THE HIDDEN HEIR

CHAPTER 19:The Invitation

The following morning, Alfred arrived at Ethan's office with unusual urgency.

He knocked once before entering, carrying a black envelope sealed with a golden crest.

"Youth Master," Alfred said respectfully, placing the invitation on the desk. "There's a banquet tonight."

Ethan looked up from the stack of documents he had been reviewing.

"What kind of banquet?"

"The annual Silverstone Elite Gala."

Alfred adjusted his glasses before continuing.

"The most influential families in Silverstone City will be attending. Business leaders, politicians, investors, and media executives will all be there."

Ethan raised an eyebrow.

"So this isn't just another social gathering."

"No."

Alfred's expression became serious.

"It's where alliances are formed... and enemies quietly reveal themselves."

Ethan opened the invitation and glanced at the elegant gold lettering.

"So my grandfather expects me to attend."

"He insists."

Alfred hesitated for a brief moment before speaking again.

"And..."

Ethan noticed the pause.

"And what?"

Alfred cleared his throat.

"Your fiancée will be there."

Ethan nearly dropped the coffee cup in his hand.

"My mysterious fiancée again?"

Alfred nodded calmly.

"Tonight will be your first official meeting."

Ethan let out a helpless sigh and leaned back in his chair.

His arranged marriage still felt impossible to believe.

One day he had been a poor university student struggling to pay rent.

Now he was expected to marry a woman from one of the wealthiest families in the country.

It felt like someone else's life.

"What's her name, at least?" Ethan asked.

Alfred smiled faintly.

"You'll find out tonight."

Ethan rubbed his forehead.

"Does everyone in this family enjoy keeping secrets?"

Alfred chuckled.

"Your grandfather believes some surprises are best experienced in person."

Just then, Ethan's phone buzzed.

It was a message from his grandfather.

Dress well. Tonight will change your life.

Ethan stared at the message for several seconds before slipping the phone back into his pocket.

A strange feeling settled in his chest.

He couldn't explain why, but it felt as though everything that had happened over the past few weeks had been leading to this very night.

Alfred handed him another folder.

"This contains the profiles of every major family attending the banquet. Study them before you leave."

Ethan nodded.

"If I'm stepping into their world..."

He closed the folder with quiet determination.

"...then it's time they learned who Ethan Cole really is."

Neither of them realized that among the guests attending the banquet would be familiar faces.

Jason Blackwell.

Vanessa.

And a certain mysterious girl whose identity was about to turn Ethan's world upside down.