Donald rushed into his warehouse. One could see his face was filled with anger. The door inside his grand room was slammed shut before the noise echoed through the large space.

All 300 of his guards were standing still. Each and every one of them looked pale and tense. It had been a while since the last time they saw their boss this crazy.

“You useless fools!” Donald roared, slamming his fist onto a nearby metal table. “What were you doing? Do you have any idea how humiliated I was? How we were?”

He walked back and forth in the room. Just imagine how a trapped lion or tiger in a cage walking around with heavy steps that shook the air. His eyes moved from one guard to another.

“They were five people,” Donald spat, his voice dripping with venom. “Five people—not real ghosts—waltzed in here, dismantled everything, and made me look like a damned fool! And you just stood there, gaping like idiots!”

The guards looked at each other nervously. They were trying their best to avoid his gaze. That was when one brave or not so smart guard, a thin man with a scar on his cheek, spoke up. “Boss, they weren’t just anyone. Those were the Five—”

“I KNOW WHO THEY WERE!” Donald thundered, cutting him off. He stepped closer. A finger was jabbed into the man's chest repeatedly. “Then, what's your excuse? You’re supposed to protect me no matter who shows up!”

The scarred guard lowered his gaze, muttering, “Yes, sir.”

Donald turned away and ran his hand through his messy hair. He was breathing hard, and his chest rose and fell with his frustration.

“And that bastard kid... Ethan,” He muttered, sounding quieter but still filled with anger. “That little punk. He dared to humiliate me in my own territory. He thinks he’s untouchable, hiding behind those ghosts. He should be taught a lesson.”

He struck the table with his fist again, harder this time, causing a pile of papers to scatter. “No one humiliates Donald and gets away with it! No one!”

The room fell silent, the guards standing motionless as Donald glared at them, his fury barely contained. His mind churned with thoughts of revenge, his pride too wounded to let the incident go.

Finally, he pointed at the scarred guard. “Get me intel on Ethan Cole. Get me every single thing about him, his family, his friends, his business. Everything!”

“Yes, sir!” the guard replied, scrambling to obey.

Donald took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. The anger that was building inside could not be controlled.

“Just wait, Ethan,” he said in a low, threatening voice. “I'm not done by you.”

He turned to his guards, his glare icy. “And if you want to keep your jobs, you’d better be ready. Next time, we won’t lose.”

The warehouse fell silent as Donald's words lingered in the air, creating a feeling of tension.

***

David sat back in his chair and stretched his arms above his head. He had just emailed the last batch of offer letters. The tension in the room lifted, and a calm feeling of accomplishment took its place.

“Done,” David said with a tired smile. “That’s a hundred and fifty offers sent out.”

Jordan laughed and shook his head. He leaned forward and placed his elbows on the table. “Hold on a second. Weren’t you the one who disagreed with Ethan’s idea of hiring even twenty people just a week ago? And now it’s more than a hundred and fifty? What happened, David?”

David smirked, clearly amused. “I’d call it the ‘Ethan Effect.’ The man has a way of convincing you to think bigger, even when it sounds impossible.”

Jordan laughed, slapping the table lightly.

David then continued, “Guess what? He emailed me at two in the morning—two in the morning—about his future plans for Nova Tech.”

Jessica looked up from her coffee, her attention shifting fully to Jordan. She smiled softly, already sensing where this conversation was headed.

Jordan leaned closer, his eyes glinting with amusement. “What is his plan?"

David’s eyebrows shot up. "Apps are just the beginning. Apparently, we’re aiming for space now.”

“Space?” Jordan echoed, his voice laced with disbelief. “You’re joking.”

“Dead serious,” David said with a grin. “He wants Nova Tech to diversify—space tech, renewable energy, AI development. The works.”

Jessica’s smile widened as she listened to the two men. She could picture Ethan perfectly—restless, ambitious, and always striving for more. She admired that he always aimed for excellence. He didn’t want to settle for just being average.

Jordan leaned back with a dramatic sigh. “So, I guess this means we’re going to outshine LR Tech, huh? Better apps, better hardware… better space travel! That’s awesome!”

David chuckled, shaking his head. “You sound way too excited about that.”

Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

“Why wouldn’t I be?” Jordan replied with a grin. “Imagine the tagline: ‘Nova Tech—shooting past the stars while LR Tech still figures out how to catch up.’”

Jessica laughed lightly, shaking her head at Jordan's antics. "That's a great way to demonstrate our superiority compared to the Great Family," she said, her voice filled with admiration.

David nodded thoughtfully. “That’s true. It’s going to be difficult. We are growing faster than I expected, which means we have more at stake. If we make a mistake…”

“We won’t,” Jordan interrupted confidently. “Not with Ethan leading the way. He’s already ten steps ahead.”

“Talking about Ethan… is he okay?” David asked, his tone tinged with concern.

Jordan glanced at Jessica, raising an eyebrow as if silently asking for her insight. Jessica, realizing the attention was on her, raised her shoulders in a small shrug.

“Ethan’s mother mentioned this morning that he went out early with Mark and Maya,” she said, her voice calm but thoughtful.

David’s curiosity was piqued. “Maya? Who is she?”

Jordan leaned forward, his grin returning. “Oh, you don’t know? One of Ethan’s new bodyguards—or at least, that’s how it looks.”

He paused for a moment as if choosing his words carefully before continuing. “When Ethan and Mark went to face Donald, they came back with reinforcements—four of Mark’s friends. Maya was one of them. She’s... let’s just say she’s not someone you want to mess with.”

Jessica chuckled at how Jordan described Maya.

“And the others?” David asked, clearly intrigued.

Jordan gestured toward the windows. “We have Ezra and Yamal. They’re the ones guarding us outside right now. Trust me, those two could probably dismantle this entire building if they felt like it.”

David blinked, the weight of Jordan’s words sinking in. “And the other one?”

“Steve,” Jordan replied simply. “He’s... well, he’s just as dangerous as the rest of them. Honestly, it feels like Ethan has his own personal army at this point.”

David nodded slowly, taking in the information. "That’s impressive. It’s good to see, especially with what we are facing."

He paused, his gaze drifting toward the table. “I don’t mind if Ethan can’t join us in planning all this—it’s our job anyway. But I am a bit worried about him.”

Jordan’s grin softened into a reassuring smile. “Don’t be. Ethan is stronger than he appears. Let’s stick to our tasks and allow him to handle what he needs to do.”

Jessica smiled faintly, her thoughts mirroring Jordan’s. She knew Ethan was far from ordinary, but the weight he carried often seemed heavier than anyone realized.

David exhaled, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. “I hope you’re right. We’ve come this far because of him, and I’d hate for him to burn out.”

Jordan chuckled, leaning back in his chair. “Don’t worry, David. It's us that you should worry about.”

Jessica agreed, feeling confident in Ethan. “He’ll be fine,” she said softly, mostly for herself.

Then Jordan smiled and said with a playful grin. “Now, since we’re done with the serious talk, how about we celebrate this small victory? One hundred and fifty new hires is no small feat.”

David chuckled, shaking his head at Jordan’s enthusiasm. “Fine. But you’re buying.”

Jessica laughed softly, the lighthearted banter easing the tension in the room. Even with all that had happened, there was still hope—and that was enough for now.

***

Harold sat on the couch with his hands tightly clasped. Julie stood nearby with her arms crossed, looking uncertain. Ethan stood across from them, his stance calm but resolute.

“Ethan,” Harold began, his tone firm. “I'm grateful for everything that you've done for us. But... I can't allow this. For you to pay for my treatment this is too much for me."

Julie nodded in agreement, her brows knitted with concern. “Ethan, you’ve already done so much for us. Helping us with the debt, our safety, with Jessica, and now this… it feels like we’re taking advantage of your kindness.”

Ethan raised a hand, stopping them both. “Don’t be like that,” he said, his voice steady but kind. “This isn’t about favors or debts. Harold, your health is important—not just for you, but for your family.”

Harold shook his head, his jaw tightening. “I can manage. I have lived with this condition for years. I don’t want to burden anyone.”

“You’re not a burden,” Ethan said firmly but kindly. “I’ve already arranged everything. The consultations, the treatment—it’s all set. This isn’t troubling me at all. Please, let me do this.”

Julie paused and looked from Ethan to her father. “Ethan, it’s more than just the money. It feels like we’re relying on you for everything.”

Ethan smiled gently, his voice softening. “That’s what friends do, right? We help each other. And trust me, this is not much."

He paused before adding, "It would mean more to me to see Harold healthy and happy.”

Harold’s resolve began to waver. He relaxed his shoulders and sighed. “You’re really a good man, Ethan,” he said quietly. “Thank you. I’ll accept… but only because I know you won’t take no for an answer.”

Ethan smiled. “Now you understand.”

Julie sighed and smiled gently as she put her hand on her father’s shoulder. “Thank you, Ethan. Really.”

Ethan waved it off casually, his demeanor light. “No need for thanks. Just focus on getting better.”

That evening, Ethan sat in the living room with his parents, Aaron and Elise. The room was quiet, and a warm lamp lit their faces with soft light.

Elise sipped her tea while Aaron leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful.

“There’s something I need to tell you about the Moores,” Ethan began, his tone measured. “They’re here because… their lives were in danger.”

Elise’s eyes widened, her cup pausing mid-air. “Danger? What kind of danger?”

Ethan hesitated, choosing his words carefully. “Jessica’s father… well, he had another family and had not been living with them for years."

He then added, "Her father made a desperate decision. He borrowed money from a local loan shark—a dangerous one. Things escalated, and they had to leave to stay safe.”

Aaron’s brows furrowed, but his expression remained calm. “And what happened to the debt?”

“I’ve settled it,” Ethan said simply, his tone steady.

Elise’s eyes narrowed slightly in concern. “Ethan, how did you manage that? Loan sharks don’t deal in small sums.”

Aaron, sensing her unease, raised a hand to stop her. “Elise, let it be. It’s Ethan’s money, and he’s using it to help people. That’s his choice.”

“But—” Elise began, only for Aaron to cut her off gently but firmly.

“Elise, you’re the one who insisted Ethan accompany Jessica to her hometown. Now you’re questioning him for doing what’s right? Let him handle his life. He’s not a child anymore,” Aaron reminded.

Elise blinked, her expression softening. She set her cup down and nodded slowly. “You’re right. I just worry. That’s all.”

Aaron’s gaze softened as he looked at her. “We both do. But if it wasn’t for Ethan, who knows what could have happened to Jessica and her family?”

Ethan stayed silent, his parents’ words filling the quiet room. He was grateful for Aaron’s support and Elise’s concern, but he couldn’t tell them the full truth—not about the Five Ghosts, not about the danger he had faced to keep the Moores safe.

“Thank you,” Ethan said finally, his voice quiet but sincere. “For trusting me.”

Aaron nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Always.”

Elise reached out, placing a hand over Ethan’s. “Just promise us one thing, Ethan. If it ever becomes too much, you’ll tell us. We’re here for you.”

Ethan smiled softly, nodding. “I promise.”

The room fell into a comfortable silence, a shared understanding settling between them. Ethan leaned back, his mind already turning to the challenges ahead.