Chapter 269

His most trusted ally.

Six years ago, on the night of Ethan Blackwood’s ruthless counterattack, he nearly annihilated the entire Blackwood family. Yet, Blackwood Enterprises remained untouched.

Not a single ripple in the business.

The company changed hands overnight—an event that should have sent shockwaves through the city, even the nation. But it didn’t. On Ethan’s first day as CEO, every high-ranking executive greeted him with deference, addressing him as "Mr. Blackwood" like old acquaintances.

From that moment, William Blackwood and Richard Blackwood—Ethan’s grandfather and father—realized their son was a force not to be trifled with.

Though he had never stepped foot in the company before, he had already seized control. The Blackwood family’s ironclad rule—that illegitimate children inherited nothing—was shattered by Ethan’s sheer will.

He left the family in ruins. Only the elderly patriarch, his father, and his aunt remained when Ethan stood before them, his voice chillingly calm.

"I never asked to be born into this world.

I refuse to be labeled an illegitimate son.

If you brought me into this family, I demand the same rights as my half-brothers.

Otherwise, you should never have fathered me.

You’ve already paid the price for your mistakes.

Regret is useless now.

The only remedy? Never sire another bastard again."

Richard and William could only swallow their pride, acknowledging Ethan’s legitimacy on the spot.

They named him the rightful heir of Blackwood Enterprises.

Ethan’s rise wasn’t just due to his ruthlessness—it was his alliances. The men he called brothers were titans in their own right, each ruling their domains with an iron grip.

Julian Montgomery held the financial heart of the southwest.

Oliver Grayson commanded the industrial north.

Sebastian Holloway dominated the southern trade routes.

And at the center of it all stood Ethan.

Together, they were untouchable.

That was why Ethan reigned supreme in Harborview City. The old-money elites who once sneered at him now trembled in his shadow.

Tonight was rare—a gathering of the four brothers.

There was another reason for this reunion.

Ethan had finally found the woman he’d been searching for over six long years.

He brought her here tonight to meet his brothers.

And what did she call herself?

A wine girl?

Ethan’s expression darkened.

Across the table, Julian Montgomery nearly choked on his drink.

He knew Ethan better than anyone. The man had clawed his way from exile to power through sheer brutality.

Yet here was this woman, Sophia Montgomery, reducing him to speechlessness with a single phrase.

Julian smirked. "Well, Miss Sophia, if Ethan brought you here, you must be more than just a wine girl."

Sophia blinked. "Uh… thank you?"

Julian burst into laughter.

Sebastian leaned over, murmuring, "What’s her deal?"

Julian snorted. "Her deal? I think Ethan just met his match."

The two exchanged amused glances, sipping their drinks while watching Ethan’s reaction.

This was entertainment at its finest.

Normally, Sebastian wouldn’t dare provoke Ethan. But with Julian and Oliver backing him, he couldn’t resist seeing how Ethan would handle this.

Ethan Blackwood—the untouchable king of Harborview—was being publicly humbled by a woman.

Just as the tension peaked, Ethan’s phone rang.

Eleanor Quinton—his aunt.

To Ethan, she was insignificant.

The woman who had orchestrated his mother’s downfall, reducing her to Richard’s discarded mistress.

Did he hate her?

Absolutely.

But she was old now. Her sons were gone, leaving her alone with her regrets. Crushing a powerless old woman would only make him look petty.

So he answered. "Hello."

"Ethan!" Her voice trembled like she was speaking to her own son.

"What do you want?" His tone was ice.

"Are you alone?" Her voice dropped.

Ethan glanced at the table, then stood. "Excuse me."

He walked out, leaving Sophia alone.

Outwardly, she was composed.

Inside, her palms were slick with sweat.

She had no idea what tonight would bring.

An ex-convict. A runaway. A woman branded as Harborview’s most notorious seductress.

Yet she had never sold herself—not for money, not for power.

And now she sat at a table with the most dangerous men in the city.

Waiting.

Wondering.

Who would claim her tonight?