The Greatest God of War

Chapter 12

However, the more he thought about it, the more trapped Stanley felt. There was no way out; everything was clear.

"Read it now!" Ethan demanded, his tone full of intimidation.

Stanley froze, then dropped to his knees in front of Ethan, his whole body trembling.

"I admit my mistake, please forgive me. I promise I won’t do it again. Just give me another chance, and I’ll make it right," he pleaded, tears streaming down his face.

His entire career journey—rising from an entry-level employee to his current role as a manager—flashed through his mind.

For ten years, he’d dedicated himself to the company, always acting with integrity, never taking a bribe. But after he was promoted to general manager of Zenith Group’s Lunaris branch, influential people began approaching him. Temptation got the best of him, and he eventually accepted a bribe—a significant one.

"Ethan, why don’t we just get rid of him?" Max asked, sounding frustrated.

Stanley, already on the brink of despair, was terrified, nearly fainting when Max spoke up. He knew how much Zenith Group meant to Ethan and could tell Max was furious at him for betraying the company.

Stanley had taken a bribe purely for his own gain, hurting the company in the process. His boldness—and his foolishness—were hard to ignore.

Ethan tapped his fingers on the desk, as if signaling something important.

Stanley was utterly defeated, drained of the energy to beg any further.

"This is your first offense, so I’ll give you one last chance. But remember, there won’t be a second! If I catch you again, I’ll make you pay back every cent—with your life!" Ethan warned before walking away.

Stanley felt like he’d been given a new lease on life. He looked up, watching Ethan leave, and vowed, "Thank you, Mr. CEO! I swear I won’t make the same mistake again!"

He had thought he would end up behind bars—or worse, lose his life. But Ethan had given him a chance to make things right, a kindness he hadn’t expected. Gratitude filled his heart, and he promised himself he would do his best for Ethan.

Outside the building, Max couldn't hold back his curiosity any longer. "Ethan, why did you let him off so easily?"

"I’ve only just come back, Max. Right now, there aren’t many people I can fully trust. Sure, getting rid of him would be easy, but finding a manager who understands the ins and outs of Zenith Group isn’t," Ethan replied calmly.

"For years, Zenith Group has been under the Eldridge family’s control. The senior staff were all trained by them. If I replace them all at once, the company will collapse under me! This isn’t the time for major changes, especially not rash ones."

"Oh, I see. So, you’re planning to build a trusted inner circle first, then make big changes when the time is right," Max replied, quickly grasping Ethan’s plan.

Though Max was a skilled martial artist who usually solved problems with his fists, he wasn’t slow-witted. He immediately understood Ethan’s hidden intentions.

"You've secured proof of Stanley’s wrongdoing, and by offering him a second chance, he’ll feel indebted to you. He’ll likely work even harder for the company now."

"And if Stanley keeps his word and stays honest—plus, he’s skilled at what he does—you’ll give him even greater responsibilities down the road. Isn’t that right?”

Ethan glanced at Max, a mix of emotions in his gaze, and sighed.

"Like you, with your talents, if you’d stayed in Veloria, you’d have a brighter future. Yet, you chose to follow me instead."

Unconsciously, Max straightened up, his face serious. "In Veloria, you’re practically a god, Ethan. No matter what’s behind or ahead, standing by your side is an honor."

Ethan said nothing, continuing to walk. But after a few steps, he suddenly stopped and looked back at Max.

"Max, I need a favor. I want you to investigate the people who framed Lily and me five years ago," Ethan said, his tone deadly serious.

In an instant, a fierce aura radiated from Ethan, his gaze cold as ice.

"Understood, Ethan. I’ll gather that information as soon as possible," Max replied solemnly.

---

Afternoon

"I am now a War God and CEO of a major corporation. I will make up for what happened in the past," Ethan vowed silently as he exited the company building.

Outside, a Rolls Royce awaited him, driven by a Lieutenant Colonel ready to take Ethan to the Evans family estate.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Ethan! Right this way, sir," greeted Andres, who, though wearing formal attire, carried himself with a military air.

"Thank you, Andres," Ethan replied, stepping into the car.

Once Ethan was seated, the lieutenant colonel, honored to serve the War God, slipped into the driver’s seat.

"Shall we head straight to the Evans estate, Mr. Ethan?" Andres asked.

"Yes, let’s go there directly. I heard they’re having a family meeting. I can’t wait to reintroduce myself and bring back my wife and child," Ethan said, happiness evident in his voice.

At the Evans family residence, all family members were gathered to discuss the future of the family business. Unsurprisingly, Lily was the target of the discussion.

"Father is deeply disappointed in you, Lily! We had a chance to get out of this crisis, but you turned down Walter. Such a foolish decision!" Duncan said, his voice trembling with anger.

"I’ll find another way to help the company. I promise I’ll pull us out of this," Lily replied confidently.

"And how exactly will you do that, Lily? Your grandfather gave us only three more days to save the company. If we don’t, we’ll all be kicked out of the Evans family!" Duncan revealed.

"What? Only three days left? That’s impossible, Dad!" Lily was stunned.

"Yes, those are the last days of the three months he originally gave us. That’s why I wanted you to accept Walter’s proposal!"

Duncan hadn’t initially wanted to involve his daughter in this matter, but as two months passed without progress, he’d heard about a young businessman who wanted Lily as his wife. As part of the arrangement, he’d inject a huge sum into the company and offer a profitable partnership.

"Why didn’t you tell me sooner? With three months, I could’ve had a real chance to save the company," Lily replied.

"And how would you do that? We need a hundred million dollars. Even with your connections, you couldn’t gather that kind of money to save the company!" Duncan shouted.

"You’ve been nothing but a disappointment! Since you married that useless man, now you even refuse a wealthy man willing to help us. You’re hopeless!" Grace scolded.

With their wealth at risk, Grace had no problem tearing down her only child, blinded by greed.

"So, what’s the plan now? How are we supposed to save the company in three days?" Grace asked, panicked.

Then, an old man, who had been silently watching the argument, finally spoke.

"There is one more way to save the company," George Evans said quietly.

*****

Author’s Note:

Thank you so much for reading and being part of this journey!

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