a reckoning of deception

"Dad, don't let this unfortunate man deceive you. How is it possible that he didn't know Sophia was pregnant when he claims they were dating? You mean to tell me he hasn't seen her since that night you visited? Or is he just trying to change the subject?" David accused, his words cutting sharply against Ethan.

"David, stay out of this," Mr. Caldwell's tone was firm and authoritative.

David and Lila exchanged shocked glances.

Mr. Caldwell turned to Ethan. "I didn't know you were unaware of Sophia's pregnancy… Well, come inside. I'll go change, and then we'll head to the company together. There's not much time left before the voting is over. If there's anything we can still do, now is the time." He gestured for Ethan to follow him inside.

Once they reached the parlor, Mr. Caldwell motioned for Ethan to sit.

Ethan's expression darkened with worry as Mr. Caldwell, who was about to head to his room to change, suddenly stopped mid-step and turned back to face him.

"Ethan," Mr. Caldwell called in a softer voice.

"Sir?" Ethan responded, looking up at him.

Mr. Caldwell stepped closer. "I know you offered to help because you love Sophia… but I truly didn't know that you weren't aware she was pregnant." He studied Ethan's face before continuing.

"Anyway… if you feel you can't do this anymore, that's fine. I won't hold it against you. After all, who would want to marry a woman who got pregnant from an unfortunate incident like that?" His voice wavered slightly as he sniffed.

Ethan remained silent.

"It's fine," Mr. Caldwell said with a heavy sigh. "You can leave. You don't have to come with me to the company. I understand that you only cared about my business because of Sophia. But now that she's gone—and pregnant—I don't even know if she'll return. I wouldn't advise you to wait for her. Just go live your life and forget my family. I apologize for not telling you earlier about the pregnancy." His voice carried a note of sympathy.

As Mr. Caldwell turned to leave the parlor, Ethan finally spoke.

"I'll wait for her."

Mr. Caldwell froze mid-step, slowly turning back to look at Ethan.

"I'll wait for her," Ethan repeated, his voice unwavering. "She was raped—it wasn't her fault. No matter the situation, I'm ready to face it all."

Mr. Caldwell's gaze hardened. "Don't wait for her. I'm warning you. You might think she'll be back soon, but she may never return. Or worse, she could already be in love with another man. Don't wait for her, even if she promised you she would. Trust me, you'll regret it. So leave." His voice was deliberate and final.

Ethan was silent for a moment before he finally said, "Even if I don't get to marry your daughter, I want to be here for her. When she comes back, I want her to know that I truly loved and cared for her. Not just that I waited, but that I also fought for her family's legacy."

Mr. Caldwell turned away again, shaking his head. "And what's the point of all that? Listen, young man, you still have a long way to go. Don't you have your own family or life to fight for? I'm asking you to leave my family alone. I don't need you anymore." His voice had sharpened, his patience wearing thin.

His raised voice reached David and Lila, who hurried toward the parlor.

Ethan, at a loss for words, simply stared at Mr. Caldwell before slowly rising from his seat.

"Sir, you'll need me if you want your company back," Ethan said, his tone calm and unwavering.

"You heard him. Leave this house now! He said he doesn't need you anymore. It's over, you loser." David sneered, his voice dripping with mockery.

Lila, standing behind him, chuckled in satisfaction.

Ethan walked past them slowly, unfazed by their disgusted glares.

Mr. Caldwell exhaled deeply. "Even if you stay, Caldwell Horizon is finished. James has already won the votes… Most people believe he's the future president of the company. There's nothing more I can do to change that. So don't waste your time."

Ethan halted mid-step. "I know… James convinced everyone that he's the rightful successor. But he can't take the company from you unless you let him. He's waiting for you to give up so he can make his next big move. Don't you see the game he's playing?" Ethan's voice was cold, yet firm. He still didn't turn to face Mr. Caldwell, speaking instead to the space ahead of him.

Mr. Caldwell's curiosity flickered. "What do you know about James?"

A moment of silence passed before Ethan responded. "Have you ever wondered why James is so desperate to take over your company? You know he orchestrated the robbery on your birthday—even if there wasn't enough evidence to expose him. He already stole billions from you. If all he wanted was wealth, he could've built his own empire by now. So why is he so determined to take yours? Why is he spending money to buy off people who should be helping you? Haven't you ever questioned his true motive?"

Ethan's words struck a chord, forcing Mr. Caldwell into a deep contemplation he had never entertained before.

After a long silence, Mr. Caldwell sighed. "I really don't understand it anymore. What do you think this is all about?" His once-authoritative tone softened, his doubt evident.

David and Lila, who had previously looked at Ethan with contempt, now stood speechless, their mockery fading into disbelief.

"James isn't just trying to take over because he thinks you're unfit to lead. He wants to destroy you. This isn't just business—it's personal. He's punishing you, and you don't even realize it yet." Ethan's voice was firm, his expression dead serious.

"What?" David tried to interrupt, but Mr. Caldwell's voice boomed over him.

"Why would James do this to me? Do you think I wronged him by making him a branch president? I only demoted him when he no longer deserved the position. I never fired anyone without reason. I was never cruel. So why would he want revenge for something I never did?" Mr. Caldwell's voice wavered with frustration and worry.

Ethan's gaze didn't waver. "James planned every move before he even entered your family. He only used Sophia to gain access. It wasn't her fault that he got close to you—he manipulated her. But his real goal has always been revenge."

Mr. Caldwell's eyes narrowed. "Revenge? What revenge? I've never met him before in my life. I don't even know what you're talking about! And how do you know all this?" His voice held a mix of confusion and growing fear.

Ethan took a step closer. "Just let me help you. In time, you'll see exactly what James is doing. I promise I'll save your company, restore honor to your name, and… I'll find Sophia." His voice carried a quiet but unshakable confidence.

A tense silence settled over the room. Then suddenly, David burst into laughter. Lila quickly joined in, their laughter filled with nothing but mockery.

"Says the broke man who can barely afford to feed himself, let alone buy decent clothes," David scoffed.

Mr. Caldwell shook his head, still trying to process Ethan's words. "I don't believe this…" he muttered.

Ethan's expression remained unchanged. "You don't need to believe me. But if you let me handle this, you'll see the truth for yourself."

David smirked. "This guy is insane. How can you walk in here, spewing baseless claims with no proof? Even if James is a fraud—what does that make you?"

Lila crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes at Ethan. "Exactly. Who are you? How do you know all this?"

Silence stretched between them as all eyes fixed on Ethan.

Mr. Caldwell's gaze darkened with suspicion. "What is this young man up to…? Could it be possible that James sent him here to manipulate me into making a mistake? Is this part of James' game?" he muttered under his breath.

The weight of uncertainty thickened in the air.