Chapter 3: The Hero's Suspicion
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1. The Rising Suspicion
The next morning, Ethan sat in his luxurious study in the Blackwood mansion, unable to focus.
The system's new feature – the Hero's Suspicion Meter – hovered in his vision like a curse.
Suspicion Level: 40%.
Ethan gritted his teeth.
"This is bad. One wrong move and Lucas will decide I'm a threat. And when the hero thinks you're a threat… you die."
His thoughts were interrupted by Damien Cross, his ever-efficient assistant.
"Sir," Damien said, placing a tablet on the table, "there are… rumors circulating online. About last night's rescue."
Ethan frowned. "What rumors?"
Damien swiped through the headlines.
'Aiden Blackwood Saves Sophia Hartley – Hero or Opportunist?'
'The Blackwood Heir Steps Into the Underworld – What Was His Real Motive?'
'Lucas Veylan and Aiden Blackwood Seen Together at Crime Scene!'
Ethan felt his stomach drop.
"Oh no… this will make Lucas even more suspicious of me!"
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2. Sophia's Visit
As if things weren't complicated enough, Sophia Hartley herself arrived at the Blackwood estate that afternoon.
She stepped into the study, graceful and elegant, her long auburn hair cascading down her shoulders.
"Aiden," she said softly, "I wanted to thank you again. If it weren't for you, I…"
Ethan raised his hands awkwardly. "Please, Sophia, you don't have to—"
But she interrupted him, stepping closer.
"No one has ever gone that far for me before. You're… not the man people think you are."
Ethan froze.
"Oh no… she's starting to like me. This is exactly what I was trying to avoid!"
The system confirmed his fear.
Ethan mentally screamed.
"No, no, no! Stay away from me!"
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3. The Other Heroines
Things only got worse when Heroine A and Heroine B learned about the rescue.
Heroine A (whom he had helped in Chapter 1) started visiting more often, offering to "return the favor."
Heroine B – whose engagement Ethan had broken – appeared furious at first, but for some reason, she also started showing up, questioning him about his "true intentions."
Ethan's mansion was starting to look like a revolving door for heroines.
"I just wanted a quiet life! Why is this happening?!"
The system's voice was merciless:
"Host is currently entangled in three heroines' storylines. Avoidance is no longer possible."
"WHAT?!"
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4. Lucas Arrives
That evening, Ethan's worst nightmare came true.
Lucas Veylan arrived at the Blackwood mansion.
Ethan felt his heart stop as the hero entered the study, his sharp eyes scanning the room. He radiated the same calm yet intimidating aura Ethan remembered from the manga.
"Blackwood," Lucas said, "we need to talk."
Ethan forced a smile. "Of course, Lucas. What can I do for you?"
Lucas sat down, his gaze never leaving Ethan's.
"You've been… involved in a lot of incidents lately," Lucas said. "Helping Sophia, breaking your engagement with Claire… You're not acting like yourself. Why the sudden change?"
The Suspicion Meter ticked upward.
42%... 43%...
Ethan could feel the sweat dripping down his back.
"I'm just… trying to be a better person," he said, forcing a laugh. "You know, turn over a new leaf."
Lucas's expression didn't change.
44%... 45%...
"Oh no… he doesn't believe me!"
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5. The System's New Mission
As soon as Lucas left, the system chimed again.
Ethan's jaw dropped.
"No, not again! Heroine B? The one whose engagement I broke? She hates me!"
System:
> "Failure will result in Death Penalty."
Ethan buried his face in his hands.
"Why can't I just live quietly?! I don't even like any of them!"
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6. The Assassination Attempt
The next night, Ethan arrived at Heroine B's family estate. The Blackwoods and the Vale family (Heroine B's family) had always been rivals, so his presence was immediately met with suspicion.
Heroine B – Claire Vale – confronted him at the gate.
"What are you doing here, Aiden?" she demanded.
"I… uh… heard something about a potential attack," Ethan said awkwardly.
"An attack? Do you think I'd believe—"
But before she could finish, the estate came under assault. Masked assassins swarmed the grounds, blades flashing in the moonlight.
Ethan grabbed Claire's hand.
"Run!"
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7. Fighting Back
Thanks to his previous combat training, Ethan managed to fend off some of the attackers. But there were too many of them, and his Combat Boost had long expired.
"System, help! I'm going to die here!"
System:
> "Activating Emergency Skill: Blackwood Authority."
Ethan suddenly unleashed an intimidating aura – the kind of presence that made enemies hesitate.
"Stand down!" he roared.
The assassins faltered for a moment, but then their leader stepped forward.
"You think we fear you, Blackwood?"
Ethan gulped. "I was hoping you would…"
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8. Lucas Appears Again
Just as Ethan was about to be overwhelmed, Lucas appeared out of nowhere.
His sword cut through the assassins like they were nothing.
"Why are you here again, Blackwood?" Lucas demanded, his eyes narrowing.
The Suspicion Meter ticked up.
50%... 51%...
Ethan stammered, "I… I was just trying to help!"
Lucas's eyes were like daggers.
"Or are you the one orchestrating these attacks?"
52%... 53%...
"I'm going to die… I'm really going to die…"
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9. Claire's Change of Heart
But then Claire spoke up.
"No! He saved me… He protected my family."
Lucas looked at her, then at Ethan.
The meter ticked down slightly.
50%... 49%...
Ethan wanted to cry.
"Thank you, Claire. I swear I'm not doing this for your favorability points…"
But the system didn't let him relax.
"Shadow Influence? What does that even mean?!"
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10. The Shadow Influence
The system explained.
"Host now has the ability to subtly influence events in the world, altering the story's original path. Use it wisely."
Ethan blinked.
"Wait… I can change the story? I can change my fate?!"
But before he could celebrate, the system added:
"Warning: The more you change, the more the world will resist. The hero will be drawn to you."
Ethan's blood ran cold.
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11. Cliffhanger
Back at the Blackwood estate, Ethan lay in bed, staring at the ceiling.
"I just wanted a quiet life… but now I'm knee-deep in the heroines' lives, the hero suspects me, and this world is literally fighting back."
The system's voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Internal betrayal?!" Ethan sat up.
"Who would betray me?!"
The system didn't answer.
And then Damien Cross, his loyal assistant, knocked on the door.
"Sir… there's something you need to see," Damien said, his voice unusually cold.
Ethan's heart pounded as he followed Damien down the hall.
When he saw what Damien was showing him, his blood froze.
"No… it can't be…"
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Chapter 3 End (Suspense)