The gates of the mansion didn't just open; they were flung wide the moment the security detail recognized the vehicle. As Ethan stepped out of the armored SUV, the atmosphere changed instantly. The guards, seasoned professionals who usually looked down on the elite, stood at rigid attention.
Everyone here knew who Ethan Blake was. In their eyes, he wasn't just a donor; he was the shadow behind the throne. There was a silent understanding among Thompson's staff that the Congressman was merely a puppet, and the young man walking across the marble foyer held all the strings. They bowed their heads in deep reverence as he passed, a gesture of respect typically reserved for royalty.
"Follow me, sir. The Congressman is waiting for you in his private study," said one of the aides, bowing slightly.
