up from where she sat beside Mia. Even Mia’s blank expression shifted slightly.
Chapter 134: LawsuitSMITH COLEI had underestimated Greg Evans. That was my first mistake. I thought he’d come at me like a street thug, swinging wildly, making it easy for me to shut him down. But no—he was playing smart. Legal. And that was the kind of fight I wasn’t prepared for. One of my boys came running into my room interrupting my thoughts. “Boss, another club’s been shut down.” I glared at Marco, my patience wearing thin. “Which one?” “The one on the east side. The cops raided it last night, they said on suspicion of trafficking, illegal gambling, the whole damn list.” I exhaled sharply, gripping the edge of my desk. “And you’re telling me this now?” He hesitated. “Didn’t want to bring bad news first thing in the morning.” “Marco, you’re about to bring me bad news at your funeral if you don’t fix this.” I growled, staring daggers at him.I waved him off, already feeling the headache creeping in. My businesses were crumbling one after another. First, the cops hit m
Chapter 133: A ghostETHANI stood at the abandoned shipyard, waiting for Greg. The scent of salt and gasoline hitting my nostrils. The place was quiet except for the occasional creak of metal and the distant sound of waves crashing against the dock.I had chosen this spot for a reason, it was neutral ground, away from prying eyes and close to my hideout.The black SUV rolled to a stop a few feet away. The headlights cut through the darkness before shutting off. The door opened, and Greg Evans stepped out, his movements stiff and with caution. He scanned the area before his eyes locked onto me. Then, he froze. His body went rigid, his eyes wide with shock. His lips parted as if he wanted to say something, but no words came out. He took a slow step forward, shaking his head. “No. No, this isn’t possible.” I smirked. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” Greg’s face twisted in disbelief. “You’re supposed to be dead.” “Yeah, well… I guess I’m not.” His fists clenched at his
Chapter 132: Conspiracy and racketeeringGREG EVANSThe funeral was over, but the fight had just begun. I sat in my office, staring at the wall of documents pinned up like a detective solving a crime. Because that’s exactly what I was doing—solving the crime of my brother’s murder. My anger hadn’t lessened since the day we buried John. If anything, it had grown into something cold. It was no longer just grief, it was revenge.If Smith Cole thought he could get away with this, that he could walk free after having my brother killed. Just because he had a few connections then he had another thing coming.He had no idea what he had just unleashed. I leaned back in my chair, rubbing my temples as I went through another set of documents. These weren’t just business papers—they were evidence. The ones my boys brought in for me.Smith Cole’s entire operation was filth, built on money laundering, blackmail, and human trafficking. His corporation wasn’t just corrupt—it was a damn criminal emp