Chapter 3Heir to Nothing, Master of Everything

“Ethan, come, let Mom take you home. Don’t worry, as long as you treat Miles well, we won’t make things difficult for you!” Eleanor cooed, gently pulling my hand. Her words, though, only made me want to laugh. These two were truly delusional. They’d rather cast aside their own flesh and blood for a boy who had swapped lives with their son. At this point, I was beyond exasperated with their entire family.

“Brother, come back with us! I’ll make you a branch manager!” Miles chimed in, grasping my hand. “Don’t worry, I’ll teach you everything! You won’t have to worry about finding work anymore!” Miles looked remarkably sincere, so much so that even Richard and Eleanor seemed touched by his apparent goodwill.

But as I looked at Miles, my brow furrowed. There was a glint of triumph in his eyes, and an almost indiscernible urgency. I said nothing. At this point, I was more curious to see what game the Sterlings were playing.

I followed them back to Sterling Manor. I was certain their sudden change of heart masked some underlying scheme. Why else would they, after all these years of never bothering to check on me—never even knowing I’d lived abroad—suddenly want me back?

The very day I returned, Richard unceremoniously tossed me into the utility room. "This room is small, but it's still better than your dilapidated shack," he sneered. "You'll stay here for now. Don't think that just because you're back, you'll be treated like a Sterling heir. Only when you've truly proven yourself will I consider accepting you."

I looked at Richard, letting out a weary sigh. Perhaps I had incurred his wrath in a past life. Why else would he treat his own son this way? I couldn't even begin to comprehend the twisted logic of the Sterling family. I simply lay down and fell asleep. After a day of such commotion, I was utterly exhausted.

When I woke, it was already evening, and my stomach growled with hunger. The Sterlings were at dinner. The moment I stepped out of the room, Richard slammed his hand on the table, bellowing, "Ethan, what are you doing out here? You're ruining my appetite! Get back to your room! I'll have someone bring you a tray later." He looked at me, his eyes cold.

At that moment, I let out a humourless laugh. “Mr. Sterling, did you bring me back to Sterling Manor just to torment me?” I asked, my voice cutting, my gaze fixed on him.

Richard flinched, a flicker of awkwardness crossing his face. But quickly, his eyes hardened with chilling indifference. "This is to temper your spirit, to teach you that the Sterlings have rules too! Until I formally acknowledge you, you won't sit at this table!" He looked at me, his voice sharp. "Otherwise, get out of Sterling Manor!"

I nodded slowly. "I never planned on returning to Sterling Manor in the first place! You dragged me back here!" I said, then turned, walked back into the room, grabbed my bag, and prepared to leave.

Seeing me about to walk out, Eleanor rushed forward and grabbed my arm. "Ethan, your father is just testing you! Don't you want our family to be whole again? Hurry, be a good boy and go back to your room!" She tried to push me back inside.

I shook my head. "Mrs. Sterling, I have no interest in such 'tests.' And I have no interest in the Sterling family." With that, I prepared to leave.