Chapter 11

Chapter eleven 

"Isn't that Richard Sterling?" 

"Who is he here for?" 

"Don't tell me he is here for Ethan Cross?" 

"That is impossible. Why would a man like Richard Sterling be looking for a nobody like Ethan?" 

The students whispered among themselves until Marcus got down from the car with a bandage over his handsome face. 

"Who is that?" 

" My ideal type of man. My dream man." 

"I can't wait to have him in my hands." 

"He is mine." 

Some of the female students all looked at Marcus, who was wearing an angry look for having to give up an expensive school to be in the same school with Ethan. 

"What is going on here!" A loud voice boomed from behind while the students made way for the head principal. 

"You rascal!" He said, I'm angry, grabbing Ethan by the collar. "You are a disgrace to this school. Do you think because you were called by Richard Sterling, he made you his son?" 

The head principal looked up, and his jaw dropped. None of them had ever had the opportunity of seeing Richard Sterling, who happened to be the wealthiest man in the city. "What brings you to this humble abode?" The principal fidgeted with his words. 

"Can you leave my son's collar alone?" He said, shooting lasers from his eyes. 

Everyone froze; all the students looked at Ethan and back to Richard Sterling. Derrek was lost while Carlos hid behind his back. 

"It can't be. Did you hear that?" 

"Yes, I did." 

"I always knew there was something different about him." 

"I can't believe Tessa was stupid to leave him for Derek." 

"Derek is going to have it hot now." 

"But who is that handsome lad at the back? Is he Ethan's brother?" 

"He is my son, and you are going to treat him with the respect he deserves." Richard barked orders. 

The principal quickly released Ethan's collar, his face pale with fear. "I apologise, Mr. Sterling. I didn't know...I mean, I didn't realise..."

Richard's gaze swept the courtyard, his eyes lingering on the students who were still staring at him in awe. "I expect my son to be treated with respect and dignity. Any form of bullying or harassment will not be tolerated."

The students nodded, still looking intimidated by Richard's presence. Marcus, who had been quiet until now, stepped forward. "Father, I think it's time we left. We don't want to disrupt the school any further."

Richard nodded, his eyes still fixed on the principal. "Very well. Ethan, let's go."

Ethan hesitated for a moment, looking at his classmates with a mix of emotions. He knew that his life was about to change forever, and he wasn't sure if he was ready.

As he followed Richard and Marcus out of the courtyard, he couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation. What did the future hold for him now that he was a part of the Sterling family?

The students watched as the three of them walked away, their minds buzzing with excitement and curiosity. Who was Ethan Cross, really? And what did it mean to be a part of the wealthy and influential Sterling family?

As they dispersed, whispering among themselves, Tessa approached Derek, who was still nursing his wounded nose. "What just happened?" she asked, her eyes wide with wonder.

Derek looked up at her, his face twisted in pain. "Richard Sterling just claimed Ethan as his son. And from the looks of it, Ethan is now a part of the Sterling family."

Tessa's eyes widened even further. "What? That's impossible! Ethan is just...Ethan."

Derek shook his head. "I don't know what's going on, but one thing's for sure—Ethan's life is about to change in ways we can't even imagine. And I am not going to let that happen. If he thinks he has the upper hand and can control my life, I am going to make sure he doesn't get away with humiliating me." He said loudly in front of the whole student body. 

Some of the students laughed while some shook in fear as he walked past them. 

"I wonder what Ethan Cross is going to do to him. Or should I say Ethan Sterling?" 

"Derek is going to have it onwards from now on. The school is going to be a mess soon." 

As they got to the car, Ethan looked at Richard, "I don't need saving. I have everything under control." 

"Really? It doesn't look like that to me when the principal was dragging you by the collar like some dog." 

Richard looked at his two sons; he knew what he had to do to make them become one, but Marcus was temperamental. 

"Get in the car!" Richard barked orders. 

Both of them jumped into the car as he sped out of the school building. 

Marcus stared at Ethan, each time giving him a disdainful look. Richard, on the other hand, was busy with his tablet. He knew the reporters would be all over his case once they knew about Ethan being his son. 

He was trying to put a few things in place, then a car suddenly bumped into them. The car swerved severely as the driver tried to minimize the accident, but it was too late. 

He crashed into an incoming truck. 

The loud siren woke Ethan up as he gazed at Richard being carried off into the ambulance. He wanted to say a word, to tell him how sorry he was, but then he shut his eyes, feeling tired and weak. 

Ethan woke up looking around; his head hurt as he got out of bed. "You shouldn't be moving up and down yet. You hurt your head pretty badly." One of the nurses said, looking at Ethan." 

"Where is he?" Ethan looked at the nurse. 

"Who?" 

" My father. We were brought here together." Ethan groaned in pain. 

"I don't know who you think is your father, but if you are talking about Richard Sterling, then I am sorry, kid." 

" What do you mean you are sorry? What happened to my father!" Ethan shouted, raising his voice.