Chapter 4 - The Unseen Authority
Ethan stepped closer to Elena, leaning down so only she could hear his low, menacing voice while keeping a stiff smile for the cameras.
"You have nothing," Ethan whispered through gritted teeth. "I transferred all our joint assets to Vanessa's offshore holding firm this morning. The penthouse, the cars, the stocks—they're all under my name now. You walk out of here tonight with nothing but the dress on your back."
Elena stared directly into his eyes without flinching. "You really think money is what gives a person power, Ethan?"
"In this room? Yes," Ethan spat softly. "Money is power. And right now, I hold the entire treasury of Hayes Global."
Suddenly, the heavy double doors at the main entrance of the grand ballroom swung open once again with a deep, authoritative thud.
The security guards stationed at the doors instantly snapped to attention, bowing their heads in deep respect. The music stopped completely. The chatter among the investors evaporated into total, breathless silence.
An elder gentleman stepped into the hall. He was in his late 60s, carrying himself with an unmistakable aura of absolute authority. He wore a dark, bespoke formal suit with a silver pocket square, his silver hair neatly styled, his piercing blue eyes sweeping over the room like an apex predator evaluating a room full of mice.
It was Mr. Arthur Hayes—the elusive billionaire founder and majority shareholder of Hayes Global Enterprises, a man who hadn't appeared at a public gala in over three years.
Ethan’s heart skipped a beat. His eyes dilated with pure greed and excitement. He forgot about the slap, forgot about the broken glass, and immediately straightened his jacket.
"Mr. Hayes!" Ethan gasped under his breath, turning his back on Elena. "He actually came... He came to announce my permanent appointment!"
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Vanessa gripped Ethan's arm tightly, her eyes sparkling with ambition. "This is it, Ethan! Once he hands you the master corporate badge, no one can ever touch us!"
👉 Read Part 5 to see what happens when Mr. Hayes walks straight past Ethan!
