Ethan Brooks

Sia's POV:

Hmm… I rubbed my face and sighed heavily.

Another frustrating day in this stupid mansion.

I better pack my things and leave before Ashton shows up—if he hasn't already.

That bastard. He dared to cheat on me with that slut… I'll make them pay.

My hand instinctively moved to the other side of the bed, searching for my phone. I always slept with it next to me.

But instead of cold metal, I felt something warm.

My eyes widened in shock. Slowly, I turned my gaze to the other side of the bed—

"HOLY CRAP!!"

There was a fine, naked man lying next to me.

"OH GOD."

My fucking memory came crashing down on me like a wrecking ball.

I palmed my face in shame.

I was completely naked too.

"Oh, Sia, where is your dignity?" I cursed under my breath, feeling utterly humiliated.

How could I have drunk so much and landed myself in this situation?

"Sia, how could you?" I kept berating myself, but a bigger problem loomed ahead—if this man woke up and found me here, I'd probably have to use my savings to hire men to build me an underground house.

A perfect hiding spot.

Slowly, I slid off the bed and gathered my clothes, quickly getting dressed.

I didn't bother looking for my panties—I could survive without them.

But not without the little shred of dignity I had left.

So, I abandoned them.

Like a thief—no, worse than a thief—I tiptoed out of the bedroom and out of the club.

Luckily, I spotted a cab and slipped inside, heading straight back to the mansion.

—

Fortunately, Ashton's mansion was empty when I arrived.

Lonely.

Just like it had always been.

And dark.

Just like Ashton's heart.

I hurried upstairs and packed only the important things—my jewelry, worth millions.

I had never worn them before, but my husband left me for a woman who knew how to.

Joke's on me.

"You'll regret this." I clenched my fists, and suddenly, a memory flashed through my mind.

His mouth sucking my nipples.

His fingers thrusting into me.

Sending me to eleventh heaven.

"Ouch."

I slapped myself hard.

How could I be fantasizing about my humiliation?

Luckily, the world is big enough, and I will never have to see him again.

After freshening up, I grabbed my suitcase and dragged it downstairs, ready to leave.

But just as I reached the door, a car pulled into the driveway.

I recognized that black Bentley instantly.

It belonged to Ashton's stepmother.

Amanda.

She was only two years older than me—young enough to be Ashton's woman, but instead, she went for his father.

Amanda stepped out of the car, her blonde hair swaying elegantly over her shoulders.

"How are you doing, Mrs. Wo—oops, I meant Sia?" Amanda mocked, a smirk tugging at her lips.

I rolled my eyes.

"What do you want, artificial queen?" I shot back.

Her eyes widened slightly in shock.

Yeah.

The only natural thing about Amanda was probably her internal organs.

Or maybe she'd had plastic surgery on her heart too—seeing as it was painted black.

Amanda folded her arms. "Call me whatever you want…" she said, then pouted. "But I'm not the one returning to the slums."

She tilted her head mockingly.

"Go back to selling flowers on the street."

I clenched my fists.

I hated being reminded of that part of my past.

But I knew Amanda was trying to get under my skin, and I wouldn't give her the satisfaction.

I smirked. "Oh, honey, you're ridiculous. The only place I'll be moving to is Wood Enterprise."

After the divorce, I'd get a seat at the shareholders' table—even if it was just two percent.

For some reason, my words were so hilarious to Amanda that she burst out laughing.

"Haven't you heard, you little gold digger?" she taunted.

A sinking feeling settled in my stomach.

"What happened?" I asked cautiously.

Amanda's smirk deepened.

"Ashton met up with his old man and told him about your little wish to split his assets. The old man made sure no lawyer or judge will take your case."

Curse the Woods.

Now I understood why Amanda was here—she couldn't wait to deliver the news to me personally.

The Woods always acted smart, using their power to crush the weak.

But Sia was anything but weak.

I only wanted what I deserved, and they did this?

Fine.

Now, I wanted more.

I was suddenly hungry for everything they enjoyed.

Amanda was about to throw another insult when her phone rang. She glanced at the screen and waved it at me.

"Oops, it's my stylist. I need to look good for the gala tonight."

She winked, turning to leave.

But I stopped her.

"What gala?"

Amanda turned back, her lips curling smugly.

"Don't ladies from the slums read articles? Or were you too busy plotting your divorce to keep up with the world?"

No, honey.

I was busy getting fucked by a real man.

Amanda strutted off, and the moment she disappeared, I pulled out my phone and quickly searched the news.

The first article that popped up was everywhere.

"Lieutenant General Ethan Brooks, the master of the Wood and Fernando families, returns to claim his rightful place as CEO after years of serving the country."

"Ethan Brooks?"

The name sounded familiar.

I continued reading, curiosity eating at me.

**"The true owner of Wood Enterprise had two sons. Due to the first son's reckless lifestyle, their father willed all his assets to the younger sibling, Ethan Brooks. However, Ethan left, allowing his older brother to manage the company in his absence.

Today, he is a four-star lieutenant, living comfortably. But why return now?"**

My grip on my phone tightened.

So…

Ashton and his father weren't the real owners of Wood Enterprise?

Did they even have a share?

I don't care if he has shares or not—I need my compensation.

I couldn't believe I wasn't invited to the gala.

A wide smile stretched across my lips.

"Guess I have a party to crash."

There would be tons of paparazzi.

And by the end of the night, I would be the center of attention.