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

Ethan stared at his screen, fingers still hovering over the keyboard. The chat was still buzzing, but his focus was on the private message tab.

Mia: That was insane. Are you for real?

Fleeting Fable: I don't make empty gestures.

Mia: You just dropped $20,000 on me like it was nothing. Who even are you?

Fleeting Fable: Just a passing storyteller.

Mia: So mysterious… Are you some billionaire with too much time on your hands?

Fleeting Fable: Something like that.

He smirked slightly. It was amusing seeing her try to figure him out.

Mia: Well, thank you. I mean it. That guy was a nightmare.

Fleeting Fable: You handled it well.

Mia: Did I? Half my viewers ran off.

Fleeting Fable: The ones who left weren't worth keeping.

Mia: You really know how to say the right things, huh?

Ethan leaned back, glancing at the remaining public chat. A few dedicated viewers were still commenting, clearly entertained by the whole showdown.

— PixelShred: Bro straight up deleted Carlo from existence LOL

— SnowQueen: Mia, you got yourself a guardian angel or what?

— WolfBite: Respect to Fleeting Fable, but WHO ARE YOU?

— KnightZero: This is better than reality TV.

Ethan exhaled through his nose in amusement. These people were treating him like a mythical figure. He supposed that was fitting.

Mia's private chat popped up again.

Mia: Anyway, thanks again, Fleeting Fable. Maybe I'll see you around?

He closed the app and stretched his arms. His body was beginning to feel the pull of exhaustion. Checking the time, he noted it was already past midnight. He sighed, standing up and rolling his shoulders before heading toward his bed.

But just as he was about to turn off the lights—

His apartment wasn't the kind where he got visitors.

Frowning, he walked to the door and checked the peephole.

She was standing outside his door, arms crossed, weight shifted onto one hip, her lips curved into a knowing smirk.

Opening the door, he raised a brow. "Did you forget to pay my rent again?"

Mia snorted. "Funny. No, I was actually wondering if you were up for a little party."

Ethan glanced at the time on his phone again—12:24 AM.

"A party?" He lifted a brow. "At this hour?"

Mia gave a playful shrug. "Why not? You're awake, I'm awake… seems like the perfect time."

Ethan leaned against the doorframe, observing her. Now that she was right in front of him, he got a closer look at her.

Mia wasn't overly dressed like most girls who streamed for attention. She had a natural confidence to her that made even simple clothes look stunning.

Her hair was tousled, framing her face in effortless waves. Her eyes—a striking shade of hazel-green—held an energy that made it hard to look away. She was wearing an off-shoulder black top, revealing her smooth collarbones, paired with light-washed ripped jeans that hugged her legs perfectly.

And yet, despite the casual attire, she carried herself with the same kind of elegance and allure that some girls tried too hard to imitate.

Ethan met her gaze. "What kind of party are we talking about?"

Mia grinned. "Just a drink, some music… no pressure. Unless you're scared of a little fun."

Ethan scoffed. "I don't scare easily."

Ethan considered it for a moment. He wasn't one for socializing, but…

"…Fine." He stepped back inside. "Give me five minutes."

She turned, walking back toward her apartment with a sway of her hips.

Ethan closed the door, running a hand through his hair. He wasn't sure what he was walking into, but one thing was certain—

This night just got a whole lot more interesting.

Chapter 16 – Midnight Invitation