Chapter 4 – The Weight of Power

The streets of New York blurred past as the convoy of five Rolls Royces and a few Range Rovers moved smoothly through the city. Inside the lead car, Ethan sat in silence, gazing out the window, lost in thought. The past 24 hours had shattered everything he knew—his old life was gone, and in its place was something far greater… and far heavier.

Beside him, James Windsor sat with his usual composed expression, watching the young man carefully. He could see the gears turning in Ethan's mind. The weight of responsibility had begun settling in.

"You're quiet, Young Master Ethan," James finally spoke.

Ethan exhaled sharply. He still wasn't used to that title. "Guess I'm still processing everything."

"That is only natural." James nodded. "Alexander Langford built an empire unlike any other. His wealth, his power—it was never just about money. It was about control, influence, and maintaining balance. Now, all of that is in your hands."

Ethan clenched his fists. "And you expect me to just… take over?"

James gave him a knowing smile. "You already have, Young Master. The moment you accepted the inheritance, the world shifted. But do not misunderstand—you are not required to act like a billionaire overnight. You may live as you wish, at your own pace."

Ethan scoffed. "I don't even know what to do with this kind of money."

"That is why I am here," James reassured him. "You will not navigate this alone."

Ethan leaned back, running a hand through his hair. "Still doesn't feel real."

James simply smiled. He had served Alexander Langford for decades, and now, he saw glimpses of the same strong-willed nature in Ethan. The young master just needed time.

---

The convoy pulled up to a towering skyscraper with a gold-plated SKY BANK logo reflecting under the morning sun. Unlike other banks, Sky Bank was not publicly accessible—it catered exclusively to the ultra-elite, a place where fortunes beyond imagination were stored.

Ethan stepped out, his presence causing an immediate reaction. The bank's top executives were already waiting, standing in perfect formation at the entrance.

A man in a tailored suit stepped forward. Jonathan Pierce, CEO of Sky Bank.

"Welcome, Young Master Ethan," he greeted, bowing his head slightly—a gesture Ethan wasn't used to. "We have been expecting you."

Ethan simply nodded, still adjusting to this new world.

James led the way as they were escorted into a high-security elevator that required multiple biometric scans.

"We will start with your vaults," James explained. "All assets have been legally transferred to your name. You will have unrestricted access."

The elevator descended deep underground, stopping at a level far below any normal banking floor. As the doors opened, Ethan stepped into a private vault chamber where a massive steel door stood before him.

Jonathan Pierce entered a code, followed by a retina scan, fingerprint verification, and a voice command.

The steel doors rumbled open, revealing the legacy of Alexander Langford.

Ethan took a step inside, his breath catching at the sight before him.

The Five Vaults of Alexander Langford:

1. Vault 1 – Cash: Stacks of hundred-dollar bills, neatly arranged in compartments, stretching endlessly into the distance.

2. Vault 2 – Cash: Another room filled with foreign currencies from every major country.

3. Vault 3 – Cash: Off-the-books emergency reserves—the kind of money that could fund nations, not just businesses.

4. Vault 4 – Valuables: Priceless artifacts, rare paintings, signed treaties, black-market weapons, and secrets powerful enough to shake governments.

5. Vault 5 – Jewelry: A collection so vast that it would make royalty envious—diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and gold bars stacked like bricks.

Ethan stared, speechless. This wasn't just wealth—this was absolute power.

James stood beside him. "Everything here belongs to you now."

Ethan turned to him, voice low. "And no one else knows?"

"Not a soul," James confirmed. "As per Mr. Langford's wishes."

Ethan took a deep breath, stepping further into the vaults. He reached out, letting his fingers brush against a solid gold bar. The cool weight of it grounded him.

James watched, observing the young master's reaction carefully.

Ethan finally spoke. "I'll use my PayPal and Payoneer accounts for my daily expenses."

James nodded approvingly. "A wise decision. Moving money in and out of traditional banking systems would raise suspicion. Digital transactions will keep you discreet."

Ethan smirked slightly. "Gotta stay low-key, right?"

James chuckled. "Indeed, Young Master."

---

Ethan stepped out of the underground vaults and back into the real world, something inside him had changed.

The Ethan Cross who had struggled to afford dinner was gone.

In his place stood a man who now held the keys to an empire.

James opened the car door for him. "Where to now, Young Master Ethan?"

Ethan paused, taking in the city around him.

For the first time, the world didn't feel so out of reach.

He stepped into the Rolls Royce and smirked.

"Let's go home."