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 car ride was silent. Emily sat stiffly in the passenger seat, gripping her phone so tightly her knuckles turned white. The moment Ethan had agreed to pay the ransom, he told her to wait outside the warehouse, where a sleek black car pulled up minutes later.

Now, as the city lights blurred past the tinted windows, her stomach twisted with uncertainty.

Ethan hadn't said a word since she got in. He drove with one hand on the wheel, his expression unreadable. It was as if the entire situation didn't faze him at all.

Emily finally spoke, her voice hoarse. "Are you really going to pay?"

Ethan smirked slightly. "You sound surprised."

She turned to face him. "You've never been the type to help anyone, especially me."

Ethan let out a low chuckle, his eyes still on the road. "You're right. I don't help people for free."

Her breath caught in her throat. "Then… what do you want exactly?"

Ethan finally glanced at her, his deep gaze making her shiver. "I already told you. One night with me."

Emily clenched her fists. "And if I refuse?"

Ethan didn't answer immediately. Instead, he slowed the car as they reached an ATM. Without a word, he stepped out, withdrew the money, and returned with a thick envelope.

Once he was back inside, he placed the envelope on her lap.

"That's twenty grand," he said casually. "The choice is yours. Take it, save your friend, and honor our deal. Or walk away, and they can figure it out themselves."

Emily swallowed hard. Every part of her wanted to throw the money back at him. But the image of Tabitha, tied up and terrified, burned in her mind.

Her fingers tightened around the envelope. "...Fine."

Ethan smirked, satisfied. "Good girl."

Carlos leaned against the wall, amused as he watched Tabitha squirm in her chair.

"Your friend is taking her sweet time," he mused. "Maybe she left you behind just like your boyfriend did."

Tabitha glared at him, but before she could say anything, the heavy warehouse door creaked open.

Emily stepped inside, holding the envelope tightly. Behind her, Ethan followed, his posture relaxed as if this was just another business deal.

Carlos whistled. "Well, well. Didn't think you'd actually come through."

Emily gritted her teeth and threw the envelope at him. "Here. Twenty grand. Now let her go."

Carlos motioned for one of his men to count the money. Once satisfied, he grinned and nodded. "Alright, deal's a deal."

Tabitha was untied and ran straight into Emily's arms. "I thought you wouldn't come," she whispered.

Emily forced a smile. "I said I would."

Carlos turned to Ethan, studying him. "You're an interesting guy. Most people would've ignored them."

Ethan smirked. "I'm not most people."

Carlos chuckled. "No, you're not."

Without another word, Ethan turned on his heel. "Let's go."

Emily hesitated before following, her mind spinning at what she had just agreed to.

Tabitha was dropped off first, still shaken but grateful. She promised to keep quiet about everything.

Now, it was just Ethan and Emily again.

Ethan parked in front of a luxurious high-rise apartment building—one Emily never knew he lived in.

She took a deep breath. "So… you actually live here?"

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Did you think I was broke?"

Emily bit her lip, realizing how little she knew about him.

He leaned in slightly, his voice a whisper against her ear. "You agreed to the deal. So, are you coming in, or do you want to break your promise?"

Emily's pulse quickened. She had made a deal with the devil.

Chapter 34: The Deal is Sealed