Chapter 24 – The Langford Estate
The car ride was silent, save for the faint hum of the engine as James drove through the city streets. Ethan sat in the back, arms crossed, gaze fixed outside the tinted window as the towering buildings of New York blurred past.
He wasn't nervous.
But he wasn't exactly looking forward to this meeting either.
The Langford Estate's Private Lounge wasn't just any venue—it was a place where the wealthiest and most powerful families held their private discussions. If the Langfords were arranging their meeting here, it was their way of making one thing very clear:
This wasn't just a casual introduction.
This was a statement.
---
12:50 PM –
The Rolls-Royce slowed as they approached the Langford Estate. Even from a distance, Ethan could tell this was no ordinary mansion.
The black iron gates, adorned with intricate golden designs, loomed ahead. Beyond them, a long driveway stretched into the distance, lined with perfectly trimmed hedges and marble statues. At the far end stood the Langford family's estate, a European-style mansion with towering pillars, grand staircases, and pristine white walls that gleamed under the sunlight.
James didn't even roll down the window to speak to the guards—he simply handed over a black invitation card with golden engravings. The moment the guard saw the Langford emblem, he stepped aside without a word, pressing a button to open the gates.
As the car rolled forward, Ethan let out a quiet chuckle.
The Langfords really know how to make an impression.
---
Instead of heading into the main mansion, James pulled up near a smaller, modern-looking building separate from the estate.
Ethan knew this was the Langford Private Lounge, a place that only the most distinguished guests were ever invited to.
He stepped out of the car, adjusting the cheap hoodie and jeans he had bought earlier.
The moment he did, he noticed the butler at the entrance subtly furrowing his brows—clearly unimpressed by his attire.
Good. Let them underestimate me.
James remained by the car, giving Ethan a subtle nod. "I'll wait here, Young Master."
Ethan smirked and walked inside without hesitation.
---
The interior of the lounge was exactly what he expected—marble floors, gold accents, and an air of quiet luxury. Unlike the mansion, this place had a modern aesthetic—sleek black leather couches, a glass coffee table, and walls lined with rare artwork.
And sitting by the window, sipping tea, was Myra Langford.
She was beautiful—not just in the way models were, but in a sharp, effortless way. Her long, dark brown hair was neatly styled, framing her face with a few loose strands. Her deep blue eyes were piercing, intelligent, and observant. She wore a white silk blouse tucked into a fitted black pencil skirt, her posture composed yet relaxed.
Ethan had seen many beautiful women before, but Myra's presence held a certain untouchable grace.
As soon as he stepped inside, she set her teacup down and looked up.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Then, she tilted her head slightly. "You're Ethan Cross?"
Ethan smirked, sliding his hands into his pockets. "And you're Myra Langford?"
She let out a soft chuckle, eyes scanning his cheap hoodie and jeans. "You dress… differently than I expected."
Ethan shrugged. "I like surprises."
Her lips twitched in amusement, but her gaze remained sharp.
"Sit," she gestured to the couch across from her.
Ethan sat down, resting an elbow on the armrest. "So. Let's get straight to the point. What do you think about this arranged engagement?"
Myra smiled slightly, folding her hands in her lap. "I think it's ridiculous."
Ethan chuckled. "Good. We're on the same page then."
She raised an eyebrow. "So you have no intention of going through with it?"
He leaned back. "That depends."
Myra's gaze sharpened. "On what?"
Ethan smirked. "On whether this engagement benefits me."
She blinked, then let out a quiet laugh. "Interesting answer."
---
After a brief pause, Myra sighed. "To be honest, this arrangement isn't something I take lightly. My father—Alexander Langford—wanted this. And I'm sure you know he wasn't a man who did things without reason."
Ethan nodded.
Even though he had never met Alexander Langford, he knew the man had been one of the most powerful figures in the business world before his passing.
Ethan tapped his fingers against the couch. "So, what do you want, Myra? If we're both against this, why are we even here?"
She hesitated, then looked him in the eye.
"Because I want to know who you really are, Ethan Cross."
Ethan's smirk didn't fade, but inside, he was watching her carefully.
She's sharp.
Before he could reply, the lounge doors suddenly opened.
A man in a tailored suit walked in, his expression composed but firm. His presence alone demanded authority. Ethan immediately recognized him from the Langford family's reports—Nathaniel Langford, Myra's uncle and one of the key figures in their business empire.
"Myra," the man greeted her, then turned his gaze to Ethan. "Mr. Cross, it's a pleasure to meet you."
Ethan leaned forward, his smirk widening.
"Well then," he said. "Let's talk."
---
Nathaniel Langford sat down across from Ethan, his sharp gaze analyzing him. Unlike Myra, who had an air of curiosity, Nathaniel's expression was more guarded—as if he were already assessing Ethan as a threat.
"You don't seem very surprised by this meeting," Nathaniel remarked.
Ethan shrugged. "I had a feeling your family wouldn't just let me walk away without a conversation."
Nathaniel smirked slightly, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Smart." He leaned forward. "Let's get something straight, Mr. Cross. This engagement was my brother's last wish. But just because it was his wish, doesn't mean we will blindly accept it."
Ethan's expression remained neutral. "I figured as much."
"Which is why I need to know something." Nathaniel's gaze darkened. "What exactly do you want out of this engagement?"
Ethan smirked. "The same thing you want, Mr. Langford—control."
Nathaniel's eyes narrowed.
Ethan leaned back. "I don't need your money, and I don't need your family name. But what I do need is power. And I get the feeling that the Langford family isn't looking for a son-in-law. You're looking for an ally."
Silence filled the room.
Then, Nathaniel chuckled. "Interesting. Very interesting." He glanced at Myra. "I can see why you wanted to meet him first."
Myra smirked slightly but said nothing.
Nathaniel stood up. "I'll be honest with you, Ethan. I don't trust you yet. But I like the way you think."
Ethan smirked. "That's a start, then."
Nathaniel glanced at his watch. "For now, let's end the conversation here. Myra, I'll let you handle the rest."
With that, he turned and walked out of the room.
Ethan exhaled, watching him leave. That was a test.
And he had just passed.
He turned back to Myra, who was watching him with renewed interest.
"Well," she said, a small smirk playing on her lips. "This just got a lot more fun."
To be continued…