Chapter 13 – The Game Begins 

Ethan Cross sat in the dimly lit booth of Velvet Fang, a luxurious underground lounge reserved for those who thrived in the shadows. The rich scent of aged whiskey and Cuban cigars filled the air, but Ethan barely noticed.

His focus was entirely on the man sitting across from him—Lucas 'Viper' Morelli.

Lucas had a reputation. Ruthless, calculated, and dangerously efficient. He commanded a vast network of criminal enterprises, controlling the flow of black market goods, underground gambling rings, and high-stakes transactions. A king in the underworld.

But tonight?

He wasn't the one holding the crown.

"Young Master Ethan," Lucas finally spoke, setting down his whiskey glass with careful precision. His tone was smooth, practiced—but above all, it carried respect. "It's an honor to finally meet you in person."

Ethan leaned back in his seat, one arm resting lazily over the booth's leather. His expression remained unreadable.

Lucas was dangerous, but he knew his place.

"I assume you know why I asked for this meeting," Ethan said, swirling the amber liquid in his glass.

Lucas gave a slight nod. "You wish to establish direct control. To cut out unnecessary barriers."

Ethan let a small smirk tug at his lips. "And?"

Lucas exhaled slowly. "And I welcome it. You are the rightful heir to the empire. Whatever orders you give—I will execute them without hesitation."

No defiance. No hesitation.

Lucas Morelli had already submitted.

Ethan took a sip of his drink before speaking again.

"Let's be clear on one thing, Lucas." His voice remained calm, but the weight behind it was undeniable. "If I wanted, I could make you disappear tonight. No one would ask questions. No one would find answers."

Lucas didn't flinch.

"Then I would cease to exist."

The way he said it—so calmly, so willingly—confirmed it. Lucas understood the hierarchy. He wasn't Ethan's equal.

He was a servant to the true power.

Ethan studied him for a few moments before nodding. "Good. That's all I needed to hear."

Lucas lifted his glass in a silent toast. "To new beginnings."

Ethan clinked his glass against his, taking another slow sip. This meeting was over.

And he had already won.

---

Ethan stepped out of the club, the city's cold night air wrapping around him. Lucas followed closely, keeping a respectful distance.

As Ethan checked the street for an available cab, Lucas spoke up.

"Young Master Ethan, allow me to drive you home."

Ethan didn't respond immediately. Instead, he turned to Lucas with a small, knowing smirk.

"That depends," he said smoothly. "What's your car's model?"

Lucas straightened. "A black Porsche 911 Turbo S."

Ethan sighed, shaking his head. "Too flashy. I'd rather not draw unnecessary attention."

Lucas immediately bowed his head slightly. "Understood. I'll have my men prepare something low-profile for future occasions."

Ethan nodded, satisfied. "For now, I'll take a cab."

Lucas didn't argue. He simply stepped back, hands clasped behind his back in complete obedience.

As Ethan hailed a taxi, he gave Lucas one final glance.

"One last thing."

Lucas stood at attention. "Yes, Young Master?"

Ethan's voice was quiet, yet the authority in it was absolute.

"You must keep my identity a secret."

Lucas placed a hand over his chest in a vow. "It will never leave my lips."

Satisfied, Ethan stepped into the cab.

Lucas stood there watching the vehicle disappear into the streets—not as an equal, but as a loyal soldier to the man who ruled the underworld from the shadows.

---

Ethan settled into the backseat, letting the city lights blur past as he pulled out his brand-new Pixel 8 Pro. The contrast between this sleek device and his old Oppo was almost laughable.

With a few taps, he dialed James Windsor's number.

The line barely rang before the familiar voice answered.

"Young Master Ethan," James greeted smoothly. "I assume the meeting went as expected?"

Ethan glanced out the window, smirking. "Lucas Morelli is obedient. More than I thought he'd be."

James chuckled lightly. "That is to be expected. He understands the weight of power. And yours is absolute."

Ethan hummed in agreement. "Keep an eye on him regardless. Loyalty isn't absolute without fear."

"Already in place, sir. My men will monitor all his movements."

There was a brief pause before Ethan continued.

"What about Marcus Kane?"

James didn't miss a beat. "His dossier has been updated. I've sent you everything you need. Shall I summarize?"

Ethan nodded, leaning back against the seat. "Go on."

"Marcus Kane operates independently but owes much of his success to Lucas Morelli. However, his ambitions suggest he may not be satisfied with his current position. While he does not openly defy Lucas, there have been subtle power plays—ones that suggest he may be looking to expand beyond his station."

Ethan tapped his fingers against the seat. "So he's smart, but not smart enough to know his limits."

"Precisely."

Ethan exhaled. "And Lucas?"

"Lucas is loyal to you above all else. If Marcus becomes a problem, he will eliminate him without hesitation."

A small smirk played at Ethan's lips. "Good. Then let's allow Marcus to think he has a chance—until he makes a move."

James chuckled. "A perfect strategy, Young Master Ethan."

Ethan rolled his neck, relaxing. Everything was falling into place.

As the cab turned down a quieter street, James spoke again.

"One final note, sir. Your residence… would you like a security upgrade? Your current living conditions do not reflect your status."

Ethan smirked. "Not yet. The more people see me as just another delivery guy, the longer I can move unnoticed."

James sighed, though his amusement was evident. "A bold approach, as always."

Ethan checked the time—9:47 PM.

"I'll be home soon," he said. "I expect another report by morning."

"Of course, Young Master."

Ethan hung up, staring at his reflection in the cab window.

Everyone thought he was just a man in a hoodie.

They had no idea he was the one pulling the strings.