When I Woke Up, They Panicked

“If I end up penniless…” I spoke lightly,

“You’ll take care of me, right?”

She laughed on the phone.

“Not only will I take care of you, Ethan Marks… I’ll help you reclaim everything that’s yours.”

“They think three years of coma gives them the right to seize your empire?

Idiots. If they knew what you’ve actually been doing these years… they’d die from fear.”

—

Inside Marks Holdings’ expansive New York headquarters, the Boardroom was packed.

Shareholders. Investors. Partners.

All gathered in a chaotic storm of greed.

The Marks family shareholders—my so-called relatives—were the loudest:

“I’m Ethan Marks’ uncle! His assets are family property! Even in a coma, his shares are not yours to control!”

“I’m his cousin! I helped him when he took over the company! If someone must be CEO again—it should be me! Not that woman!”

“Don’t be fooled by Rachel Stevenson’s fake loyalty! She’s cheating on Ethan! I saw her entering a hotel with a man—”

They hurled insults at Rachel not because they cared about me—

but because today, she was scheduled to replace me as CEO.

And if she gained that power…

they would no longer be able to bleed the company dry.

Jason Lee, Rachel’s assistant, snapped at them:

“Watch your mouths! If it weren’t for Ms. Stevenson managing this corporation, you greedy parasites would’ve already bankrupted Marks Holdings!”

“She’s Mr. Marks’ legal wife! He’s been unconscious for three long years—no one knows if he’ll ever wake again! She has every right to take over his responsibilities—”

Before he could finish—

Uncle Robert Marks slapped him across the face.

“You insignificant nobody!” he shouted.

“If Rachel hadn’t dragged you in, you’d never step foot into this room!”

“I heard she’s been keeping you as a boy toy—you two have probably been cheating behind my nephew’s back for years—!”

Jason exploded with rage, but Rachel raised a hand to stop him.

Rachel Stevenson narrowed her eyes at them—

her voice calm, but laced with ice.

“For three years, I tolerated you because you were Ethan’s relatives.

I looked away from your disgusting behavior.”

“But instead of restraint, you have grown bolder. You plot to steal what belongs to me and my husband.”

“My patience… ends today.”