Ethan Storm’s Dark Awakening novel Chapter 21

Sierra spotted Ethan near the racks of casual wear, and at first, she looked down on him with a scoff.

What’s he doing here? she thought, wrinkling her nose at his blood-stained jacket and worn boots. Did he mistake this for a thrift store?

But then her phone buzzed.

A message popped up from one of her contacts—someone who liked to brag about being close to power:

“The Irving family just issued a bounty on a guy named Ethan. One million dollars for his location.”

Sierra’s eyes widened, and a wicked smile slowly curled across her face.

No way. Is this fate?

She turned her gaze back to Ethan, who was inspecting a hoodie with quiet focus, oblivious to her stare. He looked too calm—too unaware. Perfect. He clearly had no clue that the most dangerous crime family in the city had a price on his head.

Sierra’s mind raced. If she played this right, she and Marcus could split a million-dollar payday.

Without wasting a second, she nudged Marcus, whispered her plan, and he slipped away to make the call.

Meanwhile, Sierra approached Ethan with a smug grin and a swing in her step.

“Well, well,” she purred, stepping into his path, “didn’t expect to see you here. Lost on your way to the clearance rack?”

Ethan didn’t even look at her. He casually pulled a plain gray hoodie off the rack, inspected the fabric, and set it over his arm, calm as ever.

Sierra’s eye twitched at his indifference.

Marcus, meanwhile, had drifted away to a corner, phone pressed to his ear, whispering urgently. Sierra spared him a glance and grinned.

She turned back to Ethan and, without warning, snatched the hoodie from his arm. “Oops. Didn’t see your hand there.”

Ethan’s jaw ticked. “Give it back.”

“Why? You can’t afford it anyway,” Sierra said, fluttering her lashes with mock innocence. “I mean, come on. You might’ve tricked a few people by knowing the CEO of Nova Corporation, but this boutique?” She gestured around. “It’s not one of theirs. So unless you have some hidden sugar mommy—”

“Sierra,” Ethan said coolly, “I’m not in the mood.”

“You think I care?” she sneered, twirling the hoodie in her hand like it was trash.

Ethan frowned. “What are you doing?”

Sierra laughed. “Trying to help you, clearly. You really think you can afford anything in this store?” She gestured at the glittering chandeliers and luxury price tags. “This isn’t some shabby Nova Corporation warehouse where your imaginary friend got you VIP access. This is a real boutique, sweetheart. You need actual money here.”

Ethan sighed and muttered, “You’re insane,” before raising his hand and flagging down a nearby sales associate.

Sierra raised her voice sharply as the associate approached. “Excuse me, I believe this man is harassing me. I was about to purchase that hoodie.”

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