Chapter 2 – A Life-Changing Truth

Ethan's Apartment – 7:00 AM

The blaring sound of his alarm clock dragged Ethan Cross out of a restless sleep. His tiny apartment felt even more suffocating than usual, the air thick with the smell of leftover pizza and exhaustion. He groaned, rubbing his temples as last night's events flooded his mind—the breakup, the humiliation, and the weird auction where he'd impulsively bought a worthless painting.

He sat up, eyes drifting toward the canvas leaning against the wall. A simple landscape of mountains and rivers. Nothing remarkable. Nothing that should have changed his life.

But it had.

A sharp knock at the door made him jump.

Frowning, Ethan swung his legs off the bed and shuffled toward the door, cracking it open.

A man stood on the other side.

Dressed in a crisp charcoal-gray suit, his silver hair neatly combed back, his posture was impeccable. He looked to be in his late fifties, his sharp blue eyes filled with an unreadable intensity.

Ethan squinted. "Uh… can I help you?"

The man inclined his head slightly. "Mr. Cross, my name is James Windsor. I am here to discuss your inheritance."

Ethan blinked.

"My what?"

James offered a polite but firm smile. "May I come in?"

---

7:05 AM – Inside Ethan's Apartment

Ethan sat on the couch, still trying to process what the hell was happening. Across from him, James Windsor sat with perfect composure, holding a briefcase on his lap.

"Inheritance?" Ethan repeated, running a hand through his messy hair. "There's no way. I don't have rich relatives. My parents barely get by."

James remained unfazed. "And yet, the truth remains the same. As of last night, you became the sole heir to the Langford estate."

Ethan's stomach twisted. The name Langford rang a bell. Everyone had heard of Alexander Langford, the elusive multi-trillionaire whose name was whispered among the richest of the rich. A man so powerful, his true wealth was untraceable.

Ethan's throat went dry.

"You're joking."

James clicked open the briefcase, revealing a stack of official documents, all stamped with an intricate gold seal.

"Lord Langford's final will and testament," James stated. "Everything he possessed—his wealth, his assets, his legacy—is now legally yours."

Ethan's hands clenched into fists. "Why me? I've never even met the guy."

James nodded slightly. "That is correct. However, Lord Langford's final wish was simple: the person who acquires his most treasured possession shall inherit his entire empire."

Ethan's gaze snapped toward the painting.

"…You're telling me that piece of junk was his most treasured possession?"

James smiled faintly. "It seems that way."

Ethan slumped back against the couch, rubbing his face. "So what now? Am I supposed to move into some massive mansion and start living like a billionaire?"

James shook his head. "Not quite. There are conditions."

Ethan frowned. "Figures."

James leaned forward. "Your identity must remain completely confidential. As far as the world is concerned, Alexander Langford's wealth remains unclaimed. If the truth were to be exposed, it would destabilize global markets, and you would become a target for forces far beyond your imagination."

Ethan shuddered. This wasn't just about money.

This was about power.

James continued. "Secondly, there are assets and responsibilities Lord Langford left behind that you must gradually assume control over. It will take time."

Ethan exhaled. "…I don't even know the first thing about running an empire."

"That is why I am here," James assured him. "I will guide you."

Ethan stared at the documents, his mind still struggling to grasp reality.

After a long silence, he looked back at James.

"I'll accept the inheritance."

James nodded, as if he had expected nothing less.

"But," Ethan added, crossing his arms, "I'm not moving anywhere. I'm staying in my apartment."

James raised an eyebrow but didn't argue. "Very well. However, certain security measures will be implemented around you."

Ethan sighed. "Great. So now I'm a billionaire who still lives like a broke college student."

James smirked. "That would be a first."

Ethan leaned back, staring at the ceiling.

Just yesterday, he was nothing.

Now, he was the most powerful heir in the world.

And no one could know.

---

Unbeknownst to Ethan, a small, unmarked car was parked just down the street, its tinted windows shielding a lone figure inside.

A phone call connected.

"Status?" a distorted voice asked.

The watcher's eyes locked onto Ethan's apartment.

"The heir has accepted."

There was a pause.

Then the

voice on the other end whispered, "Proceed with Phase One."

The watcher smirked.

"Understood."

---

To Be Continued…