Steven had already distanced himself from the celebration. He wandered to one of Novatech’s designated work areas, an open and vibrant space filled with sleek desks, colorful seating pods, and lush indoor plants that softened the high-tech edges.
The building was buzzing with energy, but Steven had found a quiet corner by the window, far enough from the main activity to let his mind settle.
The flexible work environment at Novatech allowed him to slip away without attracting attention, especially since everyone moved at their own pace and was encouraged to work wherever they felt inspired.
For Steven, this quiet corner felt like an escape. He sank into one of the plush chairs, staring absently out the window at the landscaped grounds below.
In a different situation, he might have found comfort in this space—the thoughtful design, the greenery, the hum of innovation in the air. But today, it all felt stifling.
Steven felt helpless, trapped in a situation that seemed to close in on him from all sides. He knew Ethan wasn’t like other tech CEOs who left the intricate work to their teams.
Ethan had a remarkable grasp of the BiteWave app—perhaps even more than anyone else in Novatech. Steven was sure that Ethan could develop the app from scratch if he wanted to.
If Ethan ever suspected an inside leak, he would quickly be able to trace it back to him.
A dark thought crept into Steven’s mind, something he never would have considered in another time, another life. Maybe if he disappeared… if he simply ended things… he could save his family from this nightmare.
But then the image of his wife and children flashed in his mind, stopping the thought cold. They needed him, even if he felt powerless to protect them from Lucien’s threats.
He was so deep in his thoughts that he didn’t hear the footsteps behind him until a voice broke the silence.
“Steven.”
The sound sent a chill through him. He recognized it immediately—Ethan’s calm, steady tone.
Steven stammered, struggling to find his words. “M-Mr. Cole… I didn’t expect… I mean… why are you here?”
Ethan smiled warmly, a reassuring expression that cut through the air of panic around Steven. “No need to be nervous, Steven,” he said calmly and steadily. “I know what’s going on. You don’t have to worry.”
Steven’s heart pounded. Mr. Cole knew? He hadn’t expected this moment to come so soon—or Ethan would be so composed.
Seeing the distress in Steven’s eyes, Ethan stepped closer, lowering his voice to a comforting, disarming tone. “Look, Steven, I can tell something’s weighing on you. You don’t have to say anything just yet, but whatever trouble you’re in… I might be able to help.”
On the brink of collapse, Steven felt his burden crushing down, leaving him nowhere to turn. Without warning, he clutched Ethan’s shoulders, his composure shattering as he broke down, tears streaming down his face.
“Mr. Cole, I—I couldn’t keep it in anymore. I gave them the data, the whole framework, everything. It was Lucien, SilverWave… he has my family. My wife, my kids—they’re all I have, and he’s holding them as leverage.” His voice cracked under the pressure, each word heavy with guilt and desperation. “He said… he said if I didn’t do it, he’d… he’d…” Steven couldn’t finish, his voice trailing off into broken sobs.
Ethan stayed silent, letting Steven’s words wash over him without interruption. He knew a man pushed to the edge, especially an ordinary person like Steven, would buckle under this threat. Steven wasn’t a criminal; he was just a father, a husband forced into a dark corner by a powerful and ruthless man.
As Steven’s tears slowed, Ethan placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, his expression calm and steady. He didn’t need to say anything yet—sometimes, silence held more strength than words. He simply let Steven release the weight he’d been carrying, the fear and the guilt that had nearly crushed him.
Ethan gently placed Steven’s trembling hands back down, his grip firm yet reassuring. He offered Steven a calm, confident smile that seemed to radiate assurance.
“Steven, everything’s going to be alright,” Ethan said softly, his voice steady. “I’ll help you get your family back, I promise.”
Steven blinked, his expression shifting from confusion to disbelief. He’d braced himself for anger, accusations, and everything except this—Ethan’s calm demeanor and unwavering confidence.
“You… you’re not angry, Mr. Cole?” Steven’s voice was barely a whisper, his gaze searching Ethan’s face, trying to make sense of his reaction.
Ethan shook his head slightly, his smile never wavering. “No, Steven. Anger won’t solve anything here. Right now, the priority is making sure your family is safe. We’ll take care of this.”
Steven’s eyes welled up again, not out of fear but of an overwhelming relief he hadn’t felt in what seemed like forever. Ethan’s assurance felt like a lifeline he hadn’t known he needed.
“But how…?” Steven stammered, still stunned. “Lucien, the LaRues—they’re ruthless. They control so much. How can you…”
Ethan’s expression grew slightly more serious, though his confidence never faltered. “The LaRues may think they’re untouchable, but everyone has a weak spot. We’ll find it. For now, I need you to trust me.”
Steven nodded slowly, his heart pounding but his resolve growing. Ethan’s calm strength filled him with renewed hope—perhaps, finally, he wasn’t alone in this.
***
Nearly every Ascendant Ethan had hired at the training ground stood assembled, a palpable tension filling the space. Other than the two Iron Vanguards assigned to protect Ethan’s family, all members of the elite group and the additional Ascendants Ethan had brought in were present.
Whispers passed among the Ascendants, each wondering what this gathering was about. They shared glances, curiosity evident, as they tried to piece together what could warrant such a meeting.
Lucan, the Iron Vanguards’ leader, stood silent at the forefront of the group, waiting for the murmurs to die down. When the room finally quieted, he stepped forward, his steady gaze sweeping over the assembled Ascendants.
“Ethan Cole has made a decision,” Lucan began, his voice resonant, carrying authority. “He intends to establish a new family—the Cole family. Not just any family, but one with the strength and influence to challenge the Great Families in Novan City.”
A wave of silence followed his words, heavy and unbroken. The thought of a new family rising to challenge the established order was nothing short of audacious, yet no one dared to scoff or question it.
They’d seen what Ethan could provide; resources, security, and opportunities beyond what most could have imagined. And, if anything, there was a sense that this was only the beginning—that whatever they’d seen so far was far from Ethan’s true potential.
Those who had doubts kept them silent. They knew Ethan could easily find others—Ascendants even stronger and more skilled than themselves or the Iron Vanguards. None of them wanted to risk their place in what could become one of the most influential families in Novan City.
One question, however, hung unspoken in the minds of everyone present. Where did the Iron Vanguards stand? Lucan’s words had laid out Ethan’s vision. Still, they wanted to know—were the Iron Vanguards going to be part of this, the Cole family?
Sensing the unasked question, Lucan paused, letting his gaze settle on each of the Iron Vanguards by his side before addressing the crowd.
“We, the Iron Vanguards, had fought in more battles than I can count and faced threats that would bring most people to their knees,” Lucan said, his tone steady. “But this? This is a cause we believe in. Ethan isn’t just another employer. What he’s building here—this family—holds a purpose worth standing for. So yes, we are with him. The Iron Vanguards will be a part of the Cole family!”
The Iron Vanguards’ expressions were resolute, and a murmur of agreement swept through them. They were known for their loyalty, strength, and honor. Joining the Cole family was more than a job; it was a commitment to a vision they respected.
The other Ascendants exchanged glances, and a shift in the air became palpable. Seeing the Iron Vanguards’ resolve and loyalty, some of their own doubts began to fade. If even these elite warriors stood by Ethan’s side, perhaps this wasn’t just another fleeting ambition.
Lucan’s gaze swept over the assembled Ascendants. “For those of you who wish to join the Cole family, step forward now,” he announced. “If you decide otherwise, you can continue with us under your existing contracts. And for anyone who feels this isn’t the right path, you may withdraw without consequence.”
For a brief moment, the room was silent. Then, almost as one, the Ascendants moved forward, a determined light in their eyes. Excitement brimmed within them—missing out on this opportunity was unthinkable. Only a fool would turn down the chance to be part of something as significant as the Cole family.
Their decision was swift and clear, backed by reasons they all understood deeply. First and foremost, there was the Iron Vanguards themselves. They were seasoned fighters and a disciplined, loyal force, renowned as among the strongest Middle Star Soldier Ascendants.
If the Iron Vanguards, with their unwavering values and loyalty, were willing to stand behind Ethan, it spoke volumes about what kind of family the Coles would become.
Then there was Ethan himself. Many had witnessed his leadership style and respect for those under his command. He wasn’t some out-of-touch figurehead; he understood the world of Ascendants from the inside, possessing strength and potential of his own. His confidence was tempered with purpose, making him a leader worth following.
Finally, there was the undeniable reality of what Ethan had already provided them. The training grounds, the resources, the protection—everything was built to elevate them, to give them the tools they needed to grow stronger.
They believed this was only the beginning. If Ethan could accomplish all this quickly, they could only imagine what lay ahead if they pledged themselves fully to his cause.
One by one, the Ascendants met Lucan’s eyes with nods of agreement, their collective decision clear. The room buzzed with renewed energy, an unspoken unity settling over them as they took this step together.
Lucan acknowledged their decision with a slight nod of approval. “Then we’re all aligned,” he said, a hint of pride in his voice. “From now on, you are not just hired hands—you are Cole family members. We stand together for something greater than we could achieve alone.”
A ripple of pride spread through the room. The weight of Lucan’s words settled in their chests, binding them with a shared purpose. They weren’t just following orders; they were joining a cause, building a family from the ground up with the promise of loyalty, strength, and a new future.
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