The Broken Rise of Edward

Chapter 9

Ethan’s POV

Damian’s mocking voice cut through the air like a whip.

“What did you just say?” he sneered, his finger stabbing the air toward me. “That woman from the Cole Group is here to see you?” He barked out a sharp laugh, shaking his head. “Oh, give me a damn break, man! At least make up a lie that makes sense. You’re killing me here, Ethan.”

Laughter rippled through the people standing nearby. Alina’s voice came next, dripping with disgust.

“How could you even say something that stupid?” she hissed, her eyes narrowing. “I thought you were just a broke nobody, but no—you’re a broke, brain-damaged liar. God, you make me want to vomit.”

Her words dug under my skin like glass shards, but I said nothing. Damian strutted closer, his smirk widening with every step.

“What’s wrong, huh? Did my bodyguards hit you too hard earlier?” he mocked.

Then, pulling a wad of cash from his pocket, he flicked it at my face. The bills scattered across the floor like fallen leaves.

“Here,” he said, laughing. “My gift to you. Go fix your damn brain. And try being an honest loser for once. I’ve got faith in you, buddy. Just—” he chuckled, “—don’t go scaring people with your delusions next time.”

The laughter that followed was cruel and infectious.

People started murmuring around us—voices blending into a toxic chorus.

> “What a loser.”

“He actually thinks he’s someone important.”

“He’s not even worthy to breathe the same air as her.”

“Probably just another broke lunatic chasing money.”

“You sure he’s not brain damaged? Someone better stop him before he offends those Cole Group people. We’ll all get dragged down with him.”

Each word landed like a stone in my chest. Contempt, disgust, ridicule—it all flooded my ears until my heart grew cold.

But then… the air shifted.

The murmurs faltered as the sound of heels echoed across the club floor.

Click. Click. Click.

I looked up. Clara was walking straight toward us, her black-suited bodyguards flanking her like shadows. Her presence alone was enough to silence the entire room. Even Donovan, the arrogant club owner, trailed behind her looking unsure and pale.

Whispers broke out.

> “s**t… she’s coming this way.”

“Did we… say something wrong?”

“Quiet, quiet—don’t piss her off!”

The crowd quickly backed away, splitting down the middle like the Red Sea as Clara approached. The crisp sound of her heels striking the floor made every heartbeat in the room stutter. Even the loudest mouths went mute.

Damian’s smirk melted. His eyes widened, disbelief painting his face. Alina’s laughter died in her throat.

And then she stopped—right in front of me.

For a heartbeat, all I could do was stare. She looked even more striking up close—calm, confident, untouchable.

I was about to speak when Damian stumbled forward, desperate to salvage his pride.

“Miss,” he began, voice trembling. “I’m Damian Cross. How may I help you?”

Clara’s brows knit together. Her gaze turned sharp enough to cut through steel.

“f**k off,” she said coldly.

Damian froze. The color drained from his face. His mouth opened, but no sound came out.

Then, Clara turned to me.

The ice in her eyes softened, and to my utter shock, she smiled—a small, respectful smile that felt like sunlight breaking through a storm.

“Mr. Cole,” she said gently, her tone reverent. “I hope I’m not late.”

Her words hit like thunder.

I heard Damian’s breath hitch. His eyes bulged, and his body began to shake as if he’d just seen a ghost.

“How… how’s that possible?” he whispered. “She’s here for him? No way… no f*****g way…”

Alina looked like she’d been struck by lightning. Her face turned pale, her jaw trembling as her eyes darted between me and Clara. She wanted to speak, but not a single word came out.

Clara ignored them entirely. She stepped closer, her perfume brushing against my skin—clean, expensive, intoxicating. Then she reached into her pocket and pulled out a pristine white handkerchief.

With surprising gentleness, she lifted it to my cheek, brushing away the remnants of Damian’s thrown money.

In that moment, the entire club went dead silent. Every eye was on us.

And for the first time that night, I saw something I’d never seen before in all those mocking faces—

fear.