Chapter 4

I couldn't understand it back then. I was my mother’s son. I was Chloe’s brother.

That overseas cartel compound became my graveyard.

I endured unspeakable torture, living through a living nightmare every single day.

Just as my life was fading away, I saw an international news report on a broken TV screen—Brandon had officially been appointed CEO of Vantage Group.

He stood under the flashing cameras, basking in congratulations, while I lay in a filthy corner, waiting for death.

With my final breath, I asked the cartel boss why they targeted me.

The men laughed, calling me a pathetic fool who had no idea how the world worked.

"Since you're dying anyway, I might as well tell you. You really thought Brandon was just some charity kid? You thought he fought you on his own?"

"Your mother has been sleeping with her secret lover, Charles Cole, for twenty years. Chloe, your mom, and Brandon—they are one happy family. You were the only outsider. Who else would they throw to the wolves?"

In that final moment, my heart shattered into dust.

Maybe God couldn't stomach the injustice. When I opened my eyes again, I was back in the past.

Waking up from that nightmare, I saw through all their lies.

I wiped out the last shred of sentimentality in my heart, turning cold and unyielding.

"Vantage Group belongs to my family," I spat at them. "What right do you three outsiders have to touch a single cent?!"

Brandon, who had been hiding behind Chloe, stepped up again.

"What are you screaming about?! Are you still delusional? This company is mine! I am the only heir!"

I sneered at him.

"You're nothing. And neither are Chloe and Eleanor. You three think you can divide the spoils right here, right now? My father isn't dead yet!"

A few board members paused, murmuring among themselves:

"He has a point... Both sides claim to be the heir. Shouldn't we wait for Arthur to return?"

"Yeah, once Chairman White gets back, the truth will come out."

Hearing this, Eleanor shoved the security guards aside, grabbed my hair, and slammed my head onto the floor herself.

"Wait for what?! There is no doubt here! Ethan is just a psychotic beggar we sponsored! Brandon is the only heir to Vantage Group!"

I screamed back through clenched teeth: "You don't make the calls! Vantage Group doesn't belong to you!"

Eleanor hauled me up by my hair and slammed me down again, shrieking hysterically:

"That old bastard isn't here! Vantage Group will belong to me sooner or later! I make the rules! Do you hear me?!"

As I fought against her grip, the heavy double doors of the boardroom were kicked open.

A squad of tall men in tailored black suits marched in, clearing a path on both sides.

Behind them came a commanding, thunderous voice.

"Who the hell dares to touch my son?!"