Andros_Karova

Ethan Cross was just a broke university student, juggling part-time delivery jobs and barely making ends meet. To make things worse, his girlfriend dumped him for a rich guy, calling him "a loser with no future."

But fate had other plans.

On a whim, he bought an old painting at an auction for $50, not knowing it would change his life forever. That painting was once the most treasured possession of Alexander Langford, the world's richest man who had just passed away. And in his will, Langford made a shocking decision:

Whoever bought the painting would inherit his entire fortune.

Now, Ethan is the heir to a trillion-dollar empire, with mansions, private jets, elite companies, and more money than he can ever spend. But wealth comes with its own dangers—rival corporations, underground syndicates, and even secret cults want him dead.

To make matters more complicated, Langford’s final wish was for Ethan to marry his only daughter, Myra Langford—a cold and mysterious beauty with a past of her own.

With power beyond imagination, enemies lurking in the shadows, and a woman he can’t understand, Ethan must navigate this new world while keeping his true strength hidden.

From rags to royalty… his reign has just begun.

Streets to Fortune

The convoy of five Rolls Royces and several Range Rovers moved smoothly through the city, drawing glances from pedestrians and drivers alike. The luxury vehicles were an obvious display of power and wealth, something Ethan was still trying to process.

Seated inside the lead Rolls Royce, he stared at the notification on his phone.

James, sitting beside him, glanced at the screen. "A small amount has been transferred for your day-to-day expenses, Young Master Ethan. To maintain discretion, similar transactions will be made periodically rather than large lump sums."

Ethan let out a breath. Half a million dollars was small?

"Understood," he said, slipping his phone into his pocket.

James continued, "To avoid drawing unnecessary attention, the convoy will stop a few blocks away from your apartment. You may walk the rest of the way."

Ethan nodded. "Good. I don't want my neighbors seeing all this."

James gave a small smirk. "Your caution is admirable."

As planned, the vehicles pulled over discreetly near a side street. James opened the door, allowing Ethan to step out. He took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his double life.

The moment he left the convoy, he was just Ethan Cross, the struggling college student with an old apartment and barely enough money for rent—not the heir to a billion-dollar empire.

Without another word, Ethan adjusted his hoodie and walked toward his apartment building, keeping his posture relaxed.

The city was as alive as ever. Street vendors called out their sales, taxis honked, and groups of students walked past, completely unaware of the fortune now attached to his name.

James and a few security personnel followed from a distance, dressed casually to avoid suspicion.

When Ethan entered the lobby of his apartment building, the doorman barely acknowledged him—just as usual. The receptionist didn't even look up.

He headed straight to the elevator, stepping inside alone. When he reached his floor, he made his way to his apartment and unlocked the door.

Everything was exactly as he left it. The tiny kitchen, the second-hand couch, the old TV that sometimes refused to work—a world away from the luxury of the Langford estate.

James entered shortly after, scanning the space. "Are you certain you wish to remain here, Young Master Ethan?"

Ethan dropped his keys on the counter. "For now. This is still home."

James gave a slight nod. "I will arrange for discreet security to watch over the building. You may not wish to attract attention, but your safety is now a priority."

Ethan sighed. "I get it. Just… keep it low-key."

James simply adjusted his tie. "Of course."

After a moment, James handed Ethan a thick leather folder.

"These are the finalized documents. Every property, business, vault, and bank account once owned by Alexander Langford is now legally yours."

Ethan opened the folder, flipping through pages filled with mind-blowing assets. His name was now attached to private islands, high-end corporations, real estate empires, and hidden bank vaults.

James smirked slightly. "Welcome to your new reality, Young Master Ethan."

Closing the folder, Ethan leaned back against the couch, rubbing his temples. "Alright… First thing's first—I'm not changing my lifestyle overnight. I'll keep my job, stay in this apartment, and figure things out one step at a time."

James studied him for a moment before giving a small nod. "As you wish."

Ethan looked toward the ceiling, letting the reality sink in.

No matter how much he wished to take things slow, he knew deep down… his world had already changed forever.

Chapter 5 – The Dawn of a New Life