Chapter 2

That very night, Ava submitted a report accusing the Carter Group of tax fraud, along with a pile of fabricated evidence.

She was a famous attorney. The evidence was so convincing that it would take a great deal of time to verify it.

After my sister’s death, I was her sole heir. I was immediately placed under strict supervision and forced to cooperate with the investigation.

I couldn’t even leave the house to report my sister’s murder.

Every communication device was confiscated. Guards were stationed at every entrance and exit of the mansion.

Whenever I tried to escape or contact the outside world, they found me.

They stopped me roughly, tied me up, and threw me into a room to “cool off.”

After I finally managed to break free, the once-adored young heir of the Carter family could only scream like a madman or beg the guards at the door to let me out.

“I’m calling the police! This is unlawful imprisonment!”

“Let me out!”

“I’m going to make sure that murderer pays!”

The guards didn’t react.

When I tried to force my way out again, they tied me up, stuffed something into my mouth, lifted me off the floor, and tossed me into the living room like a piece of garbage.

I struggled with everything I had, muffled cries escaping my throat.

Then familiar footsteps approached.

Someone lifted me from the cold tile floor, brushed the tear-soaked hair from my face, and untied the ropes.

I turned around.

It was Ava.

Damien stood behind her, one hand resting suggestively on her shoulder.

Ava removed the gag from my mouth and asked coldly, “Ethan, it’s been two days. You should’ve calmed down by now.”

“You have two choices. You can stay locked up here and lose the Carter Group along with your freedom. Or you can sign the letter of forgiveness and drop the charges against Damien’s brother.”

“Have you made your decision?”

I stayed silent for a long time.

Finally, I raised my head.

“I choose…”

“I choose to watch that animal, Grant Reed, die!”

The moment I finished speaking, I shot to my feet and sprinted toward the open window with every ounce of strength I had.

The light outside drew closer and closer.

This was the first floor. If I jumped, crossed the low fence in the backyard, and made it to the street, I would be free.

I stepped onto the windowsill. Half my body was already outside.

Suddenly, a powerful force grabbed my ankle.

The next second, I was yanked violently backward and slammed onto the floor. Pain shot through my body, and cold sweat broke out across my skin.

Nora came running over, gasping for breath. She glared at me.

“Ethan, when are you going to stop?”

“That’s a rose garden down there! The thorns haven’t even been trimmed. You could’ve killed yourself!”

“And even if you got out, it wouldn’t matter! I’ve taken care of everything outside. Here—read the latest paper yourself!”

I snatched up the newspaper and skimmed it.

Then I stared at Nora in disbelief.

“You had the hospital falsify evidence!”

“My sister had that many wounds. There’s no way she killed herself! You’re a liar!”

I hurled the newspaper at her face.

Nora gave a cold laugh.

“Ethan, you don’t have any choices left.”

“The Carter Group is on the verge of collapse, and the case has already been classified as an accident. Accept it. Say that Grant was trying to rescue your sister but failed, and that she died by suicide.”

“Don’t worry. Once Damien’s debt is repaid, Ava and I will still protect you for the rest of your life. You’ll remain Southport’s most powerful young heir. No one will ever bully you again.”

I smiled bitterly, as if I had finally given up.

“Fine.”