Chapter 54: The Aftermath of Power

The moment Connor Hayes was dragged out of the restaurant, a heavy silence settled over the high-end establishment. Patrons who had witnessed the scene whispered among themselves, some in shock, others in hushed admiration. No one had expected the unassuming Ethan Cross to wield such overwhelming authority.

Ethan, however, remained unbothered. He returned his attention to Myra, who was watching him with a knowing smirk, her fingers delicately swirling the wine in her glass.

"You really don't like dealing with nonsense, do you?" Myra mused, arching a brow.

Ethan took a slow sip of his drink. "Life's too short to entertain peasants who think they matter."

Myra chuckled. "I have to admit, I didn't expect you to own this place. When were you going to tell me?"

Ethan smirked. "I wasn't. You never asked."

Before Myra could respond, the restaurant manager approached their table with an apologetic expression.

"Mr. Cross, I deeply regret the incident that occurred tonight. Rest assured, we have canceled Connor Hayes' membership and blacklisted him from all our establishments. It won't happen again."

Ethan gave a slow nod. "Good. Make sure word gets around. I don't want nuisances disturbing my peace."

The manager bowed slightly before taking his leave, ensuring everything remained perfect for their evening.

Myra tilted her head, watching Ethan with an expression of intrigue. "I have to ask, though—why let people believe you're just some nobody? Wouldn't it be easier to walk into a place and have everyone already know your status?"

Ethan leaned back in his chair, his gaze calm but unreadable. "Because people change when they know. They start acting different, whether out of fear, admiration, or greed. I don't have time for any of it."

Myra hummed in understanding. "So you'd rather move in silence until it's necessary to remind them where they stand?"

Ethan smirked. "Something like that."

Their conversation shifted to lighter topics, with Myra playfully teasing Ethan about their date and Ethan effortlessly matching her energy. Despite the extravagant setting, there was an undeniable comfort between them, a sense of familiarity that neither acknowledged outright but both felt deeply.

As their meal concluded, Ethan received a message on his phone. He glanced at it briefly before slipping the device back into his pocket. Myra caught the flicker of contemplation in his eyes.

"Something important?" she asked.

Ethan exhaled lightly. "Just business. Nothing that can't wait."

Myra watched him carefully before finishing the last sip of her wine. "Well, whatever it is, I have a feeling it'll be interesting. You always seem to have a way of making things... eventful."

Ethan simply chuckled, standing up and offering his hand. "Shall we?"

She placed her hand in his without hesitation, and together, they left the restaurant, leaving behind an evening that would be talked about for weeks.

One thing was clear to everyone who had witnessed the events of the night: Ethan Cross was not a man to be underestimated.

And those who tried would always learn that lesson the hard way.