“Having a true Fortune Skills Master owing you a favor… now that is something worth considering.” He smiled knowingly, waiting for the inevitable acceptance.
As Ethan finished speaking, the guests finally understood his angle.
“He’s using his skills as leverage…”
“Now it makes sense. A lot of the ultra-rich take this very seriously.”
“If he really is a master, Alex might actually consider this deal.”
Even Walter Lane’s expression shifted slightly, his brows furrowing.
“Alex,” he said cautiously, his voice steady.
“Ethan Carter does have a point. The changes he made to my estate’s layout dramatically improved my business.” Walter assured Alex and then continued again, “If there’s even a chance that his skills are legitimate…” Walter trailed off, but his meaning was clear.
In novels like this Fortune Skills was no joke in high society. Many top businessmen had spent millions on renowned geomancers, hoping to increase wealth and prosperity.
If Ethan really was a master, then his favor might be valuable after all. For the first time that evening, it seemed like Ethan had turned the situation in his favor.
Even Rose’s parents, Harold and Lillian Winters, perked up with renewed hope. Maybe… just maybe… This Person Ethan Carter could save them after all.
….
Walter Lane’s words once again stirred the banquet hall, drawing curious murmurs from the crowd.
People were already intrigued by Ethan Carter, but now? Now, they were looking at him with a mix of awe and fascination.
Even Rose’s eyes shone with unhidden admiration as she stared at him.
“I knew it… I knew he was the one! So handsome, so powerful… even the business elites of other Industries respect him!” Her breath quickened, her cheeks flushed with excitement.
She had never looked at Alex this way—not even once.
And for the first time that night, she felt hopeful.
‘If Ethan is on my side, then maybe… just maybe… I can turn this around!’
….
Ethan himself was soaking in the attention.
The hushed whispers, the admiration, the respect in people’s eyes—it all made his confidence soar. This was his moment. This was his story. He could already see the narrative forming.
The powerful but ruthless villain, Alex Reid, rejecting the hand of friendship. The righteous but brilliant hero, Ethan Carter, offering salvation to the oppressed Winters family.
And then—
The grand reversal, where his wisdom, his knowledge, his power would prove superior.
“This is how it’s supposed to be.”
‘The protagonist takes center stage, and the villain gets crushed underfoot.’ And so, with a smug half-smile, he turned toward Alex, his voice filled with mock sympathy.
“Alex, do you really think that just because you don’t respect skills, it won’t affect you?” His eyes gleamed with amusement. “You’re making a grave mistake here.”
….
But unlike what Ethan expected, Alex didn’t react at all. He didn’t flinch. He didn’t waver. In fact… He laughed.
A cold, slow, almost mocking chuckle. Ethan’s smugness flickered. Something felt wrong. Alex took a deep drag from his cigarette, exhaling slowly before speaking in a calm, but bone-chilling tone.
“You actually think that knowing a bit of Fortune Skills qualifies you to negotiate with me?” His lips curled into a smirk, eyes filled with undisguised contempt.
“And what if I don’t want your so-called ‘favor’?” He flicked the ash from his cigarette onto the floor.
“What if I simply want to destroy the Winters family for fun?” His voice was eerily casual. Like he was discussing the weather. But the weight of his words crushed the air in the banquet hall. The confidence in Ethan’s eyes flickered for the second time.
….
The audience was left in complete disbelief.
“Wait… he just straight up rejected it?”
“He really doesn’t care at all about things like this?”
“Does he even realize what he’s turning down? Ethan Carter is a master!”
But while they were shocked, Alex’s attitude remained unchanged.
And that was terrifying.
Ethan Carter had come into this expecting a script—where Alex would either comply or be forced to comply.
But now? Now, it was clear. Alex wasn’t following the script. And Ethan had no backup plan.
….
Seeing Ethan hesitate, Rose felt a surge of irritation. Wasn’t Ethan supposed to be the one to resolve this? Wasn’t he supposed to crush Alex? Why was Alex still so confident?
Unable to hold back, she snapped. “Alex, you’re being completely unreasonable!” Her voice trembled with anger, but also desperation.
“You’re doing this on purpose! You just want to destroy my family!” Her tone was accusatory, her expression filled with hatred and disbelief.
Even now, she refused to believe that Alex was simply done with her. To her, everything had to revolve around her.
….
As Rose cast her helpless, doe-eyed gaze toward Ethan Carter, her expression was a perfect display of vulnerability—a delicate beauty in need of saving.
And Ethan? The moment he saw it, something ignited within him.
‘A woman like this… I have to protect her.’ His heart swelled with righteous determination.
This was his moment. His chance to prove his worth, to establish his dominance, to make Alex regret underestimating him. His voice rang out, firm and unwavering—
“Mr. Alex, I gave you a chance, but since you refuse to take it—” He took a deliberate step forward, his movements oozing confidence.
“Then don’t blame me for what happens next.” He turned toward Rose, offering a charming, reassuring smile.
“Miss Winters, since Mr. Alex does not believe in my fortune skills expertise…” He placed a hand over his chest, his voice deep and self-assured.
“Allow me to assist your family instead.” His words resonated like a decree, an undeniable promise of salvation. “I trust the Winters family is willing to place their faith in me?”
Rose didn’t hesitate. She practically jumped at the offer, nodding fervently.
“Of course! I believe in you, Mr. Carter! Your Skills will surely save my family!” Her eyes shone with pure adoration, her lips parting slightly as if she were looking at a divine savior.
Compared to Alex’s cruel indifference, Ethan’s righteousness was like the warmth of the sun after a bitter winter.
And just like that—
Her heart was his.
(A/N: Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)
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