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 watched as Sophia's smile widened, her eyes practically sparkling. If he hadn't known her true nature, he might've thought she was being genuine.

She wasn't here because she suddenly cared. She wasn't here because she regretted dumping him. No—she was here because she thought he had money.

And that? That made things very interesting.

"Take you out?" Ethan repeated, his voice smooth, almost teasing. He tilted his head slightly, watching her reaction.

Sophia giggled, lightly touching his arm. "Of course. It's been a while since we spent time together, you know?"

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "I don't remember us spending much time together before."

Sophia's smile twitched, but she recovered quickly. "Well, we can change that, right?"

Ethan chuckled under his breath. She's really trying, huh?

If she thought he was just going to fall for this act, she was dead wrong.

"Maybe," he said lazily. "Depends."

Sophia blinked. "Depends on what?"

Ethan smirked. "If you're free this weekend."

Sophia's eyes lit up with excitement, but she quickly masked it with a coy smile. "Oh, I think I can make some time."

Ethan nodded, pushing off his locker. "Cool. I'll let you know."

Then, without waiting for a response, he walked away, hands in his pockets.

Ethan barely made it down the hall before Jordan caught up to him, throwing an arm around his shoulder.

"Dude," Jordan whispered, grinning. "What the hell was that?"

Jordan scoffed. "Sophia. She was all over you. What's going on?"

Jordan gave him a look. "Yeah, right. Spill."

Ethan smirked. "Let's just say she's suddenly interested in me again."

Jordan stared at him. Then, realization dawned.

"Ohhh," he said, dragging the word out. "She thinks you're rich now."

Jordan whistled. "Damn. That's cold."

Ethan chuckled. "Nah. It's just entertaining."

Jordan shook his head, laughing. "You're playing a dangerous game, man."

But he also knew exactly what he was doing.

Meanwhile, Sophia was practically glowing as she walked back to her friends, Emily and Tabitha.

"He totally took the bait," she whispered, grinning.

Emily raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure?"

"Of course," Sophia said confidently. "He asked if I was free this weekend."

Tabitha crossed her arms. "And what's the plan? Make him spend all his money on you?"

Emily sighed. "You don't even know if he actually won the lottery."

Sophia waved her off. "Doesn't matter. He's got money now, and that's what counts."

Tabitha frowned. "You're really okay with going back to him just because of that?"

Sophia scoffed. "Oh, please. It's not like I actually like him. But if he's got cash, why not take advantage of it?"

Emily and Tabitha exchanged glances but said nothing.

What she didn't realize was that Ethan was already ten steps ahead.

Chapter 41: A Dangerous Game