Chapter 3 – The Ruthless CEO’s Warning

Lyra stood her ground as Ethan Vaughn’s sharp gaze bore into her. He was dangerously calm, his towering presence radiating a quiet intensity.

She had seen his face before—on magazine covers, in business news, in the financial world where he was a king. Yet, here he was, in a high school hallway, questioning her as if she were an anomaly.

What the hell was the CEO of Vaughn Industries doing at Regis Academy?

Lyra’s mind worked fast, calculating every possibility. Was this a coincidence? No. Ethan Vaughn never did anything without reason.

So, why was he here?

She kept her expression calm, unreadable. "You’re awfully invested in a high school squabble, Mr. Vaughn."

Ethan’s lips curled into a smirk—one that didn’t quite reach his eyes. "I don’t waste time on squabbles, Miss Xian."

The way he said her name sent a prickle of unease down her spine. He was studying her.

"Then why interfere?" she asked smoothly.

His smirk deepened, but there was something dangerous in his eyes now.

"Because I don’t like things I can’t predict."

Lyra stiffened. Was that a warning? Or a challenge?

Before she could respond, a voice called out from behind them.

"Mr. Vaughn, the meeting is about to start."

Lyra turned slightly, her eyes widening when she saw two professors and the academy’s headmaster standing nearby, waiting for him.

Understanding clicked.

Ethan Vaughn wasn’t here as a student. He was here as a board member.

Of course. Regis Academy was the top elite school, and Vaughn Industries had a major sponsorship.

That meant Ethan had authority here—more than a normal CEO, more than a student, more than a teacher.

This was his territory.

And she had just stepped into it.

Ethan’s eyes glimmered with amusement as he noticed her realization. "We’ll meet again, Lyra Xian."**

Then, without waiting for a response, he turned and walked away, his long strides confident, dominant, completely in control.

Lyra let out a slow breath as he disappeared into the faculty wing.

She had hacked into Vaughn Industries last night.

And now, less than 24 hours later, Ethan Vaughn himself had confronted her.

Coincidence? No. He suspected something.

Damn it.

She had worked years to keep Shadow Ghost’s identity a secret, but now, one mistake had caught the attention of the most dangerous man in the city.

Lyra sighed and turned toward her classroom. She needed to lay low. At least for now.

Or at least, that was the plan—until she walked into the room and saw her assigned seat.

Right next to Ethan Vaughn.

---

Meanwhile – Ethan Vaughn’s POV

Ethan walked into the faculty meeting, but his thoughts were elsewhere.

Lyra Xian.

That name had never appeared in any important social circles, business records, or media.

Yet, when he looked into her eyes, he saw someone calculating. Someone dangerous.

He had spent years dealing with corporate snakes, hackers, and competitors, and his instincts were never wrong.

That girl wasn’t just some random scholarship student.

She had a purpose.

And he intended to find out exactly what it was.

As he took his seat at the board meeting, his phone vibrated. He glanced at the screen, his amusement growing.

Security Alert: Unauthorized Breach Attempt Last Night – SHADOW GHOST Identified.

Shadow Ghost.

The same hacker who dared to break into Vaughn Industries.

The same hacker who disappeared before he could track them.

His smirk returned. No coincidences.

Lyra Xian… I don’t know who you are yet.

But soon, I will.

And when I do… you’ll regret ever stepping into my world.

---

End of Chapter 3

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***