chapter 60 fake contract

A Sweet Trap

Ethan leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, watching Vivian Vale with sharp eyes. She hadn't brought out a contract, which meant she was trying a different approach this time.

> "Ethan, dear, you've been so distant lately."

Vivian's voice was gentle, carrying a warmth that didn't reach her eyes.

> "I was worried about you. It must be difficult, living on your own."

Ethan didn't respond immediately. He knew this game well. First, soften the target. Then, deliver the demand.

Next to her, Miranda was stirring her tea, pretending to be uninterested—but the small smirk on her lips told him she was enjoying this.

> "Oh, come on, Ethan," Miranda finally spoke, tilting her head. "You know Mom just wants what's best for you."

Ethan exhaled slowly, pretending to consider their words.

> "That so?"

Vivian nodded, her smile widening slightly.

> "Of course. I regret how things happened last time. Maybe we were too harsh. But you're still family, Ethan."

Ethan felt the urge to laugh. Family?

The same family that had thrown him out like trash five days ago?

Still, he played along.

> "So, what exactly are you offering?"

Vivian's expression softened further.

> "I just want to help. You must be struggling, dear. Finding a good place to stay, handling expenses... it must be exhausting."

Her voice was filled with false concern, but Ethan caught the real message underneath.

'You must be desperate by now.'

> "If you want, you can come back home."

Ethan went silent for a moment, just watching her. He could tell she was waiting—expecting him to jump at the offer.

But he only chuckled.

> "Generous offer. What's the catch?"

Vivian's smile didn't falter, but something flickered in her eyes.

> "Ethan, dear, why do you always assume the worst?"

Because the worst was always the truth.

Miranda leaned in slightly, her smirk deepening.

> "Mom is really being kind here, Ethan. Not everyone gets second chances, you know?"

Ethan's fingers tapped lightly against the table.

There it was.

Not an offer—a test. They were checking to see if he was desperate enough to crawl back.

And if he did?

They'd own him.

> "I appreciate the concern," Ethan said, standing up. "But I'm doing just fine."

Vivian's expression froze for a split second before returning to her composed smile.

> "Ethan—"

> "I've already made my choice," he cut her off. "And I don't need your pity."

Miranda clicked her tongue, shaking her head.

> "Tch. Always so stubborn."

Vivian sighed as if disappointed.

> "Very well, Ethan. But remember—our doors won't stay open forever."

Ethan smirked.

> "Good. I don't plan on coming back."

Without another word, he turned and walked out of the restaurant.

A Deal with Chains

Just as Ethan was about to walk away, Vivian Vale reached into her bag and pulled out a pink-colored document with a sleek, professional design. She placed it gently on the table, pushing it toward him with a smile.

> "Ethan, wait a moment. Before you go, at least consider this opportunity."

Ethan frowned but didn't sit back down. Instead, he glanced at the document.

At the top, in bold silver letters, was the name "Pink Solution"—a well-known corporate training program.

Vivian tapped the paper lightly.

> "You're already at the bottom of your college rankings, Ethan. Do you really want to struggle like this?"

Ethan's gaze darkened. So, that's what this is about.

> "Sign this contract, and you'll receive 5,000 credits instantly. Enough to cover your living expenses, food, maybe even some savings."

Miranda chuckled beside her, resting her chin on her hand.

> "It's a great deal, isn't it? No more financial struggles. No more worrying about where you'll stay."

Vivian smiled warmly, her voice soft and persuasive.

> "All you have to do is work for Pink Solution for five years after graduation."

Ethan's jaw clenched.

He knew this contract.

In his past life, he had signed it without thinking.

Back then, he had been desperate, constantly seeking approval, love, and validation from his stepmother. He obeyed every order, hoping for a shred of warmth—only to realize he was nothing more than a tool.

That 5,000 credits had seemed like a lifeline. But what he didn't know was—

It was a fucking leash.

Pink Solution wasn't just a job contract—it was a five-year slavery agreement.

Low wages.

No promotions.

Unreasonable work hours.

A breach fee so high that quitting was impossible.

He had been trapped like an insect in a spider's web.

And now, Vivian was trying to repeat history.

> "So? What do you say?"

Ethan looked down at the contract.

His past self would have nodded instantly, signed it, and thanked her.

But this time?

> Never again.

His fingers tightened into fists. A cold, bitter anger simmered inside him—but he forced a smirk.

> "5,000 credits, huh?"

Vivian smiled.

> "Yes, dear. With that, you won't have to worry about money for a while."

Ethan let out a short laugh.

> "I see. That's quite generous."

Then, in one swift motion—

He picked up the contract… and tore it in half.

The ripping sound echoed through the restaurant.

Vivian's smile vanished. Miranda's eyes widened in disbelief.

Ethan tossed the torn pieces onto the table.

> "Not interested."

Vivian's face twitched.

> "Ethan—do you even understand what you're doing?!"

Ethan's eyes turned cold.

> "I do. I'm making sure I never fall for your tricks again."

> "You're making a mistake," Vivian said, her voice now sharp. "You'll regret this."

Ethan leaned in slightly, lowering his voice.

> "No. My only regret is that I was dumb enough to trust you in my past life."

Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked away.

Burning Bridges

As Ethan turned to leave, Miranda suddenly burst out, slamming her hand on the table.

> "You ungrateful bastard! You'll never be allowed back into our house!"

Her voice was filled with rage, her usual arrogant smirk replaced with frustration.

Ethan didn't even flinch.

> "Good," he muttered, without looking back. "I never wanted to step into that hellhole again."

Miranda's face twisted in fury. She turned to her mother, gesturing wildly.

> "See?! I told you, Mom! I told you he was nothing but a brainless, bottom-feeding loser!"

Vivian's lips pressed together in a thin line.

Miranda wasn't done. She sneered at Ethan's retreating figure.

> "You think you're so smart rejecting that contract? Ha! Without our support, you'll crash and burn!"

Ethan paused near the exit.

Slowly, he turned around—his eyes calm, indifferent.

> "Support?" He chuckled, shaking his head. "You mean the years of using me as a free servant? Making me do chores while you lazed around? Letting me starve while you feasted?"

Miranda scoffed.

> "Tch, stop acting like a victim. If you were useful, maybe you would've been treated better."

Ethan's expression didn't change.

> "You really don't get it, do you?" He tilted his head. "I'm free. I've already built my foundation in Eldoria. Unlike you, I have a future. A real one."

Miranda snorted.

> "A game? You're betting your future on a stupid game? You really are brainless!"

Ethan's smirk widened.

> "You'll see soon enough."

He turned away once more.

Vivian sighed deeply, rubbing her temples.

> "Miranda, stop shouting. We'll discuss this later."

> "Ugh! Whatever!" Miranda crossed her arms, glaring at Ethan one last time. "When you come crawling back, I'll make sure you regret this!"

Ethan didn't bother replying.

> Crawl back?

He would rather die.

Without another word, he pushed open the restaurant doors and walked away, leaving behind the toxic bonds of his past.