Chapter 1136 Rise
Fiona headed to the basement wine cellar. She hadn't been there since Darwin returned. She grabbed some ice cubes, poured half a glass of whiskey, and took a few sips. Then, she messaged Ethan on Facebook: [Ethan, I know why you left. I'm really sorry. If you want to come back, I'll fly over and get you. No one will bother your friends. Your life will be just like before.]
No response. Fiona guessed Ethan didn't use that account anymore.
The next day, she called his foster family. She faintly heard Ethan's cold, distant voice before his foster mom answered, "Ma'am, he got the message. He said it's not necessary."
"Not necessary?" Fiona felt a sharp pain in her chest. "I understand. Please take good care of him. I'm his aunt. If he ever feels unwell or anything, let me know."
"Okay, don't worry. I'll take good care of him."
The call ended. The foster mom looked at Ethan, who was wearing headphones and focused on studying. He was the most well-behaved and quiet child she had ever taken in. Most kids his age in a foreign country would feel out of place and cry often. But not Ethan.
Yesterday, she tried to get closer to him. "You've been here a while. How about I take you out and we send some photos to your parents?"
Ethan looked up, his eyes calm and emotionless. "No need, I'm an orphan."
The foster mom was shocked. Ethan knew she was concerned. This family was kind, and he understood that. But that was all.
Ethan saw Fiona's message, and he knew he could choose to go back. He could pretend nothing happened and continue living as usual, just as Fiona suggested.
But he remembered Darwin's casual threats from that day in the private room.
He felt a level of pressure and humiliation he had never experienced before, combined with a deep sense of fear.
The fear wasn't about what might happen to him. It was the realization that people like Darwin, with immense power, could eliminate those around him effortlessly. All it took was a mere gesture from them, and their lives could be extinguished in an instant.
Ethan had always understood that their social class was formidable. But when danger struck so close to home, it felt entirely different.
That day, Ethan's worldview shattered.
And then it was rebuilt.
He realized he didn't need to go back; he needed to root himself here, work tirelessly, and climb higher and higher.
He never wanted to experience the events of that private room again.
His goal was to rise above Darwin and Fiona. to happen again. His goal was to stand above Darwin and Fiona.
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