The streets of Star City had long forgotten the name Ethan Blake.
The skyscrapers he once owned now bore someone else's name. His empire had crumbled into dust, and with every broken dream, he wandered further into obscurity.
But fate wasn't quite done with him.
That winter evening, shivering under a torn coat outside a luxury bookstore, Ethan stood frozen in place.
Inside, under the dazzling crystal lights, stood the two young men he could never forget—Aiden and Aaron.
Now ten years old, the twins were the perfect blend of cold intellect and ruthless charm. Their new stepfather, Prince Alexander, stood beside them with one protective hand resting on each boy's shoulder.
They were here for the launch of their first co-authored book, a bestseller titled:
"Lessons from a Man Who Lost Everything: How Not to Be a Father."
Ethan's chest tightened painfully. Even now… even in their success… their every move was a knife through his heart.
Just as he turned to leave, his weak legs nearly giving out under him, a cold voice called out behind him.
"Mr. Blake."
Ethan froze.
He turned slowly to see the twins walking toward him, dressed impeccably in tailored suits far more expensive than anything he had ever worn.
Aiden stood in front of him, eyes sharp as blades.
Aaron crossed his arms.
"Congratulations, Mr. Blake," Aiden began coldly. "You've officially reached the lowest point any father could achieve. Forgotten, broke, and utterly worthless."
Ethan dropped to his knees without hesitation, his face pale and desperate.
"Please…" his voice cracked. "Just one last chance. I'll do anything. I'll prove I'm worthy. Just… don't erase me completely from your lives."
Aaron's lips curled into a ruthless smirk.
"Fine," he said casually. "One final test."
Aiden's eyes glinted with dangerous amusement.
"Spend one week in the slums—where Mommy once lived after you abandoned her. No money. No help. Survive it. Come out alive… and we'll consider acknowledging your existence again."
Aaron leaned in, whispering close to his ear.
"And don't die too soon, Mr. Blake. It would be such a waste if we didn't get to reject you one last time after you suffer properly."
They turned and walked away without another word, their expensive shoes clicking against the pavement, leaving Ethan kneeling in the snow, trembling not from the cold—but from the crushing weight of his own regret.