Ethan Storm’s Dark Awakening novel Chapter 11

All eyes locked on Ethan, wide with disbelief.

“Is that idiot crazy? Does he even know what he’s doing?”

“Wait… could he actually be the billionaire boss?”

“Are you blind? Look at those cheap clothes! No way. He’s finished.”

Even Alice was struck dumb by Ethan’s boldness.

Sierra nearly laughed aloud. “That moron! Who does he think he is? I say we throw him out before he embarrasses himself further! And that tramp Alice Morgan too—give the partnership back to us!”

Marcus and Maxime, however, were visibly shaken. What if this bastard really was hiding his identity — what if he actually was the mysterious boss? If that were true, they were all finished.

But Marcus quickly forced himself to shake his head. No way. If Ethan were Nova Corp’s secret boss, there was no way Sierra would have been able to play him like a dog. Sierra was too cunning; if Ethan were wealthy, she would have caught on long ago.

But to everyone’s shock, Elsa ignored the whispers. Instead, in full view of the stunned crowd, she handed the microphone to Ethan—her posture respectful.

The audience erupted in shock, and Sierra was so stunned she nearly lost her balance.

“Miss Logan didn’t stop him? Could he actually be…? No, that’s impossible!” Sierra growled under her breath.

Marcus was also stunned. He stared blankly at Ethan on the stage, completely at a loss.

If Ethan really was the owner of Nova Pact, then what they had done earlier… was practically suicidal!

Ethan swept the room with a cool, indifferent glance, then leaned in and murmured something to Elsa. She gave a slight nod, reclaimed the microphone, and addressed the hall.

“Ladies and gentlemen, apologies — due to the earlier disturbance, the mysterious boss is displeased and refuses to appear amid such theatrics. He has entrusted his friend, Mr. Ethan, to say a few words on his behalf.”

When they heard Ethan was NOT the mysterious boss, Marcus and Sierra both exhaled in relief, the color coming back to their faces.

“Phew, that was close,” Sierra scoffed loudly. “‘Friend of the mysterious boss’ — probably just a lackey. These little men love pretending they belong to someone important. Look at him—what a shabby little joke. As if he could be the boss’s friend.”

Marcus frowned and whispered, “Don’t be so quick to dismiss it. Maybe this trash stirred things up for the boss — canceled your deal on purpose. We need to make sure this bastard pays.”

But Ethan didn't really care about them, he took the microphone and said, “Ladies and Gentlemen, the mysterious boss told me that Nova Corp will continue to expand and collaborate across sectors. We appreciate everyone’s participation tonight and look forward to future ventures. I am only here on his behalf… to express gratitude and extend an invitation for continued partnership.”

Elsa stood just behind the curtain of the stage, watching Ethan speak with the faintest smile tugging at her lips. Admiration flickered in her eyes—subtle, but unmistakable.

As the final toast was raised and the event drew to a close, the guests began to disperse with a lingering air of awe and unease. Whispers followed Ethan wherever he walked, many eyes tracking him with renewed respect—or hidden resentment.

He adjusted his cufflinks, calm as ever, weaving through the thinning crowd toward the grand exit.

“Ethan!”

A soft voice called out.

He turned slightly.

Alice approached quickly, her steps careful but eager. Her peach-toned gown shimmered under the chandeliers as she smiled sweetly. “I was thinking… now that everything’s calmed down, maybe we could grab a bite? Just the two of us. It’s been a while since we talked, and I—”

“No.”

Ethan’s answer came swiftly, leaving no room for interpretation.

She blinked, taken aback. “But… why?”

“I’m not interested,” he said plainly. “Let’s not pretend there’s something worth reviving. Have a good evening.”

He didn’t wait for her response. She stood frozen, her smile dropping as he walked away without a backward glance. He didn’t want to give her false hope. In fact, he found her very cute—hot, even more than Sierra—but no, nothing could happen between them. He didn’t have time nor the mind for relationship or whatever.

Besides, he had already paid his debt toward her. Alice’s grandfather had once helped him, and that chapter was closed.

She hmphed and cursed under her breath, then decided to follow him. He couldn’t just walk away like that—she needed help.

Once at his level, she called out again.

“Ethan, please!”

“You ruined me!” she hissed, pointing a trembling finger at Ethan. “You betrayed me in marriage, cheated on me with countless women while I stayed loyal to you like an idiot!”

Ethan froze.

The sting of her accusation hit harder than he expected—not because it was true, but because it wasn’t. Because it was laughably false.

“What?” His voice was low, controlled, but his eyes sharpened with disbelief. “Are you actually serious right now?”

“Don’t act innocent!” Sierra snapped.

Ethan’s expression hardened. “You’re deflecting, Sierra. You cheated on me. With Marcus.” His eyes cut toward the man standing awkwardly behind her, fidgeting like a child caught in a lie.

Marcus’s face flushed instantly. “Ethan, look—”

“Don’t,” Ethan interrupted coldly. “You don’t get to ‘look’ or explain anything. I was loyal. Even when the marriage was falling apart. Even when Sierra was barely present, barely herself.”

Sierra’s jaw twitched, but she didn’t back down. “So what? That gave you the right to act like you were already single?”

“I was married,” Ethan said, the bitterness finally breaking through his tone. “And I treated it like it meant something. I stayed, even when everything screamed at me to walk away.”

A sudden rumble of engines interrupted the rising tension.

Several sleek black cars rolled up outside the glass doors, engines purring like predators. The guests still lingering turned to look. Then the driver of the lead car stepped out and opened the rear door.

A tall man emerged.

Tailored gray suit. Slicked-back salt-and-pepper hair. A scar running down the side of his jaw. He adjusted his cufflinks and scanned the crowd with a cold gaze.

Alice’s face lost all color.

“Carl Irving,” she whispered, almost to herself.

He locked eyes with her instantly, and a smile spread across his face—calculated and bone-chilling.