The Unshackled King (by David Wu) novel Chapter 114

Stefan left with his companions, carrying a case of rare 80-year-old Glenfiddich.

He had declined Ethan's offer to see him off, leaving Ethan standing alone inside the Peak Chamber suite. A faint, icy glint passed through Ethan's eyes as he glanced toward the resting Evan.

From Stefan's earlier maneuvers, Ethan had already deduced the intent.

Stefan meant to bleed Evan dry. Clearly, the two men were not on the same side.

This fool probably had no idea who Stefan really was. Strutting around and showing off in front of Stefan... he must have offended Stefan badly.

Since Stefan clearly intended to teach Evan a lesson, Ethan felt compelled to contribute in his own way. A plan began to form in his mind.

If a few things inside the Peak Chamber were to get damaged, it could easily be blamed on Evan—drunken rampage after too much to drink.

He thought, a slight smile touching his lips.

*****

Stefan drove back toward the Stewart mansion.

For someone like him, driving under the influence was never an issue; any alcohol was quietly neutralized by his inner true energy.

Beside him, Sara's cheeks carried a soft, rosy flush from the wine she'd sipped earlier, lending her an especially lovely glow.

She glanced at Stefan and remarked, "After what you pulled today, Evan's going to hate you forever."

"I doubt it. He's such a generous and straightforward guy. I even kindly delivered a case of spirits to Mr. Stewart on his behalf. If anything, he might thank me specially later," Stefan replied smoothly.

"You really can be ruthless." Sara laughed softly, shaking her head. "Still, who would've thought Mr. Reed, the owner of Drizzlewood Retreat, would personally come to the suite? Could Evan have been telling the truth? Is his father actually close with the Reed family?"

"Or maybe Mr. Reed came because of me?" Stefan suggested offhandedly.

Sara shot him a skeptical look. "You? Please... from now on, try not to boast like that in front of others. I won't always be around to help smooth things over for you."

Stefan smiled but didn't argue. He knew Sara would never believe he held enough influence to draw Ethan's personal attention—and frankly, he understood why.

On the surface, he was just a man fresh out of prison after three years in the Dragon-Suppressing Prison. Where would he have met the owner of Drizzlewood Retreat?

Still, her earlier words warmed him.

How did Ethan know Stefan's last name?

Could Ethan have heard the recent rumors circulating in River City?

It made sense.

It wouldn't be the first time—other young scions, like the heir of the Lewis family, had identified Stefan despite never meeting him before.

*****

Back at Drizzlewood Retreat, Evan was indeed receiving "special care."

Ethan had instructed his staff to escort Evan to a private lounge to rest. Evan played along, continuing his drunken act.

Lying there with eyes closed, he faintly heard noises from outside—clattering and banging, as if things were being broken.

He didn't dwell on it. Instead, he mentally counted the minutes.

After what felt like an hour, it seemed reasonable for him to "sober up."

He opened his eyes, took a few sips from a bottle of water nearby, and felt his anger resurface as he recalled how Stefan had swindled him one last time before leaving.

A rough estimate put the dinner bill well over five million dollars.

But soon, a cold smirk formed on his lips. "You think you've played me, Stefan? Little do you know, this is my opportunity. By footing this bill, I can get closer to Mr. Reed. Once I build that connection, my family can secure more projects with the Reed family. What's five million now, when I can make 500 million later? This is an investment. And I'll reap it a hundredfold," he muttered.