Chapter 12: Confrontation on the Line
The Bronx redevelopment project was in full swing. By 6:00 AM, Ethan was already on-site, wearing a yellow hardhat and personally inspecting the scaffolding alongside the masonry crew.
Around noon, a sleek, cherry-red sports car roared to a halt outside the dusty perimeter fence. Stepping out of the vehicle was Chad Harrington—one of Ethan's former country-club friends who had cheered the loudest during the humiliation at Bellerive.
"Well, well, look who it is!" Chad mocked, sliding his designer sunglasses down his nose. "Ethan Vance! Since when does a Vance carry concrete? Did your mother cut your allowance that badly?"
The construction workers nearby paused, glaring at Chad, but Ethan remained entirely unbothered. He wiped the dust from his hands and stepped up to the chain-link fence.
"Hi, Chad," Ethan said calmly. "I'm working. If you're looking for a valet, you're at the wrong address. We're building homes here."
"You've lost your mind, Ethan," Chad laughed, gesturing to the dust. "Come back to the real world. Apologize to Madison, play nice, and we can get you back into the clubs."
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"Your world is a playground built on the backs of people who actually work," Ethan replied, his gaze so sharp and piercing that Chad took an involuntary step back. "I like the dirt under my boots. It's real. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a building to finish."
Without waiting for a response, Ethan hoisted a bag of cement onto his shoulder and walked back to his crew. The workers watched him go, a newfound respect shining in their eyes.
