Empire for Revenge

ance. William had kept to himself all night, hiding in the background like a shadow at the edge of the lavish part

d the cold glances they shot in his direction but tried to ignore them. He had grown used to their scorn, knowing full well that any small mistake he

he kitchen, Ethan suddenly stepped into

roup around him. "Where do you think you're going? Avoiding

main calm. "Just heading inside to help

ou hear that? 'Don't want to get in the way.' Th

ster, standing nearby with her clique of equally spoiled friends. "Is this t

darker. "Actually, Rothschild, I think

sing a trap. "What a

lawn. "You didn't notice the little surprise on the car collection? The scratc

new how quickly things could spiral. "I didn't touch any of t

cern. "I could have sworn I saw you near the cars. Maybe you tripped, fell,

his fall. Victor stepped closer, his voice low and menacing. "Maybe w

hoved him backward. The force knocked him off balance, and he cra

p him. Instead, Morgan clapped mockingly,

n't handle himself," she said,

best-being invisible," Victor sneered, stan

the wind out of him. William doubled over, gasping for air, but Ethan wasn't done. Another p

er in amusement. William felt the sting of humiliation, but w

ng to regain his breath, h

lli

d with concern-or at least the illusion of it. She knelt b

ld that constantly tore him down. Her soft smile, her kind words-they were all h

e in his dazed state. She cast a quick glance toward Ethan, and there was a brief, uns

, you're always so kind to him," he said with a

e smooth. "Don't listen to them, Will

r shifted. She let out a soft, exasperated sigh, the kindness draining from her voice. "

the dull throb of pain in his ribs. "

, her patience wearing thin. "But you don't get how things work around here.

person who made him feel like he wasn't completely alone. He didn't understand why s

. Kate glanced back once more, and for a moment, William saw her look over at Ethan,

ighed. "Look, I know things are hard for you, Will, but maybe you should th

furrowed. "Wh

ou, right? But maybe you should stop trying to fight it. Just focus

d. He didn't understand why Kate's words felt so cold, why he

shake the feeling that something wasn't right. But for no

ings would change. He j