《Harem Investment System: Getting Money And Women》


 Chapter 1 The End Of The Line

    Ethan Grey sat slumped on the edge of his worn-out couch, staring at the cracked paint on the wall of his rundown apartment.


    The light from a single bare bulb flickered above him, casting unsteady shadows over the cluttered room.


    The phone on the coffee table buzzed again, vibrating against the scratched surface like a relentless mosquito.


    He didn''t bother reaching for it. He already knew who it was.


    The landlord.


    Ethan ran a hand through his unkempt hair, grimacing as the buzz died out.


    A second later, the voicemail notification chimed. He leaned back with a weary sigh, the cushions creaking beneath his weight, and waited for the inevitable flood of guilt-laden anger.


    "Grey," the landlord''s voice blared through the speaker, loud and accusing. "You''ve got until the end of the week. Pack your crap and get out. No extensions this time."


    Ethan let the phone fall back onto the table, face down, as if doing so could bury the shame he felt every time he heard that voice.


    His reflection glared at him from the dark screen of the TV across the room.


    His face was rough and hollow, framed by uneven stubble and wild hair. His sunken eyes carried the weight of sleepless nights.


    "Look at you," he muttered bitterly.


    Three months ago, this wasn''t his life. He was a district manager at Newton Development Corp., a job that came with a stable income, respect, and a future. Now? Now, he was nothing.


    The memories came flooding back like a tidal wave, each one sharper and crueler than the last.


    It had started with the accusations.


    They came out of nowhere ¡ª a report of half a million dollars missing from the Midtown Heights project, one of the company''s most lucrative ventures.


    Ethan had been the manager overseeing it, which made him the perfect scapegoat.


    At first, he thought it was a mistake. Then, he realized it wasn''t just about the missing money. A coworker ¡ª a woman he barely knew ¡ª claimed he had harassed her.


    Ethan clenched his fists as he remembered the HR meeting, the way his coworkers stared at him like he was a criminal. None of them spoke up for him. Not one.


    "I didn''t do it," he had said, over and over.


    But it didn''t matter. The decision had already been made.


    By the end of the week, he was out of a job. His reputation was in shreds. The news spread fast ¡ª first through the company, then through his friends, and finally to his family.


    His mom had tried to believe him. She really had. But even she hesitated when the harassment accusation came up.


    His sister stopped answering his calls altogether. His friends ghosted him.


    [Investment System Activated]


    Ethan''s pulse quickened as more text followed.


    [Welcome, Ethan Grey. Your potential has been recognized. This system will provide you with the means to rebuild your life. Success depends on your ability to make strategic physical investments.]


    His brow furrowed, confusion mixing with disbelief.


    [Starter Pack Awarded: $1,000,000]


    His breath caught in his throat. "What?!"


    [The Starter Funds have been transferred to your account. Rules of the system are as follows:


    Investments must be physical assets that directly benefit you.


    Selling investments is prohibited.


    Returns Points (RP) are earned based on the effectiveness of your investments.


    Misuse of the system will result in deactivation.]


    Ethan stared at the screen, his hands trembling. A million dollars? He couldn''t believe it.


    To test the claim, he pulled out his old phone and logged into his bank app.


    His jaw dropped when he saw the balance: $1,000,473.25.


    "This... this has to be a joke," he whispered, but his heart was racing.


    More text appeared on the new phone.


    [Recommended Investment]


    [Item: Renovation of Abandoned Food Truck]


    [Location: Johnson''s Lot, 3rd Avenue[


    [Investment Cost: $12,000]


    [Potential ROI: High[


    Ethan''s mind reeled. A food truck? Of all things?


    But then, as he stared at the glowing screen, a spark ignited within him. It was faint, but it was there ¡ª a glimmer of hope.


    Ever since the accusation came in, the world... everyone in it, they had been trying to push him down. Now, for the first time, he had a chance to push back.

 Chapter 2 A New Beginning, A New Investment

    Ethan stirred awake on the couch, blinking against the light streaming in through the thin, worn-out curtains.


    For a moment, he lay there, his mind caught in the haze of waking up from a good sleep.


    But this time, something was different. The tension in his chest, the weight that had pressed down on him for a long time, felt lighter.


    He sat up slowly, rubbing the back of his neck.


    The table came into view. The sleek black phone and the box it had come in sat there, right where he''d left them. It wasn''t a dream.


    Ethan stared at the phone for a moment, his thoughts racing. The events of last night played in his head ¡ª the strange delivery, the activation of the system, and the absurd message that had followed but hey, he wasn''t complaining, if anything he was grateful for it all.


    He wasn''t sure how or why it had happened, but he knew one thing: this was real.


    And if the system''s rules were to be believed, he had a ticking clock. Opportunities like this didn''t wait for indecision.


    With a groan, he pushed himself off the couch and shuffled toward the bathroom. The cracked tiles greeted him like an old enemy.


    The small mirror above the sink reflected his face back at him, tired but somehow more alive than it had been in weeks.


    Still, he looked like crap.


    His stubble had grown patchy and uneven, framing his face in a way that only made him look more defeated.


    His eyes were less sunken, but the lines beneath them told a story of too many sleepless nights.


    Ethan opened the cabinet under the sink, digging through a collection of toiletries until he found his shaving stick.


    He paused for a moment, staring at the worn handle.


    The memory hit him like a sudden gust of wind.


    This same bathroom had once been filled with laughter. Emily, his girlfriend at the time, had leaned against the doorframe, teasing him as he shaved.


    "You missed a spot," she''d said, grinning as she pointed at his chin.


    He made his way to the nearest bus stop, standing in the shadow of a towering billboard advertising some luxury brand he couldn''t afford even before his life fell apart.


    A bus rumbled up to the curb, its brakes screeching as it came to a halt. Ethan climbed aboard, fumbling in his pocket for change.


    "Two seventy-five," the driver said without looking up.


    Ethan dropped the coins into the slot and moved to the back, sinking into a worn seat. The bus lurched forward, and he stared out the window, watching the city blur past.


    His mind drifted to the task ahead. The system had recommended his first investment: a rundown food truck in Johnson''s Lot.


    It wasn''t exactly the kind of opportunity he''d dreamed of, but he wasn''t in a position to be picky.


    The rules were clear. Physical investments only. Things that directly benefited him.


    He wasn''t sure how a food truck fit into that, but he trusted the system''s guidance. After all, it had given him a million dollars.


    The bus jolted as it hit a pothole, snapping Ethan out of his thoughts.


    He glanced around at the other passengers. A woman in a business suit was typing furiously on her phone.


    An older man was dozing, his head bobbing with each bump. A kid with headphones stared at the ceiling, lost in his own world.


    For a moment, Ethan felt a strange sense of calm. These people didn''t know who he was or what he''d been accused of. To them, he was just another guy on the bus.


    The bus finally came to a stop near Johnson''s Lot, and Ethan stepped off, taking a deep breath.


    The lot was exactly what he''d expected: a stretch of cracked asphalt filled with overgrown weeds and abandoned vehicles.


    At the far end, he saw it ¡ª a battered old food truck, its paint faded and peeling.


    Ethan''s stomach churned with a mix of nerves and determination. This was it. The first step toward clawing his way back.


    He pulled out the black phone, the screen lighting up as he approached the truck.


    [Investment Opportunity Verified]


    The message appeared in glowing text, and Ethan''s lips curled into the faintest hint of a smile.

 Chapter 3 A Forgotten Lot

    Johnson''s Lot was the kind of place that seemed to belong to another world, one long abandoned by time and ambition.


    The cracked pavement sprawled out in uneven patches, littered with broken glass and scraps of rusted metal.


    Weeds sprouted defiantly through the fissures, thriving where most things failed.


    Places like this were technically open for the taking.


    No one cared enough to enforce ownership, and no one ambitious enough wanted to be here.


    The lot was a graveyard of forgotten dreams ¡ª old cars, broken vending machines, and crumbling walls that whispered tales of neglect.


    Ethan stepped carefully, his boots crunching against the loose gravel as he made his way toward the food truck.


    He spotted it parked at the far end, its once-bright colors faded into a depressing palette of rust and grime.


    He reached the truck and stopped, staring at it for a long moment. It was worse than he''d expected.


    The side panels were riddled with dents, and holes peppered the roof, offering little protection from the elements.


    The tires were flat, the windows clouded with dirt and cobwebs. He hesitated before opening the door, almost dreading what he''d find inside.


    With a deep breath, he grabbed the handle and yanked it open.


    The stench hit him first ¡ª a rancid mix of spoils, grease, and something far worse. Ethan gagged, covering his nose with his sleeve as he peered inside.


    The interior was chaos. Rusted appliances lined the walls, their surfaces coated in a thick layer of grime.


    The counters were chipped and stained, with food scraps that looked like they''d been sitting there for years.


    And then there were the rats.


    Ethan froze as one darted across the floor, disappearing into a hole in the corner. Another poked its head out from beneath a cabinet, its beady eyes staring at him before scurrying away.


    The workshop was a modest building tucked between a car wash and an old hardware store. Inside, the air smelled of motor oil and rubber, and the sound of clanging tools echoed off the walls.


    The mechanic''s team got to work immediately. They hosed down the truck, scrubbing away years of dirt and grime.


    The engine, which had been clogged with debris, was carefully dismantled and cleaned. Holes in the roof and walls were patched up with sheets of metal, welded in place with precision.


    Ethan watched from a nearby bench, sipping on a can of soda the mechanic had offered him. It was strange, seeing the transformation unfold.


    The hours ticked by, and slowly but surely, the truck began to look... usable.


    By the time the mechanic called him over, the sun was starting to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple.


    "Well," the mechanic said, wiping his hands on a rag, "it''s not brand new, but it''s a hell of a lot better than it was."


    Ethan approached the truck, his breath catching in his throat.


    The exterior had been scrubbed clean, the dents smoothed out as much as possible.


    The tires had been replaced, and the once-cloudy windows now gleamed in the fading light.


    Inside, the transformation was even more striking.


    The appliances had been cleaned and polished, the counters repaired, and the floor cleared of any signs of rats.


    The engine purred softly when the mechanic turned the key, a sound that filled Ethan with an unexpected sense of pride.


    "It''s ready for use," the mechanic said, clapping Ethan on the back.


    Ethan nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Thanks. Really."


    The mechanic waved him off. "No problem. Good luck with it."


    As Ethan climbed into the driver''s seat, he couldn''t help but feel a spark of optimism. The truck was far from perfect, but it was his.

 Chapter 4 The Next Step

    Ethan gripped the steering wheel, his knuckles turning white as he guided the food truck through the city streets.


    The engine purred smoothly ¡ª a sound he still wasn''t used to after the wreck it had been just hours ago. Every bump and creak in the road made him flinch slightly, half-expecting something to go wrong, but the truck held steady.


    Navigating Silverpoint was an adventure in itself.


    The city''s roads were a chaotic mix of sharp turns, sudden stops, and impatient drivers.


    Ethan felt out of place in the oversized vehicle, constantly checking his mirrors to make sure he wasn''t clipping anyone.


    His destination wasn''t far: a lot on the west side of the city where people stored their vehicles. It wasn''t fancy, but it had a reputation for being secure, which was all Ethan cared about.


    He couldn''t risk leaving the truck unattended on the street, not after putting so much money into it.


    The lot came into view, a sprawling expanse of asphalt bordered by a chain-link fence. Rows of cars, vans, and even a few RVs were parked neatly inside.


    At the entrance, a small guard booth stood beside a gate, and a middle-aged man in a security uniform stepped out as Ethan pulled up.


    The man eyed the truck, raising an eyebrow as Ethan rolled down the window.


    "Looking to park here?" the guard asked, his voice gruff but not unfriendly.


    "Yeah," Ethan said. "How much for a spot? Overnight, maybe longer."


    The guard scratched his chin, glancing back at the rows of vehicles. "Depends. You want regular surveillance, or just a space?"


    "Surveillance," Ethan replied without hesitation.


    "That''ll be fifty bucks a day," the guard said, leaning against the truck. "You''ll need to sign some paperwork, too."


    Ethan nodded. It wasn''t exactly cheap, but it wasn''t outrageous either. He climbed out of the truck, following the guard to the booth.


    Inside, the air smelled faintly of coffee and old paper.


    [Recommended Location Identified]


    High traffic: Midtown Market, 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM.


    Ethan read the notification twice, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. The system wasn''t just leaving him in the dark ¡ª it was giving him real guidance.


    He tapped on the screen, pulling up more details about the location. Midtown Market was a bustling area known for its morning crowds.


    Farmers, artisans, and street vendors gathered there every day to sell their goods, and the foot traffic was always heavy.


    It sounded perfect.


    "Alright," Ethan said to himself. "Guess I know where I''m going tomorrow."


    The next challenge was the food itself.


    Ethan sat down with his laptop, searching for recipes that were simple enough for a beginner but appealing enough to draw a crowd.


    Tacos, burgers, sandwiches ¡ª he considered all the classics before settling on a small but diverse menu.


    He jotted down a list of ingredients, mentally calculating the costs. The system had given him a million dollars, but he knew better than to blow through it carelessly.


    When the menu was set, he leaned back in his chair, staring at the list. It felt surreal, planning meals for a business he didn''t even know he''d have a week ago.


    Ethan glanced at the clock. It was late, but he couldn''t afford to rest just yet. The market opened early, and he''d need to be there before the crowds arrived.


    He gathered his things ¡ª a worn backpack for groceries, his wallet, and a notebook for jotting down any last-minute ideas.


    As he climbed into bed, his mind raced with thoughts of the day ahead. Would people actually buy from him? Would the food taste good enough?


    There were too many unknowns, but Ethan forced himself to breathe, to focus on the fact that he was taking steps forward.


    Tomorrow would be another long day, and all the questions would be for tomorrow.

 Chapter 5 Ready Or Not

    Ethan stumbled out of his apartment, half-hopping, half-limping as he jerked his trousers up with one hand.


    The other clutched his phone, and he muttered curses under his breath as he nearly tripped over his untied shoe.


    "Gotta look decent," he grumbled, pausing just long enough to straighten his belt. His shirt was wrinkled, but at least it was clean.


    His black hair, still damp from the shower, was combed back for the first time in weeks. The reflection in the mirror earlier had been better than usual, but it was still far from perfect.


    He glanced at the clock on his phone. 5:30 AM. No time for the bus today.


    Ethan tapped on a ride-share app, his fingers moving faster than his brain.


    A cab was only a few minutes away, and he didn''t want to risk missing the market''s morning rush. He stuffed his wallet into his pocket and headed out the door, taking the stairs two at a time.


    The cab pulled up in front of the storage lot just as the sky began to lighten. The guard, the same one from yesterday, gave him a nod from inside the booth.


    "Morning," Ethan said, trying to sound more awake than he felt.


    The guard yawned. "You''re up early. Big day?"


    "Yeah," Ethan replied, flashing a quick smile. "Thanks for keeping an eye on the truck."


    The guard waved him off with a grunt, and Ethan jogged across the lot to where his food truck sat waiting.


    It looked surprisingly good in the early morning light, the metal panels gleaming faintly under the rising sun.


    He climbed into the driver''s seat and started the engine, grinning as it purred to life.


    He followed the steps as carefully as he could, mixing in the spices and shaping the patties with slightly trembling hands.


    The sizzle of the grill filled the truck as he cooked the first batch. The smell was intoxicating, filling the small space with the rich aroma of seared meat.


    "Not bad," Ethan said, flipping the patties with a spatula. They weren''t perfect ¡ª some were uneven, and one had almost fallen apart ¡ª but they looked edible.


    Next, he moved on to slicing vegetables: lettuce, tomatoes, onions. His knife skills were rusty, but he managed to get the job done without losing a finger.


    By the time 7:00 AM rolled around, Ethan had a small stack of neatly assembled burgers and a growing sense of accomplishment.


    He leaned against the counter, wiping his hands on a towel as he surveyed his work.


    The food truck smelled like a real kitchen now, the faint scent of grease and spices lingering in the air.


    Ethan glanced at the system phone sitting on the counter. No new notifications had come through, but he didn''t need the system to tell him what to do next.


    He packed up the food he''d prepared and made sure everything was secured for the short drive to Midtown Market.


    As he climbed back into the driver''s seat, a sense of determination settled over him.


    This was it.


    He wasn''t just sitting around anymore, waiting for life to get better. He was doing something, taking a step forward ¡ª even if it was a small one.


    Ethan started the engine and pulled out onto the street, the food truck rumbling beneath him like a faithful companion.


    Today was the beginning of something new.

 Chapter 6 Morning Rush

    "Man, these tacos are amazing," the customer said, grinning as he balanced a pack of five tacos in one hand and his wallet in the other. "You''ve got yourself a regular, that''s for sure."


    Ethan gave him a tired but genuine smile. "Glad you liked them. Come back anytime."


    The man waved as he walked away, already tearing into one of the tacos. Ethan watched him for a moment before sighing and tucking the cash into the pocket of his apron.


    He barely had time to exhale before the next customer stepped up to the window.


    The morning rush had hit hard and fast.


    Ethan had been prepared for a decent crowd, but he hadn''t expected this many people to show up.


    Midtown Market was buzzing with activity, and the line at his food truck seemed to grow longer every time he looked up.


    The air was filled with the hum of voices, the occasional shout of vendors advertising their goods, and the sizzle of the grill as Ethan worked furiously to keep up with orders.


    "Two burgers, extra onions," someone called from the window.


    "Coming right up!" Ethan shouted back, flipping patties with one hand while reaching for a stack of buns with the other.


    The system had been right ¡ª this spot was perfect. The foot traffic was constant, and the customers weren''t shy about spending money.


    But keeping up with the demand was a different story.


    By 8:30 AM, Ethan was running on pure adrenaline. The grill was a blur of sizzling meat, and the counter was stacked with containers of chopped vegetables, sauces, and toppings.


    He barely had time to think, let alone breathe. Orders came in rapid succession, each one adding to the controlled chaos inside the truck.


    "Three grilled cheese sandwiches, no pickles!"


    "Got it!"


    The system phone sat on the counter, its screen dark and unassuming.


    Ethan hadn''t heard from the system since it had suggested this location, but he didn''t need another nudge to know he was on the right track.


    This was working.


    By noon, Ethan was nearly out of ingredients. The last of the taco meat sizzled on the grill as he assembled one final order, handing it over to a young woman who thanked him profusely before hurrying off.


    Ethan leaned back against the counter, letting out a long sigh. His arms ached, his feet felt like they''d been through a marathon, and his apron was covered in stains.


    But he''d done it.


    The cash in his apron pocket felt heavier than it had that morning, a tangible reminder of the progress he''d made.


    He glanced out the window, watching as the market slowly began to quiet down. The vendors were still busy, but the morning rush had passed, leaving the area less crowded than before.


    Ethan took a moment to clean up the truck, wiping down the counters and organizing what little remained of his supplies.


    As he worked, he couldn''t help but feel a sense of accomplishment.


    This wasn''t just about the money, though that was definitely part of it.


    This was about proving to himself that he could still make something of his life, that he wasn''t defined by the mistakes and accusations that had nearly destroyed him.


    When the truck was as clean as it was going to get, Ethan locked up and stepped outside, stretching his arms above his head.


    The sun was high in the sky now, the heat beating down on his face as he took a deep breath.


    It wasn''t perfect, but it was a start.


    And for Ethan, that was enough.

 Chapter 7 Afternoon Rush

    Ethan parked the food truck back at the lot, the engine''s rumble dying down as he leaned back in the seat.


    The quiet hum of the city filled the air around him, a stark contrast to the chaos of the morning rush.


    He pulled the cash out of his apron pocket and placed it on the counter inside the truck.


    The pile looked bigger than he expected, a mix of crumpled bills and coins that he began sorting with a faint smile tugging at his lips.


    "Let''s see what we''ve got," he muttered, grabbing a pen and notepad.


    Counting the money took longer than expected, partly because of how much there was and partly because Ethan kept pausing to double-check.


    After jotting down the last number, he leaned back against the counter, the pen dangling loosely from his hand.


    "Four hundred and fifty-two dollars," he said aloud, a low whistle escaping his lips.


    It wasn''t a fortune, but for a few hours of work, it felt like a victory. Subtracting the cost of the morning''s ingredients, he still had a solid profit in his pocket ¡ª and the realization sent a small surge of pride through his chest.


    As if on cue, the system phone buzzed on the counter, its sudden noise startling him out of his thoughts.


    He picked it up, and the screen lit up with a notification:


    [System Alert: New Location Suggested for Afternoon Shift]


    [Estimated Foot Traffic: High]


    [Location: Riverside Park Food Row]


    Ethan raised an eyebrow, scrolling down to read more. The system highlighted the park as a hotspot for families, joggers, and office workers enjoying their lunch breaks.


    "Riverside Park," he said, tapping his chin. "Sounds promising."


    Another notification popped up:


    Ethan worked quickly, handing over the taco with a smile. The man thanked him and walked off, taking a bite before he was even a few steps away.


    "Damn, this is good!" the man said, turning back briefly to give Ethan a thumbs-up.


    The next customer came up right after him, and then another, and another.


    The afternoon rush was just as intense as the morning, if not more so. The line grew quickly, stretching down the block as word spread.


    Ethan moved like a machine, flipping burgers, grilling chicken, and assembling tacos with practiced speed.


    The smells of sizzling meat and fresh spices filled the air, drawing more people in with every passing minute.


    "Two cheeseburgers and a taco!"


    "Three chicken tacos, extra sauce!"


    "Grilled cheese, no pickles!"


    The orders came fast, but Ethan kept up, his hands moving almost on instinct. The rhythm of the work was exhausting but oddly satisfying.


    By late afternoon, the crowd began to thin. Ethan leaned against the counter, wiping his forehead with the back of his hand.


    He glanced at the cash in his apron, already feeling the weight of another successful shift.


    The system phone buzzed again, and he picked it up to see a new notification:


    [Congratulations! Profit Margin Reached: 82%]


    Ethan smirked, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten. The system wasn''t just a lifeline¡ª I t was a game changer.


    As the last customer walked away with a bag of tacos, Ethan closed the window and leaned against the counter, letting out a long breath.


    "Two shifts down," he said, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Not bad for a day''s work."

 Chapter 8 Expanding Business

    Ethan leaned back in the food truck, his arms resting limply at his sides.


    Every muscle ached, a dull soreness that refused to go away no matter how many hours of sleep he managed to steal. But it wasn''t the kind of pain that brought regret.


    Instead, it was the kind that made him smile faintly as he glanced out the window at the empty street. The rush was over, and the truck was finally quiet.


    He stared at the darkened grill, his mind drifting back over the past week.


    After that first chaotic day, business had only grown.


    Word of his food truck spread faster than he could have imagined. People came for the tacos, the burgers, and the grilled cheese ¡ª simple meals done right.


    And they didn''t stop coming.


    Every morning started earlier than the last, and every evening ended later. By the second day, the line had doubled. By the third, it had tripled.


    It became a rhythm ¡ª wake up, buy ingredients, hustle through the day, collapse into bed, and do it all over again.


    But as much as Ethan had started to get the hang of things, it was still exhausting. There was only one of him, after all.


    The system phone buzzed on the counter, its glow cutting through the dim interior of the truck. Ethan sat up slowly, his body protesting every movement.


    He shuffled over and picked up the phone, its screen lighting up with a new notification.


    [System Update: Investment Opportunity Unlocked!]


    [New Investment: Expand Your Fleet with Additional Food Trucks]


    Ethan''s eyebrows shot up as he read the message. He tapped on the screen, scrolling through the details.


    The system had identified multiple abandoned food trucks scattered around the city ¡ª vehicles that, with a little work, could be refurbished and added to his growing business.


    He stared at the screen, his mind racing.


    He got ready quickly, his routine almost automatic now. A quick shower, a bite of whatever leftovers he had in the fridge, and then he was out the door.


    The system phone buzzed in his pocket as he walked down the street, pulling up directions to the first location.


    The first food truck was parked in an alleyway on the edge of the city. Its once-bright paint was faded and peeling, the name of a long-forgotten restaurant barely visible on the side.


    Ethan circled it cautiously, taking in the cracked windows and rusted wheels.


    It wasn''t much to look at, but it had potential.


    The system had estimated the cost of refurbishing the truck ¡ª new tires, a paint job, engine repairs ¡ª and the numbers seemed manageable.


    He made a mental note to come back later with a mechanic to assess the damage.


    The second truck was in slightly better shape, parked in an old garage that looked like it hadn''t been used in years.


    Ethan ran a hand along the side of the truck, brushing away a layer of dust.


    This one, at least, seemed salvageable. The interior needed work, but the exterior was mostly intact, and the engine looked like it hadn''t been touched in decades.


    He could already picture it up and running, parked in a busy part of town, drawing in customers just like his current truck.


    By the time Ethan visited the third and final location, the sun was high in the sky, and he was starting to feel the weight of the day.


    This truck was in the worst condition of the three, practically buried under a pile of debris in an abandoned lot.


    But as he cleared away the trash and stepped inside, he saw the same potential that the system had seen.


    Ethan spent the rest of the day taking notes, snapping pictures, and calculating costs.


    It was a lot to take in, but he couldn''t deny the excitement that bubbled up inside him.


    This was more than just a business ¡ª it was a chance to build something real, something that could carry him forward.


    And then he called mechanics for all three of them, paying the cost for all three to get them up and running.

 Chapter 9 New Hires

    The diner was quiet, the kind of place where the hum of the ceiling fan was the loudest sound in the room.


    Ethan sat in a booth near the window, his coffee cooling in front of him.


    A breeze wafted in from the open door, carrying the faint scent of freshly cut grass from the park across the street.


    It was a rare moment of peace after a whirlwind of a week.


    Ethan pulled out his phone, the cracked screen glinting in the afternoon light. He scrolled through his messages, scanning the responses to the ads he''d posted yesterday.


    The week had been a turning point. After making over $7,000 in seven days, he knew it was time to expand ¡ª and to do that, he needed help.


    Running a single truck had nearly killed him; managing multiple trucks would be impossible alone.


    So, he''d taken the plunge. The system had recommended it, after all, highlighting the qualities to look for in potential employees: reliability, adaptability, and a love for good food.


    He glanced at the stack of printed vests sitting beside him. They were simple, with the logo of his food truck ¡ª a stylized taco and burger ¡ª emblazoned on the chest, they were also on the trucks he refurbished and the first one he owned ¨C he had done all of that yesterday as well.


    He had paid for them yesterday, eager to make his new hires feel like part of something real.


    The interviews had been a mix of nerve-wracking and enlightening. Each candidate had brought something unique to the table, and Ethan had done his best to act professional, despite his old phone sitting awkwardly in his pocket like a dirty secret.


    The first was a woman in her thirties named Kara. She had a no-nonsense demeanor and years of experience working in restaurants.


    Her sharp wit had caught Ethan off guard, but her practical nature was exactly what he needed.


    "Just thinking about work," Ethan said with a small smile.


    She chuckled. "On a Sunday? That''s dedication."


    "You could say that," he replied, taking a sip of the fresh coffee.


    As the afternoon wore on, Ethan kept going over his plans. Tomorrow would be the start of something new ¡ª not just for him, but for the people he had hired.


    He had already assigned each of them a truck. The system had highlighted the best locations for the trucks to operate, and Ethan had spent the better part of yesterday mapping out routes and schedules.


    It wasn''t just about selling food anymore. It was about building a business.


    By the time Ethan left the diner, the sun was beginning to dip below the horizon, casting the streets in a warm, golden glow.


    He walked back to his apartment, the sound of his footsteps echoing in the quiet.


    When he got home, he tossed his phone onto the couch and grabbed the stack of recipe sheets he had printed out.


    "Time to make this official," he muttered, sitting down at the table.


    He spent the next hour carefully writing out instructions for each of his new hires, detailing everything from food prep to customer service.


    When he finally finished, Ethan leaned back in his chair, rubbing his tired eyes.


    It wasn''t perfect, but it was a start.

 Chapter 10 A Successful Team Shift

    The sun had barely risen, painting the city in hues of orange and pink.


    Ethan stood behind the counter of his food truck, flipping a batch of sizzling bacon while the scent of fresh coffee wafted through the small space.


    The streets were already alive with movement, people rushing to start their day.


    It was the perfect time to catch the breakfast crowd, and Ethan''s truck was parked in one of the system''s suggested locations ¡ª a bustling intersection near a business district.


    "Alright," Ethan muttered to himself, wiping his hands on his apron. "Let''s do this."


    The orders came quickly, a steady stream of customers lining up at the window.


    "One breakfast burrito, extra cheese!"


    "Two egg sandwiches and a coffee!"


    "Can you make the hash browns extra crispy?"


    Ethan worked fast, his hands moving on instinct. A week ago, he might have been overwhelmed, but now the rhythm felt natural.


    Between orders, his phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out, balancing it between his shoulder and ear while flipping a pancake on the grill.


    "Hello?" he said, a bit breathless.


    "Hey, boss, it''s Kara," came the voice on the other end.


    Ethan recognized the faint hum of her truck''s engine in the background.


    "What''s up?"


    "I''m out of napkins," she said. "The ones you stocked yesterday ran out faster than I thought. What do I do?"


    Ethan glanced at the clock. It was barely 8 a.m.


    Luis, ever the quiet one, simply nodded in agreement. "The locations you gave us were spot on," he said. "I don''t think we''d have had half as many customers without it. Thanks Boss,"


    Ethan glanced around at his team, feeling a sense of camaraderie that he hadn''t felt in a long time.


    "You all did good," he said. "This was the first big test, and you passed with flying colors."


    Kara raised an eyebrow. "You''re not about to get all sentimental on us, are you?"


    Ethan chuckled. "Don''t push your luck."


    After a few more minutes of chatting, Ethan pulled out a notebook he had been keeping in his pocket.


    "Alright, let''s talk about the afternoon shift," he said, flipping to a fresh page. "It''s going to be different from the morning crowd. Fewer breakfast orders, more lunch items. Make sure you''re stocked up on sandwiches, burgers, and tacos."


    The group nodded, jotting down notes on their phones.


    "And remember," Ethan continued, "speed is key. The lunch crowd won''t be as patient as the breakfast crowd. They''ve got less time to spare, so keep the lines moving."


    Danny raised his hand like they were in school.


    "Yes, Danny?" Ethan asked with a smirk.


    "Can we talk about how crazy it was this morning?" Danny said, shaking his head. "I mean, seriously, people were lining up like it was some celebrity chef''s food truck!"


    Ethan waved a hand dismissively. "Good food speaks for itself. If you make something worth eating, people will show up. That''s all there is to it."


    Danny grinned. "If you say so, boss."


    As the conversation wound down, Ethan felt a sense of satisfaction. They had pulled off a successful morning shift, and he was confident they could handle the afternoon rush just as well.


    And as he looked at his team, he realized that he wasn''t in this alone anymore.


    Although the amount of people showing up though was irregular.

 Chapter 11 Afternoon Hustle

    The late afternoon sun cast a warm glow over the streets as Ethan parked his truck in a busy suburban area.


    The system had marked this spot as prime for an afternoon crowd ¡ª families, students, and workers heading home early. Ethan had learned not to question its logic.


    With a deep breath, he stepped out of the truck to adjust the menu board, listing lunch items in bold, colorful handwriting.


    As he climbed back in, he felt the familiar hum of anticipation. The first customer of the afternoon usually set the tone for the rest of the shift.


    Within minutes, the orders started rolling in.


    "Two chicken sandwiches and a side of fries!"


    "One burger with extra cheese, hold the onions!"


    "Can I get three tacos and a lemonade?"


    Ethan worked efficiently, his movements smooth and practiced. The lunch rush was different from breakfast ¡ª people wanted heartier meals, and they didn''t want to wait long.


    The buzz of his phone interrupted his rhythm. Balancing a tray of sizzling fries, he grabbed the phone with his free hand and pressed it to his ear.


    "Yeah?"


    "Hey, boss, it''s Kara," came the familiar voice on the other end.


    Ethan''s stomach tightened slightly. Calls during a shift usually meant trouble. "What''s going on?"


    "We''re out of takeout packs," Kara said, her tone laced with frustration. "I thought we had enough, but the lunch orders wiped us out. What should I do?"


    Ethan glanced at the line outside his truck, then at the time. "Alright, give me a minute. I''ll order more and have them sent over."


    "Thanks," she said, relief evident in her voice.


    "Alright," Ethan said, holding up his phone. "Text me your account details so I can transfer your pay."


    As the notifications rolled in, Ethan quickly calculated their earnings for the day, deducting a small percentage for the business. The rest went straight into their accounts.


    Kara checked her phone, a smile spreading across her face. "Thanks, boss."


    Danny whistled. "Man, I''ve never made this much in a single shift before."


    "You''ve earned it," Ethan said simply.


    Before they left, Ethan gave them a few final instructions.


    "Park your trucks in the usual spots overnight," he said. "I''ll check in with you tomorrow morning before the breakfast shift."


    The group nodded, climbing into their vehicles one by one. As they drove off, Ethan watched their taillights disappear into the night.


    Now alone, Ethan leaned against his truck, letting the quiet settle around him. The lot was empty except for the hum of distant traffic and the occasional chirp of crickets.


    He glanced at the system''s phone, still sitting on the dashboard.


    "You''ve got me running around like crazy," he muttered with a smirk.


    The system didn''t respond, of course, but Ethan felt a strange sense of gratitude nonetheless. It had given him the tools to turn his life around, and for that, he couldn''t complain.


    After a moment, Ethan climbed into the driver''s seat, the day''s earnings locked safely in a small safe under the counter.


    He drove the truck to its designated spot, parking it neatly among the rows of other vehicles.


    As he stepped out, the cool night air hit him, and he stretched his arms above his head. His muscles ached from the long day, but it was a satisfying kind of pain ¡ª the kind that came from hard work paying off.


    With one last look at the truck, Ethan started the walk home, the city lights guiding his way.

 Chapter 12 A New Milestone

    The apartment was dark when Ethan stepped in, the faint creak of the door the only sound in the stillness.


    He flicked on the light, casting the small space in a warm glow. The sight of the shabby couch and the mess on the coffee table greeted him, but tonight, they didn''t bother him as much.


    Kicking off his shoes, Ethan slumped onto the bed with a sigh. His body ached in places he didn''t know could ache, but the exhaustion felt good.


    It was the kind of tired that came from a hard day''s work and tangible progress.


    He reached for the system''s phone, still sitting in his pocket. Pulling it out, Ethan unlocked it and placed it beside him on the bed.


    He intended to review the day''s sales and start planning for tomorrow.


    But before he could open any apps, the phone vibrated, the familiar blue light flashing across the screen.


    [SYSTEM ALERT]


    [Your RP has reached 100%. Calculating rewards...]


    Ethan blinked at the notification. "RP?" he muttered aloud. He hadn''t heard the system mention this before.


    A new message appeared:


    [CONGRATULATIONS!]


    [You have successfully established the Food Truck Business Investment. As a reward for reaching 100% progress, you have been granted a bonus of $100,000.]


    For a moment, Ethan stared at the screen, dumbfounded.


    "Bonus?" he murmured, sitting up straight.


    His other phone vibrated, and the balance in his cashapp updated before his eyes. Sure enough, there it was ¡ª a shiny new $100,000 sitting in his account.


    A grin spread across Ethan''s face. This felt surreal. Just weeks ago, he had been buried under a mountain of debt, teetering on the edge of despair.


    And now? Now, he had employees, thriving food trucks, and a six-figure bonus just for doing what the system told him to.


    He couldn''t help but laugh, shaking his head. "This is insane," he muttered.


    "Can I even handle this?" he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.


    The phone buzzed softly, as if in response.


    [REMINDER]


    [The system will assist with all aspects of the investment. Trust in the process.]


    Ethan snorted. "Trust in the process," he repeated under his breath. It was easy to say, but taking that leap was another matter entirely.


    For a while, he sat there in silence, the weight of the decision pressing on him. He thought about how far he''d come in just a week.


    The food trucks were thriving, his employees were happy, and he felt like he was in control of his life.


    The system hadn''t let him down yet.


    Taking a deep breath, Ethan tapped the confirmation button on the screen.


    [INVESTMENT CONFIRMED]


    ]Transaction Complete: $80,000]


    A map appeared, highlighting several properties in the designated neighborhood.


    [NEXT STEPS]


    [Visit the properties and assess their condition.]


    [Begin renovations with system-approved contractors.]


    [Prepare for tenant applications.]


    Ethan set the phone down beside him, exhaling slowly. It was official. He was now a real estate investor.


    A small smile tugged at his lips. "Who would''ve thought?" he murmured to himself.


    He leaned back on the bed, staring at the ceiling. The exhaustion from the day''s work was still there, but now it was paired with a quiet excitement.

 Chapter 13 A New Investment

    Ethan stood in front of the building he had invested in, the early morning sun casting long shadows over the cracked pavement.


    His hands were tucked into his jacket pockets, partly to ward off the chill and partly to keep them from trembling.


    The building was... a sight for sore eyes.


    It wasn''t the worst he''d ever seen, but it certainly wasn''t a postcard of luxury either. The fac?ade was worn, its paint peeling off in long strips like scabs on a healing wound.


    A couple of windows were broken, their jagged edges gleaming like teeth in a crooked smile.


    Still, it was his. His property.


    The system had made sure of that overnight, completing all the paperwork, and transferring ownership into his name.


    He hadn''t even had to lift a finger, but the feeling of standing here now, knowing this place belonged to him, filled him with a sense of pride he hadn''t felt in years.


    "Quite the fixer-upper, huh?"


    The voice snapped Ethan out of his thoughts. He turned to see a man in his late forties approaching, his tie slightly loosened and a clipboard in hand.


    The agent assigned by the mayor had introduced himself earlier as Greg, and Ethan couldn''t help but think the guy looked like he''d rather be anywhere else.


    "It''s got potential," Ethan replied, shrugging.


    Greg smirked, flipping through the pages on his clipboard. "That''s one way to put it. The city''s been sitting on this property for years, waiting for someone with enough optimism ¡ª or insanity ¡ª to take it on."


    Ethan chuckled, though it sounded more nervous than amused. "I guess that makes me the crazy one."


    They started walking around the perimeter of the building, Greg pointing out structural issues, city codes that needed addressing, and other details that flew over Ethan''s head.


    "The foundation''s solid," Greg said, crouching to inspect a crack in the base. "But you''ll need to redo the plumbing and electrical. Windows are a mess, and don''t even get me started on the roof."


    And if the system''s predictions were right, it would pay off in the long run.


    Greg, who had been lingering near the entrance, checked his watch. "I think my part here''s done," he said, giving Ethan a nod. "Good luck with everything. You''ve got your hands full, but I''ve seen worse turn into something great."


    "Thanks," Ethan said, shaking his hand.


    As Greg left, Marty clapped Ethan on the back. "Don''t worry, kid. We''ve got this. You focus on whatever you''ve got going on, and we''ll handle the heavy lifting."


    Ethan managed a small smile. "Thanks, Marty. I appreciate it."


    Marty gave him a thumbs-up before turning back to his team. "Alright, boys, let''s get to work!"


    The crew sprang into action, unloading tools and equipment from the trucks. Ethan stepped outside to give them space, leaning against the side of the building as he watched them work.


    He pulled out his own phone ¡ª not the system''s, but his personal one ¡ª and scrolled through his messages.


    There wasn''t much there, just a couple of notifications from food suppliers and a text from one of his employees asking about the week''s schedule.


    For a moment, Ethan let himself bask in the quiet. It was strange how quickly his life had changed. A few weeks ago, he had been drowning in despair, barely able to see a way out.


    Now, he had a thriving business, a growing team, and a new investment that could set him up for life.


    The thought made him smile, and for the first time in years, it wasn''t tinged with bitterness or regret.


    "Hey, boss!" Marty''s voice broke through his thoughts. Ethan looked up to see the man waving him over.


    "What''s up?" Ethan asked, walking back inside.


    "Just wanted to go over the timeline with you," Marty said, gesturing to a set of blueprints spread out on a workbench.


    As Marty explained the renovation plan, Ethan found himself nodding along, the initial nervousness giving way to a sense of determination.


    This building was his now, and he was going to make it something worth being proud of.

 Chapter 14 Making it Liveable

    Ethan leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, watching as Marty''s crew dove into the building''s insides like surgeons in an operating room.


    Dust hung in the air, catching the light filtering through the cracked windows, making the scene look surreal.


    "Alright, boys, let''s start with clearing this mess," Marty barked, pointing to the pile of broken furniture and scattered debris that dominated the main hall.


    The team got to work immediately. Two men grabbed a large, splintered desk and began hauling it toward the door while others swept the floor, their brooms kicking up clouds of grime.


    Ethan stepped aside as they carried the desk past him, muttering an apology when one of the men almost tripped.


    "You''re fine, boss," the guy said with a grin. "Just don''t stand in the line of fire."


    Ethan chuckled nervously and moved to a safer spot, feeling like an awkward guest at his own party.


    The first hour was nothing but noise. The rhythmic scrape of shovels, the clatter of debris being tossed into dumpsters, and the occasional shout from Marty as he directed his team.


    "Careful with that beam! It''s load-bearing, you idiots!"


    Ethan wandered around, trying to stay out of their way while keeping an eye on the progress. He''d never seen a renovation team in action before, and it was both impressive and chaotic.


    One guy was prying nails out of the walls with a crowbar, muttering curses under his breath every time one refused to budge.


    Another was up on a ladder, hammering away at a loose panel on the ceiling.


    As the crew worked, the true state of the building revealed itself. The floors were warped in some places, the walls were riddled with cracks, and there was a faint smell of something Ethan didn''t want to identify.


    "Hey, Marty," Ethan called out, stepping over a pile of rubble. "How bad do you think it really is?"


    Marty, who was supervising a team clearing out a back room, glanced over his shoulder. "Bad, but not hopeless. The structure''s solid, and that''s what matters. Everything else is just a matter of time and money."


    Ethan nodded, though the mention of money made his stomach tighten. He had the system''s backing, sure, but the costs were starting to pile up in his head.


    By mid-morning, the main hall was starting to look less like a disaster zone and more like an empty, albeit filthy, room.


    As the afternoon wore on, the crew made steady progress.


    They ripped out the old carpet, patched up some of the larger cracks in the walls, and removed the broken light fixtures.


    Ethan helped where he could, mostly by carrying buckets of debris down to the dumpsters. It wasn''t glamorous work, but it felt good to be doing something.


    At one point, Marty pulled him aside. "You don''t have to get your hands dirty, you know. That''s what we''re here for."


    "I know," Ethan said, wiping sweat from his forehead. "But it''s my building. Feels wrong not to pitch in."


    Marty nodded, a hint of respect in his eyes. "Fair enough."


    By the time the sun started to dip below the horizon, the building was far from perfect, but it was no longer uninhabitable.


    The floors were clear, the walls were patched up enough to stop any immediate damage, and the air smelled less like mildew and more like sawdust.


    Marty and his crew gathered in the main hall, their faces streaked with dirt and sweat.


    "Not bad for a day''s work," Marty said, clapping his hands together.


    The crew let out a collective cheer, clearly proud of their efforts. Ethan smiled, feeling a flicker of hope for the first time in a long while.


    As the workers packed up their tools and loaded them into the trucks, Marty approached Ethan.


    "We''ll be back tomorrow to keep at it," he said. "Shouldn''t take more than a couple of weeks to get this place in decent shape."


    "Thanks, Marty," Ethan said, shaking his hand. "I really appreciate it."


    Marty gave him a toothy grin. "Hey, you''re paying us, remember? But seriously, this place has potential. Once we''re done, you''ll barely recognize it."


    Ethan nodded, watching as the trucks pulled away, leaving him alone in front of his building. He took a deep breath, the crisp evening air filling his lungs.


    It wasn''t perfect. It wasn''t even close. But it was progress. And for now, that was enough.

 Chapter 15 Clearing The Debt

    The cool evening breeze brushed against Ethan''s face as he made his way back home. His steps were brisk, his mind still occupied with the day''s events.


    Overseeing the crew at the renovation site had been more exhausting than he''d anticipated, but seeing progress made it worth it.


    The city was alive around him, as it always was, but Ethan tuned it out. Vendors shouted from street corners, kids laughed as they chased each other down the sidewalks, and the distant hum of cars filled the air.


    None of it mattered right now. He just wanted to get home, kick off his shoes, and collapse onto his couch.


    Ethan reached his building and climbed the stairs two at a time. The hallway smelled faintly of cheap cleaning supplies, and his shoes echoed against the tile floor.


    As he unlocked his door, a wave of relief washed over him.


    The small apartment was just as he''d left it ¡ª dimly lit and cluttered with papers, receipts, and notebooks. The only clean spot was the corner where his new phone would sit, perched like a trophy on its stand.


    He tossed his jacket onto the couch and sat down heavily, letting out a long sigh. His feet ached from all the walking, but he couldn''t complain. Things were finally starting to fall into place.


    Just as he leaned back and closed his eyes, his phone buzzed on the table. Ethan groaned, reaching for it reluctantly. He didn''t recognize the number, but something told him to pick up.


    "Hello?"


    The voice on the other end was all too familiar. "Ethan, it''s Marcus. We need to talk."


    Ethan sat up straighter, his jaw tightening. Marcus was the CEO of the company he used to work for ¡ª the man who had stood by and let him take the fall for crimes he didn''t commit.


    With that, he hung up and blocked the number.


    For a moment, Ethan just stood there, staring at his phone. A wave of emotions crashed over him ¡ª relief, anger, and a strange sense of triumph.


    The system''s familiar chime pulled him from his thoughts. A notification appeared on the screen:


    [Congratulations! You have cleared all outstanding debt in your name. Your reputation points have increased significantly.]


    Ethan chuckled, setting the phone back down. "Well, that''s one less thing to worry about."


    The apartment felt lighter somehow, as if a weight had been lifted from its walls. Ethan walked to the kitchen, pouring himself a glass of water.


    He took a sip, leaning against the counter and letting the moment sink in.


    Ethan glanced at the couch, where his jacket lay crumpled. Inside the pocket was the money he''d collected from his employees earlier that day.


    He hadn''t counted it yet, but he knew it was enough to keep things running smoothly.


    As he sat back down, his thoughts drifted to the future. The food truck business was thriving, and the renovation project was underway.


    He picked up his phone again, scrolling through the system''s interface. There were no new investment opportunities yet, but that didn''t bother him. He had plenty to focus on for now.


    Setting the phone aside, Ethan leaned back and closed his eyes. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but for tonight, he could finally rest easy.

 Chapter 16 Sport Bike

    Ethan tugged his jacket tighter against the evening chill as he stepped off the bus near the apartment building.


    The neighborhood was quieter than usual, the sounds of distant traffic and a barking dog filling the air. With a steady pace, he made his way down the cracked sidewalk toward the property he''d come to think of as his second chance.


    The food truck business was thriving.


    His decision to hire an additional person for each truck had proven wise, even though it meant paying out more.


    The streamlined operations and their combined efforts were pulling in daily profits he could hardly believe.


    Ethan''s phone buzzed occasionally with updates from his team, but for the most part, he trusted them to handle the work.


    It was liberating, in a way ¡ª this idea that he didn''t have to do everything himself anymore.


    The apartment building loomed ahead, a stark contrast to the how it had been. It was still a work in progress, but Ethan could see the improvements already taking shape.


    The graffiti that had once defaced its walls was gone, and fresh coats of paint were gradually bringing it back to life.


    He spotted Marty near the front entrance, talking with one of the workers. The contractor waved when he saw Ethan approaching.


    "Hey! Just in time," Marty called, his voice echoing slightly in the empty street.


    Ethan shook his hand, glancing around. "How''s it looking?"


    "Come inside and see for yourself."


    The interior smelled faintly of paint and sawdust. The hallway walls, which had been crumbling when Ethan first saw them, now stood smooth and clean.


    A few workers were measuring planks for flooring near the far end of the hall, their voices low as they discussed the next steps.


    "We got the walls done ahead of schedule," Marty said, gesturing proudly. "And the windows? Most of them are in already. You won''t recognize this place once we''re finished."


    Ethan nodded, running a hand along one of the walls. The surface was cool and even, the rough patches and exposed brick gone. "You guys are doing amazing work."


    "We aim to please," Marty said with a grin. "Flooring''s next, and then we''ll tackle the fixtures. You''ve got yourself a solid property here, Boss."


    He ran his fingers through his hair, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. He hadn''t splurged on anything for himself in months now ¡ª his salary hadn''t been enough to delve into expensive things and he was mostly working.


    A young salesman in a polo shirt approached him, a friendly smile on his face. "Welcome! Looking for a bike today?"


    Ethan nodded. "Yeah, something... fast but reliable."


    "You''ve come to the right place," the salesman said, gesturing to the rows of bikes. "We''ve got some incredible options, all top-of-the-line. Any particular budget you''re working with?"


    Ethan chuckled lightly, more to himself than anyone else. "Not really. Show me what you''ve got."


    The salesman''s eyes lit up. "Alright, let''s start over here."


    He led Ethan to a deep red bike that seemed to glisten under the store''s lights. "This is the Ducati Panigale V2 ¡ª 955cc engine, sharp design, and one of the best in its class. It''s $25,000, but every penny is worth it."


    Ethan leaned closer, running his hand along the smooth surface. "Looks like it could outrun a jet."


    The salesman laughed. "It might feel like it too when you''re on it."


    They moved down the row.


    "Now, this one here is the Yamaha YZF-R1, $22,000. It''s got a more aggressive feel and is packed with tech, like its crossplane engine and advanced electronic aids. Perfect if you want something sporty and futuristic."


    Ethan nodded, appreciating the sharp edges and bold blue paint job.


    "And lastly," the salesman said, patting a sleek black bike with a subtle green trim, "the Kawasaki Ninja H2. It''s $30,000, but this beast is supercharged. You''ll feel like you''re flying every time you hit the throttle."


    Ethan stepped back, taking in all three bikes. He hadn''t planned on spending this much time deciding, but each option was tempting in its own way.


    After a moment, he pointed at the Ducati.


    "This one feels... right," he said.


    "Excellent choice," the salesman said, already pulling out a tablet to finalize the sale.


    The paperwork didn''t take long.


    As Ethan handed over the payment, he felt a strange sense of satisfaction.

 Chapter 17 Reunion

    The salesman walked him out to the garage area some minutes later, where the bike was prepped and ready to ride. "Here you go. I''ve fueled her up and checked everything over. She''s ready to hit the road."


    Ethan nodded, slipping on the helmet he''d picked up at the shop.


    It felt snug and secure as he adjusted the chin strap. He swung a leg over the Ducati, feeling its weight and balance beneath him.


    "You''ve ridden before, right?" the salesman asked.


    Ethan smirked. "It''s been a while, but yeah. I remember enough."


    The engine roared to life as he turned the key and pressed the ignition.


    The sound was exhilarating, and for a brief moment, he let himself just sit there, absorbing it.


    Pulling out of the shop''s parking lot, Ethan eased into the throttle. The bike responded instantly, gliding forward with a smoothness that caught him off guard.


    He navigated the quiet side streets at first, getting a feel for the controls and the way the Ducati moved beneath him.


    It didn''t take long for his confidence to grow. By the time he reached an open stretch of road, he couldn''t resist pushing the throttle harder.


    The bike surged forward, and the world blurred around him as the wind whipped against his jacket.


    Riding felt like freedom.


    The Ducati carried him forward, away from all of it, even if just for a little while.


    He took a long route home, weaving through quiet streets and open highways. The city looked different from this perspective ¡ª brighter, more alive.


    Every turn and shift in gear was a reminder of why he''d wanted this in the first place.


    When Ethan finally pulled up to his apartment complex, he parked the Ducati near the entrance and sat there for a moment, letting the engine idle before shutting it off.


    The silence that followed felt almost too loud after the ride, but it was a good kind of quiet.


    "Alright," Ethan said finally. "Where and when?"


    "Perfect! There''s this great little restaurant not far from where I am. I''ll text you the address. Say, an hour?"


    "An hour works," Ethan said, standing up and stretching.


    Ethan hung up and went to his bedroom to change. He threw on a casual shirt and jeans, something comfortable but decent enough for a public meetup.


    As he adjusted his jacket, he caught his reflection in the mirror. After dressing around for a bit and adjusting his clothes, he looked presentable. Not perfect, but presentable.


    ''I''ll have to go and buy some clothes, probably change my phone too,''


    He wasn''t just another guy ¨C neither was he trying to get by... he had so much money in his account, money that was meant to be spend on his wellbeing.


    He grabbed his helmet and keys, heading out the door. Outside, the cool evening air greeted him as he walked toward his bike, the Ducati gleaming under the streetlights.


    Climbing on, he felt a familiar rush as he started the engine.


    The restaurant Nate had mentioned wasn''t far, just a short ride across the city. Ethan merged into the light weekend traffic, the roar of the Ducati cutting through the hum of car engines.


    Riding at evening always felt different ¡ª calmer, quieter, yet filled with a certain anticipation.


    The ride gave him time to think.


    He hadn''t spoken to Nate in years. Back in college, they''d been inseparable, pulling all-nighters for exams, splitting cheap takeout, and sharing ridiculous plans for the future.


    Nate had been one of the few people who genuinely understood him, but after graduation, life took them in different directions.


    And then everything fell apart for Ethan.


    He wondered how much Nate knew about his situation. Did he know about the accusations, the debt, the isolation? Or was this just a casual reunion, free of the weight of his past?


    Ethan sighed, tightening his grip on the handlebars as he approached the restaurant.

 Chapter 18 Reunion (Part 2)

    The place was small and cozy, tucked into a corner of the street with warm lights glowing from the windows. Ethan parked his bike nearby and walked in, scanning the room.


    "Ethan!"


    He turned to see Nate waving from a corner table. The guy looked almost exactly the same ¡ª tall, athletic build and long combed brown hair, as well as a smile that could light up a room.


    Ethan couldn''t help but smile back as he made his way over.


    "Nate," Ethan said, shaking his hand before sitting across from him. "You haven''t changed a bit."


    "And you look like you''ve been through the wringer," Nate said with a grin, though his tone was lighthearted.


    Ethan laughed, feeling the tension ease a little. "You could say that."


    A waitress came by, handing them menus and taking their drink orders. Ethan opted for water, while Nate went for a beer.


    "So," Nate said, leaning back in his seat, "what''s been going on with you? It''s been, what, six years?"


    "Something like that," Ethan said. He debated how much to share but decided to keep it simple. "Life''s been... complicated. A lot of ups and downs."


    Nate raised an eyebrow. "Complicated how?"


    Ethan hesitated, then shrugged. "Lost my job. Got blamed for something I didn''t do. Spent a while just trying to figure out what the hell I was doing with my life."


    Nate frowned. "Man, that sucks. I had no idea. Why didn''t you reach out?"


    "I didn''t want to drag anyone else into it," Ethan said honestly.


    Nate nodded, his expression serious. "I get that. But still, it''s good to see you now. You seem... better."


    "Yeah," Ethan said, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I am better. Things are finally turning around."


    Their food arrived ¡ª a mix of burgers and fries that reminded Ethan of their college days. They talked and laughed, reminiscing about old times and catching up on where life had taken them.


    Mannequins dressed in elegant suits and trendy casualwear stood like sentinels, and the faint scent of expensive cologne lingered in the air.


    Shelves and racks displayed clothes that looked so pristine Ethan wondered if they had ever been touched.


    He felt out of place almost immediately. His sneakers squeaked slightly against the polished floor, and he caught a glimpse of himself in one of the mirrors.


    Next to the chic displays, he looked like he had wandered in by mistake.


    A customer service associate ¡ª a slim man with perfectly coiffed hair and an expression that screamed disinterest ¡ª approached him.


    "Good morning, sir," the associate said, his tone polite but flat. His eyes flicked over Ethan''s outfit, and Ethan didn''t miss the slight lift of his eyebrow.


    "Morning," Ethan replied curtly, feeling the judgment radiating from the man.


    "May I assist you with something specific today?" the associate asked, clearly skeptical that Ethan belonged here.


    Ethan clenched his jaw but kept his tone even. "Yeah, I''m looking to update my wardrobe. Shirts, pants, shoes ¡ª the works."


    The associate nodded, though his skepticism didn''t fade. "Of course. Follow me, please."


    Ethan was led to a section of neatly folded shirts, each one more expensive than anything he had ever bought before.


    The associate began showing him options, explaining fabrics and cuts in a tone that made it clear he didn''t expect Ethan to buy anything.


    "This one is Egyptian cotton," the associate said, holding up a crisp white shirt. "Very popular among our clients."


    Ethan nodded, barely listening. Instead, he ran his hand over the fabric. It was smooth, softer than anything he''d ever owned.


    "I''ll take it," he said.


    The associate blinked. "Oh. Excellent choice," he said, recovering quickly.


    They moved on to pants. Ethan chose a few pairs of tailored trousers and dark jeans.


    Then came shoes ¡ª leather loafers and sleek sneakers that felt like walking on clouds. With each selection, the associate''s attitude shifted.

 Chapter 19 Purchasing New Devices

    By the time Ethan had piled up a mix of casual and formal wear, the associate was practically tripping over himself to compliment Ethan''s taste.


    "You''ve got an eye for quality, sir," he said, his tone now warmer, almost friendly.


    Ethan smirked to himself. Amazing how quickly things changed when money entered the picture.


    When Ethan finally reached the checkout counter, the total flashed on the screen, and even he had to blink. $12,000.


    "Would you like to split the payment, sir?" the cashier asked.


    "No need," Ethan said, pulling out his card.


    He swiped it without hesitation, though he felt a small pang. It was a lot of money for clothes, but he reminded himself this wasn''t just about appearances. This was an investment in himself.


    As the cashier handed him his receipt, Ethan caught the associate glancing at him with something like admiration. Ethan almost laughed.


    Ethan walked out of the clothing store, feeling lighter despite the weight of the bags in his hands.


    His wardrobe was finally upgraded, and the rush of making such a substantial purchase left him exhilarated. Yet, there was one more thing nagging at him ¡ª his outdated phone and sluggish laptop.


    Standing on the street, he glanced at the nearby stores.


    His eyes landed on the sleek signage of an iOS shop just down the block. "Might as well make it a full upgrade day," he muttered, adjusting his grip on the shopping bags before heading over.


    The iOS store was brightly lit, with clean white displays showcasing the latest gadgets. Customers milled about, some eagerly testing out devices while others quietly browsed.


    Ethan made his way to the counter, where a petite girl with chestnut-brown hair tied in a loose ponytail stood.


    She looked young ¡ª probably a college student ¡ª with delicate features and large, almond-shaped eyes that darted nervously between the screen in front of her and a customer she was helping.


    Her name tag read "Lila", and her hesitant smile suggested she wasn''t entirely confident in her role yet.


    Ethan stood back, watching her fumble slightly with the card reader as the customer handed over their payment. She apologized softly, her cheeks reddening when the reader beeped in approval.


    When it was finally his turn, she looked up and offered him a shy smile. "Hi... welcome. How can I help you today?"


    Her voice was soft, almost hesitant, and Ethan noticed the faintest tremble in her fingers as she adjusted the tablet on the counter.


    "I''m looking for a new phone," he said, setting his shopping bags down by his feet. "And a laptop too. Something fast, reliable, and, you know, won''t make me want to throw it out the window after a week."


    "Good choice. You''ll do great."


    Her cheeks flushed again, and she quickly looked down at the receipt she was printing. "Thanks."


    After finalizing the purchase, Lila offered to help set up his new phone. Ethan watched as her nimble fingers navigated the screen, inputting basic settings and transferring data from his old device.


    "You''re pretty quick with this," he said.


    "It''s part of the job," she replied with a small shrug. "But... I do kind of enjoy it. Makes me feel like I''m helping people, you know?"


    Ethan nodded. "That''s a good mindset to have. Not enough people think that way."


    As she finished the setup, she handed him the phone. "All done. You''re good to go."


    "Thanks, Lila," he said, glancing at her name tag. "You''ve been really helpful."


    "It''s my job," she said softly, though there was a hint of pride in her voice.


    Ethan hesitated for a moment before leaning slightly closer. "Listen, you seem like a really nice person. And since you''re so good at what you do, maybe you could help me out again sometime?"


    Lila blinked, confused. "Uh... how do you mean?"


    "By giving me your number," he said with a grin.


    Her eyes widened, and for a moment, she looked like a deer caught in headlights. "M-my number?"


    "Yeah," Ethan said, keeping his tone casual. "No pressure, of course. But, you know, in case I need advice about all this tech stuff I just bought."


    She hesitated, biting her lip, and then gave a small, nervous laugh. "O-okay, I guess. Just for tech stuff, though, right?"


    "Strictly professional," he teased, though his tone made it clear he was joking.


    She smiled shyly as she scribbled her number on a small piece of paper and handed it to him. "Here."


    "Thanks," he said, slipping it into his pocket. "You''ve been awesome, Lila. Hope to see you around."


    As Ethan left the store, riding his bike back home with his new gadgets in tow, he couldn''t help but feel a little lighter.


    And maybe, just maybe, Lila wasn''t just a random encounter.

 Chapter 20 Lila

    Ethan sat on his couch, his fingers tapping absently on the edge of his phone as he glanced at the time. It was getting late, but his mind was far from ready to rest.


    The buzzing silence in the room felt oddly calming, despite the many tasks still left in his life to complete. His business was growing, his investments were taking off, but tonight? Tonight was different.


    He had just hung up with his last contact for the day, Marty about the current stats of the place''s renovation, but his thoughts kept drifting to Lila ¡ª the girl he''d met earlier at the iOS shop.


    She had been so shy, yet there was something undeniably captivating about her.


    Her quiet, careful movements as she helped him set up his new phone, the way she seemed unsure of herself, but still managed to do her job with such focus. And those eyes, full of unspoken thoughts.


    The phone sat on his lap now, the screen reflecting his face, still showing the unsaved number that he''d dialed.


    That conversation had stuck with him more than he cared to admit. There was an awkwardness between them, but it wasn''t unpleasant. It was real.


    His fingers hovered over the screen for a moment before he swiped to her contact again. He thought about how she had seemed so unsure of herself when he asked for her number ¡ª her soft voice, her shy laughs.


    She was unlike any woman he''d met before.


    He smiled faintly and hit the dial button, the sound of the ringing filling the otherwise quiet room.


    Meanwhile, across town, Lila was in her apartment, curled up on her couch.


    The day had been a blur of classes, assignments, and running the shop for her shift. The iOS store had been busier than usual, but she''d managed to keep up.


    The evening had settled in, and after grabbing some takeout, she sank into her couch, feeling the soft fabric of her old hoodie as she tried to relax.


    Her phone buzzed unexpectedly, and she almost dropped it as it buzzed against her thigh. She picked it up quickly, her eyes scanning the number on the screen.


    It was an unsaved number. She hesitated, wondering if it was just another one of those calls.


    She''d been so nervous when Ethan had asked for her number ¡ª she hadn''t even known if he was genuinely interested or if he just felt bad for her.


    He seemed kind, but he was clearly so confident in everything. And she... well, she wasn''t.


    The screen lit up again, and she stared at it for a moment longer than necessary. She quickly swiped to answer, her heart already racing in anticipation. Was it him?


    "Hello?" Her voice came out quieter than she intended, but it was already too late.


    Her mind buzzed. "You ¡ª running a business? Like, what kind of business?"


    "Nothing too fancy," Ethan said lightly. "But it''s something that''s been keeping me busy. Maybe one day you''ll see it for yourself."


    There was a teasing quality to his voice, but Lila couldn''t place what he meant. She felt the urge to ask more, but something held her back.


    "Maybe," she muttered, her shyness taking over. The silence that fell between them was comfortable, though it didn''t feel awkward. At least, not for a moment. "So, uh, what else do you do for fun?"


    "I guess we both like staying in, huh?" Ethan''s voice was easy and smooth, like they were old friends catching up. "Honestly, I just enjoy the little things now. Not much else. I mean, I did just buy a new bike recently, so I might try to take that out soon."


    Lila''s ears perked up at that. "A bike?" she asked, intrigued despite herself. "Like... a motorcycle?"


    "Yeah," Ethan confirmed. "It''s been a long time coming, but I finally decided to treat myself."


    She couldn''t help but laugh at the idea of Ethan on a motorcycle.


    She could picture him riding through the streets, looking confident and unstoppable. "Sounds exciting," she said before realizing she''d been talking more than she intended.


    It felt strange, yet freeing, to be speaking with him like this.


    The conversation flowed easily from there, the initial nervousness melting away for both of them.


    They joked about the busyness of their lives, exchanged small details about their routines, and as the evening wore on, Lila found herself laughing more than she had all week.


    Eventually, though, the conversation lulled again.


    "Hey, Lila," Ethan said quietly, breaking the silence. "I know this is a little sudden, but maybe we could meet up sometime? Grab some coffee or something?"


    Her heart leaped, and she felt a wave of warmth spread across her cheeks. She was speechless for a moment, unsure how to react. But the words slipped out before she could stop herself.


    "I ¡ª I''d like that. Yeah."


    A soft chuckle came from Ethan''s side of the line. "Great. I''ll text you the details."


    Lila nodded, even though he couldn''t see her. "Okay... sounds good."


    As they ended the call, Lila''s mind raced.

 Chapter 21 Second Investment Completed

    Ethan and Marty stepped through the newly finished apartment building, the soft glow of the afternoon sun filtering through the large windows.


    The light caught on the polished floors and freshly painted walls, giving the place a warm, inviting feel. Ethan paused in the hallway, letting out a low whistle.


    "Looks... amazing," he murmured, running his hand along the smooth wooden banister. It had been weeks of grueling work ¡ª permits, contractors, delays, and the occasional sleepless night.


    To see it all come together like this felt surreal.


    "Not bad, huh?" Marty grinned, his toolbox slung over his shoulder. His plaid shirt was streaked with dust and paint, evidence of countless hours spent hammering, sanding, and troubleshooting. "You remember how this place was when we first walked in. I was half-convinced it''d collapse if someone sneezed too hard."


    Ethan chuckled, shaking his head. "Tell me about it. I still have nightmares about that leaky ceiling on the second floor. And don''t even get me started on the plumbing."


    "Ah, the plumbing." Marty winced dramatically. "You know, I think I aged ten years trying to figure out why those pipes wouldn''t stop leaking. But hey, look at it now."


    Together, they moved from room to room, inspecting every detail.


    Each unit had its own unique charm ¡ª some had large bay windows overlooking the city, others had cozy balconies perfect for morning coffee.


    The walls were painted in neutral tones, the kind that could suit anyone''s taste. Ethan noted how the hardwood floors gleamed under the light, the clean lines of the modern fixtures, it looked beautiful, splendid even.


    By the time they reached the top floor, Marty leaned against the wall, wiping his brow. "Well, boss, I think we''ve done it. This place is as ready as it''s ever gonna be."


    Ethan nodded, his hands on his hips as he surveyed the penthouse unit. "You really outdid yourself, Marty. I couldn''t have done this without you."


    [Congratulations, Host!]


    [You''ve successfully set up your second investment property. The apartments are now live for rent, and any inquiries from potential tenants will be sent directly to you.]


    Ethan couldn''t help but grin. It was a small thing ¡ª just a line of text on a screen ¡ª but it carried so much weight.


    This was his second investment, a step closer to his dream of financial independence.


    He''d taken a risk, poured money into a crumbling building that most people wouldn''t have given a second glance. And now, it was ready to stand on its own, to bring in tenants, to become a home for people.


    He walked over to the balcony and stepped outside. The view was breathtaking. The city stretched out before him, a patchwork of rooftops, streets, and skyscrapers.


    The sound of distant traffic hummed in the background, a reminder of the life and energy that surrounded him.


    For a moment, he let himself bask in the satisfaction of a job well done. But it wasn''t long before his mind began racing again.


    There were still a few things to handle ¡ª marketing the apartments, screening tenants, ensuring the building''s upkeep. And then, of course, there was the next project to think about.


    Ethan leaned on the railing, his phone still in hand. He opened the notes app and started jotting down ideas for future properties.


    But as he stood there, the sun dipping lower in the sky, he reminded himself to take a moment to breathe. Marty was right ¡ª he deserved a break, even if just for a day. Maybe he''d treat himself to dinner at his favorite restaurant or catch up on that book he''d been meaning to read with Lila of course.


    "On to the next one," he murmured to himself, before heading down the stairs, the sound of his footsteps echoing softly in the empty halls.

 Chapter 22 Evening Date

    The evening sky was clear, the fading sunlight casting soft hues of orange and pink over the city.


    Lila sat alone at a small table by the window of the restaurant, her fingers drumming softly against the polished wood.


    The place wasn''t overly fancy, but it wasn''t a casual diner either ¡ª it struck the perfect balance between comfort and charm.


    The warm lighting and soft hum of background chatter added to the cozy atmosphere.


    Lila glanced at her phone, noting the time. She had arrived fifteen minutes early, a nervous habit she hadn''t been able to shake.


    She wore a light blue dress that complemented her skin tone, its flowing fabric giving her an air of understated elegance.


    Her makeup was simple, just enough to enhance her features, and her hair was swept into a low ponytail. It wasn''t over the top, but it was more effort than she''d usually put into her appearance.


    Her foot tapped against the floor as she looked at the menu for what felt like the tenth time.


    The butterflies in her stomach had yet to settle, and with each passing minute, her nerves seemed to grow.


    "Maybe I shouldn''t have agreed to this," she muttered under her breath, shaking her head. She wasn''t used to dates ¡ª especially not with someone as confident and enigmatic as Ethan.


    The thought of him made her stomach flip again. She hadn''t saved his number as a contact yet, but his voice from the phone call a night or two ago lingered in her mind.


    It was warm and steady, the kind of voice that made you feel heard.


    She glanced at the clock on her phone again. He was late. Only by a few minutes, but still.


    Her hand hovered over her phone, considering whether to call him, when the restaurant door swung open.


    There he was.


    Ethan stepped in, scanning the room before spotting her.


    He was dressed in a crisp white button-up shirt tucked into dark jeans, the sleeves rolled up to his forearms in a casual yet polished way.


    His hair was freshly cut, shorter on the sides and styled neatly on top, giving him a sharp, refreshed look.


    Lila''s breath caught for a moment as their eyes met. She hadn''t realized he could look even more put-together than he had in the iOS shop.


    Lila nodded, her own laughter bubbling up. "She did. But I confessed a week later. She wasn''t even mad ¡ª she just laughed at me."


    Their conversation flowed easily from there, moving from lighthearted anecdotes to deeper topics. Ethan shared stories from his own life, carefully avoiding anything too personal about his past struggles.


    Instead, he focused on lighter tales ¡ª like the time he almost wiped out on his bike during the first time he ever rode a bike.


    Lila found herself relaxing more as the evening went on. Ethan had a way of making her feel at ease, even when she was certain her awkwardness was showing.


    When their food arrived, they shared the dishes as Ethan had suggested, each of them trying bites from the other''s plate. Lila even teased him when he admitted he wasn''t a fan of spicy food.


    "Spicy food isn''t for everyone," he defended himself with a grin. "But you can have all of it."


    By the time they finished eating, the restaurant was beginning to quiet down as the night settled in.


    Ethan settled the bill, insisting that it was on him despite Lila''s protests. "Consider it part of my apology for being late," he said with a wink.


    As they stepped outside, the cool evening air greeted them. Lila crossed her arms against the slight chill, and Ethan noticed immediately.


    "Cold?" he asked, already slipping off his jacket.


    Before she could protest, he draped it over her shoulders.


    "Thanks," she murmured, her cheeks warming despite the chill.


    Ethan walked her to the nearby bus stop, where they paused.


    "I had a great time tonight," he said, his tone sincere. "Thanks for agreeing to meet up."


    Lila smiled, her nerves bubbling up again. "Me too. It was... really nice."


    They stood there for a moment, the sounds of the city around them.


    "Text me when you get home?" Ethan asked.


    She nodded, clutching the jacket around her. "I will. Goodnight, Ethan."


    "Goodnight, Lila."


    As she boarded the bus, she glanced back to see him standing there, hands in his pockets, watching until the bus pulled away.

 Chapter 23 Shadows Of The Past

    Ethan stood on the edge of the sidewalk, his hands stuffed into his pockets as he watched the bus carrying Lila disappear into the distance.


    A small smile lingered on his lips. It had been a good evening ¡ª better than he''d expected. She had been shy and nervous, but there was something endearing about her honesty and the way she tried to put herself out there despite her awkwardness.


    "Guess I''m not as rusty at this as I thought," he murmured to himself, turning to head back toward his bike.


    The streets were quieter now, the hum of the city mellowed under the soft glow of the streetlights.


    Ethan rounded the corner, approaching the small parking area where his sleek sports bike was parked. His steps slowed when he noticed a figure standing by the restaurant''s entrance.


    Or rather, two figures.


    One of them was a woman he recognized instantly. Her posture, her dark hair cascading over her shoulders, the confident tilt of her chin ¡ª it was unmistakable. His ex-girlfriend, Emily.


    Beside her stood another woman, her stance tense and her eyes locked on Ethan. His stomach twisted as he recognized her, too. It was his sister, Claire.


    For a moment, none of them moved. The three of them stood frozen, like actors in a play, each unsure of their lines.


    Ethan''s gaze flicked between the two women. Melissa looked surprised, her lips parting slightly as if she hadn''t expected to see him here.


    Claire, on the other hand, looked like she''d seen a ghost. Her eyes burned with a mix of shock and something sharper ¡ª disgust, maybe?


    He couldn''t blame her.


    The charges from his old job hadn''t been publicly lifted. As far as she knew, he was still the man accused of embezzling funds, the man whose reputation had been shredded.


    "Ethan," Melissa said finally, breaking the silence. Her voice was calm but tinged with hesitation.


    He turned then, walking past them toward his bike. He could feel their eyes on him, could feel the weight of Claire''s anger and Melissa''s conflicted gaze.


    When he reached the bike, he paused for a moment, gripping the handlebars tightly.


    "Ethan," Melissa called after him, her voice softer now.


    He glanced back over his shoulder but didn''t say anything.


    "Take care of yourself," she said simply.


    He nodded once before starting the engine. The sound roared to life, filling the quiet night. Without another word, he pulled out of the parking lot, leaving them standing there.


    As Ethan rode through the city streets, the cool night air rushing past him, he tried to shake the encounter from his mind. But Claire''s words lingered, echoing in his head.


    ''You destroyed your career... dragged the family name through the mud...''


    He tightened his grip on the handlebars, the memory of that time resurfacing.


    The betrayal, the accusations, the way everyone had turned their backs on him. Even Claire, who had once been his biggest supporter, had believed the lies.


    But he wasn''t that man anymore. He had fought to rebuild his life, piece by piece, and he wasn''t going to let their judgment drag him down again.


    By the time he reached his apartment, his mind was clearer, the weight on his chest a little lighter. He parked the bike and headed upstairs, determined not to let the past define him.


    As he stepped inside, he glanced at his phone, half-expecting a message from Lila. But there was nothing ¡ª not yet.


    With a sigh, he set the phone down and sank onto the couch. The encounter with Melissa and Claire had been a harsh reminder of where he had come from and how far he still had to go.


    But Ethan was nothing if not resilient. He had faced worse before, and he would face whatever came next.

 Chapter 24 Charges Lifted

    Ethan groaned as his alarm buzzed.


    He slapped his hand over his phone, silencing it, and let out a deep sigh.


    His phone screen glowed faintly, displaying a timestamp that read 6:15 AM. It had been a long night.


    He stretched, his body protesting after hours of staying up late texting Lila.


    Their conversation had been surprisingly lively ¡ª full of jokes, bits of her college life, and stories he never thought he''d hear from someone so reserved.


    She''d been shy when they first met, but the more they talked, the more her personality shone through.


    Ethan swung his legs over the side of the bed, running a hand through his messy hair.


    ''Why does she make it so easy to stay up late?'' he wondered, chuckling to himself as he stood.


    He grabbed his toothbrush, stuck it in his mouth, and shuffled down to the kitchen in his boxers and an old T-shirt.


    As he moved, he thumbed through a few messages on his phone. His employees had already sent their morning updates: all the trucks were prepped and out at their designated spots.


    With how smoothly things were running now, he no longer needed to micromanage every detail.


    Plopping down on the couch, Ethan grabbed the remote and flipped on the TV. The morning news was just starting, the headline music buzzing through the room.


    He leaned back, absentmindedly brushing his teeth as he glanced at the screen.


    Then he froze.


    The headline at the bottom of the screen read:


    "Local Tech Giant Exonerates Former Employee of Wrongdoing ¡ª Video Proven Fake."


    He thought about how far he''d come since those dark days when the charges were first made public. The nights spent staring at his apartment ceiling, wondering if he''d ever find his way back.


    The stares, the whispers, the rejection from people who had once called themselves friends.


    And yet, he''d risen above it all.


    He thought of Lila''s laugh from last night and the way she''d shared pieces of her life with him, bit by bit.


    He thought of the food truck business that had gone from a desperate experiment to a thriving enterprise, employing people and bringing good food to the city.


    And he thought of the second Apartment building that he had bought.


    ''This is just the beginning,'' he told himself as his pace quickened.


    By the time Ethan returned home, sweat dripped from his forehead, and his muscles burned pleasantly. He felt lighter, like the run had stripped away some of the weight he''d been carrying since seeing the news.


    Back inside, he grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and sank into the couch. His phone buzzed, and he glanced at the screen.


    It was a text from Marty, his go-to guy for the renovation.


    [Marty]


    [Hey boss, just wanted to let you know the new windows are going in today. Should be done by noon.]


    Ethan smiled faintly, typing back a quick reply.


    [Ethan]


    [Thanks, Marty. Appreciate it.]


    Setting the phone down, he leaned back and closed his eyes for a moment. The path ahead was clear now. He just needed to follow it wherever it would take him, and he was sure it would take him to the path of a Billionaire.

 Chapter 25 An Unexpected Offer

    The vibration of his phone woke Ethan up again that morning. Groaning, he rolled over and grabbed it from the bedside table, squinting at the blaring screen. He had slept off,


    Missed Calls: 27


    Unread Messages: 53


    He stared at the numbers in disbelief. The caller ID was filled with names he hadn''t seen in months ¡ª or in some cases, years.


    People he''d thought had forgotten about him entirely. Old coworkers. College friends. Even a few neighbors from his previous apartment complex.


    And then there were the more personal ones.


    His mother. His father. His sister.


    Ethan let out a heavy sigh, tossing the phone back onto the table. It vibrated again, buzzing with another incoming text. But the notifications stopped as he had put it on airplane mode.


    He didn''t even bother looking at it. Instead, he grabbed the System phone sitting next to his personal one.


    "Let''s see if you''ve got something for me today," he muttered to the device as he unlocked it.


    The screen lit up, but for the first few moments, there was nothing. Just the usual interface, clean and straightforward, showing him a summary of his current investments and progress.


    No notifications.


    He leaned back against the headboard, exhaling slowly.


    The silence from the System was unusual; it always had something for him. Just as he was about to set it aside, a new notification popped up.


    [New Notification: Apartment Complex Offer]


    [A potential buyer has expressed interest in purchasing your property. Pending further discussion.]


    Ethan''s eyes widened. He sat upright, rereading the message.


    He had worked tirelessly on the renovation of that apartment complex, turning it from a near-derelict structure into a livable space.


    And while he had initially planned to keep it as a rental property, the System had guided him to list it with a real estate company.


    ''Focus on the positives, Ethan. You''ve got this.''


    An hour and a half later, Ethan parked his bike outside Gardenia Bistro. The restaurant was a cozy yet upscale spot, known for its quiet ambiance and excellent coffee.


    He adjusted the collar of his shirt, making sure he looked presentable before stepping inside.


    The host greeted him with a polite smile. "Good morning, sir. Do you have a reservation?"


    "I''m meeting someone here ¡ª Darren Lang," Ethan replied.


    The host nodded. "Right this way."


    Ethan followed, his nerves settling slightly as they walked toward a table near the window. Waiting there was a sharply dressed man in his late thirties, his posture relaxed but professional.


    "Mr. Grey," Darren said, standing to shake Ethan''s hand. "Good to meet you."


    "Likewise," Ethan replied, his grip firm.


    Darren gestured to the seat across from him. "Please, have a seat. My client will be joining us shortly."


    Ethan nodded, sitting down. A waiter approached to take their drink orders, and soon enough, Darren began making small talk.


    He was personable, clearly experienced in his field, and Ethan found himself easing into the conversation.


    Minutes later, the client arrived ¡ª a man in his mid-forties, dressed in a tailored suit and exuding an air of quiet confidence.


    He introduced himself as Michael Hart, a businessman looking to expand his portfolio.


    The discussion quickly shifted to the apartment complex.


    "I''ve seen the property myself," Michael said. "It''s clear you''ve put a lot of effort into the renovations. The layout, the location ¡ª it''s all very promising."


    Ethan felt a surge of pride at the compliment. "Thank you. It''s been a long process, but I''m glad it''s finally coming together."


    Michael nodded, pulling out a folder. "Here''s what I''m proposing."


    He laid out the details ¡ª a competitive offer that exceeded Ethan''s initial expectations. As the numbers were discussed, Ethan couldn''t help but feel a sense of validation.


    By the end of the meeting, Michael pulled out the papers from his suitcases - the ones that would show that he was the new owner of the place, as long as Ethan signed.

 Chapter 26 Mansion In The City

    Ethan stood at the curb, watching Michael''s sleek car pull away from the restaurant parking lot.


    The black sedan melted into the city traffic, leaving behind a trail of exhaust and a sense of finality.


    He clutched his helmet in one hand, staring at the crisp contract tucked into his jacket pocket.


    Two million dollars.


    The thought echoed in his head like a drumbeat.


    It was no longer a pipe dream or a vague goal ¡ª it was real, sitting in his bank account, the numbers confirmed just moments ago.


    He had officially crossed a milestone that most could only fantasize about, and yet, it felt strangely surreal.


    Ethan climbed onto his motorcycle, the weight of the day pressing on him in an unfamiliar way.


    The engine rumbled to life beneath him, a comforting and grounding sound. He adjusted his gloves, his thoughts drifting to the System tucked securely in his pocket.


    As he drove through the evening streets, weaving past cars and illuminated storefronts, the phone vibrated incessantly. It felt almost alive, a persistent nagging presence demanding his attention.


    "Not now," Ethan muttered to himself, leaning slightly into a turn as the cityscape blurred around him.


    The vibrations didn''t let up, but he focused on the road ahead, the cool breeze brushing against his face.


    The ride home was uneventful, a stark contrast to the emotional whirlwind of the deal he had just closed.


    When he finally pulled into the parking lot of his apartment complex, the hum of the bike''s engine faded, leaving only the stillness of the evening.


    Ethan trudged up the stairs, the weight of the day settling into his bones.


    His apartment greeted him with its usual simplicity ¡ª a worn couch, a modest kitchen, and the faint hum of the fridge. It wasn''t much, but it had been his sanctuary through the hardest times.


    For now, he wanted to enjoy the quiet. The journey had been grueling, and while there was still a long way to go, he was proud of how far he had come.


    He closed his eyes briefly, the events of the day replaying in his mind.


    Tomorrow, he decided, would mark a new chapter.


    It was time to move forward ¡ª to leave behind the cramped apartment that had served as his starting point. With the money sitting in his account, he could finally afford a home that reflected his accomplishments.


    But tonight, he allowed himself a moment of rest.


    The sound of the city buzzed faintly outside his window, a backdrop to the stillness of his apartment. Ethan stretched his legs out on the couch, letting his head rest against the armrest.


    The System remained silent, as if satisfied with his progress. His regular phone continued to vibrate intermittently, but Ethan ignored it. Everything was snuffed out, every bit of noise was replaced by the calmness he had grown used to.


    He glanced at the ceiling, a small smile playing on his lips. "Three million," he said softly, the words feeling surreal.


    #####


    Ethan sat on his couch the next morning, the sunlight streaming through the apartment window. His phone rested in his hand, the screen displaying a long list of real estate properties.


    He had spent most of the morning scrolling through mansions, a concept that still felt foreign. A mansion? For him? Just a few months ago, he was scraping by and avoiding the judgmental stares of his neighbors.


    But things had changed.


    Now, with three million dollars sitting in his bank account and the Investment System backing him, Ethan felt a strange sense of inevitability.


    The System wasn''t just helping him survive; it was pushing him to thrive. And thriving required a home worthy of his newfound status.


    He scrolled past another property, its sleek glass exterior reflecting the skyline in the picture. It was beautiful, but something about it didn''t sit right.


    He didn''t want something flashy just for the sake of it. He wanted a place that felt like home.

 Chapter 27 Mansion In The City (Part 2)

    Finally, a listing caught his eye: a sprawling, modern mansion nestled on the outskirts of the city. It was just far enough from the chaos of downtown but close enough for convenience.


    The pictures showed an open floor plan, high ceilings, a pristine kitchen, and a massive backyard complete with a pool and garden.


    The asking price? $1,050,000.


    Ethan tilted his head, letting the idea settle. It wasn''t cheap, but it wasn''t out of reach either. He had earned this.


    Without overthinking it, he hit the call button and was greeted by a friendly real estate agent named Julia.


    They agreed to meet at the property later that afternoon for a tour.


    The drive to the mansion was surprisingly peaceful. Ethan felt the cool breeze as he rode his motorcycle along the winding roads leading out of the city.


    The closer he got, the more the scenery changed ¡ª tall buildings gave way to tree-lined streets and open skies.


    When he pulled into the driveway, he was greeted by Julia, a professional-looking woman in her early 30s with a clipboard in hand and a welcoming smile.


    "Mr. Grey?" she asked, extending her hand.


    "That''s me," Ethan said, shaking her hand.


    "Great to meet you. Shall we take a look?"


    Ethan nodded, following her up the stone path to the front door.


    The moment he stepped inside, Ethan felt an overwhelming sense of space.


    The foyer was grand, with polished hardwood floors that stretched into an open-concept living area. Massive windows let in streams of natural light, making the space feel alive.


    Julia led him through the house, pointing out every detail.


    "This is the living room," she said, gesturing to a space large enough to fit three of his current apartments. "You''ll notice the custom-built fireplace and the recessed lighting in the ceiling."


    Ethan nodded, running his fingers along the cool stone mantle of the fireplace.


    He set the phone down and leaned back against the headboard, his thoughts drifting to what lay ahead. The mansion wasn''t just a symbol of his success ¡ª it was a stepping stone.


    A place where he could dream bigger, plan smarter, and build something even greater.


    #####


    Ethan stood outside his dingy apartment building, the faint hum of the morning city bustling around him.


    The keys to his unit jingled in his hand, their sound oddly satisfying. Today was the day. No more cramped rooms, leaky faucets, or the constant stench of the neighbor''s questionable cooking.


    He was done. Done with it all.


    He walked up the uneven steps, each creak of the wooden planks feeling like a small victory. As he reached the landlord''s office, Ethan straightened his jacket, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.


    The landlord ¡ª a short, balding man named Mr. Grayson ¡ª was hunched over his desk, squinting at a pile of paperwork.


    Ethan tapped lightly on the doorframe.


    "Grayson."


    The man looked up, his small eyes narrowing when he recognized Ethan. "What is it now? Rent''s not due for another week."


    Ethan stepped inside, tossing the keys onto the desk with a clatter.


    "I''m moving out," Ethan said simply.


    Grayson blinked, his confusion quickly morphing into irritation. "What do you mean, you''re moving out? You barely scrape by paying rent as it is. Where the hell are you gonna go, huh? Back to sleeping in the gutter?"


    Ethan chuckled, leaning against the doorframe. "I''ve got a place. You don''t have to worry about me anymore, Grayson. Consider this my final goodbye."


    Grayson scoffed, standing up from his chair. "A place? You? Don''t make me laugh. You''re just like all the other deadbeats in this building. Always talking big, but when it comes down to it, you''re nothing. Where''s your place, huh? Under a bridge?"


    Ethan shook his head, the smirk on his face growing wider. He started to turn toward the door, but then paused, looking back over his shoulder. "You''ll hear about it soon enough. I promise."


    Before Grayson could retort, Ethan walked out, the door swinging shut behind him. He didn''t look back, didn''t give the man another second of his energy.

 Chapter 28 Mansion In The City (Part 3)

    Ethan swung his leg over his motorcycle, slipping on his helmet with practiced ease.


    The engine roared to life beneath him, and he let the sound wash over him, a reminder of how far he''d come.


    As he pulled out of the parking lot for the last time, he felt a weight lift from his shoulders.


    The ride to his mansion was smooth, the streets quieter now as the city settled into the early afternoon.


    The outskirts of town were greener, the air fresher, and Ethan couldn''t help but feel like he was stepping into an entirely different world.


    When he reached the long, winding driveway of his new home, the sight of the mansion took his breath away all over again.


    It was even more stunning in person, its sleek design blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings.


    Standing at the gated entrance were two men in sharp black suits. Their posture was firm, their eyes scanning the area with a keen awareness.


    As Ethan approached, one of them stepped forward, a slight smile breaking his otherwise stoic demeanor.


    "Mr. Grey," the guard said, inclining his head. "Welcome home."


    Ethan removed his helmet, his hair slightly tousled from the ride. "Thanks. Everything good here?"


    "All secure, sir. The property''s been swept, and everything is in order."


    Ethan nodded, pushing his motorcycle through the gate as the guards opened it for him.


    Ethan soon stood in the middle of the sprawling living room, the silence pressing in like a soft blanket.


    He let out a low whistle, turning in a slow circle to take in the space.


    His mansion was everything he had imagined and more ¡ª sleek modern design, natural lighting pouring in through the massive windows, and a sense of openness that made him feel like he was standing on top of the world.


    Setting the keys down on a nearby marble countertop, he slid out of his leather jacket and tossed it over the back of one of the pristine white couches.


    For a moment, he just stood there, letting the reality sink in.


    This wasn''t a dream. This wasn''t something borrowed or temporary. It was his.


    The seats were plush and reclinable, arranged in tiers facing a massive screen.


    A small popcorn machine sat in the corner, alongside a mini fridge.


    "Now this is living," Ethan said, grinning as he imagined kicking back and watching movies here.


    As he wandered further, he stumbled upon a gym. It was fully equipped, with state-of-the-art machines, free weights, and even a yoga corner with mats neatly rolled up.


    Ethan stepped inside, running his hand over one of the treadmills.


    "I''ve got no excuse not to stay in shape now," he muttered.


    He moved on to the upstairs, where the bedrooms were located.


    The master bedroom, his bedroom, was something out of a luxury hotel.


    The bed was massive, with crisp white sheets and an abundance of pillows.


    Floor-to-ceiling windows offered another stunning view, and a balcony extended from the room, complete with a small seating area.


    The ensuite bathroom was equally extravagant, with a freestanding tub, a rainfall shower, and a double vanity with sleek black fixtures.


    Ethan couldn''t help but admire the design, running his fingers along the cool marble countertop.


    After exploring the rest of the bedrooms ¡ª each one just as impressive as the last ¡ª Ethan made his way back downstairs and out to the garage.


    It was easily one of his favorite parts of the house.


    The space was massive, with room for at least six vehicles.


    The floors were polished concrete, and the walls were lined with tool cabinets and shelves.


    Ethan wheeled his motorcycle into the garage, parking it neatly in one of the empty spots.


    He took a step back, admiring how the sleek black bike looked against the clean, modern backdrop.


    "Perfect fit," he said with a satisfied nod.


    He spotted a hose and cleaning supplies tucked in one corner and made a mental note to give the bike a proper wash soon.

 Chapter 29 Zack Hartman (Part 1)

    The bass from the club''s sound system pulsed through Ethan''s body as he stood off to the side of the packed dance floor, arms folded and an eyebrow raised.


    The disco lights spun in vibrant colors, reflecting off the mirrored walls and casting kaleidoscopic patterns across the room.


    Around him, well-dressed partygoers laughed, danced, and drank, their energy as intoxicating as the scent of expensive cologne and champagne that lingered in the air.


    Ethan leaned closer to Nate, raising his voice to be heard over the music. "Remind me again ¡ª why are we here?"


    Nate smirked, tilting his glass of whiskey toward Ethan. "Because you''re too much of a hermit, and I''m doing you a favor. Besides, I thought it''d be fun for you to meet Zack again. Remember Zack? From college?"


    "Barely," Ethan muttered, taking a sip of his own drink. "What does he even do now?"


    "He owns this place," Nate said, gesturing around the club with a casual wave. "The guy''s killing it. You''ll see him in a bit ¡ª he''s supposed to give some kind of speech or something."


    Ethan sighed, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. He wasn''t exactly a fan of loud parties or crowded spaces, but Nate had been insistent, and he figured one night wouldn''t kill him.


    Still, he couldn''t shake the sense that he stuck out like a sore thumb here, even in the tailored blazer he''d thrown on for the occasion.


    A few minutes later, the music dimmed slightly, and a voice crackled over the speakers. "Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the man of the hour ¡ª the one and only, Zack Hartman!"


    The crowd erupted into cheers as a man stepped onto the stage at the front of the room. Zack Hartman was just as Ethan remembered, though he''d clearly traded the scrappy, carefree college look for something much more polished.


    His blond hair was styled into intricate designs, the sides shaved in clean lines, and his fitted black suit shimmered faintly under the lights.


    "Good evening, everyone!" Zack said, spreading his arms with a wide grin. "First of all, I want to thank you all for coming tonight. This club has been my dream for years, and seeing it packed like this ¡ª well, it means the world to me."


    The crowd whooped and clapped, raising their glasses in a toast.


    Zack continued, his tone effortlessly charismatic. "We''re here to celebrate success, connections, and, most importantly, having a damn good time. So let''s keep the drinks flowing, the music pumping, and the energy alive!"


    "Lost in thought?"


    Ethan turned to see a bartender smiling at him as she wiped down the counter.


    "Something like that," he admitted.


    "First time here?"


    "Yeah. A friend dragged me along."


    "Well, you clean up nicely for someone who doesn''t look like a regular," she said with a wink before moving off to help another customer.


    Ethan chuckled, shaking his head. Maybe this night wouldn''t be so bad after all.


    By the time he and Nate left the club, it was well past midnight. The cool night air was a welcome relief from the heat and noise inside, and Ethan took a deep breath as they walked toward their parked vehicles.


    "So, what''d you think?" Nate asked, jingling his keys.


    "It was... interesting," Ethan said.


    "Come on, you had fun," Nate said, grinning. "Admit it."


    Ethan shrugged, but there was a hint of a smile on his face. "I''ll admit it was better than I expected."


    "That''s the spirit," Nate said, clapping him on the shoulder. "We''ll do this again sometime."


    "We''ll see," Ethan said, climbing onto his bike.


    As he rode home, the city lights streaking past, he found himself replaying the night in his mind. It was amazing to spend some time out, but he needed to focus on the more important things first ¨C His investments, he was almost done with the second building and once he finished that, he wanted to sell it off and fill up his account again.

 Chapter 30 Zack Hartman (Part 2)

    Ethan stepped into his mansion, his footsteps echoing softly against the pristine marble floor. The weight of the night hung heavy on his shoulders.


    Tossing his keys onto the entryway table, he walked to the living room, pulled off his shirt, and sank into the plush couch.


    The luxury surrounding him was still something he was getting used to, but tonight, it felt hollow. His mansion might have been grand, but it couldn''t mask the fatigue gnawing at him.


    He fished out the System phone from his pocket and leaned back, staring at the sleek device. Over the past month, it had become his silent partner, always offering guidance when he needed it most.


    But now, as he powered it on, the screen was blank. No pings, no messages, no new notifications.


    "Figures," he muttered, letting out a deep sigh as he placed the phone on the coffee table.


    Ethan let his head fall back against the couch and closed his eyes, hoping to let the silence lull him into some semblance of peace.


    Just as he felt the first tendrils of relaxation creeping in, his regular phone buzzed violently on the armrest. He groaned, the sound almost guttural, before lifting the device.


    A number flashed across the screen ¡ª unsaved, unfamiliar. He considered ignoring it but eventually swiped to answer, lifting the phone to his ear.


    "Hello?" he said, his voice slightly hoarse.


    "Ethan, my man!" The voice on the other end was bright, confident, and unmistakably familiar. "It''s Zack."


    Ethan blinked, sitting up straighter. "Zack? How''d you get my number?"


    "Ah, don''t be mad. Nate gave it to me," Zack replied, his tone casual as if sharing someone''s personal contact was no big deal.


    Ethan rubbed his temple, his irritation ebbing away as curiosity took over. "Alright. So, what''s up?"


    "Well, I''ve been meaning to talk to you since that party. You know, I didn''t get the chance to properly chat with you back then. You seemed busy with Nate, and I didn''t want to interrupt."


    Ethan leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "Okay. And?"


    "And," Zack continued, "I was thinking...why don''t you drop by the club tomorrow? It''ll be quieter during the day, and we can have a proper conversation."


    A hostess greeted him at the door. "Welcome back, Mr. Ethan. Mr. Zack is expecting you. Please follow me."


    Ethan nodded, his boots clicking softly against the polished floors as he followed her to the bar.


    Zack was already there, leaning casually against the counter with a drink in hand. His blond hair caught the light as he turned to greet Ethan.


    "There he is!" Zack said with a grin, setting his glass down and extending a hand. "Glad you could make it."


    Ethan clasped Zack''s hand in a firm shake. "Figured I''d see what this was about. You seemed pretty insistent on the call."


    Zack chuckled, motioning to the bartender. "What''re you having? First round''s on me."


    "Just a soda," Ethan replied, sliding onto a stool beside Zack.


    The bartender nodded and quickly set a glass of soda in front of him. Zack raised an eyebrow but didn''t comment, instead turning back to the drink in his hand.


    "So," Zack began, leaning against the counter, "I wanted to thank you for coming. It''s not often I get to catch up with people from college. Feels like everyone''s either too busy or too far away these days."


    Ethan shrugged, taking a sip of his drink. "I get it. Life moves fast."


    "Tell me about it," Zack said with a laugh. "But I''ve been doing alright. The club''s going strong ¡ª better than I expected, honestly. Nights like last week, with the place packed to the brim, remind me why I got into this business."


    "Seems like you''ve got a good thing going here," Ethan said, glancing around the room. Even in its prepped-for-daytime state, the club had a polished, inviting charm.


    Zack nodded, a hint of pride in his expression. "Yeah, but you know me. I''m always thinking bigger."


    Ethan smirked faintly. "Still the dreamer, huh?"


    "Always," Zack replied with a grin. "Which brings me to why I asked you here."


    Ethan arched an eyebrow, leaning back slightly. "Alright, let''s hear it."


    Zack took a sip of his drink, setting the glass down deliberately before speaking. "I''ve been toying with an idea for a while now. The club''s great, but it''s just one piece of what I want to build. I''m thinking...a resort."

 Chapter 31 A Joint Investment

    Ethan tilted his head, intrigued despite himself. "A resort?"


    "Yeah," Zack said, his eyes lighting up. "Imagine it ¡ª a luxury destination with everything you could think of. Top-notch accommodations, gourmet dining, pools, spas, nightlife, you name it. A place where people can come to relax, let loose, and have an unforgettable experience."


    "Sounds ambitious," Ethan said, though he couldn''t deny the appeal of the idea.


    "It is," Zack admitted. "But I''ve got the vision. I''ve been researching locations, sketching out concepts, even talking to a few architects. What I need is someone to partner with. Someone who can help me make this a reality."


    Ethan frowned slightly, his fingers drumming against the bar. "And you think that''s me?"


    "Why not?" Zack said with a shrug. "You''ve got a good head on your shoulders, and you''re not afraid to take risks. Plus, I trust you. We go way back."


    Ethan hesitated, the weight of Zack''s words settling over him. A resort was no small endeavor ¡ª it would take time, money, and a lot of effort to get off the ground. But it was also an opportunity.


    "What''s the plan?" Ethan asked finally.


    Zack''s grin widened. "I was hoping you''d say that. Look, I''ve got some preliminary numbers and ideas. I can send them over, and we can meet again to go through everything in detail. No pressure ¡ª I just wanted to float the idea and see if you were interested."


    Ethan nodded slowly. "Alright. Send me what you''ve got, and I''ll take a look. But no promises."


    "Fair enough," Zack said, raising his glass in a mock toast. "Cheers to possibilities."


    Ethan clinked his soda glass against Zack''s drink, the sound echoing softly in the quiet space.


    The conversation shifted after that, the two reminiscing about their college days and catching up on life. Ethan found himself relaxing, the initial wariness fading as Zack''s enthusiasm proved infectious.


    #####


    Ethan sat in the cafeteria section of the club, the low hum of background music filling the space.


    The club wasn''t in full swing yet, but even during off-hours, a few people were scattered around ¡ª employees on break, early visitors grabbing a quick bite before the music kicked in.


    The air smelled of fresh coffee and faint traces of alcohol, the contrast oddly grounding.


    He had a cup of black coffee in front of him, but it had gone cold.


    His attention was elsewhere, eyes locked onto the black System phone in his hand. The screen displayed a long string of text, the eerie glow illuminating his face as he read through the System''s latest notification.


    [Investment System Notification]


    [Investment Type: Joint Investment Detected.]


    [Warning: Joint Investments will yield reduced RP returns due to shared ownership and influence.


    [Would you like to proceed with a Joint Investment?]


    But if he insisted on full control, would Zack even agree?


    The sound of footsteps approaching snapped Ethan out of his thoughts. He locked the System phone and slipped it into his jacket just as Zack reappeared, looking energized.


    "Sorry about that," Zack said, pulling out the chair across from Ethan and sitting down. "Had to handle a few things for tonight''s event."


    Ethan nodded, masking his internal conflict. "No problem."


    Zack leaned forward, resting his arms on the table. "So, what do you think about my offer? Any thoughts?"


    Ethan took a slow breath before answering. "It''s a solid idea. But I have a few concerns."


    Zack raised an eyebrow. "Hit me."


    "The biggest one is ownership. I don''t usually do joint ventures," Ethan said carefully, watching Zack''s reaction. "I like having control over my investments."


    Zack nodded, surprisingly unfazed. "I figured you''d say that." He tapped the table lightly. "Look, I get it. And I''m not saying we have to split it fifty-fifty. I''m open to negotiations."


    Ethan smirked slightly. "So if I said I wanted majority ownership, you''d consider it?"


    Zack chuckled. "That depends. What do you bring to the table?"


    Ethan didn''t answer immediately. He couldn''t exactly say, ''I have a supernatural Investment System that guarantees success.'' But he did have something.


    "I have capital," Ethan said simply. "And I know how to make businesses work. I don''t fail."


    Zack gave him a long, considering look before finally breaking into a grin. "I like the confidence."


    Ethan took a sip of his coffee before continuing. "I''ll look through the numbers, and then we''ll talk ownership stakes. If it makes sense, we''ll move forward. If not, I might just start a resort on my own."


    Zack whistled. "Damn, you really don''t play around."


    Ethan shrugged. "Time is money."


    Zack laughed, shaking his head. "Alright, man. I''ll send you everything tonight. We''ll talk again after you''ve gone through it."


    Ethan nodded, standing up. "Sounds good."


    They shook hands, sealing their preliminary agreement.


    As Ethan walked out of the club and toward his bike, he could feel the System phone vibrating again in his jacket. He didn''t check it yet. He already knew what it was.


    The System was reminding him of the consequences of this decision.


    But Ethan wasn''t worried.


    He had a plan.

 Chapter 32 Plotting The Resort

    Ethan pulled his leather gloves tight, feeling the snug fit as he swung a leg over his motorcycle. The cool night air kissed his face as he fired up the engine, the deep hum vibrating through his hands.


    The club''s neon lights reflected off the polished surface of the bike, casting an eerie blue glow on the pavement.


    He gave the throttle a small rev before easing into the road, the distant sound of music from the club fading as he rode off into the city.


    His mind wasn''t on the road ¡ª not completely. His thoughts were tangled in the conversation with Zack and the looming decision ahead.


    A joint investment.


    Not his usual approach, but then again, he wasn''t dealing with a small shop or a minor project.


    This was a resort. A massive business that could either become a goldmine or an expensive failure if handled incorrectly.


    He muttered to himself, the words almost getting lost in the night air as the wind rushed past him.


    "First, location."


    That was the most critical factor.


    A resort wasn''t just about luxury; it was about where it was built. If they picked the wrong spot, the whole venture could sink before it even started.


    Tourist-heavy locations, coastal areas, or places with natural beauty ¡ª that''s where the real money was.


    Zack probably had something in mind already, but Ethan wasn''t going to agree to anything until he saw it with his own eyes.


    A bad location meant bad profits, no matter how extravagant the resort itself was.


    He swerved past a slow-moving car, his grip steady as he continued muttering under his breath.


    "Next... marketing."


    A luxury resort needed hype.


    Even the most beautiful place in the world wouldn''t bring in money if no one knew about it. They''d need elite branding, top-tier advertising, and ¡ª if Ethan played his cards right ¡ª celebrity endorsements.


    He smirked slightly. Celebrities loved flaunting their vacations.


    If he could get a few influencers, actors, or high-profile businessmen to visit early and post about it, the place would practically market itself.


    Marketing budget ¡ª aggressive online campaigns, elite branding, partnerships.


    Operational costs ¡ª electricity, water, food supply, maintenance.


    If he let Zack control the money flow entirely, there was a risk of bad spending. Ethan hated wasting money.


    His eyes darkened slightly. He''d need to negotiate for financial control. Maybe not completely, but at least enough to oversee spending.


    If Zack started pouring money into useless features, Ethan would shut it down immediately.


    The streetlights cast long shadows over the road as Ethan finally neared his neighborhood. He rolled his shoulders, adjusting his posture.


    The last piece of the plan was simple ¡ª but also the most crucial.


    Connections.


    A successful resort needed the right people. It wasn''t just about running a business ¡ª it was about who you knew.


    Real estate moguls who could help them secure premium land.


    Investors who might want a stake in the business.


    High-profile clients who would bring in even wealthier guests.


    And Ethan knew exactly how to build those relationships.


    He smirked slightly, finally pulling into his mansion''s driveway. The two guards at the entrance nodded as he parked his bike in the garage.


    As he dismounted, he ran a hand through his hair, exhaling deeply.


    The plan was solid. He knew how to make this work.


    The only question was:


    Would Zack accept his terms?


    Well what better way was there than to call him.


    [A / N: Sorry about the Information dump, I guess that''s what this is but we need to know what we''re setting out for, now let''s dive in!]

 Chapter 33 An Empire

    Ethan stepped onto the gravel path, his boots crunching lightly against the small stones as he followed Zack toward the open stretch of land.


    The sun hung high, casting golden light over the landscape, and a warm breeze drifted in from the distance.


    He could already smell the faint traces of salt in the air ¡ª meaning the ocean wasn''t far.


    His gaze swept over the luxurious expanse before them.


    It was better than he had expected.


    A resort-in-progress stood proudly atop the land, already taking shape.


    From what he could see, most of the structure was complete ¡ª a grand main building that exuded modern elegance, tall windows reflecting the bright sky.


    Several smaller private villas dotted the landscape, their terraces facing what he assumed would be an artificial lagoon or private pool area.


    And just beyond? A pristine, untouched beach.


    Ethan let out a low whistle. Zack had done well.


    "I gotta admit," Ethan muttered, tucking his hands into his pockets. "This place has potential."


    Zack grinned, the confidence in his stance unmistakable. His blond hair was slightly messy from the breeze, but his expression was one of satisfaction.


    "Glad you think so," Zack said, motioning towards the view. "Took some work to secure, but the previous owners ran into financial trouble. They couldn''t finish the project, so I swooped in and took it off their hands before anyone else could."


    Ethan arched an eyebrow. "And how much did you drop on this?"


    "Ten million." Zack said it so casually that Ethan almost scoffed.


    "You serious?"


    Zack shrugged. "Yeah. It''s prime real estate. Resorts in a location like this don''t just appear out of nowhere. Once it''s fully operational, we''ll make that money back in no time."


    Ethan hummed, letting his gaze roam over the buildings again.


    The infrastructure was solid, sleek, and modern ¡ª glass railings, clean architecture, and spacious layouts. He could already envision the kind of guests that would flock here.


    The rich. The elite. The ones who would drop thousands a night for luxury.


    But he wasn''t about to just take Zack''s word for it.


    He wanted to see it for himself.


    "Show me around," Ethan said, his voice firm. "I want to know exactly what we''re dealing with."


    Zack smirked. "I thought you''d say that. Come on."


    They walked up the stone steps leading to the resort''s entrance. Ethan ran his fingers along the smooth steel railing ¡ª sturdy, well-made. Someone had poured good money into the construction.


    Inside, the main lobby was vast and open. Tall ceilings, an expensive chandelier that was still wrapped in protective plastic, and polished marble floors that reflected the sunlight streaming through the massive windows.


    "This is the reception area," Zack explained, leading him past the front desk. "Over there''s the lounge. Bar''s gonna be set up next to it."


    Ethan followed his gaze, eyeing the unfinished but spacious lounge area.


    There was potential for something high-end here ¡ª maybe a cigar lounge, an exclusive VIP bar, or even a high-class dining space. There were so many things that they could do.


    "You got a chef yet?" Ethan asked.


    "Not yet," Zack admitted. "Figured that would be something we handle once we finalize things."


    Ethan nodded. A bad chef could ruin even the most expensive resort. That was something he''d make sure to personally oversee.


    Ethan smirked, letting the water slide over his skin. "I guess."


    Zack turned his head slightly, studying him. "That''s all you gotta say? ''I guess''?" He scoffed, shaking his head.


    Ethan chuckled, tilting his head back. He had been training every morning, sticking to a strict regimen, and it showed.


    His body was lean, every muscle defined from the constant workouts he forced himself through before sunrise.


    His arms, shoulders, and chest had filled out, his abs a stark contrast to the way he used to look when he was struggling just to keep up with rent.


    Zack, on the other hand, had a bit of a belly. Not huge, but noticeable.


    It made sense, considering he spent his nights running a club, surrounded by booze and easy meals.


    "You should start working out," Ethan said, resting his arms on the pool''s edge.


    Zack snorted. "Yeah? And where the hell am I supposed to find time for that?"


    Ethan shrugged. "You make time."


    Zack scoffed again but didn''t argue.


    Ethan glanced at Zack. "So what made you want to start a resort business, anyway?"


    Zack sighed, his fingers running through the water. "You ever get tired of the nightlife?"


    Ethan raised a brow.


    "I mean, don''t get me wrong," Zack continued. "Running a club is fun, and it makes good money, but it''s a grind, man. Dealing with drunks, managing staff, making sure fights don''t break out ¡ª it''s exhausting."


    Ethan nodded. He had been to Zack''s club twice now, and while it looked like non-stop fun from the outside, he had seen glimpses of the stress that came with it.


    "So you''re planning ahead?" Ethan asked.


    "Exactly." Zack swirled the water around with his hand. "A resort? That''s different. People come here to relax. To spend money and enjoy themselves. I wouldn''t have to deal with fistfights at two in the morning or some idiot throwing up in the VIP section."


    Ethan smirked. "Yeah, just rich idiots instead."


    Zack laughed. "True. But at least rich idiots pay more."


    Ethan hummed in agreement. "So where do we start?"


    Zack lifted a finger, counting off. "First, we finalize the construction. Second, we put together a solid marketing plan. No one''s gonna come if they don''t know we exist."


    Ethan nodded. "We need influencers, travel bloggers, maybe even celebrities to promote the place."


    "Exactly," Zack said. "And once the hype starts rolling, we need to make sure the resort actually delivers. That means hiring top-tier staff, making sure the service is perfect, and ensuring that when people come here, they don''t want to leave."


    Ethan ran a hand through his wet hair, letting the water drip down his back. "I''ll handle the financials. I''ll make sure the money is spent on what actually matters."


    Zack grinned. "That''s why I called you, man."


    They both lapsed into silence again, just enjoying the feeling of the water, the peace, and the quiet.


    For a long time, Ethan never thought he''d be in a position like this.


    His phone, resting on a towel near the pool''s edge, vibrated with incoming messages. He ignored it. For now, he just wanted to enjoy the moment.


    "This place is gonna be huge," Zack murmured, staring up at the sky.


    Ethan didn''t disagree.


    Yeah. It was.

 Chapter 34 Talking With The Construction Chief

    The water slid off Ethan''s skin as he climbed out of the pool, shaking his head to get rid of the excess droplets.


    The sun had moved lower in the sky, casting a golden hue over the unfinished resort.


    His muscles tensed slightly from the cool air meeting his wet skin, but the feeling was refreshing after the heat of the day.


    Zack stepped out right after him, grabbing a towel from the lounge chair and running it over his stomach.


    He let out a small huff, glancing around at the workers still moving about the property. "Man, even with all this progress, there''s still so much left to do," he muttered, throwing the towel over his shoulder.


    Ethan followed his gaze. The resort was shaping up nicely, but it was far from finished.


    The basic structures were in place ¡ª the main building, the smaller private villas, the pool areas, the entranceway ¡ª but the finer details, the ones that would truly bring luxury to life, were still missing.


    Elegant walkways still needed paving.


    The beachside lounge was only a skeleton of its future self. Some areas were covered in scaffolding, and wires stuck out from incomplete lighting fixtures.


    It was easy to see the potential, but they needed money to push it over the finish line.


    Zack shook his head, running a hand through his damp blond hair. "I already sank everything I had into this, and while the club is bringing in money, it''s not enough to cover what we need in time."


    Ethan thought for a moment.


    Five million wasn''t small change, but it wasn''t impossible for him either.


    His second apartment complex was still in his possession. He hadn''t planned on selling it just yet, but if he did, he could easily get what they needed.


    With the way the real estate market was moving, he could probably push it for five million if he found the right buyer. That would cover everything and then some.


    But for now, he set that thought aside. There were more immediate things to handle.


    "Let''s talk to the main contractor," Ethan said, rolling his shoulders. "See where things stand."


    Zack nodded, wrapping his towel around his waist as they headed toward the largest construction area. He put on some clothes before they got there though.


    The main contractor, a burly man with graying hair and a sharp gaze, was standing near the entrance of the resort, going over blueprints with a few of his workers.


    He glanced up as they approached, squinting slightly before nodding in recognition.


    "Zack," the contractor greeted first, his voice rough but respectful. Then his eyes flicked to Ethan, taking him in with an evaluating look. "And you must be the new partner."


    "Ethan," he introduced himself, extending a hand.


    "Done."


    Harris gave him a long, considering look before nodding in approval. "Alright. You''re serious about this."


    Ethan smirked. "Always."


    Zack clapped a hand on his shoulder. "You''re a lifesaver, man."


    Ethan simply shrugged. "We''re partners. If this place is gonna be something great, we can''t afford delays."


    Zack grinned. "Hell yeah."


    Harris chuckled. "Well, you just made my job a whole lot easier. I''ll make sure everything moves smoothly from here on out."


    Ethan nodded. "Good. Keep us updated."


    With business settled for the moment, Ethan and Zack stepped away from the construction area, walking side by side.


    Zack exhaled, shaking his head. "Man, you really don''t hesitate, huh?"


    Ethan smirked. "No point in it."


    Zack laughed. "I like that."


    Ethan and Zack walked out of the resort, the warm midday sun beating down on them.


    The sky was clear, a perfect shade of blue stretching across the horizon. The resort was still buzzing with activity behind them ¡ª construction workers hammering away, engineers making calculations, and designers discussing final touches.


    It was coming along well, but they still needed more funding to push through the final stages.


    Zack wiped his forehead with the back of his hand, letting out a low whistle. "Man, I need a break."


    Ethan checked his watch. 11:57 AM.


    Zack noticed and grinned. "Don''t even say it''s too early for a drink. One drink. That''s all."


    Ethan smirked slightly, shaking his head. "You and your drinks."


    "What can I say? Business talks better over a glass of something smooth." Zack stretched his arms. "Come on, I know a good place. Classy, but not too uptight."


    Ethan debated for a second. He wasn''t really in the mood for alcohol, but a nice meal didn''t sound bad. After a moment, he sighed. "Alright, one drink."


    Zack grinned like he''d won a battle. "That''s my guy."

 Chapter 35 Night Time Flirting

    The restaurant Zack chose was an upscale spot near the city center.


    It had an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, the kind that attracted businessmen looking for a quiet place to discuss deals.


    Large glass windows offered a clear view of the bustling streets outside, while the air inside was filled with the rich aroma of coffee and grilled steak.


    A waiter greeted them as they walked in.


    "Table for two?"


    Zack nodded. "Yeah, somewhere near the window."


    The waiter led them toward a spot with a good view, handing them menus before walking off.


    Ethan picked up his menu, eyes scanning the options, but something made him pause.


    Across the restaurant, sitting by the window, was a familiar figure.


    Lila.


    Her chestnut brown hair framed her face as she sat quietly at a table, her fingers fiddling with the hem of her sleeve.


    Across from her sat another girl, who seemed much more talkative, gesturing as she spoke.


    Lila wasn''t looking their way ¡ª yet.


    Ethan exhaled, his lips pressing into a neutral line.


    They had been texting on and off, nothing too deep, but enough that he knew she was... well, shy.


    And then, as if sensing his gaze, she turned.


    The moment her brown eyes landed on him, her expression changed.


    A flicker of surprise, then something softer ¡ª shyness.


    Her fingers immediately went to her lap, her shoulders hunching slightly. She didn''t look away immediately, though. It was as if she was waiting for some kind of response.


    Ethan, ever composed, simply gave a small wave.


    Nothing too dramatic. Just an acknowledgment.


    Lila''s face turned slightly pink, and she quickly looked down at the table, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.


    Zack, who had been busy deciding on his meal, finally glanced up. "Something up?"


    Ethan returned to his menu. "Nothing."


    Zack hummed in amusement. "That nothing had you looking over there for a solid five seconds."


    Ethan didn''t respond, casually flipping a page.


    Zack smirked. "Old friend?"


    Ethan took his time before answering. "Something like that."


    Zack grinned but didn''t push further.


    Swinging his leg over the bike, he pocketed his keys and made his way toward the entrance.


    The mansion loomed over him, sleek and modern, its massive windows reflecting the golden hues of the setting sun.


    Normally, he would take a moment to appreciate the view, but tonight? He just wanted to collapse on the couch and not move for the next few hours.


    Kicking off his shoes, he stretched his arms over his head with a groan before flopping down onto the leather couch.


    His eyes briefly flicked to his System phone, but there were no new notifications ¡ª just the same old RP calculations and pending investments. Nothing urgent.


    He let his head sink into the cushions, eyes fluttering shut.


    And then ¡ª his regular phone buzzed.


    He groaned, cracking an eye open. Unknown Number.


    A slight frown creased his brow. He debated ignoring it, but something nagged at him. He had a feeling he knew who it was.


    Sighing, he pressed accept and brought the phone to his ear.


    "Hello?"


    A soft pouting voice immediately filled the speaker.


    "Ethan!"


    His lips twitched. Yep. Lila.


    Her voice had that unmistakable playful sulk to it, like a kid who didn''t get the last cookie.


    "Why didn''t you come say hi?" she whined. "You just waved and left."


    Ethan smirked, propping himself up with one arm. "Didn''t know you wanted me to."


    There was a pause, followed by a tiny huff. "I mean... I didn''t, but ¡ª "


    "You didn''t?" he cut in, amusement lacing his tone.


    Lila sputtered. "T-That''s not what I meant!"


    He chuckled, rubbing the bridge of his nose.


    He could practically picture her right now ¡ª cheeks puffed out, arms crossed, trying not to seem too affected.


    "You were blushing," he said casually.


    Silence.


    Then ¡ª "I was NOT!"


    He chuckled again. "You totally were."


    "I ¡ª ! Ugh, Ethan, you''re impossible," she grumbled, and he could hear the rustling of fabric, like she had just flopped onto her bed in frustration.


    He leaned back into the couch, relaxed now. "So, what''s up? Just called to pout?"


    "...Maybe."

 Chapter 36 Theme Park (Part 1)

    A smirk tugged at his lips. "You''re adorable, you know that?"


    Silence again. Then, a small embarrassed sound that made him grin.


    "Shut up," she muttered.


    Ethan stretched his legs out, resting his free hand behind his head. "So, what''s the real reason you called?"


    Lila hesitated for a second before speaking, her voice quieter this time. "I just... thought we could talk. You kind of disappeared after our texts. And then, when I saw you today, you barely said anything."


    Ethan exhaled slowly. She wasn''t wrong.


    He hadn''t exactly been avoiding her, but he also hadn''t actively reached out.


    Business had been on his mind, and personal relationships... well, they hadn''t been his top priority.


    Still, hearing the slight disappointment in her voice made something stir in his chest.


    "I''ve been busy," he admitted. "A lot going on."


    She hummed. "Yeah... Zack mentioned something about you investing in the resort?"


    He raised an eyebrow. "Zack?"


    She hesitated. "Well, not directly. My friend overheard him talking to someone at the club about it."


    Ethan shook his head. "That man talks too much."


    Lila giggled. "He''s fun, though. You two seem close."


    "I wouldn''t go that far," Ethan muttered, but the thought made him smirk slightly.


    Zack was a loudmouth, but he was genuine.


    There was a brief lull in the conversation, then Lila''s voice came through softer.


    "...So, are you free tomorrow?"


    Ethan arched an eyebrow. "Are you asking me on a date?"


    Silence.


    Then ¡ª "N-No!"


    He laughed, enjoying how easily flustered she got. "You sure? Because it kinda sounds like you are."


    "I was just ¡ª ! Ugh, forget it!"


    He could hear her trying to hide her embarrassment, and it only made him smirk harder.


    "I''m free," he said, cutting off whatever excuse she was about to make.


    A pause. "...Really?"


    "Yeah. Where do you wanna go?"


    Lila hesitated. "You''re making me decide?"


    "Well, you''re the one who called me, pouting about how I didn''t talk to you," he teased.


    "I WASN''T POUTING!"


    "I would''ve paid."


    "I know, but this way, you owe me one."


    That caught his attention. He tilted his head. "Oh? What exactly do I owe you?"


    "I don''t know yet. But I''ll think of something."


    Ethan chuckled, shaking his head. "Alright, fair enough."


    They walked toward the entrance, scanned their tickets, and stepped inside.


    The moment they entered, Lila''s face lit up. She took a deep breath, looking around with excitement. "Wow... it''s been forever since I''ve been to one of these."


    Ethan glanced around. "So, what''s first?"


    Lila turned, eyes landing on the biggest roller coaster in the park. She pointed. "That one!"


    He raised a brow. "You serious?"


    "What? You scared?"


    "Of course not," he said smoothly, "but I didn''t expect you to pick the most intense ride first."


    "Might as well start with a bang."


    "Alright then. Let''s go."


    The line wasn''t too long, but as they inched forward, Lila''s confidence wavered slightly. She watched as the coaster zoomed past, twisting and flipping at ridiculous speeds.


    Ethan noticed the way she gripped her sweater sleeves. "Second thoughts?"


    Lila straightened up immediately. "N-Nope. Totally fine."


    "If you scream, I''m gonna remind you about this moment."


    "I won''t scream," she huffed.


    They finally got into their seats, pulling the safety bars down.


    The ride operator did a quick check before the coaster lurched forward, slowly climbing the first steep incline.


    Lila tensed beside him. Ethan, meanwhile, was completely relaxed.


    He turned slightly. "Still not scared?"


    Lila swallowed. "N-Not at all."


    The coaster reached the top. A brief moment of silence. Then ¡ª a sudden drop.


    Lila''s scream cut through the air.


    Ethan burst out laughing, the rush of the wind roaring past them. She instinctively grabbed his arm, squeezing tightly as the coaster twisted and turned at insane speeds.


    By the time they reached the end, Lila was panting, her grip loosening from his sleeve. He smirked. "You were saying?"


    She turned to glare at him, face flushed. "Shut up."


    Ethan just chuckled as they stepped out of the ride.


    After that, the day flowed naturally. They went on more rides ¡ª some crazy, some calm ¡ª and even played a few carnival games.


    Ethan was ridiculously good at them, easily winning a stuffed wolf plushie for Lila, which she begrudgingly accepted.

 Chapter 37 Theme Park (Part 2)

    At one point, they stopped by a snack stand. Lila eagerly ordered an ice cream cone while Ethan stuck to a simple soda.


    She looked at him suspiciously. "So you do hate ice cream."


    Ethan took a sip of his drink. "Never said that."


    "Then why aren''t you getting one?"


    He smirked. "Because I knew you''d offer me yours."


    Lila blinked. "I ¡ª "


    Before she could finish, he leaned down and took a small bite from her ice cream cone, straight from her hand.


    She froze, her entire face turning red.


    "Not bad," Ethan mused, licking his lips.


    Lila just stared at him, speechless. Then, after a few seconds, she covered her face with one hand. "You''re the worst."


    Ethan chuckled. "You walked right into that one."


    As the sun began to set, they found themselves sitting on a park bench, watching the Ferris wheel light up against the dimming sky.


    Lila hugged her stuffed wolf to her chest, sighing contentedly. "That... was actually a lot of fun."


    Ethan smirked. "You sound surprised."


    "Well... I didn''t think you''d actually enjoy this kind of thing."


    He shrugged. "It wasn''t bad."


    She smiled softly, then looked up at the sky. "...Thanks for coming."


    Ethan leaned back, stretching his arms. "Thanks for dragging me here."


    Lila laughed, nudging his arm.


    They sat in comfortable silence, watching the lights twinkle in the distance.


    "Come on, let''s climb the Ferris Wheel,"


    Ethan paid for the Ferris wheel tickets, slipping a couple of bills to the attendant without hesitation.


    Lila stood beside him, her fingers gripping the plush wolf he had won for her earlier, her expression a mix of excitement and nervousness.


    "Last ride of the night," Ethan mused, glancing at her.


    Lila nodded, shifting on her feet. "Yeah... I always wanted to ride one of these at night."


    The attendant waved them forward, opening the small metal gate. Ethan stepped in first, settling into the seat before Lila followed, sliding in beside him.


    The carriage swayed slightly as she adjusted herself, and she let out a small squeak.


    Ethan smirked. "Scared?"


    Lila shot him a glare. "I just wasn''t expecting it to move."


    The Ferris wheel slowly began its ascent, the soft hum of machinery filling the air. Lila hugged the stuffed wolf to her chest, staring out the window.


    From up here, the entire theme park stretched out before them, glowing with colorful lights. The roller coasters, the carnival games, the food stalls ¡ª it all seemed so much smaller now.


    Beyond the park, city lights twinkled in the distance, creating a mesmerizing view.


    "Wow..." Lila breathed. "This is... really pretty."


    Ethan leaned back, watching her rather than the view.


    Ethan chuckled, watching her struggle for words. Then, in a rare moment of hesitation, she looked down, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of her sweater.


    "...Would it be bad?" she asked softly.


    Ethan''s smirk faded slightly. "Would what be bad?"


    She took a deep breath, finally meeting his gaze. "If I liked you."


    For the first time that night, Ethan was caught off guard.


    He stared at her for a long moment, the weight of her words settling between them.


    Lila wasn''t the type to say something like this lightly. It took her courage to admit it.


    And somehow, that made it feel... real.


    Slowly, he reached out, brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear. She tensed at the touch but didn''t pull away.


    "I wouldn''t mind," he murmured.


    Lila''s breath hitched. "Ethan ¡ª "


    He closed the distance.


    The kiss was slow, unhurried.


    A soft brush of lips at first, testing, waiting.


    But when Lila didn''t pull away ¡ª when she leaned in instead ¡ª Ethan deepened it slightly, one hand resting at the nape of her neck.


    Her fingers clutched his sleeve, holding onto him like she was afraid the moment would slip away.


    When they finally broke apart, she was breathless, eyes still closed for a second before fluttering open. She looked completely dazed.


    Ethan smirked. "That bad?"


    Lila let out a small laugh, covering her face. "I... I wasn''t expecting that."


    He leaned back, arms resting against the back of the seat. "Neither was I."


    She peeked at him through her fingers. "Does this mean...?"


    Ethan tilted his head. "What do you think it means?"


    Lila pouted. "Stop making me say everything."


    Ethan chuckled, reaching over to gently tug her hands away from her face. "Fine. It means I like you too."


    Her eyes widened slightly before a soft smile formed. "Oh."


    The Ferris wheel began moving again, descending back toward the ground.


    Lila let out a deep breath. "That was... really cliche?."


    Ethan raised a brow. "You don''t like cliche?s?"


    She hugged the stuffed wolf against her chest. "...I think I do."


    Ethan smirked, leaning in slightly. "Good. Because I''m not done surprising you yet."


    Lila''s face turned red all over again.


    As the Ferris wheel reached the bottom, Ethan stood up, offering her his hand. She hesitated for a moment before placing her hand in his.


    They stepped out together, the cool night air wrapping around them.


    And somehow, the theme park lights seemed a little brighter than before.

 Chapter 38 Netflix And Chill? (Part 1)

    Ethan and Lila walked side by side, hand in hand, as they made their way out of the theme park.


    The evening air was crisp, carrying the lingering scent of popcorn and cotton candy, blending with the distant hum of laughter and chatter from lingering parkgoers. It had been a beautiful night, that much was undeniable.


    Lila was beaming, her chestnut brown hair catching the soft glow of the streetlights.


    Her other hand held an ice cream cone, the remnants of vanilla and chocolate swirled together as she absentmindedly licked the melting treat.


    The theme park had been an absolute blast ¡ª wild rides, fun games, and endless teasing from Ethan that had left her giggling more times than she could count.


    But, like all good things, the night had to come to an end.


    Ethan led her toward his motorcycle, a sleek black beast of a machine parked under the streetlamp. The chrome gleamed under the city lights, and the low rumble of distant traffic made the moment feel surreal.


    Lila stopped just a step behind him as he swung his leg over the bike, settling onto the seat with an ease that spoke of familiarity.


    He gave the handlebars a light rev, the deep purr of the engine sending vibrations through the air. She gulped, her grip tightening around the now-empty cone.


    "You''re not scared, are you?" Ethan teased, glancing at her over his shoulder with a smirk. His eyes gleamed with amusement.


    Lila huffed, crossing her arms. "Of course not!" But the way she shifted her weight from foot to foot gave her away.


    "Then hurry up and get on." He patted the seat behind him. "Unless you''d rather walk home?"


    Lila narrowed her eyes at his teasing tone, but the warmth in his voice made her stomach flutter.


    She quickly finished off the last bit of her ice cream, wiping her fingers on a napkin before hesitantly swinging her leg over the bike.


    The moment she settled in, she felt how close she was to him ¡ª his broad back right in front of her, his scent a mix of fresh cologne and something undeniably Ethan.


    "Hold on tight," he murmured.


    She barely had time to process before the bike gave a powerful rumble, and she instinctively wrapped her arms around his waist.


    Ethan chuckled. "Good girl."


    Lila''s cheeks burned instantly. "Shut up," she mumbled, burying her face against his back as the bike surged forward.


    The warmth that had been between them vanished, replaced by the cool night air.


    She hesitated for a moment before hopping off, stretching her legs. Ethan followed suit, pulling off his helmet and running a hand through his dark hair.


    "You alright?" he asked.


    "Yeah," she replied, still slightly breathless. "That was... really fun."


    He grinned. "Told you to trust me."


    She rolled her eyes but smiled nonetheless.


    Ethan led her toward the entrance, the automatic lights flickering on as they approached. The security guards at the gate nodded in greeting, stepping aside as the two made their way inside.


    The mansion''s grand doors opened with a soft click, revealing the warm, spacious interior.


    Lila looked around in awe. She had seen glimpses of mansions before, but actually stepping inside felt different.


    It was sleek and modern, yet there was a personal touch to it ¡ª like it was truly lived in.


    Ethan stretched lazily. "Make yourself at home," he said casually, tossing his keys onto the nearby table.


    Lila hesitated. "Are you sure? I don''t want to ¡ª "


    "You''re my guest," he interrupted. "I''m not gonna throw you out."


    She bit her lip, then nodded. "Okay... just for a little while."


    Ethan smirked, plopping onto the couch and patting the seat beside him. "Come on then. I don''t bite."


    Lila hesitated for only a second before joining him, the warmth of his presence immediately making her feel at ease.


    The night had been perfect. From the theme park to the ride home, to now ¡ª sitting here with Ethan, sharing this quiet moment.


    Maybe, just maybe... she didn''t want it to end just yet. And the night was still young, it wasn''t ending.


    "Netflix and chill?" Ethan asked while holding forward a remote.

 Chapter 39 Netflix and Chill? (Part 2)

    "Netflix and chill?"


    Lila''s voice was soft, almost questioning, as she repeated Ethan''s words from earlier.


    Ethan nodded casually, stretching his arms above his head. "Yeah, I''ve got some new movies I''ve been meaning to watch."


    Lila''s cheeks immediately lit up.


    Her mind whirled as she recalled a conversation with her roommate, who had practically drilled it into her head that "Netflix and chill" was usually code for... well, certain activities in bed.


    Her fingers curled slightly, and she hesitated for a moment, glancing at Ethan.


    He, however, seemed completely unaware of her inner turmoil, too busy kicking off his shoes and making his way toward the kitchen.


    "Want something to drink?" he asked over his shoulder.


    Lila blinked, her heart still racing from her own thoughts. "Uh ¡ª sure!"


    Ethan chuckled. "Relax, you look like I just told you we''re about to fight for our lives."


    She forced out a nervous laugh, following him as he disappeared into the kitchen.


    The spacious area was sleek and modern, just like the rest of his home, with black marble countertops and state-of-the-art appliances.


    It was the kind of kitchen that seemed designed more for show than actual use, but the way Ethan moved around told her he was no stranger to it.


    Lila watched as he casually opened the fridge, grabbing a couple of sodas before moving toward the pantry.


    "You like popcorn?" he asked, glancing at her.


    She nodded quickly, happy for the distraction. "Of course! Who doesn''t?"


    "Good, because I make the best popcorn," he said with a smirk, pulling out a bag of kernels and tossing it onto the counter.


    Lila raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what makes your popcorn the best?"


    Ethan leaned against the counter, pretending to ponder her question. "Secret ingredient," he finally said.


    "Let me guess ¡ª extra butter?"


    He scoffed. "That''s the obvious part. The real trick is a pinch of brown sugar."


    Lila tilted her head, intrigued. "Sweet popcorn?"


    "Trust me."


    She gave him a skeptical look but stepped closer. "Alright, then I''m helping."


    The dark ambiance of the thriller quickly set in, drawing them both into the story.


    But Lila''s mind wasn''t entirely on the movie.


    She was hyper-aware of Ethan sitting beside her ¡ª the way his arm rested casually along the back of the couch, the way his breathing was steady and relaxed.


    Every now and then, he would reach for the popcorn, and their hands would brush, sending a tiny jolt through her.


    She was overthinking again.


    Clearing her throat, she forced herself to focus on the movie.


    But then ¡ª BAM!


    A sudden jump scare sent her flinching, instinctively gripping Ethan''s arm.


    He froze for a second before looking at her, a slow smirk creeping onto his face.


    "Scared?"


    Lila quickly let go, crossing her arms. "No!"


    Ethan raised an eyebrow. "You literally just grabbed me."


    "That was just ¡ª uh ¡ª muscle reflex!"


    He chuckled. "Sure, Lila. Whatever you say."


    She huffed, grabbing some popcorn and shoving it into her mouth to avoid further embarrassment.


    The movie continued, and despite her best efforts, Lila found herself getting more and more immersed.


    By the time it reached the climax, she wasn''t even thinking about anything else ¡ª just the tension, the mystery, the unraveling story.


    And Ethan, despite all his teasing, hadn''t made any moves.


    Lila had been worried for nothing.


    When the movie finally ended, Ethan stretched with a satisfied sigh. "Damn, that was actually good."


    Lila nodded. "Yeah... I really liked it."


    Ethan turned to her, his expression softening. "Glad you stayed."


    She blinked, caught off guard by the sudden sincerity in his voice. A small smile crept onto her lips. "Me too."


    Ethan yawned. "Alright, it''s late. You wanna crash here or should I take you home?"


    Lila hesitated for a moment before shaking her head. "I''ll stay here for the night."

 Chapter 40 Morning Kiss

    Lila lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. The guest room was undeniably comfortable ¡ª plush pillows, a soft blanket, and just the right amount of warmth ¡ª but it felt... empty.


    She turned onto her side, hugging the blanket to her chest.


    She had expected something different when she decided to stay the night.


    As Ethan''s girlfriend, she figured she''d be sleeping in the same room as him, maybe even falling asleep in his arms like in those romance movies.


    But instead, Ethan had casually shown her to the guest room, bid her goodnight, and left.


    She huffed, puffing up her cheeks in frustration.


    It wasn''t that she was mad ¡ª Ethan had done nothing wrong. If anything, it was gentlemanly of him. But still... didn''t he want to be close to her?


    Lila kicked off the blanket and sat up, running her fingers through her chestnut-brown hair. She glanced at the door, biting her lip.


    Maybe she was overthinking.


    Maybe she was being silly.


    But... she didn''t want to sleep alone tonight.


    Heart pounding slightly, she slipped out of bed, her bare feet padding softly against the wooden floor. The house was quiet except for the distant hum of electronics.


    The glow from the hallway light guided her as she crept across the upper floor toward Ethan''s room.


    When she reached his door, she hesitated for a second before pushing it open.


    Ethan was at his desk, illuminated by the soft glow of his PC screen.


    His fingers moved quickly across the keyboard, his eyes focused ¡ª at least until he noticed her standing in the doorway.


    He glanced at her, then at the clock on his monitor. "Can''t sleep alone?"


    Lila''s cheeks immediately puffed up in embarrassment.


    "...No," she mumbled, stepping into the room.


    Ethan smirked but didn''t tease further. Instead, he leaned back in his chair, stretching his arms above his head. "Alright. You can sleep here if you want. But I''m warning you ¡ª I might be up for a while."


    Lila glanced at the screen. Lines of code, open files, and various tabs filled it. She wasn''t sure what he was working on, but it looked complicated.


    "What are you doing?" she asked, stepping closer.


    "Just some work," he replied vaguely. "Something I need to finish before tomorrow."


    Lila made a small noise of understanding before turning her attention to his bed.


    It was bigger than the one in the guest room, the blankets slightly messy from where he had likely been sitting before moving to his desk.


    She didn''t hesitate to climb in.


    Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Comfortable?"


    Lila only smiled, her breath evening out as she drifted back into sleep.


    And this time, Ethan followed soon after.


    #####


    A soft golden light filtered through the curtains as morning arrived, casting a warm glow over the room.


    Lila stirred first, blinking sleepily as she adjusted to the brightness. Her head was still nestled against Ethan''s shoulder, their bodies comfortably tangled beneath the blanket.


    For a moment, she simply watched him ¡ª his steady breathing, the relaxed expression on his usually sharp features.


    He looked peaceful, far removed from the confident and sometimes teasing demeanor he wore while awake.


    A small, playful thought entered her mind.


    She had never kissed him properly.


    Sure, there had been that one moment on the Ferris wheel, but this was different.


    There was no rush, no distractions ¡ª just the two of them in the quiet intimacy of morning.


    Her heart pounded as she lifted herself slightly, supporting her weight on one elbow. Slowly, carefully, she leaned in, her lips barely brushing against his.


    But before she could pull away, a strong arm wrapped around her waist.


    Lila barely had time to squeak in surprise before Ethan''s other hand secured her, pulling her fully against his chest.


    Her breath hitched as he opened his eyes, a smirk tugging at the corners of his lips.


    "Stealing kisses while I''m asleep?" His voice was thick with grogginess, deeper than usual.


    Lila''s face burned, but she pouted, refusing to back down. "I wasn''t stealing! I was just... testing something."


    Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what were you testing?"


    She hesitated, suddenly feeling too self-conscious to answer. He chuckled at her silence, his grip on her waist tightening slightly.


    "If you wanted a kiss," he murmured, his lips barely an inch from hers, "all you had to do was ask."


    Lila''s breath hitched as Ethan closed the distance, his lips meeting hers in a kiss that was slow, deliberate.


    Unlike last time, there was no hesitation ¡ª only warmth and the quiet understanding that neither of them wanted to rush this moment.


    Her fingers curled against his chest, gripping the fabric of his shirt as he deepened the kiss ever so slightly, his hand tracing slow, lazy circles against her waist.


    By the time they pulled away, Lila was breathless, her cheeks flushed.


    Ethan smirked. "So, did your little test give you the results you wanted?"


    She buried her face in his chest, groaning in embarrassment. "You''re so annoying."


    His chuckle vibrated against her skin, and she felt the gentle press of his lips against the top of her head.


    "Yeah, yeah," he said, still amused. "But you love it."

 Chapter 41 Business Mode

    As they made their way downstairs, Lila stretched her arms above her head, letting out a soft yawn.


    Ethan followed behind, rubbing the back of his neck. The warmth of the morning sun streamed through the large windows, casting long shadows across the living room floor.


    "So, what''s on the agenda today?" Lila asked, glancing at him as they entered the kitchen.


    Ethan leaned against the counter, crossing his arms. "I need to finalize some stuff for business with my partner you saw in the restaurant that day."


    Lila hummed in thought, walking over to the fridge and swinging it open. "Big businessman moves."


    Ethan smirked. "Trying to keep up with my schedule already?"


    Lila, still facing the fridge, waved a dismissive hand. "Oh, please. I''m just making sure you eat properly before you go running off to play real estate mogul." She turned back to him, puffing up her chest. "I''m making breakfast today!"


    Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"


    "Yes." She grabbed some eggs, milk, and butter from the fridge before placing them on the counter.


    Then, she reached for the flour and sugar from the cabinet, her eyes shining with determination. "Egg omelets with pancakes."


    Ethan chuckled, pushing himself off the counter and pulling out a stool. "Alright, chef. Let''s see what you''ve got."


    Lila tied her hair up in a messy bun, grabbed a mixing bowl, and started cracking eggs into it. Ethan watched as she beat the eggs, her tongue slightly poking out in concentration.


    She reached for the milk, carefully pouring it in, followed by a pinch of salt.


    As she set the mixture aside and moved on to the pancake batter, she poured flour into another bowl, only for a small puff of it to rise into the air.


    The fine white dust settled onto her nose and cheeks.


    Ethan leaned forward, covering his mouth with his hand as he tried to stifle a laugh. "Lila... you have ¡ª "


    "What?" She looked up, tilting her head.


    He reached over and swiped a finger against her flour-covered cheek, holding it up as evidence.


    Lila gasped, quickly wiping her face with the back of her hand. "Oh my God. Did I ¡ª was it ¡ª how bad is it?"


    Ethan snickered. "You look like a ghost."


    She pouted, crossing her arms. "You''re so mean."


    Lila grinned, clearly pleased with herself.


    As Ethan picked up his plate, he glanced at the time. "I should probably get ready to head out soon."


    Lila tilted her head. "Are you nervous?"


    Ethan shook his head. "Not really. It''s just a matter of finalizing everything. I should be back home late though,"


    Lila nodded, watching as he started cleaning up. "Well, whatever happens, I''m sure you''ll handle it."


    He looked over his shoulder at her and smiled. "Thanks."


    #####


    They stood outside.


    As the taxi pulled up to the curb, Lila turned to Ethan with a playful smirk. She entered the taxi and leaned slightly out of the window, her chestnut-brown hair catching the breeze.


    "Don''t forget me while you''re making all your business deals," she teased, her voice light.


    Ethan chuckled. "As if I could."


    Lila giggled before blowing him a quick kiss. Then, the taxi''s engine revved, and she disappeared down the street.


    As soon as the car was out of sight, the playful ease on Ethan''s face disappeared. His posture straightened, his expression hardened. Business mode was on.


    He turned on his heel, walking toward the garage.


    As he pulled out his phone, it vibrated in his hand ¡ª a call from a potential buyer. Without breaking stride, he answered.


    "Ethan speaking."


    "Mr. Ethan, good morning. This is Harold Lane. I was informed that you have a completed apartment building for sale?"


    Ethan smirked slightly. "That''s correct. Prime location, modern structure, high occupancy potential."


    "I''m interested," Harold replied. "Would you be available for a viewing today?"


    Ethan checked his watch. It was still early. "I''m already at the site. If you can make it within the hour, we can discuss the details."


    "Perfect. I''ll be there shortly."

 Chapter 42 Rude

    Ethan ended the call, tucking the phone into his pocket before swinging his leg over his motorcycle.


    The sleek black bike hummed beneath him as he turned the key, the powerful engine roaring to life.


    With a firm grip on the handlebars, he revved the engine once, then pulled out onto the main road.


    The city was alive with movement ¡ª cars whizzing past, pedestrians crossing the streets, neon lights still flickering even in the daylight.


    The cool wind rushed past him as he accelerated, weaving through traffic with ease.


    He had always preferred riding his bike over driving a car ¡ª there was something liberating about it, a sense of control and speed that cars just couldn''t match.


    Within minutes, he reached the building site, slowing to a stop before smoothly parking his bike near the entrance.


    As he pulled off his helmet, he took a deep breath, letting his sharp gaze scan the apartment building in front of him.


    The structure stood tall, a testament to his calculated investments. It wasn''t the flashiest building in the city, but it was modern, efficient, and strategically placed in a fast-developing district.


    A few minutes later, a luxury sedan pulled up, and a man stepped out.


    Mid-forties, dressed in a tailored suit, with the air of someone used to closing high-stakes deals ¡ª Harold Lane.


    Ethan walked over, extending a hand. "Mr. Lane, good to meet you in person."


    Harold''s handshake was firm. "Likewise. I''ve heard a lot about you. Let''s see if this one lives up to the reputation."


    Ethan gave a confident nod. "Follow me."


    He led Harold through the lobby first. The high ceilings, marble floors, and ambient lighting gave off a luxurious feel without being excessive.


    "Designed to appeal to both professionals and small families," Ethan explained. "Security systems installed at every entrance, 24/7 surveillance, and controlled access for residents."


    Harold nodded, taking mental notes as they moved to the elevators.


    Ethan pressed the button for one of the upper floors, leaning slightly against the panel as the doors closed.


    Business was business. And Ethan was damn good at it.


    And now he had secured 5 million dollars from this deal alone.


    #####


    His bank account was full, the deal was finalized, and now all that was left was to meet Zack and push forward with their joint investment.


    He twisted the throttle of his bike, feeling the smooth hum of the engine beneath him as he weaved through the city streets.


    The neon lights reflected off the sleek black finish of his motorcycle as he rode through downtown, eventually pulling up to Zack''s club ¡ª a high-end establishment that doubled as their base of operations.


    The place was lively even in the late afternoon, the valet already busy handling expensive cars rolling up one after another.


    Ethan didn''t need valet service, though. He parked his bike himself, pulling off his helmet and ruffling his dark hair as he made his way inside.


    Just as he reached for the door, a woman stormed past him, her shoes clicking sharply against the pavement.


    Ethan barely had time to register her presence before she brushed against him, causing a small object to slip from her grasp.


    "Whoa ¡ª " Ethan instinctively leaned down, catching the item before it hit the ground. It was a key fob, sleek and expensive-looking.


    He straightened up, glancing at the woman as she paused, clearly debating whether to turn back for it.


    Her posture was rigid, her breath uneven, and her racer''s uniform ¡ª a black and red jumpsuit fitted perfectly to her lean frame ¡ª hinted at exactly the kind of woman she was.


    She wasn''t just someone playing dress-up; she was a real racer, someone who belonged on a track rather than in a club like this.


    Ethan extended the key fob toward her. "You dropped this."


    She snatched it from his hand, her gaze flickering to his for the briefest moment. "Thanks," she muttered, her voice tight with restrained frustration.


    Then, without another word, she turned on her heel and briskly left the club, disappearing down the steps toward the parking lot.


    "Rude," Ethan muttered under his breath.

 Chapter 43 Vanessa Carter, The Racer

    Ethan barely had time to process the strange encounter before he heard rushed footsteps from inside the club.


    Zack came barreling through the entrance, his suit unbuttoned, the first few buttons of his dress shirt undone, and sweat glistening on his forehead like he had just sprinted across the place.


    "Wait ¡ª !" Zack called after the woman, but neither he nor Ethan were fast enough.


    Both men stood there, watching as the woman climbed into a sleek, matte-black Lamborghini Huraca?n, the engine roaring to life before she sped off, tires screeching against the pavement.


    The car disappeared into the evening traffic in a blink, leaving only the scent of burning rubber and expensive perfume in its wake.


    Ethan crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow at Zack. "What the hell did you do to her?"


    Zack let out a frustrated groan, running a hand through his already messy hair. "Nothing ¡ª well, not nothing. It''s complicated."


    Ethan scoffed. "That''s what guilty people say."


    Zack shot him a glare before sighing, shaking his head as he wiped his forehead with his sleeve. "Look, man, let''s just go inside. I need a drink before I explain."


    Ethan glanced once more at where the Lamborghini had disappeared before shrugging. "Alright. But this better be good."


    As they stepped inside the club, the bass from the music thrummed through the air, the dim lighting flashing with hues of red and blue.


    It wasn''t fully packed yet ¡ª it was still early ¡ª but the VIP lounge already had a few wealthy patrons enjoying their afternoon.


    Zack led Ethan toward a private booth, signaling one of the waitresses to bring them drinks. As soon as they sat down, Ethan leaned back against the plush leather seating, giving his friend a knowing look.


    "Alright," Ethan said, resting his forearms on the table. "Talk."


    Zack groaned again, rubbing his temples. "That woman? Her name is Vanessa Carter. And she''s ¡ªugh, she''s trouble, man."


    Ethan tilted his head, intrigued. "Trouble as in?"


    Zack exhaled sharply. "Trouble as in, she''s a professional street racer. A damn good one too. She''s got connections, sponsors, and the kind of reputation that makes even the most arrogant guys in the racing scene shut up and listen. She''s competitive as hell, hates losing, and she''s got a temper to match."


    Ethan leaned back, thoughtful. "So basically, you just signed yourself up for whatever she wants. That could be anything, Zack."


    "Yeah, I''m aware!" Zack rubbed his face again, exasperated. "I was hoping she''d just take the money and let it go, but nope ¡ª Vanessa Carter isn''t the type to forget a slight."


    Ethan chuckled. "Well, sounds like you''re in for an interesting ride."


    Zack groaned again. "Don''t remind me."


    Ethan downed the last of his drink, letting the burn of the alcohol settle in his throat before exhaling slowly.


    Across from him, Zack was already swirling the remnants of his own drink with a self-satisfied grin on his face, clearly enjoying the fact that Ethan had just bailed him out once again.


    With a resigned sigh, Ethan pulled out his phone, the cool weight of the device familiar in his grip.


    He tapped a few times, navigating to his banking app, and after a few more confirmations, he transferred a hefty $4 million directly to Zack''s account.


    The moment the transaction went through, Zack''s phone buzzed loudly on the table, and his already wide grin stretched even further.


    "My man," Zack said, snatching his phone up and flashing the screen toward Ethan as if he needed proof the money had really arrived. "Damn, just like that. You didn''t even hesitate!"


    Ethan rolled his eyes. "Because I already agreed to this, Zack. And besides, I already covered the equipment costs earlier. Consider this me settling the rest of the deal."


    "Still, four million just like that?" Zack let out an exaggerated whistle. "That''s crazy, man. And you barely even blinked. You ever get tired of being rich?"


    Ethan smirked. "Not when it gets me what I want."


    Zack laughed, finally tucking his phone away. "You really are something else."


    Just as Ethan was about to check on the System phone, feeling it vibrate in his pocket, Zack abruptly changed the subject, his eyes lighting up with a different kind of excitement.


    "Alright, hold up, let''s talk about something way more important," Zack leaned in, his voice dropping conspiratorially. "Dude, did you see her? I mean, seriously, did you see Vanessa?"


    Ethan sighed. "Zack ¡ª "


    "No, no, hear me out," Zack grinned, clearly not letting this go. "Bro, that woman? Absolute smoke show. That plump ass, that perfectly toned body, those legs in that tight racer suit? Come on, man, you can''t tell me you weren''t looking!"

 Chapter 44 A New Ride (Part 1)

    Ethan leaned back against the plush leather booth, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Zack, you do realize she was two seconds away from murdering you, right? That whole interaction was her actively holding back rage, not flirting."


    "Hey, some women like to hate you first before they fall for you," Zack wiggled his eyebrows, clearly enjoying himself.


    Ethan snorted. "Yeah? Keep thinking that. See where it gets you."


    Zack leaned back, arms stretched across the booth. "Look, all I''m saying is ¡ª if a woman that hot is pissed at me, that means she remembers me. That''s gotta count for something."


    Ethan just shook his head. "Or it means she''s plotting your demise as we speak."


    "Potato, potahto," Zack waved dismissively.


    Ethan exhaled, finally pulling his System phone from his pocket, his eyes scanning the screen.


    He had received a notification, but before he could even read it, Zack interrupted again.


    "You know," Zack said, his voice suddenly more serious, "if you really wanted to impress someone like Vanessa, it wouldn''t just be about money."


    Ethan raised an eyebrow, finally giving Zack his full attention. "Go on."


    "Think about it," Zack gestured toward the club entrance, as if Vanessa were still there. "She''s not the kind of woman you can just buy out with some flashy dinner or expensive jewelry. She''s used to that. You want someone like her to actually notice you?"


    Ethan shrugged. "And what? You have the secret formula to winning over a woman like that?"


    Zack smirked. "Not a formula. A car."


    Ethan narrowed his eyes slightly. "A car?"


    "Not just any car," Zack grinned, tapping the table. "Something that actually stands toe-to-toe with hers. You saw what she drove, right?"


    Ethan nodded. "Lamborghini Huraca?n."


    "Exactly," Zack pointed at him. "And not just any Huraca?n. That was a custom build. I could see the mods from here. She''s a racer, Ethan ¡ª meaning the only thing that''ll make her look at you twice is something worth racing against."


    Ethan thought about it for a moment. He had never really been into flashy sports cars ¡ª bikes were his thing, and when it came to business, he preferred subtle luxury over screaming wealth.


    But Zack had a point.


    Someone like Vanessa Carter wasn''t impressed by money alone. She lived for speed, for competition.


    Each one looked like a beast waiting to be unleashed.


    A salesman in a crisp suit approached them, offering a rehearsed smile. "Gentlemen, welcome. Looking for something special today?"


    Zack clapped a hand on Ethan''s shoulder. "My man here needs something fast, impressive, but not ridiculous in price. Think under two million."


    Ethan gave Zack a flat look. "You realize how insane that still sounds, right?"


    "Hey, we''re not here to buy a Honda," Zack shot back. "We need power."


    The salesman nodded, immediately shifting gears. "Of course, I have just the selection for you. Right this way."


    They were led past the ultra-elite models ¡ª the ones that bordered on art pieces rather than actual vehicles. Ethan barely spared them a glance.


    He wasn''t looking for a collector''s item, just something that could keep up. The salesman stopped near a row of cars with sleek, aggressive builds.


    "Now," the salesman gestured, "if you''re looking for something exhilarating but not excessive, I''d recommend these."


    Ethan eyed the cars, immediately drawn to a McLaren 720S. It had a streamlined design, its deep metallic blue paint reflecting the overhead lights like liquid sapphire.


    "Now this," the salesman continued, noticing Ethan''s interest, "is a McLaren 720S, one of the finest supercars in its class. 710 horsepower, 0 to 60 in under 2.9 seconds, and an incredible aerodynamics package. It''s a favorite among professional racers and enthusiasts alike."


    Ethan ran his hand along the car''s frame, feeling the smooth finish. "And the price?"


    The salesman smiled. "A little over 300,000 dollars. Quite reasonable for its performance."


    Ethan hummed in thought. The price wasn''t an issue ¡ª this was far below his actual budget. But did it have the presence he needed?


    Zack clapped. "Damn, I like it. But let''s keep looking ¡ª no harm in seeing all the options."


    Ethan nodded, stepping back as they moved further down the row.


    They stopped in front of a Ferrari F8 Tributo next. Sleek, aggressive, and undeniably Ferrari, it had a presence that commanded attention.


    "This is the Ferrari F8 Tributo," the salesman continued. "A V8 twin-turbocharged engine, 710 horsepower, and an absolutely jaw-dropping design. One of the fastest in its class."


    Ethan had to admit ¡ª it looked good. The scarlet red body and the signature Ferrari prancing horse emblem exuded prestige.


    "And the cost?" he asked.


    "Roughly 275,000 dollars," the salesman said smoothly.

 Chapter 45 A New Ride (Part 2)

    Ethan exhaled. The price-to-performance ratio here was excellent, and he liked the feel of it.


    Zack nudged him. "Man, you''d look damn good in this. But I think you still need something with a little more bite."


    Ethan tilted his head. "More bite?"


    Zack grinned. "Something that says, ''I''m not just fast ¡ª I''m a menace on the road.''"


    They reached the last car ¡ª a Porsche 911 Turbo S. Unlike the flashier options, this one had a more understated design, but there was something deadly serious about it. A wolf in sheep''s clothing.


    The salesman''s tone shifted. "This is a Porsche 911 Turbo S. 640 horsepower, top speed of 205 mph, and a razor-sharp handling system. Unlike many supercars, it''s also surprisingly practical¡ªmeaning you won''t feel like you''re driving a spaceship every time you get behind the wheel."


    Ethan examined it closely. The deep gray body, the precision-cut lines, the way it just sat there, looking like it was ready to launch forward at any second.


    "And the price?"


    "230,000 dollars," the salesman said smoothly.


    Ethan exhaled, weighing his options.


    Zack leaned in. "Okay, let''s break it down. The McLaren 720S? Absolute beast. The Ferrari F8? A statement. But this?" He gestured at the Porsche. "This is pure performance. And let''s be real ¡ª do you really wanna deal with Ferrari-level maintenance costs?"


    Ethan smirked. "You have a point."


    Zack grinned. "I always do."


    Ethan took another look at the Porsche 911 Turbo S. It had everything he needed ¡ª power, precision, and most importantly, it didn''t scream for attention the way a Ferrari or Lamborghini would.


    It was elegance with an edge.


    "Alright," Ethan finally said, "I''ll take it."


    Zack whooped. "Hell yeah!"


    The salesman''s professional smile didn''t falter, but Ethan could tell the man was pleased with the sale.


    "A fantastic choice, sir," he said. "Would you like to arrange for delivery, or will you be driving it home today?"


    Ethan smiled slightly. "I''ll take it today."


    After finishing the paperwork and finalizing the deal, Ethan stepped into his new ride. The moment he started the engine, a deep, powerful growl rumbled through the car.


    Zack whistled. "Oh yeah, that''s sexy."


    Shaking his head, Ethan followed the directions, the city slowly giving way to more open roads. He felt the engine purring beneath him, eager to stretch its legs.


    The temptation to push the speedometer higher was there, but he held back ¡ª at least until they got to the track.


    "Man, the new car smell hits different when you actually own the damn thing," Zack mused, taking a deep breath and sighing contentedly. "I feel like I''m riding in success."


    Ethan smirked. "You are riding in my success."


    "Exactly! And I appreciate it." Zack patted the dashboard like he was touching a priceless artifact. "She needs a name, though."


    Ethan glanced at him. "A name?"


    Zack nodded, completely serious. "You can''t own a car like this and not give it a name."


    Ethan rolled his eyes but played along. "And what do you suggest?"


    Zack thought for a moment, then snapped his fingers. "Phantom."


    Ethan considered it. The sleek, deep gray body, the silent yet deadly presence ¡ª it fit.


    "Not bad," he admitted.


    Zack grinned. "Damn right it''s not bad."


    The road stretched ahead, and soon enough, the city faded into the background.


    They reached the outskirts, where buildings became more sparse, replaced by long stretches of open land.


    In the distance, Ethan could see the airstrip Zack had mentioned. It wasn''t anything fancy ¡ª just a long, empty stretch of tarmac surrounded by old hangars ¡ª but that was exactly what they needed.


    A few other cars were already there, parked off to the side, their owners chatting nearby.


    Ethan recognized a couple of high-performance vehicles ¡ª Corvettes, Mustangs, even a few modified imports.


    "Looks like we''ve got company," Ethan muttered.


    Zack smirked. "Don''t worry. You''re in a league of your own with this beast."


    They pulled up near the edge of the strip, and as Ethan killed the engine, he could feel the eyes shifting toward them.


    It wasn''t as blatant as back in the city, but there was definitely curiosity.


    Zack hopped out, stretching. "Alright, time to see what Phantom can really do."

 Chapter 46 A New Ride (Part 3)

    Ethan followed, rolling his shoulders as he took in the open stretch of road.


    There was something exhilarating about having all this space ahead of him, no traffic, no restrictions. Just him, the car, and the road.


    "You driven anything this powerful before?" Zack asked, standing beside him.


    Ethan smirked. "I''ll figure it out."


    Zack laughed. "That''s the spirit."


    Ethan slid back into the driver''s seat, adjusting his grip on the wheel. He took a deep breath, letting the anticipation settle in his chest.


    Then, with a flick of his wrist, he started the engine.


    The deep growl of the turbocharged engine echoed through the air, turning heads.


    Ethan pressed the accelerator lightly, feeling the immediate response, the raw power waiting to be unleashed.


    Zack clapped his hands together. "Alright, bro. Let''s see what she can do."


    Ethan smirked, then tightened his grip.


    And then he launched.


    The Porsche shot forward like a bullet, the force pressing Ethan back into his seat. The acceleration was instant, no hesitation, no delay ¡ª just pure, unfiltered speed.


    The world blurred at the edges as he shifted gears, the car gliding effortlessly down the strip.


    He hit 60 mph in what felt like the blink of an eye, and the numbers kept climbing. The growl of the engine turned into a roar, a symphony of controlled chaos.


    Zack let out a whoop from the passenger seat, gripping the door for support. "Holy shit, this thing moves!"


    Ethan grinned, eyes locked on the road. He pushed harder, testing the limits. The car handled like a dream ¡ª every turn, every adjustment felt smooth, precise.


    At 150 mph, the rush was intoxicating. The wind howled past, the pavement disappearing beneath them in an instant. But even at this speed, Ethan felt in control.


    The car wasn''t fighting him ¡ª it was responding, working with him, an extension of his own instincts.


    Finally, he eased off the accelerator, letting the speed gradually drop as they neared the end of the strip. The Porsche slowed smoothly, coming to a controlled stop near where they had started.


    Ethan exhaled, his heart still pounding.


    "This thing hugs the road like crazy," Zack remarked, gripping the door handle as Ethan took a sharp turn.


    "That''s the aerodynamics and the all-wheel drive at work," Ethan replied, pushing the car even faster down the straightaway. "It''s not just speed ¡ª it''s control."


    Zack glanced at the speedometer. "Dude, we''re hitting 180!"


    Ethan didn''t respond, his focus locked onto the road.


    The adrenaline pumped through his veins, but he wasn''t reckless. He knew the limits ¡ª both of himself and the car.


    And right now, he was dancing right on the edge of them.


    The roar of the engine filled the air, and for a moment, everything else disappeared. No business meetings, no deals, no responsibilities. Just the road, the machine, and the thrill of the drive.


    As they reached the end of the strip, Ethan smoothly eased off the accelerator and began to slow down. The car responded perfectly, coming to a stop with a grace that was almost unnatural for something so powerful.


    Zack let out a deep breath. "Damn. That was intense."


    Ethan smirked. "Still think it''s just about looks?"


    Zack shook his head. "Nah, man. This thing''s a beast. I totally get why people drop millions on cars like these now."


    Ethan exhaled, his heartbeat finally returning to normal. He glanced at Zack, who was still gripping the seat like they were about to take off again.


    "So? Satisfied?"


    Zack grinned. "Hell yeah. I felt every bit of that power."


    Ethan chuckled and tapped the wheel. "Told you."


    They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the hum of the engine filling the space.


    Zack stretched his arms and let out a satisfied sigh. "You know, man, with this car and our resort rolling in, we''re about to step into a whole different level."


    Ethan nodded, his expression shifting into something more serious. "Yeah. Things are changing fast."


    Zack looked over at him, studying his face. "You good with that?"


    Ethan was quiet for a moment, staring out at the open road ahead of them. Then, he nodded. "Yeah. I am."


    He shifted gears again, and with one last smirk, he pressed down on the accelerator.


    "Now let''s go and get my bike back,"

 Chapter 47 Visiting The Mansion

    The drive back to the dealership was smooth, the Porsche handling like a dream, but even as Ethan navigated the streets effortlessly, he couldn''t shake the feeling that something was missing.


    The car was fast ¡ª sleek, powerful, everything a person could want. But for him, it lacked the raw connection he felt on his bike.


    Zack, riding shotgun, was practically vibrating with excitement, still riding the high from their test run.


    "Man, that thing moves!" he laughed, running a hand through his hair. "I''m telling you, you made the right call buying this. Top-tier choice, my guy."


    Ethan hummed, pulling into the dealership lot with a smooth turn of the wheel. He let the engine purr for a second before shutting it off. "Yeah, it''s solid."


    Zack stared at him like he''d grown another head. "Solid? Bro, we just flew through that track like we were in a damn racing movie, and all you can say is solid?"


    Ethan smirked, unbuckling his seatbelt. "Still prefer a bike."


    Zack let out an exaggerated groan before promptly reaching over and bonking Ethan on the head. "What is wrong with you?"


    Ethan chuckled, rubbing the spot. "I like feeling the road. A bike gives you that."


    "Yeah, yeah," Zack sighed, stepping out of the car. "At this point, I should''ve known better than to expect a normal reaction from you."


    Ethan followed him out, locking the car before glancing at his phone.


    The bike he had left at the dealership was still sitting where he parked it earlier, waiting to be taken home.


    It wasn''t just any bike ¡ª it was his favorite ride, the one thing he actually cared about more than any car he could buy.


    He shot Zack a look. "Help me get my bike home?"


    Zack grinned. "Knew you''d say that. I got you, man."


    They walked over to where the bike was parked. Ethan ran a hand along the handlebars, checking it over briefly before tossing the keys to Zack.


    "You take the car," Ethan said, pulling his helmet on. "I''ll ride the bike back."


    Zack caught the keys midair and grinned. "Finally, some trust. I''ll take good care of her."


    "Scratch it, and I''ll kill you," Ethan warned, throwing a leg over the bike.


    Zack snorted. "Noted."


    With that, Ethan started the bike, the familiar hum beneath him making him feel right again. No matter how many cars he bought, this was what he truly loved.


    Ethan smirked, finally stepping off the bike. "Never came up."


    Zack shook his head, still looking around in awe. "Never came up? Never came up? You live in a goddamn palace, Ethan!"


    Ethan shrugged. "It''s just a house."


    Zack groaned. "You are the worst kind of rich person."


    Ethan chuckled. "Come on. We need to check on the resort site, see if the order came in."


    Zack let out a breath, rubbing the back of his head. "Fine, fine. But I''m gonna need a full tour of this place later."


    Ethan smirked. "We''ll see."


    With that, they headed inside.


    The moment Zack stepped inside, he looked around, his expectations sky-high.


    He had been ready for a wave of beautiful maids in tight uniforms to greet them, bowing respectfully as they entered.


    Maybe some high-tech automated butler system. At the very least, some ridiculously over-the-top luxury.


    Instead... it was bland.


    Zack blinked. "Wait. This is it?"


    Ethan, already walking toward the kitchen, barely spared him a glance. "What were you expecting?"


    "I don''t know, man, something! I thought you''d have, like, maids or a butler or at least some kind of personal chef."


    Ethan let out a small chuckle as he pulled out a kettle. "I don''t need all that."


    Zack gave him a look like he''d just spoken in a foreign language. "Bro. You''re rich. You don''t have to do things yourself anymore."


    Ethan just shook his head and grabbed two cups, setting them down on the counter as the water heated up.


    Zack leaned against the couch, still trying to process how normal everything was.


    "Alright, but hear me out," Zack said, gesturing around the room. "A few housekeepers wouldn''t hurt. Maybe one of those crazy expensive coffee machines. Hell, at least a fridge stocked with some high-quality liquor."


    Ethan reached for a container of ground coffee. "I don''t need housekeepers. And I don''t drink much."

 Chapter 48 The Resort

    Zack let out a dramatic groan. "Why? You have all this money, and you''re living like a minimalist."


    Ethan shrugged. "I just like having my space."


    Zack sighed in disappointment as Ethan poured hot water into the cups, stirring the coffee with ease. "You''re wasting so much potential, man."


    Ethan handed Zack a cup. "I''ll think about it."


    Zack took the coffee, frowning. "This isn''t alcohol."


    "No," Ethan said flatly.


    Zack stared at him. "You''re really not gonna offer me a drink?"


    "You have coffee."


    Zack groaned again, but he took a sip nonetheless. "This is why I''m the fun one."


    Ethan smirked. "If by ''fun,'' you mean ''impulsive,'' then yeah."


    They stood there in silence for a while, drinking their coffee.


    Despite Zack''s grumbling, he didn''t seem too bothered. He might have wanted something stronger, but Ethan knew he still appreciated the moment.


    After they finished, Ethan placed his cup in the sink and turned back to Zack. "We should head to the resort site. See if the order came in."


    Zack stretched and nodded. "Yeah, yeah. Let''s go."


    As they stepped out of the house, Zack still couldn''t get over how empty Ethan''s mansion felt.


    "Dude, I''m serious," Zack said, shaking his head. "You need to get some people working in that place. Maybe a chef. A few maids. Hell, at least a housekeeper to keep things from feeling like a damn museum."


    Ethan chuckled as he unlocked the Porsche and slid into the driver''s seat. "You just want an excuse to be around pretty maids."


    Zack smirked as he pulled the passenger door open. "Maybe. But you need some luxury in your life. You''re rich. Act like it."


    Ethan started the car, the engine humming smoothly. "I do act like it. I bought this car, didn''t I?"


    Zack leaned back, rubbing the soft leather of the seat. "I''ll give you that. This baby''s a damn beauty. But it wouldn''t kill you to live a little. Some good whiskey, a few maids, maybe even a jacuzzi."


    Ethan recognized him ¡ª Harris, the construction chief in charge of overseeing the project.


    "You''re here earlier than I expected," Harris said, adjusting his hard hat. His sharp gaze moved between them before settling on Ethan. "You looking to inspect the shipment?"


    "Yeah," Ethan replied, glancing at the parked trucks. "Has everything arrived?"


    Harris exhaled, flipping through his clipboard. "Most of it. We got the bulk of the supplies in the morning, but there''s a delay on the reinforced glass panels for the front entrance. Shipping issue."


    Zack groaned. "Let me guess. It''ll take another week?"


    Harris shook his head. "Nah, should be in by tomorrow evening at the latest. Everything else is on schedule, though."


    Ethan nodded. "That''s manageable."


    Harris led them toward the storage area, where stacks of materials were neatly arranged under temporary coverings.


    Ethan walked alongside him, checking off items from the mental list he had made earlier. Wood, steel reinforcements, flooring tiles ¡ª they were all accounted for.


    Zack, on the other hand, seemed more interested in surveying the layout of the resort. He whistled low, taking in the vast space. "Gotta say, man, when this is finished, it''s gonna be a damn masterpiece."


    Ethan smirked slightly but didn''t respond. Instead, he turned back to Harris. "What about labor? Everything on track?"


    Harris nodded. "Yeah. The crew''s working efficiently. If we keep up this pace, we''ll be ahead of schedule by at least a few days."


    Zack clapped a hand on Ethan''s shoulder. "Look at you, Mr. Business Tycoon. Investing in a resort, driving a Porsche ¡ª what''s next? Buying an island?"


    Ethan rolled his eyes. "I''d rather keep my money in things that actually make a profit."


    Zack grinned. "Well, if you ever do get an island, make sure to name it after me."


    Ethan ignored him and turned his attention back to Harris. "We''ll check in tomorrow for the glass panels. If anything changes, let me know."


    "Will do," Harris replied.


    With business handled for now, Ethan and Zack made their way back to the Porsche. Zack stretched lazily before climbing into the passenger seat.


    As Ethan started the engine, Zack shot him a sideways glance. "So, you still think a bike is better?"


    Ethan smirked as he pulled onto the road. "Every time."


    Zack groaned. "You''re hopeless, man."

 Chapter 49 A Bet

    Ethan pulled the Porsche to a smooth stop in front of Zack''s club, the sleek vehicle gleaming under the afternoon sun.


    The faint thrum of music could already be heard from inside, even though it was still early.


    A few customers were trickling in ¡ª mostly regulars looking for a head start on the night. Zack unbuckled his seatbelt and stretched, letting out a satisfied sigh.


    "You know," Zack said, shooting Ethan a sly grin, "I might just drop by your place one of these days. Gotta make sure you''re not turning into some soulless corporate robot with nothing but work and bikes in your life."


    Ethan smirked. "What, worried I don''t have a proper wine cellar for you to raid?"


    "Not just wine," Zack said dramatically, placing a hand over his heart as if he were personally offended.


    "Whiskey, vodka, tequila ¡ª hell, even a well-stocked bar cart would be nice. What''s the point of a mansion if you don''t have house service and a bartender on standby?"


    Ethan chuckled, resting his hands on the steering wheel. "You just want an excuse to lounge around in my place and drink my alcohol."


    Zack grinned unapologetically. "Busted."


    Ethan shook his head. "You can come check it out, but don''t expect a harem of maids in bunny outfits serving you drinks. It''s just me, my work, and my garage."


    Zack let out an exaggerated sigh. "What a waste of prime real estate."


    Ethan waved him off. "Go do your thing. I''ll catch you later."


    Zack smirked, giving him a playful salute before stepping out and watching the Porsche smoothly pull away.


    As soon as his friend disappeared down the street, Zack rolled his shoulders and made his way inside the club.


    The atmosphere inside was still relaxed, the deep red lights giving the space a warm, intimate glow.


    A few regulars were already sipping on their drinks, chatting quietly while the bartenders prepared for the evening rush.


    Zack nodded at a few of them as he walked through, exchanging casual greetings before slipping into his office.


    He shut the door behind him and immediately reached for his phone, a mischievous glint in his eyes. He scrolled through his contacts and pressed the call button.


    "It won''t be," Zack assured her smoothly. "Oh, and bring that ego of yours. You might need it when Ethan blows past you."


    Vanessa laughed, a sharp, confident sound. "You''re getting ahead of yourself. But fine, I''ll play along. I''ll be there in a bit."


    The call ended, and Zack grinned as he tossed his phone onto the desk.


    ''He should treat me to some beer for this matchmaking,''


    #####


    The heavy bass of the music pulsed through the club as Vanessa stepped inside, her sharp eyes scanning the crowd.


    She was used to places like this ¡ª dimly lit, filled with people who thought they were important, all trying to prove something. She had no patience for it.


    With an air of confidence, she strode through the mass of bodies, effortlessly maneuvering past drunken dancers and groups of men who eyed her a little too long.


    She wasn''t here to party.


    Dressed in a fitted black leather jacket, cropped just above her waist, Vanessa exuded an effortless cool. Underneath, a deep red top clung to her form, complementing her toned physique.


    Paired with high-waisted jeans that hugged her hips and sleek black boots that clicked against the floor, she looked every bit the racer she was ¡ª untouchable, fearless, and always ready to take the wheel.


    As she walked, a few heads turned. Some recognized her, murmuring her name, but she ignored them. She wasn''t here for attention.


    She was here for Zack.


    The flashing neon lights cast sharp shadows on her face, accentuating the sly smirk tugging at her lips.


    Her dark hair was tied up in a high ponytail, a few loose strands framing her face, and her makeup was minimal ¡ª just enough to highlight her sharp cheekbones and piercing eyes.


    She carried herself like she owned the place, like she was above it all. Because in her mind, she was.


    Reaching the VIP section, she spotted Zack lounging on one of the leather couches, a whiskey glass in hand, grinning like he''d just won a bet he hadn''t placed yet.


    "Vanessa," Zack greeted smoothly, raising his glass in a half-toast. "Right on time."

 Chapter 50 A Bet (Part 2)

    She slid into the seat across from him, draping one leg over the other as she crossed her arms.


    "I don''t like waiting," she said coolly.


    Zack chuckled. "I''d be worried if you did." He motioned to the bartender, who immediately stepped forward. "What are you drinking?"


    "Not here to drink," she said, giving him a pointed look.


    Zack smirked, swirling his whiskey. "Loosen up, will you? It''s just a chat. One drink won''t kill you."


    Vanessa rolled her eyes but finally sighed. "Fine. Vodka. No ice."


    The bartender nodded and left, and Zack leaned back, studying her. "You know, you''re really bad at small talk."


    "I don''t waste time on pointless things," she shot back. "Let''s get to the reason I''m here."


    "Straight to business, huh?" Zack mused. He took a slow sip of his whiskey before setting the glass down. "Alright. The race."


    Vanessa raised a brow. "You''re actually serious about this? Your little friend ¡ª the bike guy ¡ª is supposed to challenge me?"


    Zack''s grin didn''t waver. "Ethan''s more than just a ''bike guy.'' He knows speed. He understands control. And if there''s anyone who can give you a run for your money, it''s him."


    Vanessa leaned back against the plush leather seat, one arm draped casually over the backrest as she eyed Zack with skepticism.


    The bartender set her vodka down, but she didn''t reach for it. Instead, she crossed one leg over the other, tapping her fingers lightly against her knee.


    "What''s in it for me?" she asked, her tone sharp.


    Zack''s smirk widened, and he took his time swirling the amber liquid in his glass before answering.


    "Bragging rights," he said smoothly. "The satisfaction of proving you''re the best. Isn''t that enough for a racer like you?"


    Vanessa scoffed, her expression turning to one of mild amusement. "Bragging rights?" she echoed. "I don''t get in my car for free just to put some random guy in his place. If there''s no profit, I''m out."


    She picked up her glass then, taking a slow sip before setting it back down with a soft clink. "Nice try, Zack, but I don''t race for fun."


    Zack let out a short laugh, shaking his head. "Knew you''d say that." Without hesitation, he leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table, and met her gaze. "Fine. Let''s make it interesting ¡ª I''ll put fifty grand on Ethan''s win."


    Vanessa raised a brow. "Fifty grand?"


    "You heard me." He leaned back with an easy confidence, as if fifty thousand dollars was pocket change.


    #####


    Ethan exhaled deeply, running a hand through his hair as he stepped out of the real estate office.


    Another deal closed. Another rundown apartment building added to his growing list of properties. The system had made this all too easy.


    He barely had to think about it ¡ª find a neglected building, purchase it for dirt cheap, renovate it to modern standards, and sell it for a small fortune.


    "It''s like a cheat code," he muttered under his breath, shaking his head.


    The thought amused him, but it was the truth.


    In just a short time, he had amassed more wealth than most people would see in their lifetime. And the best part? This was just the tip of the iceberg.


    Slipping his phone out of his pocket, he scrolled through his contacts and pressed a name he had dialed many times before.


    Marty picked up on the second ring.


    "Boss?"


    "Just closed another deal," Ethan said, stepping toward his car. "I need you to handle the usual¡ªget the paperwork in order, start on the renovations, and have a team assess the place."


    Marty let out a low whistle. "Another one already? You don''t mess around, do you?"


    Ethan chuckled as he slid into the driver''s seat. "I don''t like wasted time. And neither should you."


    "Fair enough," Marty replied. "I''ll get on it first thing in the morning."


    "Good," Ethan said, starting the car. "I''ll check in later."


    With that, he ended the call and leaned back against the seat for a moment, rubbing his temples. It had been a long day, and exhaustion was beginning to creep in.


    He needed to get home, clear his head, and recharge before jumping into the next phase of his plans.


    The streets were quiet as he drove through the city, the bright lights reflecting off the sleek surface of his Porsche.


    The engine hummed beneath him, a comforting sound in the otherwise silent night. He barely paid attention to the admiring glances his car drew as he navigated toward his mansion.


    By the time he pulled into the driveway and stepped out, the weight of the day finally settled in his bones.


    He made his way inside, tossing his keys onto the counter before heading straight to his chair in the living room.


    The moment he sat down, his phone buzzed. He groaned, half tempted to ignore it, but when he saw Zack''s name flashing on the screen, he sighed and answered.

 Chapter 51 A Bet (Part 3)

    "You better not be calling me to drag me out somewhere," Ethan said tiredly.


    "Relax, man," Zack''s voice came through, laced with excitement. "I''ve got news."


    Ethan pinched the bridge of his nose. "This better be good."


    "Oh, it''s better than good," Zack said, his grin practically audible. "I got you a race."


    Ethan blinked. "A what?"


    "A race, genius. Against Vanessa."


    Ethan sat up straighter. "The racer from your club?"


    "That''s the one."


    Ethan sighed, rubbing his temple. "Zack, I never agreed to a race."


    "Yeah, well, you also never said you wouldn''t race."


    Ethan let out a dry laugh. "That''s not how this works."


    "Look, man," Zack said, his tone turning serious. "She''s good. Like, really good. And I just staked fifty grand on you winning."


    Ethan nearly dropped his phone. "You what?"


    "You heard me," Zack said unapologetically. "Fifty grand. On you."


    Ethan exhaled sharply. "You''re out of your damn mind."


    "Maybe," Zack admitted. "But I believe in you. And, hey, if you win, not only do we make bank, but you''ll have some serious credibility in the racing scene. You know how useful that could be?"


    Ethan leaned back, staring at the ceiling for a moment. He didn''t particularly care about street racing. He preferred his bike, and cars ¡ª while powerful ¡ª never gave him the same thrill.


    But Zack''s confidence in him wasn''t misplaced. Ethan was good behind the wheel.


    He had spent enough time perfecting his driving skills, and if Vanessa was as good as Zack made her out to be... well, a challenge wasn''t something Ethan ever backed down from.


    Still, he wasn''t about to let Zack get off that easy.


    "You really staked fifty grand on me?" Ethan asked again, his voice filled with disbelief.


    Zack laughed. "Of course, I did. Think of it as motivation."


    Ethan shook his head, a smirk playing on his lips. "You''re lucky I don''t back down from a challenge."


    "So you''re in?"


    Ethan sighed dramatically. "Looks like I don''t have much of a choice, do I?"


    "That''s the spirit!" Zack said, sounding way too pleased with himself. "I''ll send you the details. Get some rest, man. You''re gonna need it."


    Ethan ended the call, setting his phone down with a chuckle.


    A race against Vanessa, huh?


    #####


    Ethan leaned back in his chair, staring at the dim glow of his System Phone.


    The screen pulsed with a soft blue light, displaying the latest notifications regarding his investments.


    He snorted. "That''s not what I meant."


    "I know." She sighed. "I just ¡ª look, I get it. You''re building something. You''re making moves. But you don''t have to do everything alone, Ethan. And you don''t always have to push yourself... too hard,"


    He closed his eyes for a brief moment. Lila had always been like this. One of the few people who actually cared. Not about his money, not about his status ¡ª just about him.


    "I''ll be fine," he said, even though he wasn''t sure if it was true.


    Lila made a sound of disapproval. "Liar."


    That made him chuckle. "You should get some sleep."


    "Only if you do, too," she countered.


    "I''ll try."


    Another silence. It was a comfortable one this time.


    "Goodnight, Babe."


    "Goodnight, Babe."


    The call ended with a soft beep, and Ethan set his phone down, exhaling.


    Then his eyes drifted down to another set of notifications.


    30 missed calls from his sister.


    His chest tightened.


    For a moment, he just stared at the screen, his thumb hovering over the call history.


    That wasn''t an accident. That wasn''t a casual check-in.


    She really wants to talk.


    And he knew exactly why.


    Ethan slowly leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk as he let out a long breath.


    ''I should call her back.''


    But he didn''t.


    He tapped his fingers against the chair, debating it.


    He could already hear her voice in his head, the same frustrated, disappointed tone she used to speak to him last time... but now that everything had been cleared?


    She wanted him to come home.


    To talk.


    To fix things.


    And Ethan didn''t know if he was ready for that.


    He clenched his jaw, exhaling through his nose.


    ''Not tonight. Maybe after the race.''


    He could put it off for a little longer.


    Just a little longer.

 Chapter 52 NightTime Racing (Part 1)

    The night air buzzed with the low rumble of engines, the scent of burning rubber already thick in the industrial district.


    The race was set along a long, winding stretch that ran from the warehouses, past the old factories, and straight toward the docks.


    It wasn''t a simple drag race. This track required precision.


    The first half was a long straight, giving racers a chance to push their machines to their limits.


    But then came the tight curves, sharp enough that a single mistake could send someone spinning out or worse ¡ª straight into a stack of forgotten cargo containers.


    The last stretch was deceptive, appearing smooth at first, but hiding small inclines and dips that could throw off an unprepared driver.


    At the very end, just before the finish line, the road split into two choices ¡ª one slightly shorter but riddled with uneven pavement, the other clean but requiring an extra second to take the curve properly.


    It was a gamble. Speed or stability?


    Ethan took another sip from his canteen, feeling the cool water slide down his throat.


    He leaned against his sleek silver Porsche, the paint gleaming under the dim streetlights.


    The headlights from other cars cast long shadows across the cracked pavement as racers and spectators gathered.


    Some revved their engines, testing their machines, while others placed bets, eager to see how this new challenger ¡ª him ¡ª would fare against one of the best.


    A distant roar cut through the night, sharp and unmistakable. Vanessa had arrived.


    Her Ferrari pulled in like a storm, the deep growl of the engine turning heads as she slowed to a stop just a few feet from Ethan.


    The bright red beast looked almost menacing under the artificial glow of the streetlights, its aerodynamic body designed for nothing but pure speed.


    Vanessa stepped out, her confidence dripping from every move.


    She was dressed for the occasion¡ªa sleek black racing jacket hugging her form, tight jeans that allowed for movement, and boots that clacked lightly against the pavement.


    Her brown hair was tied back in a high ponytail, and when she removed her helmet, her piercing eyes locked onto Ethan immediately.


    A smirk curled her lips. "So, you''re the one Zack''s been hyping up?"


    ''Now that I look at him well... he''s tall... and handsome too, Shit focus Vanessa.''


    Ethan took another sip of water before casually capping his canteen.


    "Guess so," he said, voice even.


    Vanessa gave a short laugh and rested a hand on the roof of her car. "You don''t look like a racer."


    The countdown began.


    Engines roared, tires screeched against the pavement, and the crowd of spectators leaned in, their anticipation thick in the night air.


    Ethan gripped the wheel, his gaze locked on the stretch of road ahead. His Porsche was purring beneath him, a beast ready to be unleashed.


    Vanessa sat low in her Ferrari, her fingers drumming against the wheel.


    The smirk on her face said it all ¡ª she wasn''t worried.


    A second later, the light flashed green.


    The moment it did, both cars launched forward like bullets.


    The Porsche''s tires screeched, struggling for grip for a split second before finding purchase and hurling Ethan forward.


    The Ferrari, however, was built for this.


    Vanessa surged ahead almost immediately, her acceleration crisp and brutal.


    Her car hugged the road, sleek and low to the ground, while Ethan''s Porsche pushed itself to keep up, its raw power roaring beneath him.


    But Ethan wasn''t out of the fight.


    He adjusted his grip, feeling the steering respond to his every move.


    The night blurred past him, the cold wind howling through the open driver-side window as they tore down the industrial district''s long stretch.


    Vanessa threw a quick glance at her side mirror.


    He was still there.


    That surprised her.


    Even with the Ferrari''s superior acceleration, he was keeping up ¡ª not completely matching her, but enough that she couldn''t relax.


    She scoffed, speaking into her earpiece that connected to Zack''s. "He drives his car like a damn bike."


    Zack''s laughter crackled through the line. "Yeah, that''s Ethan for you."


    Vanessa shook her head and refocused.


    The first half of the track was a straight sprint, a battle of raw speed. The second half? That''s where things got interesting.


    The curves were coming up fast.


    And this was where the race would be decided.

 Chapter 53 NightTime Racing (Part 2)

    Vanessa shifted gears, anticipation buzzing in her veins as she approached the first curve.


    She barely slowed down.


    Her Ferrari hugged the asphalt like it was an extension of her body, slipping effortlessly into the curve, tires kissing the pavement without a hint of struggle.


    Ethan, however ¡ª he wasn''t as smooth.


    He braked too late, forcing the Porsche into a harsh angle. His back tires skidded, sending a sharp jolt through the car as he fought to regain control.


    ''Shit.''


    For a split second, his heart pounded in his ears.


    He felt the car slipping.


    But instead of panicking, he adjusted.


    He gritted his teeth, turned the wheel just enough, and pulled the car back in line.


    Vanessa had already gained a lead.


    But Ethan? He wasn''t going down without a fight.


    He took a deep breath.


    He could hear the tires, feel the asphalt beneath him, the vibration of the engine in his chest.


    It was just like a bike.


    No hesitation. No fear.


    He changed gears.


    Pressed hard on the pedal.


    And attacked the second curve.


    The Porsche swung into the turn with precision.


    His tires screamed, but this time, he was in control.


    His speed didn''t falter ¡ª he came out of the second curve faster than before, barely losing momentum.


    The third curve was even tighter.


    Ethan braced himself, watching Vanessa glide through it like it was nothing.


    She was good. Damn good.


    But Ethan had always been a fast learner.


    The second he reached the curve, he didn''t fight it ¡ª he flowed with it.


    The Porsche responded beautifully.


    His speed barely dropped, and when he came out of the turn, he was closer than before.


    Vanessa''s eyes flicked to her mirrors again.


    He was catching up.


    Her smirk disappeared.


    Maybe she had underestimated him.


    But the race wasn''t over yet.


    And the final stretch was approaching.


    Two choices.


    This was where the real test began.


    For a moment, Ethan felt that old, familiar instinct kicking in ¡ª the one from all the years he''d spent riding bikes, weaving through traffic like it was second nature.


    He let himself lean into that instinct.


    He wasn''t in a car anymore.


    He was riding.


    He could feel the invisible wind brushing against his skin, as if his helmet was off, as if his bike was beneath him, carrying him forward.


    His hair would''ve been whipping against the breeze if he were truly on a motorcycle.


    He could see it ¡ª the perfect moment to strike.


    Vanessa had the raw power. The Ferrari had better acceleration.


    But Ethan?


    Ethan had timing.


    He switched gears.


    And in that instant ¡ª the Porsche shot forward.


    The engine roared with renewed ferocity, tires gripping the road with precision, launching him ahead of Vanessa in a single, clean motion.


    She barely had time to process what had happened.


    One second, they were side by side.


    The next?


    Ethan was ahead.


    Vanessa''s eyes widened in sheer disbelief.


    No way.


    No freaking way.


    No way was this guy actually overtaking her now, of all times.


    She pushed harder, but the difference had already been made.


    The finish line was seconds away.


    And Ethan?


    He was already crossing it.


    A blur of silver streaked through the docks.


    The sound of tires screeching, the final echo of engines roaring ¡ª and then, silence.


    The Porsche slowed naturally as Ethan finally eased off the accelerator.


    His hands relaxed on the wheel, his heart still racing from the sheer adrenaline coursing through him.


    He let out a deep, slow breath.


    He had won.


    And for a few moments, he just sat there, letting it sink in.


    Then, he heard it.


    The cheers.


    The whoops.

 Chapter 54 A Date

    Zack''s absolute explosion of excitement from the sidelines.


    "YES! YES! HOLY SHIT, ETHAN, YOU DID IT! I KNEW IT! I FREAKIN'' KNEW IT!"


    Vanessa pulled up beside him, her Ferrari coming to a smooth, controlled stop.


    Ethan turned his head slightly, watching as she gripped the wheel ¡ª hard.


    For a moment, she just stared ahead, the reality of the loss settling over her.


    Then ¡ª


    She laughed.


    A full, genuine, amused laugh.


    Ethan raised an eyebrow, but Vanessa just shook her head and let out a small chuckle.


    "You sneaky bastard," she muttered, finally looking at him. "I can''t believe you actually pulled that off."


    Ethan smirked. "You drive well," he said casually. "But I''m better."


    Vanessa scoffed, but there was no malice in it. Just amusement.


    "Cocky much?"


    Before Ethan could respond, Zack practically tackled him.


    "BRO. DID YOU SEE THAT? DID YOU SEE THAT?! THAT WAS THE CLEANEST OVERTAKE I''VE EVER SEEN! HOLY SHIT, I SHOULD''VE BET MORE!"


    Vanessa rolled her eyes. "Oh, shut up, Zack."


    Zack ignored her, grabbing Ethan by the shoulders. "I knew you had it in you. I knew it! But damn, I wasn''t expecting you to actually leave her in the dust at the last second!"


    Ethan simply shrugged, stepping out of the Porsche, the heat from the engine still radiating as he stretched his arms. "Felt like riding a bike," he said, his voice cool and even.


    Vanessa crossed her arms, leaning against her Ferrari as she gave him an appraising look.


    "You''re not just some guy who likes fast cars," she said. "You actually have instincts."


    Ethan didn''t deny it.


    She tilted her head slightly. "Where''d you learn to drive like that?"


    Ethan exhaled. "Didn''t," he admitted. "I just ride."


    Vanessa''s lips curled into a small smile.


    "Figures."


    The crowd around them was still buzzing, hyped from the race.


    Money was being exchanged from bets, people were clapping Ethan on the back, and Zack was already counting his winnings with the biggest grin Ethan had ever seen. After all, people around there had also bet with him.


    Then, Vanessa stepped forward, standing right in front of him.


    "I''ll be real," she said. "I didn''t think you''d win. Thought you''d put up a fight, sure, but actually win?" She scoffed. "Didn''t see that coming."


    Ethan met her gaze. "Neither did you."


    That made her chuckle. "Fair point."


    Then, without hesitation ¡ª


    She held out her hand.


    A firm, professional handshake.


    Ethan looked at it for a moment, then grasped it.


    Her grip was strong.


    Zack exploded into a victorious yell, throwing his arms into the air. "YES! Finally! You guys won''t regret this."


    Vanessa rolled her eyes but couldn''t help the small smile that tugged at her lips. "Yeah, yeah. Whatever."


    With that, the energy began to settle. The celebration had ended, and one by one, people returned to their cars, the parking lot thinning out.


    Vanessa pulled her keys from her pocket, spinning them around her finger as she gave Ethan one last glance.


    "Nice race," she said, her voice carrying an edge of genuine respect.


    Ethan nodded. "You too."


    She smirked, then slid into her Ferrari, revving the engine before peeling off in a spray of dust and rubber.


    Zack immediately coughed, waving a hand in front of his face. "Jesus ¡ª did she do that on purpose?"


    Ethan smirked. "Probably."


    Zack rubbed his nose. "I think I inhaled like five years of dust."


    Ethan chuckled, shaking his head as he leaned against his Porsche. The adrenaline from the race was finally wearing off, leaving behind a strange quiet in his chest.


    Zack, ever the social one, noticed the shift immediately.


    "You heading home?" Zack asked, stuffing his hands into his pockets.


    Ethan took a slow breath. He should''ve said yes. He should''ve gotten into his car, driven back to his penthouse, and called it a night.


    But instead ¡ª


    "No," he said.


    Zack tilted his head. "Oh?"


    Ethan glanced at the road ahead, his mind already made up. "I have somewhere to be."


    He didn''t elaborate.


    Didn''t explain.


    And Zack, for once, didn''t press.


    "Alright, man," Zack said, backing away. "See you tomorrow then. Don''t be late for your date."


    Ethan rolled his eyes but didn''t respond as Zack hopped into his own car and drove off.


    Now, alone in the quiet night, Ethan finally let himself acknowledge it.


    The 30 missed calls.


    His phone still displayed them. A number he knew all too well.


    His sister.


    His fingers hovered over the screen.


    He exhaled sharply, pocketing the phone before he could second-guess himself.


    There was only one place he needed to go tonight.


    He stepped into the Porsche, shut the door, and started the engine.


    The familiar roar greeted him, but it wasn''t as exciting now. It wasn''t a race. It wasn''t about speed.


    It was about facing something he''d been avoiding.


    He pulled onto the road, the streetlights casting long shadows as he drove through the city.


    The closer he got to his destination, the heavier his chest felt.


    The family house.

 Chapter 55 Family House (Part 1)

    The living room was quiet, save for the occasional rustling of pages and the distant hum of the refrigerator.


    The house, once filled with warmth and laughter, now felt empty. The lights were dim, and the air carried a certain heaviness, an unspoken sorrow that had settled in over the past month.


    Ethan''s mother, Margaret, sat by the small table near the window, her fingers lightly tracing the rim of a porcelain teacup.


    She was a beautiful woman, though the years had started to show in the fine lines around her deep-set eyes.


    The light from the television flickered across her face, but she wasn''t watching ¡ª her gaze was fixed on the window, lost in thought.


    It had been a long time since she had last seen her son. Too long.


    On the large couch in the center of the room, Ethan''s father, Harold, lay with a book drooped over his face.


    He had fallen asleep that way, his chest rising and falling steadily, his breathing slow and deep.


    The book he had been reading wasn''t particularly interesting to him; he had picked it up simply to pass the time, though even that felt meaningless nowadays.


    The house had once been lively, full of conversations, teasing, and the clatter of plates as dinner was served.


    Now, it felt more like a place people existed in rather than lived in.


    Margaret sighed and set down her tea. She turned to glance at her husband, but she already knew what she''d see ¡ª a man who had tried to move forward, who had tried to let go of the pain, but who still carried the weight of their son''s absence like a shadow over his shoulders.


    A small tug at his sleeve stirred him from his slumber.


    "Daddy..." A tiny voice spoke, barely above a whisper.


    Harold groaned softly, adjusting the book on his face before lazily lifting it off.


    His vision adjusted, and he looked down at the little girl standing beside him.


    It was Julia, the youngest of the family. Her dark eyes shimmered with hope, her tiny hands clinging onto his shirt as she looked up at him.


    "Can we visit Big Brother Ethan?" she asked, tilting her head slightly. Her voice was soft, innocent, completely unaware of the storm that lay between Ethan and the rest of the family.


    Harold''s heart clenched. He reached out and gently ran his fingers through her hair.


    "Julia..." he murmured, his voice rough from sleep.


    Margaret glanced over from her chair, her lips pressing into a thin line. The tension was almost immediate, even without words.


    Claire, who had been sitting in the corner of the room with her phone in hand, let out an audible sigh.


    "He''s not going to pick up," she muttered, more to herself than anyone else.


    She had tried calling Ethan over and over for quite some time.


    Harold ran a hand down his face, exhaling heavily. Margaret pressed a hand against her chest, steadying her breathing. Claire gripped her phone tightly, her pulse still racing.


    The house, which had been so quiet before, now buzzed with an uneasy energy.


    For the first time in a long time, Ethan was coming home.


    #####


    Ethan''s phone buzzed beside him, the screen lighting up in the dim glow of the car''s dashboard.


    His fingers, resting lightly against the steering wheel, drummed against the leather as he glanced at the caller ID.


    Claire.


    He exhaled sharply, tilting his head back against the headrest for a second.


    He hadn''t spoken to her in months ¡ª hadn''t spoken to any of them, really.


    Not since the case had been dropped, not since he had walked free and realized that even though he had proven his innocence, some wounds didn''t heal with time.


    Some things just... lingered.


    The phone kept ringing, vibrating steadily against the center console.


    Ethan let it ring out for a few more seconds before finally answering.


    "Hello?"


    There was a pause, barely half a second, but he could hear the sharp intake of breath on the other end, like Claire hadn''t expected him to actually pick up.


    "Ethan?"


    Her voice was cautious, hesitant.


    Ethan smirked slightly, though it didn''t quite reach his eyes.


    He revved the Porsche''s engine on purpose, the powerful roar cutting through the night air. "I''m coming over," he said simply.


    Then, without waiting for a response, he hung up.


    He dropped his phone onto the passenger seat and gripped the wheel tighter, his foot pressing slightly against the accelerator as the Porsche glided effortlessly down the road.


    Almost immediately, the phone began buzzing again. Claire was calling him back.


    He glanced at it. Let it ring. Then, he ignored it.


    She could wait. They all could.

 Chapter 56 Family House (Part 2)

    The city lights faded behind him as he turned onto the quieter streets of the neighborhood.


    It had been a while since he had driven through these roads.


    The trees lining the sidewalks still stood tall, their leaves rustling softly in the cold night air.


    The houses all looked the same ¡ª modest, well-kept, with warm lights glowing through curtained windows.


    His childhood home was just up ahead.


    Ethan slowed the car as he approached, his hands gripping the wheel a little tighter than before.


    The house looked just like he remembered it.


    The porch light was on, casting a soft yellow glow onto the small front yard. The curtains were drawn, but he could make out shadows moving inside.


    The driveway was still cracked in places, the same way it had been when he was a kid, and the old oak tree in the front yard still stood, its bare branches stretching toward the sky like skeletal fingers.


    He pulled up to the curb and put the car in park.


    For a few moments, he didn''t move. He just sat there, his fingers tapping absently against the wheel as he stared at the house.


    His heart was beating a little faster than usual. Not out of fear. Not out of excitement. Just... anticipation.


    He had spent so much time avoiding this place, avoiding them. And now, he was here.


    With a quiet exhale, he pushed the car door open.


    The cold air hit him instantly, sharp and biting against his skin. He barely noticed.


    Because standing just outside the house, on the porch, were all of them.


    His mother. His father. Claire. And little Emily, peeking from behind Claire''s arm, her wide eyes fixed on him like she couldn''t believe he was real.


    They were all there.


    Waiting for him.


    The night air was cold, thick with an eerie silence that neither the wind nor the occasional rustle of trees could break.


    Ethan stood outside the familiar house, his breath steady, his expression unreadable.


    His mother snapped out of her thoughts. "No, of course not," she said quickly, stepping aside and motioning toward the house. "Come inside, Ethan. We should all sit down."


    Ethan gave a small nod before walking up the steps, still carrying Julia as she clung to him. He could feel Claire''s gaze burning into his back, full of unspoken words.


    The air inside the house was warmer than outside, but it didn''t hold the same warmth he remembered from his childhood.


    It was different now ¡ª quieter, almost eerie. The living room, though neatly arranged, had an odd emptiness to it.


    He set Julia down, and she immediately ran to grab one of her toys from the couch. Meanwhile, Ethan''s father finally moved, stepping forward to join them.


    His towering presence had once been something Ethan admired ¡ª something that felt like a shield against the world. But now?


    Now it felt like a wall between them.


    They all sat down, though Ethan remained on edge, his foot tapping lightly against the floor.


    His mother sat across from him, smoothing out an invisible wrinkle in her dress, while Claire positioned herself on the armrest of a chair, still watching him intently.


    His father leaned back in his chair, arms folded, eyes unreadable.


    For a long moment, no one spoke.


    Then, his mother finally broke the silence. "Ethan... how have you been?"


    It was such a simple question, yet it carried so much weight.


    Ethan shrugged, leaning back against the couch. "Busy."


    Claire scoffed. "Yeah, we noticed."


    His jaw tensed slightly, but he didn''t respond right away.


    Instead, his eyes flicked toward Julia, who was happily playing with a stuffed bear on the floor, completely oblivious to the tension in the room.


    His mother gave Claire a warning look before turning back to him. "We''ve been worried about you."


    Ethan exhaled through his nose. "Yeah? Didn''t seem like it when I was all alone."


    His father''s gaze darkened, and Claire''s grip on the armrest tightened.


    "That''s not fair," his mother said softly. "We never doubted you, Ethan. We were devastated when you ¡ª " She stopped, exhaling sharply. "When everything happened."

 Chapter 57 Family House (Part 3)

    Ethan looked away, his jaw tightening.


    Claire spoke up, her voice quieter but firm. "You didn''t even give us a chance, Ethan. The charges were dropped, and you just... disappeared. You ignored us. Do you know how many times I called?"


    His gaze flickered to her for a brief second before settling on the table.


    "I saw," he admitted, his voice low.


    Claire scoffed, shaking her head. "Unbelievable."


    His mother placed a hand on Claire''s arm before looking back at Ethan. "You could have come home sooner."


    "I could have," he said simply.


    Another silence stretched between them.


    His father finally spoke, his deep voice cutting through the air. "So why now?"


    Ethan met his father''s gaze. "Because I''m here."


    It wasn''t an answer. Not really. He didn''t have much to say.


    His father stared at him for a long moment before nodding once, leaning back in his chair. "Hmph."


    Julia, sensing the shift in mood, suddenly ran over to Ethan, tugging on his sleeve. "Big brother, do you wanna see my new drawings?"


    Ethan glanced down at her bright, eager face. He felt something in his chest loosen.


    "Yeah," he said, his voice softer. "I''d love to."


    She grinned and dashed off, her tiny feet pattering against the floor as she ran to get her notebook.


    His mother sighed, rubbing her temples before looking at Ethan with a small, tired smile. "Let''s not do this tonight."


    Ethan nodded. "Alright."


    Claire didn''t look fully satisfied, but she stayed quiet.


    Julia came running back, hopping onto the couch beside Ethan and flipping open her notebook with excitement.


    Ethan listened intently as she started explaining each of her drawings, her enthusiasm infectious.


    Julia continued to chatter excitedly, flipping through the pages of her sketchbook and pointing at each of her drawings with pride.


    Ethan watched her with a small, amused smile, nodding along as she explained each one.


    "This one''s a castle!" she said, tapping a crayon drawing of a lopsided but still recognizable fortress. "And that''s a dragon guarding it!"


    Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Looks tough."


    She grinned. "It is! Only the bravest knights can beat it."


    "Well, good thing I''m not a knight," Ethan said, smirking. "That thing looks scary."


    Julia giggled, shaking her head. "You could totally beat it! You have a fast car, so you could just zoom away if it gets too close."


    Ethan chuckled softly. "Smart thinking, Jules."


    As Julia continued flipping through the pages, their mother moved quietly in the background, retrieving a plate of food from the kitchen.


    The warm aroma filled the air, making Ethan realize just how hungry he actually was.


    It had been hours since he last ate ¡ª probably even longer than that, considering the adrenaline of the race had kept him going.


    Ethan took a slow breath, closing his eyes for a second.


    He had expected awkward conversations, expected tension, expected distance.


    But this?


    This was something he hadn''t prepared for.


    The silence stretched between them, but it wasn''t heavy.


    It wasn''t the unbearable kind of silence that filled the house before ¡ª when they were too afraid to say the wrong thing, too afraid to acknowledge the elephant in the room.


    This silence felt... peaceful.


    After a while, Claire finally pulled back, sniffling and quickly wiping her eyes as if embarrassed by her own emotions.


    Ethan smirked slightly. "Didn''t know you were such a crybaby."


    Claire scoffed, elbowing him lightly. "Shut up."


    But her voice lacked the usual bite ¡ª it was softer now, more vulnerable.


    Their mother chuckled lightly, standing up from her seat. "I''ll go make some tea."


    Ethan glanced at her. "You still drink that stuff?"


    She smiled. "Of course. Some habits never change."


    Ethan leaned back slightly, exhaling through his nose.


    He watched as she walked toward the kitchen, her movements slow but steady. She had aged, just a little.


    The stress of the past few years had taken its toll.


    His father, still mostly quiet, sat in his usual chair, observing everything with a neutral expression.


    But Ethan could tell ¡ª there was something there, something unspoken.


    Julia suddenly plopped herself onto Ethan''s lap, grinning up at him. "Wanna see my best drawing?"


    Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Best one, huh? Alright, let''s see it."


    She flipped to the very last page, where a colorful drawing of five stick figures stood in front of a house.


    There was a big car next to them, scribbled in dark blue crayon.


    Above it, in large, uneven letters, were the words:


    "OUR FAMILY"


    Ethan stared at it for a long moment.


    Julia beamed. "See? That''s you right there!" She pointed at one of the stick figures ¡ª a taller one with scribbles for hair.


    Ethan chuckled, ruffling her hair. "You''re getting good at this."


    Julia giggled. "I know!"


    Claire glanced at the drawing before smirking slightly. "You made his car too big."


    Julia gasped. "No way! It''s the perfect size!"


    Ethan shook his head, smiling despite himself.

 Chapter 58 Family House (Part 4)

    Ethan pulled the blanket up over Julia''s tiny frame, tucking her in carefully so she wouldn''t wake up from her slumber... he had to admit though, she looked cute as she slept.


    The soft glow of the bedside lamp bathed her face in warm light, her peaceful expression untouched by the burdens of the world.


    She had talked his ear off for hours, jumping from one topic to another, barely giving him a chance to respond.


    But somewhere in the middle of a long-winded explanation about how dragons were actually just misunderstood, her voice had begun to slur, her blinks had grown longer, and eventually, sleep had taken her.


    Even now, as he gently brushed a stray curl from her face, she muttered drowsily.


    "...Don''t go..."


    Her voice was barely above a whisper, her tiny hands gripping the sheets as if holding onto him in her dreams.


    Ethan''s lips curled into a small, genuine smile. He leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead.


    "I''m not going anywhere, Jules," he murmured, even though she had already drifted too deep into sleep to hear him.


    Straightening, he turned around to leave ¡ª but froze when he spotted Claire standing in the doorway.


    Her arms were wrapped around herself, her shoulders stiff.


    She looked uncertain, hesitant, like she had been standing there for a while, working up the courage to say something.


    Ethan met her gaze, waiting.


    "...I just ¡ª " Claire stopped, her throat working as she swallowed.


    She exhaled shakily and tried again. "I wanted to say I''m sorry."


    Ethan remained silent, watching her closely.


    She shifted, clearly uncomfortable, but continued. "For everything. For the names, for what I said, for..."


    She let out a bitter chuckle and shook her head. "For acting like I hated you when I didn''t. I never did. I was just ¡ª " She broke off and sighed, looking away.


    "I was mad. And scared. And instead of dealing with that, I pushed you away."


    Ethan took a slow breath, his expression unreadable.


    Claire clenched her jaw, forcing herself to meet his gaze again. "I don''t expect you to forgive me, I just ¡ª I needed to say it." She hesitated. "And... I missed you, Ethan."


    The words hung between them, heavy with unspoken emotions.


    For a moment, Claire braced herself, as if expecting him to lash out or throw her words back in her face.


    Ethan''s expression remained unreadable. "I''m here."


    It wasn''t an answer. Not really.


    His mother seemed to realize that, but she didn''t push.


    Instead, she just nodded, her lips pressing together tightly.


    His father sighed, rubbing a hand down his face. "Ethan, I know we weren''t... there for you the way we should''ve been."


    Ethan stiffened slightly, his fingers twitching at his sides.


    His father continued. "We should''ve fought harder for you. We should''ve believed in you from the start."


    He looked down at the floor. "But we didn''t. And I can''t change that, no matter how much I want to."


    Ethan swallowed, something tightening in his chest.


    His father looked back up at him. "But I do know that you''re here now. And if there''s even the smallest chance that we can fix this... then I want to take it."


    Ethan''s throat felt dry. He forced himself to speak.


    "I don''t know if things can ever go back to the way they were."


    His father nodded slowly, accepting that. "Maybe not. But maybe they don''t have to."


    Ethan didn''t respond right away. He looked over at his mother, who was watching him with hopeful, tearful eyes.


    He thought about Julia, curled up in bed, sleepily asking him not to go.


    He thought about Claire, standing in that doorway, expecting him to reject her apology.


    He thought about himself, about the version of him who had once called this place home.


    And finally, he exhaled.


    "...We''ll see," he said, his voice quieter now.


    His mother let out a small, shaky breath, as if she had been holding it in all night.


    His father nodded. "That''s enough for now."


    Ethan gave a slow, reluctant nod.


    "So how''s work going?" Ethan asked, if he remembered correctly... things were going badly for them.

 Chapter 59 Family House (Part 5)

    Ethan leaned back into the couch, listening quietly as his father spoke.


    The older man ran a tired hand through his hair, sighing deeply as he recounted the struggles of his store.


    "It''s been rough," his father admitted, rubbing his temples. "Ever since that new place opened a few blocks down, our regular customers have been disappearing. They''ve got a bigger space, newer stock, and they''re undercutting prices I can''t afford to match."


    Ethan watched his father closely, noting the exhaustion in his face ¡ª the faint lines of stress carved around his eyes, the slump in his posture.


    He had always thought of his father as strong, steady.


    But right now, the weight of responsibility was pressing down on him harder than ever.


    "I''ve tried everything," his father continued, shaking his head. "Discounts, loyalty programs... but people go where it''s cheaper, even if they''ve known you for years. And rent isn''t getting any lower either."


    He sighed again, quieter this time. "I don''t know how much longer I can keep it running."


    Ethan exhaled, pulling out his phone.


    His father''s struggles weren''t new ¡ª he had known about them for a while, even before he had... distanced himself from the family.


    When he was still working his office job, he had been sending money home, making sure his parents weren''t completely drowning in expenses.


    But back then, his father had never spoken about the business failing outright.


    He had probably been holding it in. Pretending things were fine.


    "Give me your account details," Ethan said, glancing at his father.


    His father frowned, shifting uncomfortably. "Ethan, that''s not necessary."


    Ethan''s gaze didn''t waver. "Give me your account details, Dad."


    "I appreciate it, son, really. But I don''t want you spending your hard-earned money on my failures. This is my responsibility."


    Ethan let out a slow breath, his fingers tightening around his phone.


    "Do you remember when I was a kid, and I got sick?" he asked suddenly.


    His father blinked at the abrupt shift. "Of course."


    "I was in and out of the hospital for weeks," Ethan continued. "And even though we weren''t exactly rich, you made sure I had the best care. You worked extra shifts, you took out loans ¡ª "


    His father sighed. "That was different."


    "No, it wasn''t," Ethan said firmly. "You did what you had to do because I was your son. And now I''m doing what I have to do because you''re my father." He held out his phone. "So give me the account details."


    His father hesitated, his pride and exhaustion warring against each other.


    Ethan''s voice softened. "Let me do this, Dad."


    Julia lay curled up in bed, her tiny form wrapped in a blanket too big for her.


    Her breathing was soft and even, her chest rising and falling in steady rhythm.


    Ethan couldn''t help but smile.


    Careful not to wake her, he slid into bed beside her, adjusting the covers as he settled in.


    The moment his body touched the mattress, Julia stirred.


    Even in her sleep, she instinctively reached for him, her small arms wrapping around his torso as she buried her face into his chest.


    Ethan froze for a second, surprised by how naturally she clung to him.


    Then, a warmth he hadn''t felt in a long time spread through his chest, and he let out a quiet chuckle, gently brushing her hair away from her face.


    Even after everything, she still loved him so purely. Without hesitation. Without conditions.


    He pressed a soft kiss to the top of her head.


    "Sleep tight, Jules," he whispered.


    [Next Morning]


    The warm golden rays of the morning sun filtered through the small window, casting light across the room.


    Julia stirred first, her tiny body stretching as she let out a soft yawn.


    Still groggy, she rubbed her eyes before blinking a few times.


    And then she saw him.


    Her big brother.


    Lying right there beside her.


    For a second, she thought she was dreaming.


    Her little hands shot up, rubbing her eyes again aggressively before peering back down at Ethan.


    He was still there.


    Her breath caught in her throat.


    "B-Big brother?" she whispered, hesitant.


    Ethan groaned lightly, still half-asleep. His voice came out muffled.


    "Morning, Jules."


    That was all she needed to hear.

 Chapter 60 Breakfast (Part 1)

    Julia let out an excited squeal, practically launching herself onto him, her arms squeezing around his torso with all the strength her little body could muster.


    "YOU''RE REALLY HERE!" she shouted, beaming.


    Ethan laughed, finally opening his eyes to look at her. "Yeah, yeah, I''m here."


    Her joy was infectious.


    "You stayed! You didn''t leave!" she cheered, bouncing excitedly.


    Ethan reached out, tapping her nose. "Told you I wasn''t going anywhere, didn''t I?"


    Julia giggled, hugging him again.


    Ethan let her.


    For a moment, nothing else mattered.


    The tension, the past, the unspoken words between him and the rest of the family ¡ª all of it faded away as he held his little sister close.


    And then, just as quickly, Julia suddenly gasped, her eyes going wide with realization.


    "Breakfast!" she exclaimed. "We have to go eat breakfast! Mom said she was going to make pancakes today!"


    Ethan chuckled at her enthusiasm. "Alright, alright. Let''s go."


    She grabbed his hand, dragging him out of bed with surprising strength for such a tiny person.


    And together, they headed down for breakfast.


    The smell of warm pancakes filled the air as Ethan walked downstairs with Julia skipping ahead of him.


    The dining table was already set, plates stacked neatly while his mother and Claire moved around, setting the last of the servings.


    The sound of clinking cutlery and the gentle hum of morning activity made the house feel lively ¡ª almost normal.


    Ethan''s father sat at the head of the table, half-hidden behind a newspaper, flipping through the pages with a slow, deliberate motion.


    His coffee sat beside him, steaming faintly.


    "Good morning," Ethan said, his voice steady but quiet.


    His father gave a small nod without lowering the paper.


    Ethan took his seat while his mother slid a plate of pancakes in front of him, along with a small dish of syrup.


    "Eat up," she said, before moving to serve Claire.


    Julia climbed onto her chair, her legs too short to touch the ground, and started eating with enthusiasm, swinging her feet.


    She was still talking about her latest drawings, babbling about a princess and a castle she had sketched the night before.


    Ethan listened quietly, nodding when she turned to him for reactions.


    Claire stood near the dining table, watching with thinly veiled suspicion.


    Their mother had stopped mid-motion, a plate still in her hands as she assessed Zack silently.


    Their father had finally lowered his newspaper, eyes narrowing slightly.


    The room suddenly felt a lot less welcoming.


    Ethan exhaled. "Zack, this is my family. Claire, my younger sister. Julia, my youngest sister. My parents."


    Zack offered a lazy wave. "Nice to meet you all. Sorry for dropping in unannounced."


    Their mother finally set the plate down and wiped her hands on a towel.


    "It''s alright," she said carefully. "Since you''re here, would you like some breakfast?"


    Zack''s face lit up. "Don''t mind if I do."


    Ethan groaned. "You''re unbelievable."


    Zack clapped a hand on his shoulder. "And yet, you still keep me around."


    Julia giggled and pulled Zack toward the table. "You can sit next to me!"


    Zack chuckled. "I''d be honored."


    The air had been tense at first.


    Zack''s unexpected arrival had thrown everyone off balance, and Ethan could feel the unspoken questions hanging in the room.


    His parents had remained reserved, Claire was watching cautiously, and even Julia, despite her excitement, kept sneaking glances between Zack and Ethan as if trying to piece things together.


    But it only took a few minutes for Zack to change that.


    He had always been good with people.


    Whether it was his easygoing nature, his humor, or his ability to adapt to any situation, Zack knew how to read a room and adjust.


    And right now, he was putting those skills to work.


    "Alright, so picture this," Zack began, waving his fork dramatically. "I''m at this fancy restaurant last week, right? Some rich guy''s party, and I don''t know anyone there except for the birthday dude, so I''m just trying to blend in."


    Julia was already leaning forward in her seat, eyes wide.


    Claire had her arms crossed but was listening, and even their mother seemed mildly interested as she sipped her tea.


    "So, I sit down at a random table, figuring, ''Hey, free food, why not?''" Zack continued. "I grab a plate, pile on some of the fanciest-looking stuff I''ve ever seen ¡ª tiny portions, but I''m starving, so I take like three of everything."


    He paused dramatically, smirking as he glanced at Ethan.


    "Then, halfway through my meal, I notice everyone at the table is staring at me."


    Julia gasped. "Why?"


    Zack sighed, shaking his head. "Because, my dear little Julia, I had unknowingly sat at the table of the host''s in-laws, who apparently have this strict ''no eating before the speech'' rule. And there I was, stuffing my face like an animal."

 Chapter 61 Breakfast (Part 2)

    The conversation didn''t die down after that.


    If anything, Zack''s ability to stir things up only made it livelier. And Ethan didn''t know whether to be happy or unhappy about this development.


    Julia, practically bouncing in her seat, kept asking more questions about Ethan''s house. "Is it really that big?" she asked, eyes shining with curiosity.


    Zack nodded with exaggerated enthusiasm. "Oh, you have no idea. I stepped in there once and almost got lost. I thought I was in some kind of movie ¡ª huge halls, high ceilings, fancy furniture. But it''s so quiet, I swear I could hear my own heartbeat."


    Julia gasped. "Is it haunted?"


    Ethan shot Zack a glare, but the man only grinned.


    "Who knows? Maybe the ghost of a lonely rich guy roams the halls, waiting for someone to finally hire a bunny-eared maid to keep him company."


    Ethan groaned, rubbing his temple. "Zack..."


    Claire, who had been mostly listening, tilted her head. "Bunny-eared maid?"


    Zack smirked. "Oh, that''s just Ethan''s little fantasy."


    Ethan shot him a sharp look, but Zack just laughed, raising his hands in surrender.


    "Kidding, kidding... mostly."


    Their mother sighed but smiled at their antics. "Well, I do agree that the house is too big for just one person. If you don''t want full-time staff, at least hire someone to help with cleaning. Otherwise, it''ll fall apart before you even realize it."


    Ethan took a slow breath. Truthfully, he had been considering it more seriously.


    The idea of hiring a few staff members wasn''t bad, especially with Julia and Claire coming over.


    He had more than enough space, and it wasn''t like he couldn''t afford it.


    "I''ll think about it," he finally muttered.


    Julia clapped her hands. "Yay! So that means we can visit?"


    Ethan glanced at her, then at Claire, who was watching him expectantly.


    "...Fine," he relented. "You two can come today. I''ll pick you up later."


    Julia cheered, throwing her arms in the air, while Claire just smiled.


    Zack leaned back with a knowing grin. "See? Progress."


    Ethan rolled his eyes but didn''t argue.


    Just as he thought the conversation was finally shifting to something else, Zack suddenly smirked.


    "Oh, by the way, Ethan... don''t forget about that little date you owe."


    Ethan stiffened slightly.


    Claire and Julia''s attention immediately snapped to him, their curiosity piqued.


    "A date?" Claire asked, narrowing her eyes.


    "Big brother has a girlfriend?" Julia added, gasping dramatically.


    Ethan groaned. "Zack..."


    Zack ignored him and instead leaned forward, his grin widening. "Oh, it''s not just any girl. It''s Vanessa Carter."


    Ethan groaned, sinking further into his seat. He could already see where this was going.


    Their mother, though more composed than the others, watched him with quiet curiosity. "She agreed to go out with you?"


    Ethan hesitated. "...Technically, yes."


    That was all Julia needed to hear. She practically bounced in her seat.


    "So when are you taking her on the date? What are you going to wear? Where are you going? Oh! You should bring flowers! Girls like flowers!"


    Zack grinned. "You hear that, Ethan? Your little sister is already your personal romance coach."


    Ethan shot him a flat look. "If you don''t shut up, I''m taking you out of my will."


    Zack burst out laughing. "Joke''s on you, I was never in it."


    Claire chuckled but looked at Ethan expectantly. "So, seriously. Where are you taking her?"


    Ethan sighed, rubbing his temple. "I haven''t thought about it."


    Zack scoffed. "Dude. You beat Vanessa Carter in a race. You can''t just take her to some basic dinner or coffee shop. You need something bold."


    Julia gasped again, practically bouncing. "Another race! You have to challenge her again!"


    Ethan shook his head. "No."


    Zack smirked. "Why? Afraid you''ll lose this time?"


    Ethan narrowed his eyes at him. "I won''t lose."


    Claire laughed. "Then what''s the problem?"


    Ethan exhaled, looking at them all. "Because I wasn''t planning on making this a big deal. I just wanted to race, that''s all."


    Zack leaned back, smirking. "Yeah, well, too bad. It''s a big deal now."


    Julia clapped her hands. "Can we meet her? Please?"


    Ethan ran a hand through his hair. "No."


    Julia pouted. "Why not?"


    "Because you''d just do exactly what you''re doing right now ¡ª except worse."


    Claire snickered. "He''s not wrong."


    Their mother, still watching the conversation unfold, finally shook her head with a smile. "Well, whatever you decide, just be careful. And be a gentleman."


    Ethan sighed. "I always am."


    Zack smirked. "We''ll see about that."


    Julia hummed to herself, still excited. "I can''t wait to tell my friends that my brother is dating a famous racer!"


    Ethan groaned again, but he knew there was no way out of this now.


    Zack grinned. "Hey, at least you''re not boring anymore."


    Ethan shot him a look. "Get out."


    Zack just laughed.

 Chapter 62 Beach Episode

    As breakfast wrapped up, Zack stretched lazily, letting out a satisfied sigh. "Man, your mom makes a mean stack of pancakes, Ethan. I might just move in."


    Ethan''s mother chuckled while Claire rolled her eyes.


    "Not happening."


    Julia giggled. "You can visit though!"


    Zack grinned and stood up, bowing dramatically to Ethan''s parents.


    "Mr. and Mrs. Grey, it has been an honor dining with you. And to the lovely sisters¡ª" He turned to Julia and Claire, giving them a ridiculous two-fingered salute. "I''ll be back later to grace you with my charming presence."


    Claire smirked. "Lucky us."


    Julia laughed and returned the salute. "See you later, Zack!"


    Ethan, watching the interaction, shook his head with an amused chuckle, scratching the back of his head. "I''ll be back later to pick you two up."


    His mother gave him a knowing look. "Drive safely."


    Ethan nodded, giving one last glance at his family before stepping out of the house with Zack.


    The crisp morning air greeted them as they walked toward the car parked outside. The street was quiet, save for the occasional passing vehicle.


    As soon as they reached the car, Zack clapped Ethan on the back. "Dude, your family is great. Your little sister? Adorable. Claire? Surprisingly tolerable."


    Ethan gave him a look. "Surprisingly?"


    Zack shrugged. "You know what I mean. I expected her to be scarier."


    Ethan shook his head as they got into the car. "She can be."


    The engine roared to life as Ethan started the car, but before they could even pull out of the driveway, Ethan''s phone rang.


    The car''s screen lit up with an incoming call.


    [Vanessa]


    Ethan glanced at the name, feeling a slight headache forming.


    Zack, however, grinned like he had just won the lottery. "Oh-ho. Speak of the devil."


    Ethan sighed. "You''re answering, aren''t you?"


    Zack had already tapped the screen before Ethan could protest. "Of course I am."


    The call connected, and Vanessa''s cool, confident voice filled the car. "Ethan?"


    Before Ethan could respond, Zack leaned toward the speaker. "Nope! Just your friendly neighborhood Zack!"


    Though they wondered exactly what Vanessa had planned and they found out, it was surprisingly quainter than what Zack had imagined.


    It was a Beach Episode!


    #####


    The sound of crashing waves and the scent of salt filled the air as Ethan pulled his Porsche into the parking lot near the beach.


    He exhaled, running a hand through his hair as he took in the lively atmosphere ahead.


    Sunlight reflected off the golden sand, and in the distance, groups of people were scattered across the shore ¡ª some playing volleyball, others sunbathing, and plenty just enjoying the ocean breeze.


    Ethan wasn''t exactly a beach person, but he wasn''t about to complain. Not when Vanessa had personally picked the location.


    Stepping out of the car, he locked it and turned, his gaze immediately landing on Vanessa.


    She was waiting near the entrance, arms crossed, but there was an undeniable amusement in her eyes.


    She had swapped out her usual leather jacket and racing attire for something completely different ¡ª an airy white cover-up over a swimsuit, her toned legs visible beneath it.


    The moment she spotted him, she lifted a hand in a casual wave, a small smile playing on her lips.


    Ethan walked over, his posture relaxed but his mind already bracing for whatever Zack would say if he found out about this.


    Before he could even greet her, Vanessa reached out and grabbed his wrist, pulling him toward the beach with zero hesitation.


    "Come on, slowpoke," she said, her grip firm. "I didn''t bring you here just to stand around."


    Ethan let out a chuckle, matching her pace as they stepped onto the warm sand. "You didn''t even let me say hi first."


    Vanessa glanced at him, her lips quirking. "You can say hi while we walk."


    "Hi, Vanessa."


    "Hi, Ethan," she teased, giving his hand a playful squeeze before finally letting go as they reached a shaded area near some palm trees.


    It wasn''t until she shrugged off her cover-up that Ethan really took in what she was wearing.


    A two-piece swimsuit.


    It wasn''t overly flashy, but it certainly hugged her curves in a way that left little to the imagination.


    The sleek black fabric contrasted against her sun-kissed skin, and despite not being too much of a pervert himself, Ethan caught his gaze lingering for a second too long.


    Vanessa, ever perceptive, raised an eyebrow. "See something you like?"


    Ethan cleared his throat, tearing his eyes away and pretending to look at the volleyball game happening a few feet away. "Didn''t know you were the beach type."


    She smirked, stretching her arms above her head. "I like a lot of things, Ethan. You just never asked."


    Fair point.

 Chapter 63 Volleyball Match

    The beach was alive with energy ¡ª kids building sandcastles, couples walking hand-in-hand, groups of guys flexing in the sun, and women in bikinis laughing amongst themselves.


    A game of beach volleyball was in full swing not too far from where they stood, the players diving and spiking the ball with impressive skill.


    Vanessa turned to him, tilting her head slightly. "So, what do you do at the beach?"


    Ethan shrugged. "I usually don''t go."


    "Figures." She smirked. "You look like the type to sit in the shade and check your phone every five minutes."


    "Not true," he defended. "I''d probably read a book."


    Vanessa snorted. "That''s somehow worse."


    Ethan just shook his head. "You didn''t tell me why you picked this place."


    She stepped closer, her eyes glinting with something playful. "Would you believe me if I said I wanted to see you in swim trunks?"


    Ethan gave her a flat look. "You would say that, wouldn''t you?"


    She laughed. "Maybe."


    Before he could respond, a stray volleyball suddenly rolled toward them, stopping near Vanessa''s foot.


    A moment later, one of the players ¡ª a tall, athletic guy ¡ª jogged over.


    He was shirtless, his tan skin glistening with sweat, and his confident smile suggested he was used to getting attention.


    "Hey," the guy said, glancing between them before his gaze settled on Vanessa. "You two here for a game?"


    Vanessa looked at Ethan, then at the volleyball. "I don''t know. What do you think, Ethan?"


    Ethan knew that look. She was testing him.


    He exhaled through his nose. "You really want to play?"


    "Why not?" She grinned. "Unless you''re scared of a little competition."


    The guy smirked, clearly thinking this was his moment to impress her. "If he doesn''t want to, you could always team up with me."


    Ethan''s eyes met Vanessa''s. Her smirk widened.


    Yeah, no.


    Ethan cracked his knuckles. "Let''s play."


    The next serve came, and Ethan was on the move again.


    His movements were precise, calculated ¡ª months of physical training had given him exceptional reflexes, and while he hadn''t played volleyball often, his athleticism carried him.


    Ryan and Kyle were fast, but Ethan was faster. Even though Ryan looked athletic, it was clear from the way that he moved that he didn''t exercise regularly but the same couldn''t be said for Ethan.


    Every time the ball came over the net, he was in the right spot to intercept.


    His blocks were solid, his spikes clean.


    When Kyle attempted a tricky feint, Ethan anticipated it, cutting off the angle with ease.


    It wasn''t long before Vanessa started catching on to Ethan''s rhythm.


    She wasn''t just relying on him ¡ª she was getting into her own groove, making quick saves and setting up plays.


    The game was becoming fluid between them, and while the opposing team had skill, Ethan''s physical edge made all the difference.


    They had barely been playing for ten minutes, but Ryan was already starting to look frustrated.


    "You sure you haven''t done this before?" he panted, hands on his hips.


    Ethan shrugged. "Just good instincts."


    Vanessa grinned, flicking a bit of sand off her thigh. "Maybe we should be the ones going easy on you."


    Kyle exhaled, shaking his head. "Man, I thought this would be a warm-up match."


    Ethan smirked, rolling his shoulders. "You want to quit?"


    Ryan scoffed. "Hell no. Let''s go again."


    And so the match continued, but the results were the same. Ethan and Vanessa dominated.


    Ethan wasn''t just strong ¡ª he had endurance, speed, and precision. While Ryan was powerful and Kyle was agile, neither of them trained their bodies every day the way Ethan did.


    He could tell by the way they started slowing down, their reaction times a fraction of a second too late, while he remained as sharp as ever.


    The final score wasn''t even close.


    When Ethan spiked the winning shot into the sand, Ryan just stood there, hands on his hips, breathing heavily. Kyle flopped onto the sand, wiping sweat from his forehead.


    Vanessa nudged Ethan with her elbow. "Not bad, partner."


    He smirked. "You weren''t so bad yourself."

 Chapter 64 Sun-Screen

    Ryan shook his head, chuckling as he walked up to them. "Alright, alright. I can admit when I''ve been beaten." He offered Ethan a fist bump. "You''re a monster, man."


    Ethan bumped his fist in return. "Appreciate it."


    Kyle was still sprawled in the sand. "Damn... should''ve stretched more."


    Vanessa grinned, planting her hands on her hips. "Better luck next time, boys."


    Ryan laughed. "Yeah, yeah. We''ll get you next time."


    With the game settled, the four of them made their way back toward the shaded area near the palm trees.


    Ethan grabbed a water bottle from the cooler Vanessa had brought, twisting it open and taking a long sip.


    Vanessa sat down next to him, stretching her legs out. "Alright, I need to know ¡ª where the hell did you learn to move like that?"


    Ethan glanced at her. "Training."


    She raised an eyebrow. "Just training?"


    He smirked. "A lot of training."


    She shook her head, exhaling. "I was expecting you to be good, but not pro-athlete level."


    Ethan leaned back on his palms, gazing at the ocean. "Guess I don''t like losing."


    Vanessa studied him for a moment before chuckling. "Yeah, I noticed."


    A comfortable silence stretched between them, the sound of waves filling the space.


    In the distance, other beachgoers were laughing, splashing in the water, or lounging under umbrellas. The air was warm, the salty breeze refreshing.


    Vanessa nudged him with her knee. "You having fun yet?"


    Ethan glanced at her, then at the volleyball court they had just dominated. He smirked.


    "Yeah. I think I am."


    The ocean breeze rolled in, bringing with it the scent of salt and sunscreen as Vanessa rummaged through her bag.


    Ethan watched her from the corner of his eye, still cooling off from the intense beach volleyball match.


    The heat of the midday sun was strong, but he barely felt it compared to the warmth lingering in his muscles after the game.


    "Turn around," Ethan said, his voice low and even.


    Vanessa hesitated for a split second before complying.


    She shifted, giving him her back, and tried to ignore the way her pulse picked up when she felt his hands press against her shoulders.


    His touch was firm but careful as he worked the sunscreen over her back, tracing down her spine, his fingers gliding over her toned muscles.


    The warmth of his palms against her bare skin sent a shiver through her ¡ª not because of the temperature, but because of something else entirely.


    Her thoughts were going haywire and she couldn''t blame herself, this would genuinely be the reaction of every woman when a hunk of a man was applying sunscreen on them.


    The moment stretched between them, the only sounds being the distant laughter of beachgoers and the rhythmic crashing of the waves.


    Ethan continued working, moving lower down to her waist, his thumbs brushing the sides of her ribs before stopping just above the curve of her hips.


    "There. All done." His voice was the same as before ¡ª calm, matter-of-fact.


    Vanessa swallowed, willing herself to keep her cool before finally turning back around.


    She tried to act normal, crossing her arms and clearing her throat. "Thanks. Appreciate it."


    Ethan simply nodded, wiping his hands off on a towel before tossing the sunscreen back into her bag.


    Vanessa, however, felt anything but normal.


    She wasn''t even sure why she was so flustered. It was just sunscreen. But the way Ethan had handled it ¡ª so effortlessly, so seriously ¡ª it made her feel...


    She shook her head, pushing those thoughts aside.


    She wasn''t the type to get flustered over dumb things like this.


    Nope.


    Absolutely not.


    "Alright," she said, stretching her arms as if nothing had happened. "Let''s hit the water."


    Ethan grunted slightly. "Trying to wash off all that sunscreen already?"


    Vanessa shot him a look. "Shut up and come on."


    With that, she grabbed his wrist and pulled him toward the shoreline.


    The cool water rushed over their feet as they stepped into the waves, and just like that, the tension from earlier melted away into the vast ocean breeze.

 Chapter 65 Wakesurfing?

    Vanessa Carter was a woman of virtue.


    She was a racer ¡ª one of the best ¡ª and she had seen all kinds of men in her life.


    From confident playboys to desperate fanboys, she had encountered more than her fair share of admirers.


    That wasn''t anything new. Wherever she went, men looked at her with hunger in their eyes, seeing her not as a person, but as some kind of prize.


    There were some, of course, who tried to act differently ¡ª who pretended they weren''t like the rest. But even they had their intentions. She could read them like an open book.


    And then there was Ethan.


    From the moment they had met, he had been different.


    He had the confidence of someone who could take whatever he wanted, but he never made a move. Never let anything slip.


    It was impossible to tell whether he wasn''t interested in her that way or if he was just exceptionally good at hiding his true thoughts.


    Either way, it intrigued her.


    Which was why she had invited him to the beach in the first place.


    Now, as the ocean waves crashed gently against the shore, Vanessa let out a playful laugh, splashing water at Ethan, who barely flinched.


    "Oh, come on," she teased. "That all you got?"


    Ethan smirked slightly, rolling his shoulders. "You sure you wanna start this?"


    Before Vanessa could react, he scooped up a handful of water and sent a small wave crashing toward her.


    She let out a sharp gasp as the cool water splashed over her, drenching her even more than she already was.


    "You little ¡ª "


    She didn''t finish the sentence before retaliating, cupping her hands and sending another splash in his direction.


    Ethan sidestepped most of it, but some of the water hit him square in the chest.


    Now it was on.


    They went back and forth, laughter mixing with the sound of the waves as they tried to outdo each other.


    At first, Vanessa thought she had the upper hand ¡ª after all, she was quick, and she knew how to use her reflexes to splash more water than Ethan.


    But Ethan had something else entirely ¡ª precision.


    She chuckled. "Alright, fair enough."


    For a while, neither of them spoke. They just floated there, letting the waves carry them, the sunlight warm on their skin.


    Then, Vanessa stretched, standing up straight again. "Come on, let''s dry off. I don''t want to turn into a prune."


    Ethan followed her back onto the shore, where their towels were waiting.


    Vanessa grabbed hers, wrapping it around her shoulders before plopping down onto the sand. Ethan did the same, running a hand through his wet hair.


    As they sat there, watching the waves roll in, Vanessa found herself sneaking another glance at him.


    She still wasn''t sure what to make of him.


    "How about we try wakesurfing?"


    Vanessa stretched her arms above her head, letting out a relaxed sigh as the warmth of the sun soaked into her skin.


    The beach had been a perfect choice.


    The salty air, the sound of waves crashing against the shore, and the occasional laughter of kids running across the sand ¡ª it was a world away from the roaring engines and high-speed adrenaline she was used to.


    And yet, even here, Ethan found a way to bring back that thrill.


    "Wakesurfing?" she repeated, raising an eyebrow at him.


    Ethan nodded, glancing toward the rental station near the dock. "Yeah. Should be fun."


    Vanessa gave him a skeptical look. "You sure about that? It''s a bit dangerous."


    He smirked. "You''re a racecar driver. You think this is dangerous?"


    She rolled her eyes, but a grin tugged at the corner of her lips. "Alright, fair point."


    Truth be told, she wasn''t worried about him.


    Ethan was the kind of guy who didn''t do things unless he knew he could handle them. That much was obvious. Still, wakesurfing wasn''t as easy as it looked.


    "You ever done this before?" she asked as they made their way toward the rental station.


    "Nope."


    Vanessa scoffed. "Of course not."


    He didn''t seem the least bit concerned. If anything, he looked intrigued, as if he saw this as just another challenge to overcome.

 Chapter 66 Lunch In The Cafe

    They reached the station, where Ethan paid for a round.


    A few minutes later, they were on a boat, heading out to deeper waters.


    The instructor, a tan, middle-aged man with sunglasses, gave Ethan a quick rundown of the basics ¡ª how to balance, how to shift his weight, how to control the board without wiping out.


    Ethan listened quietly, nodding along.


    Vanessa, on the other hand, leaned back against the seat with an amused look.


    "You''re taking this pretty seriously."


    Ethan glanced at her. "Figured I might as well get it right the first time."


    "Confident, huh?"


    He didn''t answer, but the smirk on his lips was all she needed to see.


    A few minutes later, the boat slowed down, and Ethan climbed onto the edge, adjusting the ankle strap of the wakesurf board.


    "Alright, here we go," the instructor called out as the boat started moving again.


    The rope attached to the board tightened, pulling Ethan forward.


    He started in a crouched position, letting the momentum build before slowly pushing himself upright.


    For a second, Vanessa thought he was going to fall. Most first-timers did. But somehow, he didn''t. His stance was firm, his balance controlled.


    "Not bad," the instructor said, nodding approvingly.


    Vanessa found herself watching closely, surprised at how easily he adjusted.


    He wasn''t just staying upright ¡ª he was already shifting his weight like a pro, moving smoothly over the water.


    "Show-off," she muttered under her breath, but she was grinning.


    The boat picked up a little speed, creating a steady wave behind it.


    Ethan released the rope, letting the current carry him as he maneuvered the board with ease.


    Vanessa whistled. "Okay, okay, I see you!"


    Ethan didn''t look over, but she could tell he had heard her.


    She cupped her hands around her mouth. "You better not fall now! I''ll never let you live it down."


    Ethan didn''t respond. He just adjusted his footing, leaning into the wave like he had been doing this for years.


    The sight of it was honestly impressive.


    As the boat reached the dock, Vanessa hopped out first, shaking her head with a smile.


    She had come to the beach thinking she''d learn more about Ethan.


    And now she had another thing to add to the list.


    He wasn''t just composed. He wasn''t just confident.


    He was the kind of guy who, no matter what he tried, always found a way to be good at it.


    #####


    The ocean breeze drifted through the air as Ethan and Vanessa made their way to a quiet beachside cafe?.


    It was a little spot, tucked away from the crowded parts of the shore, but it still had a perfect view of the waves rolling in under the afternoon sun.


    The scent of grilled seafood and fresh fruit filled the air, mixing with the salty tang of the sea.


    Vanessa plopped down into her seat, stretching her arms with a satisfied sigh. "Man, that was fun."


    Ethan pulled out his chair and sat down, running a hand through his damp hair. "Not bad, huh?"


    Vanessa grinned. "Not bad? You were pulling tricks like you''ve been wakesurfing your whole life."


    Ethan smirked but didn''t say anything. He simply reached for the menu on the table and started flipping through it.


    A waiter came over, and they quickly placed their orders.


    Ethan went for grilled salmon with a side of rice, while Vanessa, as expected, went all out ¡ª ordering a full platter of grilled shrimp, fish tacos, and a mango smoothie.


    The moment the food arrived, Vanessa wasted no time. She immediately dug in, scooping food into her mouth with zero hesitation.


    Ethan, on the other hand, ate at a much slower pace, calmly cutting his salmon into neat portions while glancing at his phone from time to time.


    Vanessa, between bites, caught sight of it and raised an eyebrow. "Anything important?"


    Ethan shook his head, locking his phone. "Just checking messages."


    Vanessa tilted her head. "From work?"


    "Something like that."


    She hummed in response but didn''t press.


    Instead, she turned her attention back to her food, shoveling another bite into her mouth before speaking again. "You always eat this slow?"


    Ethan lifted an eyebrow. "And you always eat like you''re starving?"


    Vanessa pointed her fork at him. "Listen, you don''t question a woman and her food. That''s dangerous territory."

 Chapter 67 Conflicted

    As the sun dipped lower in the sky, Vanessa grabbed Ethan''s wrist and tugged him toward the shoreline.


    "Come on, we''re not done yet," she said with a grin.


    Ethan raised a brow but allowed himself to be led.


    The warm water lapped at their ankles as they strolled along the beach, the sand soft beneath their feet.


    The crowd had thinned, leaving behind only a few scattered figures in the distance ¡ª some couples, some lone wanderers, all lost in their own little moments.


    For a while, neither of them spoke.


    The sound of the waves rolling in and out filled the silence, accompanied by the occasional cry of seagulls overhead.


    Ethan slipped his hands into his pockets, glancing at Vanessa from the corner of his eye.


    "You''ve been thinking about something," he said finally. "Spit it out."


    Vanessa smirked. "You always this blunt?"


    "When necessary."


    She let out a small chuckle, but her gaze drifted toward the horizon, watching the sun slowly sink into the sea.


    "I just... I guess I''ve been thinking about what''s next."


    Ethan tilted his head slightly. "Next?"


    Vanessa took a deep breath, her playful expression fading just a little.


    "I''ve spent so much of my life racing. The thrill, the competition... I love it. But sometimes, I wonder if it''s all I am."


    Ethan remained quiet, letting her continue.


    "I''ve been on the track since I was a kid. It''s always been about going faster, pushing limits, proving myself. But when I step outside of that world, when I''m not behind the wheel... I don''t know. It''s like, who am I then?"


    She let out a short, humorless laugh. "It''s stupid, right? People dream of being in my position, but here I am, wondering if it''s enough."


    Ethan watched her for a moment before speaking. "It''s not stupid."


    Vanessa glanced at him, surprised by the certainty in his voice.


    "Everyone reaches a point where they question things," he continued. "Doesn''t matter how successful or talented they are. If anything, the more you achieve, the more you start wondering if there''s more to life than just that one thing."


    Vanessa let his words sink in.


    Vanessa raised a brow. "You, Mr. ''Look Beyond What You Know,'' don''t have an answer?"


    Ethan chuckled. "Not yet."


    She studied him for a moment before shaking her head with a small laugh. "You''re a hard guy to figure out, you know that?"


    "So I''ve been told."


    Vanessa sighed, rolling her shoulders. "Guess I''ll have to do some figuring out of my own, then."


    Ethan nodded. "Seems like it."


    They stood there for a while, watching the sun finally dip below the horizon.


    The sky burned with shades of orange, pink, and deep purple, reflecting over the water like a dream.


    Vanessa stretched her arms over her head, then turned to him with a grin. "Alright, let''s head back. You still owe me a rematch, remember?"


    Ethan smirked. "You mean another race you''re going to lose?"


    Vanessa gasped in mock offense. "Oh, you are so dead, Grey."


    She grabbed his wrist again, pulling him back toward the beach, her earlier worries momentarily forgotten.


    Ethan followed, a small, almost imperceptible smile lingering on his face.


    As the last streaks of sunlight faded into the horizon, Ethan and Vanessa walked back toward the parking lot, their footprints trailing behind them in the cooling sand.


    Ethan took a deep breath as they reached their cars.


    He ran a hand through his slightly damp hair, his expression unreadable.


    Then, turning to Vanessa, he hesitated for a second before finally speaking.


    "I have a favor to ask," he said, his voice steady but carrying an edge of something rare ¡ª uncertainty.


    Vanessa, who had just unlocked her car, glanced up at him, intrigued. "A favor?"


    Ethan nodded. "Yeah. My sisters... they''re staying over at my place tonight."


    He exhaled through his nose. "They''re big fans of yours. I was wondering if you''d come along."


    Vanessa blinked. She hadn''t expected that.


    Of all the things he could''ve asked for ¡ª a rematch, another outing, even some kind of business-related request ¡ª this was not on the list.

 Chapter 68 Sleepover (Part 1)

    She tilted her head, arms folding across her chest. "So you want me to come over because your sisters are fans?"


    Ethan scratched the back of his neck. "Something like that."


    Vanessa smirked, sensing his discomfort. "You know, most guys would ask me over for entirely different reasons."


    Ethan met her gaze without missing a beat. "I''m not most guys."


    She chuckled. "Yeah, I''m starting to get that."


    Then he did something unexpected.


    He reached into his pocket, pulled out his wallet, and held up a crisp bill.


    "I can pay you by the hour if that makes it more reasonable," he said, entirely serious.


    Vanessa''s eyes widened before she let out a sharp laugh. "You really just said that, huh?"


    Ethan, seeing her reaction, sighed and put the money away. "Figured you wouldn''t take it, but it was worth a shot."


    Vanessa shook her head, still amused. "You''re ridiculous."


    He shrugged. "I''m practical."


    She gave him a long look before finally softening. "I''ll come," she said simply.


    Ethan raised a brow. "You sure?"


    Vanessa nodded. "Yeah. Call it my way of saying thanks for today." She gave him a teasing smirk. "Besides, I gotta see if your sisters are really my fans or if this is just some elaborate scheme to impress me."


    Ethan chuckled. "You''ll see soon enough."


    With that settled, he pulled out his phone and dialed Zack.


    The call connected almost instantly.


    "Yo?" Zack''s voice came through, slightly muffled by background noise.


    "Change of plans," Ethan said. "Pick up my sisters and bring them to the mansion."


    Zack whistled. "Oho, what''s this? Big bro Ethan playing the family man?"


    Ethan ignored the jab. "Just get them there."


    "Fine, fine. Anything else?"


    Ethan glanced at Vanessa, then back at the car. "That''s it."


    Zack chuckled. "Got it. See you in a bit."


    The call ended, and Ethan pocketed his phone.


    Claire, the older one, was eighteen, with dark hair and sharp blue eyes, a confident smirk on her lips. She was dressed casually in a hoodie and jeans, phone in hand.


    Julie, the younger one, was about ten, with the same piercing blue eyes but an excitement that radiated off her.


    She clutched a stuffed animal in one arm while bouncing on her heels.


    Julie was the first to react.


    "OH. MY. GOD."


    Vanessa, amused, leaned forward slightly. "That''s me."


    Julie turned to Claire, gripping her stuffed animal. "Claire! It''s her!"


    Claire, usually composed, looked shocked. "Wait. What? Ethan, are you serious?"


    Ethan, ever calm, nodded. "Yeah."


    Vanessa smirked. "Big fans?"


    Julie nodded so fast it was a miracle her head didn''t snap off. "You''re my favorite racer ever!"


    Claire folded her arms and gave Ethan a look. "Okay, explain. You brought Vanessa Carter to your house? Ethan, since when do you casually hang out with celebrities?"


    Ethan sighed. "It''s not that serious."


    Zack, snickering from the side, muttered, "Oh, this is gold."


    Claire narrowed her eyes. "Wait. Are you two dating?"


    Vanessa raised an eyebrow and leaned back. "You wish," she teased.


    Ethan, unfazed, simply replied, "No."


    Julie, still buzzing with excitement, practically hopped in place. "Can I ask you a million questions? Please?"


    Vanessa laughed. "I''ll answer as many as I can."


    Claire sighed, finally sitting down. "Alright, I guess this means you''re cool."


    Zack leaned against the kitchen counter, watching everything unfold. "Man, this turned out better than I expected."


    Ethan glanced at him. "You doubted me?"


    Zack chuckled. "Not doubted. Just surprised."


    Vanessa smirked. "That seems to be the theme of the night."


    Julie wasted no time bombarding Vanessa with questions. "What''s your fastest speed? What''s the hardest track you''ve ever raced on? Have you ever crashed? Do you get scared?"


    Vanessa answered each one with patience and charm. "Fastest speed? About 230 mph. Hardest track? Definitely Monaco ¡ª those tight corners are brutal. Have I crashed? Yeah, but nothing too crazy. And scared? Only when I don''t have control."

 Chapter 69 Sleepover (Part 2)

    Ethan led the way into the kitchen, Zack trailing behind him with a lazy stride.


    The moment they stepped inside, Ethan opened the fridge, scanning its contents before grabbing a few bottles of soft drinks.


    Zack sighed dramatically. "No alcohol? Seriously? Vanessa likes them though,"


    Ethan didn''t even glance at him as he started pouring coke into three glasses.


    "Alcohol isn''t good if you take it all the time."


    Zack groaned. "You sound like an old man."


    Ethan smirked. "And yet, I make better decisions than you."


    Zack scoffed. "Debatable."


    Ignoring him, Ethan placed the three cups on a tray and lifted it with ease.


    Zack watched him, shaking his head. "Man, you really have no fun."


    Ethan glanced at him as they walked out of the kitchen. "Depends on your definition of fun."


    When they re-entered the living room, Ethan found Vanessa sitting comfortably on the couch with Claire and Julie on either side of her.


    The three of them were looking at Vanessa''s phone, engaged in something that had them smiling and giggling.


    Julie, eyes shining with excitement, pointed at the screen. "Oh! I love this one!"


    Vanessa smirked. "Yeah? It''s a good angle."


    Ethan placed the tray down on the table. "What are you looking at?"


    Claire, grinning, turned the phone slightly. "Date pictures."


    Zack, who had been lazily standing beside Ethan, suddenly materialized next to the couch, leaning over to look at the screen.


    "Hold up ¡ª let me see this."


    Vanessa chuckled, scrolling through the images.


    The photos captured various moments from their day ¡ª the beach volleyball game, Ethan wakesurfing with perfect balance, the two of them walking along the shore, and even a candid shot of Ethan rubbing sunscreen on Vanessa''s arm.


    Ethan hadn''t even noticed that she was taking pictures.


    Zack whistled. "Damn. These look good. Who took them?"


    Vanessa smirked. "Some fans, mostly. A few were from my own phone."


    Claire zoomed in on a particular image of Ethan standing in the shallow water, the golden glow of the sunset behind him.


    The conversation flowed effortlessly, the air light with laughter and teasing.


    Ethan observed from the side, sipping his drink as he watched his sisters ¡ª especially Claire ¡ª interact so easily with Vanessa.


    Claire wasn''t the type to be easily impressed.


    She was independent, strong-willed, and fiercely protective of both Julie and Ethan.


    The fact that she was sitting here, laughing with Vanessa like they were old friends, meant something.


    Vanessa, for all her confidence and fame, had a way of fitting in naturally, like she belonged there.


    Ethan wasn''t sure what to make of that.


    Vanessa glanced at him. "You thinking too hard over there, Grey?"


    He met her gaze, expression unreadable. "Just watching the show."


    Zack chuckled. "You know what? This is nice. I vote we make this a regular thing."


    Claire smirked. "What, Ethan bringing home famous people?"


    Julie clapped her hands. "Yes, please!"


    Ethan sighed. "I regret everything."


    Vanessa laughed. "Too late now,You''re stuck with us."


    The evening passed with an ease that Ethan wasn''t entirely used to.


    The house, which often felt too big and too quiet, was filled with laughter, chatter, and the occasional playful argument between Zack and Claire.


    Julie, as always, had the most energy, bouncing between Vanessa and her brother with wide-eyed excitement.


    They played a few simple games ¡ª nothing competitive, just enough to keep the fun going.


    A racing game on the console, a card game that Julie insisted she totally didn''t cheat in, and even some ridiculous charades that had Zack flailing around dramatically while Vanessa tried to guess his terrible acting.


    For once, Ethan wasn''t thinking about work or anything else that usually weighed on him.


    He leaned back on the couch, sipping his drink as he watched Vanessa interact with his sisters.


    She was at ease with them, teasing Claire like an older sister would and indulging Julie''s playful antics like a natural.


    Maybe he was just tired, but he felt a small sense of gratitude that she was here.


    And then ¡ª


    Boom.


    The first clap of thunder cracked through the sky like an explosion, shaking the air around them.

 Chapter 70 Sleepover (Part 3)

    Julie jumped, yelping as she clutched onto Vanessa''s arm.


    Claire immediately turned toward the window, her brows furrowing.


    "Was that ¡ª ?"


    Before she could finish her sentence, the downpour began.


    Not a light drizzle, not a slow build-up.


    The rain came crashing down all at once, hammering against the roof and windows with relentless force.


    The wind howled outside, rattling the glass panes like they might crack at any moment.


    Vanessa let out a low whistle. "Damn. That''s not just rain ¡ª that''s a storm."


    Zack groaned. "You''ve got to be kidding me."


    Julie, however, lit up like a Christmas tree. "This is perfect!"


    Ethan raised an eyebrow. "For what, exactly?"


    Julie grinned mischievously, her small hands clapping together. "We should play sleepover games!"


    Vanessa smirked, leaning back against the couch. "Oh? What kind of sleepover games?"


    Julie spun around excitedly. "Like, uh ¡ª Truth or Dare, Would You Rather, maybe even some ghost stories!"


    Zack groaned, rubbing his face. "Oh, great. Now I feel like I''m back in middle school."


    Claire crossed her arms. "You never went to sleepovers."


    Zack pointed at her. "And that''s why I don''t want to play."


    Julie pouted. "C''mon, it''ll be fun!" She turned to Ethan, eyes practically pleading. "Right, Big brother?"


    Ethan sighed. "If it keeps you entertained while the storm passes, fine."


    Julie squealed in victory, grabbing a pillow and hugging it.


    Vanessa chuckled, shifting her position so she was sitting cross-legged on the couch.


    "Alright then, what''s the first game?"


    Julie didn''t hesitate. "Truth or Dare!"


    Zack let his head fall back onto the couch. "Kill me now."


    Claire smirked. "You''re just scared you''ll get called out."


    Julie pointed at Zack dramatically. "You go first then!"


    Zack groaned. "Fine. Truth."


    Julie grinned. "What''s the dumbest thing you''ve ever done?"


    Click.


    The call ended.


    The entire room exploded into laughter.


    Zack fell onto the floor, holding his stomach.


    Claire wiped tears from her eyes. Julie was howling.


    Vanessa smirked, tossing the phone back to Ethan. "Well. That was fun."


    Ethan shook his head. "You just made an enemy for life."


    Zack gasped between laughs. "Dude, imagine him showing up to the gym tomorrow, pissed."


    Vanessa shrugged. "That''s a you problem, Grey."


    The games continued, shifting between ridiculous dares and embarrassing truths.


    The storm raged on outside, the wind howling, rain slamming against the windows ¡ª but inside, the warmth of the room, the laughter, the teasing banter, it all made it feel like nothing else mattered.


    Somewhere along the way, Vanessa found herself glancing at Ethan more than once.


    She wasn''t sure what it was about him.


    Maybe it was the way he always seemed so composed, so in control, even in the middle of chaotic situations like this.


    Maybe it was the way his eyes softened ever so slightly when Julie got excited about something.


    Or maybe it was just that Ethan Grey, despite all his quiet, brooding tendencies, had somehow made her feel comfortable in a way she wasn''t used to.


    For now, though, she let the thought slip away as Julie grabbed a pillow and tossed it at Claire.


    "Pillow fight!"


    And just like that, chaos resumed.


    The living room had descended into absolute chaos.


    Julie, small but fierce, wielded a couch pillow like a weapon of war.


    Claire, laughing as she dodged an incoming strike, tried to retaliate but was knocked back by a well-placed hit from Vanessa.


    Zack, ever the dramatic one, let out a mock scream and dove behind an armchair, only for Julie to hunt him down like a predator stalking its prey.


    "Noooo!" Zack cried, clutching onto the chair like it was a lifeline.


    Julie grinned wickedly. "You can''t hide forever, Zack!"


    With surprising speed for a ten-year-old, she dashed around the chair, smacking him repeatedly with the pillow.


    Zack curled into a ball, taking the hits like a defeated warrior, groaning in exaggerated agony.


    It was funny enough for Ethan to give a small chuckle.

 Chapter 71 Sleepover (Part 4)

    Ethan sat on the couch, leaning back with a soft chuckle.


    It was pure, unfiltered mayhem going on in the living room, but it wasn''t the worst thing in the world.


    As long as nothing got destroyed, they could go wild for all he cared.


    Vanessa smirked at him between dodging blows from Claire. "You''re just gonna sit there and watch, huh?"


    Ethan raised an eyebrow. "I''m enjoying the show."


    She rolled her eyes. "Lazy."


    "Strategic."


    Vanessa launched a pillow at him.


    Ethan caught it effortlessly, but before he could retaliate ¡ª


    His phone vibrated in his pocket.


    Frowning, he pulled it out, glancing at the caller ID. It was Marty.


    Ethan sighed, pushing himself up from the couch as he answered the call, raising the phone to his ear. "Yeah?"


    The noise of the pillow fight faded slightly as he stepped toward the hallway, though he could still hear Zack dramatically screaming in the background.


    ''Just like a girl,''


    Marty''s voice came through, steady but businesslike. "Boss. Just wanted to update you on the third apartment building renovation."


    Ethan rubbed his forehead.


    Right, that project. After selling the other two and making insane profit, he made sure Marty started working on the third one and so far this one had been coming along smoothly ¡ª or so he thought.


    "What''s the status?" he asked.


    Marty let out a breath. "We''re making progress, but we''re going to need a hell of a lot more supplies than we initially calculated."


    Ethan''s jaw tightened slightly. "What are we looking at?"


    Marty rattled off the numbers.


    More concrete, more wiring, more insulation.


    It wasn''t a small request. But then again, Ethan had never expected this project to be cheap.


    The apartment was far bigger than the first and second one they worked on, the bigger it was - the more costly it was to renovate it, yet the returns would be massive.


    "Alright," he said after a moment. "You have the price?"


    Marty gave him the number. It was steep, but nothing Ethan couldn''t handle. Marty had said it was $100,000 to secure the materials as well as transportation to bring them over.


    Without hesitation, he pulled up his banking app and transferred the amount.


    A second later, he heard Marty''s phone ping on the other end of the line.


    Claire snorted. "You barely did anything."


    "I hid! Do you know how much energy it takes to run for your life?"


    Julie giggled sleepily, kicking a pillow off the couch.


    Ethan, who had been sitting quietly in an armchair, finally stretched his arms and grabbed the remote from the coffee table.


    "Alright," he said, clicking the remote and turning on the massive screen mounted on the wall. "Movie night?"


    There was a collective murmur of agreement, though no one seemed energetic enough to actually choose a movie.


    Vanessa tilted her head toward him. "You pick."


    Ethan sighed. "You sure? I''ve got great taste."


    Zack groaned. "Oh no. Not another one of your ''artistic masterpiece'' movies."


    Claire rolled her eyes. "Last time you made us watch a documentary."


    Ethan smirked. "It was informative."


    "It was boring."


    Julie perked up slightly. "Can we watch something fun?"


    Ethan scrolled through the streaming service, his thumb hovering over the options.


    "What kind of fun?"


    "Something cool," she said, her eyes already drooping.


    Claire nudged her lightly. "She''s gonna be asleep in ten minutes."


    Julie huffed. "Nuh-uh."


    Ethan smirked but didn''t argue.


    He kept scrolling before settling on an action movie ¡ª something with fast cars, over-the-top stunts, and just enough plot to keep things interesting.


    "This should work," he said, pressing play.


    The opening scene roared to life, the surround sound filling the room.


    A high-speed chase on a dimly lit highway, tires screeching, engines revving.


    It was the kind of thing that normally would''ve had Julie bouncing with excitement, but as Claire predicted, she was already dozing off, her head resting against the couch''s armrest.


    Zack had dragged himself onto the carpet, sitting cross-legged and sipping from a soda can.


    Vanessa had pulled a blanket over herself, eyes half-lidded but still watching.


    Claire was curled up, her gaze flickering between the screen and Ethan.


    It was peaceful.

 Chapter 72 Retiring To Bed

    The once lively energy that had filled the mansion had faded into silence, leaving behind only the occasional creak of the house and the muffled sound of rain tapping against the windows.


    Ethan walked down the dimly lit hallway, his footsteps quiet as he carried Julie in his arms.


    She was completely knocked out, her small frame limp with exhaustion.


    When they had first started the pillow fight, she had been a force of chaos, running around and giggling like she had an endless supply of energy.


    Now, she was snoring softly, her cheek resting against his shoulder.


    He pushed open the door to one of the guest rooms with his foot and stepped inside.


    The room was cozy, its soft beige walls illuminated by the glow of a bedside lamp.


    Ethan gently laid Julie down on the bed, pulling the covers over her.


    She stirred for a brief moment, shifting to curl into the blankets, but she didn''t wake.


    He exhaled softly, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. "Sleep well, Jules."


    Turning off the light, he stepped out of the room, closing the door quietly behind him.


    The rest of the house had already begun to settle for the night.


    Claire had retired to another guest room, mumbling something about needing her beauty sleep before disappearing inside.


    Zack, after dramatically declaring that he wasn''t tired, had immediately stumbled into a room and passed out.


    Ethan made his way back to the living room, expecting to find it empty.


    Instead, Vanessa was still there, stretched out on the couch, her head resting against the armrest.


    Her eyes were closed, and for a moment, he thought she had fallen asleep.


    He stepped closer, leaning in slightly to check ¡ª


    "Boo."


    Ethan stumbled back slightly, caught off guard.


    Vanessa cracked one eye open, a lazy grin tugging at her lips.


    He huffed, running a hand through his hair. "Real mature."


    She chuckled, sitting up slowly. "You were so close to flinching."


    "Yeah, yeah," he muttered, shaking his head before taking a seat on the couch across from her.


    Vanessa stretched her arms above her head, letting out a small yawn. "So, the great Ethan Grey takes care of his little sister like a doting parent, huh?"


    It had been a long day ¡ª longer than Ethan had expected.


    But he wasn''t complaining, everything happened for a reason and as long as everybody was happy, he didn''t need anything more.


    He glanced at Vanessa.


    She was lying comfortably against the cushions, her long hair spread out over the couch, eyes half-lidded with exhaustion but still sharp.


    "I''ll show you to your room," he said, standing up.


    She stretched one more time before pushing herself upright. "Lead the way, Grey."


    Ethan shook his head but didn''t argue as he led her through the hall.


    The mansion was massive, and despite how often he moved through it, the sheer emptiness of the space always made it feel bigger than necessary.


    His sisters and Zack brought life to it, and tonight, Vanessa had as well.


    He stopped in front of one of the guest rooms, pushing the door open.


    The room was spacious but simple ¡ª dark wood furniture, cream-colored sheets, and a window that overlooked the vast lawn outside.


    Vanessa stepped inside, looking around with an approving nod. "Not bad. Definitely better than the couch."


    Ethan leaned against the doorframe. "You should get some rest. Long day."


    She turned back to him, a smirk playing on her lips. "Yeah, yeah. You''re not gonna tuck me in too, are you?"


    Ethan rolled his eyes. "Not unless you want a bedtime story."


    She let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. "Maybe next time."


    He turned to leave, but before he could step out, she called his name.


    "Ethan."


    He paused, glancing back.


    Vanessa looked at him, her expression softer now ¡ª still playful, but without the usual teasing edge.


    "Thanks. For today. It was fun."


    He held her gaze for a moment before nodding. "Yeah. It was."


    "Our next date will be better though," Vanessa said.


    "Can''t wait,"


    With that, he pulled the door shut behind him, leaving Vanessa to rest.

 Chapter 73 Goodbyes

    The morning light filtered through the vast windows of the mansion, casting long streaks of gold across the sleek marble floors.


    It was early ¡ª earlier than Ethan usually woke up after such a long day, but something about the stillness of the house pulled him from sleep before the others.


    With a quiet yawn, he ran a hand through his hair and threw on a shirt before heading downstairs.


    As he stepped into the kitchen, he was met with the sight of Zack rummaging through the fridge, his upper body halfway inside as he searched for something.


    Ethan leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, watching in silent amusement as Zack finally emerged, victorious, with a can of Coke in hand.


    Without hesitation, Zack cracked it open, poured the fizzy liquid into a glass, and downed the whole thing in one go.


    Only after he finished did he realize Ethan was watching him.


    Zack let out a nervous chuckle, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. "What? It''s refreshing."


    Ethan shook his head. "It''s way too early for that."


    "You sound like my mother," Zack muttered, tossing the empty glass in the sink. "Besides, I needed something cold after all the screaming last night. I swear, your sisters have the energy of a thousand suns. I''m too old for that."


    Ethan snorted. "You''re twenty-two."


    "And feeling fifty." Zack stretched exaggeratedly before slumping into a chair.


    "Man, I should''ve never let Julie convince me to play all those games. I think she nearly cracked my spine with that pillow."


    Ethan smirked but didn''t comment. Instead, he moved past Zack and toward the kitchen counter, rolling up his sleeves.


    "Might as well get breakfast started before they wake up."


    Zack groaned but stood up anyway. "Fine, but I''m making the eggs. You always overcook them."


    Ethan gave him a look. "I do not."


    "I don''t want to find out,"


    Ethan huffed but didn''t argue further. Instead, they fell into a natural rhythm ¡ª Zack handling the eggs while Ethan worked on the toast and coffee.


    The scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the kitchen, mixing with the light sizzle of eggs on the pan.


    Zack, for all his complaining, was actually good at cooking when he wanted to be.


    "Think Vanessa''s up?" Zack asked as he flipped the eggs.


    She raised an eyebrow at the sight of everyone already seated. "Wow, you guys wake up early."


    Zack smirked. "Some of us had to recover from your pillow war yesterday."


    Vanessa chuckled as she slid into a chair, stealing a piece of toast from Ethan''s plate before he could react.


    "You mean my perfect victory?"


    "Sure, let''s go with that."


    Ethan simply shook his head, letting their banter play out as he took another sip of coffee.


    Claire was still eating quietly, while Julie practically vibrated with excitement at having Vanessa at the table.


    "So," Vanessa said, leaning on her elbow. "What''s the plan for today?"


    Zack shrugged. "That depends. You sticking around?"


    She tilted her head, considering it. "I don''t know. What''s in it for me?"


    Julie clapped her hands. "I have cars! We can race them!"


    Vanessa stretched as she got up from her seat, rolling her shoulders as if shaking off the lingering comfort of a slow morning.


    "Well," she said, brushing a few crumbs off her shirt. "As much as I''d love to stick around and destroy Julie in a race ¡ª "


    Julie gasped. "Hey! I could totally win!"


    Vanessa smirked. "I guess we''ll never know. I gotta head out."


    Ethan leaned back against the counter, arms crossed. "Race?"


    "Yeah." She grabbed her jacket off the back of a chair. "Got an invite for one in another city. Pretty high-stakes. Figured I''d check it out."


    Ethan wasn''t surprised. Vanessa wasn''t the type to turn down a challenge, especially when it involved racing. It was in her blood, woven into the very way she carried herself ¡ª fast, unrelenting, always moving forward and he had to admit it made her tough.


    Zack whistled. "Another one already? Didn''t you just humble half the street racers sometime ago ?"


    Vanessa shrugged, flashing that signature smirk of hers. "The thrill never stops, Zack."


    Julie pouted. "I wanted to hang out more."


    Vanessa ruffled the younger girl''s hair. "Don''t worry, squirt. I''ll swing by another time. We''ll have a proper rematch then."

 Chapter 74 Shop Apartment

    Julie''s face lit up at the promise, and Ethan could see her already plotting ways to win against a professional racer.


    Claire, who had been mostly quiet, simply gave Vanessa a nod.


    It was her usual way of showing approval.


    As they all stepped outside, Vanessa made her way toward her car, the sleek machine waiting for her in the driveway.


    She opened the door but hesitated, glancing back at them.


    For a brief moment, Ethan thought she was going to say something else.


    Instead, she took a step back, walked right up to him, and before he could react, she leaned in and pressed a quick, smooth kiss against his cheek.


    Ethan blinked, momentarily caught off guard.


    Vanessa grinned at his reaction, taking a step back. "See you around, Grey."


    And with that, she turned and rushed back to her car, sliding in effortlessly before revving the engine.


    The powerful roar echoed through the quiet morning as she pulled out of the driveway, taking off down the road in a blur.


    Zack let out a low whistle. "Damn, dude. She moves fast in more ways than one."


    Ethan ignored him, still feeling the faint warmth where her lips had been.


    He wasn''t sure if Vanessa did that just to mess with him or if there was something more to it ¡ª but knowing her, she''d never tell him outright.


    Zack stretched his arms over his head. "Well, I should get going too. Got stuff to handle at the club."


    He strolled over to his own car, throwing them a casual wave before sliding into the driver''s seat.


    "Try not to miss me too much."


    Julie stuck her tongue out. "We won''t!"


    Zack gasped in fake betrayal. "Julie, I thought we were besties!"


    She giggled. "Nope! Vanessa is my new bestie now."


    "Wow. Replaced just like that. Cold." Zack laughed, then turned on the engine. "Catch you guys later."


    With that, he backed out of the driveway and drove off, leaving just Ethan and his sisters standing in the soft morning light.


    Claire tucked her hands into her hoodie pocket. "We heading home now?"


    Ethan nodded. "Yeah, I''ll drive us back."


    Julie cheered. "Dibs on the front seat!"


    Ethan shook his head with a small chuckle, reaching into his pocket for his keys.


    But before he could even unlock the car, something buzzed against his palm.


    The System Phone.


    That sleek, ominous black device that had integrated itself into his life.


    The moment he saw the screen light up, a strange sense of unease settled in his gut.


    Claire followed more casually, giving Ethan a knowing look. "You''re up to something," she muttered.


    Ethan smirked. "Always."


    Once they were inside, Ethan leaned against the car and pulled out his phone again, dialing a number.


    The call picked up after a few rings. "Ethan?"


    "Dad," Ethan said. "Come outside."


    There was a pause before his father''s voice came through again, cautious but firm. "Why?"


    Ethan glanced at the time. "I need you to come with me. It''s important."


    Another pause. Then, with a sigh, his father relented. "Fine."


    A moment later, the front door opened, and his father stepped out.


    He was dressed in casual clothes, his expression unreadable. "What''s this about?"


    Ethan unlocked the passenger door. "Get in. I''ll explain on the way."


    His father gave him a long, measuring look but climbed into the car without further argument.


    As they drove, Ethan finally spoke.


    "There''s a shop apartment for sale in the city. Good location, steady traffic, solid investment."


    His father raised an eyebrow. "And you''re telling me this because...?"


    Ethan kept his eyes on the road. "Because it''s yours."


    His father blinked. "What?"


    "I bought it for you."


    Silence.


    Ethan''s father stared at him, his expression unreadable. "You bought a shop... for me?"


    Ethan nodded. "Yeah."


    His father exhaled, rubbing his forehead. "Ethan, that''s not something you just do. That''s a lot of money ¡ª "


    "It''s an investment," Ethan interrupted. "Youve been talking about how business is going badly since the new shops opened up so we''re moving to another area entirely,"


    His father was quiet.


    Ethan continued. "This shop is in a prime area. You won''t have to struggle to get customers. And you can run it however you want."


    His father''s fingers tightened slightly against his knee. "...And you just bought it?"


    Ethan nodded. "The paperwork''s ready. We just have to sign."


    His father let out a breath, looking out the window. "You didn''t have to do this."


    "I wanted to," Ethan said simply. "You''ve done plenty for me. This is nothing compared to that."


    His father swallowed, his voice quieter. "...Thank you, Son."

 Chapter 75 Shop Apartment (Part 2)

    The hum of the Porsche''s engine was steady as Ethan navigated through the light afternoon traffic.


    His father sat in the passenger seat, arms crossed, watching the passing buildings with a quiet, unreadable expression.


    Then Ethan''s phone rang.


    The familiar vibration against his leg made him glance down briefly before putting it on speaker.


    "Ethan Grey speaking."


    A smooth, professional voice came through the speakers.


    "Mr. Grey, good afternoon. This is Jonathan from Winston Realty. I just wanted to confirm that the paperwork for your purchase has been finalized and is ready for signing. Everything is in order, and we appreciate your swift transaction."


    Ethan nodded, his fingers tapping the steering wheel lightly. "Got it. I''m on my way now."


    "Perfect. We''ll be expecting you. See you soon."


    The call ended with a soft beep, and Ethan returned his focus to the road.


    His father, who had remained quiet the entire time, finally shifted in his seat.


    "You bought the place that fast?"


    Ethan smirked slightly. "When the deal''s good, you don''t hesitate."


    His father gave a small, thoughtful nod but didn''t say anything else.


    Ethan knew his old man wasn''t the kind to be easily impressed by money or fast transactions ¡ª he had built his life on hard work, slow and steady.


    This, to him, must''ve seemed surreal.


    As they took a turn, the familiar sight of the commercial district came into view.


    The area was thriving ¡ª people walked the sidewalks, carrying bags from various small businesses.


    Some stores had open patios, others had large glass windows showcasing their goods.


    It was the perfect place for a shop to flourish. Even if there were many competing shops, one would still make a lot of money here.


    Ethan pulled into an open parking spot in front of a two-story brick building with large, clean windows.


    The For Sale sign had already been removed from the front, replaced by a simple [Under New Ownership] notice on the door.


    He shut off the engine. "We''re here."


    His father slowly took in the sight of the building, his eyes scanning the structure, the location, the people walking by.


    His fingers drummed against his knee ¡ª a small, subconscious habit Ethan had picked up on over the years, one that meant he was deep in thought.


    "Looks solid," his father murmured. "Good area. Good foot traffic."


    "I know," Ethan said smugly.


    His father shot him a look but chuckled again. "Guess I should start thinking about what to do with the place, huh?"


    Ethan leaned against the counter, arms crossed. "I was thinking you could do something familiar. Repairs, maybe? You''ve got years of experience. You could start selling stuff too,"


    His father rubbed his chin. "Yeah... that could work. Plenty of people still look for hands-on repair services instead of buying new junk."


    Ethan nodded. "Exactly. And with a busy location like this, you won''t have to worry about business."


    His father exhaled, shaking his head again but this time with something lighter in his expression.


    "You know... I always thought if I ever owned a place in the commercial district, it''d be from years of saving, not from my son dropping a deal in my lap."


    Ethan smirked. "Well, you raised a smart son."


    His father chuckled, clapping him on the shoulder. "That I did."


    Jonathan, who had been politely silent during their exchange, finally spoke up.


    "We''ll handle the final filings on our end, but otherwise, you''re all set. If you need anything, don''t hesitate to reach out."


    Ethan shook his hand again. "Appreciate it."


    As they stepped back outside, the late afternoon sun cast a warm glow over the street.


    His father took another long look at the building, then at Ethan.


    "...Thank you once agajn."


    It wasn''t said in a dramatic way.


    It was simple, quiet ¡ª but heavy with meaning.


    Ethan just nodded. "You deserve it."


    His father sighed, but it was a good sigh ¡ª one of relief, maybe even something close to contentment.


    "Alright," he said, stretching his arms. "Let''s head home. Got a lot of planning to do."


    Ethan smirked. "That''s the spirit."


    As they got into the car, Ethan''s phone buzzed again.


    Another notification from the System. Probably to bring information about this new investment.


    But for now, he let it wait.


    This was his father''s moment.


    And that was worth more than any deal.

 Chapter 76 Vanessas Goodbye

    Ethan''s hands rested on the wheel of the Porsche as he pulled into the driveway, the car rolling to a smooth stop in front of his father''s house.


    The ride home had been mostly quiet, the occasional comment from his father about the shop breaking the silence.


    "Tomorrow morning, I''ll head back and start figuring things out," his father said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Got a lot to set up. Might have to do some remodeling inside ¡ª want to make it feel like my own space, you know?"


    Ethan smirked, glancing at his father as he shifted the car into park. "Makes sense. You never were the type to leave things as they were."


    His father chuckled, the corners of his mouth tugging into a small smile. "Damn right. I''ll give it a proper touch."


    Ethan could tell that his father was already making mental plans, already seeing the space as his own, which was exactly what he had wanted.


    Giving his father something that belonged to him ¡ª not a job, not a favor, but something real ¡ª felt like one of the better decisions he''d made in a while.


    And as long as the System moved within his expectations, his Return points as well as the money he could make from this would be extremely worth it.


    As his father unbuckled his seatbelt and moved to step out of the car, he paused and glanced back at Ethan. "You should stay for lunch."


    Ethan shook his head with a small chuckle. "Can''t. I need to meet Zack. Something came up."


    His father exhaled through his nose, clearly unimpressed but not surprised. "Always busy, huh?"


    Ethan smirked. "You know how it is."


    His father shook his head with a sigh but didn''t push further. "Alright. But don''t forget to eat."


    "I won''t," Ethan said, even though he probably would.


    His father nodded once before stepping out, shutting the door behind him.


    Ethan watched as he walked toward the front door, fishing his keys out of his pocket.


    Just as his father disappeared inside, Ethan''s phone buzzed against the center console.


    A call.


    He glanced at the screen.


    Unknown Number.


    Ethan frowned.


    He didn''t like picking up calls from unknown numbers ¡ª usually, they led to spam or business offers he wasn''t interested in.


    But something in his gut told him to answer this one.


    With a sigh, he tapped the screen and brought the phone to his ear. "Ethan."


    There was a pause, then ¡ª


    "Hey, stranger."


    Ethan blinked, his grip on the phone tightening slightly. "Vanessa?"


    When he arrived, Vanessa was already there, leaning against her car, the wind playing with the strands of her hair.


    She turned as he pulled up, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Took you long enough."


    Ethan stepped out of the car, shoving his hands into his pockets. "You called me ten minutes ago."


    "Exactly. You''re late."


    He rolled his eyes but walked over, standing beside her.


    The view was breathtaking in a way that made the world feel bigger, yet somehow smaller at the same time.


    Vanessa leaned back against her bike, looking at him. "So, what''s new with you?"


    Ethan exhaled, glancing at the city below. "Nothing much, secured a deal today."


    Her eyebrows lifted slightly. "For yourself?"


    "For my dad."


    A brief pause. Then, a slow smile spread across her lips. "That''s actually really cool."


    Ethan shrugged. "Figured he deserved it."


    Vanessa studied him for a moment before nodding. "Yeah. He does."


    The wind picked up slightly, brushing past them in a cool rush.


    "Anyway," Vanessa said, stretching her arms, "I''ll be out of the city for a few days. Don''t do anything too exciting without me."


    Ethan smirked. "No promises."


    She rolled her eyes, then hesitated before stepping closer. "Take care, alright?"


    He looked at her, slightly surprised by the sudden sincerity in her voice.


    "You too," he said.


    Vanessa grinned, then, in a quick motion, leaned up and pressed a kiss against his cheek.


    It was brief ¡ª just a touch, gone as quickly as it came.


    But it was enough to make Ethan pause.


    Before he could say anything, she was already entering her car. "See you around, Grey."


    And just like that, she was gone, the roar of her engine cutting through the afternoon as she disappeared down the road.


    Ethan stood there for a moment, watching the city lights flicker in the distance.


    Then, with a quiet chuckle, he shook his head and got back into his car.


    It was time to meet Zack.

 Chapter 77 Trouble In The Club

    Ethan pulled into the club''s parking lot, the low growl of his Porsche''s engine settling into silence as he turned it off.


    The neon lights from the club''s entrance flickered against the sleek gray paint of his car, and he let out a slow breath before stepping out.


    Evening had fully set in now, the streets still lively with people moving from bar to bar, the city pulsing with energy.


    He adjusted the cuffs of his jacket, glancing at the club''s entrance before making his way inside.


    The moment he pushed through the heavy doors, the atmosphere hit him ¡ª deep bass vibrating through the floor, laughter spilling from different corners of the room, and bartenders expertly mixing drinks behind a sleek bar lined with expensive bottles.


    The place was packed, just like always, but something felt off.


    A sharp crash split through the music, followed by the unmistakable sound of glass shattering.


    Heads turned toward the VIP section, where the disturbance had erupted.


    Ethan''s eyes narrowed as he spotted a man standing with a jagged half-broken bottle clenched tightly in his grip.


    His expression was twisted in rage, his entire body tense as he loomed over another man sitting smugly in a booth.


    The seated man didn''t seem the least bit concerned.


    He had an arm draped around a woman curled up in his lap, her painted nails tracing slow circles on his chest.


    From the way the standing man''s face contorted with barely restrained fury, Ethan pieced it together instantly ¡ª this wasn''t just some random fight.


    It was personal.


    Zack was already moving before Ethan had the chance to react.


    Unlike the others who had paused to gawk, Zack stepped forward without hesitation.


    "Alright, let''s not do something stupid," Zack said, voice low and calm.


    The angry man barely acknowledged him, his grip on the broken bottle tightening.


    His breath came in sharp, shallow bursts, his shoulders rising and falling.


    It was clear he was past reasoning.


    Zack exhaled. "Yeah, that''s what I thought."


    Ethan rolled his eyes. "What, you wanted me to kiss her straight on the lips?"


    "I mean, a little." Zack grinned. "The mood sounds perfect and she made the first initiative, should have been a man and finished it off,"


    Ethan shrugged. "Not everything''s about mood."


    Zack snorted. "Says the guy who made a racer fall for him."


    Ethan only shook his head, taking another sip of his drink.


    The club''s atmosphere settled into a comfortable rhythm, the earlier fight now just a passing memory.


    Zack leaned back against the bar, watching the crowd with an amused glint in his eyes. "So, what''s next?"


    Ethan exhaled. "Got a few things to handle tomorrow. I bought a new shop in the commercial district for Dad so I''ll have to check it with him tomorrow, make sure everything''s in place."


    "Think he''ll like it?"


    Ethan hesitated before nodding. "Yeah. He''s been talking about having a place in a good area for a long time."


    Zack gave a small nod of approval. "Good move. You''re not as heartless as I thought."


    Ethan scoffed. "I don''t know whether to take that as a compliment or an insult."


    "Bit of both," Zack teased.


    They stayed a little longer, the conversation shifting between business, old memories, and the latest club drama.


    Eventually, Ethan finished his drink, setting the empty glass on the counter.


    "I should head out," he said, stretching slightly. "It''s been a long day."


    Zack nodded. "Try not to overthink everything for once."


    Ethan smirked. "No promises."


    As he stepped out of the club and into the cool night air, he exhaled slowly, letting the crisp breeze clear his mind.


    His hair blowed slightly in the wind that picked up as he walked to the Porsche though his eyes fell on the man that had been pushed out of the bar.


    Sitting alone on the ground, tearing up - Ethan felt a bit sorry for him.

 Chapter 78 Checking Out The Store

    [The Next Morning]


    Ethan pulled up outside the shop apartment just as the morning sun bathed the city in a soft golden glow.


    The commercial district was beginning to stir ¡ª store owners unlocking doors, early customers browsing, the distant hum of traffic filling the air.


    It was a commercial location, right where his father had always wanted to set up shop.


    As the car stopped, Ethan glanced at his father in the passenger seat.


    Harold sat quietly, his gaze locked on the storefront.


    There was something different in his expression today ¡ª not just the usual contemplation, but something closer to satisfaction.


    "This is the one," Robert finally said, his voice firm.


    Ethan smirked. "Well, good thing I already bought it."


    His father let out a small chuckle, shaking his head. "You always had a way of making things happen fast."


    Ethan turned off the engine. "C''mon, let''s check it out."


    They stepped out of the car, the crisp morning air refreshing after the drive.


    Ethan unlocked the glass door, pushing it open with ease.


    The space inside was exactly as he had expected ¡ª clean, well-maintained, and spacious enough for what Harold had planned.


    The last owner had already moved everything out, leaving it a blank slate.


    Harold stepped inside slowly, running his hand along the polished counter near the entrance. "Feels good," he murmured.


    Ethan leaned against the doorway. "Not bad, right?"


    His father nodded. "It''s perfect."


    Harold had owned a store before, back when Ethan was younger.


    But that shop had been in a quieter part of the city, a place that never saw much foot traffic.


    Even with that, the new shops that opened up quickly took his position.


    Business had been decent, but he had always talked about wanting a store in the heart of the commercial district ¡ª somewhere with real potential for better customers.


    Ethan had listened.


    And now, here it was.


    Ethan shrugged. "You did a lot for us first."


    His father didn''t say anything, but the look he gave Ethan was full of understanding.


    After finishing up inside, they locked up and headed back to the car.


    Ethan drove his father home, the conversation shifting to lighter topics about how the neighborhood was going and also Julie talking about the time she had spent in the mansion.


    When they pulled up to the house, Robert sighed, stretching his arms.


    "I''ll head back to the shop tomorrow, start setting things up."


    Ethan nodded. "Sounds good."


    His father hesitated before opening the car door. "You sure you don''t want to stay for lunch?"


    "No need," Ethan said, "I have somewhere to go,"


    His father nodded and left, leaving Ethan to himself.


    Ethan quickly drove off, parking at a nearby lot and bringing out his phone - it was the day of the race after all and even though he couldn''t be there, he wanted to watch her through the streams.


    #####


    The electric atmosphere of the stadium pulsed through the air, waves of excitement rolling through the massive crowd.


    Cameras hovered in the sky, capturing every angle of the grand event as millions across the world tuned in to witness one of the most intense races of the year.


    The International Speed Grand Prix ¡ª an elite competition where only thirty of the world''s top racers had been invited to compete.


    Among them, sitting in the cockpit of a sleek black and gold race car, was Vanessa Carter.


    She adjusted her gloves, gripping the wheel as she exhaled slowly.


    Her nerves were steady, her pulse calm, but her mind kept wandering to something ¡ª or rather, someone ¡ª else.


    Was he watching?


    The thought irritated her.


    She didn''t need Ethan''s approval. She didn''t need him to be impressed.


    And yet...


    She scoffed under her breath, shaking her head.


    It was stupid to care.

 Chapter 79 International Grand Prix (Part One)

    Ethan was probably busy with Zack, drinking some coffee and having fun.


    He wasn''t the type to show up for things like this, and if he was watching, it was probably out of boredom rather than interest.


    Still, the thought lingered, irritatingly stubborn.


    A deafening roar of engines brought her back to the moment.


    The massive digital screen above the stadium displayed the countdown, massive numbers flashing red as they ticked down.


    Five.


    Her fingers twitched slightly against the wheel.


    Her car vibrated beneath her as she revved the engine, the power surging through her like an extension of her own body.


    Four.


    The audience screamed in anticipation, the sound merging with the low hum of thousands of cameras broadcasting across the world.


    Three.


    Vanessa glanced at the competition, each driver locked into their own world, some adjusting their visors, others rolling their shoulders.


    Every single one of them was a force to be reckoned with.


    Two.


    Her foot hovered over the accelerator.


    One.


    The lights flashed green.


    The stadium exploded with cheers as thirty cars launched forward, the raw power of their engines ripping through the track like a thunderstorm.


    The sudden burst of speed pressed Vanessa into her seat, her vision narrowing to the road ahead.


    The first turn was brutal.


    Tires screeched as the racers fought for position, some nearly colliding in the chaos of the launch.


    Vanessa remained cold and calculated ¡ª she had already studied the way these drivers operated.


    Some were reckless, pushing too hard at the start, while others played defensively, preserving their fuel and tires.


    She went for the gaps ¡ª the small openings left by overzealous drivers too focused on fighting each other.


    By the end of the first turn, she had climbed from twelfth to eighth place.


    "Vanessa Carter is making early moves!" One of the commentators shouted over the broadcast. "Look at that precision ¡ª she''s slicing through the pack like a knife!"


    She barely heard them.


    Her focus was locked onto the road ahead, on the next opportunity to push forward.


    The wind screamed against the car as they hit the first straightaway.


    Vanessa shifted gears, the acceleration roaring through her as she pushed past two more racers, moving into sixth place.


    The next turn was a wide curve, an area where positioning mattered just as much as speed.


    Vanessa took the inner lane, braking just enough to maintain control while the racers on the outer lane skidded dangerously close to the track''s edge.


    And then there were the ones behind her.


    She could feel it.


    The shift in the race.


    The moment she had moved into third place, she had become a target.


    A glance at her side mirror confirmed it.


    Three racers, all in close formation, were gaining on her.


    Vanessa gritted her teeth.


    She recognized them ¡ª drivers who weren''t just here to win, but to play dirty.


    Liam Cruz, a cocky American racer known for running opponents off the track.


    Carlos Me?ndez, a veteran with no hesitation when it came to using his bumper.


    And Rina Volkova, a ruthless Russian driver who had been disqualified from two previous races for "accidental" crashes.


    And now, all three were eyeing her like a pack of wolves.


    ''Tch.''


    They wanted to take her out.


    Vanessa refused to let them.


    The track twisted ahead, leading into a dangerous S-curve ¡ª one of the trickiest sections of the entire race.


    It was a sharp double turn that required precise handling.


    A perfect opportunity for an ambush.


    Carlos made the first move.


    He cut into her lane, forcing her to adjust her speed.


    Vanessa didn''t panic.


    Instead, she smoothly braked for just a split-second, letting him move ahead slightly.


    He thought he had boxed her in.


    He was wrong.


    The moment he tried to close the gap, she switched gears and accelerated hard, using the inside of the turn to slingshot past him.


    Carlos swerved, barely regaining control as she left him behind.


    One down.


    But Liam and Rina were still hunting her.


    Vanessa kept her focus razor-sharp.


    She had to be smart.


    She wasn''t just fighting for position ¡ª she was fighting to stay in the race.


    If she made one mistake, she would be out of the race before she even blinked.

 Chapter 80 International Grand Prix (Part Two)

    Liam was next. He veered dangerously close, his car almost touching hers.


    Vanessa didn''t flinch.


    Instead, she played along.


    She pretended to be struggling, slightly jerking her steering wheel as if she was losing control.


    Liam took the bait.


    Smirking, he tried to squeeze her towards the barrier ¡ª but that was exactly what she wanted.


    At the last second, Vanessa cut right and used the barrier''s momentum to push herself forward, just enough to escape his trap.


    Liam, caught off guard, overcompensated his turn.


    His tires screeched.


    He spun out, barely avoiding a full crash as his car skidded into the side of the track.


    The crowd erupted.


    Two down.


    But Vanessa had no time to celebrate.


    Because Rina was still there.


    And she wasn''t like the others.


    Unlike Carlos and Liam, Rina wasn''t reckless.


    She was methodical.


    And Vanessa could tell from the way she positioned her car ¡ª she wasn''t here to compete.


    She was here to eliminate. Like a ticking time bomb.


    The two of them sped side by side, the tension thick between them.


    Rina''s intentions were clear.


    She was going to push Vanessa off the track.


    Vanessa refused to go down without a fight.


    The next section of the track was a tight tunnel, meaning that only one of them could stay on the racing line.


    A game of chicken.


    Vanessa''s grip on the wheel tightened.


    Rina was forcing her to decide¡ªbrake and lose position, or risk a crash.


    But Vanessa saw the flaw in Rina''s strategy.


    The Russian was pushing aggressively, but she was so focused on Vanessa that she wasn''t paying attention to the tunnel''s entrance.


    Vanessa made a split-second decision.


    She faked a swerve to the right ¡ª just enough to make Rina think she was backing off.


    Rina took the bait.


    She immediately adjusted her trajectory, trying to cut her off completely.


    But Vanessa had already moved.


    She braked for half a second, falling back just enough for Rina to take the lead ¡ª and then Vanessa floored the accelerator.


    Rina had positioned herself at the worst possible angle.


    The moment they entered the tunnel, Rina realized her mistake.


    She had taken the turn too wide.


    And the tunnel''s concrete wall was right there.


    Too late.


    She swerved ¡ª but it was already over.


    Her car clipped the edge of the tunnel at full speed.


    Sparks exploded.


    Her vehicle spun out, the impact throwing her out of the race as Vanessa shot forward, escaping the chaos.


    The crowd went wild.


    Vanessa seized the opportunity.


    She swung her car left, then immediately snapped right, cutting inside the turn just as Sora was recovering.


    His eyes widened in his side mirror ¡ª he realized what was happening.


    But it was too late.


    Vanessa''s car shot forward, slipping past him cleanly.


    For a brief moment, they were side by side.


    Sora clenched his jaw. He had underestimated her.


    But he wasn''t done yet.


    Vanessa could see it ¡ª the fire in his eyes.


    He refused to let her go.


    The moment they exited the turn, he retaliated, pushing his engine to the limit, trying to reclaim his position.


    His car speeding forward like a bullet.


    The crowd held their breath.


    They were neck and neck, neither willing to give an inch.


    The next section of the track was coming up fast ¡ª a narrow bridge with no room for error.


    One of them had to back down.


    Or neither would make it through.


    Vanessa''s pulse raced.


    Sora wasn''t backing down.


    She could feel it ¡ª the tension in the air.


    She knew what he was about to do.


    And she knew exactly how to beat him.


    The moment they reached the bridge, Sora jerked his car left, trying to force her into the guardrail.


    A high-speed elimination.


    Vanessa didn''t flinch.


    Instead, she did something he didn''t expect.


    She let go of the accelerator for half a second.


    Just enough for his car to pull slightly ahead.


    Sora thought he had her.


    Then Vanessa turned the tables.


    She slammed the throttle, using his own momentum against him.


    Her front bumper clipped his rear.


    Not enough to cause a full crash ¡ª but enough to send him off balance.


    His tires screeched.


    His car wobbled.


    And in the blink of an eye ¡ª he lost control for good this time.


    The crowd erupted as Sora''s car skidded sideways, slamming into the guardrail, his tires screeching against the pavement.


    His race was over.


    Vanessa didn''t look back.


    She was already gone.


    She had won their confrontation.


    And now, she was in second place.


    But she wasn''t satisfied.


    Because there was still one racer ahead of her.


    And Vanessa Carter wasn''t here for second place.


    She was here to win.

 Chapter 81 International Grand Prix (Part Three)

    Vanessa''s hands tightened around the wheel as she gunned the accelerator, her car roaring as it shot forward.


    Ahead of her, Rafaelle Moretti did the same, his sleek black car weaving aggressively across the track, determined to hold his ground.


    They had both fought their way through the competition, taking down rivals one by one, and now ¡ª only one racer stood between them and first place.


    But neither was willing to let the other take the lead.


    The dust kicked up behind their tires as they raced side by side, their cars barely inches apart.


    Vanessa stole a quick glance at Rafaelle through her side mirror.


    His expression was intense, his focus razor-sharp.


    Unlike the dirty racers she had faced before, Rafaelle wasn''t trying to cheat his way to victory.


    He was playing fair.


    But that didn''t mean he wasn''t playing hard.


    The next turn was coming up ¡ª a sharp left followed by a long stretch of road leading into the final lap.


    The perfect place to make a move.


    Vanessa''s mind calculated her options.


    She could wait for the straightaway and rely on raw speed.


    Or she could force an opening now, while Rafaelle was still focused on defending.


    She chose the latter.


    Her foot pressed down on the pedal, her car lurched forward.


    She inched ahead, trying to take the inside lane of the turn.


    But Rafaelle saw it coming.


    He wasn''t about to let her through so easily.


    With a quick flick of the wheel, he cut in front of her, blocking her path.


    Vanessa gritted her teeth, barely avoiding a collision.


    She slammed the brakes, skidding just enough to prevent a crash, then swiftly maneuvered her car to the right.


    But Rafaelle matched her move for move.


    He was testing her.


    Waiting to see if she''d make a mistake under pressure.


    Vanessa refused to give him that satisfaction.


    She let out a slow breath, forcing herself to stay calm.


    The track ahead narrowed, the road sloping slightly downward, making it harder to control speed.


    Rafaelle took advantage of the terrain, pulling slightly ahead, his car hugging the curve perfectly.


    Vanessa knew if she let him gain any more distance, she might not be able to catch up before the final stretch.


    She had to act now.


    Her eyes flickered to the edge of the road.


    A risky shortcut appeared ¡ª just a small patch of dirt barely wide enough to squeeze through.


    A regular racer wouldn''t dare use it.


    He wasn''t about to lose, though.


    He executed the same maneuver ¡ª but Vanessa had the edge.


    Her car shot out of the turn first, taking the lead.


    She had done it.


    She was ahead.


    The roar of the engines was deafening as the racers surged forward into the final lap.


    This was the moment that defined the entire race ¡ª one mistake and it was all over.


    Vanessa''s pulse pounded in her ears as she gripped the steering wheel, her knuckles turning white.


    She could feel the sweat on her palms, but she didn''t dare let it distract her.


    Every second counted now.


    Rafaelle Moretti was right on her tail.


    The Italian driver had proven himself a formidable opponent, keeping up with her every move, refusing to fall behind.


    He was aggressive, calculated, and just as desperate for victory as she was.


    Vanessa clenched her jaw, narrowing her eyes as the track stretched ahead of them.


    Five more turns.


    One final stretch.


    One winner.


    Her car shuddered as she took another sharp drift, the tires screeching against the pavement.


    She barely regained control before gunning the accelerator, propelling herself forward.


    But Rafaelle wasn''t backing down either.


    He was pushing back. Hard.


    His sleek black car inched closer, his front bumper nearly kissing the back of hers.


    Vanessa could sense his strategy. He wanted to force her into a mistake.


    Either she would take a turn too fast and spin out...


    Or she would be forced to slow down, giving him the lead.


    Not happening.


    She gritted her teeth, determination flaring in her chest.


    She had fought too hard for this.


    She wasn''t about to let anyone take it from her.


    The next turn came ¡ª a brutal left that required a near-perfect drift.


    She took a deep breath.


    Her foot tapped the brake, just enough to adjust her speed before she spun the wheel.


    Her car whipped sideways, the back tires skidding dangerously close to the track''s edge.


    But she held on.


    The crowd roared as she executed a flawless drift, pulling out of the turn with speed.

 Chapter 82 International Grand Prix (Part Four)

    She didn''t even have time to celebrate.


    Rafaelle was still there.


    She stole a glance at her side mirror.


    He had matched her drift perfectly.


    ''Damn it.''


    The gap between them was razor-thin.


    Vanessa took a deep breath, steadying herself.


    She had to think.


    Her top speed was nearly identical to Rafaelle''s.


    If she just relied on raw power, he would keep up with her.


    She needed a different approach.


    Her mind raced as she analyzed the track ahead.


    The final three turns were coming up ¡ª one tight S-curve, a short straightaway, and the last brutal hairpin before the finish line.


    That was it.


    Her last chance to break away.


    Vanessa adjusted her grip, readying herself.


    She felt the car''s power beneath her, the engine rumbling like a wild beast waiting to be unleashed.


    The S-curve came into view.


    She acted instantly.


    Instead of following the usual racing line, she took an unorthodox approach, throwing herself into the first curve tighter than usual, cutting into the second one at a sharper angle than any normal racer would dare.


    Her tires skidded, nearly sending her off balance.


    But she controlled it.


    Barely.


    The maneuver cost her some stability ¡ª but it saved her time.


    She had pulled ahead.


    Rafaelle had taken the S-curve normally, choosing safety over risk.


    That small hesitation gave Vanessa the slightest lead.


    But it wasn''t enough.


    He was already closing in again.


    The straightaway loomed ahead ¡ª the perfect place to gain maximum speed before the final turn.


    Vanessa knew this was her last shot.


    She slammed her foot on the pedal, pushing her car to its absolute limits.


    The vehicle roared forward, speed climbing higher and higher.


    Rafaelle followed suit, the distance between them shrinking once again.


    Vanessa''s breath caught.


    It all came down to this.


    The last turn.


    The final hairpin.


    A death trap for hesitant drivers.


    She barely had time to register anything else before she reached it.


    She flicked her wrist, sending the car into the tightest drift she had ever attempted.


    Now, all she could do was wait.


    Vanessa sat frozen in her seat, her chest rising and falling rapidly.


    Her hands remained firm on the wheel, the vibrations of the engine still buzzing through her body, but it was over.


    The race was over.


    But had she won?


    Vanessa''s gaze shot up to the massive billboard screen towering over the racetrack.


    The numbers were still shuffling, calculating the official placements.


    The tension in the air was suffocating.


    Then ¡ª


    1st Place: Vanessa Carter.


    Her heart stopped for a second.


    The world seemed to freeze around her.


    Then, like a tsunami, the cheers erupted.


    The entire stadium roared, the crowd going absolutely wild.


    Confetti shot into the air, golden and red, swirling in the floodlights.


    The deafening chant of her name spread through the stands, shaking the very ground beneath her.


    Vanessa''s fingers trembled on the wheel, her breath hitching.


    She had done it.


    She had won.


    A sharp, uncontrollable rush of excitement exploded in her chest, and before she could stop herself, she threw her arms apart, letting out a half-laugh, half-scream of disbelief.


    The cameras flashed, capturing every moment of her stunned triumph..


    She exhaled hard, leaning back into her seat, her heart still hammering.


    This was it.


    This was what she had fought for.


    Beating Rafaelle, breaking through every dirty trick thrown her way, proving once again why she was a name feared on the track.


    And yet ¡ª


    Ethan.


    The name slid into her mind, unbidden.


    She clenched her jaw, staring up at the flashing 1st place on the board.


    Had he seen this?


    Was he watching her right now?


    The idea made her stomach twist unexpectedly, a different kind of thrill creeping up her spine.


    She shook the thought away.


    Now wasn''t the time to be thinking about that.


    She had a victory to celebrate.


    The door to her car was yanked open, and before she knew it, her team was dragging her out, lifting her up onto their shoulders.


    "VANESSA CARTER, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!"


    The announcer''s voice boomed through the stadium speakers, hyping the crowd even further.


    She grinned, pumping her fist in the air, the rush of winning still coursing through her veins.


    A reporter shoved a mic toward her as she was lowered back to the ground.


    "Vanessa! That was an incredible race! You fought your way from fourth place, held off multiple aggressive attempts, and finally took down Rafaelle in the final stretch. How does it feel to be the champion of this event?"

 Chapter 83 Grand Prix Champion

    Vanessa wiped the sweat off her brow, her pulse still sky-high.


    "It feels damn good," she said breathlessly, her voice slightly hoarse from the adrenaline. "This wasn''t an easy race. The competition was brutal, and there were a few moments where I thought I might not make it. But I knew what I came here to do ¡ª win ¡ª and I wasn''t about to back down."


    The crowd erupted again, chanting her name.


    "Did you expect such an aggressive pushback from Rafaelle?" the reporter asked.


    Vanessa let out a short laugh, shaking her head.


    "Of course. Rafaelle doesn''t like losing, and neither do I. We both fought hard for it, but at the end of the day..." She gestured to the 1st place ranking still flashing above them. "I wanted it more."


    More cheers.


    Another reporter stepped forward.


    "You''ve won a hundred thousand dollars with this victory," they said. "Do you have any immediate plans?"


    Vanessa exhaled, rolling her shoulders.


    "Right now? I just want to breathe," she admitted with a chuckle. "But after that? We''ll see."


    The reporters laughed, and she gave them a quick nod before stepping away, letting her team pull her into a celebratory huddle.


    Cameras flashed, the entire world watching.


    Hours later, Vanessa finally had a moment to herself.


    She sat in the racer''s lounge, her trophy sitting beside her, as she scrolled through her phone.


    Her name was everywhere on the internet.


    Clips of the race were trending.


    People were analyzing her moves, debating whether her final overtake had been too aggressive.


    Others were praising her skill, calling it one of the best racing performances of the year.


    But Vanessa wasn''t focusing on any of that.


    Her fingers hovered over the message screen.


    Ethan.


    She bit her lip, debating for a second before typing out a message.


    [So... did you watch?]


    She stared at the screen for a moment.


    Then, before she could second-guess herself, she hit send.


    Now, she just had to wait.


    Vanessa stared at her phone screen, waiting.


    She had sent the text almost ten minutes ago. No response.


    Her fingers tapped against the counter as she debated whether to send another one.


    Maybe he hadn''t seen it yet. Maybe he was busy.


    But before she could overthink it any further, her phone buzzed in her hand ¡ª not with a text, but a call.


    Her brow furrowed. Ethan.


    She swiped to answer.


    "Hello?"


    A faint sizzling sound crackled through the speaker, followed by a low grunt.


    She blinked. "Uh... what are you doing?"


    There was a bit of shuffling on the other end before Ethan''s voice came through, slightly strained.


    "Hang on."


    A second later, the call switched to video.


    "Thanks," she said, a small smirk playing on her lips. "You were watching, huh?"


    Ethan raised a brow. "Did you doubt it?"


    She shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "I don''t know. You didn''t text back."


    Ethan smirked slightly, shaking his head.


    "I figured a call would be better," he admitted.


    Vanessa hummed in response, her gaze lingering on the screen.


    She could see the flicker of the kitchen lights, the faint steam rising from the pan. But more than that, she could see him.


    Relaxed. At ease.


    Different from how he usually was.


    She bit her lip, choosing her next words carefully.


    "So... what''d you think?"


    Ethan turned off the stove before facing the screen again.


    "You were ruthless," he said simply.


    Vanessa raised a brow. "That''s a good thing, right?"


    Ethan''s lips twitched into something resembling a smile.


    "You won, didn''t you?"


    Vanessa exhaled a laugh, shaking her head.


    "Yeah," she murmured. "I did."


    For a moment, neither of them spoke.


    The video call remained open, the distant hum of the mansion''s kitchen the only sound between them.


    Then, Ethan''s voice cut through the quiet.


    "You deserve it."


    It wasn''t just a statement. It was conviction.


    Vanessa felt something warm settle in her chest.


    She swallowed, shifting slightly on the couch.


    "...Thanks," she murmured, almost softer than she intended.


    Ethan nodded once before reaching for something offscreen.


    "I should probably eat before this gets cold," he said, the moment easing back into something more casual.


    Vanessa chuckled. "Yeah. Wouldn''t want those gourmet night pancakes to go to waste."


    Ethan gave her a dry look but didn''t respond.


    Instead, he leaned slightly toward the screen.


    "...Get some rest, Vanessa."


    Vanessa blinked, slightly caught off guard.


    Then, a small smile tugged at her lips.


    "You too, Ethan."


    And with that, the call ended.


    Vanessa sat there for a moment, staring at the now black screen.


    Then, slowly, she leaned her head back against the couch, exhaling.


    Her trophy sat beside her, the echoes of the cheering crowd still fresh in her mind.


    But all she could think about was the sound of sizzling pancakes and Ethan''s voice congratulating her.

 Chapter 84 I Have A Boyfriend

    Vanessa leaned back against the couch in the racer''s lounge, rolling her shoulders as she took a deep breath.


    The room smelled like engine oil, sweat, and the lingering adrenaline of competition.


    She could still hear the muffled roar of the crowd outside, the energy of the race still alive even after the finish.


    Her name had flashed across the screens, marking her victory, but despite the celebration, her thoughts were somewhere else.


    She glanced at her phone. The screen was dark. No new messages.


    A part of her had been hoping ¡ª just a little ¡ª that Ethan would have texted again.


    He had called her, congratulating her while standing in his kitchen, flour dusting his cheek as he fried something on the stove.


    The sight had been so... different from what she usually saw of him. So real.


    She smirked slightly, imagining him cooking in that ridiculous mansion of his. What a contrast.


    The door to the lounge creaked open, pulling her from her thoughts.


    Rafaelle stepped inside.


    His shirt was off, a towel draped over his shoulder, and his lean, sculpted physique was impossible to ignore.


    His hair was damp, strands sticking to his forehead, and there was a quiet confidence in the way he leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed.


    "You ran a hell of a race out there," he said, his voice carrying a low admiration. "Didn''t think you had it in you."


    Vanessa arched a brow, unimpressed. "Please. You knew I had it in me. You just didn''t want to admit it."


    Rafaelle chuckled, stepping closer. "Fair enough. But I gotta say, you fought for that win like your life depended on it. That kind of drive ¡ª it''s rare."


    Vanessa smirked, standing up and stretching. "Winning''s the only thing that matters in the end."


    She moved toward the door, ready to leave, but before she could pass him, Rafaelle''s hand caught her wrist.


    She stopped, her body tensing slightly as she looked up at him.


    His grip wasn''t tight, but it was firm enough to make her pause.


    "There''s something I want to ask you," he said, his gaze steady.


    Vanessa sighed, already knowing where this was going. "What is it?"


    Rafaelle hesitated for only a second before speaking.


    "Go on a date with me."


    Vanessa stilled.


    She blinked up at him, half expecting him to break into laughter and say it was a joke.


    But there was no humor in his eyes. He was completely serious.


    Her initial reaction was to brush it off ¡ª to turn it into a joke ¡ª but instead, she pulled her wrist free and took a small step back.


    "Rafaelle..." she started, shaking her head.


    She wasn''t the type to turn down a chance to unwind after a high-stakes race, but tonight... tonight felt different.


    She had someone she wanted to talk to.


    Her phone was pressed to her ear as she made her way toward the section of the estate where her room was located.


    Ethan''s voice came through the speaker, his tone relaxed, with the occasional clatter of something in the background.


    "What are you even doing?" Vanessa asked, laughing softly. "It sounds like you''re building a whole house over there."


    Ethan scoffed. "I dropped a pan, relax."


    Vanessa smirked. "Are you cooking again?"


    "I don''t just cook. I perfect my craft," Ethan said with mock seriousness.


    She chuckled. "Oh, so now you''re a chef?"


    "Call me Chef Ethan."


    Vanessa rolled her eyes but couldn''t help the smile that tugged at her lips. "Alright, Chef Ethan. What''s on the menu tonight?"


    "A disaster, most likely," Ethan admitted. "I tried making something fancy, but I''m pretty sure I messed up somewhere."


    Vanessa laughed. "Now I really wish I was there to see this."


    Ethan''s voice softened slightly. "Maybe next time."


    Her steps slowed as she neared her room.


    She glanced around, making sure no one else was nearby before slipping inside and shutting the door behind her.


    The estate was grand ¡ª elegant in a way that screamed wealth and status.


    Her room was no exception. The bed was massive, the furniture sleek, and the view from the window was nothing short of breathtaking.


    But none of it really mattered right now.


    She kicked off her shoes and sank onto the bed, stretching out as she held the phone closer.


    "Ethan," she said after a moment.


    "Yeah?"


    She hesitated, then exhaled, letting herself relax fully.


    "I miss you."


    There was a pause on the other end of the line.


    Not a long one.


    Just enough for her to wonder if she had caught him off guard.


    Then, his voice came through, quieter than before.


    "...I miss you too."

 Chapter 85 Preparations For The Launch (Part 1)

    The sun filtered through the towering glass windows of the mansion, casting golden streaks across the polished marble floors.


    Ethan sat cross-legged on the plush carpet of the living room, leaning against the edge of a sleek, low-profile couch.


    Across from him, Zack mirrored his posture, though with a glass of wine lazily swirling in his hand.


    The mansion was alive with movement. Maids swept through the halls with quiet efficiency, their footsteps barely audible as they carried trays of breakfast dishes and fresh linens.


    Butlers moved with practiced ease, ensuring everything remained in perfect order.


    The scent of freshly brewed coffee lingered in the air, mixing with the faint traces of expensive cologne and the morning''s crisp atmosphere.


    Ethan exhaled, watching as Zack took another slow sip of wine, savoring it like a man who had just conquered an empire.


    "This," Zack sighed contentedly, leaning back against the couch, "is the life."


    Ethan smirked but didn''t respond right away.


    He wasn''t the type to be easily impressed by wealth, but even he had to admit ¡ª there was something to be said for the ease of having everything at his fingertips.


    He had finally accepted the luxury that came with his success, something he had resisted for far too long.


    Still, there were more important matters to deal with.


    Zack set his glass down on the sleek glass coffee table between them, the clink barely audible over the distant sounds of activity in the mansion.


    His relaxed posture shifted slightly, his sharp eyes locking onto Ethan.


    "So," he said, stretching his arms over his head before cracking his knuckles, "have you thought about the launch?"


    Ethan exhaled, rubbing his temple. "Yeah. We need to start moving forward with finalizing everything."


    The upcoming launch of the resort wasn''t just another business move ¡ª it was a statement.


    It would cement their position in the city''s elite circles, a place where only the best of the best were invited.


    Ethan had worked too hard to leave anything to chance.


    Ethan pulled out a chair and sat down, barely glancing at the extravagant spread.


    He wasn''t the type to overindulge, but he appreciated the effort.


    Zack, on the other hand, had no such reservations.


    He clapped his hands together, grinning as he reached for a plate of eggs.


    "Man, this is what I call living," Zack said, piling food onto his plate. "Fine dining every morning? I could get used to this."


    Ethan smirked but didn''t comment as he took a slice of toast and some salmon.


    He wasn''t in the mood for a heavy breakfast.


    They ate quickly, not lingering over the meal.


    Ethan had never been one to waste time, and Zack, for all his laid-back tendencies, knew when to be serious.


    Once they finished, Ethan pushed his chair back and stood, grabbing the house key from the nearby counter. He shot a glance at Zack. "Let''s go."


    Zack wiped his mouth with a napkin and stood as well. "Finally. I was starting to think we''d sit around all day like old men."


    Ethan rolled his eyes but didn''t respond as they exited the mansion.


    The warm morning sunlight bathed the estate in a golden glow.


    His sleek grey Porsche was parked out front, polished to perfection.


    They got in, Ethan taking the driver''s seat while Zack settled into the passenger side.


    The engine roared to life with a deep, satisfying purr, and without wasting a second, Ethan pulled out onto the road.


    As they drove, Zack leaned back in his seat, watching the scenery blur past.


    The city was already bustling, the streets lined with cars and pedestrians going about their day.


    "With the way things are going," Zack mused, tapping his fingers against the dashboard, "we should be able to launch the resort by the end of the month."

 Chapter 86 Preparations For The Launch (Part 2)

    Ethan nodded, his eyes focused on the road. "Yeah. The foundation is set. Staffing, management, and infrastructure are in place. Now it''s just about getting the word out."


    Zack smirked. "Ah, the magic of marketing. Time to make this place the hottest destination in the country."


    Ethan didn''t respond immediately. He had already been thinking about the best way to handle advertising.


    Standard marketing techniques weren''t enough.


    He wanted something bigger. Something that would make the launch an event people wouldn''t forget.


    They continued their drive in relative silence, the city slowly giving way to a more open landscape as they neared the port where the resort was being developed.


    The sky stretched wide above them, the blue waters glistening under the sunlight.


    As they approached, Ethan could already see staff members moving about, making last-minute adjustments to various parts of the property.


    The moment they pulled into the parking area, a group of maids in neatly pressed uniforms welcomed them from a distance, bowing slightly as they approached.


    "Welcome, sir," one of them said with a polite smile. "We''ve been expecting you."


    Ethan nodded and stepped out of the car, Zack following suit.


    The salty breeze carried the sound of construction work in the distance, along with the faint chatter of employees going about their tasks.


    The resort was nearing completion, and it was a sight to behold.


    A massive, sprawling property set against the stunning backdrop of the ocean.


    Luxurious villas lined the coastline, each one designed with elegance and comfort in mind.


    The main hotel building towered nearby, a masterpiece of modern architecture with large glass windows that reflected the sunlight beautifully.


    Everything was coming together. And soon, the world would know it.


    Zack let out a low whistle as he took in the view. "Man, I gotta hand it to you. This place is something else."


    Ethan smirked. "You''ve seen it a dozen times already."


    "Yeah, but every time I do, it looks better." Zack stretched, glancing toward the staff members who were watching them expectantly. "Alright, boss man, what''s the plan for today?"


    The lounge had been set up with deep-cushioned chairs, a glass coffee table between them, and a direct view of the ocean.


    The sound of waves crashing against the shore provided a rhythmic backdrop as he settled in.


    Now that the physical setup was nearly complete, it was time to shift focus.


    The resort wasn''t just about the space ¡ª it was about the brand.


    He turned to Zack, resting an elbow on the armrest. "Have anyone in mind for advertising?"


    Zack grinned, already pulling out his phone.


    "Funny you ask." He scrolled through his contacts with practiced ease before stopping at a name. "I had a few ideas, but I think she would be the best bet."


    He tapped the screen, turning it toward Ethan.


    A picture of a red-haired woman filled the screen ¡ª one of the city''s most well-known celebrities.


    She was an actress, a model, and an influencer with a massive following. If they wanted instant attention, she was the one to get.


    Ethan gave a slight nod. "She''d be a good choice. Her audience matches our target demographic."


    "Exactly," Zack said, already dialing her number.


    He leaned back as the call rang, tilting his head toward Ethan with a smirk. "Want me to do the talking, or do you want to be the one to charm her?"


    Ethan exhaled, shaking his head. "Just set the meeting."


    Zack chuckled, bringing the phone to his ear.


    It only rang twice before the woman picked up, her voice smooth and confident.


    "Zack," she greeted, amusement in her tone. "Didn''t expect to hear from you so soon. What''s the occasion?"


    Zack exchanged a glance with Ethan before leaning back into his seat, his free hand swirling the untouched glass of wine on the table.


    "You know me, sweetheart, always working on something big. Listen, we''ve got an exclusive launch coming up for a luxury resort ¡ª good location, top-tier experience, and, of course, the kind of event that''ll have the whole city talking. Thought you''d be the perfect person to put it in the spotlight."


    There was a pause on the other end before she hummed in interest. "Luxury resort, huh? Sounds intriguing. Who else is involved?"

 Chapter 87 Preparations For The Launch (Part 3)

    Zack shot Ethan a smirk before answering, "I''m doing it with one of my friends, he''s an investor."


    The woman on the other end of the line let out a soft laugh. "Now that is interesting. I''m intrigued to know more about what I''m about to put my hands on and this.... Friend of yours. When''s the meeting?"


    Zack glanced at Ethan for confirmation.


    Ethan, still relaxed in his seat, simply raised two fingers ¡ª two hours from now.


    "Two hours," Zack relayed. "Fancy restaurant, private dining area. You in?"


    "Send me the location," she said smoothly. "I''ll be there."


    The call ended, and Zack let out a satisfied chuckle, slipping his phone back into his pocket.


    "And that, my friend, is how you make things happen."


    Ethan exhaled, standing up from his chair. "We''ll see how the meeting goes first."


    With that, they left the resort behind, heading back to Ethan''s Porsche.


    The drive to the restaurant was smooth, the city lights starting to flicker on as the sun dipped lower into the horizon.


    The restaurant they had chosen was one of the most exclusive in the area ¡ª high-end clientele, strict reservations, and a reputation for privacy.


    As they walked in, a hostess greeted them with a polite nod before leading them toward a secluded area, away from the general guests.


    The ambiance was elegant but modern, a mix of warm lighting and sleek de?cor.


    Minutes later, their guest arrived.


    She walked in with effortless grace, dressed in a form-fitting black outfit that was both stylish and commanding.


    Her red hair cascaded in perfect waves, and her confidence was evident in the way she carried herself.


    As she approached their table, her sharp green eyes flicked between the two men before settling on Zack.


    "I assume you''re the one behind this meeting?" she asked smoothly.


    Zack chuckled before Ethan could respond. "Oh, he''s not shy. He just likes to observe before he speaks."


    Ethan finally looked up from his menu, meeting her gaze with a calm expression. "I prefer to listen first," he said simply.


    She smirked, leaning in slightly. "And what have you learned about me so far, Ethan Grey?"


    She said his name deliberately, as if testing it on her tongue.


    Zack shot Ethan a glance, as if warning him to be careful.


    He had already told Ethan that this woman was a flirt, and it was clear she liked to push buttons just to see how people reacted.


    Ethan didn''t rise to the bait.


    Instead, he set his menu down and met her gaze evenly.


    "You like attention, but only on your terms. You enjoy being in control of conversations, and you test people to see how they react to you. But when it comes to business, you take things seriously."


    She raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "Not bad. You get all that from just a few minutes?"


    Ethan gave a small shrug. "I pay attention."


    Zack laughed, shaking his head. "See? Told you he wasn''t shy."


    The waiter arrived, and they placed their orders.


    The conversation shifted to lighter topics ¡ª entertainment, travel, and some of the more outrageous things they had witnessed in the city''s high society.


    Ethan remained engaged but reserved, letting Zack and their guest carry most of the conversation while he observed.


    Halfway through the meal, she glanced at Ethan again. "So, if you''re always this quiet, does that mean you don''t date much?"


    Zack nearly choked on his drink, coughing as he tried to suppress his laughter.


    Ethan, on the other hand, remained unbothered.


    He wiped his mouth with a napkin before answering. "I don''t waste time on things that don''t interest me."

 Chapter 88 Preparations For Launch (Part 4)

    Her lips curled into a slow smile. "And what does interest you, Ethan Grey?"


    Zack let out a low whistle, clearly enjoying the exchange, but Ethan remained unfazed.


    He met her gaze, his expression unreadable. "Business. Growth. Things that actually matter."


    She tapped her nails against the table, studying him with an almost predatory curiosity. "You sound like a man with a plan."


    "I am."


    She hummed, tilting her head slightly. "Then I suppose I should take this offer seriously."


    "You should," Ethan said without hesitation.


    The confidence in his voice seemed to amuse her further, but there was also a flicker of intrigue in her eyes.


    She leaned back, finally breaking the locked gaze between them as the food arrived.


    Zack, who had been watching the exchange with a smirk, clapped his hands together. "Alright, enough tension. Let''s eat."


    The conversation shifted to lighter topics again, mostly driven by Zack.


    Ethan engaged when necessary, but his focus remained on the deal at hand.


    Once they finished their meals, he leaned forward slightly, resting his arms on the table.


    "So, do we have a deal?"


    She wiped her lips with a napkin, then set it down gracefully.


    "I''ll need a formal proposal, but I like what I''m hearing. Send the details to my manager, and we''ll set up the promotional campaign."


    Ethan nodded, already expecting that answer. "You''ll have it by tomorrow."


    She smiled, standing up. "Looking forward to it."


    Zack stood as well, shaking her hand. "Always a pleasure."


    Ethan offered a firm handshake, which she held for just a second longer than necessary.


    "You''re an interesting man, Ethan Grey."


    He didn''t react. "So I''ve been told."


    She let out a soft chuckle before turning and walking away, leaving the two men at the table.


    With that, she shut the door, and her car smoothly pulled out of the parking lot, vanishing into the city streets.


    Ethan turned to Zack. "How exactly is she planning to promote it?"


    Zack pulled out his phone as they headed toward the Porsche, his fingers flying across the screen. "You''re about to find out."


    Once inside the car, Zack leaned back in the passenger seat and opened a page on Postgram ¡ª the social media platform dominating their world.


    He tilted the phone toward Ethan, revealing a profile with a staggering 8 million followers.


    The bio was simple, sleek, and professional, but what stood out the most were the engagement numbers: 3 accounts followed ¡ª which meant she was selective about who she kept in her circle ¡ª and a jaw-dropping 12.5 million likes across all posts.


    Ethan scanned the numbers, his fingers drumming lightly against the steering wheel. "She''s got influence," he admitted.


    Zack grinned. "And she knows how to use it. This girl doesn''t just post ¡ª she creates trends. One endorsement from her, and people are going to be scrambling to book a stay at our resort before we even officially open."


    Ethan considered that, his mind turning over the possibilities.


    If Ava handled the marketing the way she claimed she would, their resort would skyrocket in popularity before they even had to spend a cent on traditional advertising.


    "Smart move bringing her in," he said, starting the engine.


    Zack smirked. "Of course. I am a genius, after all."


    Ethan ignored his friend''s self-praise and smoothly pulled out of the parking lot. Zack scrolled through Ava''s page while Ethan drove, occasionally humming in approval as he glanced at different posts.


    "She''s already got partnerships with major brands," Zack commented. "Luxury hotels, private jets, designer labels... She doesn''t just promote anything. Only high-end, exclusive stuff."


    Ethan arched a brow. "Which means she wouldn''t have agreed to our deal if she didn''t see potential in it."


    "Exactly," Zack said, grinning. "She''s got an image to protect. If she''s backing us, it''s because she knows it''s going to be big."


    Ethan nodded slightly, satisfied. The resort was already in its final stages, and now, with a powerhouse influencer like Ava on board, their launch would be bigger than anything they had initially anticipated.


    Zack tapped on a post featuring Ava in a luxury suite, sipping a cocktail by an infinity pool. "She''s probably going to do something like this for us. Private shots, behind-the-scenes footage, teasers to get people excited."


    Ethan glanced at the picture, then back at the road. "As long as it brings in the clientele we''re aiming for, I don''t care how she does it."


    Zack stretched out in his seat, clearly pleased with how things were falling into place. "Man, I can already see it ¡ª reservations maxed out, exclusive events, VIP guests... We''re about to make a killing."


    "Don''t start celebrating too soon," he said. "We still have to make sure everything runs smoothly."


    Zack laughed. "Yeah, yeah. I know. But, damn, doesn''t it feel good to have everything coming together?"


    Ethan didn''t respond immediately. He simply looked ahead, the glow of the city reflecting in his sharp gaze.

 Chapter 89 Photoshoot

    The morning sun cast a golden glow over the resort, reflecting off the pristine glass windows of the main building.


    A gentle breeze carried the scent of salt from the ocean, blending with the faint aroma of fresh flowers planted around the entrance.


    Ethan and Zack stood outside, waiting near the circular driveway.


    Despite the early hour, the staff was already bustling inside, making final preparations for the photoshoot.


    Ethan checked his watch. "She should be here soon," he said, his voice even.


    Zack smirked, stretching his arms behind his head.


    "You sound like you''re actually looking forward to this," he teased.


    Ethan gave him a sideways glance but didn''t respond.


    He wasn''t particularly excited, but he understood the importance of what was happening today.


    This photoshoot was crucial for the resort''s launch.


    Melissa Sinclair ¡ª one of the most influential social media figures in the city ¡ª was about to lend her brand to their business.


    Her reach extended beyond just casual influencers; she had real clout in high society.


    A single post from her could put them on the map overnight.


    Moments later, a sleek black car pulled into the driveway, its tinted windows gleaming under the sun.


    The vehicle came to a smooth halt, and the driver, an older man in a crisp uniform, quickly stepped out to open the rear door.


    Melissa emerged gracefully, dressed in a white blouse tucked into high-waisted designer jeans.


    Her signature red hair cascaded in soft waves over her shoulders, and oversized sunglasses perched perfectly on her nose.


    She moved with the confidence of someone used to being admired.


    Zack let out a low whistle. "She really knows how to make an entrance."


    Melissa removed her sunglasses and arched a perfectly shaped brow.


    "And here I thought you''d be used to me by now, Zack," she said, amusement in her tone.


    Zack grinned. "Oh, I am. Doesn''t mean I can''t appreciate the effort."


    Ethan cleared his throat, stepping forward. "Thanks for coming."


    Melissa turned her attention to him, her lips curling into a smirk.


    "Of course. I only work with the best, and from what I hear, your resort is exactly that."


    Ethan nodded, his expression unreadable. "We aim to be."


    After a series of poolside shots, the team moved to different locations ¡ª the spa, the private villas, and the beachside dining area.


    Each setting was carefully chosen to showcase the resort''s best features.


    During a break, Melissa sat with Ethan and Zack at an outdoor lounge area, sipping her cocktail.


    "So," she said, stirring her drink lazily. "Tell me, Ethan, why are you so quiet?"


    Ethan met her gaze evenly. "Well there isn''t much to say."


    She sighed a bit. Why was he like this?


    Zack chuckled, shaking his head. "He''s always like this. Don''t take it personally."


    Melissa studied Ethan for a moment before laughing. "I think I like you," she admitted. "You don''t get rattled easily."


    Ethan didn''t respond, but there was the faintest hint of amusement in his expression.


    The photoshoot continued for another hour before wrapping up.


    Melissa scrolled through the images on her phone, nodding in approval.


    "These will do nicely," she said. "I''ll have my team start editing immediately. Expect a post within the next twenty-four hours."


    Zack grinned. "Can''t wait to see the results."


    Melissa stood, stretching gracefully. "Well, gentlemen, this was fun. I''ll be in touch."


    She turned to leave, but then paused, glancing at Ethan once more.


    "You should smile more, Ethan. Might make you look a little less... intimidating."


    Ethan smirked slightly. "Noted."


    Melissa chuckled before slipping on her sunglasses and heading toward her waiting car.


    Her driver opened the door for her, and as she slid inside, she gave them one last wave.


    Ethan and Zack watched as the car pulled away.


    Zack let out a breath, shaking his head. "Man, that woman is something else."


    Ethan glanced at him. "She gets the job done. That''s all that matters."


    Zack laughed. "Sure, keep telling yourself that."


    Well the pictures were going to be posted tomorrow, he wanted to see the traction it would bring.


    "Oh we have to send her a name, the Aje of the resort," Zack facepalmed, "Can''t believe I forgot,"


    "Well what are we going to call it then?"

 Chapter 90 ATLAS Resort

    The morning air was crisp, but the sun bore down with relentless intensity, making the resort''s stone pathways warm underfoot.


    Inside the lounge, the cool air hummed from the central cooling system, a stark contrast to the heat outside.


    Ethan and Zack lounged on plush chairs, the open terrace giving them a clear view of the pristine resort grounds.


    Ethan exhaled, running a hand through his hair before standing up and stretching. "I need a swim," he muttered.


    Zack raised a brow from where he sat, lazily scrolling on his phone. "The big pool''s empty. Just dive in there."


    Ethan shook his head. "Too open."


    He preferred the smaller pools dotted around the resort, each designed for privacy and exclusivity.


    One, in particular, was his favorite ¡ª a secluded space framed by sleek white stone and tropical greenery, its water a deep crystalline blue.


    Without another word, he tugged off his shirt, revealing a lean but muscular build, toned from months of discipline and routine.


    Zack barely glanced up, already used to Ethan''s tendency to strip down whenever it got too hot.


    "You''re gonna spoil yourself, man. If you get too comfortable, you might start lounging around all day like a rich retiree."


    Ethan smirked as he tossed his shirt onto a nearby lounge chair. "Sounds like a plan."


    Just as he stepped toward the edge of the pool, ready to dive in, Zack suddenly let out a sharp, "Holy shit."


    Ethan halted mid-step, his muscles tensing.


    He turned to find Zack staring wide-eyed at his phone, mouth slightly open.


    "What?" Ethan asked, brows furrowing.


    Zack didn''t answer immediately, his fingers tapping furiously on the screen.


    A second later, he flipped the phone around so Ethan could see the screen.


    It was a Postgram post.


    Melissa Sinclair''s latest upload.


    Ethan leaned in slightly, taking in the details.


    The post was a carousel of high-resolution images from yesterday''s photoshoot ¡ª Melissa lounging by the infinity pool, standing in front of the private villas, a breathtaking sunset shot from the rooftop bar.


    Zack smirked. "Make it feel elite. Keep demand high."


    Ethan leaned back, running a hand through his hair. "We should call Melissa. See if she''s willing to do another post in a few days or so. Something more direct."


    Zack nodded. "We can also reach out to a few more high-profile names. This isn''t just a one-off thing. We have to keep the momentum going."


    Ethan''s phone buzzed on the table, and he picked it up. A message.


    [Melissa: Guess you saw the post? Told you I deliver. Expect more traction in the next 24 hours.]


    Ethan smirked slightly before typing back. Zack had given her his number in case they wanted to discuss things in private.


    [Ethan: Saw it. It''s moving fast.]


    A few seconds later, another message popped up.


    [Melissa: Fast is good. Hope you''re ready for what''s coming.]


    Ethan looked at his screen and exhaled. Ready or not, ATLAS Resort had just entered the public eye.


    And from here on out, every move they made had to be perfect.


    [Melissa: Anyway I''ll be coming later today for a video shoot this time, we''ll have to keep up the momentum]


    [Ethan: No problem, I''m not going anywhere]


    Ethan exhaled as he dropped his phone onto the lounge chair beside the pool.


    The glow of the screen dimmed against the bright morning sunlight filtering through the resort''s glass paneling.


    Without another thought, he pushed himself off the ledge and dove into the water.


    The initial shock of the cool water sent a rush through his body, but within seconds, it became a refreshing embrace.


    He surfaced, brushing his slicked-back hair out of his face before floating lazily on his back, letting the sunlight warm his skin.


    Zack sat by the edge, legs dangling in the water, still scrolling through his phone.


    Ethan turned his head toward him, raising an eyebrow. "You never really told me how you met such an influential girl."


    Zack let out a small chuckle, locking his phone and placing it beside him.


    He leaned back on his hands, gazing up at the sky as if digging through memories.


    "Melissa?" he mused. "It was during that phase when I actually socialized with people from the same class as me."

 Chapter 91 Video Shoot (Part 1)

    Ethan smirked. "You mean the phase when you pretended to be interested in high society parties just for the connections?"


    Zack snapped his fingers. "Bingo."


    Ethan shook his head, floating closer to the pool''s edge. "So, how''d that lead to her?"


    Zack stretched his arms above his head before settling into a more relaxed posture.


    "Well, she was at this ridiculously over-the-top charity gala ¡ª one of those events where everyone pretends to care about world hunger while wearing watches worth a down payment on a mansion."


    Ethan huffed a quiet laugh. "Sounds about right."


    Zack smirked. "Anyway, I saw her across the room. Gorgeous, confident, carrying herself like she owned the place. I''d heard about her before, but seeing her in person? Different energy."


    Ethan rested his arms on the pool''s edge, listening with mild amusement.


    Zack continued, "We got introduced through a mutual acquaintance. At first, she was polite, but I could tell she was testing me ¡ª figuring out if I was worth talking to or just another boring rich guy."


    Ethan raised an eyebrow. "And?"


    Zack grinned. "And I thought I had her interested. She started flirting, teasing me, making all these playful comments. So I figured, ''Alright, she''s into me.''"


    Ethan already knew where this was going. "You took that as a sign to make a move."


    Zack groaned, running a hand down his face. "Yeah, and I got brutally rejected."


    Ethan smirked. "Ouch."


    Zack pointed at him. "No, you don''t understand. It wasn''t just a simple ''no, thanks.'' It was a full-on, ''Oh, you thought this was flirting? That''s adorable'' kind of rejection."


    Ethan laughed, shaking his head. "Damn."


    Zack sighed dramatically. "It was a learning experience. Apparently, she''s the kind of girl who enjoys the game of flirting, but the second a guy takes it seriously and flirts back with real intent, they lose their chance."


    Ethan thought about that for a moment. "So, she likes the chase?"


    Zack nodded. "Exactly. She flirts, but the moment someone actually starts pursuing her, she pulls away. It''s like she thrives on the potential of something rather than the reality of it."


    Ethan swirled his hand through the water absentmindedly. "Makes sense, I guess. Keeps things interesting for her."


    Zack exhaled, leaning forward. "But, hey, rejection aside, we actually got along after that. She respects people who don''t let their ego get bruised too easily. We stayed in touch, and now, here we are ¡ª she''s helping us launch ATLAS Resort."


    Her voice carried just enough amusement to stir them.


    Zack made a small grunt, shifting slightly before blinking up at her groggily.


    "Huh?" He rubbed his face, sitting up, his messy hair sticking in all directions.


    Ethan, still floating, cracked one eye open. A slow, knowing smirk spread across his face. "Melissa."


    She removed her sunglasses, revealing her sharp eyes. "You two look very busy."


    Zack yawned and stretched. "We were working hard this morning."


    Ethan lazily flipped onto his stomach, treading water with a smirk.


    "And by ''working hard,'' he means arguing over poolside cocktail options."


    Melissa laughed lightly, walking toward the edge of the pool. "Sounds exhausting."


    Ethan tilted his head. "You have no idea."


    She crouched down slightly, dipping the tip of her perfectly manicured finger into the water before flicking a few droplets in Ethan''s direction.


    He raised an eyebrow but didn''t move.


    "Enough lounging," she said. "It''s time for my shoot."


    Ethan sighed dramatically, pushing himself toward the pool''s edge.


    He rested his forearms on the ledge and glanced up at her. "Already? I was just getting comfortable."


    Melissa rolled her eyes. "Get out of the pool, Ethan."


    He smirked but complied, lifting himself effortlessly out of the water.


    Droplets clung to his skin as he grabbed a towel from the nearby chair, running it over his hair before tossing it onto the chair beside Zack.


    Zack, now fully awake, sat forward. "Where do you want to shoot?"


    Melissa gave the resort a once-over. "I have a few ideas. The private cabanas, the infinity pool, and maybe the ocean dock if the lighting is good."


    Ethan nodded. "Good choices. We also set up a few scenic lounge areas specifically for high-end photography."


    She smiled. "Perfect. Then let''s get started."

 Chapter 92 Video Shoot (Part 2)

    As the sun hung high over the resort, casting a golden hue over the luxurious surroundings, Melissa stood at the edge of the infinity pool, adjusting her sunglasses.


    The soft breeze carried the scent of the ocean, and the gentle sound of waves lapping against the shore provided the perfect ambiance.


    The setup for the video shoot was already in place.


    The resort''s staff had ensured everything looked pristine ¡ª the cabanas were neatly arranged, the pool shimmered under the sunlight, and the lounge areas were decorated to enhance the tropical luxury of ATLAS Resort.


    Melissa took a deep breath, rolling her shoulders back before looking toward her videographer. "Alright, let''s get started."


    The videographer nodded, raising the camera as she stepped forward.


    The first few clips were simple ¡ª her walking through the resort''s entrance, flashing a charming smile before turning her head slightly as if she were being caught candidly.


    She paused at the poolside bar, ordering a tropical drink and taking a slow sip while the camera focused on the way the sunlight reflected in her glass.


    She exuded the effortless luxury and charm that had made her such an influential figure on social media.


    Every movement was calculated yet natural ¡ª brushing her hair behind her ear, looking out over the ocean with an almost dreamlike expression, then turning back to the camera with a playful smirk.


    Ethan and Zack stood nearby, watching as the shoot unfolded.


    "She''s good," Zack muttered under his breath, clearly impressed.


    Ethan, arms crossed, nodded slightly. "That''s why we brought her in."


    The next set of clips focused on the infinity pool.


    Melissa sat at the edge, dipping her feet into the water while swirling the surface with her toes.


    The videographer moved around, capturing different angles ¡ª the luxurious backdrop of the resort, the crystal-clear water, and the way Melissa''s confidence shined through the lens.


    She picked up her phone, recording a short clip for her own story. "Guys, I can''t even begin to explain how stunning ATLAS Resort is. The view, the service ¡ª everything is perfectooo."


    Melissa rolled her eyes but didn''t push further. "You really are the type to work yourself to death, huh?"


    Zack clapped a hand on Ethan''s shoulder. "Trust me, I''ve been trying to get this guy to enjoy himself for months now."


    Ethan ignored them both, standing up and rolling his shoulders. "If we''re done here, I need to check in with the staff before the launch date."


    Melissa raised her hands in surrender. "Fine, fine. But don''t blame me when this place goes viral and you have more attention than you know what to do with."


    Ethan didn''t respond, but Zack chuckled. "That''s the point, isn''t it?"


    As they wrapped up, Melissa scrolled through the clips on her phone, nodding in satisfaction. "I''ll post this tonight. Expect the engagement to explode by morning."


    Ethan gave a small nod. "Appreciate it."


    "Also do you have a website where people can book reservations? I''ll need to advertise the link,"


    Ethan chuckled nervously, it had slipped in his mind but Zack stepped forward, providing the link to a site that he had created for the resort, with this, anyone would be able to register and book passes for the opening date.


    Melissa grinned. "You''ll owe me dinner for this."


    Zack whistled. "Damn, Ethan, she''s already charging you."


    Ethan sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Let''s focus on getting through the launch first."


    Melissa only smirked. "We''ll see."


    As she left with her team, Zack leaned toward Ethan. "You do realize you just got roped into a date, right?"


    Ethan shot him a look. "It''s not a date."


    Zack shrugged, amusement flickering in his eyes. "Whatever you say, man."


    Ethan exhaled, turning toward the resort''s main building. "Come on. We have work to do."

 Chapter 93 Sigh… So Long For A Normal Day

    Ethan sank deeper into his couch, one arm resting against the plush cushion while the other held his phone to his ear.


    His morning had been quiet ¡ª finally a break from the chaos of managing ATLAS. No photo shoots, no business meetings, no distractions.


    Just a simple plan: relax, eat chips, maybe even take a nap.


    But then his phone buzzed.


    He glanced at the screen and saw the name Lila flashing.


    He let out a nervous chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck.


    It had been a while since they last talked.


    Between setting up ATLAS and dealing with promotions, he had been swamped.


    And Lila... well, she wasn''t exactly the kind of woman who liked to be put on the back burner.


    Ethan sighed, knowing there was no way out of this, and swiped to answer.


    "Lila," he greeted, his voice casual but wary.


    There was a moment of silence, then a dramatic sigh.


    "So you do remember me," she said, her voice tinged with playful sarcasm. "I was starting to think I got replaced by a resort."


    Ethan chuckled, shaking his head. "Come on, don''t be like that. I''ve been busy."


    "Mhm." She wasn''t convinced. "No calls, no texts. Just radio silence. And then I see your face on my feed next to some Melissa girl? Wow, Ethan, wow."


    Ethan groaned, already seeing where this was going. "It was just business. We needed the publicity."


    Lila clicked her tongue. "I know that. But still. You owe me."


    He sighed, leaning back against the couch. "Alright, alright. Let me make it up to you. How about dinner? Just you and me. You pick the place."


    There was a brief pause before she hummed in satisfaction. "Now that''s more like it."


    Ethan smirked. "So that means I''m forgiven?"


    "For now," she teased. "But you better make it worth it."


    "I will," he promised.


    Satisfied, Lila let out a small laugh. "Okay, I''ll text you the details later. Don''t ghost me this time."


    Ethan shook his head. "Wouldn''t dream of it."


    They exchanged a few more words before the call ended.


    "Are you kidding? It''s fantastic. ATLAS just got more free publicity than we could''ve ever paid for."


    Ethan sighed. "Yeah, but now people are gonna start digging into my life. I wanted to keep things separate."


    "Too late for that," Zack said, amusement clear in his tone. "Anyway, I just called to say congrats. You''re officially a public figure now."


    "Wonderful," Ethan deadpanned.


    "Enjoy your fifteen minutes of fame, Mr. Grey."


    Ethan shook his head, ending the call.


    So much for a quiet morning.


    Ethan exhaled as he leaned back into the couch, grabbing his phone again.


    He scrolled to Melissa''s Postgram page, already knowing what he''d find ¡ª but seeing it with his own eyes still made his brows lift.


    Her page was flooded.


    The videos of the video shoot had done well, but the one with him specifically? That had exploded.


    "Holy shit," he muttered under his breath.


    He clicked on the video, watching as it played again.


    Melissa''s usual confidence oozed through the screen, but the real surprise was the comments section.


    [@baddie_lyn: Who is this Ethan Grey and why is he built like that?]


    [@officiallina: This man just blinked and I fell in love. What do you MEAN he owns a resort??]


    [@sugarplumbaby: Someone drop his number. I just wanna talk. I swear.]


    Ethan nearly choked on his own breath as he scrolled.


    "Oh god," he muttered, shaking his head.


    No wonder Lila was pissed ¡ª half of the entire female population seemed to be thirsting after him in the comments.


    One thread was particularly long:


    [@jennybeans: Melissa, I think you''re sitting next to my future husband. Be careful.]


    [@livvy_xo: Excuse you, OUR future husband. Let''s share some respect.]


    [@baddie_lyn: Ladies, please. We can settle this in a civilized manner. A Hunger Games-style battle, perhaps?]


    Ethan groaned, dropping his phone onto his lap. What the hell is wrong with people?

 Chapter 94 Adrian Sinclair

    He shook his head, pushing the thought aside. He had more important things to do.


    Reaching over, he grabbed his laptop and flipped it open, fingers typing quickly as he accessed the backend of the ATLAS website.


    Zack had handled most of the design, but Ethan still had to oversee operations.


    And right now? He needed to manage the reservations.


    He opened the dashboard, took a sip of his now-cold coffee, and nearly spit it out when he saw the number.


    [9,872 reservations.]


    Ethan blinked. Then he refreshed the page.


    [10,013 reservations.]


    "...You''ve gotta be kidding me."


    He rubbed his face with both hands.


    He hadn''t even officially launched the resort yet.


    No press release, no grand announcement ¡ª just some marketing, a few videos, and boom ¡ª ten thousand people were already throwing their money at ATLAS.


    Zack was gonna lose his mind when he saw this.


    Ethan exhaled, cracking his knuckles before getting to work.


    He had to sort out the reservations, assign rooms, and send out virtual tickets to everyone''s emails.


    It was a nightmare of logistics, but at least it meant they were making money.


    As he worked through the system, he saw the names of the people who booked.


    A few caught his attention:


    [John W. ¨C VIP Suite, 5 nights]


    [Sophia R. ¨C Deluxe Room, 3 nights]


    [Anonymous ¨C Penthouse Suite, 2 weeks]


    Ethan frowned. Anonymous?


    Clicking on it, he saw that whoever booked the Penthouse Suite for two weeks had paid in full, left no contact details, and only had a single email for confirmation.


    Suspicious.


    "I swear, if some billionaire weirdo is planning to do some secret villain shit in my resort ¡ª " he muttered, shaking his head.


    Regardless, money was money.


    He kept going, assigning virtual tickets and emailing them out.


    Midway through, his phone buzzed again. He picked it up, expecting Zack.


    Instead, it was a random unknown number.


    Frowning, he answered. "Hello?"


    A smooth, confident voice replied. "Mr. Grey. This is Adrian Sinclair."


    Ethan blinked. "Uh... do I know you?"


    If he wasn''t careful, he''d wake up tomorrow with an inbox full of angry emails from people demanding their reservations be confirmed.


    "Alright, let''s do this."


    He rolled up his sleeves like he was about to engage in battle and got to work.


    [Three Hours Later...]


    Ethan was slumped in his chair, his fingers aching from clicking, typing, and sorting through reservation requests.


    He felt like he had personally stamped, folded, and hand-delivered every ticket.


    "How do people do this for a living?" he muttered


    Ethan groaned and stretched his arms, feeling every single joint pop like he was some ancient relic that had been sitting in a museum for centuries.


    His fingers ached from all the clicking and typing, his eyes burned from staring at the screen too long, and worst of all, he was starving.


    He cracked his knuckles and leaned back in his chair, squinting at the laptop screen.


    ''Alright, let''s see the results.''


    Hesitantly, he refreshed the reservations page.


    The number of people waiting in line for virtual tickets flashed on the screen.


    [98,724 pending requests.]


    Ethan slammed his laptop shut. "Nope. I''m out."


    He stood up so fast his chair nearly toppled over.


    There was no way he was dealing with that right now.


    He needed food, maybe a nap, and possibly a therapist to process what he''d just been through.


    Grabbing his phone, he wandered into the kitchen, muttering, "This is a tomorrow problem. Future Ethan can deal with this mess."


    He yanked open the fridge, staring blankly inside.


    "This is why I''m going to die young," he mumbled, grabbing a soda and shutting the fridge.


    As he cracked it open and took a sip, his phone vibrated in his hand.


    He glanced at the phone screen.


    [Melissa: You''re welcome, by the way.]


    Ethan frowned, typing back.


    [Ethan: ...For what?]


    A second later, she replied.


    [Melissa: For making your resort go viral, obviously. Now everyone wants a ticket, including people who just want to see you.]


    Ethan groaned.


    "Great. I''m a tourist attraction now."


    Before he could even type out a sarcastic response, another text popped up.


    [Melissa: Oh, and Adrian''s coming soon. Have fun with that.]

 Chapter 95 Vanessas Return

    Ethan was sprawled out on the couch, his feet propped up on the coffee table, a half-empty can of soda balanced precariously on his stomach.


    Today was supposed to be his day off ¡ª no photoshoots, no meetings, no business calls.


    Just him, his couch, and a bag of chips.


    Of course, his phone had other plans.


    [Melissa: So... when are we having that date?]


    Ethan sighed. Melissa was nothing if not persistent.


    [Ethan: Probably never.]


    A second later, his screen lit up with a dramatic gasp emoji.


    [Melissa: Wow. Rude.]


    [Ethan: I''ll consider it after the launch. You should get some rest.]


    She didn''t reply right away, which meant he had won this round.


    He dropped his phone onto his chest and took another sip of soda, eyes growing heavy.


    ''Finally, peace.''


    Then came the knock at the door.


    Ethan groaned, rolling his head back. "You have got to be kidding me."


    A voice crackled through the intercom. "Sir, someone''s here to see you."


    "Who?"


    "She wouldn''t say. Just told me to get you."


    Ethan frowned. He wasn''t expecting anyone.


    With a sigh, he got up, stretched, and made his way to the front door.


    The moment he opened it ¡ª


    "ETHAN!"


    A blur of motion tackled him before he could react, arms wrapping tightly around him.


    The scent of burnt rubber and expensive cologne hit him before his brain registered what was happening.


    "Vanessa?"


    She pulled back just enough to grin at him. "Miss me?"


    Ethan blinked. "You were literally racing in another country yesterday I think."


    "Two days ago," she corrected. "Took the first flight this morning."


    He shook his head in disbelief. "And instead of resting, you came straight here?"


    "Duh. I had to see my favorite person."


    "What about your pit crew?"


    "They''ll survive." She waved a hand dismissively. "I left them a ''Welcome Home'' text. That counts."


    Ethan chuckled. "Sounds like a plan."


    Ethan leaned back against the couch, his phone in one hand as he scrolled through the food delivery app.


    Vanessa, who had somehow made herself completely at home, was now curled up in his lap, her head resting against his chest like it was her personal pillow.


    He wasn''t sure when she had decided this was her new spot, but here they were.


    Not that he minded.


    His free hand absently stroked her hair as he clicked on a pizza order. "Pepperoni okay?"


    Vanessa hummed, nuzzling slightly against his chest. "Add extra cheese."


    "Of course." Ethan smirked. "Racing champion Vanessa Carter demands only the finest mozzarella."


    "You get me." She sighed dramatically. "If you had ordered pineapple, I would''ve walked out."


    Ethan chuckled. "Noted. No pineapple."


    He finished the order, putting his phone aside, only for Vanessa to suddenly shove her own phone in his face.


    "Explain this."


    Ethan blinked, eyes adjusting to the screen.


    It was Melissa''s Postgram post ¡ª the one that had blown up with millions of views.


    It featured the now-infamous clip of him and Melissa during the video shoot, the two of them looking way too comfortable together as they talked.


    Vanessa squinted at him. "So... you and Melissa now?"


    Ethan sighed. "Vanessa ¡ª "


    "She''s all over you in this video."


    "She''s just flirtatious."


    Vanessa crossed her arms. "And were you?"


    Ethan hesitated. "...I was just going along with it."


    Vanessa zoomed in on a paused frame where Melissa was laughing and touching his arm. "You enjoyed it."


    Ethan groaned. "Oh, come on. You know how she is. She flirts with everyone."


    Vanessa huffed, shoving the phone into his chest. "Yeah, well, the comments are insane. Look at this one ¡ª "


    She scrolled aggressively and read aloud: "Omg, Ethan is so hot, someone give me his number?"


    Ethan smirked. "At least they have good taste."


    Vanessa whacked him with a pillow.


    "Okay, okay, sorry!" Ethan laughed, dodging her next attempt. "But seriously, why do you care?"


    Vanessa opened her mouth, then hesitated.


    She glanced away, suddenly finding interest in the couch fabric.


    Ethan raised a brow. "Vanessa?"


    She stayed silent for a moment before mumbling, "...It''s annoying."

 Chapter 96 Pizza!

    Ethan had no idea how long Vanessa had been asleep on him, but judging by the growing numbness in his leg, it had been too long.


    He wasn''t complaining ¡ª yet ¡ª but she wasn''t exactly light when she was dead weight.


    The only thing that finally saved him?


    The doorbell.


    He perked up instantly, remembering their lifeline to survival.


    "Pizza."


    His stomach rumbled in agreement.


    The problem? Vanessa was still sprawled across him like a cat who had decided he was her personal furniture.


    Ethan sighed. "Vanessa. Vanessa."


    She groaned, burying herself further into his shirt.


    He nudged her shoulder. "Get up. Food''s here."


    "...Mmm."


    "That was not a real response."


    She peeked one eye open, looking up at him with the drowsy face of a woman who clearly did not care about his struggles.


    Ethan pointed at the door. "Move."


    Vanessa clamped onto him like a koala. "No."


    Ethan exhaled through his nose, bracing himself.


    "Alright, you asked for it."


    Before she could react, he grabbed her by the waist and rolled her off.


    She yelped, flailing as she landed sideways onto the couch. "ETHAN!"


    Ethan was already up, victorious, stretching his stiff muscles. "Sorry, necessary sacrifice."


    She glared at him like he had just committed a federal crime.


    "You threw me."


    "I moved you."


    "That was an attack."


    Ethan smirked. "Sue me."


    She grabbed a pillow and hurled it at him.


    Ethan ducked just in time, the pillow soaring past his head like a missile.


    He whistled. "Damn. That almost took me out."


    Vanessa stretched, yawning dramatically. "Should''ve aimed for the legs."


    Ethan rolled his eyes and made his way to the door.


    By the time he reached it, one of the gatemen had already brought the pizza over, standing patiently with the box in hand.


    "Appreciate it, man." Ethan took the box and flashed a grateful nod.


    The gateman nodded back. "Enjoy your meal, sir."


    Ethan stepped back inside and kicked the door closed behind him.


    "What?" he asked warily, wiping his mouth.


    "You drink way too fast."


    Ethan shrugged. "I''m efficient."


    Vanessa rolled her eyes. "You drink soda like it''s a shot of tequila."


    "Maybe that''s how I handle all my problems."


    She snorted but didn''t argue.


    Instead, she grabbed her own soda, popped it open, and took a tiny, smug sip.


    Ethan narrowed his eyes. "What, you savor it?"


    "Yes." She sighed dramatically, leaning back. "Some of us like to actually enjoy life."


    Ethan threw a pizza crust at her.


    Vanessa caught it mid-air, bit into it without hesitation, and smirked.


    Ethan blinked. "That was actually kinda impressive."


    Vanessa wiggled her eyebrows. "I have fast reflexes. Racer perks."


    Ethan took another bite of pizza. "Oh yeah? Then why''d I manage to push you off me earlier?"


    Her smugness vanished instantly.


    "You''re still on that?"


    "I think it was a highlight of my day."


    Vanessa grabbed another pillow.


    Ethan immediately held up his hands. "Okay, okay! I take it back ¡ª "


    Too late.


    The pillow smacked him square in the face.


    Ethan fell back into the couch dramatically. "I am under attack!"


    Vanessa cackled. "That''s what you get!"


    Ethan groaned, rubbing his face. "I don''t deserve this."


    "You absolutely do."


    Ethan sighed, accepting his fate. He sat up again and went for another slice of pizza.


    Vanessa watched him closely.


    Ethan paused.


    "What?" he asked, mid-bite.


    "You eat like a raccoon that just discovered pizza for the first time."


    Ethan nearly choked. "Excuse me?"


    Vanessa pointed at his plate. "You don''t even let the food settle before going for the next bite."


    Ethan squinted. "And you''re just watching me eat?"


    Vanessa shrugged. "It''s fascinating."


    Ethan sighed. "You need a hobby."

 Chapter 97 Is This… Love?

    Ethan sighed in satisfaction, stretching his arms as he leaned back into the couch.


    Pizza? Almost gone.


    Soda? Devoured.


    Sanity? Barely intact.


    Vanessa sat beside him, looking a little too pleased with herself, her legs stretched over his lap like she owned the place.


    "You''re getting too comfortable," Ethan muttered, reaching for his laptop.


    Vanessa watched as he placed the device on his lap, fingers hovering over the keyboard. "You''re seriously going to work right now?"


    Ethan gave her a look. "Unlike some people, I actually have responsibilities."


    Vanessa scoffed. "Excuse me? Do you know how much training it takes to race at my level?"


    "Yeah, yeah, driving fast, turning left, I get it."


    Vanessa gasped dramatically. "That is offensive to the sport."


    Ethan smirked. "What are you gonna do? Run me over?"


    She crossed her arms. "Tempting."


    He chuckled, shaking his head. "I have almost a hundred thousand reservations to sort out. If I don''t start now, I''ll wake up tomorrow and find a hundred thousand people screaming for tickets."


    Vanessa raised a brow. "That''s a you problem."


    Ethan rolled his eyes. "Wow. Such support."


    She grinned. "You''re welcome."


    Ignoring her, Ethan cracked his knuckles and reached for the keyboard.


    But just as his fingers were about to grace the keys, Vanessa grabbed both of his hands with her own.


    Ethan blinked. "Uh ¡ª "


    Vanessa''s fingers traced along his, her touch slow and deliberate.


    It sent a strange chill up his spine.


    He looked at her. "What are you doing?"


    Vanessa didn''t answer.


    Instead, she bit her lip, her heart pounding loud enough that she was sure he could hear it.


    Her eyes locked onto his.


    And before Ethan could process what was happening, Vanessa leaned forward and pressed her lips against his.


    Ethan stiffened. His brain completely short-circuited.


    Ethan sighed dramatically. "First you steal a kiss, now you steal my food? What''s next, my entire bank account?"


    Vanessa smirked. "Well, you are rich now..."


    Ethan groaned. "I regret everything."


    Vanessa giggled, licking some pizza sauce off her lips. "No, you don''t."


    Ethan opened his mouth to argue but stopped.


    Because, annoyingly, she was right. He didn''t regret it. Not even a little.


    Shaking his head, he picked up his laptop, hoping to actually get some work done.


    But just as he started typing, Vanessa snatched the device away.


    "Oh, come on!" Ethan groaned. "What now?"


    Vanessa tucked the laptop under her arm and stood up. "No work. Not tonight."


    Ethan gave her a deadpan look. "And what do you expect me to do instead?"


    She tossed him a playful smirk. "Figure it out."


    Vanessa let out a long sigh as she set Ethan''s laptop down on the small dresser.


    She ran a hand through her hair, staring at the dim glow of the screen before shutting it with a quiet click.


    She didn''t know when or how it had happened, but somewhere along the line, she had fallen for Ethan.


    And she was too much of a coward to admit it.


    She folded her arms, biting her lip as she leaned against the dresser.


    It wasn''t like she hadn''t been in relationships before ¡ª she had.


    She had flirted, dated, broken hearts, and had hers broken in return.


    But Ethan? He was different.


    She couldn''t just tell him.


    What if he laughed it off like one of his usual jokes?


    What if he didn''t take her seriously?


    What if he just saw her as another one of his girls, nothing more, nothing less?


    Vanessa sighed again, rubbing her face with her hands. She was overthinking it.


    And yet, the thought of confessing sent her heart racing.


    She glanced over at Ethan, who was still sitting on the couch, watching her with an amused expression. "You good over there?"


    Vanessa stiffened. Crap. Had she been staring too long?


    " I¡ª yeah. Totally." She turned away, completely not acting suspicious at all.

 Chapter 98 Rising Fame

    Ethan narrowed his eyes. "Uh-huh."


    She groaned internally.


    ''Great. Now he was suspicious.''


    To distract him, she grabbed a drink from the mini fridge, cracked it open, and took a long sip.


    But instead of cooling her down, it only made her more restless.


    Maybe she should just... say it.


    Rip off the bandage, throw caution to the wind, stop being a coward for once in her life.


    She had already kissed him, how hard would asking him out be?


    She took a deep breath. "Hey, Ethan?"


    He raised an eyebrow. "Yeah?"


    Vanessa opened her mouth... then immediately panicked.


    "I ¡ª uh ¡ª think I left my charger in my car."


    Ethan blinked. "Your... charger."


    "Y-yeah," she stammered. "I should go get it."


    Ethan tilted his head, clearly unconvinced. "Vanessa, you drive a race car. Where the hell would you even plug in a charger?"


    Vanessa froze.


    ''Crap.''


    "I¡ª uh¡ªhave a power bank?" she tried.


    Ethan gave her a deadpan look. "Right. And I''m the King of England."


    Vanessa groaned, internally screaming at herself. "Forget I said anything."


    Ethan smirked. "Oh, no. I''m remembering this forever."


    She grabbed a pillow and chucked it at his face. "Shut up."


    Ethan laughed, catching it easily. "Alright, no alright. But seriously, what''s up with you?"


    Vanessa hesitated.


    For a split second, she considered just telling him.


    But then she chickened out again. It had always been the guy asking her out, not the other fucking way around.


    "I''m just tired," she muttered, lying through her teeth. "Long flight, you know?"


    Ethan studied her for a moment, then shrugged. "Fair enough. You should get some sleep then."


    Vanessa nodded, relieved that he didn''t push further.


    She went to a guest room with a small smile but as she climbed into bed, sleep was the last thing on her mind.


    She lay there, staring at the ceiling, heart thudding against her ribs.


    Maybe one day she''d get the courage to tell him.


    Silence.


    Then more rustling, a thud, and what sounded like Zack tripping over something.


    "...How many?"


    Ethan ran a hand down his face. "One hundred and fifty-six thousand. And it''s still going up."


    Zack let out a weak laugh. "Oh. That''s... uh. Wow. Okay. Okay, that''s... that''s a big number."


    "No shit."


    "I thought we''d get, like, a few thousand tops, you know? Like ¡ª cool, we have a nice resort, some hype, maybe a solid crowd for the opening. But one hundred and fifty thousand? We''re not running a resort, Ethan. We''re about to host a damn festival."


    Ethan sighed. "I know. And I have no idea how we''re supposed to handle this."


    Zack was silent for a moment before muttering, "We need help."


    "No kidding."


    "No, I mean, like, actual help. A team. There''s no way we can process this many reservations by ourselves."


    "I figured." Ethan leaned forward, elbows on his knees. "You think you can find someone?"


    Zack made a thoughtful noise. "I''ll ask around. I know a few people who could handle guest management ¡ª maybe an agency or a firm that specializes in this kind of stuff. But that''s for tomorrow. Today, we''re on our own."


    Ethan groaned. "So you''re telling me I have to sit here and process tens of thousands of reservations?"


    "Uh, we have to process tens of thousands of reservations," Zack corrected. "You''re not leaving me to suffer alone."


    Ethan muttered something under his breath before clicking back onto the registration panel.


    The number had risen to 160,210 in the last few minutes.


    "...Yeah, no," he said. "This is ridiculous."


    Zack yawned. "Suck it up, buddy. We wanted a successful business, right? Here it is."


    "I didn''t sign up for this level of success this quickly."


    "Well, that''s what happens when an international influencer makes a viral post about us. Now, stop whining and start working."


    Ethan stared at his screen like it was a ticking bomb. This was going to take all day.


    Reluctantly, he cracked his fingers and got to work.


    [Two hours later]


    Ethan had barely made a dent. His back ached, his eyes were burning, and he was this close to throwing his laptop out the window.


    Every time he processed a batch, more poured in.


    It was like trying to empty the ocean with a spoon.


    His phone buzzed. A text from Zack.


    [Zack: Bro. I just refreshed the page. It''s at 180,000 now.]


    Ethan groaned and let his forehead hit the table.


    [Ethan: I don''t want to live anymore.]


    [Zack: Lmao. Get back to work.]

 Chapter 99 Still Rising?

    Ethan pinched the bridge of his nose, staring at the numbers on his screen like they personally offended him.


    190,300 registrations.


    He refreshed.


    190,892.


    Another refresh.


    196,215.


    His stomach dropped. "Oh, come on," he muttered.


    His phone vibrated on the table, and he snatched it up, answering without looking.


    "You seeing this?" Zack''s voice crackled through the speaker.


    He sounded just as exhausted as Ethan felt.


    "Yeah," Ethan groaned, rubbing his temple. "We''re screwed, man. How the hell are we supposed to process over 190,000 people?"


    Zack let out a tired laugh. "You think that''s bad? I checked the analytics. We''ve got another 40,000 people sitting on the payment screen."


    Ethan exhaled sharply. "Bro, this site''s about to go up in flames."


    Zack sighed on the other end. "Yeah. If this keeps up, it might actually crash."


    Ethan leaned back into his chair, staring at the ceiling. "Explain to me again why we didn''t hire an IT team for this?"


    Zack snorted. "Because someone said, ''Oh, Zack, you''re a genius. You can handle it all yourself, right?''"


    Ethan groaned. "Alright, fine. My bad. I believed in you too much."


    "As you should," Zack replied smugly. "But even geniuses have limits. This is insane."


    Ethan checked the screen again. 193,032 registrations. "Man, this is going to take all night."


    The system they had built was pretty straightforward ¡ª on paper, at least.


    People would first log in to the website, where they''d be prompted to choose from three different resort passes ¡ª standard, premium, and VIP.


    Naturally, VIP was absurdly expensive, but that didn''t seem to stop people from buying them in bulk.


    Once a plan was selected, they''d be redirected to an automated payment system.


    After completing the transaction, they''d enter their email, and the system would generate a virtual ticket linked to that email, which would then be verified on launch day when they were to be let into the resort.


    It was simple. Efficient. Designed to handle a lot of traffic.


    But apparently, not this much.


    "So," Ethan said, pulling himself up. "What''s the plan?"


    Zack sighed. "For today? We just keep verifying as many registrations as possible. Tomorrow, I''ll find someone to hire for this because ¡ª "


    A loud notification sound blasted in Ethan''s ear.


    200,001 registrations.


    Ethan leaned back, staring at the ceiling. "I don''t know, man. This level of suffering might not be worth it."


    "Bro," Zack said, "if someone gave you two million dollars but said you had to verify emails for eight hours straight, you wouldn''t do it?"


    Ethan sighed. "...I''d do it. But I''d complain the entire time."


    "Obviously."


    They kept working. The screen refreshed again.


    165,482 registrations.


    Zack groaned. "This is never-ending."


    Ethan laughed tiredly. "What did we expect? We built a resort, hyped it up, and now everyone wants in. We should''ve known this would happen."


    "You say that like we''re masterminds and not two idiots panicking at the last minute."


    "Yeah, well, at least we''re two idiots who are about to be very rich."


    Zack sighed dramatically. "Fine. Let''s get back to suffering."


    Ethan nodded, rubbing his eyes. "Yeah. Time to suffer."


    Ethan groaned, rubbing his tired eyes.


    The numbers on his screen were still climbing, but at this point, they blurred together like an unreadable mess.


    His fingers ached from all the clicking, his back was stiff, and Zack was still rambling in his ear about website stability or something.


    Then it hit him.


    "Oh, shit," Ethan muttered, sitting up straight.


    "What?" Zack asked.


    Ethan checked the time. "Shit, shit, shit."


    "What, bro? Talk to me."


    Ethan ran a hand through his hair, suddenly feeling the panic set in. "I have a date set tonight ."


    There was a brief silence on the line.


    Then Zack burst out laughing. "Bro, you forgot?"


    Ethan grabbed his phone, double-checking his messages. "Dude, I''ve been drowning in emails all day! How was I supposed to ¡ª " He cut himself off, staring at the last message from Lila.


    [Can''t wait to see you tonight ??]


    Crap.


    Zack was still laughing. "Man, I hope the girl slaps you for this,"


    Ethan groaned. "Not helping!"


    "Not trying to help! This is funny as hell."


    Shaking his head, Ethan slammed his laptop shut. "Alright, I need to go. You hold things down here. I''ll be back in... I don''t know, some time."

 Chapter 100 Date Night

    "Yeah, yeah," Zack said, still chuckling. "Go meet your date before another man hits her up."


    Ethan ignored him, already rushing upstairs.


    Once he reached his room, he yanked open his closet, grabbed a jacket, and threw it over his shoulder.


    He had no time to shower or even properly fix his hair.


    He caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror ¡ª tired, slightly messy, but passable. Good enough.


    As he rushed back out into the hallway, he stopped by Vanessa''s room.


    Without much thought, he swung the door open.


    Vanessa, who had been lying on her bed scrolling through her phone, sat up in surprise. "Uh ¡ª ?"


    "I''m heading out," Ethan said quickly. "Keep yourself together."


    She blinked at him. "What does that even mean?"


    But before she could get an answer, he shut the door and ran downstairs.


    It was already dark outside, and a cool breeze hit his face as he stepped onto the porch.


    He pulled out his phone, quickly calling Lila.


    She picked up almost immediately. "Hey!"


    "Hey, sorry I''m late," Ethan said, unlocking his bike. "Where do you wanna meet?"


    There was a pause, then a teasing lilt in her voice. "You forgot, didn''t you?"


    Ethan winced. "Listen, I have a very good excuse ¡ª "


    "Mhm, sure you do."


    "Come on, cut me some slack. I was buried in work all day."


    "Fine, fine," she said, clearly amused. "Meet me at that cafe? near the plaza. The one with the nice lights outside."


    Ethan swung a leg over his bike. "Got it. Be there soon."


    "Don''t make me wait too long~" she teased before hanging up.


    With a deep breath, Ethan started the engine. It had been a while since he rode, and the familiar hum beneath him felt oddly calming.


    He pulled out of the driveway and onto the street, picking up speed as he wove through the city roads.


    For a moment, he let himself enjoy it ¡ª the night air, the faint glow of streetlights, the roar of his bike beneath him.


    It was a welcome break from staring at a screen for hours.


    But he had a date to get to.


    And after forgetting about it entirely, the last thing he wanted was to be late.


    #####


    Lila stood near the entrance of the cafe?, her arms wrapped tightly around herself as she shivered slightly.


    The night air was crisp, and though she had worn a coat, it wasn''t quite enough to shield her from the cold completely.


    She exhaled, watching as her breath formed a faint mist in the air.


    She glanced at her phone. Ethan was late.


    She wasn''t mad ¡ª yet ¡ª but she was definitely thinking about it.


    The cafe? was warm and inviting, the golden glow from the string lights outside giving it a cozy charm.


    The scent of fresh coffee and baked goods wafted through the air, teasing her senses.


    It would be so easy to just go inside, get a hot drink, and wait for him there, but some stubborn part of her insisted on waiting outside.


    She hesitated before speaking. "So... why were you late?"


    Ethan glanced at her before leaning back against the booth. "Work."


    Lila tilted her head. "That''s all you''re giving me?"


    He smirked slightly. "Pretty much."


    She huffed, but before she could press him further, he added, "It''s the resort. The registrations are piling up. Like, insanely piling up. Zack and I spent the whole day trying to verify them."


    Lila''s eyes widened. "That''s good, right?"


    "Oh, definitely," Ethan said, though his expression was a mix of excitement and exhaustion. "But it''s also a nightmare. We''ve got over 150,000 people trying to register. Zack thinks the website''s gonna crash at this rate."


    Lila let out a low whistle. "That''s crazy."


    "Tell me about it." Ethan took another sip of his coffee, wincing again at the bitterness. "I was so buried in work I almost forgot we had plans."


    Lila raised an eyebrow. "Almost?"


    "...Okay, completely," Ethan admitted, looking sheepish. "But I remembered eventually!"


    Lila rolled her eyes. "Unbelievable."


    Ethan grinned. "You still showed up, though."


    Lila took a slow sip of her drink, avoiding his gaze. "Maybe I just wanted a free drink."


    Ethan chuckled, leaning forward. "Or maybe you just wanted to see me."


    She scoffed, but her cheeks warmed slightly. "Don''t push your luck."


    They fell into an easy conversation after that, talking about everything and nothing at the same time.


    The cafe? buzzed around them, but it felt like they were in their own little world.


    After a while, Lila noticed Ethan''s eyes drooping slightly.


    His coffee was half-finished, but the exhaustion was catching up to him. She sighed, shaking her head.


    "Alright, you look like you''re about to pass out on the table," she said. "I''m calling it. We''re heading out."


    Ethan groaned. "Five more minutes..."


    "Nope. You need sleep. Let''s go."


    She grabbed his arm and hauled him up, ignoring his protests.


    He was tired enough that he didn''t put up much of a fight, just muttering about how unfair life was as she led him toward the exit.


    Outside, the night was still chilly, but it felt a little more bearable after being inside.


    Ethan stretched, yawning as he walked over to his bike.


    Lila hesitated. "You sure you''re okay to drive?"


    Ethan smirked. "Are you worried about me?"


    She rolled her eyes. "I''m worried about you crashing, dumbass."


    "I''ll be fine." He put on his helmet and swung a leg over his bike. "Besides, if I crash, at least I''ll go out looking cool."


    Lila gave him a deadpan stare. "Not funny."


    Ethan chuckled, revving the engine. "I''ll text you when I get home, alright?"


    She sighed. "You better."


    With one last smirk, Ethan took off down the road, the roar of his bike fading into the night.


    Lila stood there for a moment, watching him go before shaking her head with a small smile.


    "Idiot."

 Chapter 101 Tired

    Ethan barely made it back home in one piece.


    His limbs felt like lead as he rolled into the driveway, parking his bike in the garage with all the precision of a sleep-deprived zombie.


    He swung his leg off the bike, nearly tripping in the process, and let out a long sigh.


    His body was practically begging for sleep, but his mind? His mind was still stuck in work mode.


    He trudged inside, kicking the door shut behind him.


    The Mansion was quiet, save for the faint hum of the refrigerator. He shrugged off his jacket and tossed it aside ¡ª whether it landed on a chair, the floor, or some parallel dimension, he didn''t care.


    Collapsing onto the couch, he let out a deep exhale, his head sinking into the cushions.


    ''Just five minutes,'' he told himself. ''Then back to work.''


    Before he could fully close his eyes, his phone vibrated on the armrest.


    He groaned but answered it anyway, barely lifting the device to his ear.


    "Yeah?" His voice was thick with exhaustion.


    "Finally!" Zack''s voice came through loud and clear, immediately launching into a rant.


    "Dude, you won''t believe it. The registrations just keep going up. We passed 200,000. Do you get how insane that is?"


    Ethan rubbed his eyes, trying to process the information. "Mmm. Good."


    "Good?!" Zack sounded like he was on the verge of a breakdown. "This isn''t just good, Ethan! This is borderline terrifying! The site is barely holding up. If we don''t reinforce the servers, we''re gonna have a full-blown system crash!"


    Ethan blinked slowly, letting out a noncommittal grunt.


    He was already half asleep, but his fingers instinctively reached for his laptop on the coffee table.


    He flipped it open, the glow of the screen making his eyes sting.


    "I''ll sort the tickets," he mumbled.


    "No, you won''t," Zack shot back. "Dude, you sound like you''re about to pass out. Go to sleep."


    Ethan ignored him, already clicking through the registration system.


    "Hey, if I could, I would. Watching you struggle would be hilarious."


    Vanessa huffed but didn''t argue. She half-carried, half-dragged Ethan up the stairs, muttering under her breath about how he needed to stop working till he was out of it.


    Eventually, she reached his room, nudging the door open with her foot before guiding him inside.


    She eased him onto the bed, pulling the blanket over him before stepping back.


    Ethan stirred slightly, mumbling something incoherent, but didn''t wake up.


    Vanessa shook her head, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Idiot."


    With that, she turned off the bedside lamp and quietly left the room, shutting the door behind her.


    Zack, still on the line, snickered. "So, what do we do now?"


    Vanessa sighed, heading back downstairs. "I don''t know about you, but I''m going back to sleep. You can deal with whatever''s going on."


    Zack chuckled. "Fair enough. Night, Vanessa."


    "Night, Zack." She hung up the call, grabbed a bottle of water from the kitchen, and disappeared back into her own room.


    Meanwhile, Ethan, completely unaware of everything that had just transpired, slept soundly.


    Ethan woke up to the sensation of sunlight rudely stabbing through his eyelids.


    His head throbbed, a dull, persistent ache that reminded him exactly why Zack had been yelling at him to go to sleep last night.


    Groaning, he rubbed his eyes and sat up, immediately regretting the movement.


    The world swayed for a second, and he let out a quiet curse, pressing his palm to his forehead. "Yeah... definitely overdid it," he muttered.


    Forcing himself out of bed, he staggered forward, stretching his arms with a loud yawn before trudging into the bathroom.


    He turned on the automated tap, letting warm water rush into his hands before splashing it over his face.


    The heat soothed his tired skin, washing away the grogginess.


    As he straightened up, he caught his reflection in the mirror.


    "Huh. I look better," he muttered to himself, running a hand through his messy hair.

 Chapter 102 Holding The Fort (Part 1)

    Just as he reached for a towel, the door creaked open.


    Vanessa stepped in, her eyes still heavy with sleep, her oversized hoodie hanging loosely off one shoulder as she shuffled forward.


    "Morning," she mumbled, rubbing one eye as she walked up to the sink beside him.


    Ethan arched a brow. "Did you sleep okay?"


    She nodded lazily, turning on the faucet and cupping water in her hands. "Yeah. Unlike someone who had to be carried to bed like a sack of potatoes."


    Ethan smirked, leaning against the counter. "Hey, I was exhausted. Workaholics don''t just stop because their body tells them to."


    Vanessa rolled her eyes, splashing water on her face. "More like your body stopped for you."


    Ethan chuckled, watching as she reached for a towel.


    There was something oddly domestic about the moment ¡ª the two of them, standing side by side, groggy from sleep, sharing a quiet morning routine. It felt... nice.


    Without thinking much about it, Ethan leaned in and gave her a quick peck on the lips.


    Vanessa froze mid-motion.


    For a second, her brain completely malfunctioned.


    The towel slipped from her hands, falling to the counter as her cheeks turned an aggressive shade of pink.


    Ethan swore he could almost see steam rising from her ears.


    He stepped back, blinking at her reaction. "...Uh, Vanessa?"


    She finally snapped out of it, looking at him like he had just short-circuited her entire system. "D-Did you just ¡ª ?"


    Ethan smirked, tilting his head. "What? It''s just a kiss. You act like we haven''t done it before."


    Vanessa covered her face with both hands. "T-That''s not the point!"


    Ethan laughed, stepping past her and ruffling her hair as he made his way back into the bedroom. "Relax. You''re cute when you get all flustered."


    Vanessa let out a frustrated groan, still hiding her burning face in her hands. "You relax! Ugh, why are you like this?!"


    Ethan only laughed harder as he grabbed his phone from the nightstand, checking his notifications.


    As expected, there were way too many messages from Zack.


    [Zack: Dude, wake up. We''ve hit over 230,000 registrations.]


    [Zack: If this keeps up, the servers are gonna explode.]


    [Zack: You alive?]


    [Zack: Ethan. Wake up before I come over and physically drag you out of bed.]


    Ethan let out a low whistle, running a hand through his hair. "Damn, 230,000 already?"


    Vanessa, overhearing the conversation, raised an eyebrow. "Why don''t you just hire temporary staff?"


    Zack must have heard her. "Who was that?"


    "Vanessa. And she has a point."


    "Huh. Smart." Zack cleared his throat. "Anyway, yeah, I was thinking the same thing. We''ll need people handling ticket verification, guest services, and all the other nonsense that comes with a big launch."


    Ethan hummed, considering. "Alright, set up interviews. Get the best people you can find. I''ll focus on making sure the servers don''t explode."


    "Finally, you''re thinking ahead."


    Ethan smirked. "Hey, I always think ahead. I just prefer doing things my way."


    Zack groaned. "Right. Just don''t pass out again. I don''t need Vanessa carrying your ass to bed twice in one week."


    Vanessa choked on her water. "I what?!"


    Ethan grinned. "Relax, Vanessa. It was just once."


    She groaned, throwing a pillow at him.


    Zack laughed on the other end. "Alright, I''ll handle the hiring. You just keep those servers from combusting. Later."


    The call ended, and Ethan stretched, setting his phone down.


    Vanessa crossed her arms. "So what now?"


    Ethan smirked. "Now? I eat my toast, and then I work."


    Vanessa rolled her eyes. "Of course you do."


    Ethan sat down at his desk, his fingers hovering over the keyboard as he took a deep breath.


    He had expected things to be chaotic, but the sheer volume of registrations flooding in was overwhelming.


    His throat nearly went dry as he opened the database, watching as new entries appeared by the second.


    "Shit," he muttered under his breath.


    Click. Click. Click.


    His fingers moved swiftly across the touchpad, sorting through the mass of tickets, approvals, and system verifications.


    Each click felt like a tiny battle won, but the war was far from over.


    Vanessa had been watching him from the couch for a while, her chin resting on her palm.


    At first, it was interesting ¡ª watching Ethan in full work mode, eyes sharp, jaw tight, fingers moving at lightning speed.


    But after ten minutes of relentless clicking, she started feeling bored.


    After thirty, she sighed loudly.


    "Are you just gonna stare at that screen all day?" she asked.

 Chapter 103 Holding The Fort (Part 2)

    Ethan barely acknowledged her, waving a hand dismissively. "Kinda have to. Unless you wanna help?"


    Vanessa scoffed. "Yeah, no thanks. I''m not a masochist."


    Ethan smirked but didn''t respond, his eyes fixed on the screen.


    Vanessa lingered for a moment longer, then stretched her arms over her head and stood up. "Alright, I''m leaving you to your nerd stuff."


    "Not nerd stuff," Ethan muttered absentmindedly.


    "Totally nerd stuff," she countered, walking off toward the kitchen.


    Ethan didn''t argue. He didn''t even have the mental bandwidth for it right now.


    His entire focus was on processing the flood of information on his screen.


    He worked tirelessly for hours, his only breaks consisting of grabbing a drink or stretching his arms before diving back in.


    The numbers continued to climb, and while that was great for business, it was a logistical nightmare.


    He needed to make sure their systems didn''t crash under the weight of it all.


    At one point, his vision started to blur. Ethan leaned back, rubbing his face with both hands.


    His body was stiff, his fingers sore from clicking non-stop.


    His phone buzzed on the desk. Zack''s name flashed across the screen.


    Ethan sighed and answered, putting the call on speaker. "Tell me you have good news."


    "Dude, take a break," Zack said immediately. "I swear, if you pass out again, Nobody''s hauling your ass to bed this time."


    Ethan exhaled through his nose. "Not an answer."


    "Fine. I got a team handling it. You don''t have to worry about sorting this mess anymore."


    Ethan blinked. "Wait, seriously?"


    "Yeah. We hired some temp staff, and they''re on it now. Go do literally anything else."


    Ethan glanced at his screen. The numbers were still climbing, but if Zack had a team on it, then he could step back for a bit.


    He let out a breath and leaned back in his chair. "Alright. You win."


    "Of course I win," Zack said smugly. "I''m always right."


    "Debatable," Ethan muttered.


    Zack snorted. "Go eat something, sleep, I don''t care. Just stop being a workaholic for five minutes."


    "Yeah, yeah," Ethan said, already standing up and stretching. "I''m done. You happy?"


    "Ecstatic." Zack paused. "And tell Vanessa I said she should keep an eye on you so you don''t pull this crap again."


    His fingers tightened around the phone.


    He took a slow breath, keeping his face neutral as he processed what this meant.


    If this was happening before the launch, then after? He had just unlocked a whole new level of financial freedom.


    Vanessa, who had been absentmindedly flipping through a magazine on the couch, suddenly looked up. "Why do you look weird?"


    Ethan quickly locked his phone and set it down, forcing a smirk. "I always look weird."


    Vanessa rolled her eyes. "No, I mean weirder than usual."


    "Just tired," he said smoothly, picking up his coffee and taking a sip to hide his expression. "Been staring at screens too long."


    She didn''t seem entirely convinced but shrugged, going back to her magazine.


    Ethan exhaled silently, keeping his excitement contained.


    He picked up his regular phone and dialed Zack. The phone rang twice before Zack picked up.


    "Yo. What''s up?" Zack sounded exhausted, probably from handling the last wave of registrations.


    Ethan kept his voice casual. "How''s everything looking?"


    "Finally under control," Zack replied, letting out a heavy sigh. "I think we survived the worst of it. Registrations are slowing down, and the system didn''t crash, so that''s a win."


    Ethan smirked. "Barely."


    "Hey, I take my victories where I can get them," Zack said. "Speaking of which, I checked the reports ¡ª our pre-launch revenue just spiked. We''re making crazy money, man."


    Ethan fought back a grin.


    ''Yeah, you have no idea.''


    "I swear," Zack continued, "if this is how much we''re pulling in before we even open, I can''t imagine what things are gonna look like after launch. This is gonna be huge."


    Ethan nodded. "Bigger than we even expected."


    "Dude, we have to celebrate," Zack said, his voice picking up excitement. "Dinner''s on you, obviously."


    Ethan rolled his eyes. "You just want free food."


    "Damn right I do."


    Vanessa, who had been listening to the conversation from her spot on the couch, scoffed. "Tell Zack I want dinner too."


    Ethan put the phone back to his ear. "Vanessa says she''s coming too."


    "Fine, fine, as long as she doesn''t make me pay," Zack grumbled.


    Ethan smirked. "You think I''m covering you, but you''re paying for her?"


    "Shit." Zack groaned. "Fine. But I''m getting the most expensive thing on the menu."

 Chapter 104 Victory Dinner

    Zack exhaled sharply as he ended the call with Ethan, leaning back in his chair and rubbing his temples.


    The club was still packed, bodies moving on the dance floor, neon lights flickering in sync with the thumping bass.


    He could feel the vibration in his chest, but his mind wasn''t on the music, the people, or even the drink in his hand.


    His laptop screen glowed in front of him, displaying the latest numbers.


    [$2.5 million.]


    In a single day.


    Zack let out a slow whistle, shaking his head in disbelief.


    Even though the rapid influx of registrations was finally stabilizing, the money was still climbing.


    It wasn''t slowing down ¡ª it was piling up.


    He picked up his glass, taking a long swig of the juice he had ordered instead of alcohol.


    No way was he risking getting drunk tonight ¡ª not when things were moving this fast.


    The last thing he needed was to wake up to a financial disaster because he hadn''t been paying attention.


    He adjusted his shirt, smoothing out a wrinkle as he grinned to himself.


    This was it. The investment was finally falling into place.


    For quite some time, he and Ethan had poured everything into making this resort launch a success.


    Late nights, countless calls, endless planning.


    ''And now, they were standing at the edge of something huge. No,'' Zack corrected himself, ''we''re already in it.''


    He tapped his fingers against the table, watching as new registrations trickled in. Fewer than before, but still a steady flow.


    The site hadn''t crashed ¡ª thank God ¡ª but he wasn''t ruling out the possibility that it might if things exploded again.


    He made a mental note to talk to the tech team about reinforcing the servers.


    As he scanned through the data, someone slid into the seat across from him.


    Zack grinned as they slid into the booth. "Success does tend to do that." He gestured dramatically to the spread of appetizers already on the table. "So, I figured ¡ª why not celebrate in style?"


    Ethan raised a brow at the sheer number of dishes. "You ordered everything?"


    Zack leaned back smugly. "I''m feeling generous. Plus, we deserve it."


    Vanessa picked up a fork and poked at a small gourmet dish that looked way too fancy to actually taste good. "You sure you''re not just showing off?"


    Zack gasped, placing a hand on his chest in mock offense. "Me? Show off? Vanessa, I am deeply hurt by these accusations."


    Ethan smirked. "She''s got a point, though."


    Zack sighed dramatically. "Fine, maybe a little. But can you blame me? We made millions today. Millions, Ethan. That''s not normal. That''s ''we-should-be-in-history-books'' level of insane."


    Ethan leaned back, a satisfied but tired look in his eyes. "Yeah, it''s wild."


    Vanessa noticed the subtle exhaustion in his expression and nudged him. "You''ve barely slept, have you?"


    Ethan shrugged. "Had work to do."


    Zack groaned. "Tell me about it. I was at the club, drowning in registrations. I swear, I almost lost my mind."


    Vanessa raised a brow. "Wait, you were still at the club?"


    Zack grinned. "Multitasking, baby."


    Ethan shook his head. "You and I have very different ideas of ''work environments.''"


    "Hey, I was productive!" Zack insisted. "And now we''re here, eating like kings."


    As the conversation continued, more dishes arrived, and they dug in.


    Vanessa, to her surprise, actually enjoyed most of the food ¡ª despite how over-the-top some of the dishes looked, they were actually really good.


    Halfway through the meal, Zack raised his glass. "To us. To the insane idea we had, and to the even crazier fact that it''s working."


    Ethan smirked, lifting his glass. "To making history."


    Vanessa hesitated, then lifted her own. "To... not working in a low end job ?"


    Zack laughed. "I''ll drink to that."


    They clinked glasses, the weight of the day finally settling in.

 Chapter 105 Adrian Sinclairs Arrival

    Ethan stood near the grand entrance of the resort, adjusting the cuffs of his blazer as he glanced at his watch.


    The sun hung high in the sky, casting a golden glow over the pristine property, but he barely noticed.


    His mind was elsewhere, running over every detail of the upcoming meeting.


    Zack stood beside him, leaning against one of the polished pillars, looking far more relaxed than Ethan felt.


    He took a lazy sip from a bottle of water and smirked. "Man, you''re acting like we''re about to meet the president."


    Ethan shot him a look. "We''re about to meet Adrian Sinclair. That''s worse."


    He had done some digging and what he found... was mind blowing.


    Zack chuckled. "Oh, come on. The guy''s already invested. This is just a courtesy tour."


    "Yeah, because billionaires just throw money at things without checking them first," Ethan muttered.


    He ran a hand through his hair, exhaling. "This isn''t a done deal yet. He might''ve paid for two suites, but if he doesn''t like what he sees, he could back out. And that wouldn''t just be bad ¡ª it would be catastrophic."


    Zack whistled low. "No pressure, huh?"


    Ethan didn''t dignify that with a response. Instead, he focused on the sleek black car pulling up the long driveway.


    The vehicle slowed to a stop, and within moments, a driver stepped out and walked around to open the door.


    And then, there he was.


    Adrian Sinclair exited the car with the ease of someone who had done this a thousand times.


    He was tall, poised, and exuded an effortless authority that made even the most confident men second-guess themselves.


    His navy-blue suit was tailored to perfection, and his sharp gray eyes scanned the entrance of the resort with a cool, unreadable expression.


    Ethan stepped forward, offering his hand. "Mr. Sinclair, it''s a pleasure to finally meet you in person."


    The high ceilings, the adaptable lighting, the state-of-the-art acoustics ¡ª. it was designed to host everything from exclusive galas to private concerts.


    Adrian crossed his arms, nodding slightly. "So, what''s the plan for opening night?"


    Ethan didn''t miss a beat. "A private event for our top investors and early VIP guests. Exclusive entertainment, world-class catering, and a showcase of everything the resort has to offer."


    Adrian seemed satisfied. "And security?"


    Ethan met his gaze. "Top priority. We''re implementing a multi-tiered system ¡ª physical security, digital encryption for transactions, and round-the-clock monitoring. Privacy and discretion are non-negotiable."


    Adrian held his stare for a moment longer before nodding. "Good. Then I have only one remaining question."


    Ethan waited.


    Adrian''s lips quirked into a barely-there smirk. "How soon can are you going to take to launch?"


    Zack let out a low whistle. "Damn, that''s what I like to hear."


    Ethan finally allowed himself to relax a fraction. "We''ll launch at the end of the month,."


    With that, the tension that had been lingering in the air finally eased.


    The tour concluded, and Adrian shook both of their hands before heading back toward his car, leaving Ethan and Zack standing by the entrance once more.


    The moment Adrian''s car disappeared down the driveway, Zack let out a dramatic sigh. "Dude, I think I forgot to breathe for, like, half of that."


    Ethan exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "Tell me about it."


    Zack grinned, clapping him on the back. "But you killed it, man. That was solid. The guy''s in."


    Ethan allowed himself a small smile. "Yeah. He is."


    They needed to make as much as possible, the ATLAS resort was already hyped, they had to make sure it lived up to it''s name.


    "Now I can be stress free from Melissa calling some more," Ethan muttered with a sigh, she was a cute girl, that much was certain but she disturbed him too much for his own good and he was getting tired of it.


    Maybe this would calm her down for a while

 Chapter 106 The Launch Of Atlas

    Ethan woke up before his alarm even had the chance to ring.


    The room was still cloaked in darkness, the only source of light coming from the faint glow of the city skyline outside his massive windows.


    He lay still for a moment, staring at the ceiling, his heart beating a little faster than usual.


    Today was the day.


    He exhaled slowly, running a hand through his tousled hair before swinging his legs over the side of the bed.


    The wooden floor felt cool against his bare feet as he sat there, gathering his thoughts.


    The launch of ATLAS Resort had consumed his mind for weeks, the countless meetings, the late nights, the unrelenting stress ¡ª everything had led to this moment.


    His body felt heavy with exhaustion, but his mind was restless, buzzing with so many thoughts.


    There was no way he''d be able to sleep again, not when the most important day of his career was finally here.


    With a deep breath, he pushed himself up and padded toward the en-suite bathroom.


    The mansion was eerily silent at this hour ¡ª no humming of appliances, no distant chatter from the staff, just the quiet solitude of the early morning.


    He flicked on the lights, the mirror reflecting his tired face back at him. Dark circles lingered under his eyes, a testament to the restless night he''d had.


    Leaning forward, he turned on the faucet, letting the water run for a moment before splashing his face with the cool liquid.


    The sensation jolted him awake, washing away the last remnants of grogginess.


    Reaching for his toothbrush, he worked on cleaning his teeth, his mind already drifting to the schedule for the day. Everything had to go perfectly.


    ATLAS wasn''t just a business venture; it was a statement, proof that he could build something extraordinary from the ground up.


    He finished brushing, rinsed his mouth, and then stepped toward the large soaking tub in the corner of the bathroom.


    Turning the knobs, he let the warm water fill the tub before climbing in. The heat eased some of the tension in his muscles, but it didn''t do much for his restless thoughts.


    The morning air was crisp as he stepped outside. The sky had started to shift from deep blue to soft orange, the first hints of sunrise peeking over the horizon.


    His Porsche was parked in the driveway, gleaming under the early morning light.


    He slid into the driver''s seat, the leather interior cool against his back.


    With a turn of the key, the engine roared to life, a sound that sent a surge of adrenaline through him.


    Today was the day he proved himself.


    He pulled out of the driveway, the city streets quiet at this hour. The roads stretched out ahead of him, leading straight to ATLAS.


    The wind rushed against Ethan''s face as he drove, the cool morning air cutting through the quiet streets.


    He had kept the windows rolled down, letting the breeze wake him up even more.


    The city was still mostly asleep ¡ª few cars, fewer pedestrians, and the soft glow of streetlights beginning to fade as the sun crept higher in the sky.


    At this hour, traffic was nonexistent, allowing him to glide effortlessly through the roads. ATLAS wasn''t far now, and as he drove, his thoughts kept circling back to the day ahead.


    He had ensured his staff arrived early. Everything had to be spotless ¡ª flawless.


    The cleaning crews were scheduled to do a final sweep, the catering team would double-check the menu, and the security detail would be briefed on protocols.


    The number of guests expected today was staggering. Investors, celebrities, influencers, and high-profile business figures ¡ª all gathered to witness the official launch of ATLAS.


    This wasn''t just about luxury; it was about power, prestige, and setting the tone for what would be the most exclusive resort in the country.


    Ethan tapped his fingers against the steering wheel absentmindedly as he pulled into the long driveway of the resort.


    His eyes immediately landed on a sleek black car already parked near the entrance.


    A smirk tugged at his lips.


    "And I thought I''d be early."

 Chapter 107 The Launch Of Atlas (Part 2)

    Zack had beaten him to it.


    Ethan sighed, pulling his Porsche into an empty spot. He turned off the ignition, stepped out of the car, and adjusted his tie. His shoes clacked against the pavement as he straightened his silver tuxedo.


    The staff was already hard at work.


    A few maids were sweeping the drive-through with large brooms, their movements swift and methodical.


    Inside, more workers could be seen, adjusting table placements, wiping down glass surfaces, ensuring everything was spotless.


    He took a deep breath, inhaling the crisp morning air mixed with the faint scent of fresh flowers from the entrance garden.


    This was his moment.


    Stepping through the glass doors, the cool, luxurious interior of ATLAS greeted him.


    The marble floors gleamed under the soft overhead lighting, and the grand chandelier hanging from the ceiling sparkled as the light hit it just right.


    Zack was standing near the main lobby, scrolling through his phone, but he looked up the moment Ethan entered.


    Their eyes met, and Zack grinned.


    "Thought you were gonna oversleep," Zack said, tucking his phone into his pocket.


    Ethan scoffed, shaking his head as they clasped hands in a firm handshake. "You''re one to talk. You look like you haven''t slept in a week."


    Zack chuckled. "I haven''t. Not really."


    Ethan took a good look at his business partner. The man was dressed in a tailored navy-blue suit, sharp and commanding, but the exhaustion in his eyes was unmistakable.


    They were both running on fumes, but that was the price of success.


    "Any updates?" Ethan asked.


    Zack ran a hand through his hair and exhaled. "Everything''s in motion. The VIP guests start arriving in about four hours, so we still have some breathing room. Catering is on schedule, security is tight, and the entertainment teams are doing their final checks."


    Ethan nodded. "Good. And the media?"


    "They''re set up outside. Cameras will start rolling once the first wave of guests arrive."


    Ethan took a moment to absorb the information. Everything was moving according to plan. ATLAS wasn''t just any resort ¡ª it was designed to be the resort, an experience so exclusive that only the elite could even dream of stepping foot inside.


    Zack studied Ethan for a moment. "You nervous?"


    Ethan smirked. "Not even a little."


    Zack raised a brow, unconvinced. "Bullshit."


    Ethan chuckled, shaking his head. "Alright, fine. Maybe just a little. But that''s a good thing. It means this actually matters."


    A sudden tug at his wrist yanked him away from the door.


    Ethan blinked in surprise as he was pulled to the side.


    Melissa.


    Her grip was firm, her nails digging slightly into his skin as she dragged him away from the entrance.


    "Come on," she said, not even sparing him a glance.


    Ethan sighed but didn''t resist. He quickly signaled for a nearby butler to take over at the door before allowing Melissa to lead him deeper into the resort.


    "What now?" he asked, keeping his voice even.


    Melissa finally stopped once they reached the main VIP lounge, a private space with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the infinity pool.


    She turned to face him, arms crossed.


    "Why are you standing at the front like some doorman?" she demanded.


    Ethan chuckled. "Because someone has to welcome the guests."


    "That''s what the staff is for," she said, exasperated. "You''re the owner of ATLAS, Ethan. You don''t need to be doing entry-level hospitality work."


    Ethan leaned against one of the nearby tables, watching her with amusement.


    "Maybe I like being hands-on," he said with a shrug.


    Melissa rolled her eyes. "It''s a waste of your time."


    Ethan didn''t argue. Instead, he glanced out the massive windows, watching as more guests trickled into the resort grounds.


    "Was that all?" he asked after a moment.


    Melissa scoffed. "You''re impossible, you know that?"


    Ethan smirked. "I''ve been told."


    She sighed but didn''t push the matter further. Instead, she took a step closer, tilting her head slightly.


    "You nervous?" she asked.


    Ethan thought about it for a second.


    "Nah," he said eventually. "Just... restless."


    Melissa nodded like she understood.


    "I get it," she said. "Today''s a big day. But you should take it easy. You''ve already done everything you could."

 Chapter 108 Morning Rush

    The morning rush was in full swing. More guests poured into ATLAS, their excited chatter filling the air as they moved toward the different areas of the resort.


    The restaurant was already packed.


    Ethan observed from a distance, watching as waiters and staff navigated the space with practiced ease.


    The restaurant had been designed with two distinct areas ¡ª one for regular guests on the ground floor and one exclusively for VIP customers on the upper level.


    The difference was clear.


    Downstairs, the atmosphere was lively but refined, with long communal tables and cozy booths where guests laughed and enjoyed their meals.


    The menu here was premium, but not extravagant ¡ª high-quality ingredients crafted into elevated comfort food.


    Upstairs, however, was a whole different world.


    The VIP dining area was all about exclusivity.


    Private booths with velvet seats lined the walls, and sleek glass tables were arranged near the balcony overlooking the resort.


    Luxury dishes were plated with artistic precision ¡ª steak cooked to perfection, seafood delicacies, imported wines, and handcrafted desserts.


    The view from up here alone was worth the price of the VIP package.


    And Ethan?


    He found himself seated at one of the best tables in the VIP lounge, staring at a plate of food that had just been set down in front of him by one of the resort''s butlers.


    Across from him, Melissa smirked.


    "Looks like I still got my date," she teased, propping her chin up on one hand.


    Ethan rolled his eyes but didn''t bother correcting her.


    Melissa was persistent ¡ª that much he had learned over the past few weeks. She was always flirting, always pushing boundaries just to see how he''d react.


    And today was no different.


    "We should talk," she added, picking up her fork.


    Ethan took a slow sip of his drink. "We are talking."


    Melissa narrowed her eyes at him. "You know what I mean."


    He sighed, setting his glass down. "Alright. About what?"


    Melissa leaned forward slightly, resting her elbows on the table.


    "About what happens after today."


    Ethan''s expression didn''t change, but he already knew what she was getting at.


    "ATLAS is officially open," she continued. "The launch was a success. Investors are already paying attention. So, what''s next for you?"


    Ethan smirked and leaned back in his seat. "Not falling for that, Melissa. You think I don''t know what you''re doing?"


    Melissa feigned innocence, a mischievous glint in her eye. "What? I''m just making conversation."


    "You''re fishing for information," Ethan corrected.


    "And?" she teased. "Is that a crime?"


    Ethan shook his head, unable to stop the slight chuckle that escaped. He had to admit ¡ª Melissa had a way of pulling people into her pace.


    The conversation continued in a lighter, more personal tone.


    Melissa talked about her childhood, how Adrian had always been the protective older brother, and how she used to get away with things because she was the youngest.


    At some point, Ethan was genuinely intrigued, not just by what she was saying, but by how casual and natural this conversation felt.


    Then, mid-sentence, Melissa suddenly stopped, her eyes flicking to the corner of his mouth.


    "You got something there," she said.


    Ethan instinctively raised a hand, but before he could wipe it off, Melissa leaned forward slightly, pulling out a handkerchief from her pocket.


    "Stay still," she murmured, dabbing the small smudge away with surprising gentleness.


    Ethan froze for a fraction of a second.


    Her touch was light, her expression amused yet focused, and if Ethan wasn''t mistaken, there was a slight smile playing on her lips.


    "You''re enjoying this, aren''t you?" Ethan muttered.


    Melissa grinned, pulling the handkerchief away. "Just a little."


    Before Ethan could say anything else, the moment was abruptly interrupted.


    A presence entered the room ¡ª one that instantly changed the entire atmosphere.


    Adrian Sinclair had arrived.


    Ethan didn''t have to turn around to know. He could feel the weight of that presence.


    When he did look up, there Adrian stood ¡ª towering, poised, and distinctly unamused.


    His eyes weren''t scanning the resort or admiring the setup. No, his attention was fixed entirely on one thing.


    Ethan.


    More specifically, Ethan sitting across from his younger sister.


    Ethan barely resisted the urge to sigh.


    ''Great.''


    He swore he could feel daggers being stared right into his skull.

 Chapter 109 A Jealous Brother

    Adrian Sinclair stepped forward, his presence heavy enough to make the air feel ten times thicker.


    Ethan immediately sensed the tension rolling off the man in waves.


    It wasn''t hard to tell that Adrian was not pleased with what he had just walked into.


    His sharp, calculating eyes weren''t scanning the resort, nor the people around him.


    Instead, his full attention was locked onto Ethan.


    And Ethan? Well, for the first time in a long time, he felt like a high school kid caught sitting too close to the principal''s daughter.


    If looks could kill, Ethan would be six feet under before dessert arrived.


    Melissa, however, looked completely unbothered.


    She waved at her brother with the same casual ease she always carried. "Adrian! You''re here early!"


    Ethan almost wanted to give her credit for her ability to remain oblivious to the pure rage simmering beneath Adrian''s otherwise composed expression.


    For a brief second, Ethan was sure Adrian was about to say something ¡ª something that would probably make this situation a lot worse ¡ª but then... he saw his sister''s bright, smiling face.


    And just like that, the man''s icy glare softened.


    It was almost comical.


    Melissa had her brother wrapped around her finger, and even a man as cold as Adrian Sinclair wasn''t immune.


    Still, Adrian didn''t say much.


    He simply walked forward and took the empty seat right beside Melissa ¡ª a calculated move, if Ethan had to guess.


    A clear message.


    ''You are in my sister''s personal space. Move.''


    Ethan didn''t need to be told twice.


    He quickly rose from his seat, grabbing his napkin in the process.


    Melissa, however, was faster.


    She reached for his wrist, holding him down gently.


    "Hey," she said, tilting her head slightly. "Where are you going? We''re not done eating."


    Ethan glanced between her hand and Adrian''s increasingly darkening expression.


    The last thing he wanted was to be on this man''s hit list.


    So, with as much tact and charm as he could muster, he gently freed his hand from Melissa''s grasp, offering her a small smile.


    No, not particularly.


    But business was business.


    And if Adrian Sinclair had traveled all the way here, then Ethan couldn''t avoid him forever.


    With a deep breath, Ethan straightened his suit and started making his way back upstairs.


    #####


    The VIP guests were the heart and soul of ATLAS''s exclusivity.


    While regular customers still experienced luxury, the true opulence of the resort was reserved for those who could afford the VIP experience.


    Ethan understood this well.


    These were the people who could make or break ATLAS''s reputation.


    Wealthy socialites, business moguls, celebrities, and heirs of prestigious families ¡ª they were the ones who set the trends.


    If they loved the resort, ATLAS would soar to unimaginable heights.


    If they were disappointed, the media would eat it alive.


    So, despite his earlier hesitation about returning to Adrian''s vicinity, Ethan knew he had no choice.


    With one last exhale, he adjusted his silver tuxedo, ran a hand through his black hair, and stepped back into the VIP dining area.


    The moment Ethan walked in, he could feel it ¡ª every gaze turning toward him.


    A few mature women, adorned in elegant dresses and expensive jewelry, took a particular interest in him.


    Ethan was used to attention.


    He had the kind of chiseled, effortless charm that naturally turned heads.


    His sharp jawline, piercing gaze, and the confident way he carried himself made him the perfect subject of fascination.


    A few whispers echoed around the room.


    "That''s Ethan Grey, right?"


    "He''s even more handsome in person."


    "I heard he owns this entire resort."


    A soft chuckle almost slipped from Ethan''s lips, but he remained composed.


    Zack, who had been sitting off to the side, finally relaxed the moment Ethan walked in.


    The room had felt alien to him.


    Not because he wasn''t accustomed to wealth ¡ª but because the people here were on a different level of rich.

 Chapter 110 VIP Speech

    Across the room, a man in his sixties was discussing his rare antique collection as if he were talking about grocery shopping.


    "Each one costs millions, of course," the man said casually, sipping his wine. "But true luxury is in the rarity of an item, not just the price."


    Zack, overhearing this, had to stop himself from whistling out loud.


    Millions.


    For a single piece of furniture.


    Yeah, this crowd was something else.


    But the moment Ethan arrived, the focus shifted entirely to him.


    Ethan didn''t hesitate.


    He walked toward the center of the VIP section, grabbed a champagne flute, and raised it high.


    "Ladies and gentlemen," Ethan began, his deep voice carrying easily across the room.


    The guests quieted down, eyes now solely on him.


    "I want to personally thank each and every one of you for being here today. ATLAS was built with a vision ¡ª not just as a resort, but as an escape, a paradise, a world of pure luxury."


    He let the words settle, scanning the room.


    "And none of this would be possible without the people who believe in it. People like you."


    A few approving nods. Some murmurs of agreement.


    "We have worked tirelessly to bring you the finest experiences, the most exquisite cuisine, the most unparalleled service ¡ª because you deserve nothing less."


    A pause. Then, he raised his glass a little higher.


    "So today, we celebrate. To new beginnings, to unforgettable memories, and to ATLAS!"


    "To ATLAS!" the crowd echoed, lifting their glasses in a cheer.


    A round of applause followed, and a few guests even stood up, clapping enthusiastically.


    The moment Ethan lowered his glass, a handful of women immediately swarmed him.


    A few ladies, mostly in their late twenties and early thirties, stood up from their seats, their eyes gleaming with excitement.


    "Ethan, can we take a picture with you?" one asked, already pulling out her phone.


    "You''re even more handsome up close," another added, giggling.


    Ethan, ever the charismatic businessman, flashed a polite yet charming smile.


    "Of course," he said smoothly. "I''d be honored."


    He posed for the first picture, then the second.


    Ethan had barely settled back into his chair before he was invited to join a group of well-dressed, seasoned businessmen sitting around an exclusive corner of the VIP lounge.


    These weren''t just any wealthy guests.


    They were real estate moguls, men who had made their fortunes by shaping cities, developing skyscrapers, and transforming barren land into billion-dollar projects.


    For Ethan sitting at this table was a golden opportunity.


    He adjusted his tie, picked up his glass of whiskey, and joined the conversation.


    The discussion was already in full swing when Ethan sat down.


    One of the men, a stocky gentleman in his fifties with salt-and-pepper hair, was talking about a luxury waterfront development in Miami.


    " ¡ª the key is exclusivity," he was saying, swirling his drink in hand. "You don''t just sell property, you sell an experience. A brand. If people think they''re buying just a house, they won''t spend ten million. But if they think they''re buying a lifestyle, they''ll throw down twenty."


    The man beside him, a younger investor in his late thirties, nodded in agreement.


    "That''s exactly what I''ve been doing in Dubai," he said. "Ultra-modern architecture, cutting-edge technology, and a concierge service that makes owners feel like royalty. That''s how you justify a high price tag."


    Ethan listened intently, his fingers tapping lightly against the rim of his glass.


    This was a different level of real estate.


    Sure, he had done some real estate before, but these men were talking about building cities, changing skylines.


    He was ambitious, but hearing them speak widened his perspective.


    Then, one of the older men turned to him with a curious smile.


    "You''ve been quiet, Ethan. What about you?"


    Ethan smirked and leaned back slightly.


    "I''m in real estate too," he said, taking a small sip of his whiskey.


    The table quieted slightly.


    A few of the men exchanged glances before one of them, a sharp-eyed investor in his sixties, chuckled.


    "Well, we all know about ATLAS," he said. "But is that your only project?"


    Ethan''s smirk deepened.


    "ATLAS is my current project," he corrected. "But it''s not my last."


    The group looked intrigued.


    The older man leaned forward, resting his hands on the table.


    "Then tell us," he said. "What''s your vision?"


    Ethan set his glass down.


    He wasn''t intimidated.

 Chapter 111 A Pressing Situation

    If anything, he thrived in moments like these.


    "My goal," he began, "is to create something timeless. ATLAS isn''t just a resort. It''s an experience, a world of its own. When people step inside, they don''t feel like they''re in a city ¡ª they feel like they''ve been transported to another reality. And that''s what I want to expand on."


    The men listened attentively.


    Ethan continued.


    "Most people think real estate is just about property. Land, buildings, resale value. But I believe it''s about something bigger. It''s about immersion. Creating an environment so unique that people feel privileged just to exist in it."


    One of the younger investors nodded slowly, his interest piqued.


    "And how do you plan to do that?"


    Ethan''s lips curled into a knowing smile.


    "By taking everything that works about ATLAS ¡ª the exclusivity, the experience, the brand appeal ¡ª and applying it on a grander scale. I''m talking private islands, self-sustaining luxury communities, next-generation smart cities. Places where the ultra-wealthy don''t just vacation ¡ª but live."


    The table went silent for a moment.


    Then, one of the older investors whistled under his breath.


    "Ambitious," he said, leaning back. "Very ambitious."


    Ethan simply shrugged.


    "The world rewards ambition."


    The discussion shifted after that.


    Ethan wasn''t just a young businessman anymore.


    He was now one of them.


    They started including him in their talks about upcoming projects, market shifts, and investment opportunities.


    One of them even brought up an off-market deal for a private island ¡ª something only the richest people even heard about.


    ######


    Ethan was fully engaged in conversation, the air around him thick with power, ambition, and the scent of expensive whiskey.


    He was rubbing shoulders with men who shaped skylines, who saw the world as something they could buy, build, and sell.


    And they were listening to him.


    He was earning their respect, exchanging ideas, and even getting whispers of potential investments that could push ATLAS into an entirely new league.


    That was the advantage of sitting with business men.


    He would have continued, maybe even secured a deal, if it weren''t for Zack.


    A firm hand gripped his shoulder.


    "Ethan."


    Ethan glanced up, slightly irritated at the interruption.


    Zack stood over him, his expression serious, brows slightly furrowed.


    "We need to talk."


    Ethan sighed. "Can''t it wait?"


    But this felt different.


    "Did security approach him?"


    "They were about to," Zack said, "but by the time they got close, he was gone."


    Ethan crossed his arms, his mind already running through possibilities.


    He wasn''t the type to jump to conclusions, but he also wasn''t stupid.


    Random people didn''t just stand outside luxury resorts, watching.


    There was always a reason.


    "Did cameras pick up anything?" Ethan asked.


    "Not much," Zack admitted. "But I had the footage sent to our security team to enhance. If this guy is a problem, we''ll know soon."


    Ethan nodded.


    He trusted Zack ¡ª his friend wouldn''t have pulled him out of that meeting unless this was worth investigating.


    Still, there was something about this that bothered him.


    A gut feeling he couldn''t shake.


    "We need to tighten security," Ethan finally said.


    "Already on it," Zack replied. "I told the guards to keep an eye on every entrance, check IDs twice, and watch for anything suspicious."


    "Good." Ethan exhaled. "If that guy comes back, I want to know. Immediately."


    Zack nodded. "Understood."


    For a moment, the two stood in silence.


    Zack looked at Ethan, studying him.


    "You okay?" Zack finally asked.


    Ethan scoffed. "I don''t get rattled that easily."


    Zack smirked. "Yeah, I know. But something''s got you thinking."


    Ethan didn''t answer right away.


    Instead, he glanced down the hall, toward the resort''s main floor where hundreds of guests were laughing, drinking, and enjoying themselves.


    "Let''s keep this quiet," Ethan finally said.


    Zack raised a brow.


    "I don''t want guests catching wind of this," Ethan clarified. "No need to start unnecessary rumors. If this turns out to be nothing, great. If not..."


    He let the words hang.


    Zack smirked.


    "Understood."


    Ethan clapped a hand on Zack''s shoulder.


    "Come on," he said, "we still have a resort to run."

 Chapter 112 Postgram Page

    Ethan and Zack moved through the lower restaurant floor, the air buzzing with lively conversation, the clinking of cutlery, and the rich aroma of expertly prepared cuisine.


    Despite this being the non-VIP section, Ethan never saw these guests as any less important.


    Atlas wasn''t just a place for the rich; it was built to be a luxury experience for anyone who stepped inside, whether they paid for a VIP pass or a regular one.


    And today, on opening day, every single guest mattered.


    They needed to see that Atlas wasn''t just about exclusivity ¡ª it was about making every person here feel valued.


    Ethan adjusted his suit, rolling his shoulders back, and took a deep breath.


    "Alright," he muttered, glancing at Zack, "let''s make sure people remember today."


    Zack smirked. "That''s the plan."


    Their social media team had been pushing for a Postgram page ¡ª a way to document the resort''s rise, attract attention, and build a loyal customer base online.


    And there was no better way to kick it off than with pictures from opening day.


    Ethan scanned the room, searching for the perfect opportunity, until his eyes landed on a small family sitting near one of the large windows overlooking the resort''s gardens.


    A mother with two young kids ¡ª one no older than six, the other probably eight ¡ª was enjoying her meal, laughing as she cut a piece of steak for the younger one.


    Ethan smiled.


    This was the kind of moment he wanted to capture.


    He approached the table, his presence immediately drawing attention.


    The mother looked up, a little surprised at first, but when Ethan gave a warm, easygoing smile, she relaxed.


    "Mind a picture?" he asked.


    The woman blinked, then grinned.


    "Not at all," she said. "My kids would love that."


    The two children looked at Ethan wide-eyed, their forks frozen mid-air.


    "You''re the owner, aren''t you?" the older boy asked.


    Ethan nodded. "That''s me."


    The younger one beamed. "You''re really cool!"


    Ethan chuckled. "Thanks, buddy."


    He knelt beside them, placing an arm around the boy while Zack took out his phone.


    The mother adjusted her daughter''s hair, and within seconds, Zack snapped a perfect shot ¡ª Ethan grinning with the kids, the mother smiling beside them.


    "Here," Zack said, showing the picture to the woman.


    Back downstairs, Ethan finally took a moment to step back.


    Zack handed him a glass of water, which he accepted gratefully.


    "You really went all out," Zack commented.


    Ethan exhaled. "It was worth it."


    He turned and looked at the restaurant, now buzzing with excitement.


    This was how you built loyalty.


    Not just through marketing, fancy ads, or sponsorships ¡ª but by being present, by making people feel valued.


    Ethan and Zack walked through the now-bustling resort, weaving past guests who were still enjoying their meals and conversations.


    The moment felt surreal ¡ª weeks of planning, sleepless nights, and relentless work had finally paid off. Atlas was alive.


    But there was still more to do.


    They made their way to the office, a sleek, well-furnished room tucked away from the main resort area.


    Inside, a large mahogany desk sat at the center, and behind it was a floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the resort''s private beach.


    Zack collapsed into one of the chairs, letting out a long breath.


    "That was insane," he muttered, rubbing his temples.


    Ethan smirked, rolling his sleeves up. "We''re just getting started."


    Zack gave him a look. "You seriously have energy left?"


    Ethan shrugged. "Adrenaline."


    Zack shook his head with a laugh. "You''re a machine."


    But despite their exhaustion, there was one last thing to handle.


    The social media team had already set up the Atlas Postgram page, and now that the launch event was in full swing, it was time to get it running.


    Zack pulled out his phone and logged in.


    The account was brand new ¡ª 0 followers, 0 posts, a blank slate.


    He exhaled. "Alright. Let''s make this official."


    He started typing out the first post, keeping it simple but effective:


    [???? Happy Launch Day! ????]


    ["Today marks the grand opening of Atlas Resort, and we couldn''t be more grateful for everyone who joined us! Thank you for being a part of this journey. Here''s to making unforgettable memories together! #AtlasResort #GrandOpening"]


    With a nod of approval from Ethan, Zack hit Post.

 Chapter 113 Postgram Page (Part 2)

    Then, he got to work uploading the pictures they had taken throughout the day which included the heartwarming photo of Ethan with the mother and her kids as well as the ones he took with others.


    The candid moments of guests enjoying the resort. The VIP speech that had made waves upstairs.


    The pictures were high-quality, natural, and engaging ¡ª exactly what people loved to see.


    And then they waited.


    Ethan leaned back in his chair, rubbing his chin as he watched Zack''s screen.


    For a few moments, nothing happened.


    Then ¡ª


    DING!


    A notification popped up.


    Then another.


    And another.


    Zack''s phone buzzed repeatedly as more and more notifications flooded in.


    "Dude," Zack muttered, his eyes widening.


    The follower count, which had started at zero, suddenly jumped to 100.


    Then 500.


    Then 1,000.


    And it wasn''t stopping.


    Ethan smirked. "Told you this would work."


    Zack was too stunned to respond.


    He scrolled through the notifications, watching as likes, comments, and shares exploded across the page.


    [@Lilian34: Wow, this place looks insane! Definitely visiting soon!]


    [@ChubbyOtaku: Ethan really walking around taking pics with guests? That''s next-level service.]


    [@ErlinHenly: That VIP speech was so good! Can''t wait to visit!]


    [@Ariana50k: Okay but why does the owner look like a damn model tho?]


    Zack snorted at the last comment. "Bro, they''re thirsting over you already."


    Ethan chuckled, shaking his head. "Melissa''s gonna love that."


    Zack smirked. "Oh, I bet she''s already seen it."


    Upstairs in the VIP lounge, Melissa sat with her phone in hand, scrolling through the new Postgram page.


    Zack wasted no time. He immediately went into the monetization settings, inputting the necessary business details, and activated the engagement payouts for Atlas''s page.


    Every like, share, comment, and interaction from this point forward would start generating revenue.


    "Done," Zack said, setting his phone down with a satisfied grin.


    Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Already?"


    "You''re looking at the fastest hands in the business, my friend," Zack joked, cracking his knuckles. "We''re officially getting paid for all this engagement."


    Ethan nodded approvingly. "Good. Every little bit helps."


    Zack glanced back at his phone, watching the numbers climb. "Dude, I don''t think this is ''a little bit.'' If this keeps up, we could be making serious money just from Postgram alone."


    Ethan exhaled, rubbing his chin. The thought was intriguing.


    Atlas was designed to be a luxury resort, a place where people paid top dollar for an experience they couldn''t get anywhere else.


    Zack''s phone buzzed again, and this time, he almost dropped it when he read the notification.


    "Holy shit," he muttered.


    Ethan raised an eyebrow. "What?"


    Zack turned the phone toward him, showing a direct message request from a verified account.


    It was from one of the biggest travel influencers on Postgram, a guy with 2.3 million followers who specialized in reviewing high-end resorts and destinations.


    [Hey, I''ve been seeing your resort all over my feed. Looks amazing. Any chance you''d be open to a collaboration? Would love to do a feature.]


    Ethan let out a low whistle. "That was fast."


    Zack grinned. "This guy is huge. If he posts about us, that''s free exposure to millions of people."


    Ethan nodded. "Tell him we''d love to have him over. Full VIP treatment. Whatever he needs, we''ll make it happen."


    Zack was already typing out a response. "On it."


    The thought of working with a major influencer was exciting, but Ethan knew this was just the beginning.


    The resort was already fully booked, the Postgram page was growing by the second, and now they had big names reaching out to them.


    This wasn''t just a successful launch. This was a phenomenon.


    And Ethan wasn''t going to let the momentum slow down.


    He stood up, adjusting his suit. "I''m heading back down. Gotta make sure everything''s still running smoothly."


    Zack looked up from his phone. "You sure? You''ve been all over the place today."


    Ethan smirked. "And I''m not stopping now."


    Zack chuckled, shaking his head. "Alright, boss man. Just don''t forget to take a break before you collapse."


    Ethan waved him off as he left the office, stepping back into the vibrant energy of the resort.

 Chapter 114 Take A Break, Mr. Owner

    Ethan let out a soft scoff as he stood by the infinity pool, watching the last of the day-pass guests leave the resort.


    The ones who had booked an overnight stay were already being escorted to their private villas by the staff, their excitement still lingering in the air.


    The main resort was finally quiet, its once-bustling energy now reduced to a tranquil hum.


    The night was cool, a soft breeze carrying the distant sound of waves from the ocean beyond. Ethan rolled his shoulders, inhaling deeply.


    It had been a long, exhausting day, but Atlas Resort''s grand opening had been an undeniable success.


    From the VIP speeches to the guest interactions, everything had gone according to plan ¡ª perhaps even better than he had expected.


    And yet, despite all of that, Ethan couldn''t shake off the weight pressing down on his mind.


    There was always more to do. More expansion, more planning, more strategies to ensure Atlas continued its meteoric rise.


    But for now, he needed a break.


    With that thought, he reached for the hem of his shirt and pulled it off, tossing it onto one of the poolside lounge chairs.


    The cool air brushed against his skin as he ran a hand through his dark hair, exhaling. He unbuttoned his trousers next, sliding them off until he was left in his swim shorts.


    He was just about to step forward and dive in ¡ª


    A sudden force from behind sent him toppling into the water.


    The shock was immediate, cold water rushing up to engulf him as he plunged beneath the surface.


    His instincts kicked in, and within seconds, he twisted and resurfaced, shaking water from his face as he turned toward the culprit.


    Standing at the pool''s edge, arms crossed, was Melissa.


    She looked smug, her crimson hair catching the glow of the pool lights, creating an almost fiery halo around her.


    The soft breeze carried the scent of her floral perfume, mixing with the crisp night air.


    Ethan wiped water from his eyes, leveling her with an unimpressed stare. "Really?"


    Melissa shrugged, completely unbothered. "You were overthinking again. Figured I''d help you relax."


    Ethan let out a breath, a half-laugh escaping him. "By pushing me into the pool?"


    Melissa smirked. "Hey, it worked, didn''t it?"


    Melissa suddenly floated closer, her voice softer now. "You should at least enjoy this, Ethan. You made something incredible."


    Ethan finally turned his gaze back to her. The way the water reflected against her skin, the way her eyes held something unreadable, made him pause.


    A strange tension settled between them, the air shifting into something... different.


    Melissa''s lips parted slightly, and for a fleeting second, neither of them moved.


    Then, Ethan cleared his throat and looked away. "You should get out before you catch a cold."


    Melissa blinked, then smirked. "Are you worried about me, Mr. Owner?"


    Ethan rolled his eyes. "Just get out of the pool."


    She giggled but swam toward the edge, pulling herself up gracefully.


    Water dripped from her body, glistening under the lights as she wrapped a towel around herself.


    Ethan followed, stepping onto the stone pavement, his toned frame still glistening with droplets.


    Melissa raised an eyebrow. "Are you posing for a magazine cover or something?"


    Ethan shot her a flat look. "Just go to bed, Melissa."


    She chuckled but didn''t argue. Instead, she stretched her arms, letting out a content sigh.


    "This place is amazing," she murmured, her gaze sweeping across the resort. "You really did it, Ethan."


    For once, Ethan didn''t know what to say. He simply nodded, staring out at the resort he had built from nothing.


    Melissa turned to him, her expression softer than usual. "Promise me you''ll take a break once in a while?"


    Ethan smirked. "No promises."


    Melissa rolled her eyes but didn''t push further. "Fine. But if I catch you working too much, I''ll push you into the pool again."


    With that, she turned on her heel, heading toward the main building, her wet footprints trailing behind her.


    Ethan watched her go, towel draped over his shoulder, the night eerily quiet once more.


    He let out a breath and ran a hand through his damp hair.


    "I should probably call Lila and Vanessa,"

 Chapter 115 Newton Corp.

    Ethan pulled on his clothes after his shorts had mostly dried, shaking out his damp hair before making his way back toward the resort office.


    The night air was cool against his skin, and the resort, now emptied of guests, had settled into a peaceful silence.


    The only sounds were the distant ocean waves and the occasional footsteps of the night security patrols making their rounds.


    The energy from the grand opening had finally died down, leaving behind the quiet hum of a successful first day.


    When he entered the office, Zack was slumped over the desk, arms folded under his head, lightly snoring.


    Ethan exhaled in amusement. The guy had been running around all day, organizing the launch, handling social media, and making sure everything was perfect.


    It was no surprise he''d passed out the moment he sat down.


    Ethan walked over and tapped him on the shoulder. "Hey, wake up."


    Zack stirred, groaning as he lifted his head, his eyes still heavy with exhaustion. "Huh? What ¡ª "


    He blinked at Ethan, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.


    "You should go home," Ethan told him. "The guards are patrolling now. You need some rest before tomorrow. The resort reopens at 8 a.m. sharp."


    Zack yawned, stretching his arms above his head. "Ugh... yeah, yeah, you''re right."


    He checked his phone and winced. "Damn, it''s already past midnight?"


    "Yeah." Ethan grabbed his own phone from the desk, stuffing it into his pocket. "Get some sleep, man. I need you functioning tomorrow."


    Zack chuckled tiredly as he stood up, rolling his shoulders. "No promises, but I''ll try."


    Ethan smirked and watched as his friend gathered his things and dragged himself out of the office, disappearing into the night.


    Once Zack was gone, Ethan exhaled, rolling his neck to ease the stiffness that had settled there. He was just as exhausted, but unlike Zack, his night wasn''t over yet.


    He stepped outside, heading toward his Porsche parked near the main entrance.


    The sleek gray car stood out under the dim streetlights, its polished surface reflecting the glow of the resort''s exterior lights.


    He slid into the driver''s seat, shutting the door with a soft thud before finally pulling out his phone.


    Three missed calls.


    Lila.


    Vanessa.


    The same company Ethan had worked for.


    The same company that had fired him.


    The same company that had blamed him over a $500, 000 dollar shortage and had thrown him into dismay in trying to pay a debt that he hadn''t caused.


    His expression darkened, the easygoing nature he had while talking to Lila vanishing in an instant.


    "Ethan?" Lila''s voice called from the phone. "You still there?"


    Ethan didn''t take his eyes off the man outside his window.


    He reached for the call button and ended the conversation with a simple, detached reply.


    "I have something urgent to do."


    Click.


    The call ended, and silence settled in the car.


    Ethan rolled the window down, locking eyes with the man who had once been his colleague.


    "What do you want?" Ethan asked, his tone cool, unreadable.


    The Newton manager let out a small chuckle, shoving his hands into his pockets. "Long time no see, Ethan. We need to talk."


    Ethan''s jaw tightened. Whatever this was, it wasn''t going to be a friendly conversation.


    Ethan exhaled through his nose, gripping the steering wheel as he regarded the man standing outside his car.


    Newton Development Corp. ¡ª his old workplace, the company that had fired him without hesitation, the place he had once poured years of effort into only to be discarded like nothing.


    And now, here stood one of their managers, acting like they had unfinished business.


    Ethan rolled down the window just enough to speak but kept the engine running. "Say whatever you need to say," he said, his voice calm but distant.


    The man tilted his head slightly, his lips curling into something that was neither a smile nor a smirk. "I''d rather do this inside," he said, motioning toward the passenger seat. "It''s a bit of a long conversation."


    Ethan let out a short, humorless laugh. "Not happening."


    The man''s expression didn''t change, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes¡ªmild amusement? Or was it annoyance? Ethan didn''t care.


    "Come on," the man tried again, shifting his stance slightly. "You don''t trust me?"


    Ethan scoffed. "You''re from Newton. Trust is the last thing I''d give you."

 Chapter 116 Newton Corp. (Part 2)

    The man sighed, shaking his head like Ethan was being unreasonable.


    "Fine, have it your way." He took a small step closer, resting his hands on the edge of the car door. "Look, I''ll get straight to the point. Newton wants to talk."


    Ethan arched a brow. "Talk?"


    "About a deal."


    Ethan stared at him for a beat before laughing under his breath. "Now I know you''re joking."


    "I''m not."


    Ethan narrowed his eyes. "Newton screwed me over and tossed me aside. And now, after all this time, they suddenly want to talk about a deal?"


    He scoffed. "Why would I even entertain this conversation?"


    The manager leaned in slightly. "Because you''re doing well, Ethan. You''re making waves. Atlas Resort is all over social media, the launch was a massive success, and the investors are talking about you. Newton noticed. And you know how they are ¡ª when they notice something profitable, they want a piece of it."


    Ethan clenched his jaw. Of course.


    This wasn''t about mending bridges or righting a past wrong. It was about greed. They saw Atlas as an opportunity, nothing more.


    "Not interested," Ethan said flatly.


    "You haven''t even heard the full offer."


    "I don''t need to. My answer is the same."


    The man exhaled through his nose, looking mildly exasperated. "Ethan, don''t be rash. You could benefit from this. Newton is willing to negotiate something mutually beneficial."


    Ethan tilted his head slightly, feigning thoughtfulness. "Mutually beneficial, huh?"


    "Exactly."


    Ethan hummed. "Like how it was mutually beneficial when they let me go without a second thought?"


    The man flinched slightly, but he recovered quickly. "That was... a different situation."


    "Right," Ethan said, voice dripping with sarcasm. "Well, guess what? I''m in a different situation now too. And in this one, Newton means nothing to me."


    The manager opened his mouth as if to protest, but Ethan had already had enough.


    Without another word, he shifted the car into gear.


    Ethan was as stubborn as ever.


    #####


    Ethan''s phone buzzed again, the screen lighting up with Lila''s name.


    He let out a slow sigh, easing his foot off the gas as his Porsche smoothly glided into a quieter part of the road.


    The tension from his encounter with the Newton manager still lingered, and he hadn''t fully shaken off the frustration that came with it.


    He stared at the ringing phone for a moment before finally swiping to answer.


    "Ethan?" Lila''s voice was immediately filled with concern. "Are you okay? I''ve been trying to reach you. You just hung up on me,"


    Ethan ran a hand through his hair, his other hand firmly gripping the steering wheel. "Yeah, I''m fine."


    A sharp exhale came from the other end. "You don''t sound fine."


    He could picture her now ¡ª probably pacing back and forth in her apartment, arms crossed, biting her lower lip in that way she always did when she was worried.


    "I just had an... unexpected conversation," he admitted, keeping his tone even.


    "With who?"


    Ethan hesitated for a moment before answering. "Newton Corp."


    There was a beat of silence.


    If Newton was reaching out to him, there was only one reason after all.


    "...What?" Lila''s voice dropped slightly, laced with something between concern and disbelief. "Please don''t tell me ¡ª "


    "I didn''t accept their offer."


    Another pause, and then she let out a relieved breath. "Thank God. Ethan, you know what they''re trying to do, right?"


    "Of course I do."


    "They''re not just offering a partnership," she pressed. "They want control."


    "I know, Lila."


    His voice came out tighter than intended, and he instantly regretted it.


    It wasn''t her fault. She was just looking out for him.

 Chapter 117 Newton Corp. (Part 3)

    Ethan''s grip on the wheel tightened.


    "They see Atlas as a threat now," he said, voice calmer. "That''s the only reason they''re reaching out."


    Lila was quiet for a second before murmuring, "You really built something amazing, you know. I saw the posts... You did great my love,"


    Ethan let out a small, humorless chuckle. "Apparently amazing enough for Newton to come crawling back."


    "I just don''t want them to ruin what you''ve worked for."


    He sighed, shifting in his seat as he pulled into a quiet parking lot near a closed coffee shop.


    The neon sign flickered dimly, and for a moment, he just sat there, staring at it, letting Lila''s words sink in.


    "They won''t," he said finally. "I won''t let them."


    Lila hummed softly, as if trying to gauge whether or not he truly believed his own words. "You don''t have to stress over this alone, you know. I''m here for you now and I will always be,"


    Ethan closed his eyes briefly, exhaling. "I know."


    Another moment of silence. Not awkward, but rather heavy with unspoken things.


    "...I''m glad you picked up," Lila admitted quietly. "I was worried."


    Ethan''s lips twitched slightly. "Didn''t mean to worry you. Just had a lot on my mind."


    "I get it," she murmured. "But don''t shut people out, okay? You have people who care about you."


    His throat tightened for half a second, but he pushed the feeling aside.


    "I know," he said again, a little softer this time.


    "Good." There was a warmth to her voice now, lighter, like she was reassured. "Are you heading home?"


    "Yeah," he said, glancing at the time.


    It was past midnight now, and exhaustion was beginning to creep in. "Just needed a minute to breathe."


    "Then I''ll let you go," she said, but she hesitated before adding, "Call me if you need anything, alright? Or I could come over?"


    Ethan felt something settle in his chest at her words. A steadiness.


    "I will call."


    "Promise?"


    He chuckled lightly. "I promise."


    She sighed in amusement. "Good night, Ethan."


    "Night, Lila.


    The call ended, leaving him in silence once more.


    #####


    Ethan barely managed to park the Porsche in his driveway before exhaustion hit him like a truck.


    Ethan groaned. "Vanessa ¡ª "


    "Oh, don''t you ''Vanessa'' me," she huffed. "I saw the pictures. You looked pretty cozy with her."


    He pinched the bridge of his nose. "She pushed me into a pool. There''s nothing cozy about that "


    "And you''re telling me that wasn''t flirting?"


    "She literally shoved me."


    "Ethan."


    He sighed, rolling onto his side, phone still pressed to his ear. "Melissa''s a friend. Nothing more."


    Vanessa hummed, clearly not fully convinced.


    "I didn''t even know she was going to be there," Ethan added.


    "That''s... actually fair."


    "Glad we cleared that up," he muttered.


    Another silence stretched between them, this time more comfortable.


    Vanessa''s voice softened. "You sound exhausted."


    "I am."


    "Then sleep, dummy."


    Ethan chuckled under his breath. "Trying to."


    "Well, don''t let me keep you up."


    "You kind of already did."


    Vanessa let out an amused scoff. "Go to sleep, Ethan."


    "Yeah, yeah."


    He was about to hang up when she suddenly spoke again, voice quieter this time. "I''m proud of you, you know?"


    Ethan blinked, his breath hitching slightly.


    She continued, "For everything. For pushing through, for building Atlas into what it is. You did it, Ethan."


    His throat tightened, and for a moment, he didn''t know what to say.


    So instead, he settled for a quiet, "Thanks, Vanessa."


    She smiled, he could hear it in her voice. "Good night, Ethan."


    "Night."


    The call ended, leaving him alone in the quiet of his home.


    Fo a while, he just lay there, staring at the ceiling until sleep finally took him.

 Chapter 118 Back In Atlas

    Ethan snored softly, his body sinking deeper into the couch with every slow breath.


    His chest rose and fell steadily, completely lost in sleep.


    At some point during the night, he had shifted, rolling onto his side, but he never fully fell off the couch.


    One arm dangled lazily over the edge, while his other hand was tucked under his head, his face relaxed in deep slumber.


    The living room was quiet, save for the faint ticking of a nearby clock. The morning sun had already begun creeping in through the curtains, casting a golden glow across the room.


    The minutes passed, the clock hands moving steadily forward.


    It was already getting late.


    If he didn''t wake up soon, he wouldn''t make it to Atlas early.


    A light tapping on his arm disrupted his peaceful rest.


    Ethan stirred, groaning softly as he tried to swat at whatever was disturbing him.


    The tapping persisted ¡ª gentle but insistent.


    He mumbled something incoherent, his mind still foggy from sleep.


    A soft voice spoke. "Sir, it''s morning. You should wake up."


    Another tap on his arm, this time firmer.


    Ethan groaned again, cracking one eye open.


    The blurred image of a maid leaning over him came into focus. She was dressed in a neat uniform, her expression patient yet persistent.


    "Sir," she said again, this time more firmly.


    Ethan exhaled sharply and rubbed his face with both hands before mumbling, "Yeah, yeah... I''m up."


    The maid straightened, nodding slightly. "You have a long day ahead, sir."


    Ethan blinked, glancing at the clock on the wall. His brain took a second to register the time ¡ª shit, he had to leave soon.


    "Thanks," he muttered as he forced himself up. His body protested the movement, stiff from sleeping in such an awkward position all night.


    He rolled his shoulders, groaning under his breath as he stretched.


    It was exactly what he had wanted.


    Still, success came with its own weight. There was always more to do, more to maintain, more expectations to meet.


    And that meant early mornings like these ¡ª dragging himself out of bed, shaking off exhaustion, and getting back to work.


    As he approached the resort, the grand entrance came into view, standing tall and imposing under the morning sun.


    The sleek, modern architecture of Atlas reflected the light beautifully, the glass windows gleaming as if to welcome the day.


    He slowed as he neared the gate, rolling down his window as the guards stationed there acknowledged his arrival.


    "Good morning, sir," one of them greeted, giving him a respectful nod.


    Ethan returned the nod. "Morning."


    The gate slid open smoothly, and he drove in, pulling into the wide driveway. The landscaping was as immaculate as ever, the pathways clean, the greenery well-kept.


    As he parked, he glanced around. No sign of Zack.


    Not that he expected him to be here this early, but still ¡ª it would''ve been nice to see his second-in-command already at work.


    The place wasn''t empty, though.


    The staff were already moving about, handling the early morning preparations. Some were setting up breakfast service, others were checking on the guest lodgings.


    A few employees near the front desk saw Ethan step out of his car and immediately greeted him with warm smiles.


    "Good morning, Mr. Ethan!"


    "Morning," he replied, nodding to them as he strode inside.


    The lobby was just as polished and welcoming as it had been yesterday. The subtle scent of fresh flowers lingered in the air, and the soft background music played gently through the speakers.


    Despite the early hour, Atlas was already alive.


    Ethan moved through the space, heading straight for the office.


    Once inside, he closed the door behind him and let out a slow, tired sigh.


    He wasn''t exhausted, not exactly ¡ª but he was drained.


    With a small grunt, he settled into his chair, leaning back as he propped his feet up on the desk.

 Chapter 119 New VIP Guests

    Zack pulled into the driveway of Atlas, his hands steady on the wheel as the tires crunched softly against the pavement.


    The morning sun cast an orange glow over the sleek architecture of the resort, making the glass windows shimmer.


    The air was crisp, carrying the scent of the ocean mixed with the faint fragrance of freshly cut grass.


    As he parked, his eyes flickered to Ethan''s Porsche, already stationed in its usual spot.


    ''So, he beat me here.''


    Not that it surprised him.


    He had been oversleeping, the pillow was far too soft.


    Zack sighed, running a hand through his hair as he checked his watch.


    7:02 AM.


    The resort officially opened at 8 AM, which meant he had less than an hour to go over the final details.


    There was still plenty of time, but Zack knew better than to slack off.


    He stepped out of his car, stretching slightly as he made his way toward the front entrance.


    Before heading inside, he veered toward the guards stationed at the gates.


    "Morning," he greeted casually, reaching into his pocket for his phone.


    "Good morning, Mr. Zack," one of the guards responded, standing at attention.


    Zack wasted no time.


    With a few taps on his phone, he pulled up the guest list and sent it over.


    "I just updated the virtual ticket holders. Make sure to verify them as they check in. We''ve got some new customers, so keep an eye out."


    The guard nodded, already retrieving his own device to review the list.


    Zack waited for a moment before pointing at a specific set of names.


    "These ones here?" he said, his tone shifting slightly as he scrolled. "Anyone with the last name Grey ¡ª they''re VIPs. Treat them accordingly."


    The guards exchanged a brief glance before nodding in understanding. "Understood, sir."


    Zack held back a grin.


    Ethan''s family had registered for a visit, and instead of giving Ethan a heads-up, Zack decided to keep it a surprise.


    He could only imagine Ethan''s reaction.


    Would he be happy? Would he act indifferent?


    Ethan wasn''t the most sentimental person, but family was family.


    With that handled, Zack turned on his heel and strode toward the entrance, his shoes tapping lightly against the floor.


    There was a lightness in his step, a sense of satisfaction that everything was running smoothly.


    Zack nodded. "Your last name isn''t exactly common. The Greys booked a visit. I figured I''d let it be a surprise."


    Ethan exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. "Damn it, Zack."


    "What?" Zack laughed. "You don''t want to see them?"


    Ethan didn''t answer immediately.


    Instead, he sat up, pulling his feet off the table as he processed the information.


    His family was coming. Why now?


    Was it curiosity? Support?


    Or they just wanted to come and enjoy?


    Well he had no problems with that, but was it advisable though?


    Zack watched him closely, amused by the rare flicker of uncertainty on Ethan''s face.


    "Relax," he said. "It''s not like they''re here to kick you out of your own resort."


    Ethan scoffed. "You never know."


    Zack grinned, but before he could tease further, his phone buzzed again.


    His eyes flickered to the screen, and this time, his expression sobered.


    "Speaking of surprises," he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.


    Ethan narrowed his eyes. "What now?"


    Zack exhaled, tossing his phone onto the desk. "Newton Development Corp. sent an inquiry."


    Ethan''s jaw tightened.


    "I ran into one of their managers last night," he admitted. "Tried to talk to me."


    Zack leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. "And?"


    Ethan''s lips curled into a slow, humorless smile.


    "I left him in the dust."


    Zack let out a bark of laughter. "Cold. Even for you."


    "They want a partnership," Ethan said flatly. "But we both know that''s just their way of trying to control Atlas."


    Zack nodded, his expression turning serious. "Yeah. And the last thing we need is Newton breathing down our necks."


    Ethan exhaled sharply, running a hand down his face. He knew this wouldn''t be the last time they tried.


    But for now?


    He had bigger things to focus on.


    "Better buckle up, bro."

 Chapter 120 Mission Accomplished

    As the clock struck 8 AM, the resort began to stir with life.


    Guests who had stayed overnight emerged from their villas, stretching and shaking off the remnants of sleep.


    The ones who had purchased regular tickets had been given access to the standard villa rooms, which, while luxurious, resembled high-end hotel suites.


    Meanwhile, the VIP guests had received special treatment, housed in exclusive, private accommodations designed for utmost comfort and luxury.


    Now, as the morning sun bathed Atlas in a golden glow, the guests began making their way back into the main resort.


    Some walked leisurely, chatting amongst themselves, while others, particularly first-time visitors, looked around in awe, eager to experience what the resort had to offer.


    At the front gates, a fresh wave of guests arrived ¡ª some were new customers who had heard of Atlas through social media, and others were returning visitors, thrilled by their experience the previous day.


    The guards remained professional but welcoming, greeting each person with polite nods as they checked their virtual tickets and verified their entry.


    Among the crowd making their way into the resort, a familiar group approached the entrance.


    The Grey family.


    Zack''s sharp eyes caught the sight of them before anyone else.


    A smirk tugged at the corners of his lips as he lowered his phone and stepped forward. Ethan''s father, Harold Grey, walked in his usual confident stride, his authoritative presence as unwavering as ever.


    Dressed in an expensive yet casual outfit, he exuded the aura of a man who had seen and conquered much in life.


    Beside him was Ethan''s mother, Margaret, whose elegance was as effortless as ever. She had a kind yet firm expression, her gaze moving over the resort with quiet approval.


    Claire, Ethan''s eighteen-year-old sister, was walking with her arms crossed, her piercing gaze scanning the area as if assessing whether it met her standards.


    Despite her composed demeanor, there was a glimmer of interest in her eyes.


    And then there was Julia, the youngest of the family, just seven years old. Unlike her older siblings, she showed no restraint in expressing her excitement.


    Her eyes sparkled as she clutched onto her mother''s hand, bouncing on her feet.


    Zack stepped forward, waving at them with a bright smile. "Welcome to Atlas, Mr. and Mrs. Grey. I see you brought the whole family today."


    Harold gave a slight nod of acknowledgment. "Had to see what all the fuss was about." His voice was deep and commanding, though not unfriendly.


    His sharp gaze scanned the entrance, taking in the resort''s grandeur. "Ethan''s been working hard on this, so it was about time we paid a visit."


    His phone buzzed again, another message from Zack.


    [Hurry up, man. You''ll regret making them wait.]


    Frowning, Ethan pulled his feet off the table, stretched his arms, and stood up. With a few quick strides, he left the office and headed toward the main resort.


    As he walked through the halls, he nodded at the staff members, acknowledging their hard work.


    As soon as he stepped into the VIP section, his steps faltered.


    His family sat there.


    For a brief moment, he just stared.


    Julia was the first to notice him. Her face lit up as she jumped out of her seat and ran straight toward him.


    "Big brother!"


    Ethan barely had time to react before his youngest sister leaped into his arms. He instinctively caught her, a chuckle escaping him.


    "Whoa there, Jules." He held her up effortlessly. "Didn''t expect to see you here."


    Julia grinned. "Surprise!"


    Claire, arms crossed, smirked. "You look shocked."


    Ethan finally composed himself, setting Julia down. His gaze shifted to his parents, who were watching him with expectant expressions.


    Margaret was the first to speak. "We thought it was time we saw what you''ve built."


    Harold added, "And we have to admit ¡ª it''s impressive."


    For a moment, Ethan didn''t know what to say.


    Seeing them here, acknowledging his hard work... it meant something.


    Finally, he scoffed and crossed his arms. "Well, you better enjoy it. Atlas is just getting started."


    Harold gave a rare smile. "That''s what I like to hear."


    Zack, watching the scene unfold, leaned against a nearby railing with satisfaction.


    ''Mission accomplished.''

 Chapter 121 Touring With Julia

    Just as the warm moment settled between Ethan and his family, something ¡ª or rather, someone ¡ª disrupted it entirely with her presence.


    A blur of movement caught Ethan''s attention just before he felt a pair of arms wrap around him.


    Melissa Sinclair.


    She had practically sprinted across the resort the moment she saw him, throwing herself into an overly enthusiastic hug as if they had been apart for years.


    "Ethan!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with exaggerated excitement. "I missed you!"


    The entire Grey family froze in collective shock.


    Harold Grey''s expression remained stoic, but his sharp gaze narrowed ever so slightly.


    Margaret''s lips pressed into a thin line, her brows lifting as if trying to assess the situation.


    Claire ¡ª no, Julia ¡ª gaped at them with wide eyes, while Claire raised an eyebrow, her arms still crossed, but an amused smirk forming on her lips.


    Ethan, however, reacted immediately.


    With a firm but careful push, he put space between himself and Melissa. His jaw clenched, but he forced a polite smile.


    "She''s just a business partner," he quickly assured his family, making sure to emphasize those last two words.


    Melissa pouted slightly but didn''t argue. Before she could say anything else, another voice cut through the tension.


    "Melissa," a deep, exasperated voice called out.


    Adrian Sinclair.


    Her older brother was approaching with long strides, his expression a mix of mild irritation and resigned amusement ¡ª as if he had expected this exact situation to happen.


    "Come on," Adrian sighed, grabbing his sister''s wrist. "We''re getting ice cream."


    Melissa let out a dramatic sigh but didn''t resist as Adrian began leading her away.


    Still, before disappearing from sight, she threw Ethan a sly grin. "We should catch up later, Ethan."


    Ethan ran a hand through his hair, his expression half-exasperated, half-relieved.


    "Right. Sure. Have fun with your ice cream," he muttered, shaking his head as the Sinclair siblings disappeared into the crowd.


    Margaret, standing beside Harold, finally broke the silence.


    "...Business partner, you say?"


    Ethan turned to her, already knowing that his explanation had done little to ease the suspicion in his mother''s eyes.


    Julia shot him a look. "Ethan. This place has waterfalls inside. Inside."


    "Yeah," Ethan admitted. "That part is kinda cool."


    They moved toward the outdoor pools, where several guests were already lounging by the water. Some swam while others relaxed in private cabanas, sipping on cocktails.


    Julia''s eyes sparkled. "Can we go swimming later?"


    Ethan grinned. "If we have time, sure."


    They continued, passing by the spa and wellness center, the luxury boutiques, and even the mini-golf course, where a few kids were already playing.


    Ethan didn''t rush the tour, letting Julia take in everything at her own pace. She asked questions about how things worked, and he answered with as much detail as he could.


    They finally stopped near one of the outdoor lounges, where Julia plopped onto a cushioned seat, her legs swinging as she sipped a glass of fruit juice a staff member had handed her.


    Ethan leaned back in his chair, watching her with a smirk. "So, what do you think?"


    Julia grinned up at him. "It''s the coolest place ever."


    Ethan chuckled. "Glad you think so."


    There was a brief pause, and then Julia looked at him with a curious tilt of her head.


    "...Do you like it?"


    Ethan blinked at the question.


    Julia swung her legs again. "You and Mr. Zack built all this, right? So, do you like it?"


    Ethan glanced around, taking in the bustling resort, the laughter and chatter, the luxury he had worked so hard to create.


    "...Yeah," he said finally, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I do."


    Julia beamed at his answer, clearly pleased.


    Then, after a moment, she tugged on his sleeve again.


    "Can we get ice cream too?"


    Ethan laughed. "Sure. Why not?"


    With that, he stood up, helping Julia to her feet, and the two of them made their way toward the resort''s dessert lounge, where a variety of artisan ice creams were served.


    As they walked, Julia held onto his hand, chattering away about all the things she still wanted to see.


    Maybe spending the day with his little sister wasn''t such a bad idea after all.

 Chapter 122 VIP Pool

    Ethan walked alongside Julia as she giggled at almost everything they passed.


    Whether it was the extravagant flower arrangements lining the walkways or the massive water fountains that shot streams of crystal-clear water into the air, her excitement never wavered.


    She pointed at things constantly, her small hand tugging at his sleeve every few seconds.


    "Look, Big brother! That one looks like a bunny!" she squealed, pointing at a cleverly trimmed bush shaped like an animal.


    He glanced at it and smirked. "Yeah, I see it. Looks like it''s waving at you."


    Julia gasped dramatically. "You think it likes me?"


    "Probably."


    She grinned and waved at the bush as they walked past. Ethan shook his head but couldn''t help the amused smile tugging at his lips.


    They eventually reached a small stand where a uniformed employee was serving ice cream, and Julia immediately fixated on it.


    Her eyes grew wide with excitement as she stared at the variety of flavors available.


    "Ice cream!" she practically shouted, tugging at Ethan''s sleeve again.


    He exhaled, knowing there was no way he''d be able to say no. "Alright, go ahead and pick one."


    Julia''s face scrunched up in concentration. "I can''t pick just one..."


    The employee chuckled. "You can mix flavors if you want."


    Her expression lit up even more. "Then... I want all of them!"


    Ethan gave her a dry look. "All of them?"


    She nodded eagerly, and the employee laughed as he started scooping one flavor after another onto a towering cone.


    When he finally handed it to her, Julia held it with both hands, staring at it in awe. "This is the best thing I''ve ever seen."


    Ethan shook his head but ordered a simple scoop of vanilla for himself. As they walked, he started to notice people glancing their way, some more blatantly than others.


    A few even took out their phones, likely snapping pictures.


    He sighed. It wasn''t like he could stop them.


    Julia, however, was oblivious. "I think the pink one''s my favorite," she mused, taking another bite of her ice cream.


    Ethan glanced at the messy rainbow of flavors melting together in her cone. "Do you even know what flavor it is?"


    "Nope." She took another bite. "But it''s yummy."


    He let out a quiet chuckle, shaking his head.


    Soon, they arrived at the pool area, where the resort had fully come to life. The water shimmered under the morning sunlight, and guests were already swimming, lounging, or laughing with friends.


    The kid''s section was particularly lively, with young children splashing around under the supervision of watchful lifeguards.


    Julia''s eyes sparkled with excitement. "Can I swim?"


    Unlike the public pool, this one was peaceful, the water perfectly still, and the area lined with luxurious cabanas. Only a few VIP families were present, making the environment much more relaxed.


    Julia gasped. "This is so much cooler!"


    "Told you."


    Without hesitation, she kicked off her shoes and sprinted toward the water.


    Ethan barely had time to react. "Hey, don''t run ¡ª !"


    Too late. She jumped straight in, splashing water everywhere.


    Melissa laughed. "She listens as well as you do."


    Ethan sighed, shaking his head. He leaned against the railing, watching as Julia floated happily on her back.


    For the first time in a long while, he actually felt at peace.


    Melissa glanced at him. "You''re good with her."


    Ethan gave her a sidelong look. "Surprised?"


    "A little. You don''t exactly scream ''affectionate older brother.''"


    He shrugged. "She''s different."


    Melissa hummed, resting her chin on her palm. "It''s nice, seeing you like this. Less serious. Less... whatever it is you usually are."


    Ethan smirked. "Charming?"


    Melissa rolled her eyes. "Sure, we''ll call it that."


    Julia swam over to the edge and rested her arms on the poolside, looking up at them. "Big brother?"


    "Yeah?"


    "Can we get more ice cream later?"


    He sighed but smiled. "Yeah, yeah. Just don''t tell Mom."


    Julia giggled and pushed off the wall, floating away again.


    Melissa stretched, glancing at Ethan with a knowing look. "You spoil her."


    "She deserves it."


    Melissa watched him for a moment before grinning. "Alright, fine. If you''re getting her ice cream, you''re getting me one too."


    Ethan raised a brow. "Are you a child?"


    She smirked. "No, but I like free stuff."


    He sighed. "Fine."


    Melissa leaned back, satisfied. "Good. Now, go enjoy your brotherly duties. I''ll be here, lounging in luxury."


    Ethan shook his head, walking closer to the poolside where Julia was splashing around.

 Chapter 123 Wet Clothes

    Ethan approached the poolside, standing just at the edge as he observed Julia swimming through the water without a care in the world.


    She laughed, splashing at the surface as she kicked her legs in excitement.


    The sun reflected off the shimmering water, and for a moment, Ethan found himself relaxing.


    It was nice seeing her happy, enjoying herself without the weight of expectations or responsibilities that an adult carried.


    Then it hit him. Something was off.


    His eyes narrowed as he took a closer look, and that''s when he realized the problem ¡ª she had jumped in wearing her regular clothes.


    No swimsuit, no preparation, just pure reckless enthusiasm. It was innnocent but still his brow twitched.


    Of course she did.


    Shaking his head, he walked over to the ladder leading into the pool.


    The VIP kid''s pool was exclusive, with only a handful of other children playing in the water.


    Unlike the main resort''s pool, which was crowded with guests, this one had a calm atmosphere.


    Julia had already warmed up to another girl around her age, and the two of them were chatting animatedly while lazily floating on the water''s surface.


    Ethan climbed a few steps down the small ladder, the cool water lapping at his feet, but he didn''t go all the way in.


    Instead, he leaned forward slightly and called out, "Jules."


    She turned, blinking at him before happily swimming over.


    Just as she reached the ladder, Ethan flicked her forehead with a light bonk.


    "Ow!" She grunted, rubbing her forehead before looking up at him with wide, betrayed eyes. "What was that for?"


    Ethan crossed his arms. "You jumped in with your clothes on."


    Julia''s face scrunched up in confusion before she glanced down at herself.


    Water dripped from her sleeves as her dress clung uncomfortably to her frame.


    She blinked once. Then again.


    And then ¡ª realization dawned.


    Her expression crumbled.


    Tears welled up in her big brown eyes, and for a split second, Ethan panicked.


    "Wait ¡ª " He sighed, placing a hand on her head. "It''s fine, Jules. Relax."


    She sniffled. "But... but now my clothes are all wet!"


    "Yeah, that''s what happens when you jump into a pool fully dressed."


    "I ¡ª I didn''t think about it!"


    "No kidding."


    She pouted, her small fingers gripping the ladder as she looked up at him with pleading eyes. "I don''t wanna get out. The water''s nice."


    Ethan sighed, running a hand through his hair.


    "You''re lucky we''re in the VIP kid section, or Mom would have already dragged you out by now."


    Julia shivered at the thought. "Please don''t tell her."


    "Not planning to." He turned his head and spotted one of the maids passing by in the distance.


    With a simple wave of his hand, he caught her attention, and she quickly approached.


    "Yes, sir?"


    Ethan gave her a flat look. "Go away, Melissa."


    She laughed, clearly enjoying herself. "Alright, alright, I''ll leave you alone. For now."


    Moments later, the maid returned, handing Ethan a neatly folded swimsuit.


    It was an Atlas-branded design, sleek and made from high-quality fabric, complete with a small towel.


    He nodded in thanks before standing up and calling Julia over.


    She swam to the edge, looking up at him curiously. "Is it here?"


    Ethan held up the swimsuit. "Time to change."


    Julia huffed but obediently climbed out of the pool, water dripping onto the tiles.


    As she stood there, shivering slightly, Ethan wrapped the towel around her shoulders.


    "Go get changed. I''ll wait here."


    She looked up at him. "Will you get in the pool after?"


    Ethan blinked. "What?"


    "You always stand on the side, but you never get in."


    Melissa, still eavesdropping, smirked. "She''s got a point."


    Ethan frowned. "I''m not swimming."


    Julia pouted. "But it''s fun!"


    Ethan sighed, rubbing his forehead. "Just go change first."


    "Fine," she grumbled, taking the swimsuit and marching off toward the changing area.


    Melissa grinned at him. "You should swim."


    "No."


    "Why not?"


    "I don''t feel like it."


    Melissa leaned forward, smirking. "Are you a bad swimmer?"


    Ethan shot her a glare. "I''m not a bad swimmer."


    "Then prove it."


    Ethan exhaled, resisting the urge to throw her into the pool like she did so yesterday.


    A few minutes later, Julia returned, now dressed in the proper swimsuit. Her old clothes in hand and handed to Ethan.


    She twirled around. "Does it look good?"


    Ethan nodded. "Yeah. Now go swim properly."


    Julia beamed before diving back into the water, her movements much smoother without the weight of wet clothes.


    Ethan sat back down, arms crossed as he watched her happily paddle around.


    Melissa stretched, enjoying the sun. "You know, if you ever do decide to swim, I''d totally race you."


    Ethan snorted. "You''d lose."


    "You sound pretty confident for someone who refuses to get in the water."


    He glanced at her, smirking slightly. "Maybe one day, I''ll make you eat those words."


    Melissa grinned. "I''ll hold you to that."

 Chapter 124 Julias New Friend

    Julia giggled as she splashed water at her new friend, her eyes sparkling with excitement.


    The other girl gasped dramatically before retaliating, sending a small wave of water back in Julia''s direction.


    The two of them laughed, completely absorbed in their own little world, talking about things that probably made no sense to anyone but them.


    Ethan leaned back on his lounge chair, letting out a quiet sigh.


    It was good to see Julia having fun. She deserved that much.


    His gaze briefly shifted toward his phone, and after a moment of hesitation, he pulled it out and opened Postgram.


    His account had grown significantly over the past day, and his follower count had already surpassed 100,000.


    He wasn''t even particularly active, yet the numbers kept climbing, mostly thanks to his association with ATLAS.


    As expected, his DMs were flooded with messages, many of them from brands or influencers trying to collaborate.


    Some of the offers weren''t half-bad, but he wasn''t interested in handling all of that.


    Zack could take care of this.


    They already had a partnership in place with someone who was supposed to arrive later today, and it wouldn''t be smart to jump into another one so soon.


    Ethan locked his phone and slipped it back into his pocket.


    Turning his attention back to the pool, he noticed that Julia and her friend were still busy playing, completely oblivious to everything else.


    He pushed himself up from the lounge chair and walked over to the edge of the pool.


    "Julia," he called.


    She immediately perked up, paddling toward him with an eager expression. "Yeah?"


    "It''s time to eat."


    Julia blinked before turning toward her friend, who was floating beside her. "Can she come too?"


    The girl, who had been listening the entire time, immediately nodded. "Yeah! I wanna eat with you!"


    Ethan glanced past them, spotting the girl''s mother sitting a little further away.


    She had been watching them from a comfortable distance, not interfering but keeping an eye on things.


    When she noticed him looking, she smiled and gave a polite wave, silently giving permission.


    Ethan returned the nod, giving a subtle thumbs-up before looking back at the girls. "Alright, but dry off first."


    Julia cheered, climbing out of the pool while her friend followed right behind her.


    Water dripped from their hair and clothes, forming small puddles on the tiles beneath them.


    Ethan grabbed the towel he had set aside earlier and threw it over Julia''s head, ruffling her damp hair to dry it off.


    "Hey!" she protested, laughing as she pushed the towel off her face.


    Ethan smirked. "Dry yourself properly."


    Julia rolled her eyes but obediently wiped herself down, handing the towel over to her friend so she could do the same.


    Ethan ate at a slower pace, his eyes occasionally scanning the area around them.


    The VIP section was peaceful, a stark contrast to the more crowded parts of the resort.


    A few other high-profile guests were present, some engaged in quiet conversations, others simply enjoying their meals.


    At some point, Julia''s friend turned to him with a curious look. "Mister Ethan, do you work for ATLAS?"


    Ethan raised a brow. "Something like that."


    "My mom says ATLAS is really cool. She said they do all kinds of important stuff."


    Ethan nodded. "They do."


    The girl tilted her head. "Are you a scientist?"


    Julia burst into laughter, nearly choking on her drink. "Big brother? A scientist?"


    Ethan smirked. "You think I can''t be one?"


    Julia giggled. "You don''t look like one!"


    Ethan shrugged. "Looks can be deceiving."


    The girl hummed. "So what do you actually do?"


    "Nothing a kid needs to worry about."


    Julia''s friend pouted. "That means it''s something cool, doesn''t it?"


    Ethan smirked but didn''t answer.


    Julia and her friend shared a look before whispering to each other, likely forming some wild theories about what he actually did.


    By the time they finished eating, the sun had dipped lower in the sky, casting a golden glow over the terrace.


    Julia stretched her arms above her head, letting out a satisfied sigh. "That was good!"


    Her friend nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah! Best meal ever!"


    Ethan signaled for the check, but the waiter didn''t let him, he was the owner after all.


    The girls were still chatting away, and he let them enjoy their time together.


    As they got up to leave, Julia''s friend looked up at him again. "Can I play with Julia again later?"


    Ethan glanced toward her mother, who had been watching from a distance.


    The woman smiled and gave a small nod of approval.


    Ethan turned back to the girl. "We''ll see."


    "That means yes!" she cheered, running off toward her mother.


    Julia grinned, turning to Ethan with bright eyes. "Can we go back to the pool now?"


    Ethan sighed. "You just ate. Wait a little."


    Julia groaned but didn''t argue, knowing she wouldn''t win.

 Chapter 125 Tennis Match

    As Megan walked back to her mother, Ethan glanced down at Julia and asked, "What was her name?"


    He hadn''t exactly gotten the name of the girl despite all the time they had spent together.


    Julia beamed up at him.


    "Megan!" she said proudly, as if introducing a lifelong friend.


    Ethan nodded, watching as the little girl ran toward her mother, who smiled warmly and waved in their direction.


    He gave a polite nod in return before turning back to Julia. "Your clothes should be dry by now. Go change."


    Julia pouted but didn''t argue.


    She picked up her dry clothes from where Ethan had dried them and skipped toward the changing room, disappearing inside.


    Ethan exhaled and rolled his shoulders, taking a moment to glance around.


    The VIP area of the resort was lively but not overcrowded, with other guests enjoying their meals or relaxing by the private pools.


    A few minutes later, Julia emerged, now wearing her dry clothes with her swimsuit tucked under her arm.


    She skipped back to him, eyes bright with curiosity. "What now?"


    "We should go find our parents," Ethan said, slipping his hands into his pockets.


    Julia perked up, clearly excited by the idea. "Okay!"


    She reached out and grabbed his hand, holding onto him as they walked through the resort.


    Ethan led them through the exclusive areas, passing by lush greenery and well-maintained pathways.


    The VIP section was a world of its own¡ª elegant, peaceful, and far removed from the bustling public areas of Atlas.


    The air smelled of fresh flowers and expensive perfume, the soft hum of conversations blending with the occasional laughter of guests.


    Eventually, they spotted his mother and sister on the tennis court.


    Margaret, was in the middle of a match with Claire.


    Harold sat nearby in a lounge chair, watching them with an amused expression.


    Margaret moved with practiced ease, her racket slicing through the air as she sent the ball flying over the net.


    Claire gritted her teeth and lunged to return the shot, her form athletic and fluid.


    The ball barely skimmed past the net before bouncing sharply.


    Harold leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, a faint smirk on his face.


    "Your mother''s not going easy on you, huh?" he commented.


    Claire exhaled sharply, adjusting her grip on the racket.


    Julia cheered loudly whenever either of them scored a point, clearly enjoying herself.


    Margaret returned with a bottle of water, sitting beside Harold and watching with mild amusement.


    Eventually, Ethan managed to take the final point, earning himself a dramatic groan from Claire as she fell back onto the court in defeat.


    "Ugh," she muttered. "I was so close."


    Ethan grinned, offering her a hand. "You''ll get me next time."


    She took his hand reluctantly, letting him pull her up. "Next time, I''m winning."


    Harold clapped his hands together. "Good game. But I think it''s time we eat, don''t you?"


    Julia immediately perked up. "Yes! I''m starving!"


    "You just ate," Ethan said with a flabbergasted expression.


    Margaret laughed, standing up and dusting herself off.


    As the family left the tennis court, Julia trailing behind them, another group arrived to take their place.


    A man, dressed in sleek sportswear, picked up one of the rackets, inspecting it for a moment before stepping onto the court.


    Ethan glanced over his shoulder just as the man let the racket fall to the ground with a soft thud before turning and walking away, seemingly uninterested.


    Ethan thought it was odd but didn''t dwell on it.


    Just as he turned back to follow his family, his phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out and saw a message from Zack.


    [Zack: Come to the office immediately. Someone''s here for you.]


    Ethan exhaled sharply through his nose.


    He glanced at his family ahead. They were headed toward the restaurant, chatting amongst themselves, and Julia was skipping alongside Claire.


    Margaret noticed him slowing down and turned slightly. "Everything okay?"


    "Yeah," Ethan said. "Zack wants me at the office. You guys go ahead ¡ª I''ll catch up later."


    His mother nodded, not questioning it further.


    Harold gave him a pat on the shoulder as he passed, a quiet show of support, and Claire simply smirked. "Don''t let Zack boss you around too much."


    Ethan rolled his eyes but didn''t respond.


    Instead, he turned on his heel and made his way toward the administrative office. His mind was already shifting gears.


    The VIP office, located on the upper level of the main complex, was where Atlas handled high-level operations.


    It was polished and modern, designed for serious business meetings rather than the relaxed atmosphere of the resort itself.


    When Ethan arrived, Zack was standing by the window, scrolling through his phone. Across from Zack, seated comfortably in one of the office chairs, was a man Ethan recognized immediately.

 Chapter 126 Lucas Monroe

    Lucas Monroe.


    The man had a natural presence ¡ª brown hair styled just enough to look effortlessly perfect, a sculpted jawline, and an easy confidence in his posture.


    He had once been an up-and-coming actor, a name that had started to gain traction in Hollywood, but he had walked away from the industry years ago.


    Instead, he had carved a new path for himself, becoming one of the most influential travel personalities in the world.


    His content wasn''t just about luxury vacations ¡ª it was a mix of high-end experiences and survivalist challenges.


    One day, he''d be in a private island resort exposing the truth behind five-star ratings; the next, he''d be deep in a jungle, teaching his audience how to navigate harsh environments.


    People trusted his opinions because he didn''t sugarcoat things. A recommendation from him carried real weight.


    Lucas looked up as Ethan entered and immediately gave him a charming smile. He stood and extended a hand.


    "Ethan," he greeted smoothly. "Good to finally meet you in person."


    Ethan shook his hand, noting the firm grip. "Likewise."


    Zack took a seat behind the desk, motioning for Ethan to do the same. "He was the first person to reach out about a collaboration with Atlas. I figured it was time to actually sit down and talk through the details."


    Ethan leaned back slightly in his chair, studying Lucas. The man met his gaze without hesitation, relaxed but alert.


    He carried himself like someone who knew his worth but didn''t need to flaunt it.


    "So," Ethan said, getting straight to business. "What exactly do you have in mind?"


    Lucas leaned forward slightly, resting his arms on the desk. "Atlas is already getting a lot of attention, but it''s still establishing itself. I can speed that process up."


    Ethan raised an eyebrow, waiting for him to elaborate.


    Zack nodded. "I''ll draft up the agreements. We''ll set some preliminary terms and move forward from there."


    Lucas stood, adjusting his sleeves. "Sounds good. I''ll be back tomorrow to plan out the first shoot."


    As he left the office, Ethan exhaled slightly, watching the door close behind him.


    Zack smirked. "He''s got charisma, that''s for sure."


    Ethan ran a hand through his hair. "Yeah. Let''s just hope he''s as good as he claims."


    Zack laughed. "Well, either way, things just got a lot more interesting."


    #####


    As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting golden hues across the resort, the bustling energy of the day began to settle.


    Guests who had spent hours soaking in the luxury of Atlas were now heading back to their suites, some still lingering by the pools, reluctant to let the evening slip away.


    Soft music played from hidden speakers, blending seamlessly with the distant laughter of families and the hushed murmurs of couples enjoying a romantic sunset.


    Ethan walked alongside Julia, his steps unhurried as they made their way toward the VIP section of the resort.


    This area was reserved exclusively for them ¡ª his family''s private retreat within the vast expanse of Atlas.


    Julia, still full of energy despite the long day, skipped slightly beside him. "I had so much fun today!" she chirped. "Megan was really nice. Do you think I''ll see her again tomorrow?"


    Ethan glanced down at her, a small smirk playing on his lips. "That depends. Maybe her family is staying for a few more days."


    "I hope so," Julia said with a slight pout. "She said she has a puppy back home. I wanted to ask her more about it."


    Ethan chuckled. Julia made friends easily, but she also got attached just as quickly.


    He had no doubt that if she didn''t see Megan again, she''d be talking about her for the next few days, replaying every moment of their short-lived friendship in her head.-

 Chapter 127 Goodnight Big Bro

    They continued walking, the sounds of the resort growing quieter as they neared the private villas.


    Ahead, Harold was walking with Margaret, the two engaged in quiet conversation.


    Claire had her arms stretched over her head, yawning slightly as she matched her pace with their parents.


    As they approached the villa, Harold glanced at Ethan. "So, how''d it go with Zack?"


    Ethan shrugged. "We finalized the collaboration with Lucas Monroe. He''s going to start shooting his content tomorrow."


    Harold raised an eyebrow. "Lucas Monroe? The travel guide guy?"


    "The very same."


    Harold gave a low whistle. "That''s a big move. If he gives Atlas his seal of approval, it''ll push the resort to a whole new level."


    "That''s the plan," Ethan said.


    Harold nodded, clearly impressed.


    After a brief pause, his expression softened, and he said, "Speaking of business, the store''s doing better now."


    Ethan turned his attention fully to his father, interest piqued.


    He had purchased the store for Harold not too long ago, hoping it would give his father something stable to focus on.


    Harold had been hesitant at first ¡ª concerned about the risks, the responsibility ¡ª but Ethan had seen the way his father''s eyes had lit up at the idea of running his own place.


    "How much better?" Ethan asked.


    Harold rubbed the back of his neck. "Well, it''s not like we''re rolling in cash or anything, but we''re making steady progress. I''ve been adjusting things, focusing on what sells best, and word is spreading. We''ve had more customers this week than the first month combined. And the repair work is still prosperous as well,"


    Ethan grinned. "That''s good to hear. I knew you''d make it work."


    Harold chuckled. "Don''t give me too much credit ¡ª I had a pretty good starting point, thanks to you."


    Harold patted Ethan''s shoulder as he passed. "Don''t work too late."


    "I''ll try," Ethan replied, though they both knew that was a lie.


    Claire, already halfway inside, paused just long enough to glance back at him. "Make sure you actually sleep, okay? You''re starting to look like a zombie."


    Ethan smirked. "Noted."


    With that, the door closed behind them, leaving Ethan standing outside in the cool night air. He took a deep breath, letting the quiet settle over him.


    Ethan made his way back to the office, the cool night air brushing against his skin as he walked.


    All the guests had already been escorted back to their villas, leaving behind only the dedicated workers who were preparing the resort for another busy day tomorrow.


    As he approached the main office, he caught sight of the staff moving quickly yet efficiently, resetting poolside furniture, wiping down glass surfaces, and making sure everything looked perfect.


    Their dedication was impressive.


    These were the people who made Atlas what it was ¡ª not just the luxury, not just the branding, but the ones who worked behind the scenes, ensuring everything ran smoothly.


    He made a mental note to increase their paychecks at the end of the month. They deserved it.


    Stepping inside the office, he found Zack sitting in one of the leather chairs, flipping through something on his tablet.


    The blond-haired man barely looked up as Ethan entered, too focused on whatever data he was reviewing.


    "They really work hard, don''t they?" Ethan commented, taking a seat opposite him.


    Zack finally looked up, raising an eyebrow. "That''s how we keep this place running. If they didn''t, we''d be in serious trouble."


    Ethan smirked. "True. We''ll make sure they see a bonus soon."


    Zack gave a small nod of approval before setting his tablet aside. "So, about Lucas Monroe. You think this collaboration is going to be worth it?"


    Ethan leaned back, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah. He has the audience, and his content is solid. Plus, people trust his recommendations. If he vouches for Atlas, that''s going to push our visibility to a whole new level."


    Zack crossed his arms, considering Ethan''s words. "I did some digging on him. Seems like he started as an actor, but something made him switch to traveling full-time. Apparently, he''s making more money now than he ever did in Hollywood."

 Chapter 128 Newton Top Office

    Ethan chuckled. "Not surprising. Travel influencers have huge opportunities with sponsorships, book deals, and brand partnerships. If he plays his cards right, he could make more than some A-list actors."


    Zack exhaled sharply. "Must be nice."


    Ethan smirked. "We''re doing just fine."


    Zack scoffed. "Fine? We''re killing it."


    They both laughed, the conversation shifting into casual banter about future plans and upcoming projects.


    Ethan appreciated these moments ¡ª Zack was one of the few people he could talk to without the conversation turning into corporate jargon or forced pleasantries.


    After another fifteen minutes, Zack glanced at his watch and stretched. "Alright, I''m heading out. Gotta get some sleep if I''m going to deal with all the logistics tomorrow."


    Ethan nodded. "Yeah, I''ll head out too."


    They both stood, and Zack gave him a lazy salute before walking toward the door.


    Ethan followed, rolling his shoulders as they stepped outside into the crisp night air.


    The parking lot was nearly empty now, just a few cars scattered around under the glow of streetlights.


    Ethan''s Porsche was parked near the entrance, sleek and waiting.


    He fished his keys out of his pocket, already reaching for the car door when ¡ª


    "Boo!"


    "Shit!"


    Ethan''s heart nearly leapt out of his chest as he spun around, his pulse spiking.


    Standing just a few feet away, grinning like a damn menace, was Vanessa.


    She burst out laughing, clutching her stomach. "Oh my god, you should''ve seen your face!"


    Ethan exhaled sharply, dragging a hand down his face. "You scared the hell out of me."


    "That was the point," she said, still laughing. "I''ve been waiting here for, like, five minutes just for the perfect moment."


    Ethan narrowed his eyes at her. "You need a new hobby."


    Vanessa smirked, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "Please, you''re the only one around here worth messing with. Everyone else is too serious."


    Ethan shook his head, but he couldn''t stop the small grin tugging at the corner of his lips. "You''re lucky I didn''t punch you out of reflex."


    "Oh, please." She rolled her eyes. "You knew deep down that it was me."


    He sighed, finally recovering from the shock. "Where the hell were you all day? I didn''t see you causing your usual amount of trouble."


    Vanessa shrugged. "I was... around. Enjoying life. Making sure I didn''t get roped into anything boring."


    Ethan had received more than a few offers from them today ¡ª calls through Zack, emails and chatting the ''ATLAS'' Postgram DM, even an in-person meeting request that he had promptly declined.


    He knew their type after all he had worked there.


    Where they saw potential and success, they wanted to consume it.


    He could already imagine what they had planned ¡ª acquire ATLAS, strip away its identity, and turn it into another soulless corporate venture under the Newton brand. Like others had been.


    Shaking his head, he drove past the building, gripping the wheel a little tighter than before.


    [Newton Corp. ¨C Top Floor Office]


    At the very top of the skyscraper, in a luxurious office lined with floor-to-ceiling windows, Ryan Caldwell sat with his legs crossed, his fingers tapping idly on the armrest of his chair.


    The glow from his office lamp cast long shadows across the room, blending with the soft city lights filtering through the windows.


    His phone vibrated on the sleek black desk in front of him.


    He sighed.


    Another decline from Ethan Grey.


    Ryan already knew the answer before he even checked.


    He had his secretary reach out once again, though he doubted the response would be any different from the last ten times.


    Still, it irritated him.


    He was a man who recognized potential when he saw it.


    He didn''t just make blind investments or acquisitions ¡ª Newton Corp. was built on careful, calculated moves. And ATLAS? That was something worth acquiring like some other businesses he had seen.


    Ethan''s resort was only going to get bigger.


    Ryan had been watching its rise from the sidelines.


    The numbers were climbing at a ridiculous rate, even more so than Newton in it''s prime.


    The exclusivity of ATLAS, the branding, the sheer appeal of it ¡ª Ethan had created something that stood out. It wasn''t just another high-end resort.


    It had its own identity, something that tourists, influencers, and VIP guests gravitated toward.


    And that was exactly why Ryan wanted it under Newton Corp.


    But Ethan Grey wasn''t budging. Deep down, he knew the reason why and he almost felt tempted to shout at the people that had caused him to lose this opportunity.


    Ryan''s jaw tightened slightly as he picked up the phone, swiping through the emails from his team.


    Some advised aggressive negotiations. Others suggested waiting for ATLAS to hit a financial bottleneck before swooping in with an offer Ethan wouldn''t be able to refuse.


    But Ethan wasn''t stupid.


    The man was young, but he was sharp. He knew exactly what Newton Corp. wanted, and he wasn''t falling for the usual tactics.

 Chapter 129 Ryans Fury

    Ryan leaned back in his chair, exhaling through his nose. "Annoying."


    A knock came at the door.


    "Come in," he said.


    The door swung open, and his assistant, a woman in her late twenties with a sharp bob and even sharper eyes, stepped inside.


    "Mr. Caldwell," she said, holding a tablet. "Atlas declined the offer. Again."


    Ryan smirked, though there was little humor in it. "Of course he did."


    She hesitated for a moment before stepping closer. "Should we pursue further negotiations? Or let it rest for now?"


    Ryan didn''t answer immediately.


    He turned his gaze to the massive windows behind his desk, looking out at the city stretching beneath him. The Newton empire was vast. But there were still pieces missing.


    ATLAS was one of those missing pieces.


    "We''ll give it time," he finally said, fingers steepled together. "For now, we watch. We wait. Ethan Grey might think he''s untouchable right now, but everything ¡ª everyone ¡ª has a price."


    His assistant nodded. "Understood."


    Ryan tapped his fingers against the desk, his smirk deepening.


    The top floor of Newton Corp. was eerily silent.


    Ryan Caldwell sat at his desk, his long fingers drumming against the polished surface. He raised a cigar to his mouth and lit it, taking a puff. It helped him relax when he was angry.


    A thin stream of cigar smoke curled through the air, but the man himself looked anything but relaxed.


    "Give me the file," Ryan ordered without looking up.


    His secretary, a composed woman in her tight uniform, stepped forward, handing him a thick manila folder.


    He took it from her and flipped through the papers inside with practiced ease before pulling out a single contract.


    The restaurant deal. One of the easiest acquisitions Newton Corp. had made recently. The owner had barely hesitated to sign, eager to secure funding and resources.


    That was the thing with people new and eager to the industry, they wanted connections to grow and who in their right mind wouldn''t want connections with Newton?


    Ethan Grey.


    Ryan grabbed a pen and signed his name at the bottom in smooth, deliberate strokes.


    Another deal closed. Another business under Newton''s control. But the satisfaction was fleeting. This wasn''t the win he wanted.


    But despite everything, there was a nagging feeling in the back of his mind. A feeling that someone was trying to pull the rug out from under him.


    The light ahead turned red, and he rolled to a stop. That''s when he sneezed.


    "What the hell?" He sniffed, rubbing his nose.


    A small chuckle escaped him.


    His mother used to say sneezing out of nowhere meant someone was talking about you. Well, whoever it was, they could choke on it.


    Just as he was about to dismiss the thought, his phone buzzed from the passenger seat. He glanced at the screen. Morgan.


    He hadn''t forgot about the food truck business but he was no longer the one that handled it, he had a manager who paid their salaries and gave him his share of the money ¨C the whole business made around $200,000-$250,000 since he had bought more trucks.


    With a sigh, he tapped the call button and put it on speaker. "Yeah?"


    "You''re not gonna like this," Morgan said without preamble.


    Ethan frowned. "That''s a great way to start a conversation."


    "Newton Corp. tried to buy out the food truck business."


    Ethan''s fingers tightened around the wheel. "And?"


    "I refused Boss. Told them it wasn''t my call."


    A slow smirk spread across Ethan''s face. "Good."


    "Yeah, but now they know it''s yours," Morgan continued. "They were pissed. And I mean really pissed."


    Ethan let out a slow breath, glancing at the Newton Corp. building as he drove past it. "Let them be pissed."


    "You sure that''s a good idea?" Morgan asked. "You know what kind of guy their boss is. If he wants something, he gets it."


    Ethan''s smirk didn''t fade. "Not this time."


    Silence hung between them for a moment before Morgan sighed. "Alright, Boss. Just... keep your guard up."


    Ethan nodded to himself as he hung up the call.


    Ryan Caldwell could throw all the tantrums he wanted.


    None of his investments were going to join Newton.


    Not now.


    Not ever.

 Chapter 130 System Upgrade

    As soon as Ethan reached the house, the towering gates silently closed behind him, the faint hum of the automated security system confirming that everything was locked in place.


    He barely acknowledged the gatemen with a small nod before stepping inside.


    The familiar scent of polished wood and faint vanilla from the air freshener greeted him as he kicked off his shoes and made his way straight to his room.


    Without wasting time, he freshened up, letting the cool water wash away the exhaustion clinging to his body. It felt great against his skin, that much was certain and he was reluctant to turn off the shower.


    Running a towel through his damp hair, he exhaled and walked back to the living room.


    The lights automatically adjusted to a warm glow, casting soft shadows on the walls. He sank into the couch, pulling out his laptop.


    This wasn''t about sorting tickets or resort operations. The staff handled those things efficiently.


    No, Ethan had something else on his mind ¡ª something bigger. His business portfolio was growing, but if he wanted to take things to the next level, he couldn''t afford to make small moves anymore.


    He needed a large-scale investment. Something transformative like the resort, something that would give him fame.


    He opened a search tab, fingers poised over the keyboard. Various ideas ran through his mind ¡ª real estate, luxury tourism expansions, high-tech startups but he needed to verify from experienced people.


    Before he could type anything, his gaze drifted to the edge of the table.


    The Black System Phone.


    It had been a while since he last touched it, left forgotten in the background as his resort and other businesses flourished. But something about it caught his attention now, like an itch in the back of his mind.


    He reached for it and, the moment his fingers wrapped around the sleek, matte-black device, a notification flashed across the screen.


    Ethan''s eyes widened. His heart skipped a beat.


    [Total Resort Revenue: $4,875,200]


    [Return Points Generated: 1010%]


    His breath hitched.


    He had access to the bank account, of course, but he hadn''t expected the resort to generate this much so soon. It had been busy, but seeing the numbers laid out like this made the success tangible.


    Then another message popped up.


    [Return Points are now sufficient for System Upgrade. Would you like to proceed?]


    Ethan''s fingers hovered over the screen.


    Upgrade? He hadn''t thought much about the mechanics of the System beyond the initial benefits, but if an upgrade was available, it could mean new features ¡ª perhaps even new ways to expand his empire.


    Curiosity won. He tapped the Upgrade button.


    The phone vibrated violently in his palm. A sharp hum filled the air, and before he could react, the device shifted, the screen flashing with streaks of black light.


    Technology? Too unpredictable. While tech startups had huge profit margins, they were also incredibly volatile.


    He wasn''t looking for a gamble ¡ª he was looking for a surefire win.


    Real estate? Already covered. The resort was bringing in massive revenue, and any future expansions would fall under that umbrella. He also had the apartments he was buying and selling.


    Then an idea struck him.


    Gambling.


    He''d been around long enough to understand how money really moved in the underground.


    The businesses that thrived weren''t just the clean, legitimate ones.


    No, the real profits flowed through vices ¡ª things people couldn''t resist. And among them, gambling was king.


    Casinos weren''t just places for entertainment; they were powerhouses of cash flow.


    Whether it was high-rollers dropping millions on a single bet or desperate gamblers throwing away their last dollar in hopes of a miracle, the house always won.


    And if he controlled the house...


    Almost as if it had been waiting for him to make the decision, the System responded.


    A new notification appeared on his holographic screen.


    [A Suitable Land Has Been Found for Your Casino Investment.]


    [Casino Investment Plan has been placed onto The Pending Plan Section]


    Ethan''s brow arched. That was fast.


    He tapped the message, and a detailed map projection appeared before him.


    The land was perfectly placed ¡ª not too close to other high-end businesses, yet accessible enough to attract wealthy clients and underground players alike.


    But there was a catch.


    It was empty unlike anything he had bought since he got his hands on good money.


    No existing infrastructure, no buildings ¡ª just raw land waiting to be developed.


    He would have to build the casino from the ground up.


    He preferred it that way.


    Because once it was up and running?


    The city would never be the same.

 Chapter 131 Land Purchased

    Ethan stepped into the kitchen, his footsteps muffled against the tiled floor.


    The house was silent, save for the faint hum of the refrigerator as he opened it.


    He grabbed a chilled bottle of juice, unscrewing the cap with one hand while his other hand scrolled through his sleek new System Watch.


    The underground world thrived on high-stakes gambling.


    A well-placed casino could be the ultimate financial weapon, raking in millions while also serving as a meeting ground for high-profile figures.


    Ethan had seen how much money moved through underground poker games and private betting clubs.


    If he built his own, he wouldn''t just be running a business ¡ª he''d be controlling an entire ecosystem.


    He took a sip of the juice.


    Too cold.


    The sudden chill burned his tongue slightly, making him wince.


    He sighed, placing the glass down on the counter.


    He turned his focus back to the System Watch, tapping through the real estate listings.


    A moment later, the one that he saw earlier that the System had recommended, a 15-acre plot of land for $500,000.


    Ethan''s brows raised slightly. That cheap?


    The location wasn''t too remote, but it wasn''t in the heart of the city either.


    That was perfect. If it was too central, authorities and regulations would be a hassle.


    If it was too far out, attracting customers would be an issue.


    This land struck the perfect balance.


    The System even projected customer traffic ¡ª both high rollers and casual gamblers would be drawn to it.


    Ethan didn''t hesitate.


    [Purchase Land ¨C $500,000?]


    He tapped YES.


    The System processed the transaction instantly. Within seconds, a confirmation screen popped up:


    [Transaction Complete. The property is now registered under your name. Legal documents will be prepared and delivered by tomorrow.]


    Ethan exhaled, taking another sip of juice ¡ª this time prepared for the cold. This System was something else.


    It didn''t just give him ideas; it handled everything in the background, from paperwork to logistics.


    It was like having a personal AI assistant dedicated to making him richer.


    And yet, Ethan knew he couldn''t become complacent.


    "You''re making me lazy," he muttered to the System Watch, smirking slightly.


    He wasn''t naive. The gambling world was a power play, and he had to be in control.


    If he was going to open a casino, it had to be a place where even the biggest sharks knew whose waters they were swimming in.


    The System Watch flickered, offering additional options:


    [Legal Casino: High-end, celebrity-friendly, government-approved.]


    [VIP Underground Casino: High-roller exclusive, minimal oversight, maximum profit.]


    [Hybrid Model: Legal front, underground backroom for special clients.]


    Ethan smirked. He already knew his answer.


    [Selected: Hybrid Model]


    The casino would have the best of both worlds.


    A legal, high-class establishment on the surface, but with exclusive VIP areas where only those who knew the right people could enter.


    But for now, he was done exploring. His mind was already on tomorrow.


    A soft vibration from his regular phone pulled him out of his thoughts.


    He glanced at the screen ¡ª a new message from an unknown number.


    [Come pick up the land deeds tomorrow. Location and time will be sent in the morning.]


    Ethan''s lips curled into a slight smirk.


    The process was fast and efficient. Just the way he liked it.


    He liked the new update, the System wasnt wasting any time.


    Without overthinking it, he switched to his phone and shot a text to Zack.


    [Ethan: I won''t be at the resort early tomorrow.]


    The response came almost immediately.


    [Zack: Again? Bro, don''t tell me you''re taking another girl out. How many is that this month?]


    Ethan rolled his eyes. Zack never slept at a reasonable hour, always up doing God-knows-what.


    He didn''t even bother arguing about the ''taking girls out'' part. He simply replied:


    [Ethan: Not what you''re thinking.]


    That was enough for Zack to get the message.


    He understood Ethan well enough to know that if he wasn''t spilling details, there was no point prying further.


    A simple "Got it" followed, and that was the end of it.


    Still, Ethan knew that Zack was probably smirking on the other side of the phone, convinced he was up to something shady.


    With that handled, Ethan switched to another chat ¡ª Lila.

 Chapter 132 Deeds To The Land

    She was offline.


    A pang of guilt settled in his chest. He had been so caught up in his investments that he hadn''t texted her back sooner.


    He hesitated for a moment before typing.


    [Ethan: Sorry for not replying earlier. Got caught up with some things. Hope you''re doing okay.]


    It wasn''t much, but at least it was something.


    He debated whether to add more but decided against it.


    She''d see it when she woke up.


    Setting the phone down on the bedside table, he exhaled deeply and stretched.


    His body was starting to feel the weight of the day.


    Pulling off his watch and tossing it onto the nightstand, he climbed into bed, letting his head sink into the pillow.


    Tomorrow was going to be big.


    And he needed to be ready for it.


    Within minutes, sleep claimed him.


    #####


    Ethan stirred awake as a faint beeping noise reached his ears.


    At first, it blended into his dreams, just another distant sound in the background, but as the beeping grew louder and sharper, reality crashed in.


    His eyes fluttered open, met with the soft glow of his System Watch vibrating on the nightstand.


    It was ringing ¡ª an alarm.


    Since when did he set an alarm on the System?!


    He groaned, reaching out sluggishly to grab it.


    A quick glance at the holographic display showed the time ¡ª 8:00 AM.


    "Already?" he muttered, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.


    He sat up, stretching his arms above his head as he tried to shake off the lingering drowsiness.


    The resort had already opened by now, but he wasn''t going today.


    He had told Zack the night before.


    For a brief moment, as he sat there in the silence of his room, a thought crossed his mind.


    The house was too empty.


    So why the hell was a real estate transaction happening here?


    Shaking off the thought, he stepped inside.


    The air was cool, the scent of freshly polished floors lingering as he made his way toward the counter.


    Behind it, a young man in a neatly pressed uniform was wiping down the surface with a small rug.


    Ethan approached, resting his hands on the counter.


    "Morning," he greeted. "I was told to come here to pick up the deeds to a piece of land."


    The receptionist paused mid-wipe, glancing up at him.


    For a second, there was hesitation. Then, as if recognizing something, he gave a quick nod.


    "Yes, sir. One moment."


    The man turned, moving toward a set of drawers behind the counter.


    Ethan tapped his fingers against the countertop, watching as he pulled out a thick envelope.


    Turning back, the receptionist placed the envelope in front of him.


    "My boss isn''t here at the moment," he explained, "but he''s already signed everything. You''ll find all the necessary documents inside."


    Ethan picked up the envelope, weighing it in his hands. It felt solid ¡ª important.


    "That''s it?"


    The receptionist gave a slight smile. "That''s it."


    Ethan nodded, slipping the envelope under his arm.


    "Alright, thanks."


    With that, he turned and walked out.


    With the envelope secured in the passenger seat, Ethan tapped his phone, pulling up the GPS coordinates of the land he had just purchased.


    The holographic display flickered to life, showing a detailed map of the city with a blinking blue dot marking his destination.


    He locked in the route, the watch automatically syncing with his car''s dashboard.


    "Alright, let''s see what I just bought."


    The Porsche''s engine hummed smoothly as he pulled out of the parking lot and merged onto the road.


    The location wasn''t far, but it wasn''t exactly prime real estate either like his other investments.


    Ethan noticed the gradual shift as he left the bustling main roads behind, driving through quieter streets that had fewer businesses and more open spaces.


    It was still within the city limits ¡ª not completely off-grid ¡ª but it was the kind of place where people didn''t just stumble across unless they were looking for it.


    Perfect for a casino.

 Chapter 133 Securing Workers

    He smirked slightly.


    The underground scene thrived on privacy, exclusivity, and high-stakes games.


    A casino built in a hidden yet accessible area had all the makings of a goldmine.


    And more importantly, it was a clean investment.


    Unlike the resort, which catered to the public, a casino would attract the wealthy, the reckless, and the powerful.


    People who wouldn''t blink at spending thousands ¡ª sometimes millions ¡ª on a single night of indulgence.


    As long as he played his cards right, the profits would be insane.


    After about twenty minutes, the GPS signaled his arrival.


    Ethan took a turn onto a smaller, narrower road, passing through a break in the tree line.


    The pavement here was less maintained, cracks running through its surface, but it was still drivable.


    Then, just ahead, he saw it.


    The land.


    A vast, open space surrounded by a sturdy fence.


    He pulled up near the entrance, stepping out of the car as his gaze swept across the property.


    It was big. Much bigger than he had expected.


    The price had been cheap ¡ª almost suspiciously so ¡ª but now he understood why.


    The previous owner had clearly been desperate to get rid of it.


    The entire plot was covered in overgrown grass and weeds, some areas almost knee-high.


    Nature had taken over quite literally.


    Ethan stepped forward, pushing open the rusted metal gate.


    It groaned in protest, hinges stiff from lack of use.


    As he walked further in, he could tell the land had once been maintained.


    The fence was sturdy, the layout wasn''t completely chaotic ¡ª someone had invested in securing the area at some point.


    But now?


    It had been left to rot.


    And that worked in his favor.


    A cheap buy, but with endless potential.


    He exhaled, hands in his pockets as he scanned the space.


    "This is gonna take some work."


    Pulling out his phone, Ethan snapped a few pictures of the land.


    Not for himself, but for the people he was about to hire.


    Clearing this much overgrowth wasn''t something he''d waste his own time on.


    He needed professionals.


    The moment he stepped back near his car, his System Watch flickered.


    [Would you like assistance in hiring workers?]


    Ethan smirked. It was like the damn thing read his mind.


    "Yeah. Get me a team that can clear this place out by the end of the day."


    Despite their identical looks, they worked with precision.


    Some started with machetes, hacking down the taller weeds.


    Others grabbed shovels, loosening the roots before tossing them into a pile.


    A few even had small chainsaws for the thicker overgrowth.


    It was fast, organized, and ¡ª most importantly ¡ª efficient.


    Ethan had expected the usual half-hearted effort most workers put in when they thought no one was watching.


    But these guys? They worked like a well-trained unit.


    Like they''d done this a hundred times before.


    Ethan folded his arms, feeling satisfied.


    The land was big, but at this pace, they''d have it cleared by the end of the day, just like he had wanted.


    Which wasn''t bad.


    His phone vibrated in his pocket, pulling him from his thoughts.


    Checking the screen, he saw a text from Zack.


    [Zack: Not showing up at the resort today, huh?]


    Ethan smirked, typing a quick reply.


    [Ethan: Told you last night. I''ve got business to handle.]


    [Zack: Woman business?]


    Ethan paused before replying.


    [Ethan : Something like that.]


    Zack didn''t press further.


    He never did when Ethan kept things vague.


    Putting the phone away, Ethan turned his attention back to the land.


    The Radleys continued working at a breakneck pace.


    Ethan spotted one of the younger-looking ones moving toward a tree at the edge of the property.


    The guy adjusted his grip on a chainsaw before pulling the cord.


    A few seconds later ¡ª


    Vrrrmm ¡ª !


    The machine roared to life, and within moments, the tree began to tilt.


    "Timber!"


    It came down with a heavy thud, sending up a small cloud of dust.


    Ethan nodded approvingly.


    They were efficient. He liked that.


    He moved toward the eldest Radley, who was overseeing the work with his hands on his hips.


    "You do this often?" Ethan asked.


    The man grinned. "Been clearing land since we were kids. Our old man taught us everything."


    Ethan smirked. "That explains the teamwork."


    The man chuckled, his eyes scanning the workers. "If you need anything else after this job, just call."

 Chapter 134 Ethan, Come Over

    Ethan took note of that. Having a reliable team was always a good investment.


    "Good to know," he said.


    Hours passed, and by the time the sun was starting to dip, the land looked completely different.


    Where there had once been an overgrown mess, there was now a flat, cleared space.


    No weeds. No tangled roots. Just open land, ready for construction.


    The Radleys had finished.


    Ethan gave a satisfied nod.


    The eldest Radley walked over, wiping sweat off his forehead with the back of his hand.


    "That''s it," he said. "Cleared, just like you asked."


    Ethan scanned the area, impressed. "Fast work."


    The man shrugged. "We get it done."


    Ethan pulled out his phone, confirming with the payment had been transferred.


    He had paid them $5,000, the amount they had charged was about $3,000 but he decided to add a bit of a tip untop to make sure he was going to be a priority customer.


    "Your money''s in."


    The Radley grinned. "Pleasure doing business."


    With that, the brothers packed up their tools, loaded into the truck, and drove off.


    Ethan stood there for a while, staring at the now-empty land.


    It wasn''t much to look at right now.


    But soon?


    This place would be a high-end casino.


    Grant Radley checked his phone and his eyes widened. "Boss, this is way more than we agreed on."


    Ethan shrugged. "Call it a bonus for the quick work."


    For a moment, Grant just stared, as if trying to figure out if Ethan was serious.


    Then, a wide grin stretched across his rugged face.


    "Damn, appreciate it. Really, boss, this means a lot. You ever need any more work done, the Radleys got your back."


    Ethan smirked. "I''ll keep that in mind."


    Behind Grant, his brothers had already climbed into the truck, their spirits visibly high.


    One of them even whistled as he patted the back of Grant was trying to enter the truck. "We''re eating good tonight, boys!"


    The call ended, and Ethan sat there for a moment, staring at his phone before tossing it onto the passenger seat.


    What was this about?


    Whatever it was, it wasn''t like him to leave questions unanswered.


    He started the car, revved the engine, and pulled onto the road.


    Lila was waiting.


    Ethan gripped the steering wheel tightly, his fingers pressing into the leather as he sped down the road.


    Maybe he was rushing, maybe he wasn''t.


    All he knew was that his foot was pressed against the gas, and his mind was racing just as fast.


    Lila''s voice had been... different.


    There was something in her tone, something that made it impossible for him to ignore.


    She wasn''t the type to call for no reason. And she definitely wasn''t the type to ask for help.


    The city blurred past him, neon lights flickering against his windshield as he weaved through traffic.


    He barely paid attention to the streets ¡ª his body moved on instinct, navigating the familiar route to Lila''s apartment.


    His phone buzzed again, but he ignored it. Not now.


    When he finally pulled up in front of her place, he barely took a second to park properly.


    He killed the engine, stepping out before the car had fully settled.


    He knew she had a roommate, some girl whose name he never bothered to remember, but right now, that didn''t matter.


    There was no time.


    His heartbeat was a steady, heavy thump in his chest as he crossed the sidewalk in long strides, his shoes scraping against the pavement.


    He reached the door, pushed it open without hesitation ¡ª


    And then he saw...


    Well.


    He didn''t even know what he saw.


    The moment stretched out, a second feeling like an eternity as his eyes landed on ¡ª


    [Author''s Note]


    The Venerable Immortal Izana is here, Youve reached this point in the novel? Ah thanks for reading so far, so we''re not done with Volume 1 which will finish within next month.


    The MC is going to work on the Casino and much more investments throughout this book and I''m glad to say I haven''t even reached halfway of what I''ve decided for this novel.


    Well next month we''ll be needing Golden tickets, power stones and gifts, I''ll try to mass release to the best I can as I have promised, this is the last chapter of the month so enjoy!


    - Izana out.

 Chapter 135 A Sticky Situation

    ---


    Pre-Author''s Note:


    Happy New month my guys, let''s begin this new month with a bang! 10 chapter mass release commences now!


    ---


    Ethan''s gaze fell on Lila, and for a moment, he just stood there, taking in the sight before him.


    Her chestnut brown hair was damp, strands clinging to her skin as if she had just stepped out of the shower.


    The bathrobe she wore was loosely tied, barely covering her as she swayed slightly on her feet.


    Her cheeks were flushed a deep red, her hazel eyes glassy and unfocused.


    Was she drunk?


    She took a small, unsteady step back, nearly toppling over in response, and Ethan instinctively moved forward, catching her before she could stumble.


    Her body felt warm against his as she leaned into him, her fingers gripping his shirt weakly.


    "Ethan..." she mumbled, her voice hushed and slurred. He barely understood the rest of her words, just bits and pieces of gibberish that made no sense.


    His arms wrapped around her to keep her from falling, and that was when he caught the scent ¡ª alcohol.


    She smelled strongly of it, the sharp, unmistakable scent clinging to her like a second skin.


    She let out a small, incoherent moan of his name, and the sound sent a shiver down his spine, making the hairs on his skin stand on end.


    Ethan exhaled through his nose, trying to focus.


    That was when his eyes flickered to the side, and he noticed the couch.


    Her roommate was there, slouched in an awkward position, completely unconscious.


    A half-empty bottle of alcohol was still clutched in her hand, tilted just enough that the remaining liquid dripped onto the floor in slow, steady drops.


    A small puddle was already forming beneath it.


    Ethan sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.


    What the hell were they doing?


    Lila wasn''t a heavy drinker ¡ª or at least, not the kind to get wasted like this.


    Something must''ve happened, but now wasn''t the time to ask questions.


    He adjusted his hold on her and carefully led her toward the couch, easing her down onto the cushions.


    She clung to him tightly, reluctant to let go, and for a second, he thought she might just refuse to sit down at all.


    But her body was weak, exhausted from whatever led to this drunken state, and she eventually slumped into the couch with a soft sigh.


    Ethan glanced around, spotting her phone wedged between the couch cushions.


    She plucked them from the hand, tossed them into her mouth, and quickly chased them down with water, wincing at how dry her throat was.


    The relief wouldn''t come immediately, but at least she had something to help dull the throbbing in her head.


    It wasn''t until she had drained half the cup that she finally looked up at the person who had given her the medicine.


    She expected to see her roommate, maybe standing there with a knowing smirk, ready to tease her about whatever had happened last night.


    But it wasn''t her roommate.


    It was Ethan.


    Lila froze.


    The cup wobbled in her grip, and she barely managed to stop herself from dropping it.


    Her breath hitched, her heart rate picking up, and suddenly, the headache wasn''t the only thing making her feel lightheaded.


    "Hey..." she said, her voice hoarse and uncertain.


    It came out weaker than she intended, almost nervous.


    And the worst part?


    Ethan did not look happy.


    His sharp blue eyes bore into her, filled with something unreadable ¡ª displeasure? Disappointment? Frustration?


    Maybe all of the above.


    He was standing at the edge of her bed, arms crossed over his chest, his jaw tight. He was wearing the same clothes from earlier, which meant he had been here the whole time.


    Lila gulped.


    Suddenly, a flood of hazy memories rushed in.


    The alcohol.


    Her roommate convincing her to drink a little more than she should have.


    Ethan showing up.


    Her... clinging to him.


    ''Oh, God.''


    Her face burned, and she quickly averted her gaze, gripping the cup a little too tightly.


    Ethan sighed, and the sound made her stomach twist.


    "You want to tell me what the hell that was about?" he asked, his voice calm but firm.


    Lila bit her lip, hesitating.


    Did she even know how to answer that?

 Chapter 136 Have Some Dinner

    Lila mumbled something under her breath, but even she wasn''t sure what it was.


    Her mind was a tangled mess, her thoughts sluggish and hazy, like she was trying to wade through thick fog.


    She squeezed the empty cup in her hands, as if grounding herself, before glancing up at Ethan.


    His expression was unreadable, but his eyes ¡ª those piercing, unwavering eyes ¡ª held an unspoken demand.


    She swallowed hard.


    Lila knew she had to say something. Fast.


    "We... we finished exams," she started, her voice raspy and weak.


    She cleared her throat and tried again. "That''s part of why I wasn''t upset that you were so busy. I mean, I was a little frustrated, but I understood."


    Ethan''s face didn''t change, and that made her more nervous.


    She forced herself to continue. "Cynthia ¡ª my roommate ¡ª and I thought drinking would be a good way to celebrate. You know, since I wasn''t going on any dates or anything, and I didn''t want to be a bother to you."


    His expression softened, just slightly.


    Lila exhaled shakily, relieved that he wasn''t completely mad.


    "So, Cynthia bought a few bottles, and we drank," she admitted. "At first, I thought I''d be fine. I only had one sip. But then my head started feeling hot, and Cynthia said I should drink more. That it would help get my mind off everything and that we could just enjoy the night."


    She winced, rubbing her temple as a dull ache throbbed against her skull.


    "So, I did," she said. "And well... that led to this."


    Silence.


    The weight of Ethan''s stare pressed on her, making her shift uncomfortably.


    She risked a glance up at him, bracing herself for disappointment, but to her surprise...


    The sharp edge in his gaze had faded.


    The tension in his shoulders loosened, and the furrow between his brows smoothed out.


    Then, before she could process what was happening, Ethan leaned in, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to her forehead.


    Lila froze.


    Her breath hitched.


    His lips were warm against her skin, his presence solid and grounding, and for a moment, she just sat there, heart pounding in her chest.


    "I was worried," Ethan murmured, his voice quiet but firm. "But I''m glad it was only that."


    He pulled back, and the warmth of his kiss lingered, spreading through her chest like a slow-burning fire.


    Lila''s body moved before her brain could catch up.


    She leaned in, tilting her head up to capture his lips in a kiss.


    But before she could ¡ª


    Ethan''s hand came up, gently but firmly blocking her lips.


    "So, what''s the plan for tomorrow?" he asked, his tone casual.


    Lila took a moment to think.


    "I was going to sleep in all night," she admitted. "But someone decided to wake me up with water and painkillers."


    Ethan smirked. "You''re welcome."


    She rolled her eyes but smiled. "Since I''m awake now... I don''t know. I kind of just want to stay in."


    Ethan hummed thoughtfully. "No wild parties? No more drinking?"


    She glared. "Do you want me to punch you?"


    His smirk widened. "Not particularly, no."


    Lila sighed, shaking her head. "I swear, you''re impossible."


    "Mm." He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "But you love me for it."


    Lila nearly choked on her food.


    She stared at him, flustered, and Ethan just sat there, perfectly relaxed, watching her with an infuriatingly calm expression.


    He was messing with her. Again.


    Lila narrowed her eyes.


    Slowly, deliberately, she took another bite of food.


    Then, just as slowly, she chewed and swallowed.


    Ethan raised an eyebrow, clearly waiting for her reaction.


    Lila set her fork down, wiped her mouth with a napkin, and met his gaze.


    "Ask me again when I don''t reek of alcohol."


    Ethan laughed.


    Lila smirked in satisfaction, grabbing another bite of food.


    Maybe she really had lucked out with this one.


    Lila tilted her head slightly, staring at Ethan with a soft but teasing look in her eyes.


    "Now do I reek of alcohol?" she asked, her voice barely above a murmur.


    Ethan exhaled through his nose, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.


    He took a moment, leaning in just slightly as if testing the air around her, before finally shaking his head.


    "Nope."


    That was all she needed to hear.


    Before he could react, Lila closed the gap between them and stole his lips in an instant.


    The kiss was warm, soft, and filled with an unspoken relief.


    A silent "thank you" for taking care of her. For worrying about her. For being there.

 Chapter 137 A Troublesome Roommate

    Ethan''s breath caught, but he didn''t hesitate to kiss her back, his hand instinctively moving to cup her cheek.


    The moment felt peaceful, intimate ¡ª


    Until a loud clatter interrupted them.


    They broke apart just as Cynthia staggered into the room, balancing a plate of food in one hand while rubbing her bleary eyes with the other.


    She squinted at them like she was trying to process what she was seeing.


    Then, completely unfazed, she cleared her throat and muttered,


    "Fuck. This hits the spot."


    Ethan blinked.


    Lila groaned, covering her face with both hands. "Oh my god, Cynthia."


    Cynthia ignored her.


    Instead, she flopped down onto the bed like she owned the place, setting her plate down on another desk with a satisfied sigh.


    Ethan watched as she grabbed a piece of toast, took a huge bite, and chewed happily, completely unbothered by the fact that she had just walked in on them mid-kiss.


    Ethan didn''t know why, but something about her felt like the exact opposite of Lila.


    If Lila was timid, then this girl literally screamed social.


    Now that he was actually getting a good look at her, Cynthia''s appearance reflected her bold personality.


    Her dark raven-black hair was short, stopping just above her shoulders in messy, uneven waves.


    It looked like she had either cut it herself in a hurry or didn''t care enough to style it properly.


    A bright red streak ran through her bangs, standing out starkly against the deep black.


    She had a sharper jawline than Lila, her cheekbones slightly more pronounced, giving her a natural edgy charm.


    Her deep brown eyes held a mischievous spark, always looking like she was up to something.


    Unlike Lila''s usual soft expressions, Cynthia''s face was always animated, her mouth always moving, whether it was talking, eating, or smirking.


    And her outfit?


    She was effortlessly messy but stylish.


    She wore an oversized black hoodie, the sleeves a little too long, hanging past her wrists.


    Her ripped denim shorts looked like they had seen better days, but she owned the look.


    A pair of striped thigh-high socks completed the outfit, making her seem both lazy and put-together at the same time.


    Ethan could already tell ¡ª Cynthia was like chaotic energy in human form.


    Lila sighed, finally pulling her hands away from her face. "Cynthia, could you not?"


    Cynthia raised an eyebrow, still chewing. "What? You were gonna make out on our bed."


    Ethan smirked. "Am I?"


    Lila smacked his arm again.


    Cynthia snickered, finishing the last of her food before stretching her arms over her head.


    "Welp, this was fun, but I gotta crash again. Hangover''s a bitch." She yawned, standing up and grabbing her plate.


    "Oh, and if you guys are gonna start making out again, at least take it to a hotel room,."


    Lila threw a pillow at her.


    Cynthia dodged it effortlessly. "Love you too, bestie."


    She winked before disappearing out of the room.


    As soon as the door shut, Lila groaned loudly and buried her face back into Ethan''s chest.


    He chuckled, wrapping his arms around her. "She''s... a lot."


    Lila sighed. "You have no idea."


    Ethan smirked, pressing a light kiss to the top of her head.


    "Actually," he murmured, "I think I do."


    Lila groaned again, but she was smiling.


    Lila tilted her head, staring up at Ethan. The warmth of his presence had settled her nerves, but a thought lingered in the back of her mind.


    She glanced at the clock. It was already past midnight.


    A frown tugged at her lips. "Weren''t you... busy before?"


    Ethan exhaled through his nose, rubbing the back of his neck.


    His sharp gaze softened just a little as he met her eyes.


    "I was," he admitted. "But as soon as I got the call, I came over."


    Lila''s fingers curled around the edge of the blanket draped over her lap. "You didn''t have to rush..."


    Ethan''s expression darkened slightly. "Lila, you were drunk and passed out. You really think I''d just stay put and wait until the next day to see you?"


    His voice wasn''t angry.


    But there was something firm about it ¡ª something that made warmth bloom in her chest.


    He had dropped everything just for her.


    Her lips parted, but before she could say anything, he let out a sigh and leaned back against the couch.


    "Besides, you know me." His smirk returned. "I don''t sleep early anyway."


    Lila rolled her eyes. "That doesn''t mean you should run around playing hero in the middle of the night."


    Ethan chuckled. "Oh? So now you''re scolding me for showing up?"

 Chapter 138 A Morning To Remember

    Lila''s face heated. "No! That''s not what I meant ¡ª I just ¡ª "


    He raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying this.


    She groaned, grabbing a pillow and shoving it against his chest.


    Ethan laughed, catching her wrist before she could retreat.


    He held her hand loosely in his, his thumb brushing over her knuckles absentmindedly.


    The playful atmosphere shifted.


    Lila''s heart skipped.


    Neither of them said anything for a moment.


    Then Ethan exhaled, rubbing his other hand over his face. "I should head back soon."


    Lila''s stomach twisted.


    She knew he needed to leave, but... she didn''t want him to.


    Her fingers instinctively tightened around his.


    Ethan noticed. His brows lifted slightly in curiosity, but he didn''t pull away.


    Lila swallowed, then, before she could overthink it, she whispered, "You could... stay the night."


    The room felt too quiet after she said it.


    Ethan blinked.


    His grip on her hand didn''t tighten, didn''t loosen.


    He just stared at her for a second, like he was waiting for her to take it back.


    Lila''s cheeks burned. "I ¡ª I mean, if you want to."


    A smirk flickered onto Ethan''s lips. "Are you asking me to sleep over?"


    Lila groaned, turning her face away. "Forget it. Just go."


    Ethan laughed.


    It was low and rich, the kind of laugh that sent shivers down her spine.


    Before she could try shoving him away again, he squeezed her hand.


    "I''ll stay," he murmured.


    Lila froze.


    She turned back to him, surprised. "You will?"


    Ethan hummed. "You clearly don''t want to be alone right now."


    Lila hesitated. She wanted to say that wasn''t entirely true ¡ª that she could survive a night without him.


    But she also knew she''d be lying.


    After everything tonight, she just wanted him here.


    And now, he was.


    She let out a small breath. "...Thank you."


    Ethan just smirked. "Don''t get used to it."


    She shoved him again.


    Lila''s roommate, Cynthia, wandered out of her room a while later, her hair a mess and her expression half-asleep.


    When she spotted Ethan still here, she paused, blinking at the two of them.


    The steady rise and fall of his breathing behind her.


    The way his arm had wrapped around her waist, pulling her close like she belonged there.


    Even in her sleep, she had leaned into it. Into him.


    But by the time morning came... he was gone.


    Lila blinked blearily at the empty space beside her, frowning slightly.


    Of course he was gone. He was a busy man.


    Still... she had wanted to wake up to him.


    Even if it was just for a few minutes.


    She bit her lip, trying to ignore the tiny pang of disappointment as she sat up, stretching her sore limbs.


    The faint scent of his cologne still lingered on the blankets, mixed with something warmer, something uniquely him.


    She let herself indulge in it for a second before shaking it off.


    Grumbling under her breath, she dragged herself out of bed and staggered to the kitchen, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.


    She usually woke up early to handle breakfast ¡ª especially since Cynthia was useless in that department.


    But today, something smelled different.


    It wasn''t just the usual eggs and toast she made.


    This was... richer. Savory.


    Her brows furrowed as she stepped into the kitchen ¡ª


    ¡ª And froze.


    Ethan was standing at the stove, cooking.


    Again.


    His dark hair was slightly damp, suggesting he had showered recently.


    His jacket was tied around his waist, leaving him in a fitted black shirt that clung to his frame.


    And his eyes?


    Locked right on the pan in front of him, focused, like this was the most serious mission of his life.


    Lila blinked, still trying to process the sight.


    Before she could say anything, Ethan glanced at her.


    "Morning," he said casually, as if this wasn''t completely unexpected.


    Lila opened her mouth. Then closed it.


    Then opened it again.


    "You''re ¡ª " She pointed at him, then at the food, then back at him. "You''re cooking?"


    Ethan smirked. "Observant as ever."


    Lila scowled. "You know what I mean."


    He flipped something in the pan with practiced ease. "Figured you might need a break after last night."


    Lila blinked.


    Last night.


    Right.


    She had been so sure he would just head home as soon as morning came.


    Instead, here he was.

 Chapter 139 Morning Teasing

    In her kitchen, making breakfast for her and her roomate..


    Her chest felt strangely warm.


    "...You didn''t have to do this," she mumbled, rubbing her arm.


    Ethan shot her a look. "Didn''t have to come over last night either. But I did."


    Lila''s lips parted.


    She didn''t know how to respond to that.


    Because it was true.


    He didn''t have to do any of this.


    And yet... he did.


    Instead of dealing with the sudden emotions bubbling up in her chest, she cleared her throat and changed the subject.


    "What are you even making?" She stepped closer, peering over his shoulder.


    Ethan smirked. "Wouldn''t you like to know?"


    Lila rolled her eyes. "Oh, come on, don''t act all mysterious. Just tell me."


    Ethan chuckled but finally relented, nudging the plate beside him. "Pancakes, eggs, bacon. Simple stuff."


    Lila glanced at the plate.


    Okay. Maybe simple wasn''t the right word.


    The pancakes were golden brown, fluffy, stacked neatly with a drizzle of syrup.


    The eggs were perfectly scrambled, and the bacon was crispy without being burnt.


    It looked... really good.


    And it smelled even better.


    She eyed him suspiciously. "Where did you even learn to cook like this?"


    Ethan shrugged. "Here and there."


    Lila narrowed her eyes. "Here and there, huh?"


    He smirked. "You''re not the only one who knows their way around a kitchen, Lila."


    She crossed her arms. "I find that hard to believe."


    Ethan just chuckled, shaking his head. "Then sit down and eat. Let the food speak for itself."


    Lila hesitated.


    Then, with a small sigh, she gave in and slid into one of the chairs.


    Ethan set a plate in front of her and leaned back against the counter, watching expectantly.


    Lila shot him a look. "You''re watching me eat now?"


    He shrugged. "I wanna see your reaction."


    She groaned but picked up her fork and took a bite.


    The moment the pancake hit her tongue, her eyes widened.


    "...Oh my God."


    Ethan smirked. "That good?"


    Cynthia shook her head as she reached the stove, where the scent of freshly cooked food still lingered in the air.


    She inhaled.


    And damn.


    It smelled amazing.


    She hadn''t even tasted it yet, but she already knew it was way better than the sad excuse for breakfast she and Lila usually had.


    She turned to Ethan, quirking a brow.


    "You made all this?"


    Ethan just gave a small shrug, like it wasn''t a big deal.


    "Yeah."


    Cynthia eyed him suspiciously.


    "You cook often?"


    "Every now and then."


    Cynthia wasn''t convinced.


    Guys who "cooked every now and then" didn''t just wake up and make pancakes this damn fluffy or eggs this perfectly scrambled.


    Lila ¡ª who had finally recovered from her earlier embarrassment ¡ª saw her expression and jumped in.


    "He''s good, isn''t he?"


    Cynthia scoffed. "Good? Try better than both of us combined."


    Ethan smirked but didn''t say anything, just went back to casually sipping his coffee.


    Cynthia, meanwhile, grabbed a plate and piled it high with food before making her way to the couch.


    Because, of course, the tiny-ass table only had two chairs.


    She plopped onto the couch and balanced the plate on her lap, stabbing her fork into the eggs and taking a huge bite.


    The moment the food hit her tongue, her eyebrows shot up.


    "...Okay," she said after swallowing. "I take back everything I ever said about you."


    Ethan chuckled, his deep voice low and amused. "Everything, huh?"


    Cynthia pointed her fork at him. "Don''t push your luck."


    Ethan just smirked again, taking another sip of coffee.


    Lila, meanwhile, was still trying to pretend the whole toast-feeding incident never happened.


    Cynthia, of course, wasn''t about to let that go.


    She casually leaned back against the couch, chewing thoughtfully.


    "So," she said after a moment. "What''s next? You gonna start cutting up his pancakes for him too?"


    Lila choked on her drink.


    Ethan smirked wider.


    "You know," he mused, "I wouldn''t say no to that."


    Lila whipped her head toward him, scandalized.


    "Oh my God, Ethan ¡ª "

 Chapter 140 Interrogation

    Cynthia burst out laughing.


    Ethan just looked way too entertained.


    Lila covered her face with her hands, groaning. "I hate both of you."


    Cynthia, still laughing, lifted her fork in a mock toast.


    "To domestic bliss," she said.


    Ethan clinked his coffee mug against her fork, completely playing along.


    Lila wanted to disappear.


    But at the same time...


    Even though she was flustered and embarrassed, she couldn''t help but smile.


    Because, in its own weird way, this ¡ª the teasing, the easy banter, the comfortable atmosphere ¡ª it felt... nice.


    Really nice.


    And maybe, just maybe...


    She could get used to this.


    They ate in companionable silence, the occasional clink of forks against plates filling the small apartment.


    Cynthia, for once, was content, and that was saying a lot considering how loud and opinionated she usually was.


    The food was too good to waste energy talking, and she had to admit, having Ethan around wasn''t so bad.


    He cooked, he was quiet when needed, and ¡ª she snuck another glance at him ¡ª he was way too easy on the eyes.


    He was like the perfect boyfriend and she couldn''t help but think her roommate lucked out big time, now all he needed to do was to be some Mafia boss or rich guy and they would be set.


    Lila, of course, was acting normal again, even daring to sneak a few small touches here and there, brushing Ethan''s hand when reaching for something or pressing her knee against his under the table.


    Ethan, for his part, didn''t seem to mind.


    He''d just glance at her now and then, a small amused curve to his lips, like he enjoyed watching her squirm.


    Cynthia finished her plate and let out a content sigh before standing up and heading to the small refrigerator in the corner of the apartment.


    "I''m getting drinks," she announced, throwing the door open.


    The cold air hit her face, blowing her hair back a bit and she started navigating through the bottles of alcohol she''d shoved in there earlier.


    Not for now, of course. That was for later. It was clear after yesterday''s incident, she didn''t want to bring out the alcohol right now, and besides she had to at least look presentable to him.


    Instead, she grabbed a couple of cold sodas and malt drinks before turning back around.


    She tossed Ethan a malt.


    With zero hesitation, he caught it midair, popping it open in an instant.


    Cynthia froze.


    ''Okay. That was... smooth.''


    Her eyes widened slightly, eyebrows raising as she processed what just happened.


    His reflexes were insane.


    Not just normal guy-who-goes-to-the-gym good, but pro-athlete, been-in-danger-before kind of good.


    She narrowed her eyes.


    And then she turned to Lila.


    Her sweet, shy, wouldn''t-hurt-a-fly roommate who had never once mentioned that her boyfriend was one of the richest men in the goddamn city.


    "Lila," Cynthia said slowly. "You''re telling me you''ve been dating a multi-millionaire and didn''t think to mention it?"


    Lila sank deeper into her chair.


    "I didn''t think it was important," she mumbled.


    Cynthia nearly dropped her drink.


    "Didn''t think it was important?!" She turned back to Ethan. "Are you hearing this? This girl just casually forgot to tell me she''s dating a man who probably has more security guards than I have socks."


    Ethan chuckled, actually chuckled, before taking another sip of his drink.


    Lila, meanwhile, was seconds away from jumping out the window.


    Cynthia shook her head in disbelief.


    She had so many questions.


    Like ¡ª


    How the hell did this even happen?


    How did Lila ¡ª sweet, soft-spoken, easily flustered Lila ¡ª end up with someone like Ethan?


    A man who probably made million-dollar deals before breakfast?


    Cynthia narrowed her eyes at him.


    "Alright, spill. How did this happen?"


    Ethan raised an eyebrow. "How did what happen?"


    "You. And Lila." Cynthia gestured between them. "Like, no offense, but you look like you belong at some fancy gala, and she ¡ª "


    Lila immediately slapped a hand over Cynthia''s mouth.


    "Cynthia. Stop talking."


    Ethan just smirked.


    Cynthia yanked Lila''s hand off her face, not done interrogating.


    She turned back to Ethan, still looking skeptical.


    "I''m just saying, rich guys don''t usually date normal college girls."


    Ethan leaned forward slightly, his smirk never faltering.


    "And what exactly," he asked, voice smooth, "makes you think I''m interested in normal?"


    Cynthia blinked.


    Lila froze.


    The room was suddenly way too warm.


    Cynthia opened her mouth, then closed it, not sure how to respond to that.


    Lila, meanwhile, was practically burning alive in her seat.


    "Alright," Cynthia muttered, finally looking away. "Damn. You win this round."


    Ethan just smiled into his drink.

 Chapter 141 To The Construction Firm

    The sun had barely begun its slow ascent over the city when Ethan checked the time.


    [7:30 AM.]


    He exhaled through his nose, pocketing his phone after sending a quick message to Zack.


    [Ethan|: Not coming to the resort today. Handle things on your end.]


    Zack''s reply was almost immediate.


    [Figured. Don''t let me catch you slacking, boss.]


    Ethan smirked at that but didn''t bother responding.


    Zack was sharp ¡ª he probably suspected that Ethan''s change of plans had something to do with a new idea. But, to his credit, he didn''t pry.


    He leaned back against the kitchen counter, watching as Lila rinsed out her cup in the sink.


    The apartment was still filled with the lingering scent of breakfast, warm and familiar. He''d spent the night here.


    Not something he had originally planned.


    But when Lila had grabbed his hand last night, looking up at him with those soft eyes and asked him to stay the night, he hadn''t thought twice before agreeing.


    Ethan wasn''t the kind of man to ignore his responsibilities, though. While she had been asleep, he''d kept busy with the System.


    He had planned to finalize the schematics for the construction team he was hiring today.


    The casino project was already coming together, but there were some final touches he wanted to adjust.


    Additions, removals ¡ª minor details, but important ones.


    The System''s holographic interface had made it easy to modify the blueprints in real-time.


    A sleek, glowing projection had hovered in his vision as he made precise adjustments.


    He had adjusted the VIP lounge spacing, ensured the security layout was optimized, and even tweaked the structural design for aesthetic appeal.


    Once everything was finalized, he had saved the updated schematics and sent a file directly to his phone.


    And now, it was time to make things official.


    Ethan straightened, rolling his shoulders as he grabbed his keys.


    As soon as he walked in, the receptionist''s eyes widened slightly.


    "Good morning, sir. Do you have an appointment?"


    "Yes," Ethan said smoothly. "Ethan Grey. Here to discuss a project."


    The woman nodded quickly, typing something into her system before standing. "Of course. Right this way."


    She led him through the pristine office, where employees were already hard at work.


    The meeting room was spacious, and as soon as he stepped in, three men in suits were already waiting for him.


    One of them ¡ª a broad-shouldered man in his late 40s with salt-and-pepper hair ¡ª stood and extended his hand.


    "Mr. Grey," he said, a firm grip meeting Ethan''s. "Pleasure to finally meet you. I''m Mark Delacroix, head of operations."


    Ethan nodded, taking a seat. "Likewise."


    They wasted no time.


    The discussion was efficient and straight to the point.


    Ethan pulled up the blueprints on his phone, sliding them across the table.


    "I need this project done flawlessly. No delays, no shortcuts."


    Mark and his team examined the schematics, occasionally exchanging glances.


    After a few moments, Mark let out a low whistle. "Impressive design. But this level of customization... it''s not going to be cheap."


    Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Do I look like someone who cares about cost?"


    Mark leaned back in his chair, a hint of amusement flickering in his sharp, calculating gaze.


    "Fair point," he admitted, setting the phone with the blueprints down on the table. "You don''t seem like the type to cut corners, Mr. Grey. But even with an unlimited budget, a project like this requires more than just money. You need precision, patience, and the right people for the job."


    Ethan gave a short nod. "That''s why I''m here."


    Mark exchanged a glance with his colleagues ¡ª two senior architects, one of whom, a woman in her mid-thirties with dark-rimmed glasses, adjusted her seat before speaking.


    "Your design is ambitious," she said, folding her hands. "Most clients either go for efficiency or extravagance, but you want both. A high-end casino with a seamless security system, soundproofed VIP rooms, multi-level dining and entertainment spaces, and an underground private suite floor for exclusive guests."


    Ethan met her gaze without hesitation. "If I wanted something ordinary, I''d have gone to a lesser firm."


    She let out a small chuckle, shaking her head. "I can respect that."

 Chapter 142 Its A Deal

    Mark took over, tapping his finger on the blueprint file displayed on the phone. "That underground section ¡ª your VIP floor ¡ª that''s going to be the most challenging part of the construction. A basement-level build of this scale requires heavy excavation, proper load-bearing calculations, and additional fire safety measures. Not to mention the city permits and zoning laws. We can get it done, but it''ll take time to get the legal paperwork in order."


    Ethan had already factored that in. "How long?"


    "Could take anywhere from four to six weeks just for approvals," Mark admitted. "Depends on how smooth things go with the city inspectors. And if any issues pop up ¡ª like soil instability or underground pipelines ¡ª we''d have to adjust the foundation plan accordingly."


    Ethan exhaled slowly, fingers drumming against the table. "And if I say I want it done in three?"


    Mark chuckled, shaking his head. "Then you''d have to pull some serious strings at City Hall."


    Ethan smirked. "I have connections. I''ll handle that part."


    Mark raised an eyebrow. "Alright then. That speeds things up. But let''s talk about the security infrastructure. Your request includes a fully integrated facial recognition system, keycard access for restricted areas, biometric authentication for high-roller rooms, and even private elevator access for specific guests. That''s cutting-edge tech ¡ª not just construction work."


    "That''s why I''m hiring specialists," Ethan replied smoothly. "I''ll have a separate team handling security and surveillance installations. I just need your firm to handle the structural aspects ¡ª wiring, concealed compartments for security hubs, reinforced walls for surveillance rooms, and bulletproof glass where necessary."


    The second architect, an older man with silver hair, nodded in approval. "That''s smart. Having the architecture and tech handled separately will keep things efficient."


    Ethan leaned forward. "What about soundproofing? I don''t want VIP rooms picking up noise from the casino floor."


    The woman in glasses nodded. "We''d use multi-layered acoustic panels, similar to what''s used in high-end recording studios. We can also install vibration dampeners between floors to minimize noise transfer."


    Mark scribbled something on his notepad. "We''ll also need to reinforce fire exits and ventilation systems. A casino this size needs top-tier air circulation and emergency routes."


    Ethan nodded. "Whatever it takes."


    Mark studied him for a moment before asking, "And what''s your timeline for opening?"


    Ethan didn''t hesitate. "I want it operational within seven months."


    Mark let out a low whistle. "That''s aggressive."


    "That''s doable," Ethan corrected. "If I get the permits expedited, and if your team is as good as your reputation says, you can make it happen."


    Mark grinned, leaning forward. "You don''t ask for small favors, Mr. Grey."


    "I don''t ask twice either," Ethan said simply.


    A tense silence filled the room before Mark let out a small chuckle. "I like your style." He extended his hand. "We have a deal."


    "Some of them," she replied, stacking them together. "Most belong to my department."


    "Architect?"


    "Structural engineer," she corrected, finally meeting his gaze. "And you?"


    Before he could answer, the sound of hurried footsteps approached from behind.


    A young man ¡ª probably an intern ¡ª came jogging down the hall, slightly out of breath.


    "Ethan Grey?" the guy asked, glancing between them.


    Ethan straightened, his brows raising slightly. "Yeah?"


    The intern exhaled, clearly relieved. "I was sent to collect the digital blueprint file for the casino project. Mr. Mark said you have it?"


    Ethan gave a short nod, then pulled out his phone. "What''s your number?"


    The young man rattled it off, and Ethan quickly sent the file over. "You should have it now."


    A notification dinged on the intern''s phone, and he checked it before giving Ethan a grateful smile. "Got it. Thanks, man."


    Ethan gave a slight nod. "No problem."


    The intern turned to go, already typing something into his phone, likely forwarding the file.


    Ethan shifted his attention back to the woman, ready to apologize again for the mishap ¡ª but she was gone.


    He blinked, glancing down the hall.


    There was no sign of her, just the lingering scent of something faintly floral in the air.


    Huh.


    That was... odd.


    Most people ¡ª especially in a place like this ¡ª would''ve stayed a little longer, maybe exchanged names or at least indulged in some small talk.


    But she had vanished the moment his attention was diverted, as if she had never been there at all.

 Chapter 143 Returning The Blueprints

    Ethan glanced down at his hand, realizing he was still holding onto one of her blueprints.


    It was different from the ones related to his casino ¡ª this one looked like a sketch for a high-rise building, notes scribbled in the margins in precise, small handwriting.


    He debated turning back to return it, but the hallway was empty now, and he didn''t exactly have time to go searching for a mystery engineer.


    Tucking the blueprint under his arm, he continued down the stairs.


    Ethan walked downstairs, the blueprints still in his hands.


    His initial instinct was to drop them off at the front desk and be on his way ¡ª after all, it wasn''t his problem.


    But as he approached the counter, something nagged at him.


    These weren''t just loose sheets of paper; they were carefully drawn plans, filled with precise measurements and detailed notes.


    Someone had put hours of work into these.


    Instead of setting them down and leaving, he glanced at the receptionist, a middle-aged woman with dark-rimmed glasses who was currently typing away on her computer.


    "Hey," he said, placing the blueprints on the counter. "These got dropped earlier. Do you know which department they belong to?"


    The receptionist barely looked up, her fingers still flying across the keyboard. "Let me check."


    She clicked a few times, then adjusted her glasses and finally met his gaze. "Structural Engineering. Third floor, east wing."


    Ethan nodded.


    He could''ve just left it at that, let them deal with it ¡ª but, for some reason, he didn''t. Maybe it was curiosity.


    Maybe it was the thought of someone frantically searching for missing documents.


    Either way, he picked the blueprints back up and turned on his heel.


    His strides were purposeful as he navigated the building, dodging employees carrying stacks of paperwork, murmuring into phones, or huddled in discussion.


    He weaved through the maze of desks and workstations, moving past whiteboards covered in hastily scrawled calculations and architects sketching out designs.


    This was certainly a busy place.


    Reaching the east wing, he paused outside a large open workspace where engineers were bent over drafting tables, some working on computers, others poring over physical blueprints much like the ones he held.


    Before he could scan the room for a familiar face, movement to his right caught his attention ¡ª and then he collided into someone.


    It wasn''t a hard impact, just enough to make both of them stumble slightly.


    There was a small beat before she stepped back. "I should probably go get these filed before something else happens to them. But seriously ¡ª thanks again."


    Ethan gave a short nod. "Anytime."


    As she turned and disappeared into the sea of workstations, Ethan found himself watching her for a moment longer than necessary.


    Then, shaking his head, he exhaled and made his way back toward the exit.


    Ethan slipped into his Porsche, shutting the door with a smooth click.


    He exhaled, resting his hands on the wheel for a moment.


    The meeting had gone well ¡ª better than expected.


    The construction team would be starting on the casino project next week, which meant he had a little breathing room.


    But he wasn''t the type to sit still.


    His phone vibrated on the passenger seat. Picking it up, he glanced at the screen. A message from Morgan .


    [Boss. Newton Corp is at it again. They''re here to make negotations]


    Ethan''s jaw tightened slightly as he read the text.


    He had known this would happen sooner or later after the first one.


    The food truck business had been doing well ¡ª too well ¡ª and that always put a target on your back.


    Especially with a place like Newton who wanted nothing more than to own your business till the bitter end.


    Morgan had been handling the day-to-day operations, but this wasn''t something Ethan was willing to ignore.


    He started the car, the low hum of the engine filling the silence as he pulled onto the road, heading toward the district where Morgan''s food truck took a shift.


    The streets were bustling by the time he arrived.


    The food truck scene had exploded in recent months, drawing in crowds from all over the city.


    The scent of grilled meats, spices, and fresh bread filled the air, mixing with the constant chatter of customers and the sizzling of food on hot surfaces.


    Ethan parked near one of his own trucks ¡ª The Grub Spot.


    The sleek black vehicle stood out among the rest, its logo bold and eye-catching.


    He could already see Morgan standing outside, arms crossed, his usual confident smirk missing.

 Chapter 144 A Talk With Newton Scouts

    The man was tall, stocky, and had a no-nonsense expression that only deepened when he spotted Ethan approaching.


    "Finally," Morgan muttered, crossing his arms. "I was starting to think you wouldn''t show Boss."


    Ethan arched a brow. "You think I''d ignore your call if it wasn''t serious?"


    Morgan exhaled, shaking his head. "It''s serious, alright. Newton Corp sent people. They''re waiting nearby."


    Ethan''s expression darkened at the mention of Newton Corp.


    If there was one company he wanted nothing to do with, it was them. After what they pulled in the past, there was no room for negotiations.


    And besides he already knew what this was all about ¨C after all they had come here before.


    "Where are they?" he asked, his voice calm but laced with clear disapproval.


    "Nearby restaurant. Figured you''d want to deal with it yourself."


    Ethan gave a curt nod. "Let''s not keep them waiting, then."


    The restaurant Morgan had chosen was a quiet, upscale spot ¡ª one of the few in the area that catered to high-end clientele despite being in the middle of the bustling street food scene.


    Ethan walked in first, scanning the room before spotting two Newton Corp representatives sitting at a table near the back.


    They were easy to recognize. Slick suits. Polished smiles. The kind of corporate professionalism that made Ethan''s skin crawl.


    They used to work in the same company after all, this was the scouting team, sent to scout out and probe the owners to join the hundreds of other businesses under the branch of Newton.


    As he approached, both men stood, offering polite smiles.


    "Ethan Grey," one of them greeted, extending a hand. "It''s a pleasure to finally meet you after all new heard about you."


    Ethan ignored the handshake and took a seat instead.


    Morgan followed, sitting beside him.


    The Newton reps exchanged a quick glance before awkwardly lowering their hands and sitting as well.


    Simon''s confident smile faltered. "Ethan, I don''t think you understand what we''re offering here ¡ª "


    "I understand perfectly," Ethan interrupted. His tone remained even, but there was a coldness to it now. "You want to buy your way in and dictate how I run my business. You''ll start with ''logistics'' and ''marketing'' ¡ª then before I know it, my brand is nothing but another Newton subsidiary. That''s not happening."


    Derrick straightened in his seat, his expression hardening slightly. "I think you''re making an emotional decision rather than a rational one. Newton Corp has resources you can''t ignore."


    Ethan''s eyes darkened. "Let me make something clear."


    He leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice. "I built this business from the ground up. Without Newton. Without handouts. Without corporate vultures circling overhead."


    He flicked a finger at the contract. "And I''ll keep it that way."


    Silence fell over the table.


    Derrick finally sighed, pulling the contract back. "That''s disappointing to hear."


    Simon, however, wasn''t ready to give up. "You''re making a mistake, Vance. A big one."


    Ethan smirked, but there was no humor in it. "I don''t make mistakes. But if I ever do, partnering with Newton would be one."


    Simon clenched his jaw but said nothing else. Derrick, realizing there was no salvaging this meeting, rose to his feet.


    "Well," he said, adjusting his suit, "if you change your mind, you know where to find us."


    "I won''t," Ethan replied coolly.


    The Newton reps left without another word.


    Once they were gone, Morgan let out a low whistle. "Damn. You really hate those guys, huh?"


    Ethan exhaled, rubbing his temple. "You have no idea."


    Morgan leaned back in his chair. "Well, you handled that about as well as I expected. Think they''ll come back?"


    Ethan scoffed. "Of course they will. Newton doesn''t give up that easily. But they''ll learn soon enough ¡ª I''m not for sale."


    Morgan smirked. "Guess we''ll just have to wait and see."

 Chapter 145 Back To The Resort

    With the Newton Corp scouting team gone, Ethan and Morgan remained seated at the restaurant, letting the tension of the meeting settle.


    The air between them was lighter now, though the weight of business matters still loomed.


    Ethan leaned back in his chair, rolling his shoulder to ease the stiffness that had crept in.


    "Well," Morgan said, taking a sip of his coffee, "that went about as well as expected."


    Ethan let out a short chuckle. "If by ''well,'' you mean a complete waste of time, then yeah."


    It was a waste of time for Newton to even think about recruiting him, none of his investments were ever going to fall into their hands.


    Morgan smirked but didn''t argue. Instead, he shifted gears, leaning forward with a more serious expression. "While we''re here, there''s something else I need to talk to you about."


    Ethan raised a brow. "What now?"


    Morgan exhaled, setting his cup down. "Competition."


    "Competition?" Ethan echoed, intrigued but not particularly concerned. With


    Morgan nodded. "Ever since we started gaining traction, other food truck businesses have started popping up. Some are small-time, just trying to ride the wave, but a couple of them? They''ve got real backing."


    Ethan listened intently, his fingers tapping lightly against the table. "You think someone''s trying to challenge us directly?"


    Morgan shrugged. "Hard to say. Could just be regular business. But they are taking some of our customers."


    "How bad is it?"


    Morgan cracked a small grin. "Not bad at all, actually. We lost a few regulars at first, but then something interesting happened. More people started coming to us instead."


    Ethan tilted his head, intrigued. "Why?"


    Morgan chuckled. "Because those new food trucks? They might have had flashy branding, but their food? Mediocre at best. Customers tried them, realized they weren''t up to par, and came back to us. In fact, we''ve actually been making more money these past two months than before."


    Ethan smirked. "So they played themselves?"


    Morgan grinned. "You''re thinking long-term."


    "Damn right I am," Ethan said. "This isn''t just about adding a few trucks. This is about making sure no one can ever compete with us."


    Morgan leaned back, satisfied. "Then I''ll start moving the pieces. We''ll get the ball rolling next week."


    Ethan took a deep breath, feeling the excitement of progress. This was what he lived for.


    Investments, getting richer by putting more money into projects. It felt exhilarating honestly


    "Let''s do it," he said, sealing the decision with a handshake.


    Ethan left the restaurant with a noticeable spring in his step.


    The food truck expansion was set in motion, and for now, that part of his growing empire was in good hands. That meant he could finally head back to the resort and check on things there.


    As he approached his car, he stretched his arms over his head, letting out a groan. He hadn''t planned to be away for so long, and he could only imagine what had gone down in his absence.


    "Zack can handle things," he muttered, shaking his head.


    Even so, he didn''t bother calling or messaging. If there was an emergency, someone would have reached out by now.


    Sliding into the driver''s seat of his Porsche, he tapped the start button, and the engine purred to life.


    The familiar hum calmed his mind as he pulled onto the road, but his peace didn''t last long ¡ª traffic.


    Ethan sighed, drumming his fingers against the steering wheel.


    This was why he always came early.


    The roads leading to the resort were packed, which made sense ¡ª it was a prime location according to the System.


    People loved the exclusivity, the luxury, the entire experience. But with popularity came congestion, and right now, he was stuck in the middle of it.


    He turned on the stereo, scrolling through his playlist before settling on something smooth, letting the soft beats take the edge off his frustration.

 Chapter 146 Back To The Resort (Part 2)

    The minutes ticked by as he crept forward, watching as sleek cars, limousines, and even a few exotic vehicles lined up ahead of him. High-profile guests, no doubt.


    Eventually, he reached the resort''s entrance, where uniformed guards were stationed, efficiently verifying digital tickets.


    They moved swiftly, ensuring that only approved guests were allowed in.


    As soon as one of the guards caught sight of him through the windshield, his expression changed. He straightened, giving a small salute before stepping forward.


    "Good afternoon, boss," the guard greeted with a respectful nod.


    Ethan acknowledged him with a tilt of his head. "Busy day, huh?"


    The guard let out a short laugh. "You could say that. It''s been non-stop since morning."


    Ethan smirked. "Good. Means business is booming."


    With a wave, the guard motioned him through without the usual verification process.


    He drove past the entrance, only to be met with yet another issue ¡ª parking.


    The resort''s private lot was packed. More security personnel were inside, directing cars to available spaces, ensuring that no one blocked the exits or disrupted the flow of traffic.


    A different guard motioned to him, pointing to a free spot near the front.


    Ethan maneuvered into it smoothly, parking his Porsche between a black Maserati and a matte-gray Bentley.


    Luxury was the standard here, after all.


    Stepping out of his car, he tugged on his jacket slightly, adjusting it before heading toward the main entrance.


    As soon as Ethan walked in, the cool, air-conditioned atmosphere welcomed him.


    The lobby was as lively as ever ¡ª staff moved efficiently behind the reception desks, attending to guests while others carried trays of refreshments, ensuring that visitors received top-tier service the moment they stepped inside.


    His eyes flicked around, taking in the scene.


    Nothing seemed out of place.


    He made his way past a group of well-dressed guests who were chatting near the bar area.


    The resort''s reputation was built on exclusivity and premium service ¡ª long waiting times weren''t an option.


    "Alright," Ethan said, setting the bottle down on Zack''s desk. "We''ll start hiring more people, but only top-tier candidates. No half-assed recruits. I want experience, reliability, and the kind of service that keeps people coming back."


    Zack nodded. "Already ahead of you. I''ve started looking into agencies that specialize in high-end hospitality staff. I''ll narrow down the best options and set up interviews for next week."


    "Good," Ethan said. "And the supply chain? We''re keeping up?"


    Zack sighed, rubbing his temple. "Barely. Demand for imported ingredients has gone up because of the fine dining options. The chefs are managing, but we''ll need to establish direct supplier relationships instead of going through middlemen."


    Ethan smirked. "I''ll handle that. Got a few connections that might be useful."


    Zack gave him a skeptical look. "You mean the same ''connections'' that got you into a food truck business?"


    Of course he knew about it.


    Ethan grinned. "Exactly. And speaking of that, we''ll be expanding the food truck operations soon. I''ll need the resort''s support in promoting it, maybe an event featuring some of the top-selling dishes."


    Zack exhaled sharply. "You just keep adding to my plate, huh?"


    Ethan clapped him on the shoulder. "You can handle it."


    Zack muttered something under his breath but didn''t argue further.


    Ethan glanced at his phone, checking the time. "Alright, I''m gonna walk around, see things for myself. If anything urgent comes up, let me know."


    "Don''t disappear for another half-day this time," Zack called as Ethan headed for the door.


    Ethan chuckled. "No promises."


    Ethan spent the next hour strolling through the resort, observing the staff, the guests, and how smoothly everything was running.


    The restaurant was bustling but well-managed. The servers were efficient, and the food looked top-tier. A couple of guests recognized him, offering polite nods, which he returned.


    The spa area was at full capacity, with guests lounging in white robes, sipping herbal teas.


    The receptionists were managing the bookings efficiently, but Zack was right ¡ª they''d need more hands soon.


    Outside, the pool and beach areas were thriving and he smiled until he heard a voice calling out his name.

 Chapter 147 Caroline

    Ethan turned at the sound of his name, barely having time to react before a small blur of excitement launched into his arms.


    "Jules!" He laughed, catching his youngest sister mid-air as she wrapped her little arms around his neck.


    He lifted her effortlessly, holding her securely as she pouted at him.


    "You weren''t here yesterday!" Julia huffed, poking his chest accusingly. "And even this morning, I didn''t see you! I looked everywhere!"


    Ethan gave her a guilty smile, adjusting his hold so she sat comfortably in his arms. "I know, I know. I''ve been busy with work stuff. But hey, I''m here now."


    He smoothed down her hair. "And I missed you too, you know?"


    Julia sniffed dramatically. "Really?"


    "Really," he assured her with a grin.


    She squinted at him, then, seemingly satisfied, rested her head on his shoulder. "Okay. But you have to stay longer today!"


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    "We''ll see," he teased, making her whine in protest.


    As he held her, he glanced around. "Where''s everyone else? Mom? Claire? Even Dad?"


    Julia swung her legs slightly, deep in thought. "I dunno. Mommy left me with Megan''s mom so I could play with Megan."


    Ethan raised an eyebrow. "And she just left you like that?"


    Julia rolled her eyes, making Ethan chuckle at how much like their mother she looked in that moment. "It''s not like that! Megan''s mom is really nice, and we were having fun."


    Before he could respond, another small figure appeared ¡ª a little girl with brown curls and an excited expression.


    "Megan!" Julia cheered.


    Megan ran right up to them, her eyes wide as she looked at Ethan. "Julia! Is this your big brother we saw that day?"


    Julia nodded proudly. "Yup! This is Ethan."


    She patted his chest. "He''s the coolest!"


    Megan gasped. "It must be so cool to have a big brother! I only have a little brother, and he''s annoying."


    Ethan smirked, setting Julia down so the two girls could talk properly. "You know, I have an annoying little sister too."


    Julia shot him a glare, her hands on her hips. "Hey!"


    Caroline smiled fondly at the girls. "It''s always nice when kids click like that. You can tell they bring out the best in each other."


    Ethan nodded, watching as the two girls started whispering to each other, probably plotting their next adventure.


    He glanced back at Caroline. "So, how''re you enjoying the resort?"


    Caroline took a sip of her drink before replying, "It''s been nice, We''ve been coming to the resort since the day it launched. My husband''s job has been hectic, so we decided a long stay here would be nice. But they''ve been playing together ever since you left,"


    Ethan leaned back slightly, nodding. "That sounds like Jules. She''s always been good at making friends."


    Julia suddenly perked up. "Oh! Big brother! Can Megan and I go play at the sand area near the beach?"


    Ethan hesitated. "I don''t know ¡ª "


    Caroline interjected with a reassuring smile. "It''s a safe area, and there are plenty of staff around to keep an eye on them."


    Ethan exhaled, looking at Julia''s eager face, then at Megan, who was practically bouncing on her toes. "Alright, but stay where I can see you."


    "Yay!" Julia and Megan high-fived before dashing off toward the sandy area.


    Ethan shook his head. "I swear, she has more energy than anyone I know."


    Caroline laughed. "It''s a gift, really."


    They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, watching as the girls built something in the sand.


    "You''re a good brother," Caroline commented after a while.


    Ethan raised an eyebrow. "You say that like it''s a rare thing."


    Caroline shrugged. "You''d be surprised. A lot of siblings don''t take the time."


    Ethan sighed. "Life''s busy, but I try. Family''s important."


    Caroline smiled. "That''s good to hear."


    Julia and Megan soon came running back, covered in sand but grinning.


    Julia tugged at Ethan''s sleeve. "Ethan! We built a giant castle! You have to see it!"


    Megan nodded eagerly. "It even has a moat!"


    Ethan glanced at Caroline with an amused smile before standing up. "Alright, lead the way, Princess Warrior."


    Julia beamed. "Come on!"

 Chapter 148 Sandcastle

    Ethan folded his arms, studying the sandcastle in front of him with a raised brow.


    It was... something.


    The towers were leaning, the walls looked more like random lumps of sand, and the moat ¡ª while an admirable attempt ¡ª was uneven, half-dried in places, and barely deep enough to hold water.


    But despite its flaws, he had to admit, Julia and Megan had put their hearts into it.


    "You guys really went all out, huh?" he said, rubbing his chin as if he were an architect inspecting blueprints.


    Julia beamed, hands on her hips. "We told you it was big!"


    Megan nodded rapidly. "And we made a moat!"


    She pointed excitedly at the shallow trench surrounding the castle, filled with seawater they had painstakingly carried over in tiny buckets.


    Ethan had to admit, that part was kind of cute. The two of them had obviously put a lot of effort into this.


    He knelt down and ruffled their hair. "Not bad. Not bad at all."


    Julia grinned. "You should help us make it better!"


    Megan gasped. "Yeah! You''re tall, so you can make the towers super high!"


    Ethan smirked. "Oh, so now my height is an advantage? Because last I checked, someone called me a ''giant old man'' before."


    Julia rolled her eyes. "That was before. Now we need you."


    Megan clasped her hands together. "Please, Julia''s Big Brother? Pretty please?"


    Ethan let out a dramatic sigh, shaking his head. "Fine, fine. But if I''m helping, we''re doing this right."


    And with that, he got to work.


    The girls watched as Ethan carefully shaped the walls, smoothing out the rough edges and reinforcing the base so it wouldn''t crumble as easily.


    He showed them how to pat the sand down properly to make it firm, and together, they sculpted actual towers instead of misshapen lumps.


    He even helped carve out a tiny arched doorway at the front.


    At one point, Megan gasped. "Oh! We need decorations!"


    Julia''s eyes widened. "Yes! We have to make it look royal!"


    The two of them dashed off to collect seashells, leaving Ethan chuckling as he fine-tuned their masterpiece.


    By the time they returned, their hands full of tiny shells and smooth pebbles, the castle looked a hundred times better than before.


    "Whoa..." Julia whispered in awe.


    "It''s beautiful!" Megan gasped.


    They carefully placed their collected decorations along the walls, creating a charming, mismatched pattern. Julia placed a particularly shiny shell at the very top of the tallest tower.


    Julia stomped her foot. "It was so beautiful! And now it''s gone!"


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    Ethan bit his lip to keep from laughing, crouching beside them. "Hey, hey, look on the bright side."


    Megan sniffled. "What bright side?"


    Ethan gestured at the sand. "We get to build it again. And this time, we''ll make it even bigger."


    Julia and Megan exchanged looks, their devastation slowly melting into determination.


    Julia wiped her eyes. "Even bigger?"


    Megan''s frown turned into a thoughtful pout. "Like... a mega castle?"


    Ethan grinned. "Exactly. This time, we''ll build a fortress so strong, no wave can destroy it."


    The two girls perked up instantly.


    Julia pumped her fists. "Let''s do it!"


    Megan nodded fiercely. "The ocean won this round... but next time, we''ll be ready!"


    Ethan chuckled, ruffling both of their heads. "That''s the spirit. Now let''s get back to work."


    And just like that, their sadness disappeared, replaced with excitement.


    As the three of them started rebuilding, Ethan couldn''t help but smile to himself. Kids were amazing. One moment, they were devastated, and the next, they were ready to take on the world again.


    And honestly?


    He kind of admired that.


    As Megan scurried off to collect more seashells, Ethan and Julia got to work shaping the sand.


    Julia, filled with boundless enthusiasm, insisted that they needed more towering gates this time.


    "A castle isn''t a real castle without giant gates!"


    And Ethan, ever the supportive older brother, let her take charge of the design.


    He crouched beside her, carefully packing sand together, shaping the base of the castle while Julia worked on carving out the grand entrance.


    "It should be really tall," Julia said, pressing her hands into the damp sand. "Like, so tall that even a dragon couldn''t break through!"


    Ethan smirked. "A dragon, huh? And what if the dragon breathes fire?"


    Julia scrunched her nose. "Then we make it fireproof."


    "Ah, of course. How silly of me," Ethan chuckled, smoothing out the edges of the towering gate. "And how do we make it fireproof, exactly?"


    Julia paused, deep in thought, before snapping her fingers. "Seashells! We''ll cover it in seashells!"

 Chapter 149 An Angry Redhead

    Ethan laughed. "That''s... actually not a bad idea."


    At that moment, Megan came running back, her hands overflowing with tiny shells. "Guys! I got the best ones!"


    She dumped her treasure onto the sand, and the three of them sorted through the collection, carefully pressing shells into the castle''s walls.


    Some were arranged in spirals, others lined up like tiny soldiers guarding the fortress.


    With every handful of sand they packed into place, the castle took better shape than before.


    Smoother walls. Taller towers. A sturdier moat.


    They had learned from their mistakes, and their second attempt was undeniably stronger.


    But as Ethan stepped back to admire their work, a small voice in the back of his head reminded him of something very important ¡ª


    They were still too close to the water.


    Another wave, even slightly bigger than the last one, would wipe it all away again.


    He considered mentioning it, but as he glanced at Julia and Megan ¡ª both beaming with pride at their creation ¡ª he decided against it.


    What was the fun in that?


    Sure, the ocean was unpredictable, and their beautiful sandcastle might not last long... but wasn''t that the point? To build something, knowing it wouldn''t be permanent, and to enjoy the process anyway?


    So instead of warning them, Ethan just smiled. "Alright, architects. Looks like we''ve built something worthy of legend."


    Julia and Megan cheered, raising their hands in victory.


    "This time," Julia declared, "the ocean won''t win!"


    Megan nodded fiercely. "Yeah! No wave can break this castle!"


    Ethan chuckled under his breath. They were definitely tempting fate.


    With the project complete, Ethan dusted the sand off his hands and stretched. "Alright, girls, you keep watch over the kingdom. I''m gonna grab a seat before my back gives out."


    "Old man," Julia teased.


    "Hey," Ethan shot her a look, "I just helped build a fortress. I earned this break."


    Julia giggled but waved him off, already engrossed in castle-guarding duties with Megan.


    Ethan made his way toward one of the many lounge chairs scattered along the shore.


    The sun was warm but not overwhelming, and the sound of the waves ¡ª despite their destructive tendencies ¡ª was relaxing.


    Something was off.


    A prickle of awareness ran up his spine, that instinctual feeling that someone was watching him.


    Ethan''s brows furrowed slightly, and he cracked one eye open, scanning the area.


    That''s when he saw her.


    Melissa.


    She stood a short distance away, arms crossed over her chest, looking directly at him.


    And she did not look happy.


    Ethan lifted a hand in a casual wave. A peace offering.


    Melissa, however, didn''t wave back.


    Instead, she tilted her head slightly, her lips pressing into a thin line, an expression that very clearly said:


    "Oh, now you notice me?"


    Ethan sighed internally.


    ''Great.''


    He sat up slightly in his chair, rubbing the back of his neck. Your next read is at My Virtual Library Empire


    Melissa''s annoyed expression didn''t waver, and the longer she stared, the more certain he became that he had, somehow, pissed her off.


    He just wasn''t sure how yet.


    With a resigned sigh, he pushed himself up from the lounge chair and dusted off the sand clinging to his shorts.


    The girls were still fixated on their castle restoration, so he took the opportunity to walk toward Melissa.


    "Alright," Ethan said as he stopped a few steps away from her. "I can tell you''re mad about something, and I have a feeling it''s about me."


    Melissa raised an unimpressed brow. "Oh, you think?"


    Yeah, definitely about him.


    He folded his arms loosely. "Want to tell me what I did this time?"


    Melissa scoffed, shifting her weight to one hip. "What you did?" she repeated, shaking her head before letting out a short laugh. "That''s rich, Ethan. You know, for someone who runs a whole resort, you really suck at noticing things."


    Ethan blinked. "What?"

 Chapter 150 To The Water

    Melissa exhaled sharply, her expression torn between exasperation and frustration.


    She motioned vaguely toward the beach, toward the people scattered around, enjoying their day under the sun.


    "I''ve been trying to get in touch with you for two days," she said, crossing her arms again. "But, oh, Ethan''s too busy. Ethan''s out dealing with business. Ethan''s ignoring his texts."


    Ethan frowned slightly. "I''m not ignoring ¡ª "


    Melissa held up her phone and tapped the screen a few times before turning it toward him.


    Ethan stared.


    It was a long string of messages.


    Some from yesterday. Some from earlier today.


    All from Melissa. Continue your adventure with My Virtual Library Empire


    And he hadn''t responded to a single one.


    "Ah."


    That explained the attitude.


    Ethan cleared his throat, suddenly feeling like an idiot.


    He didn''t even have an excuse.


    "...Okay, yeah," he admitted, scratching the back of his head. "That''s on me."


    Melissa narrowed her eyes. "Damn right, it is."


    Ethan sighed. "Look, I''ve been handling a lot. It wasn''t personal ¡ª I wasn''t intentionally ignoring you."


    Melissa studied him for a moment, then rolled her eyes. "Fine. You get a pass. This time."


    "Appreciate it," Ethan said dryly.


    Melissa pocketed her phone with a small sigh, but this time, her irritation seemed to ease just a little.


    She hesitated, glancing at him, then looked away quickly ¡ª her posture stiff, her fingers fidgeting slightly.


    "I was... worried, you know," she muttered, barely audible over the sound of the waves.


    They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the sound of the waves crashing against the shore filling the space between them.


    The girls were still busy rebuilding the sandcastle, laughing as they worked, completely lost in their little world.


    Ethan glanced at Melissa from the corner of his eye, noticing how relaxed she looked now compared to earlier.


    "Hey," he said suddenly.


    Melissa turned to him, raising an eyebrow. "What?"


    "Thanks."


    She blinked. "For what?"


    "For checking in," he said simply. "For looking out for the resort while I was gone." He offered a small grin. "And for, you know... worrying about me."


    Melissa quickly looked away, but he caught the way her blush returned. "Yeah, well," she muttered, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Someone has to."


    Melissa opened her mouth, ready to say something ¡ª maybe a joke, maybe something sarcastic, or even something that would make Ethan crack a smile.


    But before the words could leave her lips, her gaze flickered past him toward the shoreline, where the girls were giggling and playing.


    Her amusement faded instantly.


    A massive wave was building in the distance, rolling toward the shore with an intensity that had disaster written all over it.


    Melissa wasn''t the only one who noticed.


    Ethan, who had been stretching his arms after their conversation, froze for half a second before turning his head.


    The moment his eyes landed on the incoming wall of water ¡ª and then on Julia and Megan, who were completely oblivious ¡ª he moved.


    "Jules! Megan!" His voice cut through the chatter on the beach as he broke into a sprint, sand kicking up behind him. "Get back, now!"


    The girls turned at the sound of his voice, but they were a little too late to process the urgency.


    Ethan could see it ¡ª the realization dawning on their faces, the way their tiny bodies tensed up as the shadow of the wave loomed over them.


    The problem was, they were too close to the water and still tangled up in their excitement.


    They weren''t moving fast enough.


    Ethan didn''t think. He just acted.


    With quick strides, he reached them just as the wave came crashing forward, scooping Julia up in one arm and scooping Megan up with the other.

 Chapter 151 Like A Protagonist

    The water hit his legs with force, but Ethan planted his feet, gripping them tightly and pulling them back toward dry sand.


    The moment they were clear, the three of them stumbled onto the ground, sand clinging to their wet clothes.


    For a moment, everything was still except for their heavy breaths.


    Then ¡ª


    "That was so cool!" Megan gasped, eyes shining with excitement. "You were like a superhero or something!"


    Julia, still holding onto her big brother, clutched his shirt like she had just survived the most thrilling ride of her life. "Big Brother, you saved us!"


    Ethan let out a breath, shaking some of the water off his arms before running a hand through his now-damp hair.


    "Yeah, well," he muttered, still catching his breath. "Wouldn''t have had to if you two weren''t playing right next to the water."


    Julia pouted. "But the castle ¡ª "


    "The castle is gone," Ethan pointed out, gesturing toward the shoreline.


    The girls turned and, sure enough, the once-proud structure was now nothing but a heap of wet sand.


    Megan''s mouth fell open in horror. "No! Our castle!"


    Julia''s shoulders slumped in pure devastation. "We worked so hard..."


    Ethan sighed, glancing between the two crestfallen girls.


    Then he nudged Julia''s side gently. "Hey."


    She peeked up at him, still pouting.


    "Next time," Ethan said, "we''ll build it higher up the beach. A fortress. One that no wave can touch."


    Julia sniffled before perking up slightly. "A fortress?"


    Megan, recovering from her own grief, gasped. "With towers?"


    "And a bridge," Ethan added with a smirk.


    "And a dragon!" Julia declared, suddenly excited again.


    Ethan chuckled. "Sure, a dragon too."


    Melissa, who had been watching the entire ordeal from a short distance away, finally stepped closer.


    Her arms were crossed, but there was a glimmer of amusement in her expression.


    "You just can''t help yourself, huh?" she said.


    Ethan raised a brow. "What?"


    "Go on, Meg. We''ll see you later," she said with a smile.


    Megan nodded eagerly. "Bye, Jules! Bye, Bit brother!"


    Julia waved back excitedly as Ethan carried her toward the VIP lounge.


    The moment they stepped in, Margaret''s voice rang out.


    "There you are! I was starting to wonder if you had disappeared into the ocean."


    Ethan turned, immediately spotting his mother sitting at a lavishly arranged table, a fresh fruit platter and cold drinks in front of her.


    Harold sat beside her, calmly sipping a cocktail while Claire scrolled through her phone, seemingly unfazed by everything.


    Ethan smirked. "Sorry, got caught up saving a sandcastle from certain doom."


    Margaret smiled knowingly. "Let me guess. Julia roped you into it?"


    Julia beamed proudly. "It was our castle, and we made it super strong!"


    Ethan set Julia down gently as she ran over to their mother, immediately climbing into her lap.


    Margaret hugged her before giving Ethan a once-over. "You didn''t even text to let us know you were back."


    "I was busy," Ethan defended.


    Claire finally looked up from her phone. "Too busy to send a quick ''Hey, I''m alive''?"


    Ethan rolled his eyes. "I was with Jules. She can confirm I''m alive."


    Julia nodded dramatically. "I saw him the whole time!"


    Melissa chuckled as she took a seat, and Ethan finally relaxed, sinking into a cushioned lounge chair.


    A waiter promptly approached, offering him a drink, which he gratefully accepted.


    Harold finally spoke, setting his glass down. "How''s business?"


    Ethan sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It''s... fine. Just been trying a new kind of investment,"


    Harold frowned. "What kind are you planning to do?"


    Ethan nodded. "Well that''s a surprise for later when it actually blows up,"


    Claire, uninterested in the business talk, glanced at Melissa. "So, how''s the spa renovation going?"


    Melissa paused. Then, very deliberately, turned to stare at Ethan.


    Ethan, mid-sip, slowly lowered his glass.


    Margaret looked between them. "Did... something happen?" Your adventure continues at My Virtual Library Empire

 Chapter 152 The Spa

    Melissa smiled sweetly.


    "Oh, nothing much. Just that your son completely ignored my messages about it."


    Margaret''s gaze immediately shifted to Ethan, who groaned. "I didn''t do it on purpose."


    What was it with women and spas though?


    Melissa crossed her arms. "Mhm. Sure."


    Claire smirked. "Wow, Ethan. Ghosting people now?"


    Ethan shot her a flat look. "Claire, you ignore people all the time."


    "Yes, but I''m upfront about it," she said, shrugging.


    Harold chuckled while Margaret sighed.


    "Ethan, you need to keep up with everything. Especially if it''s something as important as the spa."


    "I know, I know," Ethan muttered. "I''ll check the messages later."


    Melissa leaned back. "Good. Because I have several updates."


    Ethan groaned again, already knowing he was in for a long debriefing.


    Julia, sensing the shift in mood, suddenly perked up. "Ooh Me and Meg saw a crab!"


    Margaret looked intrigued. "A crab?"


    Julia nodded excitedly. "A crab tried to steal our shells! We chased it away!"


    Ethan smirked. "That''s my girl."


    Ethan and Melissa soon walked away from the restaurant section of the resort, leaving his parents behind to enjoy their meal.


    Julia had whined about wanting to stay with him, but Margaret had quickly distracted her with the promise of dessert.


    "She''s got you wrapped around her little finger, huh?" Melissa smirked as they made their way toward the office.


    Ethan huffed. "Jules? Always. Kid knows exactly how to get what she wants."


    Melissa chuckled. "Yeah, I noticed."


    The walk to the office was short, but as they neared the door, faint music drifted from inside.


    Ethan recognized the bass-heavy beat immediately and sighed.


    "Let me guess," Melissa said, glancing at him. "Zack?"


    But if they reorganized some of the lesser-used spaces...


    "We could convert the storage room next to the massage suites," he mused. "It''s barely being used for anything important. Just some excess inventory we could easily relocate."


    Melissa snapped her fingers. "Exactly what I was thinking."


    Zack grinned. "I like it. Upscale spa, fancy lounge, rich people chilling in bathrobes... Sounds like a hit."


    Ethan chuckled. "We''ll need to run the numbers, but I think it''s doable."


    Melissa nodded, already jotting down notes. "I''ll handle that. I also want to update the treatment menu ¡ª bring in some specialty massages, maybe a few unique skincare treatments."


    "Like what?" Zack asked, leaning back again.


    Melissa tapped her pen against her notepad. "Ever heard of a gold-infused facial?"


    Zack''s eyebrows shot up. "Like... actual gold?"


    "Yep."


    Ethan gave her a skeptical look. "And people pay for that?"


    Melissa smirked. "Oh, they pay big. Rich clients love luxury treatments, and gold facials are a thing. If we add something high-end and exclusive, we''ll bring in a whole new level of clientele."


    Zack whistled. "Damn. I mean, I''d try it."


    Melissa snorted. "Not for free, you wouldn''t." Experience tales with My Virtual Library Empire


    Ethan chuckled but nodded. "Alright, let''s do it. We''ll need to hire more specialists, though."


    Melissa waved a hand. "I''ll handle that, too."


    Zack smirked. "Damn, Melissa, if you keep this up, you''re gonna take my job."


    Melissa grinned. "Don''t tempt me."


    Ethan shook his head, amused. "Alright, we''ll move forward with the spa plans steadily."


    Melissa exhaled, closing her notebook. "Well, I think that covers everything on my end."


    Ethan stretched. "Not bad for a day''s work."


    Zack groaned. "Man, I need another break already."


    Melissa shot him a glare. "You just had a break."


    Zack grinned. "And it wasn''t long enough."


    Ethan shook his head but let out a small laugh.

 Chapter 153 Office Time

    As the three settled into their seats in the office, Zack grinned and clapped his hands, signaling a waiter that opened the door as if he had been standing there since.


    The man swiftly approached with a tray balanced expertly in his hands, carrying three glasses of chilled drinks along with an assortment of appetizers.


    The soft clinking of glass filled the quiet office as the drinks were set down, condensation dripping onto the polished wood of the table.


    "Figured since we''re all here, we might as well drink to something," Zack said, leaning back in his chair.


    Melissa arched an eyebrow. "And what exactly are we drinking to?" she asked, reaching for her glass but hesitating just slightly before taking a sip.


    Zack shrugged. "I don''t know ¡ª success? Friendship? Ethan finally gracing us with his presence again?"


    He shot a teasing glance at Ethan, who merely smirked in response.


    Ethan took a slow sip of his drink, letting the coolness settle in his throat.


    He glanced at Melissa, who still seemed somewhat irritated.


    The tension from earlier hadn''t completely dissipated, though she wasn''t outright ignoring him anymore.


    She was still angry a bit, he could see it in her eyes.


    "You still mad at me?" Ethan asked, setting his glass down.


    Melissa exhaled, swirling her drink in her hand. "Not mad," she admitted. "Just... a little frustrated. You disappear a lot, you know?"


    Ethan tilted his head. "I don''t disappear. I get busy."


    "Same thing," she muttered, but the sharpness in her voice was duller now. "We''re all busy, Ethan. Doesn''t mean we stop checking in with each other."


    Zack leaned forward, cutting in before Ethan could respond. "Alright, alright, let''s not make this a whole thing. Melissa, Ethan''s here now. Ethan, maybe check in a little more, huh?"


    Ethan sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Fine, I''ll check in more."


    Melissa rolled her eyes. "I''ll believe it when I see it."


    Zack grinned, clearly pleased with himself for diffusing the situation, and raised his glass. "Well, now that that''s settled, let''s eat. This place does have some of the best food, thanks to a certain someone."


    Ethan smirked at the indirect compliment. "Damn right it does."


    Ethan smirked, finishing off the last bite of his food. "You two sound like you regret having jobs."


    Melissa scoffed. "No, I regret dealing with some of the people I have to deal with."


    Zack snickered. "She had to deal with a customer who demanded a refund because the ''ocean was too salty.''"


    Ethan blinked, then burst out laughing. "You''re kidding."


    That was absurd, who would complain about the sea being too salty?


    Melissa groaned. "I wish I was."


    Zack chuckled. "She had to explain that we don''t control the sea."


    Ethan shook his head, still laughing. "People are something else man."


    They wrapped up their meal, finishing off their drinks and pushing the plates to the side.


    The waiter returned to clear the table, and as he left, Ethan leaned back in his chair, feeling more relaxed than he had all day.


    "Well," Zack said, standing up and stretching, "that was a solid little break. But back to work, I guess, Closing time isn''t too far out from now."


    Melissa nodded, standing as well. "Yeah, I''ve got things to handle."


    Ethan stood last, rolling his shoulders. "I''ll be around the resort for a while. Maybe I''ll drop in on a few things."


    Zack grinned. "Try not to disappear again, huh?"


    Ethan smirked. "No promises."


    Melissa rolled her eyes but smiled faintly. "See you around, Ethan."


    With that, they all stepped out of the office, going their separate ways.


    Ethan exhaled, adjusting his jacket.


    It was nice to catch up, but now it was time to get back to business.


    And right now if there was one thing he wanted to do on the resort before closing time, it was check on the rich men in the VIP section and talk about his casino project.

 Chapter 154 Talking With The Rich

    Ethan climbed the stairs to the VIP restaurant section, his footsteps steady, his mind already working through the possibilities.


    There was a good chance he wasn''t going to see them.


    But then again, there was a good chance he would.


    Either way, he figured it was worth a shot. One who didn''t take their chances courltn complain if they missed the chance.


    The air changed the moment he stepped inside ¡ª it always did in places like this.


    The atmosphere was calmer, refined, with the soft hum of conversation blending seamlessly with the clinking of fine silverware against expensive porcelain plates.


    The scent of exquisite cuisine wafted through the room, dishes crafted by top-tier chefs specifically for the kind of people who didn''t even need to glance at the price.


    And there they were.


    The wealthy elite. The men who sat comfortably at the top, dining and drinking as though the world outside the resort didn''t even exist.


    They weren''t just customers ¡ª they were investors, CEOs, entrepreneurs who had turned their ventures into goldmines.


    There were multi-millionaires like himself, to even Billionaires sitting in the firm.


    Ethan straightened his jacket before stepping forward.


    One of the men, a graying gentleman with a sleek navy suit and a Rolex that probably cost more than most people made in a year, noticed him first.


    He leaned back slightly, an amused smirk forming on his face.


    "Ah, if it isn''t Ethan Grey himself," the man said, lifting his wine glass. "Come, join us."


    Another man chuckled, swirling the liquor in his glass before taking a slow sip. "Yes, join us, boy. It''s rare to see you up here. What brings you?"


    Ethan gave them a polite smile as he pulled up a chair.


    "Business," he admitted smoothly.


    The men exchanged knowing glances, their interest piqued.


    "Business, you say?" one of them mused, setting his fork down. "Now, that''s interesting. What kind of business are we talking about?"


    Ethan raised an eyebrow.


    The man shrugged. "You control the narrative. You make sure that when people lose, they still have a good time. Free drinks, entertainment, VIP treatment. Make losing fun."


    He had a.... Very valid point.


    The others chuckled in agreement.


    "Casinos aren''t about winning money," one of them added. "They''re about selling an experience. If people walk away feeling like they had a great time, they''ll come back."


    Ethan processed their words, making mental notes.


    "Security," another man chimed in. "That''s something you can''t skimp on. You will deal with drunk gamblers, cheaters, and people trying to cause trouble. Make sure your security team is sharp."


    The man with the Rolex leaned back slightly. "And don''t forget about government regulations. The gambling industry is one of the most heavily monitored. Make sure your paperwork is clean, and you have lawyers who can handle any loopholes."


    Ethan smirked. "I''ve already got that covered."


    One of the men grinned. "Of course you do, Mr. Grey."


    There was a brief pause before one of them raised his glass.


    "Well, gentlemen," he said, glancing around the table. "I think we''ve given young Ethan here some valuable insights. Shall we toast to his future success?"


    The others murmured in agreement, lifting their glasses.


    "To Ethan''s casino," the man said with a smirk. "May it be as lucrative as it is legendary."


    Ethan chuckled, clinking his glass with theirs. "I''ll drink to that."


    He lifted it to his tongue, there was that feeling... that feeling of socializing with the rich...


    It made him feel even richer than before.


    [Author''s Note]


    Sorry for the delayed chapters, they were meant to be out since but I got a headache, well hope you enjoy them and we have 10 more chapters to go!


    -Izana out.

 Chapter 155 Im Living With You

    .Ethan stretched as he walked out of the resort, the weight of the long day finally settling in his muscles.


    The sky had deepened into a warm orange glow, the last remnants of the sun dipping beneath the horizon.


    The air was thick with the scent of saltwater and the faint aroma of grilled food from the beachside vendors wrapping up their sales.


    He let out a breath, running a hand through his hair as he pulled out his keys, making his way toward his Porsche.


    The day had been long, but productive. Now, all he wanted to do was go home, shower, and maybe get a few hours of actual rest before diving into work again.


    He still had to prepare a permit application for the Casino. The System would do that but still, he earned the right to be a bit lazy after all.


    Just as he was about to open the car door, his phone vibrated in his pocket.


    A part of him considered ignoring it ¡ª he already knew it wasn''t Zack since the man would''ve just texted, and Lila was probably still at home recovering from their last drinking disaster.


    That only left a handful of people who would be calling him this late.


    Glancing at the screen, his body stiffened when he saw the name flashing across it.


    [Vanessa.]


    His mouth went dry.


    For a second, he just stood there, staring at the phone as if debating whether answering it would be worth whatever headache was waiting for him on the other end.


    But letting it go to voicemail wasn''t an option either.


    Reluctantly, he answered.


    "Hey, Vanessa," he said, trying to sound casual.


    "Where are you?" Her voice came sharp, direct. No ''hello,'' no ''how was your day?'' ¡ª straight to business, as expected.


    Ethan sighed, already rubbing the bridge of his nose. "I just finished up at the resort. I was about to head home ¡ª "


    "Good," she cut him off. "Hurry up."


    Hurry up?


    He groaned before he could stop himself, regretting it instantly.


    The line went silent.


    Then, in a voice so cold it sent a shiver down his spine, she asked, "Did you just groan at me?"


    Ethan forced a nervous chuckle. "No, no ¡ª just, uh, stretching."


    A beat of silence passed before she finally exhaled. "Just get here," she said, then hung up.


    Ethan stood there for a second, staring at his phone.


    His fingers hovered over the call log like he was considering calling her back just to clarify whatever the hell that was about ¡ª but ultimately, he just shook his head and climbed into the car.


    Whatever this was, he''d just have to deal with it when he got there.


    The drive home felt shorter than usual, probably because his mind was occupied with a mix of dread and curiosity.


    Vanessa wasn''t the type to just demand his presence for no reason, and something about the way she sounded told him she was up to something.


    When he finally pulled into the long driveway of his mansion, his eyes immediately landed on the sleek Ferrari parked just outside the gate.


    Vanessa.


    And she wasn''t sitting inside either.


    She was standing near the entrance, chatting with the gatekeepers, her arms folded as if she had been waiting for him for a while.


    Ethan let out a breath, gathering himself before stepping out of the car.


    "Vanessa," he greeted, keeping his tone neutral.


    At the sound of his voice, she turned, her piercing gaze locking onto him immediately.


    She was dressed in her usual effortless style ¡ª tight-fitting jeans, a black blouse, and heels that made her seem even more intimidating than she already was.


    Her long dark hair was swept over one shoulder, and as she crossed her arms, she tilted her head slightly, watching him with an unreadable expression.


    Then, without any buildup or hesitation, she said, "I''ll be living with you now."


    Ethan blinked.


    For a moment, he genuinely thought he misheard her.


    "You''re... what?"


    "Living. With. You." She enunciated each word carefully, her lips curving into the faintest smirk as if enjoying his reaction.


    Ethan opened his mouth, then closed it again. Enjoy more content from My Virtual Library Empire


    His brain struggled to process the sheer audacity of the statement.


    Vanessa? Moving in? Just like that?


    Sure, they weren''t in an official relationship. But a girl doesnt just comr around and say she wants to live with you.


    "Uh..." He ran a hand down his face. "Are you joking, or...?"


    She raised a brow. "Do I look like I''m joking?"


    No. No, she absolutely did not.


    Still, Ethan couldn''t wrap his head around it. "And you decided this... when, exactly?"


    "This morning."


    "This morning," he repeated blankly. "And you didn''t think to ¡ª I don''t know ¡ª ask me first?"


    Vanessa rolled her eyes. "Ethan, please. You have more space in this place than you know what to do with. What''s one more person?"


    Ethan stared at her, his mind running through a million different responses but none that he could actually say out loud without making this situation worse.


    "What''s the real reason?" he finally asked, crossing his arms.


    She gave him a look. "Do I need a reason?"


    "Vanessa." His voice dropped slightly. "You don''t do anything without a reason."


    She held his gaze for a long moment before finally sighing, her expression softening just a bit.


    "Fine. If you must know, I''m tired of the city. Tired of dealing with my family breathing down my neck every five seconds. I want a change of scenery."


    Ethan narrowed his eyes. "And out of all the places in the world, you decided my house was the best option?"


    She smirked. "It''s a pretty nice house."


    He pinched the bridge of his nose. "Vanessa ¡ª "


    "Oh, relax," she cut him off. "I''m not asking you to marry me. Just letting you know I''ll be around for a while. Unless..."


    She leaned in slightly, a teasing glint in her eye. "You have a problem with that?"


    Ethan clenched his jaw.


    Of course he had a problem with that. But saying no to Vanessa was like trying to fight a hurricane with an umbrella ¡ª it just wasn''t going to happen.


    He exhaled sharply, rubbing the back of his neck. "This is gonna be a headache."


    Vanessa grinned. "Only if you make it one."


    He stared at her for a long moment before shaking his head with a defeated sigh.


    "Fine," he muttered. "Just don''t take over my entire house."


    "No promises," she said breezily, returning to her car.

 Chapter 156: Make Yourself At Home

    Vanessa''s sleek black car rolled through the grand entrance of the estate, her careful hands steering it toward the side of the house where a beautifully maintained garden sprawled.


    Even as she parked, she made sure not to disturb the carefully arranged flower beds the maids had spent hours tending to, it made the estate look more beautiful honestly.


    It was a small act of consideration, but one that didn''t go unnoticed.


    Ethan, on the other hand, maneuvered his Porsche directly into the garage, parking it with practiced ease.


    He took a deep breath as he turned off the ignition. This was it.


    Vanessa was officially moving in. While he could have told her no, that she couldn''t stay, she would have respected his wishes with a lot of complaint.


    Yet, a part of him didn''t mind the idea of having her around. Maybe, just maybe, it would make the house feel less empty, after all staying in a mansion with maids that left before evening felt somehow.


    By the time he stepped out of his car, Vanessa had already grabbed her bag ¡ª a simple duffel, packed neatly with her clothes and essentials.


    She didn''t bring much, which meant she either didn''t intend to stay long or she planned on gradually moving things in. Ethan wasn''t sure which scenario he preferred.


    Well he was soon silenced as she unlocked the trunk of her ferrari and brought out a very big bag full of clothes, he sighed and shoved his hands into his pocket.


    The two of them walked toward the front door together, and as they reached it, Ethan pushed it open effortlessly.


    The grand entryway stretched before them, the polished marble floors gleaming under the soft glow of the chandelier. He stepped aside and gestured for her to enter first.


    "Make yourself at home," he said casually.


    Vanessa gave him a small smirk. "You say that like I wasn''t going to do that anyway."


    She stepped inside, her eyes scanning the lavish interior as if she was mentally picking out which space she wanted to claim as her own.


    Ethan wasn''t sure why, but the sight of her there, standing confidently in his home, felt... oddly reassuring.


    She turned to face him, shifting her bag over her shoulder. "Where am I setting up?"


    Ethan shrugged. "Take any guest room you want."


    Vanessa arched an eyebrow at him. "You''re not going to assign me a room?"


    "I mean, it''s not like I have a preference," Ethan admitted. "Unless you were expecting me to say you had to stay in mine?"


    She rolled her eyes. "Tempting, but I actually like having my own space, thank you very much."


    Ethan chuckled. "Good. Then go pick a room. There are plenty."


    She didn''t need to be told twice.


    She walked down the hallway, scanning each doorway carefully before finally settling on a room near the staircase.


    Ethan followed her as she stepped inside. The room was spacious, with a large bed, a writing desk, and a view of the backyard garden.


    "This one''s perfect," Vanessa declared, tossing her bag onto the bed. "Close enough to the kitchen and the main areas, but far enough that I won''t hear you pacing at night."


    Ethan leaned against the doorframe. "I don''t pace."


    Vanessa smirked. "Sure you don''t."


    He shook his head, but there was an amused glint in his eyes. "I''ll have the maids bring in anything else you need later."


    She sat on the bed, running her fingers over the soft comforter. "Nah, I''ll handle it myself. No need to make them run around just because I decided to crash here."


    Ethan wasn''t used to people insisting on doing things themselves in his house.


    Most guests would be more than happy to have the staff take care of everything and the staff obviously wouldn''t complain since they were being paid for it.


    It was surprising, but he didn''t comment on it.


    Instead, he simply said, "Suit yourself."


    Vanessa laid back, stretching her arms above her head with a satisfied sigh. "You know, I was expecting you to put up more of a fight when I said I was moving in."


    Ethan exhaled through his nose. "And yet, here you are."


    "Yeah," she said, turning her head to look at him. "Here I am. It''s almost like you wanted me to be here."


    Ethan almost choked, how did she know? Well he denied it nonetheless.


    "You''re wrong about that," Ethan said.


    "Yeah right," Vanessa said while rolling her eyes.


    There was something in the way she said it ¡ª something softer than her usual playful tone. Ethan wasn''t sure what to make of it, so he didn''t dwell on it.


    "You hungry?" he asked, pushing himself off the doorframe.


    Vanessa''s eyes lit up. "Depends. Are you cooking?"


    Ethan snorted. "Do I look like a chef to you?"


    "Well, you have been cooking a lot lately," she pointed out. "At least that''s what I think anyway."


    Ethan shook his head. "I''ll have the kitchen staff prepare something."


    Vanessa sat up. "Oh, come on. Where''s the fun in that?"


    "The fun is in not burning my house down," Ethan said dryly.


    She rolled her eyes. "Fine, fine. But next time, I''m making you cook. I wanna see if you''re actually improving, who knows maybe you could become Husband material."


    Ethan''s face turned blank. "Seriously?"


    Vanessa shrugged. "Yeah I''m serious, Cooking is actually a very good skill, if we get married, you won''t have to be shoving me to the kitchen to cook for you all the time."


    Ethan sighed. "That''s a weird way to put it honestly but it''s alright. Now, let''s get something to eat before you start demanding a five-star meal."


    "I mean since it''s the kitchen staff that''s preparing it, it should be a five-star meal," Vanessa said, "I''m sure you wouldn''t accept anything less,"


    "You''d be surprised," Ethan said with a shrug.


    He turned to leave, and Vanessa followed him out of the room, their footsteps echoing softly against the floors.

 Chapter 157: Dinner At The Mansion

    Ethan leaned against the counter as he watched the kitchen staff move with practiced efficiency.


    The mansion''s chefs were some of the best, and he made sure they were well-compensated for it, with even increases in their pay sometimes.


    The scent of grilled meat and saute?ed vegetables filled the air, a sign that dinner was coming along well.


    "Make it extra good tonight," he instructed the head chef, a seasoned woman named Marianne, who nodded while flipping something expertly in a pan.


    From their movements alone, one could tell that they were professionals at what they did, besides he wasn''t about to hire rookie chefs for himself.


    "Of course, boss. Special occasion?" she asked, briefly glancing up.


    "Not really, just have a visitor over," Ethan replied, looking toward the living room where Vanessa was sprawled across the couch, lazily scrolling through her phone.


    Marianne nodded and got back to cooking, a small smirk on her face that didn''t go unnoticed by Ethan, he couldn''t help but wonder what she was smirking about but his eyes soon flicked back to Vanessa again.


    Her long black hair was tied up with a band, seemed she had done it just now, though a few strands fell over her face as she tapped at her screen, seemingly lost in thought.


    Ethan walked to the fridge, pulled out two drinks from the boundless reservoir that was restocked daily, and tossed one to her.


    She caught it effortlessly, popping the cap with ease before taking a swig, though she was a bit annoyed it wasn''t alcohol but she didn''t say.


    "Haven''t seen you racing in a while," he said, twisting off the cap of his own drink and taking a sip. "What, did you retire early?"


    Vanessa scoffed. "Hardly. There just aren''t any races worth my time lately."


    Ethan sighed.


    Classic Vanessa.


    She had always been the type to chase thrills, but only if they were actually challenging. If a race didn''t push her to her limits, she wouldn''t bother.


    "You''re gonna get rusty if you don''t keep at it," he teased.


    She raised an eyebrow. "Please. I could go six months without touching the track and still dust half the guys out there."


    He chuckled. "Confident as always. I hope you can actually live up to it and not be some all bark but no bite kind of person."


    Her eyes landed on him with a small frown that quickly turned to a smirk.


    "You could test me if you want, we could run a lap around the city if you want." Vanessa said.


    He was about to say something but their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of dinner.


    One of the chefs, a young woman with sweat-stained clothes and a slightly flushed face, brought the dishes to the dining room, carefully setting them down.


    Vanessa sat up, cracking her neck before standing and making her way over, eyes locked on the food.


    Ethan pulled out a chair for her, but she ignored it and sat down in another one, arms crossed. He smirked but said nothing, taking a seat across from her.


    The food looked great ¡ª a perfectly grilled steak, roasted potatoes with a golden-brown crisp, and a fresh garden salad with a light dressing.


    Steam rose from the dishes, carrying the rich aroma of seasoned meat and butter.


    Vanessa took her knife and cut into the steak, lifting a piece to her mouth. Ethan watched as she chewed thoughtfully, waiting for her critique.


    She swallowed, then shrugged. "Not bad."


    Marianne, who had come to check on their reaction, raised an eyebrow. "Not bad?"


    Vanessa smirked. "It''s good. But I could name a place or two that does it better."


    The head chef huffed but didn''t look too offended. "Maybe next time, you should cook for us then."


    Vanessa tapped her chin in mock consideration. "Maybe I will."


    Ethan shook his head, amused. "Just eat."


    She laughed, finally relenting as she took another bite, this time with clear satisfaction.


    They ate in comfortable silence for a while, the only sounds being the occasional clink of silverware against plates.


    Ethan hadn''t realized how hungry he was until he started eating, and soon his plate was nearly empty.


    Vanessa was taking her time, savoring each bite, probably thinking about how to criticize the meal while still enjoying it.


    "So," Ethan said, pouring himself a glass of water. "If there''s no racing, what have you been up to?"


    Vanessa leaned back in her chair, swirling her drink in her hand. "Messing around, mostly. Working on my car. Testing a few new modifications."


    "Modifications?"


    She grinned. "Nothing illegal, if that''s what you''re thinking."


    "That wasn''t what I was thinking, but now I am."


    She laughed. "Relax. Just tuning things. The engine, the suspension, testing a new set of tires. I need something to keep me occupied."


    Ethan hummed in understanding. Vanessa never sat still for long. If she wasn''t racing, she was working on her car, and if she wasn''t doing that, she was looking for some other adrenaline rush to chase.


    "You can show me the modifications sometime," he said. "Wouldn''t mind taking a look."


    Vanessa raised an eyebrow. "Oh? You interested in cars now?"


    He shrugged. "I know enough to get by. But I wouldn''t mind seeing what you''re working on."


    She considered it for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. Maybe I''ll show you tomorrow."


    "Looking forward to it."


    They finished up their meal, and Ethan stood to stretch. Vanessa pushed back her chair, yawning.


    "I''ll help clean up," he said, but Marianne waved him off.


    "Boss, you aren''t supposed to be stressing yourself with all this," she said and Ethan sighed.


    Vanessa narrowed her eyes at Ethan who sighed. "Come on, that shouldn''t make you whine."


    "I''m not whining," Ethan said.


    "Sure you aren''t,"


    Vanessa rolled her eyes, standing up and stretching her arms over her head. "I''m heading to bed."


    Ethan walked her to her door, and she paused before stepping inside.


    "Thanks for dinner," she said.


    He raised an eyebrow. "Didn''t expect that from you."


    She smirked. "Don''t get used to it."

 Chapter 158: Casino Construction

    Ethan stepped into his room and closed the door with a quiet click.


    The large space, bathed in soft moonlight filtering through the floor-to-ceiling windows, felt both vast and oddly empty.


    He loosened his shirt, tossing it over the chair near his desk before sinking into the plush leather seat.


    His fingers instinctively reached for the small remote that controlled the lights, dimming them just enough to ease the strain from his eyes.


    He was tired.. that much was certain.


    With a sigh, he leaned forward and tapped the sleek surface of his watch.


    At once, a shimmering blue holographic interface flickered to life before him ¡ª the System.


    "Alright, let''s get this over with."


    Navigating through the options with practiced ease, he selected "Documents" and then "Permit Applications."


    The System''s efficient algorithms instantly began compiling a professional and polished request for his casino construction permit.


    This wasn''t Ethan''s first time dealing with city hall.


    His business ventures ¡ª particularly in real estate ¡ª had required him to establish relationships with various officials.


    Buying nearly ruined apartment buildings, renovating them into high-end or affordable housing, and selling them for profit had given him both the experience and the contacts he needed.


    This time, instead of flipping properties, he was using his connections to push forward a much bigger project: his casino.


    As the System compiled the necessary details, Ethan leaned back and ran a hand through his hair.


    He was tired, but there was still a lot to do. The casino wasn''t just another business move; it was a major undertaking, and he wanted everything to be perfect.


    A soft chime signaled that the document was ready.


    The holographic screen displayed the final draft, crisp and formal, detailing the request for land usage, construction specifics, environmental compliance, and financial projections.


    "Not bad," Ethan muttered as he skimmed through the paragraphs.


    The System had even included a few persuasive arguments about the economic benefits his casino would bring to the city.


    With a satisfied nod, he tapped the "Download" option, and a second later, his phone vibrated.


    The document was now saved as a file, ready to be sent.


    He scrolled through his contacts and selected a familiar name ¡ª one of his more reliable connections at city hall.


    [Ethan: Got a new permit request. Sending it now. Let me know how fast we can push this through.]


    Within seconds, the message was marked as "Read."


    A few dots appeared as the person on the other end began typing.


    [Mr. Kean: Send it over. I''ll take a look. Might be able to speed things up if everything''s in order.]


    Ethan attached the file and hit send.


    Now, all he could do was wait.


    He exhaled slowly and shut off the hologram interface.


    His gaze drifted toward the massive bed on the other side of the room, but he didn''t feel like sleeping just yet.


    Instead, he grabbed a glass of water from the nightstand and took a sip, staring at the cityscape beyond his window.


    A casino was a risky business.


    But success wasn''t built in a day. It was built by taking risks.


    Setting the glass down, he pulled out his phone and checked his schedule for the next day.


    As he swiped through the notifications, another message popped up.


    [Mr. Kean: Got it. I''ll give you an update tomorrow. Shouldn''t take too long.]


    Now, he could finally call it a night.


    With one last glance at the city outside, he stood, stretched, and walked over to his bed.


    As he lay down, he closed his eyes, letting the hum of distant traffic lull him into much-needed rest.


    The following week, Ethan stood at the edge of the empty lot, his breath curling in the cold morning air.


    He pulled his hoodie tighter around him, shielding himself from the biting wind as his eyes scanned the land where his casino would soon rise.


    The sky, heavy with dark clouds just moments ago, was beginning to clear, revealing hints of blue peeking through.


    It seemed the predicted rainstorm wouldn''t come after all. A relief ¡ª bad weather would have only slowed the construction team down.


    The lot itself was a vast, open space, a blank slate waiting to be transformed.


    Stakes and markers were already in place, outlining the future foundation of the building. The crew had assembled early, some stretching and shaking off the morning chill, others already discussing the logistics of the day''s work.


    The low hum of idle conversation and the occasional barked instructions filled the air, creating a strange sense of anticipation.


    Ethan shoved his hands into his pockets, exhaling slowly. He wasn''t the type to get sentimental, but standing here now, watching the workers move with purpose, it felt... real.


    His gaze flickered over the workers, noting their efficiency. A few men were unloading equipment from a truck, while others were setting up survey tools to double-check the ground measurements.


    The foreman, a stocky man in his forties with a permanent scowl, was speaking with an engineer over a set of blueprints. Everything was in motion.


    Then, a familiar face caught his attention.


    Among the workers, that girl ¡ª the one he had bumped into back in the city office ¡ª was waving at him.


    For a moment, Ethan hesitated. He hadn''t expected to see her here. Last time, she had been carrying a folder full of paperwork, clearly swamped with administrative work.


    Now, she wore a construction vest over a hoodie, her dark hair pulled back into a ponytail, a smudge of dirt on her cheek. She looked like she belonged here just as much as anyone else.


    He gave a small nod in return, acknowledging her without making a big deal out of it. She didn''t seem to mind his reserved response, her grin unfazed as she turned back to the work at hand.


    "Didn''t expect you to be the type to get your hands dirty," Ethan commented as he approached, keeping his voice low enough to not disturb the others.


    She glanced up, her expression amused. "And I didn''t expect you to actually show up at a construction site in person. Most people just send someone to check progress."


    Ethan smirked. "I like to see where my money''s going."


    "Good policy," she admitted. "Name''s Riley, by the way."


    He hadn''t asked, but he nodded anyway. "Ethan."


    "I know," she said, tilting her head. "You own this whole thing, right?"


    "Something like that."

 Chapter 159: Talking With The Foreman

    Ethan walked beside Riley as she moved across the lot, marking key points for the casino''s foundation.


    A can of bright orange spray paint hissed in her gloved hand as she bent down to make precise markings on the dirt.


    The morning air was still sharp, though the wind had died down somewhat.


    Ethan kept his hands tucked into the pockets of his hoodie, watching her work with practiced efficiency.


    "So, this is all about getting the layout right?" he asked, glancing at the symbols she was carefully etching into the ground.


    "Exactly," Riley confirmed. "These markers help guide excavation. We''re making sure everything lines up with the blueprints before the heavy machinery starts digging. The last thing we want is to realize something''s off after we''ve already started."


    Ethan nodded.


    He understood the basics ¡ª his past investments in apartment buildings had given him some construction experience ¡ª but this was a different scale entirely.


    Renovations were one thing. This? This was building something from the ground up.


    "You seem to know your way around this stuff," he remarked, watching as she took a step back to assess her work.


    Riley smirked, pushing a stray strand of hair from her face. "I should. I started out in engineering, but I realized I liked being in the field more than sitting behind a desk. So, construction management it was."


    Ethan studied her for a moment. "Good choice."


    "I like to think so," she said with a small shrug, before glancing at the workers scattered across the lot. "Your crew''s solid. Everything''s moving on schedule so far. That''s a good sign."


    Ethan swept his gaze over the team. Workers unloaded materials from trucks, engineers double-checked measurements, and the foreman was engaged in discussion with a group near the site''s edge.


    It was one thing to hire a team; it was another to know they were actually worth the money.


    Before he could respond, a gruff voice called out.


    "Mr. Ethan!"


    He turned to see the foreman, a burly man in his late forties with a no-nonsense demeanor.


    His salt-and-pepper hair was mostly hidden beneath a hard hat that people in his profession usually wore, and his clipboard was tucked under one arm.


    Ethan had chosen him for his experience ¡ª he wasn''t the type to cut corners, and that was exactly the kind of person Ethan wanted running this operation.


    "Got a minute?" the foreman asked, jerking his head toward a quieter spot near the lot''s perimeter.


    Ethan gave Riley a small nod before following the man. Once they were away from the noise of the site, the foreman pulled a few papers from his clipboard.


    "So, I heard from the company that you put down five million upfront for materials," he said, giving Ethan an approving look. "Not many people have the guts to do that right away."


    Ethan shrugged. "Better to secure everything now than deal with shortages later."


    The foreman nodded. "Smart move. With supply chains being what they are, waiting could''ve delayed you by months. Five million''s a lot, though. You must be damn sure about this place."


    "I don''t gamble," Ethan said flatly. "I invest. And this will pay off."


    The foreman chuckled at that. "Fair enough."


    He flipped through his papers. "Alright, here''s the plan for the first phase. We''ll be focusing on three main things: foundation, structural framework, and utilities. Excavation starts tomorrow. Once we break ground, we should have the concrete foundation poured by next week. After that, steel framing goes up, and we''ll start seeing the skeleton of your casino take shape."


    Ethan absorbed the information. He had already handled the permits, navigated the bureaucracy, and ensured there were no obstacles from the city.


    Now, it was all about execution.


    "How long will the foundation take?" he asked.


    "A couple of weeks, give or take," the foreman replied. "Weather, inspections, and material deliveries can all affect the timeline, but if things go smoothly, we should be moving to the next phase by the end of the month."


    Ethan nodded. It was a reasonable timeline, but he knew better than to expect everything to go perfectly.


    "What about site security?" he asked. "I don''t want any trouble ¡ª thieves, squatters, or anyone messing with the build."


    The foreman gave a knowing nod. "Glad you brought that up. We''ve got a night crew to keep an eye on things, but I''d recommend hiring extra security. Construction sites attract all sorts of unwanted attention."


    Ethan made a mental note to take care of that. The last thing he needed was delays because someone decided to steal copper wiring or vandalize the site.


    "Keep me updated," he said. "I want a report at the end of each phase. If anything changes, I want to know immediately."


    "You got it." The foreman extended a firm, calloused hand. "We''ll get it done, Mr. Ethan."


    Ethan grasped his hand in a steady shake. "I know you will."


    As the foreman walked off to check on another team, Ethan turned his gaze back to the site and then he walked back toward Riley, his steps slow and deliberate as he took in the sheer scale of the land.


    It was vast ¡ª much larger than he had initially thought. Standing in the middle of it, he could truly grasp just how big this project was.


    Marking everything would take time.


    Even with a full team working efficiently, they''d be at it for the rest of the day.


    But the real work would begin tomorrow ¡ª excavation. The first cuts into the earth. The first irreversible step in turning this empty lot into something real.


    Would he be here to see it? He wasn''t sure.


    His schedule was unpredictable. There were always meetings, paperwork, people wanting something from him. But part of him wanted to be here, to witness the first moment that the land changed.


    For now, though, he could afford to walk around and talk with Riley.


    She was still busy, kneeling near one of the markers she had just painted, checking measurements against a notepad.


    The orange lines she had drawn stood out sharply against the dull brown of the dirt, like veins mapping out the future of the casino.


    "You''ve got a lot of ground to cover," Ethan remarked as he approached.

 Chapter 160: Lunch Break

    Riley glanced up, tucking her pen behind her ear, she had to lick her lips too, they were getting a bit too dry.


    "Yeah, no kidding. The layout is huge, and we have to be precise. If we mess this part up, it throws everything else off."


    He looked around. "How long do you think it''ll take?"


    She stood up, dusting her hands off on her jeans.


    "Most of the marking should be done by this evening. We''ll double-check everything before we call it a day. Tomorrow, excavation starts."


    Ethan exhaled slowly. "That''s the real start of everything."


    "Pretty much," Riley agreed. She studied him for a moment before tilting her head. "You planning on coming by to watch?"


    "I don''t know yet," he admitted. "Got some things to take care of."


    She nodded. "Makes sense. You''re already more involved than most people."


    Ethan smirked slightly. "That a compliment?"


    "Maybe," she said with a small grin. "But don''t let it get to your head."


    He chuckled, shoving his hands into his pockets. "No danger of that."


    They started walking, moving along the marked areas, the dirt crunching beneath their feet.


    The site was still buzzing with activity ¡ª workers hauling materials, checking blueprints, calling out measurements.


    But in this moment, it felt like their own quiet space within the chaos.


    "So, what made you get into this line of work?" Ethan asked. "You said you started in engineering, but what made you switch?"


    Riley let out a short breath, as if considering her answer. "I liked the technical side of things, but I hated being stuck in an office all day. I wanted to be out here, making sure things actually got built instead of just designing them on paper."


    She gestured around them. "This? This feels real. You can see the progress, feel it. There''s something satisfying about watching an empty lot turn into something people will actually use."


    Ethan could understand that.


    "I get that," he said after a moment.


    Riley gave him a sidelong glance. "Yeah? Didn''t peg you for the hands-on type."


    Ethan shrugged. "I''ve dealt with real estate for a while now. Most of it was buying, renovating, and selling. But this..." He looked out across the land again. "This is bigger."


    She studied him for a moment. "So, why a casino?"


    He hesitated before answering. "It''s a good investment."


    She raised an eyebrow. "That''s the corporate answer."


    Ethan smirked slightly. "It''s the practical answer."


    "Uh-huh." She didn''t seem convinced.


    He exhaled, watching as a worker jogged past, carrying a bundle of measuring tapes.


    "It''s not just about the money," he admitted. "It''s about what comes with it. The reputation. The presence. A casino isn''t just a business ¡ª it''s a statement."


    Riley nodded slowly, as if turning that over in her mind. "A statement, huh? Guess that makes sense."


    They kept walking, passing by a group of workers who were setting up equipment near the lot''s edge.


    The sun had risen higher now, casting long shadows across the site.


    The day was moving forward, and so was the project.


    After a brief silence, Riley spoke again. "So, what''s next for you? After this place is up and running?"


    Ethan considered that. He hadn''t thought much beyond it.


    "Not sure yet," he admitted. "One thing at a time."


    She laughed lightly. "That''s the best way to do it."


    They reached a section of the site where several orange markers formed the rough outline of what would eventually be the casino''s main entrance.


    Ethan paused, looking down at the markings.


    "Hard to imagine it now," he mused. "But in some months, this will be a grand entrance with marble floors and chandeliers."


    Riley crossed her arms, tilting her head as she studied the space. "Yeah. But first, it''s just a bunch of dirt and lines."


    Ethan chuckled. "Every big thing starts small."


    She gave him a small smile. "Exactly."


    #####


    The construction site had quieted for a while as the workers took their lunch break.


    The rhythmic sounds of measuring tapes snapping back, spray paint hissing, and boots crunching against the dirt had been replaced by quiet conversation and the occasional laughter of the crew.


    Some workers sat in groups on overturned crates, while others leaned against stacks of materials, taking a moment to rest before the work resumed.


    Riley sat on a simple foldable mat near the edge of the site, her lunchbox open on her lap.


    She had packed a homemade meal ¡ª rice, grilled chicken, and vegetables ¡ª and she ate quickly, shoving bites into her mouth without much thought.


    She was starving after working all morning.


    Ethan, on the other hand, hadn''t moved from where he stood.


    He was still near the markers, hands tucked into his hoodie pockets, scanning the layout as if he were memorizing every line drawn on the ground.


    Riley chewed her food slowly as she watched him.


    Why was he here?


    He had money. He had power.


    He could be in an office somewhere, handling business deals, sitting in a high-end restaurant, or enjoying the luxuries that people like her didn''t even think about.


    But instead, he was here, standing in the middle of a half-marked construction site, with dust on his sneakers and cold wind blowing through his hoodie.


    He had no reason to be here.


    Yet, he was.


    Riley felt her cheeks warm slightly, though she wasn''t sure why.


    Maybe it was the way the wind tousled his hair, or the quiet focus in his expression, or maybe just the fact that someone like him didn''t seem out of place here ¡ª like he belonged among the dirt, the plans, the effort.


    She stuffed another bite of food into her mouth, trying to ignore the thoughts creeping into her head.


    Instead of overthinking it, she called out to him.


    "Hey."


    Ethan turned slightly, his gaze shifting from the markers to her.


    "You hungry?" she asked, holding up her lunchbox slightly. "Wanna eat with me?" Continue your journey on My Virtual Library Empire


    For a second, he just looked at her, as if processing the question.


    Then, after a moment, he gave a small smirk and walked over.


    "I didn''t bring anything," he admitted as he sat down beside her on the mat.


    Riley shrugged. "I have enough."

 Chapter 161: Recipes

    Ethan glanced at her lunchbox, then at her. "You sure?"


    "Yeah, I wouldn''t offer if I wasn''t," she replied, using her chopsticks to pick up a piece of grilled chicken and holding it out to him. "Here."


    He hesitated for a second before taking it straight from her chopsticks, chewing thoughtfully.


    "...Not bad," he said after a moment.


    Riley raised an eyebrow. "Not bad? Excuse you, that''s great cooking."


    Ethan chuckled. "Alright, alright. It''s good."


    Satisfied, Riley handed him the extra pair of chopsticks she always kept in her lunchbox ¡ª just in case.


    She hadn''t expected to be sharing a meal today, let alone with Ethan, but it felt natural in a way she couldn''t quite explain.


    The lunch break stretched on, the quiet hum of conversation filling the air as the workers took their time eating and resting.


    The wind had died down a little, but the air still carried the crisp edge of late morning.


    Riley continued eating, comfortable in the moment, while Ethan, now properly settled beside her, ate at a steadier pace.


    "You cook often?" Ethan asked after finishing a bite of rice.


    Riley nodded as she poked at her food with her chopsticks. "Yeah. I mean, I have to eat, right? Might as well make something good instead of eating takeout every day."


    Ethan smirked slightly. "Nothing wrong with takeout."


    She scoffed. "Spoken like someone who''s never had to worry about spending too much money on food."


    He chuckled. "Fair enough. But I still cook sometimes."


    That caught her off guard. "Wait, you cook?"


    Ethan raised an eyebrow. "What, I don''t look like the type?"


    "Not even a little," she admitted, laughing. "No offense, but you seem more like the ''order a steak at a fancy restaurant'' kind of guy."


    Ethan smirked. "I do that too."


    Riley shook her head. "Of course you do."


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    They ate in silence for a few moments before Riley spoke again. "So, what do you cook?"


    Ethan set his chopsticks down briefly, thinking. "Nothing fancy. Breakfast foods, mostly. Eggs, pancakes, sometimes an omelet if I''m feeling ambitious."


    She snorted. "Wow, real chef material."


    Ethan shrugged. "Hey, don''t underestimate a good breakfast."


    "I won''t if you won''t underestimate real cooking," she shot back playfully.


    He smirked. "Alright then, educate me."


    Riley leaned back slightly, looking up at the sky for a second before launching into an explanation. "Okay, so for this meal, I prepped the chicken last night. Marinated it in soy sauce, garlic, a little honey for sweetness, and a dash of chili flakes."


    Ethan nodded as he listened. "That explains the slight kick."


    "Exactly." She gestured with her chopsticks. "Then I grilled it this morning while the rice was cooking. The vegetables? Just a quick stir-fry ¡ª onions, bell peppers, some carrots. Simple, but it works."


    Ethan took another bite, chewing thoughtfully. "It''s solid. Balanced flavors."


    Riley grinned. "Glad you approve."


    They continued eating, with Riley occasionally adding little details about her cooking process.


    She explained how she learned from watching her grandmother cook, how she experimented with flavors, and how she preferred home-cooked meals over restaurant food because it just felt better.


    Ethan, surprisingly, offered his own thoughts. "You ever try adding ginger to your marinade?" he asked after another bite.


    Riley raised an eyebrow. "Ginger? For chicken?"


    He nodded. "It gives a bit of extra depth to the flavor. Balances out the soy sauce."


    She considered that. "Huh. Never thought of that. Might try it next time."


    He smirked. "See? I do know a thing or two."


    "Alright, Chef Ethan," Riley teased. "What else do you suggest?"


    Ethan leaned back slightly, thinking. "Lemon zest. Just a little. Adds brightness."


    Riley stared at him. "Where are you getting all these fancy tips? I thought you just made pancakes."


    Ethan shrugged. "I pay attention when I eat."


    She shook her head, laughing. "Okay, I''ll give it a shot. But if it turns out weird, I''m blaming you."


    "Deal."


    The wind picked up slightly, carrying the distant sounds of the other workers finishing their meals and getting ready to start work again.


    But Riley and Ethan remained seated, finishing their food at a comfortable pace.


    "You should cook more," Ethan commented after a moment.


    Riley smirked. "What, so I can feed you again?"


    Ethan didn''t deny it. Instead, he just gave a small shrug. "Maybe."


    Riley rolled her eyes but felt a small, unexpected warmth in her chest.


    "Well," she said, setting her empty lunchbox aside, "if you ever get tired of eating fancy steaks, maybe I''ll let you have another meal."


    Ethan chuckled. "I''ll hold you to that."


    Lunch break was soon over.


    The quiet moment of shared food and conversation had passed, and now the real work was about to resume.


    Riley stood up first, stretching her arms over her head before crouching down to start packing up.


    She folded the mat they had been sitting on with practiced ease, then tucked it neatly into her bag. The lunchbox followed, snapped shut and stowed away.


    Ethan remained seated for a moment longer, watching as she worked.


    The sun had fully emerged from behind the morning clouds now, its golden rays beaming down on the construction site.


    The warmth was a stark contrast to the earlier chill, and Riley groaned as she shielded her eyes.


    "Ugh. I hate this part," she muttered.


    Ethan smirked. "Not a fan of the sun?"


    "It''s fine when it''s not trying to cook me alive," she shot back. She dusted off her jeans, sighing. "Guess I should get back to it."


    Ethan nodded, watching as she grabbed her notepad and walked back toward the other workers, already calling out instructions and making adjustments to the markers.


    She moved with purpose, sliding right back into her role without hesitation.


    Once she was out of earshot, Ethan let out a slow breath and pulled up the System hologram from his watch.


    A translucent blue screen flickered to life before him, displaying a detailed project timeline. Numbers, charts, and estimated deadlines scrolled across the interface as he tapped through the data.


    [Estimated completion time: 7 months.]

 Chapter 162: Marking The Ground

    That was the best-case scenario.


    If everything went smoothly, if suppliers delivered materials without delay, if the construction team hit every deadline without setbacks ¡ª then, and only then, the casino would be standing in seven months.


    But that was a big if.


    Ethan had been in the business world long enough to know that things rarely went perfectly. Delays were inevitable.


    Maybe an inspection would get held up. Maybe weather conditions would slow progress. Maybe a supplier would mess up an order.


    He swiped through more projections.


    [Worst-case scenario: 12 months.]


    A full year.


    Ethan exhaled sharply through his nose.


    He didn''t want this project dragging out that long. The longer it took, the more money he would have to sink into it just to keep things moving. And the longer it took, the more restless he would become.


    He shook his head slightly and dismissed the hologram with a flick of his wrist. The screen faded, dissolving into nothing.


    Ethan rolled his shoulders and stood up, brushing dust off his jeans. He wasn''t part of the crew, but this project was his, and he wasn''t about to sit around and do nothing.


    Ethan wandered back toward the heart of the site, hands still tucked into his hoodie pockets as he watched the workers resume their tasks.


    The quiet of the lunch break had faded, replaced once again with the sounds of measuring tapes snapping, boots scuffing against the dirt, and spray paint hissing as markers were refreshed.


    His gaze found Riley.


    She was crouched down, focused as she lined up a measuring tape against one of the stakes.


    A can of spray paint rested beside her, and with quick, practiced motions, she marked another spot on the ground.


    She worked with efficiency, her attention fully locked onto the task like they hadn''t been eating minutes earlier.


    Ethan stepped closer. "So, how do you guys do this marking stuff?"


    Riley glanced up, raising an eyebrow. "What, suddenly interested in construction work?"


    Ethan smirked. "I like knowing how things get built."


    She studied him for a moment before shrugging. "Alright, if you''re serious about learning."


    She stood up, dusting her hands off on her jeans before gesturing for him to follow.


    He walked beside her as she moved to another section of the site, where a few unmarked areas still remained. She pointed to a set of stakes in the ground.


    "So, first, we have to make sure everything is measured out correctly," she began. "These stakes? They''re reference points. We use them to create a grid, marking out where different parts of the building will go. Think of it like drawing a blueprint ¡ª but on the ground."


    Ethan nodded, glancing at the markers. "And the spray paint?"


    "That''s where we get precise," she said, crouching down again.


    She grabbed the can and shook it, the metallic ball inside rattling as she mixed the paint. "Once we have the right measurements, we mark the ground so the excavation team knows exactly where to dig. You can''t just eyeball it ¡ª this stuff has to be exactly as it was in the Blueprints, we don''t want the excavation team to make a mistake when they''re working on it."


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    She pointed to the measuring tape stretched between two stakes.


    "For example, this spot is where a foundation pillar will go. We measure the exact distance, double-check the alignment, then ¡ª "


    She pressed down on the nozzle, releasing a controlled burst of white paint in a clean, sharp line.


    Ethan watched as she made another small mark. "Seems straightforward."


    Riley grinned. "Oh yeah? Wanna try?"


    He raised an eyebrow. "You''re letting me really jump into the practical now?"


    She smirked. "Why not? If you mess up, I''ll just fix it."


    Ethan chuckled, shaking his head before stepping forward.


    Riley handed him the can, and he took it, feeling the weight of it in his grip. He gave it a quick shake, the rattle inside familiar.


    "Alright," she said, taking a step back. "You see that spot between those two stakes? Try marking a straight line from point A to point B."


    Ethan crouched down, mimicking her posture from earlier. He positioned the nozzle, pressing down lightly.


    A thin stream of paint sprayed onto the dirt, but instead of a clean line, it came out uneven, jagged in some spots, too thick in others.


    Riley burst out laughing.


    Ethan pulled back, frowning at his work. "Okay, that''s terrible."


    She crossed her arms, still grinning. "I''ve seen worse."


    He glanced up at her. "Liar."


    She smirked. "Okay, yeah, that was pretty bad. But hey, first time''s never perfect."


    Ethan shook his head, amused despite himself. "Alright, coach. What''s the trick?"


    Riley crouched beside him again. "Two things. One, don''t press too hard on the nozzle. It''s not about force ¡ª it''s about control. And two, keep your wrist steady. Smooth movement."


    He nodded, adjusting his grip. "Got it."


    "Here," she said, moving slightly closer. "Try again, but this time, go slower."


    Ethan took a breath and positioned the can again. He pressed the nozzle lightly, keeping his wrist steady as he moved in a straight line.


    The result wasn''t perfect, but it was much cleaner than his first attempt.


    Riley nodded approvingly. "See? Much better."


    Ethan examined his work, feeling a small sense of satisfaction. "Not bad."


    "Not bad at all," she agreed. "Might turn you into a construction worker yet."


    He chuckled. "I''ll stick to building businesses."


    Riley stood, stretching her arms. "Fair enough. But now that you''ve contributed, you officially have a hand in building this casino."


    Ethan smirked. "I''ll add it to my resume."


    She laughed, stepping back to give him space as he stood. The sun was high overhead now, the warmth settling into the air and bouncing off her head ¨C he had to admit, despite the glistening sweat trailing down her face.


    Riley was beautiful.


    He averted his gaze from her''s just as she looked at him, but she noticed that he was staring and decided to tease him about it ¨C friends teased friends right?

 Chapter 163: Security Personnel

    The afternoon stretched on as Ethan continued marking the ground, the can of spray paint becoming more familiar in his hands with each pass.


    At first, he was hesitant ¡ª his lines weren''t as clean, his movements still stiff ¡ª but with Riley''s guidance, he improved in real time.


    "Steady," she reminded him, her voice patient but firm. "It''s not a race. Precision is more important than speed."


    Ethan adjusted his grip and tried again, pressing down on the nozzle and moving in a slow, controlled motion.


    The line he sprayed onto the dirt was smooth and even this time, a marked improvement from his earlier attempts.


    Riley stepped back and gave an approving nod. "Now that is how you do it."


    He smirked. "Told you I learn fast."


    She rolled her eyes but smiled. "Alright, Mr. Businessman. Let''s see if you can keep it up."


    They continued working side by side, marking section after section of the construction site.


    Ethan''s movements became more natural with each attempt, and soon enough, he no longer needed Riley''s corrections ¡ª though she still gave him the occasional playful critique, at least that''s what he thought it was.


    "You''re getting cocky," she teased when he managed to complete a perfect line on his first try.


    He chuckled. "Can''t help it if I''m good at everything I do."


    Riley scoffed. "Right, because spray painting dirt is so impressive."


    "Hey," Ethan shrugged, "everything starts from somewhere."


    As the hours passed, other workers started taking notice.


    At first, they simply cast curious glances in Ethan''s direction. It wasn''t every day that the man bankrolling a project got down in the dirt with them.


    Some whispered amongst themselves, watching him work with mild disbelief.


    Even the foreman, a stocky man with years of experience in the industry, paused when he spotted Ethan crouched over another section of the site, marking a new guideline.


    He crossed his arms, shaking his head with an amused grunt. It wasn''t everyday you saw someone like this.


    "Well, I''ll be damned," he muttered to one of the workers beside him. "Didn''t peg him for the hands-on type."


    The worker smirked. "Bet he''s just trying to impress the girl."


    The foreman chuckled. "Maybe. But if it means we finish faster, I don''t care why he''s doing it."


    And finish faster they did.


    With Ethan helping, the work moved at a steady pace. The team was efficient, marking the ground precisely according to the blueprints.


    Stakes were double-checked, lines were corrected when necessary, and by the time the sun started dipping toward the horizon, the task was nearly complete.


    Riley let out a long breath as she stepped back to admire their progress. "Not bad for a day''s work."


    Ethan wiped his hands on his jeans, feeling a strange sense of satisfaction.


    It had been a long time since he''d physically participated in something like this ¡ª most of his projects were managed from the comfort of his room or an office, handled through emails and meetings. But today, he had actually done something.


    And he had to admit, it felt good.


    The foreman approached, clapping his hands together. "Alright, that''s it for today. We''ll be bringing in the excavation team first thing tomorrow."


    Ethan nodded, pulling out his phone and making a quick note of the schedule. "Everything on track?"


    The foreman scratched his beard. "So far, yeah. We''ve got most of the groundwork sorted. When the excavation crew comes in, we''ll start digging out the foundation. Some of my guys will be here to oversee it, make sure everything lines up."


    "Good," Ethan said. "I don''t want any delays."


    The foreman chuckled. "No one does. But construction''s unpredictable. You should prepare yourself for a few headaches along the way."


    Ethan smirked. "I''ll handle it."


    The foreman nodded, then turned to his crew, dismissing them for the day.


    The workers packed up their tools, chatting amongst themselves as they stretched out sore muscles and prepared to leave.


    As the last of the workers filtered out, a new group arrived ¡ª security personnel assigned to guard the materials overnight.


    Ethan watched as they moved in, surveying the site with professional efficiency.


    A few stood near the stacks of supplies, while others positioned themselves near the perimeter, their presence a quiet but firm deterrent against any would-be thieves.


    Nobody needed construction materials missing overnight, and this team was trusted ¨C the building company could even vouch for them, they had worked on several projects before after all.


    Riley, who had been watching as well, gave a low whistle. "That''s some serious security."


    Ethan shrugged. "It''s necessary."


    She glanced at him. "You expecting trouble?" Find adventures on My Virtual Library Empire


    "Not expecting it," he admitted. "But I''d rather be prepared. This isn''t some small investment ¡ª losing materials would set us back, and I don''t have time for that."


    Riley nodded, understanding the logic.


    The sun was nearly set now, casting long shadows across the site. The air had cooled again, the warmth of the afternoon fading into the evening chill.


    Ethan exhaled, rolling his shoulders. "Guess that''s it for today."


    Riley stretched her arms, then gave him a playful nudge. "So, are you gonna show up tomorrow and start operating the excavator too?"


    Ethan chuckled. "I think I''ll leave that to the professionals."


    "Good call," she said with a grin. "I don''t think the foreman would survive the heart attack."


    They stood there for a moment, both watching as the security team settled into their posts.


    The day had been long, but productive.


    Ethan glanced at Riley, who was still looking out over the site, her expression thoughtful.


    "You coming back tomorrow?" he asked.


    She smirked. "Depends. You gonna buy lunch?"


    He smirked back. "Maybe."


    Riley laughed, shaking her head. "Then I guess I''ll see you tomorrow, boss."


    Ethan watched as she turned and started walking toward the parking area. He stayed behind for a moment longer, looking out over the marked ground.


    Seven months.


    That''s how long it would take ¡ª assuming everything went right.


    He clenched his fists slightly.


    ''It has to go right.''


    With that final thought, he turned and left, heading into the night, greeting the guards on his way out.

 Chapter 164: Excavation Begins

    The morning air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of damp earth and freshly disturbed soil.


    A cool breeze whispered through the site, rustling the leaves of the tree Ethan was leaning against.


    He had a can of soda pressed against his lips, taking a slow sip as he observed the excavation team setting up their equipment.


    It wasn''t coffee, but it would do for early morning hydration.


    His hood was pulled over his head, shielding him from the soft glare of the rising sun.


    Despite the early hour, the workers moved with energy, their voices carrying over the hum of machinery being prepped. The real work was starting today.


    The site had already been marked. Now, it was time to tear into the ground and begin shaping the foundation.


    The excavation wasn''t just about forming the base of the building ¡ª it was also to carve out the underground level of the casino, just like the blueprints had planned.


    That part would take time, precision, and a whole lot of patience. Though he had to admit, it was fun being outside.


    Ethan took another sip, his gaze shifting as a familiar voice called out.


    "You always drink soda in the morning, or is this just a special occasion?"


    He turned to see Riley approaching, her hands tucked into the pockets of her work pants.


    She was dressed similarly to the day before, her notepad tucked under her arm, but there was a visible energy in her step, like she was ready to get to work today, like how she was yesterday.


    Ethan smirked. "It''s carbonated, it wakes me up."


    Riley rolled her eyes. "That''s the weakest excuse for a breakfast substitute I''ve ever heard."


    He chuckled, lowering the can. "You''re late."


    She raised an eyebrow. "I''m late? Pretty sure I''m still earlier than half the crew."


    "Fair enough." He tilted his head toward the site. "They''re getting ready to start."


    Riley followed his gaze, watching as the workers finalized their setup.


    The excavation team was handling heavy-duty equipment ¡ª drills, backhoes, and compactors ¡ª all of which would be used to dig into the earth.


    Several workers were checking the measurements again, ensuring that they didn''t deviate from the marked lines.


    The foreman strode toward them, his hard hat tilted slightly back on his head. "Alright, boss," he said, addressing Ethan. "We''re ready to go. You sure about that underground section?"


    Ethan gave a short nod. "It''s in the blueprints for a reason. We need the extra space."


    The foreman sighed, rubbing his chin. "It''ll take longer. More materials, more effort."


    Ethan shrugged. "I didn''t bring you here for an easy job."


    That got a chuckle out of the older man. "Fair enough."


    He turned to signal his crew. "Alright, boys! Fire it up!"


    The first drill roared to life, a deep mechanical hum reverberating through the ground.


    The vibrations could be felt even from where Ethan and Riley stood, a reminder of just how powerful the machinery was.


    The process started slow ¡ª careful drilling to break through the tougher layers of soil, making sure they weren''t disrupting anything structurally unsound.


    Dust and small rocks kicked up into the air as the workers moved in a practiced rhythm, guiding the machines with precision.


    Ethan watched in silence, his arms crossed as he took in every detail.


    Riley stood beside him, hands on her hips. "Gotta admit, there''s something satisfying about watching the ground get torn up."


    Ethan smirked. "You don''t strike me as the destruction-loving type."


    She grinned. "It''s not destruction. It''s progress."


    He had to admit, she had a point.


    The foreman walked past again, checking on different sections of the site, barking instructions where needed.


    Some workers manually shoveled excess dirt away, making sure the excavation stayed within the designated lines.


    The morning stretched on, and soon enough, they had dug deep enough to start reinforcing the underground section.


    It would take days before it was fully carved out, but the framework was beginning to take shape.


    Ethan took another sip of his soda ¡ª now lukewarm ¡ª and exhaled slowly.


    Riley glanced at him. "You look like you''re thinking too hard."


    He arched an eyebrow. "That obvious?"


    She shrugged. "You get this look when you''re calculating stuff in your head. It''s like watching a computer process data." Stay tuned to My Virtual Library Empire


    Ethan smirked. "I''ll take that as a compliment."


    "Depends. Are you overanalyzing, or just admiring the work?"


    "Bit of both," he admitted. "I want this done right."


    Riley nodded, kicking a small rock near her foot. "Then you''re in the right place. This team knows what they''re doing."


    Ethan glanced at her. "You trust them?"


    She shrugged. "I''ve worked with some of them before. They get things done."


    That was good enough for him.


    By midday, the drilling had progressed deeper. The underground section was starting to take form, and reinforcement materials were being moved into place.


    The dust in the air made the site look hazy under the afternoon sun, and the constant hum of machinery was now a familiar backdrop to their conversations.


    The foreman called for a break, allowing the workers to grab water and rest before pushing forward again.


    Ethan and Riley stepped back, watching as some of the crew leaned against equipment, wiping sweat from their brows.


    "Not bad for half a day''s work," Riley commented.


    Ethan nodded, rubbing the back of his neck. "Still a long way to go."


    "Yeah, but at least now it feels real, right?"


    He glanced at her, then at the carved-out sections of dirt, the stacks of materials waiting to be used, the workers catching their breath before diving back in.


    It did feel real.


    He smirked slightly. "Yeah. It does."


    Riley nudged him with her elbow. "See? I knew you''d get excited eventually."


    He chuckled. "I don''t do ''excited.''"


    She rolled her eyes. "Sure you don''t."


    The break ended, and the workers returned to their tasks.


    Ethan remained where he was for a moment longer, taking in the sight of it all.


    ''This looks cool though,'' Ethan thought silently.

 Chapter 165: Its All About Adapting

    The ground trembled beneath the relentless force of the drills, sending vibrations up Ethan''s legs as he watched the excavation continue.


    There was something about watching them work that sent a chill down his spine, he couldn''t quite place it.


    The dust in the air had thickened, turning the morning haze into something heavier, something that clung to the skin and settled in the throat.


    The steady hum of machinery droned on, punctuated by the occasional shout from one of the workers as they coordinated the deepening of the site.


    So far, so good.


    The excavation was going well.


    Ethan lifted his hoodie slightly over his nose, shielding himself from the worst of the dust as he stepped closer to where the foreman stood, overseeing the operation with sharp, experienced eyes.


    The older man had his arms crossed, his thick boots planted firmly in the loose dirt, unaffected by the chaos unfolding around him.


    Almost like he was superhuman or something.


    Nearby, Riley stood with her notepad tucked under one arm, listening intently as one of the workers relayed something to the foreman.


    She gave a short nod, then turned back toward the two men.


    Before she could say anything, the foreman reached into his back pocket and pulled out a thick roll of bills, handing them off to her without looking.


    "Go grab some refreshments for the crew," he ordered, barely missing a beat.


    Riley blinked down at the money in her hands, then back up at him. "You just carry this much cash around?"


    The foreman grunted. "I don''t like owing people favors."


    Ethan smirked. "Efficient."


    Riley sighed but didn''t argue.


    "Alright, I''ll be back soon," she said, pocketing the money before turning on her heel and jogging off toward the nearest store where she could grab some supplies.


    Ethan couldn''t blame the workers, they had to be completely hydrated to work.


    Ethan watched her leave for a moment before stepping up beside the foreman.


    The dust was getting worse, swirling around their feet as the workers pressed deeper into the ground, but neither of them moved.


    "She''ll be fine on her own?" Ethan asked.


    The foreman scoffed. "Kid could probably handle herself better than half my crew. She''s got a good head on her shoulders."


    Ethan nodded, filing that away for later.


    They stood in silence for a moment, watching as the excavation continued. The deeper they went, the more meticulous the process had to be.


    Large rocks and debris were pulled aside, and every few minutes, the drilling would pause so the workers could inspect the progress.


    It wasn''t just about digging ¡ª it was about making sure the foundation of this place was as solid as it needed to be. They didn''t need any rickety formation, they wanted a thick sturdy one, nobody wanted the top of the building capsizing on the underground.


    The foreman exhaled, rubbing his chin. "It''s a hell of a job you''re trying to pull off here."


    Ethan didn''t look away from the work being done. "You''ve done bigger projects."


    "Yeah," the foreman admitted. "But not with someone breathing down my neck about getting it done fast."


    Ethan turned slightly, raising an eyebrow. "You worried?"


    The older man chuckled, shaking his head. "Not worried, just realistic. Nothing ever goes exactly as planned."


    Ethan smirked. "I don''t believe in ''exactly as planned.'' I believe in adapting."


    The foreman glanced at him, a hint of amusement in his gaze. "That so?"


    Ethan shrugged. "That''s how things get done."


    The foreman grunted in agreement. "Fair point."


    Another round of drilling started up, shaking the ground beneath them once more. Ethan watched as the underground section started to take more shape, the edges becoming clearer.


    It was going to be a long process, but for now, everything was moving as smoothly as he could have hoped.


    He just had to make sure it stayed that way.


    It wasn''t long before Riley returned, her arms loaded with plastic bags filled with bottled water, energy drinks, and a mix of snacks.


    She had a determined look on her face as she marched across the dusty ground, kicking up small clouds of dirt with every step.


    "Alright, everyone, break time!" she called out, setting the bags down near a shaded area.


    The workers immediately started drifting toward her, wiping sweat from their brows as they reached for the drinks.


    Some of them clapped her on the shoulder in thanks, while others simply cracked open their bottles and gulped down the cold liquid without hesitation.


    The foreman grinned. "Damn, kid, you didn''t hold back."


    "I had extra money," Riley said, pulling out a small wad of change and handing it back to him. "Figured I''d get enough to last a while."


    Ethan stepped forward, grabbing a bottle of water from one of the bags. "Good call."


    Riley gave him a pointed look. "And you should probably drink this instead of soda first thing in the morning."


    Ethan smirked but twisted the cap open anyway, taking a sip.


    The cold water was refreshing against the dryness in his throat, and he had to admit ¡ª it was probably the better choice. Probably didn''t mean he would stop it though.


    The break stretched on for a little while longer, giving the workers a chance to catch their breath.


    Some of them sat on overturned crates, chatting quietly, while others leaned against the equipment, stretching their sore muscles.


    Explore more at My Virtual Library Empire


    Riley plopped down next to Ethan, opening a bottle of her own. "So, what did I miss?"


    Ethan glanced at the site. "Not much. Just more drilling and the foreman reminding me that things never go as planned."


    She snorted. "That''s basically the motto of construction."


    The foreman, who had been listening, barked out a laugh. "Damn right."


    They sat there for a while, the hum of the machines finally replaced by the murmur of conversation. It was a rare moment of quiet in what would be a long, grueling process.


    As long as it turned out how the System had shown him, he didn''t mind the wait... that much.

 Chapter 166: Night Walk

    By 5 p.m, the sun was dipping lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the excavation site.


    The air was still thick with dust, despite the occasional breeze that swept through, stirring up loose dirt.


    The workers had taken a total of three breaks throughout the day, using every opportunity to hydrate and rest their muscles before getting back to the relentless task of digging.


    Even after hours of effort, the hole in the ground wasn''t as deep as they wanted it to be.


    The underground section of the casino needed more space ¡ª much more ¡ª before they could even start reinforcing the foundation.


    But for now, the workers were focused on disconnecting the heavy machinery, shutting everything down for the day.


    The deep rumbling of the drills had finally ceased, leaving an odd silence in its wake.


    Ethan stood near the edge of the excavation, his hoodie still pulled over his head as he observed the work.


    He wasn''t the type to micromanage, but he liked seeing progress unfold in real time and so far for today, there seemed to be progress but not as much as he wanted honestly.


    If he had the ability to choose when the casino would be standing , he would make it tomorrow.


    A few feet away, the foreman was dusting off his gloves, his sharp eyes scanning the site like a Hawk.


    "We made good progress," the foreman said, stretching his back with a grunt. "We''ll finish the burrowing tomorrow. Once that''s done, we can start laying the formations and prepping the underground room."


    Ethan nodded. "How long do you think that''ll take?"


    "If everything runs smooth, about three days to finish the excavation and foundation work," the foreman replied. "But I''d say a week, just to be realistic. You never know when you''ll hit something unexpected underground."


    That made sense. In construction, nothing ever went exactly according to plan.


    As long as they made the 7 month mark, it wasnt half bad.


    Ethan exhaled, rolling his shoulders.


    "Hopefully something that halts the construction won''t happen."


    The older man chuckled. "Good attitude."


    Nearby, Riley was helping the last of the workers pack up, rolling up extension cords and making sure the site was secure.


    She had dust smeared on her jeans and a streak of dirt on her cheek, but she didn''t seem to care.


    She glanced over at Ethan. "Are you heading back soon?"


    "Probably," he replied. "Just making sure everything''s settled first."


    Riley wiped her forehead with the back of her hand, sighing. "Well, at least we didn''t have any major issues today. That''s always a win."


    Ethan smirked. "Low bar, but yeah."


    As they talked, his mind drifted to the resort.


    Earlier the last morning, he had let Zack know that he would be tied up with this project for at least a week.


    Zack hadn''t asked too many questions ¡ª he rarely did ¡ª but Ethan knew that he and Melissa could keep things running smoothly in his absence.


    Still, there was a small part of him that wondered if things were holding up as well as he hoped.


    "I should probably check in with Zack later," Ethan muttered to himself.


    Riley tilted her head. "Who''s Zack?"


    "A friend. Just a friend of mine," Ethan explained.


    The last of the workers were starting to leave now, some piling into their trucks while others took a final look at the site before heading off.


    The sky had shifted to an orange hue, the remnants of sunlight stretching thin across the horizon.


    Ethan turned to the foreman one last time. "Same time tomorrow?" Enjoy new tales from My Virtual Library Empire


    The older man nodded. "Yep. We''ll finish up the dig and move on to the next stage."


    Ethan gave a satisfied nod. "See you then."


    As he made his way toward his car, Riley walked alongside him, stretching her arms over her head.


    The streets were quieter now, with only the occasional car passing by, their headlights casting long streaks of light across the pavement.


    The evening air was cooler than it had been during the day, a welcome contrast to the heat and dust of the construction site.


    Ethan walked at a steady pace, his hands tucked into his hoodie pockets, while Riley strolled beside him, her steps light but unhurried.


    He had parked his car a bit farther away from the site, away from the clusters of workers and heavy machinery.


    It wasn''t just about keeping a low profile ¡ª sometimes, he just preferred a walk before heading back. It helped him think.


    Riley didn''t seem to mind the walk either.


    She stayed quiet for the most part, her hands swinging lightly at her sides, but she was lost in thought.


    Ethan glanced at her and noticed a smudge of dirt still streaked across her cheek, likely from earlier when she had been handling materials and moving things around at the site.


    Without thinking much of it, he raised his hand and wiped it away with his thumb.


    The moment his fingers brushed her skin, Riley flinched slightly, her body stiffening just for a second.


    Her eyes flickered to him, surprised, but she recovered quickly, blinking as if shaking off whatever thought had crossed her mind.


    Ethan didn''t say anything.


    He just pulled his hand back and continued walking like nothing had happened.


    Riley touched her cheek absentmindedly, her steps slowing just a bit before she looked up at him. "Your place far from here?"


    "Not that far," Ethan replied. "Just a few more blocks."


    She nodded but didn''t say anything immediately.


    There was something in the way she hesitated, like she wanted to ask something else but wasn''t sure if she should.


    Instead, she just exhaled and gave him a small smile.


    "Well... goodnight, boss," she said finally, stopping at the edge of the sidewalk.


    Ethan raised an eyebrow slightly at the formality, but Riley just grinned before crossing the street, waving at him over her shoulder.


    He watched as she disappeared down another road, heading toward wherever she lived, before he turned back and kept walking.

 Chapter 167: Vanessa And Mirianne

    A few minutes later, Ethan reached the lot where he had parked his car.


    It was mostly empty now, save for a couple of other vehicles scattered around.


    He unlocked the door, sliding into the driver''s seat with a quiet sigh.


    He sat there for a moment, letting the silence settle around him.


    His hands rested on the steering wheel, but he didn''t start the engine just yet.


    His thoughts drifted ¡ª not just to the project, but to the people involved in it.


    The foreman was capable, experienced, and practical.


    The workers were hardworking, efficient. And then there was Riley.


    She was sharp, attentive.


    She didn''t just follow orders; she paid attention to the process, to the details.


    And despite the dust and exhaustion of the day, she still took time to joke around, to make sure things were running smoothly.


    Ethan exhaled, running a hand through his hair before finally starting the car.


    The engine rumbled to life, and the dashboard lights flickered on, illuminating the dark interior.


    He had a long week ahead.


    #####


    Ethan pulled into the garage, the hum of the engine cutting off as he turned the key.


    The garage lights flickered to life, casting a dim glow over his parked car.


    He stepped out, stretching his shoulders as the long day finally caught up to him.


    The scent of motor oil and cool evening air lingered as he made his way into the house.


    As soon as he stepped inside, his gaze landed on Vanessa sprawled across the couch.


    Her legs were propped up on the coffee table, a glass in one hand, and a small smudge of juice staining the corner of her lips.


    The TV screen flickered with bright lights and movement ¡ª some kind of wrestling match playing at full volume.


    The sound of the commentators'' excited voices filled the room, shouting about a "devastating suplex" as one of the wrestlers slammed another to the platform.


    Ethan sighed.


    This had been the routine ever since Vanessa moved in.


    The once seemingly unfinishable stockpile of drinks in the kitchen had been halved ¡ª halved!


    He didn''t even know how that was possible in such a short time.


    Marianne, his head chef, had already brought it up, mentioning that they needed to restock soon, but Ethan had waved her off.


    He could do it himself. Tomorrow, probably. After coming back from the site.


    Vanessa, oblivious to his scrutiny, let out an amused chuckle as one of the wrestlers tried and failed to get back on his feet.


    She took another sip from her glass before finally acknowledging his presence.


    "You''re back," she said lazily, eyes still fixed on the screen. "Long day?"


    "Something like that," Ethan muttered, stepping into the living room.


    He glanced at the TV. "You''re into wrestling now?"


    Vanessa grinned. "Always have been. This match is a classic. Watch this ¡ª "


    Right on cue, one of the wrestlers launched off the ropes and slammed into his opponent with a vicious clothesline, sending the other guy crashing onto the platform.


    The crowd in the arena roared, and Vanessa nodded in satisfaction.


    Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Didn''t take you for the type."


    "I have layers," she said, smirking.


    Ethan shook his head before heading toward the kitchen.


    He opened the fridge, unsurprised to find the drinks section looking significantly emptier than before.


    He grabbed a cold bottle of water and took a long sip before returning to the living room.


    Vanessa had already made herself comfortable again, but this time she had switched positions ¡ª lying on her side, one arm tucked under her head while her other hand lazily flipped through channels during a commercial break.


    "You''re really making yourself at home, huh?" Ethan remarked.


    Vanessa grinned. "Well, I do live here now."


    He couldn''t argue with that.


    She had moved in not too long ago, and since then, things had become... more lively around the house


    . Before, the place was quiet. Too quiet, sometimes. But now? There was always noise ¡ª whether it was the TV, the sound of drinks being opened, or Vanessa talking to herself about whatever random thought crossed her mind.


    It was... different.


    Not necessarily bad. Just different.


    Ethan leaned against the back of the couch, watching the TV for a few moments as the match resumed.


    He wasn''t particularly into wrestling, but Vanessa seemed invested, so he watched without commenting.


    After a while, she glanced at him. "So? How''s the big secret project going? The one you don''t want to tell anybody about?"


    Ethan exhaled. "It''s going fine, thanks for asking."


    Vanessa hummed in agreement before sitting up, stretching her arms over her head.


    "Well, don''t let it stress you out too much. You''re already broody enough as it is."


    Ethan gave her a look. "I''m not broody."


    Vanessa snorted. "Sure you''re not."


    He didn''t bother arguing.


    Instead, he checked the time. It was late, and he had an early morning ahead.


    He finished the rest of his water and set the bottle down.


    "I''m heading to bed," he said.


    Ethan was just about to get up and head to bed when the scent of warm food filled the air.


    He turned to see Marianne walking into the living room, carrying a plate in one hand and a firm expression on her face.


    She was dressed in her usual apron, her hair tied back, and her sharp eyes landed immediately on Vanessa, narrowing slightly as she approached.


    Vanessa, who had been comfortably lounging on the couch, tensed the moment she noticed the look she was getting.


    She immediately sat up, rubbing the back of her head with a sheepish grin. Enjoy new adventures from My Virtual Library Empire


    "I might have eaten the dish you made earlier," Vanessa admitted before Marianne could even say anything.


    Marianne let out a small sigh and placed the plate in front of Ethan before putting a hand on her hip.


    "Might have? The plate was practically licked clean."


    Vanessa winced. "Okay, okay, I definitely ate it. But in my defense, it was delicious! Can you really blame me?"

 Chapter 168: A Rude Way To Wake Someone Up

    Ethan smirked as he picked up his fork, looking down at the meal ¡ª perfectly grilled steak with roasted vegetables on the side.


    Marianne was a perfectionist when it came to cooking, and it showed in every dish she made.


    "I do cook with the intention of it being eaten," Marianne admitted, crossing her arms. "But, Vanessa, that was supposed to be for Ethan when he got home."


    Vanessa let out an exaggerated groan and flopped back against the couch dramatically. "I knew there was a catch. I was wondering why it tasted extra good."


    Marianne shook her head, clearly unimpressed by the antics. "You need to start eating proper meals instead of just raiding the drinks and snacks all the time."


    Vanessa huffed. "But I like snacks."


    "You also need actual nutrients."


    Ethan chuckled, cutting into the steak and taking a bite.


    It was, as expected, perfectly seasoned and cooked just right.


    He had gotten used to Marianne''s fussing over meals, but she wasn''t wrong.


    "She has a point," Ethan said between bites. "You can''t survive on just drinks and junk food."


    Vanessa rolled her eyes. "I could try."


    Marianne pinched the bridge of her nose. "That''s not the point."


    Ethan finished another bite before speaking again. "If you''re going to be eating all the food in the house, you might as well help with grocery runs."


    Vanessa scoffed. "Me? Grocery shopping? Have you met me?"


    Marianne smirked slightly. "Oh, I would send you, but I doubt you''d come back with anything useful."


    Vanessa pretended to be offended, placing a hand on her chest. "I would totally get useful things!"


    Marianne raised an eyebrow. "Really? What''s the last thing you bought at a grocery store?"


    Vanessa opened her mouth to respond ¡ª then paused.


    Her face scrunched slightly in thought.


    "...Does an entire cart of energy drinks count?"


    Marianne sighed. "That''s exactly what I mean."


    Ethan shook his head, amused, as he continued eating.


    Marianne eventually turned back to him. "If you need me to go restock things tomorrow, I can."


    Ethan wiped his mouth with a napkin and nodded. "Go ahead. Just put everything on the usual card."


    Marianne nodded in approval. "Good. Because at the rate Vanessa is consuming things, we''ll be out of food by next week."


    Vanessa pouted. "I feel so attacked right now."


    Ethan smirked. "You are guilty."


    Vanessa huffed. "Fine, fine. I''ll try to be less of a food thief."


    Marianne rolled her eyes but didn''t push the issue further.


    Instead, she turned back toward the kitchen, leaving Ethan to finish his meal.


    Explore new worlds at My Virtual Library Empire


    Vanessa, now sitting properly again, leaned her chin on her palm and watched him eat.


    "You really have it made, huh? Personal chef, fancy house, everything..."


    Ethan glanced at her. "And yet, somehow, you''re the one enjoying most of the benefits."


    Vanessa grinned. "Exactly. See? I knew moving in was a great decision."


    Ethan chuckled before finishing the last bite of his food. "At this rate, I''m gonna start charging you rent."


    Vanessa gasped dramatically. "How dare you? After all we''ve been through?"


    Ethan smirked, standing up with his empty plate. "Exactly because of all we''ve been through."


    Vanessa stuck her tongue out at him, but he just shook his head and walked into the kitchen, setting the plate down for Marianne to take care of later.


    By the time he returned to the living room, Vanessa had already gone back to flipping through channels.


    Ethan stretched, letting out a small sigh.


    "Alright, I''m heading to bed for real this time," he said again.


    Vanessa gave him a lazy wave. "Night, boss."


    This time, he didn''t roll his eyes at the nickname.


    Instead, he just turned and walked upstairs.


    #####


    Ethan was deep in sleep, wrapped comfortably in his blanket, his mind blissfully drifting somewhere far away from reality.


    No alarms. No responsibilities. Just peace.


    Until ¡ª


    "Wake up."


    A voice. A very annoying voice talked.


    "Wake up."


    Ethan groaned, but his body refused to move.


    "Wake up."


    Another groan.


    He turned slightly, burying his face into his pillow, silently hoping that whoever was disturbing his precious sleep would take the hint and leave.


    No such luck.


    Vanessa stood over him, staring down with mild exasperation, a cup of water in her hand.


    She had already given him three chances to wake up peacefully, and each time, he had ignored her.


    And then ¡ª he made the fatal mistake.


    Still half-asleep, his voice muffled by the pillow, Ethan muttered groggily, "Five more minutes, Mom..."


    Vanessa''s eyes darkened.


    Mom?


    Mom???


    A slow, menacing smirk crept onto her lips as she took a step back.


    Oh, she had options now.


    She could shake him awake. She could yell. She could steal his blanket and let the cold morning air do the work.


    But no.


    She had something better.


    Ethan, still lost in his dream world, had no idea what was coming.


    Five minutes later ¡ª


    SPLASH!


    Cold water slammed into his face like an arctic tidal wave.


    "GAH!"


    Ethan jolted up with a start, gasping for air as the freezing liquid soaked into his skin, his shirt, his soul.


    His eyes flew open, blinking rapidly as his brain tried to process what just happened.


    Standing beside his bed, Vanessa grinned triumphantly, holding an empty cup.


    "Good morning, sweetheart," she said innocently. "Guess what? You''re late."


    Ethan ran a hand down his drenched face, wiping water from his eyes.


    His brain was still catching up, trying to understand why he had just been baptized awake.


    Then it clicked.


    His gaze snapped to Vanessa. "Did you just ¡ª "


    "I did." She crossed her arms, looking very pleased with herself. "You called me Mom, Ethan. I had to take action."


    Ethan groaned, rubbing his temples. "It was a dream!"


    "Oh, I know. But my options were either letting it slide or traumatizing you awake." She shrugged. "I picked the fun one."


    Ethan sighed heavily, throwing his wet blanket off himself.


    His clothes were damp, his hair was a mess, and the air-conditioned room only made the whole situation colder.


    Shivering slightly, he looked at the clock on the nightstand.


    His tired eyes widened.


    "Shit."


    It was later than he thought.


    Vanessa smirked, hands on her hips. "See? Told you."

 Chapter 169: Late To The Site

    Ethan swung his legs over the bed and stood up, stretching his stiff muscles.


    His shirt clung uncomfortably to his skin.


    He sighed, pulling it off and tossing it into the laundry basket before grabbing a towel to wipe himself down.


    Vanessa, very unapologetically, didn''t leave the room.


    Instead, she leaned against the wall, arms still crossed.


    "You''re just gonna watch me get ready?" Ethan asked, giving her a tired look.


    "Well, I was making sure you actually get up. But now that you''ve given me a free show..." she wiggled her eyebrows.


    Ethan threw the towel at her.


    Vanessa dodged, cackling as she exited the room. Find more to read at My Virtual Library Empire


    "Hurry up, Momma''s Boy!" she called before disappearing down the hallway.


    Ethan groaned. She''s never gonna let this go.


    Sighing, he grabbed fresh clothes and headed for the bathroom.


    #####


    By the time he finally made it downstairs, freshened up, properly dressed and somewhat less irritated, Marianne was already in the kitchen, preparing breakfast.


    The smell of coffee and eggs filled the air, and Vanessa was already at the dining table, sipping juice like nothing had happened.


    Ethan sat down, running a hand through his hair.


    Marianne turned, looking at him with a raised eyebrow. "You look... stressed."


    Vanessa grinned. "That''s because I had to wake him up creatively."


    Marianne didn''t even ask.


    She just sighed, placing a plate of food in front of Ethan.


    Ethan muttered a tired "Thanks" before digging in.


    Vanessa, still grinning, leaned her chin on her hand. "You know, I could wake you up like this every day. I think it builds character."


    Ethan shot her a glare between bites. "Try it again, and I''ll lock my door."


    Vanessa chuckled, taking another sip of her drink. "Oh, Ethan."


    She gave him a mischievous smile. "Do you really think that will stop me?"


    He paused mid-bite.


    ...Why did he have a bad feeling about this?


    Ethan finished the last bite of his breakfast, setting his fork down with a satisfied sigh.


    Marianne, as always, had outdone herself.


    "Thanks for breakfast," he said, giving her a small but genuine smile.


    Before she could respond, he leaned in and placed a soft kiss on her cheek.


    Marianne blinked in mild surprise before scoffing, though the corner of her lips twitched in amusement.


    "Don''t think that''ll make me forget how late you woke up," she muttered.


    Ethan smirked and turned to leave, but not before catching Vanessa watching with an overly exaggerated expression of shock.


    "Wow," she said dramatically, placing a hand over her chest. "I don''t get a kiss?"


    Ethan shot her a flat glare, but there was a playful edge to it. "You get nothing."


    Vanessa gasped, feigning betrayal. "How dare you? After everything we''ve been through?"


    Ethan rolled his eyes and grabbed his hoodie off the chair, throwing it over his head. "Yeah, yeah. Maybe next time when you don''t wake me up with a cup of water."


    Vanessa grinned. "No promises."


    Shaking his head, Ethan made his way outside, stepping into the cool morning air.


    His Porsche was parked in its usual spot, but he walked right past it, heading for something else today.


    His bike.


    It wasn''t flashy like his car, but that was kind of the point.


    He wasn''t in the mood for attention today ¡ª just a simple ride to the construction site.


    Climbing onto the seat, he pulled on his helmet and revved the engine before taking off.


    #####


    Halfway through the ride, he stopped by a small shop on the side of the road, grabbing a cold can of soda from a vending machine.


    The crisp hiss of the can opening was oddly satisfying, and he took a long sip before getting back on his bike.


    By the time he finally arrived at the construction site, he was... late.


    Not by much, but late enough that most of the workers were already there, preparing for the day''s work.


    He parked his bike inside the lot and finished the last of his soda before tossing the empty can into a nearby trash bin.


    As he approached the main group, he spotted Riley standing with the foreman, discussing something over a set of blueprints.


    She turned when she noticed him, raising an eyebrow. "You''re late."


    Ethan smirked, shoving his hands into his hoodie pockets. "Good morning to you too."


    Riley rolled her eyes but didn''t push the issue. "We were just going over today''s excavation plans."


    She gestured toward the blueprint. "They''re almost done with the deeper sections, so today they''ll focus on laying down the formations for the underground rooms."


    Ethan nodded, his eyes scanning the site.


    The workers were already getting into position, the large machines rumbling to life as they prepared to continue digging.


    Dust lingered in the air from yesterday''s progress, but things were moving smoothly.


    The foreman gave him a respectful nod. "We should have the initial groundwork completed by the end of the week, assuming everything goes as planned."


    Ethan appreciated the man''s efficiency. "Good. Let me know if you need anything else ordered."


    The foreman nodded again before heading off to supervise the workers, leaving Ethan and Riley standing alone.


    Shaking his head, Ethan changed the subject. "Anyway, let''s get started. What''s the first thing on the list today?"


    Riley gestured toward the site. "We need to double-check the measurements before they start placing the first supports. You want to help, or are you just here to look pretty?"


    Ethan smirked. "I can multitask, you know."


    "Uh-huh." Riley tossed him a measuring tool. "Prove it."


    Ethan caught it with one hand, rolling his shoulders before following her onto the site.


    He soon adjusted the measuring tape in his hands, watching as Riley crouched near the foundation pit, checking one of the markers.


    The workers were already moving around, waiting for confirmation before they could begin setting the first structural supports.


    The excavation had gone well, but now was the real test ¡ª if the foundation wasn''t measured correctly, the entire project would be compromised.


    Riley stood up and dusted her jeans off. "Alright, let''s double-check these before we start setting anything in place."


    Ethan nodded, stepping forward as they moved through the site, meticulously going over the designated points where the first supports would go.


    The foreman had marked the locations the day before, but a second round of measurements was necessary before they drilled further into the ground.


    Ethan kneeled at one of the sections, aligning the measuring tape against the pre-marked guideline. "This one''s a little off," he muttered.


    Riley leaned over to check. "You''re right. We need to move this marker about four centimeters to the left."

 Chapter 170: Setting Foundation

    One of the nearby workers quickly adjusted it, pressing the marker firmly into the ground while Riley made a note on her clipboard.


    They continued in this fashion, moving from one section to the next, ensuring that each marker was correctly positioned before the next phase of construction began.


    Ethan glanced up at the surrounding workers.


    After another thirty minutes of careful checking, Riley straightened up and exhaled. "Alright, that''s the last one. Everything should be good now."


    Ethan dusted off his hands. "So, now we drill?"


    Riley nodded. "Now we drill."


    The foreman, having observed their work, signaled for the drilling team to begin.


    The deep rumble of the machines starting up sent vibrations through the ground as the massive drills lowered into position.


    Ethan and Riley stepped back, giving the workers space as they prepared to create the holes where the first support pillars would be placed.


    The sound of metal grinding against stone filled the air, accompanied by the occasional shout from the foreman directing the teams.


    The dust thickened quickly, and Ethan raised his arm to shield his face.


    "Remind me why I don''t just sit in an air-conditioned office while all of this happens?" he muttered.


    Riley smirked. "Because you''re stubborn and want to make sure everything''s perfect."


    Ethan let out a small laugh, shaking his head. "Sounds about right."


    After a while, the foreman gave a signal, and the drilling slowed to a stop.


    The ground now had multiple deep holes, ready for the first structural supports.


    Ethan stood with his arms crossed, watching as the workers continued setting the underground supports into place.


    The deep holes they had drilled earlier were now being reinforced with steel rebar, carefully lowered into position by teams working in sync.


    The process was methodical ¡ª each support had to be perfectly aligned before being secured with concrete, ensuring that the underground foundation would be strong enough to hold the massive structure above it.


    Beside him, Riley had taken it upon herself to explain the process, speaking over the occasional noise of machinery.


    "So, these reinforcements act as the skeleton for the foundation," she said, gesturing toward the workers. "They help distribute the weight of the entire building evenly, preventing cracks or collapses over time."


    Ethan nodded as he listened, his eyes following the movement of the workers. "Makes sense. If the foundation isn''t solid, the whole thing falls apart."


    "Exactly." Riley shifted her stance and pointed at one of the workers securing the steel rebar. "Once the supports are properly positioned, they''ll pour in concrete to lock them in place. It needs to set before we can move on to the next phase, but once it hardens, it''ll be nearly unbreakable."


    Ethan exhaled through his nose, watching as the workers maneuvered the heavy materials into place with ease.


    He had to admit ¡ª he admired their efficiency. Every move was purposeful, every motion practiced. These guys weren''t just here to do a job; they were craftsmen in their own right.


    Still, construction wasn''t exactly his area of expertise. He trusted the professionals to handle that part.


    "So, when does all of this actually start looking like a building?" Ethan asked, a small smirk on his lips.


    Riley chuckled. "Patience, boss. Right now, we''re just making sure it doesn''t collapse before we even build it."


    Ethan huffed a small laugh and took another sip of his drink.


    The sun was creeping higher in the sky, and the heat had started to settle in. Even with the occasional breeze, the warmth was becoming noticeable.


    Some of the workers wiped sweat from their brows as they continued, the sound of clanking metal filling the air.


    A few minutes later, the foreman signaled for a pause. The workers straightened up, dusting off their hands and stretching their backs.


    "First break of the day," Riley noted.


    Ethan arched an eyebrow. "That soon?"


    "They''ve been at it for hours already," she reminded him. "Construction work isn''t easy, you know."


    Ethan didn''t argue.


    He knew physical labor wasn''t something to take lightly. He may have been used to working long hours in offices, but these men were out in the sun, moving heavy materials, drilling, and setting up structures that would last for decades.


    That kind of work took stamina.


    Surprisingly, the foreman had come prepared.


    Several coolers were opened, revealing bottles of cold water, sports drinks, and some snacks for the crew.


    The workers gathered around, some sitting on nearby concrete blocks, others standing in small groups as they took their well-earned break.


    Ethan watched as they exchanged stories, some laughing, others simply enjoying their refreshments. It wasn''t like business where people were trying to get something out of you whether it be personal gain, or to improve their industry. Here? These guys were actually close, working together toward a shared goal.


    Riley handed him another drink from the cooler. "You sure you don''t want to sit down?"


    Ethan took the bottle but remained standing. "I''m good."


    She shrugged, sitting on the edge of a concrete slab herself. "Suit yourself."


    He cracked open the bottle, taking a deep sip before glancing back at the site.


    Even though they were taking a break, he could already see some of the workers eyeing the unfinished sections, mentally planning their next steps.


    "This foreman of yours," Ethan said, nodding toward the man. "He seems to know what he''s doing."


    "He does," Riley agreed. "He''s been in the business for decades. He''s one of the best at handling underground foundations. He''s done a lot for progressing businesses in the city,"


    Ethan hummed in approval.


    That was exactly the kind of person he wanted running this project ¡ª someone experienced, someone who didn''t cut corners.


    After a while, the foreman clapped his hands together, signaling for the break to end.


    The workers stood, stretching their arms before getting back to their positions. It was time to continue securing the foundation.


    Ethan watched as the process resumed, the workers moving with the same practiced precision as before.


    Progress was steady. So far, so good.

 Chapter 171: Wanna Go For Dinner?

    The day passed quicker than Ethan had expected. The sun had been relentless in the afternoon, but the constant activity kept him from paying too much attention to the heat.


    He had started off observing, but somewhere along the way, he and Riley had begun pitching in wherever they could.


    At first, it was just simple tasks ¡ª handing tools to the workers, helping check the markings, and making sure measurements were in place.


    But as the hours went on, Ethan found himself taking on some of the heavy lifting as well.


    It wasn''t just about making things go smoother; he needed the workout. W


    ith all the time he spent in meetings and handling business affairs, it had been a while since he had done any real, physically demanding work.


    His muscles burned in a way that reminded him of long-forgotten gym sessions, but he wasn''t complaining.


    Riley, on the other hand, was a different story. She had been in her element all day, moving quickly between tasks, coordinating with the workers, and making sure every last support was properly in place.


    Even though her hands were covered in dust and her hair was slightly out of place, she still managed to look effortlessly good.


    Ethan didn''t say it aloud, but he admired how hardworking she was.


    As the evening set in, the workers began keeping the equipment, securing the materials for the next day''s tasks.


    The heavy machinery was shut down one by one, and the air that had been filled with drilling noises finally became quiet.


    Some of the workers laughed and patted each other on the back, satisfied with the day''s progress.


    Riley wiped the back of her hand against her forehead, sighing. "That was a long day."


    Ethan rolled his shoulder, feeling the tension there. "Yeah. It''s tiring at some point."


    "That''s just the beauty of construction," she teased. "Well hope you aren''t too tired."


    They stood there for a moment, watching as the last of the workers packed up. The foreman exchanged a few words with some of the crew before giving a glance in their direction.


    Ethan noticed the small look of acknowledgment he gave Riley.


    Whatever it meant, she didn''t seem to mind it.


    Instead, she hesitated, shifting her weight slightly as she played with her fingers. The workday was officially over, but she wasn''t in a rush to leave.


    And before she could second-guess herself, she turned to Ethan, her voice almost hesitant.


    "There''s a small cafe? nearby..." she started, her fingers still fidgeting. "It''s not fancy, but their food''s pretty good. Since it''s still early, do you want to grab dinner with me?"


    Ethan glanced at his watch. It was just past 6 p.m. The night was still young.


    He didn''t have any particular plans after this, and honestly, a meal sounded good right now.


    So, without much thought, he gave a small nod. "Yeah, let''s go."


    Riley''s face brightened, though she tried to hide it by turning away.


    "Cool," she said casually, but Ethan caught the small smile tugging at her lips.


    The two of them crossed the road, the streetlights beginning to flicker on as the sky darkened into shades of deep blue.


    The cafe? wasn''t far, just a few minutes'' walk from the construction site. It was a small, cozy place nestled between a few other buildings, the kind of spot that wasn''t too crowded but had just enough regulars to feel welcoming.


    The scent of coffee and freshly baked bread drifted from the entrance, mixing with the evening air.


    Ethan held the door open for Riley, and they stepped inside.


    A soft chime rang as they entered, and a young waitress behind the counter looked up, giving them a polite smile.


    "Welcome! Feel free to sit wherever you like."


    Riley led the way, choosing a booth near the window.


    Ethan slid into the seat across from her, glancing around the cafe?. It was simple, nothing overly fancy, but it had a warmth to it.


    As soon as they settled in, the waitress returned with two menus, handing them over. "Let me know when you''re ready to order."


    Ethan opened his menu, scanning the options. It was a mix of diner-style meals ¡ª burgers, sandwiches, pastas, and a few rice dishes.


    Riley already seemed to know what she wanted. She closed her menu and leaned slightly forward, resting her arms on the table. "So, how was your third full day working with us?"


    Ethan smirked. "You mean my day of free labor?"


    She laughed. "Hey, no one forced you to help."


    "True, but I figured if I was going to be out there all day, I might as well do something useful," Ethan admitted. "Besides, I needed a workout."


    Riley arched an eyebrow. "Lifting steel beams and moving cement bags wasn''t too much for you, was it?"


    Ethan chuckled. "It''s been a while, but I managed."


    Riley shook her head, amused. "You actually did better than I expected."


    The waitress returned, taking their orders ¡ª Riley went for a simple chicken and rice dish, while Ethan settled for a burger and fries.


    Once their orders were placed, Riley leaned back in her seat. She felt oddly comfortable around Ethan, which was strange, considering they hadn''t known each other for long.


    It wasn''t just that he was good-looking ¡ª though, God help her, he really was. It was the way he carried himself.


    He didn''t act like some arrogant businessman who thought he was above everyone else. He had spent the entire day in the dirt, working alongside the crew like he was just another worker.


    Maybe that was why she found herself drawn to him.


    Ethan noticed her staring and tilted his head slightly. "What?"


    Riley blinked, realizing she had been lost in thought. "Nothing," she said quickly, looking away.


    A few minutes later, their food arrived, and the conversation shifted to lighter topics ¡ª random things about the construction site, the weirdest things Riley had seen during her work, and even some of Ethan''s past business ventures.

 Chapter 172: To Unwind

    The dinner continued in a way neither of them had fully expected.


    Ethan had a way of making her laugh. Not in an overly exaggerated way, but naturally ¡ª like he wasn''t even trying.


    His dry remarks, his sarcastic takes on things, and the occasional well-timed eyebrow raise had her giggling more than once. It was strange how comfortable she felt around him.


    "So, you''re telling me you once fell into a cement mix?" Ethan raised an eyebrow, smirking slightly.


    Riley groaned, hiding her face in her hands. "It wasn''t that bad..."


    "Oh, no, I think it sounds exactly that bad," he teased.


    She peeked at him through her fingers. "In my defense, I was distracted."


    Ethan leaned back, clearly amused. "By what?"


    "...A really cute dog."


    There was a short pause before Ethan let out a chuckle. "A dog made you fall into cement?"


    "I wasn''t looking where I was going, okay?" Riley pouted, crossing her arms. "It was this tiny thing with floppy ears and a wagging tail ¡ª I mean, come on, who wouldn''t get distracted?"


    Ethan shook his head, still smirking. "So, what happened after?"


    "I had to shower for an hour to get it all off, and the foreman wouldn''t stop calling me ''Statue Girl'' for a whole week."


    Ethan outright laughed at that, and Riley found herself laughing along.


    She felt warm. And not just because of the cafe?''s soft lighting or the dinner in front of her. It was because of him.


    Though, she probably looked like a mess.


    She reached up and ran her fingers through her hair, brushing out a bit of dust that had been left over from earlier.


    There was probably some still on her cheeks, too ¡ª not that she particularly cared. They hadn''t planned for this dinner, after all.


    She hadn''t gone home to change or clean up. But the thought of it didn''t bother her as much as she thought it would.


    Ethan didn''t seem to care, either.


    And for some reason, that made her chest feel lighter.


    By the time they finished eating, Riley sighed in satisfaction, placing her fork down. "That was really good."


    Ethan nodded in agreement, wiping his hands on a napkin. "Yeah, not bad."


    The waitress soon returned, smiling politely. "Would you like the check?"


    "Yes, please," Riley answered, already reaching for her purse.


    The check was placed on the table, and before Ethan could even react, Riley pulled out her credit card.


    "I got this," she said smoothly, extending the card toward the waitress.


    Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"


    Riley shot him a look. "What?"


    He leaned back in his seat, smirking. "You think I''d let you pay?"


    She tilted her head, feigning innocence. "And why not?"


    Ethan didn''t say anything at first. He simply pulled out his own card and handed it over instead. "I invited you out. I''m paying."


    Riley frowned, crossing her arms. "I invited you."


    "You asked me if I wanted to go. I said yes. That''s not the same thing."


    "It''s exactly the same thing."


    The waitress blinked between them, unsure of what to do.


    Riley narrowed her eyes, refusing to back down. "Come on, it''s just dinner."


    "Yeah, my dinner to pay for."


    "I literally got my card out first."


    Ethan smirked. "You didn''t move fast enough."


    Riley exhaled through her nose. "You''re impossible."


    The waitress, looking somewhat amused, hesitated before finally taking Ethan''s card and walking away.


    Riley groaned, flopping back against the seat. "Fine. You win."


    Ethan chuckled. "That''s how it should be."


    She glared at him playfully. "You''re the worst."


    "I''ve been called worse."


    Riley shook her head but couldn''t stop the small smile creeping up on her lips.


    Once the bill was paid and the receipts were signed, they stepped out of the cafe?, the cool night air greeting them.


    The streets weren''t too busy at this hour, just a few cars passing by and the occasional group of people walking in the distance.


    Riley sighed, stretching her arms. "Well, thanks for dinner, boss."


    Ethan smirked. "So formal all of a sudden?"


    She shrugged, teasingly. "Gotta keep things professional."


    He rolled his eyes. "Right."


    For a moment, they just stood there. The streetlights flickered softly above them, casting a warm glow against the pavement.


    Riley shifted slightly, hesitating. She didn''t want to leave just yet. But she also wasn''t sure what else to say.


    Ethan, as usual, seemed completely at ease.


    She finally let out a small breath. "See you tomorrow?"


    Ethan nodded. "Yeah."


    A small, almost shy smile crossed her face before she turned, raising a hand in a casual wave.


    "Goodnight, boss."


    Ethan watched her walk off, hands in his pockets.


    He exhaled as he walked towards his bike, rolling his shoulders to ease the tension built up from the day''s work.


    His muscles ached ¡ª not unbearably so, but just enough to remind him that he''d actually worked today.


    Not just overseeing things, but actually lifting, measuring, and moving equipment alongside the workers.


    It had been a good day, but a long one.


    The night air was crisp as he swung his leg over the bike and kicked it into ignition.


    The familiar hum of the engine vibrated beneath him, and without wasting another second, he sped off down the street, weaving through the city like he was slicing through water.


    The roads were quieter now, the traffic thinning out as most people had already settled into their homes for the night.


    The occasional streetlight flickered as he passed beneath it, the glow bouncing off the polished surface of his bike.


    His hoodie flapped slightly in the wind, but he barely noticed. His mind was elsewhere.


    Riley.


    He hadn''t expected to enjoy tonight''s dinner as much as he did. At first, it had just been something casual ¡ª a way to unwind after the day''s work. But Riley had this way of making things feel... easy.


    She had laughed at his dry humor, bickered with him over the bill, and somehow made the exhaustion of the day seem lighter than it actually was.


    But now that he was alone on the road, the weight of fatigue settled in his bones again.


    With a quiet sigh, he took a turn onto the final stretch of road leading home.


    Hopefully, Marianne had actually restocked the house this time. He wasn''t in the mood to argue about it ¡ª he just wanted a drink, something cold to help him unwind.

 Chapter 173: Three-Course Meal

    It wasn''t long before the mansion came into view. The sleek exterior stood tall in the darkness, lights from the inside glowing warmly through the windows.


    Ethan slowed his bike as he approached the driveway, pulling into the garage and parking it neatly in place.


    He removed his helmet, ran a hand through his slightly messy hair, and finally stepped inside.


    Only to be greeted by the exact scene he had expected.


    Vanessa.


    Sprawled on the couch like she had no care in the world, legs stretched out lazily over the armrest, remote in one hand and a half-finished juice box in the other.


    A juice box.


    Ethan''s eyes flickered to the coffee table in front of her, where two ¡ª no, three ¡ª empty small cartons of juice were stacked on top of each other.


    "...Are you serious?"


    Vanessa turned her head slightly, blinking at him like she had just noticed his presence. Then, without missing a beat, she took another sip of her juice.


    "What?" she said, voice muffled by the straw.


    Ethan pinched the bridge of his nose. "Do you have any idea how many drinks you''ve gone through since you moved in?"


    Vanessa raised an eyebrow. "You''re the one who said ''make yourself at home.''"


    "That didn''t mean drink half the damn kitchen."


    She rolled her eyes and sat up, stretching. "Relax, Marianne probably restocked already."


    Ethan crossed his arms. "Did she?"


    There was a pause. Vanessa pursed her lips.


    "...Maybe."


    Ethan exhaled, dropping onto the couch beside her with a tired groan.


    She tilted her head at him. "Long day?"


    "The longest."


    Vanessa smirked. "You actually worked today, huh?"


    Ethan gave her a look. "What''s that supposed to mean?"


    "Nothing." She shrugged. "Just didn''t think I''d see you doing manual labor. Must''ve been a sight."


    Ethan leaned his head back against the couch, closing his eyes for a moment. "I own the place. If the work takes longer, that''s more money and time wasted. I figured helping out would keep things moving."


    Instead of continuing, he pushed himself off the couch and walked toward the kitchen. The fridge opened with a soft click, and he scanned the insides.


    To his relief, there were, in fact, drinks.


    "Marianne actually restocked," he muttered.


    Vanessa called from the living room, "Told ya!"


    Ethan grabbed a cold can and shut the fridge, popping it open with a crisp hiss. He took a long sip, the cold liquid soothing against his throat.


    As much as he hated to admit it, this was exactly what he needed.


    A moment to just... breathe.


    When he walked back into the living room, Vanessa had already grabbed the remote again, flipping through channels like she had nothing better to do.


    Ethan arched an eyebrow. "Aren''t you supposed to be doing something productive?"


    "This is productive," she shot back. "I''m expanding my knowledge on combat techniques."


    Ethan glanced at the screen.


    It was a wrestling match.


    "...Right."


    Vanessa grinned. "Hey, don''t underestimate wrestling. It''s all about strategy, skill, and ¡ª "


    Her words cut off as the guy on screen got slammed onto the mat.


    Ethan gave her a pointed look. "And?"


    Vanessa winced. "...Pain tolerance."


    Ethan chuckled, shaking his head. He took another sip of his drink and sank into the couch beside her.


    Ethan leaned back against the couch, fingers drumming against the side of his cold drink as Vanessa flipped through channels absentmindedly.


    The two of them had fallen into a comfortable rhythm of lazy conversation, something light after an exhausting day.


    "So, what did you do today?" he asked, stretching his legs out.


    Vanessa smirked, sipping from yet another juice box. "Why? Thought I was just lounging around all day?"


    Ethan arched an eyebrow. "That is what you do."


    Vanessa feigned offense, placing a hand over her chest. "I''ll have you know, I actually left the house today."


    Ethan''s brows lifted in mild surprise. "You? Outside? In public?"


    "Shocking, I know." She grinned, tossing her empty juice box toward the trash can ¡ª missing it completely. "I went with Marianne to the supermarket. Your credit card paid for it, by the way."


    Ethan let out a tired sigh, running a hand through his hair. "Of course, it did."


    Vanessa laughed. "Relax, we didn''t just buy drinks. We restocked the whole kitchen ¡ª house food and all. You should be thanking me."


    Ethan glanced at her skeptically. "You restocked? Properly?"


    Vanessa rolled her eyes. "Yes, properly. Meats, veggies, frozen food, even some expensive-looking cheese Marianne picked out."


    Ethan let out a small chuckle, shaking his head. "Well, that''s a first. Guess I''ll have to check the receipts to make sure you didn''t sneak in something ridiculous."


    "No faith in me, huh?"


    "None."


    Vanessa scoffed but didn''t argue. Instead, her attention returned to the wrestling match playing on the TV.


    On the screen, a burly wrestler was being slammed into the mat for what had to be the tenth time that night.


    Ethan winced. "Damn. I think that guy just lost half his spine."


    Vanessa smirked. "See? That''s why wrestling is a real sport. Not just fake theatrics."


    "Right. Because that man flipping through the air just now definitely didn''t rehearse that for weeks."


    "Hey, don''t ruin the magic."


    Ethan chuckled, shaking his head. He let his body sink further into the couch, finally feeling some of the exhaustion drain away.


    As he was about to take another sip of his drink, the soft clinking of utensils drew his attention toward the doorway.


    Marianne entered, carrying a large, steaming tray of food.


    "Finally," she muttered, placing the tray on the table in front of Ethan. "You come home too late these days."


    Ethan glanced at the three-course meal before him. Perfectly grilled steak, a rich side of mashed potatoes with butter melting on top, and a fresh salad drizzled in some kind of vinaigrette.


    A bowl of soup was also placed on the side, steaming with an aroma that made his stomach grumble.


    "Damn, Marianne. You didn''t have to go this hard."

 Chapter 174: Atlas Ad

    Marianne huffed, crossing her arms. "Someone has to make sure you eat properly. If I left it to you, you''d survive off caffeine and bad decisions."


    Ethan smirked, picking up his fork. "Accurate."


    Vanessa eyed the meal hungrily before turning to Marianne with a pout. "I also worked hard today. Where''s my three-course meal?"


    Marianne shot her a deadpan stare. "You finished two sandwiches an hour ago."


    Vanessa groaned, leaning back against the couch. "That was an hour ago. I''m a growing girl, Marianne!"


    "You''re growing sideways," Marianne retorted, making Vanessa gasp in mock horror.


    Ethan snorted, cutting into his steak. The moment the meat hit his tongue, he sighed. "Damn, this is good."


    "Of course, it is." Marianne sniffed, but there was a hint of pride in her voice.


    Vanessa pouted. "Whatever. I''ll just steal some of Ethan''s then ¡ª "


    Ethan raised his fork threateningly. "Try it and lose a hand."


    Vanessa huffed, but she didn''t actually make a move for his plate.


    Instead, she leaned back against the couch and crossed her arms. "One of these days, I will steal your food, and you won''t be able to stop me."


    Ethan smirked, taking another bite. "We''ll see about that."


    Marianne watched them bicker for a moment before shaking her head. "I swear, sometimes you two act like siblings."


    Vanessa grinned. "Nah, I''m the cool, fun one. Ethan''s the grumpy one with money."


    Ethan rolled his eyes. "Nice to know that''s my defining trait."


    "Hey, at least I didn''t call you old."


    Ethan shot her a dry look but didn''t respond. He was too busy savoring his food to entertain any more of her nonsense.


    Marianne, satisfied that Ethan was actually eating properly, grabbed the empty juice boxes Vanessa had left lying around and muttered, "You''re cleaning the rest of this mess later," before disappearing back into the kitchen.


    Ethan sighed as he finished the last of his meal.


    He wiped his mouth with a napkin and set his fork down, feeling full for the first time all day.


    "Alright," he said, stretching his arms over his head. "I''m done. Now, I just need a drink to properly unwind."


    Vanessa tossed him a can from the coffee table. "There ¡ª unwind away, old man."


    Ethan caught it with one hand, giving her a dry look. "You really want to test your luck tonight, huh?"


    Vanessa smirked. "What can I say? You''re fun to mess with."


    Ethan sighed but didn''t argue. He cracked open the can and took a sip, letting the cold drink refresh him.


    The two of them sat there for a while, watching the wrestling match in comfortable silence.


    Occasionally, Vanessa would comment on a move, and Ethan would throw in a sarcastic remark just to annoy her.


    The wrestling match ended with an explosive finish ¡ª a brutal suplex that sent the other wrestler crashing into the mat with a loud thud.


    The crowd erupted in cheers as the victorious fighter stood tall, flexing his muscles and basking in the spotlight.


    He struck several exaggerated poses, his gleaming biceps on full display while the referee raised his arm in victory.


    Vanessa clapped in satisfaction, grinning. "That''s exactly how you finish a fight! Clean, powerful, dominant."


    Ethan, sprawled out on the couch, gave a tired shrug. "Looked more like showing off to me."


    "You just have no appreciation for the art of wrestling."


    "Art?" Ethan scoffed, picking up the remote. "Let''s watch something else."


    The moment he started flipping channels, Vanessa''s eyes narrowed. "Wait ¡ª what are you putting on?"


    Ethan smirked. "Football."


    Vanessa groaned dramatically, throwing herself back against the couch. "Ugh, no way! Football is boring."


    "That''s because you have the attention span of a goldfish," Ethan retorted, ignoring her protests as he switched to a football match in progress.


    The screen flickered, but before the game could load, an advertisement popped up.


    At first, Ethan wasn''t paying much attention ¡ª ads were just background noise. But then he heard a familiar voice.


    "Hey there, this is Lucas Monroe ¡ª "


    Vanessa blinked, sitting up. "Wait... that''s the famous guide,"


    Ethan sighed, rubbing his temple. "Yeah, that''s him."


    On the screen, Lucas Monroe ¡ª dressed in a sharp blazer ¡ª stood in front of a massive bookshelf, holding a book in one hand and gesturing with the other.


    "For those of you looking to refine your business skills, I''ve written a comprehensive guide that breaks down investment strategies, market analysis, and the fundamentals of building a sustainable enterprise."


    Vanessa whistled. "Damn, listen to him. ''Comprehensive guide'', ''market analysis''. He sound like a rich snob."


    Ethan gave her a side-eye. "He is a rich snob."


    Vanessa laughed. "Fair enough."


    The ad continued, shifting scenes.


    Now, it showcased scenic drone shots of Atlas Resort ¡ª the luxurious beachfront, the high-end suites, and the elegant restaurants.


    Guests were shown enjoying themselves, cocktails in hand, while a smooth voiceover played:


    "And if you''re looking for the perfect place to unwind, Atlas Resort offers a world-class experience. Whether you seek relaxation or adventure, we''ve got something for everyone."


    Ethan sighed as the ad wrapped up, showing the resort''s logo and website at the end.


    Vanessa cackled, thoroughly entertained.


    Shaking his head, Ethan turned his attention back to the TV. The ad had finally ended, and now the football match was on. He leaned back, exhaling deeply.


    He was happy that the ads were working, he only hoped for a more massive spike.


    ''Finally, something normal.''


    The stadium lights were bright, the grass field pristine. Players jogged across the screen, warming up for what was about to be a heated game.


    The commentators were already setting the scene, discussing player stats and team formations.


    Vanessa, however, was already losing interest. She huffed. "Football is so slow."


    Ethan smirked, taking a sip of his drink. "Not my fault you don''t appreciate real sports."


    "Oh please, real sports? These guys run around for like an hour and barely score."


    "That''s called strategy."


    "That''s called boring."


    Ethan chuckled, shaking his head. "Tell you what ¡ª if this game ends in a 0-0 tie, I''ll admit you were right."


    Vanessa''s eyes lit up with mischief. "And if it doesn''t?"


    "You have to sit through another match. No complaints."

 Chapter 175: GOAL!

    Vanessa groaned. "Ugh, fine. But if it gets too boring, I''m leaving."


    Ethan just smirked, focusing back on the game.


    The kickoff had begun, and the players moved across the field with precision, passing the ball and setting up plays.


    This ¡ª this ¡ª was what he called unwinding.


    Good food in his stomach, a drink in his hand, and just enough banter to keep things entertaining.


    Unlike the famous clubs of Earth, this was a different league entirely ¡ª Ashford United versus Blackvale FC.


    Ashford United, known for their aggressive offense and lightning-fast counterattacks, were up against Blackvale FC, a team infamous for their rock-solid defense and punishing physicality.


    Ethan leaned forward on the couch, his eyes locked onto the screen.


    He wasn''t exactly a die-hard football fan, but he appreciated a good game, especially one with high stakes and skilled players.


    The camera panned across the field, capturing the determined expressions of the athletes, their jerseys already damp with sweat despite the game just beginning.


    Vanessa, on the other hand, was far from interested.


    She slouched against the armrest, already looking like she regretted agreeing to watch this.


    "Ugh," she groaned, "I knew this was going to be boring."


    Ethan smirked. "It literally just started."


    "And? I can already tell it''s going to be ninety minutes of running in circles."


    "That''s called build-up," Ethan countered, sipping his drink. "You know, strategy, tactics, actual competition."


    Vanessa rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. "Wake me up when someone actually does something."


    On the screen, Ashford United took possession early, their midfielders moving the ball with crisp, precise passes.


    The Blackvale players were pressing hard, closing down space and forcing their opponents to think fast.


    A long pass cut through the defense, and Ashford''s star forward, Felix Marek, sprinted down the wing, outpacing his marker.


    The crowd''s excitement built as he reached the edge of the box, but just as he was about to shoot, a Blackvale defender slid in with a perfectly timed tackle, sending the ball rolling harmlessly out of bounds.


    Ethan let out an impressed whistle. "Damn, that was clean."


    Vanessa yawned in response.


    The game continued, shifting between intense midfield battles and calculated attempts on goal.


    The players were relentless, and even though the score remained 0-0, every play felt like it could tip the scales.


    Meanwhile, Vanessa was slipping further into her disinterest, her eyelids drooping.


    At some point, she slid further into the couch, her head resting on the cushion, her breathing slowing.


    Ethan smirked, shaking his head.


    ''Figures.''


    Then it happened.


    A swift counterattack.


    Ashford''s midfielder intercepted a pass, immediately launching the ball forward.


    Felix Marek was already making his run, slipping past the defenders with near-perfect timing.


    The stadium''s noise level spiked as he controlled the ball in stride, his footwork smooth as he maneuvered past the last man.


    Ethan leaned forward, fully focused. "Come on, come on..."


    Marek reached the penalty box.


    The Blackvale goalkeeper rushed forward, trying to cut off the angle, but it was too late ¡ª Marek struck the ball with precision, sending it soaring past the keeper''s outstretched hands.


    The net rippled.


    The stadium erupted.


    The commentators'' voices rose with excitement. "And it''s in! Felix Marek breaks the deadlock with an incredible finish!"


    The thunderous cheers blasted through the speakers, shaking Vanessa from her slumber.


    She jolted awake, blinking in confusion. "Huh? What? What happened?"


    Ethan chuckled, eyes still on the screen. "You missed a goal."


    Vanessa groaned, rubbing her face. "Seriously?"


    "Yeah. Pretty good one too."


    She sighed, slumping back against the couch. "Great. Just my luck."


    Ethan smirked. "Told you it wasn''t that boring."


    Vanessa shot him a glare, but there wasn''t much fire behind it.


    Begrudgingly, she turned her attention back to the match, watching as the replays showed Marek''s goal from multiple angles.


    Even she had to admit ¡ª it was a solid play.


    The match had reached the half time break. Ethan took some time to get drinks for himself and Vanessa, and soon it finished.


    Blackvale FC, desperate to claw their way back into the game, had been pressing hard ever since conceding that first goal to Ashford United.


    Their forwards were relentless, hammering away at Ashford''s defense like a battering ram against a fortress wall.


    Ethan sat forward, his eyes locked onto the screen, fingers tapping rhythmically against his knee.


    Vanessa, despite her earlier complaints, had stopped slouching and was now sitting up, her focus entirely on the game.


    "Okay," she muttered, watching the midfielders jostle for possession. "I''ll admit, it''s kinda heating up."


    Ethan smirked but didn''t take his eyes off the game. "Told you."


    The ball was played out to the right wing, where Blackvale''s winger, Tomas Veran, sprinted down the sideline, his pace leaving his marker behind.


    The Ashford defenders scrambled to close him down, but Veran''s footwork was clean, his touch immaculate.


    Then came the cross.


    A perfect, curling delivery that sliced through the air and dipped right into the penalty area. Blackvale''s striker, Rowan Vance, was already in position.


    He leaped higher than the defenders around him, twisting mid-air, his forehead connecting with the ball with precision.


    The crowd held its breath.


    The ball rocketed toward the goal ¡ª Ashford''s keeper dove to his right, fingertips grazing the ball, but it wasn''t enough.


    The net bulged.


    A fraction of a second passed before the entire stadium exploded in a deafening roar.


    "AND IT''S IN! BLACKVALE EQUALIZES!" The commentator''s voice boomed through the speakers. "ROWAN VANCE WITH A STUNNING HEADER ¡ª AND JUST LIKE THAT, IT''S ONE TO ONE!"


    Ethan exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "Damn, that was solid."


    Vanessa blinked. "Whoa, okay, that was actually kind of sick."


    The replay showed the goal from multiple angles ¡ª Vance soaring above the defenders, his timing flawless, the ball zipping past the keeper''s outstretched hands before slamming into the net.


    Ethan took a sip of his drink. "Game''s wide open now."


    The stadium was electric.


    The tension hung thick in the air, a mix of anticipation, nervous energy, and the raw passion of thousands of fans who had been on the edge of their seats for the entire match.


    It was the 90th minute.


    Both teams had fought with everything they had, and yet, the scoreboard still showed 1-1.


    The match had become a brutal contest of endurance, tactics, and sheer willpower.


    Every play was met with thunderous reactions from the crowd, every pass a potential game-changer, every defensive clearance met with sighs of relief or groans of frustration.


    Vanessa, despite her earlier complaints about football being "boring," was now leaning forward, her fingers gripping the edge of the couch. "This is intense," she muttered.


    Ethan smirked but kept his eyes locked on the screen. "Told you."


    On the pitch, the battle raged on.


    Ashford United had tightened their defense, determined to hold off any last-minute surprises from Blackvale FC.


    The players were exhausted, sweat dripping down their faces, jerseys stained with dirt from endless tackles and challenges. But nobody was giving up ¡ª not now, not this close to the final whistle.


    And then, it happened.


    A single mistake.


    An Ashford defender miscalculated his movement for a clearance, his foot barely grazing the ball instead of sending it away.


    The deflection sent it rolling past him ¡ª straight to Rowan Vance, Blackvale''s star striker.


    Ethan''s breath caught.


    "He''s got it ¡ª "


    Nobody could see it, but Ethan swore that Rowan Vance smiled in that moment, a glint in his eyes as if he had been waiting for this exact opportunity.


    The defender closest to him reacted instantly, lunging forward in a desperate sliding tackle.


    But Rowan was already a step ahead.


    He flicked the ball up with his boot just before the defender''s outstretched leg could reach it, sending it high enough to avoid the challenge.


    Then, in one fluid motion, he jumped, catching the ball mid-air on his thigh. The world seemed to slow down.


    One touch.


    Two touches.


    And then ¡ª boom!


    With perfect timing, Vance swung his leg forward and struck the ball cleanly before gravity could even pull him back down. A thunderous volley.


    The shot was a missile.


    It cut through the air like a bullet, the sheer force behind it making the ball dip and curve, a nightmare for any goalkeeper.


    The Ashford keeper dove ¡ª his hands stretched as far as they could reach ¡ª but it wasn''t enough.


    The ball struck the top corner of the net with a satisfying thwack.


    For a split second, there was silence.


    Then ¡ª


    The stadium ERUPTED.


    "GOOOOOOOAAAALLLL!!!"


    Ethan shot up from the couch. "NO WAY!"


    Vanessa''s jaw dropped. "Holy sh ¡ª "


    The replay showed it again, from every possible angle. The ball leaving Rowan Vance''s foot, the goalkeeper''s desperate dive, and the net rippling as the ball struck its mark.


    "A SENSATIONAL VOLLEY FROM ROWAN VANCE!" the commentator roared. "BLACKVALE TAKE THE LEAD IN THE DYING SECONDS OF THE MATCH ¡ª WHAT A GOAL! WHAT A MOMENT!"


    Ethan ran a hand through his hair, still processing what he had just witnessed. "That has to be one of the best goals I''ve seen in a long time."


    Vanessa, still stunned, shook her head. "Okay, okay, I get it now. This is why people go crazy over football."


    The game resumed, but there were barely any seconds left. Ashford tried one final attack, but Blackvale''s defense held firm. The referee glanced at his watch ¡ª


    And blew the whistle.


    Full-time.


    Blackvale FC had won.

 Chapter 176: A Quiet Morning

    Ethan set his drink down with a sigh, rubbing his fingers over his temple. The match was over, but the tension still lingered in the air like static after a storm.


    What a game.


    The kind that left people arguing in bars, debating tactics, and praising players for their once-in-a-lifetime shots.


    On the screen, the Blackvale FC players were retreating into the tunnel, their victory secured with that unbelievable final volley.


    Ashford United''s players, on the other hand, stood frozen on the field, disbelief etched onto their faces.


    Some had their hands on their heads, others on their hips, chests rising and falling from exertion. A cruel way to lose.


    Beside him, Vanessa was practically vibrating.


    "That was insane! That goal should be illegal! There''s no way ¡ª no way ¡ª that was a real shot," she ranted, shaking her head. "Like, who even does that?!"


    Ethan smirked, stretching his arms behind his head. "Rowan Vance does, apparently."


    "But it was impossible!"


    He shook his head. "Not impossible. Just highly improbable. You need perfect ball control, insane reflexes, and perfect timing to pull it off. Vance has all three."


    Vanessa scoffed. "Yeah, well, if I tried that, I''d probably trip over my own feet."


    Ethan chuckled. "Same. I''d either completely miss the ball or get a cramp mid-kick and go down like a sack of potatoes."


    She snorted. "Oh my god, I need to see that."


    He rolled his eyes. "Too bad you won''t."


    She grinned. "I dunno, we could go to a field tomorrow and test it out."


    "Not happening."


    Vanessa sighed dramatically, throwing herself back against the couch. "Fine, be boring. You''re leaving me for bed, aren''t you?"


    "Yep."


    "Traitor."


    Ethan stood, stretching out the stiffness in his shoulders. "You''ll survive."


    "But what if the wrestlers break out of the TV and attack me?" she gasped, wide-eyed.


    Ethan gave her a flat look. "Then I''ll tell them you drank all my soda."


    Vanessa placed a hand on her chest in mock offense. "Wow. Throwing me under the bus again?"


    He smirked but said nothing, heading toward the stairs. The moment he left the living room, he could already feel exhaustion creeping in.


    It had been a long day, and though he hadn''t done the hardest labor at the site, moving materials and marking measurements had left his muscles sore.


    By the time he stepped into his bathroom, he realized he had made a terrible mistake.


    "...I forgot a towel."


    Ethan exhaled through his nose, running a hand through his hair. He was already shirtless, standing barefoot on the cold tile. He could go back to get one... or ¡ª


    A soft knock on the door.


    "Left a towel outside," Marianne''s voice came through.


    Ethan blinked. Had she read his mind?


    He cracked the door open slightly, and sure enough, a neatly folded towel rested on a small stool just outside the bathroom.


    He chuckled to himself. Marianne was always ahead of him.


    "Thanks," he called, but she was already walking away.


    With that issue solved, he finally stepped into the shower, sighing as the hot water ran over his skin. The tension in his muscles melted instantly, the heat soothing away the exhaustion.


    His mind wandered.


    Construction had gone well so far. Riley had been helpful, and he had to admit, she was good at her job.


    He had expected her to be competent, of course, but the way she explained things made everything clear, even to someone like him who didn''t build casinos for a living.


    Vanessa had somehow managed to be both annoying and entertaining at the same time. Typical.


    And the game ¡ª that was something else. Maybe he''d look up some highlights later.


    After a while, he stepped out of the shower, wrapping the towel around his waist. His body felt lighter, but the weight of exhaustion still clung to him.


    He walked into his room, barely pausing to grab his phone from the nightstand.


    Before anything else, he scrolled through his apps and set an alarm. 6:30 AM.


    He had to be at the site early tomorrow. No excuses. And also had to avoid Vanessa pouring water on him again.


    With that done, he tossed the phone onto the nightstand and collapsed onto his bed.


    His mattress was heaven, the cool sheets a welcome contrast to the lingering heat from his shower.


    He barely managed to pull the blanket over himself before his eyes grew heavy and he slept off.


    Ethan was yanked out of sleep the next morning by the shrill sound of his alarm.


    He groaned, turning onto his side and slamming his hand onto his phone to silence it.


    Something was... off.


    He blinked a few times, adjusting to the dim morning light filtering through the curtains. Then it hit him.


    Vanessa hadn''t woken him up.


    No looming figure over his bed. No cup of water threatening to be dumped on his face. No sarcastic remarks about him being lazy.


    Suspicious.


    Rubbing his eyes, he kicked the blanket off and sat up ¡ª only to realize something that made his entire face heat up.


    He had gone to bed in his towel.


    Ethan stared down at himself in disbelief, running a hand down his face as if that would somehow erase the embarrassment.


    Had he really been that tired? He had walked straight out of the shower, set his alarm, and collapsed onto his bed without even bothering to put on clothes.


    At least no one had barged into his room.


    He shook his head, sighing.


    ''Well, nothing I can do about it now.''


    He swung his legs off the bed, standing up and stretching, his back popping in response. That felt too good.


    With a deep breath, he went to freshen up, taking another quick shower ¡ª this time making sure he had actual clothes ready before stepping in.


    After that, he threw on a clean hoodie and a pair of dark jeans, running his fingers through his damp hair before heading downstairs.


    As he descended, he half-expected to see Vanessa sprawled across the kitchen counter, waiting to pester him about something. Instead, the living room was eerily quiet.

 Chapter 177: To The Site

    Then he spotted her.


    Vanessa was out cold on the couch, tangled in a blanket, one arm hanging over the edge and a small line of drool escaping from the corner of her mouth.


    Ethan raised an eyebrow.


    ''So, that''s why she didn''t wake me up.''


    A rare sight ¡ª Vanessa sleeping in, rather than causing trouble first thing in the morning. He considered waking her up, just to return the favor for all the times she had interrupted his sleep.


    Maybe shake her shoulder a bit. Or even better, take a picture for leverage later.


    Instead, he simply smirked and walked past her, letting her rest.


    The smell of food hit him as he entered the kitchen, and his stomach immediately growled in response.


    Marianne, as always, had already prepared breakfast. She stood by the counter, humming softly as she wiped her hands on a towel.


    The dining table was already set ¡ª plates of scrambled eggs, bacon, toast, and a side of fresh fruit. There was even a steaming cup of coffee waiting for him.


    "Morning," he greeted, his voice still heavy with sleep.


    Marianne turned to him, giving him a small nod. "Good morning, Ethan. Surprised you''re up on time without Vanessa throwing water on you."


    Ethan scoffed, walking over to the table and taking a seat. "Yeah, well, she knocked out on the couch. Guess she finally ran out of energy."


    Marianne glanced toward the living room and shook her head. "About time."


    Ethan chuckled, picking up his coffee and taking a sip.


    The warmth spread through his chest, waking him up further. "This is why I keep you around, Marianne."


    She rolled her eyes. "Oh, so it''s not for my excellent cooking skills?"


    "Nah, it''s definitely the coffee."


    She lightly smacked the back of his head with the towel, and he grinned.


    The smell of freshly brewed coffee and warm toast filled the kitchen as Ethan sat at the dining table, quietly enjoying his breakfast.


    The morning was calm for once, with no sudden water attacks or Vanessa looming over him like a vengeful spirit, ready to dump ice water on his head.


    It was almost unsettling.


    He had half expected her to come barging in with another cold-water ambush, but to his surprise, she had been nowhere in sight.


    It was such a calm morning honestly.


    Now, as he sipped his coffee, he couldn''t help but feel like something was missing.


    The answer came in the form of a sleepy groan from the living room.


    He glanced over just in time to see a bundle of blankets shift on the couch. A few seconds later, a wild-haired Vanessa emerged, rubbing her eyes like a child waking up from a deep nap.


    Her hoodie was slightly oversized, hanging off one shoulder, and her sweatpants were wrinkled from sleeping in them.


    Before he could say anything, she stumbled toward him, arms outstretched.


    Ethan barely had time to react before she wrapped her arms around his shoulders from behind, pulling him into a loose, lazy hug.


    Her chin rested against his shoulder, and her scent ¡ª something sweet, mixed with faint traces of sweat from yesterday ¡ª filled his nostrils.


    If one ignored the sweat and all, she smelt nice.


    "Morning," she mumbled sleepily.


    Ethan raised an eyebrow, taking another bite of his eggs. "You''re up late."


    Vanessa groaned, tightening her hold around him like a clingy koala. "Shut up... Let me have this."


    He smirked. "What happened to my personal alarm clock? I thought you took pride in annoying me awake."


    She exhaled against his neck, the warmth sending a slight shiver down his spine. "I was exhausted. Do you know how much effort it takes to keep you on schedule?"


    Ethan chuckled, shaking his head. "Oh, the horror."


    Vanessa groaned again but didn''t move. Instead, she stayed pressed against him, as if she was soaking up warmth from his body.


    He could feel the steady rise and fall of her chest against his back, and though he wouldn''t admit it, it was... comfortable.


    Too comfortable.


    Before his brain could wander too far, Vanessa finally pulled away with a stretch, her hoodie lifting slightly to reveal the toned skin of her stomach.


    Ethan looked away, pretending to focus on his plate.


    "Anyway," she yawned, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. "You should get going. Don''t you have a project to attend to, Mr. Business Man?"


    Ethan smirked, finishing his coffee and pushing his plate away. "Yeah, yeah, I''m leaving."


    Marianne, who had been quietly observing from the kitchen, stepped forward and set down another plate of food ¡ª this one for Vanessa.


    Ethan turned to her, offering a grateful smile. "Thanks for breakfast."


    Marianne gave him a small nod, though there was a knowing glint in her eyes. "Try not to overwork yourself."


    He scoffed. "No promises."


    Then, before leaving, he leaned in and pressed a light kiss to her cheek. It was something he did often, a small show of appreciation for the woman who was practically feeding him daily.


    As he pulled away, he caught Vanessa watching with an unreadable expression. He turned to her with a smirk.


    "Don''t think I forgot about you," he said.


    Before she could react, he leaned down and pressed a quick kiss to her cheek as well.


    Vanessa blinked, clearly caught off guard. "What was that for?"


    Ethan just grinned, grabbing his keys. "For not throwing water on me this morning."


    Vanessa scoffed, crossing her arms. "I will make up for it tomorrow, just you wait."


    He laughed, stepping outside and making his way to the garage. His Porsche sat waiting, sleek and polished, ready for another day of work.


    Sliding into the driver''s seat, he started the engine, the familiar purr filling the garage.


    As he pulled out of the driveway, he took a deep breath. Today was going to be another long one at the construction site, but at least the morning had started off on a good note.


    Now he just needed to see Riley.

 Chapter 178: Rileys Dilemma

    Riley stood amidst the controlled chaos of the construction site, clipboard in hand, but her mind was nowhere near the measurements or the schedules she was supposed to be overseeing.


    The underground section was progressing at a steady pace, the workers moving with a sense of urgency to ensure everything was in place before they moved on to the next phase.


    Drills roared, concrete was being mixed, and the occasional shout from the foreman echoed through the site. It was a busy morning, and yet, all she could think about was last night.


    She felt ridiculous.


    ''Why am I even thinking about this so much?''


    But she knew why.


    Sitting across from Ethan at that tiny cafe? had felt... easy.


    It had felt comfortable.


    It had felt like she belonged there.


    Even with the dust on her cheeks and her hair in a mess, he hadn''t looked at her like she was out of place.


    They had talked, laughed, and ¡ª maybe for the first time in a long time ¡ª she had felt like a woman instead of just another worker covered in grime.


    Still, she couldn''t shake the nagging thoughts.


    ''Maybe I should go on one later,'' she mused, absently brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. ''A real date... not one where I look like I just crawled out of a ditch.''


    Her fingers tightened slightly around the clipboard.


    ''Would it be weird if I asked him for dinner again?''


    She bit her lip.


    ''I''m just soooo ¡ª ''


    A heavy pat on her back nearly sent her stumbling forward.


    "Get your head in the work, Riley," the foreman''s voice cut through her thoughts.


    She jumped, startled, quickly snapping her attention back to reality. She turned to the older man, whose expression was amused yet firm.


    "I don''t know where your head''s at, but we''ve got a lot to do," he said, nodding toward the workers. "And I need my best engineer actually working."


    Riley cleared her throat, adjusting her grip on the clipboard. "Right. Sorry."


    The foreman chuckled, shaking his head. "Don''t apologize. Just don''t let me catch you spacing out again, or I''ll start thinking you''re falling for someone."


    Riley nearly choked.


    Before she could formulate a response, the sound of an engine caught her attention.


    Ethan had arrived.


    His sleek Porsche rolled onto the dirt lot, kicking up a small cloud of dust before coming to a smooth stop.


    The door swung open, and out stepped the man who had somehow occupied her thoughts all morning.


    His hoodie was pulled over his head, shielding him from the morning sun, and he held a can of soda in one hand, taking a slow sip as he surveyed the progress.


    Riley quickly turned away, pressing the clipboard to her chest as if it could somehow shield her from the very obvious heat rising to her face.


    ''Pull it together, Riley.''


    The foreman, on the other hand, had no such reservations.


    "Look who finally decided to show up," he called out, walking toward Ethan with a grin.


    Ethan smirked, tossing the empty soda can into a nearby bin. "Traffic."


    The foreman snorted. "Yeah, sure. And I''m the king of the city."


    Riley took a deep breath, steadying herself, before finally turning back around to face Ethan.


    He met her gaze, and for a moment, she thought she saw something flicker in his expression ¡ª like he was trying to figure out if she was okay.


    Then he grinned. "Morning."


    Riley huffed, trying to appear unaffected. "You''re late."


    Ethan shrugged, shoving his hands into his pockets. "Not by much."


    "By enough," she countered.


    He chuckled, clearly amused. "You sound like my alarm clock."


    "You need an alarm clock," she shot back, but there was no real bite to her words.


    Ethan tilted his head slightly. "You alright?"


    Riley blinked, caught off guard.


    "What?"


    "You seem... distracted."


    For a second, she hesitated.


    Should she say something? Laugh it off? Pretend like she hadn''t just been daydreaming about their impromptu dinner the night before?


    Then, before she could decide, the foreman clapped his hands together.


    "Alright, enough chit-chat," he said. "We''ve got work to do."


    Saved by the boss.


    Riley quickly turned back to her responsibilities, forcing herself to focus as Ethan fell into step beside her, ready to pitch in like he had the past few days.


    Ethan rolled up the sleeves of his hoodie, already feeling the heat of the sun as the morning hours passed.


    The site was a flurry of movement ¡ª workers drilling into the foundation, others pouring cement into the underground supports, and the occasional shout of instruction from the foreman cutting through the air.


    It was a routine he had grown accustomed to over the past few days, but today, something felt... off.


    It wasn''t the work.


    It wasn''t the workers.


    It was her.


    Riley was distracted.


    He noticed it almost immediately.


    Usually, she was laser-focused, directing workers with sharp efficiency, double-checking measurements, and explaining processes whenever he had questions.


    But today? She was moving on autopilot ¡ª nodding absently when people spoke to her, scribbling down notes that she barely looked at, and occasionally zoning out in the middle of an explanation.


    It wasn''t like her.


    Ethan didn''t know what was going through her head, but whatever it was ¡ª it had to be serious.


    Maybe something happened at home?


    That was his first thought. A fight with a relative, an emergency, or some unexpected news? He had no idea what her home life was like outside of work, so he couldn''t rule it out.


    Or maybe it was work-related.


    Had someone pissed her off?


    Had the foreman said something?


    His eyes flickered toward the older man, but he was too busy overseeing the cement mixing to be the cause of Riley''s strange mood.


    Ethan exhaled, pressing his tongue against his cheek as he lifted a bucket of cement with the other workers.


    The weight wasn''t an issue. It gave him something to focus on. Something to do.


    But all the while, his attention kept shifting back to her.


    She was standing near the support beams, arms crossed, clipboard held tightly to her chest. Her gaze wasn''t locked on the site or any of the workers.


    It was somewhere else. Somewhere far away.


    ''Should I ask?''

 Chapter 179: A Blushing Mess

    The thought crossed his mind multiple times, but each time, he hesitated.


    It wasn''t like they were best friends. Were they?


    Sure, they had dinner last night.


    Sure, he had seen her a little more relaxed than usual.


    But did that really give him the right to pry into whatever was bothering her?


    He wasn''t sure.


    So, for now, he kept quiet.


    Instead, he worked.


    The underground section needed to be reinforced, which meant helping the workers pour cement into the support pillars.


    He rolled up his hoodie even further, the muscles in his arms flexing slightly as he lifted and moved materials alongside the crew.


    A few of the workers gave him nods of approval ¡ª clearly impressed that the man who hired them was actually getting his hands dirty.


    Ethan wasn''t doing it for praise, though.


    He was doing it to keep his mind occupied.


    And yet, every so often, his gaze would flicker back to Riley.


    And every so often, she would still be staring into space.


    By the time they had finished setting a few of the foundational structures, the foreman called for a break.


    The workers stretched, wiping sweat from their brows, and Ethan grabbed a bottle of water, twisting the cap off before taking a deep drink.


    Riley, however, barely moved.


    She was still staring at the clipboard, but Ethan had a feeling she wasn''t actually reading anything on it.


    That was it.


    He wasn''t usually one to push when people didn''t want to talk, but this was getting ridiculous.


    Ethan walked over, holding the water bottle in one hand and nudging her arm with the other.


    "You good?" he asked casually.


    Riley blinked, as if snapping out of a trance. "Huh?"


    "I asked if you''re good," Ethan repeated. "You''ve been spacing out all morning."


    Her grip on the clipboard tightened slightly. "I¡ªuh, yeah. I''m fine."


    Ethan raised an eyebrow. "You sure? Because you look like you''re about two seconds away from wandering into a hole and getting cement poured on you."


    That earned a short, amused breath from her ¡ª something close to a laugh, but not quite.


    "I''m fine," she said again, this time with a bit more conviction.


    Ethan studied her for a moment.


    She wasn''t lying. Not entirely, at least.


    But she was holding something back.


    He could tell.


    Still, if she didn''t want to talk about it, he wasn''t going to push her.


    Not yet, anyway.


    "Well," he said, taking another swig of his water, "if you do end up falling into a hole, let me know in advance so I can record it."


    This time, she actually laughed.


    Ethan soon stretched out across a stack of wooden crates, arms folded behind his head as he gazed up at the sky.


    The morning had been exhausting, and now that their break had started, he wasn''t about to pass up the chance to rest.


    Around him, the sounds of the construction site had softened ¡ª not completely gone, but reduced to the occasional murmur of workers chatting over their meals, the rustling of sandwich wrappers, and the steady crunch of gravel under boots as people moved around.


    The drilling had gone well that morning, and they had made solid progress in pouring the underground foundation supports.


    If things continued at this pace, they would be done with this phase sooner than expected. Right according to what Ethan wanted.


    Ethan sighed, shifting slightly against the crates. The sky above was a soft shade of gray, with thick clouds drifting lazily across the horizon.


    The sun, which had been merciless earlier, was now hidden behind them, offering a small reprieve from the heat. It wasn''t exactly cool out, but at least he wasn''t sweating bullets like before.


    His gaze lazily wandered across the site. A few of the workers were gathered under a tarp, cracking jokes as they ate.


    Others sat on overturned buckets or leaned against stacks of cement bags, finishing up their lunches in silence.


    And then ¡ª


    His eyes landed on Riley.


    She was sitting a short distance away, perched on a mat beneath a shaded area. Her lunchbox rested in her lap, but she wasn''t really eating.


    Instead, she was poking at her food, her fingers absently tracing the edge of the container as she stared off into space.


    Something was on her mind.


    As he lay there watching her, he couldn''t help but wonder what could be the issue.


    And then it happened.


    Her eyes flickered toward him.


    It was brief ¡ª so brief that if he had blinked, he might have missed it. But he didn''t blink.


    For a split second, their gazes locked.


    And in that instant, Riley''s entire face turned red.


    Not just a light blush. Not the kind of embarrassed warmth someone gets when they''re caught daydreaming.


    No, this was full-on, face-burning, caught-staring-at-someone-you-shouldn''t-be-staring-at kind of red.


    Ethan''s lips curled into a slow, knowing smirk.


    ''Interesting.''


    Riley, on the other hand, looked absolutely mortified.


    She quickly turned her head away, stuffing a too-big bite of food into her mouth as if that would somehow erase what had just happened.


    Her fingers clenched slightly around the edge of her lunchbox, and for a moment, she looked like she wanted to disappear into the ground.


    Ethan chuckled under his breath.


    She was thinking about something.


    And now, he had a feeling it wasn''t just work-related.


    He stretched his arms above his head, feeling the tension ease from his muscles before he finally sat up.


    "Still thinking, Riley?" he called out casually, his voice laced with amusement.


    She nearly choked on her food.


    Coughing slightly, she quickly grabbed her water bottle, taking a long sip before forcing herself to look at him.


    "N-No," she stammered, her voice just a little too high-pitched to be convincing. "Why would you ask that?"


    Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Dunno. You''ve just been a little out of it today. This should be the twentieth time I''ve caught you like this,"


    Riley''s fingers twitched around the bottle she was holding. She looked away, her gaze fixing firmly on the ground. "I''m fine," she muttered.

 Chapter 180: Chaffeur?

    He could have pressed her on it.


    But he didn''t.


    Instead, he simply smirked again, leaning back slightly on his hands. "Alright. If you say so."


    Riley puffed her cheeks slightly, clearly annoyed at his response. But she didn''t argue.


    Silence stretched between them for a few moments before she finally cleared her throat. "You ¡ª uh ¡ªyou''re not eating?" she asked, clearly trying to change the subject.


    Ethan glanced at the untouched sandwich sitting beside him. "Eh, I''ll eat in a bit."


    Riley frowned. "You should eat now. We still have a long way to go before the next break."


    He huffed a laugh. "Yes, ma''am," he said, reaching for the sandwich.


    He took a slow bite, watching as Riley pretended to be very interested in the contents of her lunchbox.


    It was kind of amusing, really.


    Who would have thought that Riley ¡ª the no-nonsense, always-professional site worker who liked teasing him ¡ª would get this flustered over a little eye contact?


    Whatever had her distracted, he had a feeling it had something to do with last night.


    The dinner, maybe?


    Ethan chewed thoughtfully, his gaze drifting back up to the sky.


    Riley poked at the rice in her lunchbox with her fork, her mind racing as she searched for something ¡ª anything ¡ª to say.


    It was painfully obvious that she had been acting off all morning, and the last thing she wanted was for Ethan to get the wrong idea.


    He had already noticed her distraction, had called her out on it, and now, as she sat a short distance from him, she could feel his gaze flickering toward her every now and then, as if he was waiting for her to slip up again.


    She refused to let that happen.


    Taking a steady breath, she forced a casual tone into her voice. "So... how''s the sandwich?"


    Ethan, who had just taken another slow bite, raised an eyebrow at her sudden attempt at conversation. He chewed thoughtfully before answering, "Not bad. Bit dry, though."


    Ethan leaned back slightly, his hands resting behind him as he studied her. "You feeling alright now?"


    Riley''s breath hitched slightly. She kept her eyes glued to her lunchbox, pretending to be extremely focused on picking up a piece of carrot.


    "Yeah. Just... a lot on my mind, I guess."


    "Hm."


    That hm made her nervous.


    She could tell he didn''t fully believe her, but he wasn''t pushing either.


    Instead, Ethan took another bite of his sandwich and let the silence stretch between them again.


    Riley exhaled softly. She needed to keep this conversation going, otherwise, she''d start overthinking again.


    ''And if I overthink, I''ll just get flustered all over again.''


    "So," she said, forcing a casual tone, "did you sleep well?"


    Ethan let out a short laugh. "Aside from waking up in just a towel? Yeah."


    Riley choked on her drink. "What?"


    Ethan grinned at her reaction, obviously entertained. "Yeah. Went to bed completely exhausted. Woke up, realized I forgot to put on clothes. Not my proudest moment."


    Riley pressed a hand to her mouth, trying not to burst out laughing. "You ¡ª what? You actually fell asleep like that?"


    "Yep."


    Riley shook her head, a smile tugging at her lips. "You really are something else."


    Ethan smirked. "I try."


    She could feel his gaze lingering on her again, and she refused to make eye contact.


    Instead, she busied herself with finishing her food, acting like the grains of rice in her lunchbox were the most fascinating things in the world.


    Ethan let her have her silence for a while, but after a few moments, he stretched and spoke again. "You know, if something''s bothering you, you can talk about it."


    Her fingers tightened slightly around her fork.


    It was such a simple statement, but the way he said it ¡ª low, casual, but still attentive ¡ª made something twist in her stomach.


    She forced herself to chuckle. "I told you, I''m fine."


    Ethan hummed again. That same knowing hm from earlier. The one that made her nervous.


    But thankfully, before he could say anything else, the foreman clapped his hands together, calling everyone back to work.


    Riley nearly sighed in relief.


    "Guess break''s over," Ethan said, standing up and stretching.


    Riley nodded quickly, stuffing the last of her food into her mouth and hopping up to her feet. "Yep! Let''s get back to it!"


    #####


    By the time the workday wrapped up, the sun had already begun its slow descent, painting the sky in hues of soft orange and deep purple.


    The workers stretched their tired limbs, wiping sweat from their brows as they packed up the tools and secured the materials for the next day''s work.


    Riley exhaled, looking down at herself with a grimace. She was dirtier than she had wanted to be.


    Her clothes were stained with mud, dust clung stubbornly to her sleeves, and there was even a stray smudge across her cheek.


    It was one thing to get dirty while working, but this? This was downright embarrassing.


    She glanced toward Ethan, who, despite helping with some of the heavy lifting, had only a few patches of dust on his hoodie and jeans.


    He still looked presentable ¡ª annoyingly so. Meanwhile, she looked like she had wrestled with the earth itself and lost.


    Riley clenched her fists, biting her lip as she watched Ethan dust off his hands and make his way toward his car.


    He was already preparing to leave. If she let him go now, she would lose her chance.


    Before she could second-guess herself, she took a deep breath, pushed down her nerves, and quickly stepped toward him.


    "Um ¡ª Ethan!" she called out.


    Ethan stopped just before reaching his car, turning to face her with a raised brow. "Yeah?"


    She swallowed. "Do you... want to go for dinner again today?"


    The words tumbled out faster than she intended, her voice laced with a nervous edge.


    For a brief moment, Ethan just looked at her. Then, with an easy shrug, he said, "I don''t mind."


    Relief flooded her, but it was quickly replaced by hesitation.


    She shifted her weight, glancing down at her mud-streaked clothes. "Actually... can I ask for a favor first?"


    Ethan leaned against his car, arms crossed, clearly amused. "That depends. What kind of favor?"


    Riley clenched the hem of her shirt, feeling the grime against her fingers. "Could you, um... take me home first so I can change? I don''t want to go out looking like this."


    She motioned to her disheveled state, her face burning slightly at the admission.


    Ethan''s smirk widened. "So, what you''re saying is... you want me to chauffeur you around?"


    She groaned, rolling her eyes. "You make it sound so dramatic."


    "It is dramatic. You''re making me go out of my way because you decided to roll in the mud." His tone was teasing, but his eyes held amusement.


    "I did not roll in the mud!" Riley huffed.

 Chapter 181: Riley’s Apartment

    Ethan let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. "Alright, alright. Get in."


    Riley let out a breath she didn''t realize she was holding and quickly made her way to the passenger side, slipping into the seat.


    As Ethan started the car, she folded her arms and muttered, "I don''t look that bad, do I?"


    Ethan shot her a sideways glance, amusement still dancing in his eyes. "Sure, sure. Whatever helps you sleep at night."


    She sighed, sinking into the seat.


    ''This is fine. This is totally fine.''


    Even if her face was still warm from embarrassment, at least she had secured another dinner with him. They just had to go to her house first.


    As the car rolled down the quiet streets, the city lights flickering past the windows, Ethan stole a quick glance at Riley.


    Her cheeks were slightly flushed, and she kept fidgeting with the hem of her shirt, as if second-guessing her decision to ask him for dinner again.


    "You good?" Ethan asked, one hand on the wheel as they reached a red light.


    Riley quickly nodded, avoiding his eyes. "Yeah, just... I didn''t think you''d say yes so fast."


    Ethan smirked. "Why wouldn''t I?"


    She hesitated for a second.


    ''Because I look like I just took a mud bath? Because my hair is probably a mess? Because I totally made a fool of myself back there?''


    Instead of saying all that, she simply shrugged. "I don''t know. Maybe you had other plans."


    Ethan chuckled. "Nah. The only thing I had planned was collapsing on my couch, but I guess I can push that back for a bit."


    "Gee, thanks," she muttered, but he just grinned.


    Following Riley''s directions, he drove them to her apartment building.


    It wasn''t anything fancy ¡ª just a small complex on the quieter side of the city.


    The parking lot was mostly empty, and a single streetlamp flickered dimly overhead as they pulled into a spot.


    Riley chewed on the inside of her cheek as she undid her seatbelt.


    The warmth in her face had yet to subside, and now it was paired with nervous energy bubbling in her chest.


    She hadn''t planned on inviting Ethan inside, but now that they were here, the thought of making him wait alone in his car felt... awkward.


    "Should I just wait here?" Ethan asked, drumming his fingers against the steering wheel.


    Riley hesitated. "Um... actually, do you want to come up for a bit? Just while I freshen up and change?"


    Ethan raised a brow. "You sure? Wouldn''t want to invade your personal space."


    She nodded quickly, then, as an afterthought, added, "It''ll only be a few minutes."


    Without giving herself time to second-guess, she stepped out of the car and motioned for him to follow.


    He shrugged and locked the car before trailing behind her.


    The apartment building was small, and as they climbed the stairs, Ethan noted how quiet it was.


    No loud neighbors, no music blasting through the walls. Peaceful. He could see why she liked it.


    Once they reached her door, Riley fumbled with her keys before pushing it open.


    She stepped inside and turned to him, cheeks still slightly pink.


    "Uh, you can come in if you want," she said, stepping aside.


    Ethan arched a brow but followed her inside anyway. "Thanks for the invite, I guess."


    The apartment was small but cozy. It wasn''t filled with fancy furniture or decorations, but it had a warm, lived-in feel.


    There were a few plants on the windowsill, a small couch, a coffee table stacked with books and a half-finished puzzle, and a kitchen area that was spotless.


    It was simple but nice.


    "Make yourself at home," Riley said, moving toward the kitchen. "Water?"


    "Sure," Ethan said, taking a seat on her couch. "You know, I think this is the first time I''ve ever been to your place. I expected something... messier, to be honest."


    Riley groaned from the kitchen. "Just because I get dirty at work doesn''t mean I live in dirt."


    She returned with a glass of water and handed it to him, her expression playful but still a little embarrassed. "Here, since you''re apparently dying of thirst."


    Ethan took the glass with a smirk. "Thanks. Guess I''ll just hydrate while I wait for Miss Mud Queen to get ready."


    She rolled her eyes. "I''m going to ignore that and take my shower now."


    As she walked past him, she hesitated for a brief second before looking over her shoulder. "Make yourself at home. It won''t take long."


    Ethan only nodded, watching as she disappeared into what he assumed was her hallway.


    Left alone, he took a slow sip of water and let his gaze wander around the room.


    His eyes landed on a shelf filled with books ¡ª some were thick, heavy-looking novels, while others seemed like old architecture guides and manuals.


    He smirked. Of course she''d be the type to have those lying around.


    He leaned back into the couch, stretching his legs out as he listened to the faint sound of water running from the other room.


    Dinner with Riley again, huh? He didn''t mind, really.


    She was fun to talk to, and he liked how unfiltered she was.


    The fact that she was acting all shy today was new, though.


    Different from the usual confident, sharp-tongued woman he had worked with all week.


    A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips.


    Maybe it had something to do with last night? Their dinner had been nice. Comfortable, even.


    He had made her shy today, which had surprised him ¡ª she had always seemed so tough at work, like nothing fazed her.


    Seeing her in that moment, all nervous and fidgety, asking him to dinner...


    He exhaled. "Interesting."


    He leaned back on the couch, his muscles finally beginning to ache in protest.


    The work today had been no joke ¡ª lifting, measuring, watching, and even some hands-on work with the materials.


    He hadn''t really needed to get his hands dirty, but after the previous night, he figured helping out would make things run a little smoother.


    And, well, it also gave him a workout. Two birds, one stone.


    His stomach rumbled, and he glanced at the water in his hand.


    Not quite the relief he was looking for. He let out a sigh.


    "The refrigerator better be full of drinks," he muttered to himself.

 Chapter 182: Into The Car

    After a few minutes of zoning out, the sound of a door creaking open caught his attention.


    Riley stepped out of her room, now looking freshened up.


    She had traded her dusty work clothes for a pair of dark jeans and a simple off-shoulder sweater.


    Her damp black hair framed her face, and her usual confident smirk was replaced with something softer.


    Ethan sat up, setting his glass down on the coffee table.


    "That was fast," he remarked, lifting an eyebrow.


    She shrugged, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Told you it wouldn''t take long."


    As they stepped out of her apartment, the last traces of sunset painted the sky in soft shades of pink and lavender.


    The cool evening air was a welcome change from the heat of the day, and Riley took a deep breath, feeling a little more refreshed after changing into a simple but elegant dark dress.


    She''d brushed her hair and reapplied a hint of lipstick, suddenly more self-conscious than she wanted to admit.


    Ethan''s Porsche was parked at the curb, its sleek black surface glistening slightly under the city lights.


    As she approached the car, he swiftly stepped forward to open the door for her.


    "Such a gentleman," she teased, a slight smirk playing on her lips.


    He smirked back, "Don''t get used to it."


    She chuckled as she slipped inside, and he shut the door behind her before walking around to his side and getting in.


    The low hum of the engine filled the air as he started the car, and for a moment, they sat there, the city lights reflecting off the windshield.


    "So, where to?" Ethan finally asked, adjusting his seatbelt.


    Riley pursed her lips, thinking. "I know a good place. It''s a bit fancy, but I think you''ll like it."


    Ethan gave her a skeptical look. "As long as it''s not one of those places where they serve you a tiny leaf on a giant plate and call it fine dining."


    Riley laughed, shaking her head. "No, no. I promise, it''s actual food. Not just decoration."


    Ethan smirked and put the car into drive. "Alright, you lead the way."


    The drive through the city was smoother at night, with the usual traffic of the day replaced by a more relaxed flow.


    Riley seemed comfortable in his car, her fingers tapping lightly against the dashboard in rhythm with the soft music playing through the speakers.


    Every now and then, she glanced at Ethan from the corner of her eye, taking in how he navigated the roads with ease.


    He had an air of confidence about him that she both admired and found slightly intimidating.


    "Here," she suddenly said, pointing to a building on the corner. "This is the place."


    Ethan smoothly pulled into the restaurant''s parking area and turned off the engine.


    He looked up at the establishment ¡ª it was an upscale place, one that he had heard of but never had the time nor the interest to visit.


    He couldn''t visit everywhere in the damn city after all.


    It was a cozy, high-end restaurant, dimly lit with warm lights glowing from within.


    The large windows revealed white tablecloths, polished wine glasses, and an interior designed for quiet, intimate conversations.


    "You sure you''re okay with eating here?" Riley asked hesitantly, watching his reaction.


    He turned to her with a slight smirk. "You''re the one who chose it. Don''t second-guess yourself now."


    With that, he exited the car and came around to open her door, offering a hand to help her out.


    She looked down at her outfit and hesitated.


    "We should''ve gone somewhere casual," she muttered, "I don''t just feel right..."


    "You look fine," Ethan said, shutting the car door behind her. "Besides, do you think these people have ever had to do a day''s work outside? You''re the only real one here."


    Riley snorted, a small smile forming on her lips. "Right, because you''re any better?"


    "Hey," Ethan smirked. "I did my fair share of work today too."


    He rubbed his palms together, showing them to her. "Look, calluses. That''s evidence."


    She snorted. "You lifted, like, three things. I was in the trenches."


    "Three very heavy things," he shot back playfully.


    She rolled her eyes but was clearly amused.


    As they stepped into the restaurant, the decor screamed luxury ¡ª soft candlelight, chandeliers casting golden hues on polished wood, and a low hum of classical music in the background.


    Ethan had taken her to a place far above her usual pay grade, and she glanced around, suddenly feeling a bit out of place.


    Riley bit her lip, still feeling self-conscious as they took their seats at the table. She didn''t look as beautiful as the rich women on the other tables.


    She picked up the menu and nearly gasped at the prices.


    "You sure this place isn''t too much? We could''ve just gone to that little diner two streets down," she said, glancing over at him.


    Ethan shrugged. "You''re the one that chose here, might as well enjoy a proper meal. Besides, I needed a reward for all the heavy lifting."


    Riley laughed. "Yeah, three boxes and a bag of cement. So impressive."


    "I was pacing around the whole day too," Ethan pointed out, setting down his menu. "That takes energy."


    She rolled her eyes playfully before placing her order.


    It was a simple meal ¡ª something she''d never had before but had always been curious to try.


    After they ordered, they fell into easy conversation.


    Ethan didn''t press her about her distraction from earlier, but Riley still felt the need to explain.


    "I was just thinking about yesterday," she admitted. "I... I wasn''t exactly looking my best when I asked you out, was I?"


    Ethan''s lips twitched upward. "You looked fine."


    Riley gave him a flat stare. "Ethan, I had mud all over me. My hair was a mess. I looked like I just lost a wrestling match with the ground."


    He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. "And yet, you still managed to be cute."

 Chapter 183: Credit Card

    Riley scoffed and covered her face with her hand, trying to ignore the warmth rushing to her cheeks. "You''re impossible."


    Ethan only chuckled before the waiter arrived with their drinks.


    He took a sip of his coffee, and Riley picked up her glass of lemonade, sipping it while trying not to make eye contact with him.


    Dinner was relaxed, different from the formal air of the restaurant.


    They spoke about their work, Riley telling him about the intricacies of land measurement that she had been so focused on earlier.


    She even teased him about his poor spray-painting skills, to which he only raised an eyebrow.


    "I got better at it," he defended.


    "After, what, twenty tries?" she grinned.


    Ethan huffed, taking another sip of his drink. "Alright, I''ll admit I''m not an artist. But you weren''t exactly a star student either. You almost tripped over one of the markers."


    "That was one time," she shot back. "And that''s because someone distracted me."


    "Oh? Who was that?" he asked, leaning in with an amused smirk.


    Riley hesitated, then looked away. "I dunno. Some guy. Kind of annoying. Think his name was Ethan?"


    Ethan let out a short laugh. "Sounds like a cool guy."


    Riley shook her head, but she was smiling as she picked up her fork.


    She took her first bite of the dish she had ordered, her eyes widening in delight.


    "This is good," she mumbled, savoring the taste.


    Ethan watched her reaction with amusement. "Told you. Cafe?s are nice and all, but sometimes you gotta treat yourself."


    "I''ll give you that," she admitted. "But I still say we should go somewhere smaller next time."


    Ethan smirked. "Next time, huh?"


    Riley froze, her fork hovering midair.


    She realized what she had just said, and her cheeks warmed as she quickly averted her gaze.


    "You know what I mean," she muttered.


    Ethan chuckled but let it slide. They finished their meal, and when the bill came, Riley instinctively reached for her purse, fishing out her credit card.


    Ethan, who had anticipated this, was faster. He handed his card to the waiter before she could get a word in.


    "Ethan," she said, frowning.


    "Riley," he replied, mimicking her tone with a teasing grin.


    She sighed. "At least let me pay for my half."


    "I already swiped my card. Too late."


    She narrowed her eyes. "Ethan..."


    "Riley..." he said again, his voice dripping with amusement.


    Riley let out an exasperated sigh. "You can''t keep doing this every time."


    "Why not?" He leaned back in his chair. "I''ve got money, and I like spending it on good company."


    Riley exhaled through her nose, shaking her head but smiling despite herself. "Fine. But I''m paying next time."


    Ethan raised his glass. "We''ll see."


    They left the restaurant shortly after.


    As they stepped out of the restaurant, the crisp night air greeted them, carrying the faint scent of rain on the horizon.


    The streets had quieted down, the once-busy sidewalks now mostly empty save for a few late-night wanderers.


    The warm glow of the streetlights cast long shadows, and Riley, feeling pleasantly full and a little drowsy, stretched her arms above her head and let out a soft yawn.


    Ethan, who had been adjusting the cuff of his sleeve, glanced at her and smirked. "Tired already? It''s not even that late."


    Riley shot him a half-hearted glare. "Excuse me, but some of us actually did hard labor today."


    Ethan chuckled. "Oh, right. Forgot you were in the ''trenches'' while I was just lifting ''three things.''"


    She rolled her eyes but couldn''t hide the amused smile tugging at her lips.


    They walked toward his car, offering a casual nod to the security guards stationed outside the restaurant.


    "Goodnight," Riley said to them politely, and Ethan gave them a small wave before unlocking the car.


    She slid into the passenger seat, sighing as she leaned back.


    "I might actually fall asleep on the way home," she admitted, rubbing her eyes.


    Ethan raised an eyebrow as he buckled his seatbelt. "And here I was, thinking you had endless energy."


    "Yeah, well, even I have my limits," she murmured, already adjusting the seat to get comfortable.


    Ethan started the car, the soft hum of the engine breaking the silence of the night.


    He pulled out onto the road, the headlights illuminating the path ahead as they drove through the dimly lit streets.


    For a while, neither of them spoke. Riley was leaning her head against the window, her eyes fluttering shut every so often, and Ethan glanced at her out of the corner of his eye.


    He wasn''t sure if she was actually asleep or just on the verge of it, but either way, he kept the music low and the ride as smooth as possible.


    "You always take taxis home?" he asked after a few minutes.


    Riley stirred slightly, opening one eye. "Huh?"


    "Earlier, you said you usually take a taxi after crossing the street near the site," Ethan reminded her.


    "Oh. Yeah," she said, sitting up a little. "It''s just easier that way. I don''t live too far, so I never really saw the need to drive."


    Ethan hummed in response. He supposed that made sense, though he still found it surprising that she hadn''t mentioned owning a car.


    Given how independent she was, he would have expected her to have one.


    "Besides," she added, "I kind of like the quiet time. Gives me a chance to clear my head."


    Ethan smirked. "And yet, you were completely distracted today."


    Riley groaned, covering her face with her hands. "Are you really never going to let that go?"


    "Nope," he said, popping the ''p.''


    She let out a dramatic sigh. "You''re insufferable."


    "And yet, here you are, in my car, on the way back from a dinner you invited me to."


    She peeked at him through her fingers. "I regret everything."


    Ethan laughed, shaking his head as they neared her apartment complex.


    The drive had been shorter than he expected, but it was nice ¡ª comfortable, even.


    When he pulled up in front of her building, he turned off the engine and looked over at her.


    "Alright, sleepyhead. You''re home."


    Riley blinked at the building, clearly not eager to get out just yet.


    She shifted in her seat, stretching her arms again before unbuckling her seatbelt.


    "Thanks for the ride," she said, her voice softer now.


    Ethan nodded. "No problem."


    She reached for the door handle but hesitated for a brief second before turning back to him.


    "You, um... you don''t have to, but do you want to come up for a bit? Just so I can at least properly say goodnight before passing out?"

 Chapter 184: Overthinking Kills

    Ethan raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile playing on his lips. "So, you''re inviting me inside just to tell me goodnight?"


    Riley groaned, lightly smacking his arm. "I knew you were going to make it weird. Forget it."


    He laughed, holding up his hands in surrender. "Alright, alright. I''ll help you inside. Since you''re about two seconds away from falling asleep on your feet."


    She rolled her eyes but stepped out of the car, and Ethan followed suit.


    As they walked toward the entrance, she stumbled slightly ¡ª just enough for him to catch her elbow instinctively.


    "Okay, I take it back," he said, steadying her. "You''re way past two seconds from passing out."


    "Shut up," she mumbled, rubbing her temple. "I just ¡ª ugh, today was a long day."


    Ethan didn''t let go of her elbow as they made their way inside, guiding her toward the elevator.


    Once they stepped inside, she leaned against the wall, eyes half-lidded.


    "You''re really not used to taking it easy, huh?" Ethan mused, watching her.


    She let out a quiet laugh. "Nope. I function in either full-speed mode or sleep mode. No in-between."


    "Explains a lot."


    The elevator dinged, and Riley pushed herself off the wall, stepping out with Ethan right behind her.


    They had taken the stairs the first time but that didn''t mean there wasn''t an elevator.


    She led the way to her apartment, fumbling with her keys for a second before unlocking the door and stepping inside.


    Ethan followed, pausing at the entrance as she kicked off her shoes and stretched once again, letting out another yawn.


    "Alright," he said, crossing his arms. "You''ve officially run out of energy."


    "Maybe," she admitted.


    He shook his head in amusement. "Get some rest, Riley."


    She blinked up at him, her expression unreadable for a moment.


    Then, before he could react, she stepped closer and, in a move that caught him completely off guard, pressed a light kiss to his cheek.


    "Thanks for tonight," she murmured before pulling away, turning toward her bedroom.


    Ethan stood there for a second, processing what had just happened.


    His cheek still felt warm from where her lips had been, and for once, he found himself momentarily at a loss for words.


    Riley, on the other hand, was already halfway into her room.


    "You can lock the door when you leave," she called over her shoulder before disappearing inside.


    Ethan exhaled, running a hand through his hair as he let out a quiet chuckle.


    "Unbelievable," he muttered to himself, shaking his head.


    With that, he turned toward the door, locking it behind him as he stepped out into the hallway.


    #####


    Vanessa didn''t know why she felt this way.


    It was a gnawing sensation in the pit of her stomach, a quiet, nagging irritation that she couldn''t quite place ¡ª or maybe she didn''t want to admit what it was.


    She had spent the entire evening flipping through channels, barely paying attention to anything playing on the screen.


    Her arms were crossed, her foot tapping lightly against the floor as if waiting for something.


    Or someone.


    Her gaze flickered to the clock on the wall.


    It was late, not too late, but late enough that she had noticed Ethan wasn''t home yet.


    That alone wasn''t unusual. He had things to do, places to be.


    But tonight, for some reason, she was hyper-aware of his absence.


    Was he with someone? With a girl?


    She scoffed at herself, shifting her position on the couch.


    Why did that thought bother her? It wasn''t like she had any reason to feel this way.


    Ethan was free to do whatever he wanted. They weren''t ¡ª


    Vanessa shook her head.


    ''Nope. Not going there.''


    With a sigh, she grabbed the remote and flipped to another channel, something mindless, something that wouldn''t leave her alone with her thoughts.


    The sound of the television filled the room, but it was nothing more than background noise at this point.


    From the kitchen, she heard Marianne muttering to herself, the familiar sound of dishes clinking together as she cleaned up.


    The older woman had been in a bit of a mood as well, grumbling about something that Vanessa hadn''t really been paying attention to.


    "Honestly," Marianne huffed from the kitchen, her voice carrying into the living room. "Out all night and doesn''t even have the decency to send a message."


    Vanessa''s ears perked up slightly at that. So, she noticed too.


    Before she could dwell on it any further, the sound of the front door unlocking echoed through the house.


    The door swung open, and in walked Ethan, looking as casual as ever.


    He had one hand in his pocket, his other carrying his keys, which he tossed onto the console table near the entrance.


    Marianne immediately turned towards him, arms crossed.


    "Well, look who finally decided to show up," she said, her tone somewhere between playful and scolding.


    Ethan raised an eyebrow at her. "Good to see you too, Marianne."


    Vanessa didn''t say anything at first, simply watching from her spot on the couch.


    She wasn''t sure what she wanted to say ¡ª if she even had a right to say anything at all.


    "Did you have dinner?" Marianne asked, giving him a look.


    "Yeah, I ate," Ethan replied, stretching his arms above his head as he walked further into the living room.


    He glanced at Vanessa, who still hadn''t said a word, and smirked. "What''s with the look?"


    She frowned slightly. "What look?"


    "The one that says you''ve been sitting here waiting to interrogate me," he teased, dropping onto the opposite end of the couch.


    Vanessa rolled her eyes. "Please. As if I care where you were."


    Ethan chuckled, leaning back. "Right."


    There was a beat of silence.


    The television played on, but neither of them were paying attention to it.


    Marianne eventually shook her head and went back to the kitchen, muttering something about "hopeless man."


    Vanessa finally turned to Ethan. "So? Where were you?"


    He glanced at her, amused. "I thought you didn''t care?"

 Chapter 185: Jealousy

    She clicked her tongue. "I don''t. Just making conversation."


    Ethan smirked, resting an arm on the back of the couch. "Had dinner with Riley."


    Vanessa blinked. "Riley?"


    "Yeah, She''s a co-worker," he said, completely nonchalant. "We grabbed dinner after work."


    Vanessa wasn''t sure why, but something in her chest tightened.


    She forced herself to remain casual, nodding as if it was no big deal. "Huh. That''s nice."


    Ethan tilted his head slightly. "You sure you''re okay?"


    She scoffed. "Why wouldn''t I be?"


    He studied her for a second longer before shrugging. "No reason."


    Vanessa exhaled through her nose, shifting her attention back to the television.


    She didn''t care. She shouldn''t care. But damn it, why did she feel like this?


    Ethan, on the other hand, seemed completely at ease. He stretched again, looking like he was finally starting to unwind after a long day.


    "You seem tired," Vanessa muttered, still not looking at him.


    "I am tired," Ethan admitted. "But it was a good night."


    Something about the way he said that made Vanessa''s fingers twitch. She didn''t know what she wanted to say ¡ª if she even had anything to say.


    Instead, she let out a quiet sigh. "Whatever. Just don''t make it a habit of coming home late and making Marianne worry."


    Ethan chuckled. "Noted."


    Another silence settled between them, but this time it was different.


    Comfortable, maybe. Or maybe Vanessa was just too tired to dwell on it anymore.


    Eventually, Ethan stood up, stretching one last time. "I''m heading to bed. You should sleep too, unless you''re planning to sit here all night overthinking things."


    Vanessa shot him a glare. "I''m not overthinking anything."


    Ethan smirked. "If you say so."


    He turned to leave, but before he could, Vanessa ¡ª without really thinking ¡ª reached out and grabbed his wrist. It was instinctive, something she didn''t even register until Ethan stopped and glanced down at her hand.


    She hesitated for a second before letting go, crossing her arms over her chest.


    "Just... get some rest," she mumbled.


    Ethan watched her for a moment before a small, knowing smile played at his lips. He didn''t say anything, but the look in his eyes said enough.


    "Goodnight, Vanessa," he said before heading upstairs.


    Vanessa remained on the couch, staring at the screen but not really watching. Her mind was a mess, her emotions tangled up in something she wasn''t quite ready to acknowledge.


    She sighed, leaning back against the cushions.


    "Stupid Ethan," she muttered under her breath.


    But even as she closed her eyes, she knew that whatever this was, it wasn''t going away anytime soon.


    Vanessa paced around her room, arms crossed, her lips pressed into a thin line. She hated this feeling. This annoying, gnawing, stupid feeling.


    Who was Riley?


    What did she look like?


    Was she really that important?


    She knew the answer to that last one, or at least she thought she did.


    Ethan didn''t talk about women often, and when he did, it was never with that easy, relaxed tone he''d used tonight.


    It was just dinner ¡ª nothing special. She knew that, but why did it feel like a thorn lodged in her chest?


    Vanessa scoffed under her breath.


    ''Since when do I care?''


    She threw herself onto her bed, lying on her back and staring up at the ceiling. Maybe she was just overthinking things.


    Maybe she was just in a mood today. But no matter how much she tried to push it away, the feeling lingered.


    The last time she went out with Ethan had been... a while ago. It wasn''t that she wanted to go on a date with him or anything ¡ª no, that wasn''t it.


    It was just... They used to do things together all the time. Dinner, hanging out, anything. And now? Now he was out with some woman she barely knew, and Vanessa hadn''t even crossed his mind.


    The thought irritated her more than it should have.


    She rolled onto her side, punching her pillow in frustration. This was ridiculous.


    She wasn''t jealous.


    She wasn''t.


    ''But you are,'' a little voice in her head whispered.


    Vanessa groaned and sat up, running a hand through her hair.


    The house was quiet now. Ethan had gone upstairs already, probably asleep by now.


    Marianne had disappeared into her own space, and the distant hum of the refrigerator was the only sound in the darkened hallway.


    Before she could even register what she was doing, she was on her feet, making her way to the door.


    Her steps were slow as she climbed the stairs, but her heart was hammering a little harder than it should have been.


    What was she even doing? She didn''t have a plan, didn''t have a reason. She just... didn''t want to be alone right now.


    That was it.


    That was all it was.


    She found herself in front of Ethan''s room before she even realized it. The door was closed, a soft glow of light escaping from underneath. He was probably still awake.


    Vanessa hesitated for a second, then inhaled deeply and pushed the door open.


    Ethan was sitting on the edge of his bed, scrolling through his phone. He looked up as soon as she entered, one eyebrow raising slightly.


    "Vanessa?" His voice was groggy, as if he was just on the verge of falling asleep. "What''s up?"


    She froze.


    Crap.


    Now that she was here, what was she even supposed to say?


    "I ¡ª " She cleared her throat, shifting her weight from one foot to the other. "I, uh... I want to sleep with you."


    Ethan blinked.


    Silence.


    Vanessa''s face burned.


    "Wait! No! I mean ¡ª " She waved her hands frantically, her words stumbling over each other. "I meant I want to sleep in the same bed as you! Not ¡ª ! Ugh!"


    Ethan just stared at her for a second before a slow, amused grin spread across his face.


    "Vanessa," he said, voice laced with pure amusement. "Are you blushing?"


    "No!" she snapped, quickly covering her cheeks.


    He chuckled, setting his phone down. "That was the worst way you could''ve said that."


    "I know!" She groaned, rubbing her temples. "Forget it! I''ll just ¡ª "

 Chapter 186: Possessiveness

    "Relax," Ethan interrupted, shaking his head. "I was just teasing. You really want to sleep here?"


    She nodded stiffly, avoiding his gaze.


    Ethan studied her for a moment, then sighed and scooted over, patting the empty space beside him. "Alright, get in."


    Vanessa hesitated, then shuffled forward, climbing onto the bed stiffly.


    She lay down, facing away from him, pulling the blanket over her.


    For a few moments, neither of them spoke. The room was quiet, only the sound of their breathing filling the space.


    Then, Ethan''s voice broke the silence. "You okay?"


    Vanessa swallowed, gripping the blanket tighter. "Yeah. Just... couldn''t sleep."


    Ethan hummed. "That why you barged in here like a nervous wreck?"


    "Shut up," she muttered, nudging his leg with her foot.


    He chuckled but didn''t press further.


    The silence stretched on, more comfortable this time.


    Vanessa could feel his warmth beside her, steady and familiar. She wasn''t sure why, but it made her chest feel a little less tight.


    "Hey, Ethan?" she murmured after a while.


    "Yeah?"


    She hesitated.


    ''Do I really want to ask this?''


    "...Do you like Riley?"


    Ethan turned his head slightly. "What?"


    Vanessa licked her lips, trying to keep her voice casual. "Riley. You had dinner with her. Do you like her?"


    Ethan was quiet for a second, then sighed. "She''s cool. We get along."


    That wasn''t an answer.


    Vanessa bit her lip. "So you do like her."


    Ethan exhaled through his nose, rubbing the bridge of it. "Vanessa. If you have something to say, just say it."


    She turned onto her side, facing him now. "It''s just... you haven''t gone out with me in a while."


    Ethan blinked, surprised. "That''s what this is about?"


    Her face heated up. "I never said it was about anything!"


    Ethan smirked. "But it is, isn''t it?"


    She scowled, ready to argue, but he suddenly reached out, ruffling her hair. "Alright. How about this? I''ll take you out next time. Just don''t barge into my room like this again."


    Vanessa stared at him, her heart doing something stupid in her chest.


    "...Fine," she mumbled, turning away again.


    Ethan chuckled, lying back down. "Goodnight, Vanessa."


    She closed her eyes, listening to the sound of his breathing.


    "...Goodnight, Ethan."


    And just like that, the knot in her chest finally loosened.


    Vanessa lay there, staring at the ceiling, her heart pounding against her ribs. Ethan''s breathing was steady beside her, and for some reason, that irritated her.


    ''How could he be so calm?''


    She had no idea what had come over her tonight.


    She wasn''t usually like this. She wasn''t the type to dwell on things, to let jealousy or insecurity get the better of her.


    But hearing Ethan talk so casually about Riley had flipped something inside her.


    And now here she was, lying beside him, the air between them thick with something unspoken.


    ''This is stupid.''


    She should just go to sleep. She should close her eyes, roll over, and let the warmth of the blanket lull her into unconsciousness.


    But she couldn''t.


    Because for the first time in a long time, she felt something gnawing at her, something she didn''t want to ignore.


    Without thinking, she shifted closer.


    Her fingertips brushed against Ethan''s arm, and she felt him stir slightly.


    "Vanessa?" His voice was groggy, confused.


    She didn''t answer.


    Instead, she wrapped her arms around him, pressing her body against his.


    She could feel his warmth, his heartbeat steady and strong against her own.


    Ethan tensed. "Vanessa, what are you ¡ª "


    She didn''t let him finish.


    She kissed him.


    And it wasn''t just a small, tentative kiss.


    It was a kiss that demanded.


    A kiss that screamed, I want to own you.


    She bit at his lips, took his breath, and when he parted them slightly in surprise, she deepened it, pushing herself further against him.


    Ethan''s hands instinctively came up to her shoulders, gripping them as if unsure whether to pull her closer or push her away.


    "Vanessa," he managed between kisses, his voice rough. "What the hell ¡ª "


    But she didn''t stop.


    She didn''t want to stop.


    Her fingers moved, sliding against the hem of his shirt, slipping underneath to touch the warmth of his skin.


    He was solid beneath her hands, every muscle taut and tensed beneath her touch.


    She wanted more.


    She wanted him.


    Ethan exhaled sharply, breaking the kiss, his forehead pressed against hers. "Vanessa... what are you doing?"


    She swallowed, her breaths shaky.


    What was she doing?


    This wasn''t like her.


    She had always been confident, bold ¡ª but never reckless. Never this desperate.


    But tonight, she didn''t want to hold back.


    "I don''t know," she whispered. "I just... don''t want to think."


    Ethan exhaled through his nose, his hands still on her shoulders.


    His grip wasn''t rough, wasn''t forceful ¡ª it was grounding. Like he was trying to pull her back down to earth.


    "Are you sure?" he asked, his voice softer now.


    Vanessa hesitated.


    She wanted to say yes.


    She wanted to lose herself in him, in his warmth, in the way he made her feel like she wasn''t alone.


    But...


    Damn it.


    She closed her eyes, resting her forehead against his. Her fingers curled against his chest, gripping the fabric of his shirt.


    "I don''t know," she admitted. "I just... I don''t want to feel like this."


    Ethan was quiet for a moment, then he sighed. His arms moved, wrapping around her ¡ª not in hunger, not in lust, but in something softer.


    Something gentler.


    "You''re not losing me," he murmured.


    Vanessa stiffened.


    She hadn''t even realized that was what she was afraid of.


    That he would move on.


    Instead, he just held her, his fingers tracing slow circles against her back.


    "Get some sleep," he murmured. "We''ll talk in the morning."


    Vanessa exhaled shakily, her body relaxing against his.


    She kissed him on the cheek, and he dropped her on the bed, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her closer. She could feel his hot breath against her neck as she slept off in his arms.

 Chapter 187: I Could Get Used To This

    Vanessa stirred, her mind caught between sleep and wakefulness, warmth wrapping around her like a cocoon.


    She blinked slowly, her vision adjusting to the soft morning light filtering through the curtains.


    It took her a moment to realize that the warmth she felt wasn''t from the blankets ¡ª it was from him.


    Ethan''s strong arms were wrapped securely around her waist, his body pressed against her back.


    His steady, rhythmic breathing tickled the back of her neck, and she could feel the slow rise and fall of his chest against her.


    ''Damn.''


    She hadn''t meant to fall asleep like this.


    She should have pulled away at some point, should have slipped out of bed before morning arrived.


    But now, as she lay there, completely engulfed in his hold, she couldn''t even move.


    Not that she wanted to.


    Her fingers twitched slightly, resting against his forearm, and she exhaled a deep, contented breath.


    There was something safe about his embrace, something grounding.


    And it terrified her.


    Because she knew she could get used to this.


    She could get used to waking up next to him, to feeling his warmth against her skin, to knowing that for a few fleeting moments, she didn''t have to be strong.


    But reality wasn''t that kind.


    She sighed and reluctantly tapped his arm.


    "Ethan," she murmured, her voice still thick with sleep.


    He groaned, tightening his hold slightly as if refusing to acknowledge her attempt to wake him.


    "Ethan," she tried again, shifting slightly. "You need to get up. That super-secret project of yours ¡ª whatever it is ¡ª you said you''d be busy all week, remember?"


    Another groan.


    This time, he buried his face into the back of her shoulder, his breath warm against her skin.


    "Not going today," he mumbled.


    Vanessa''s brows furrowed. "What?"


    "I''m not going today," he repeated, his voice rough with sleep.


    He shifted, his grip around her waist firm but lazy. "Changed my mind."


    She scoffed. "You ¡ª what? No, you were making such a big deal about it. You have to go, don''t you?"


    He didn''t answer right away.


    Instead, he sighed heavily, rubbing his face into her shoulder like a stubborn child refusing to wake up.


    "Doesn''t matter," he muttered. "Staying home."


    Vanessa twisted slightly in his hold to look at him, her expression incredulous.


    His eyes were still closed, his features relaxed, and yet he looked so determined to ignore her words.


    "You''re serious," she said flatly.


    "Mhmm."


    "You ¡ª " She exhaled sharply, biting back her frustration.


    Ethan was impossible.


    She wasn''t sure if he was just exhausted or if he really didn''t care about whatever this project was, but either way, she could tell she wasn''t going to change his mind.


    And she hated that.


    "You''re so stubborn," she muttered, finally giving up.


    He hummed in response, clearly pleased that she had stopped trying to push him out of bed.


    His hold around her loosened slightly, his fingers brushing absently against the fabric of her shirt.


    Vanessa stared at the ceiling, trying to make sense of the situation.


    How had things changed so much in just one night?


    She''d gone from sulking over the thought of him with someone else to waking up in his arms.


    It was ridiculous, insane even, but she couldn''t deny that she liked it.


    Liked this.


    She could feel the steady beat of his heart against her back, the warmth of his body molding against hers.


    It was too easy to stay like this, to pretend that this was normal.


    But was it?


    Was she just overthinking everything?


    She sighed, rubbing her temples.


    "Fine," she relented, relaxing into his hold. "But if you''re staying home, then you''re taking me out today."


    Ethan let out a lazy chuckle. "Deal."


    The warmth of the bed had been intoxicating, but eventually, reality caught up with them.


    "Alright, alright," he mumbled, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.


    He stretched lazily, his muscles flexing as he let out a deep yawn. "I''m up."


    Vanessa sat up beside him, her fingers running through her hair as she shook off the last remnants of sleep.


    She still couldn''t believe she had spent the night here, curled up in his arms like it was the most natural thing in the world.


    And yet, it had felt... right.


    Not that she''d ever admit that out loud.


    Ethan, of course, wasn''t making things any easier.


    He slung an arm lazily around her shoulder as they slid out of bed, his body still warm from sleep.


    "Bathroom?" he asked, voice thick with drowsiness.


    She gave him a side glance. "You need me to hold your hand or something?"


    "Nah," he smirked, tightening his hold slightly as they walked. "Just like keeping you close."


    Vanessa rolled her eyes but didn''t pull away.


    The hallway was already bustling with the quiet rustle of the maids going about their morning cleaning routine.


    A few of them passed by, their expressions carefully neutral ¡ª well, most of them.


    She caught the faintest hint of a knowing smirk from one of the older maids, and immediately, her face burned red.


    They must have seen her coming out of his room.


    ''Great.''


    She turned her head slightly, trying to will away the heat creeping up her cheeks.


    Ethan, however, seemed utterly unbothered.


    He walked with an easy confidence, his arm still draped over her like this was completely normal.


    The worst part? He knew she was embarrassed.


    She could feel the amusement radiating off him.


    "Something wrong?" he asked, his tone innocent but his smirk anything but.


    "Shut up," she muttered, pushing open the bathroom door.


    Ethan chuckled as he followed her inside, finally letting his arm slip away as they moved to the sinks.


    Without missing a beat, they both reached for their toothbrushes, moving in sync like it was something they did every day.


    Vanessa focused on brushing her teeth, ignoring the way Ethan kept glancing at her through the mirror.


    She could see it coming ¡ª the teasing.


    And sure enough ¡ª


    "You know," he began, foaming toothpaste in his mouth as he spoke, "if you were gonna spend the night, you could''ve at least worn something more comfortable. Not that I mind, but I''m sure you do."

 Chapter 188: Helping Marianne

    Vanessa shot him a glare, her toothbrush still in her mouth. "Mmffhmm!"


    Ethan tilted his head, pretending to ponder. "What''s that? You''re saying you like sleeping in my bed?"


    She spit out the toothpaste. "Ethan, I swear ¡ª "


    He grinned. "Hey, no need to get so defensive. If you wanna make this a habit, just say the word."


    Vanessa turned, grabbed a small cup of water, and splashed it directly at his face.


    Ethan spluttered, blinking as water dripped down his cheeks. "Really?"


    She smirked. "Oops. My hand slipped."


    He wiped his face with his forearm, muttering something about payback.


    But despite his words, there was nothing but amusement in his eyes.


    They finished brushing their teeth, Ethan occasionally bumping his shoulder against hers just to mess with her.


    Vanessa sighed, staring at her reflection in the mirror.


    Her hair was an absolute mess, her face still slightly flushed from the earlier encounter.


    "Ugh," she groaned. "I look like I just rolled out of bed."


    Ethan leaned against the sink, tilting his head as he took her in. "Because you did."


    She shot him a look. "You''re not helping."


    He shrugged, reaching out to flick a stray strand of hair from her face. "I don''t know, I think it''s kinda cute."


    Her heart stumbled for a second.


    Vanessa turned away from the sink, rinsing her mouth one last time before setting her toothbrush aside.


    She let out a small sigh as she ran her fingers through her messy hair, her lips pressing into a thin line.


    She knew it was a disaster.


    After last night, she hadn''t exactly slept peacefully ¡ª well, not until Ethan''s warmth had lulled her into one of the deepest slumbers she''d had in a while.


    But the evidence of her tossing and turning was all too clear in the tangled strands of her dark hair.


    Ethan, still standing behind her, caught sight of the struggle.


    Without saying anything, he reached for a hairbrush sitting on the counter.


    Vanessa was too distracted by her thoughts to notice ¡ª until she felt the soft bristles running through her hair.


    Her body stiffened slightly.


    "What are you ¡ª " she started, turning her head slightly.


    "Relax," Ethan murmured, carefully untangling a particularly stubborn knot. "You''re making it worse by fighting it."


    She hesitated, her hands instinctively twitching like she wanted to grab the brush from him.


    But she didn''t.


    Instead, she sighed and let her shoulders drop. "Fine."


    A smirk tugged at Ethan''s lips. "That''s a good girl."


    Her head snapped up, eyes narrowing at him through the mirror. "Ethan ¡ª "


    "Shh," he cut her off, tugging the brush through another strand. "Let me work."


    Vanessa huffed but didn''t argue further.


    She could feel his fingers occasionally graze her scalp as he carefully worked through her hair.


    His touch was gentle, almost soothing, and she hated how easily it made her body relax.


    He was too good at this.


    "...Do you do this often?" she finally asked, her voice quieter than before.


    Ethan let out a low chuckle. "You think this is my first time handling a woman''s hair?"


    She frowned slightly. "I don''t know, maybe."


    He shook his head. "My mom used to make me do this when I was younger. Said a man should know how to take care of his woman properly."


    Vanessa''s heart did an odd little thump at that.


    She cleared her throat, trying to keep her voice casual. "I''m not your woman."


    Ethan hummed, dragging the brush down the length of her hair one last time. "Mmm. If you say so."


    Vanessa''s eyes flickered toward his reflection in the mirror, searching his face.


    He was definitely messing with her.


    But what annoyed her the most... was how much she didn''t mind.


    Ethan gave her hair one final smooth stroke before setting the brush down.


    "There," he said, satisfied. "Now you don''t look like you just lost a fight with a tornado."


    Vanessa turned, crossing her arms. "Gee, thanks."


    He smirked. "Anytime."


    Before she could fire back with a sarcastic retort, his stomach let out a loud growl.


    Vanessa blinked. Then, a small grin tugged at her lips. "Wow. That was loud."


    Ethan rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah, well, someone distracted me from going downstairs earlier."


    Her grin widened. "Right, because you weren''t the one being a pain in the ass first thing in the morning."


    He held up his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. Let''s go eat before Marianne starts scolding us."


    Vanessa rolled her eyes but followed him out of the bathroom nonetheless.


    As they walked down the grand staircase, the scent of breakfast drifted toward them ¡ª something warm, rich, and undeniably inviting.


    It smelled like butter, eggs, and freshly brewed coffee.


    Sure enough, Marianne was already waiting for them at the dining table, setting down a plate of steaming food.


    "Took you both long enough," she said, not even looking up as she adjusted a set of utensils. "Thought you might starve up there."


    Ethan chuckled, pulling out a chair. "We almost did."


    Vanessa sat down beside him, her stomach growling at the sight of the food.


    There were fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy toast, and sausages that glistened under the soft morning light.


    Marianne glanced between the two of them, her eyes sharp. "You both look... well-rested."


    Vanessa nearly choked on her first bite of toast.


    Ethan, however, remained completely unfazed.


    He simply smirked, sipping his coffee. "Best sleep I''ve had in a while."


    Vanessa shot him a glare, her face slightly pink.


    Marianne just shook her head, muttering something under her breath as she returned to the kitchen.


    As they ate, Vanessa found herself stealing glances at Ethan.


    There was something about this morning ¡ª something comfortable.


    Maybe it was the way their conversation flowed so naturally, or how easily they fell into place beside each other.


    Maybe it was the way he had brushed her hair, like it was the most normal thing in the world.


    Or maybe... it was the simple fact that she liked waking up next to him.


    She wasn''t sure.

 Chapter 189 189: Flustered

    The morning sun filtered through the wide windows of the dining area, casting a warm glow over the table as Vanessa and Ethan ate in comfortable silence.


    The sounds of breakfast filled the space ¡ª the clinking of forks against plates, the occasional sip of coffee, and the faint sounds of birds outside.


    Marianne had retreated back into the kitchen after serving them, giving them space, and honestly, Vanessa didn''t mind.


    She took another bite of her eggs, sneaking a glance at Ethan. He was scrolling through his phone, his brow furrowing slightly in concentration.


    His coffee sat untouched for the past few minutes, cooling in its cup.


    She tilted her head slightly, watching him.


    Was he checking messages? Work-related things? Or was he texting Riley?


    Her fingers instinctively gripped her fork a little tighter.


    She didn''t know why, but the thought made something ugly twist in her chest.


    She took another bite, chewing slowly.


    ''It''s fine. I don''t care for now.''


    At least, that''s what she told herself.


    But then, Ethan exhaled and set his phone down, a satisfied look crossing his face.


    He stretched his arms lazily before grabbing his coffee. "Well, that''s that," he muttered.


    Vanessa raised an eyebrow. "What''s what?"


    Ethan sipped his drink before glancing at her. "I''ve made up my mind. I''m not going there today for real."


    Vanessa barely stopped herself from smirking.


    She didn''t know why she felt such relief, but she did.


    That means he''s not seeing Riley today...


    She wanted to raise a hand in victory but settled for casually taking another sip of her drink instead.


    "Is that so?" she said, feigning nonchalance.


    Ethan nodded. "Yeah, I''ll check in later, but I''m taking the day off."


    He leaned back in his chair, stretching again before turning to her with a smirk. "Which means..."


    Vanessa raised a brow. "Which means?"


    "You should get ready."


    She blinked. "Get ready for what?"


    Ethan smirked. "We have a date."


    Vanessa nearly choked on her toast.


    "A date?"


    Ethan''s eyes twinkled with amusement. "Yeah. What, don''t tell me you''re busy?"


    Vanessa scoffed. "Of course I''m not busy."


    "Good."


    He stood up, stretching one last time before grabbing his phone. "We''re leaving in an hour."


    She rolled her eyes, but a small smile tugged at her lips as she stood as well.


    "Fine, fine," she muttered. "I''ll go get ready."


    Ethan just smirked, watching as she walked off.


    #####


    Upstairs in her room, Vanessa stood in front of her open wardrobe, arms crossed.


    There were too many options.


    Blouses, dresses, skirts, pants ¡ª an array of outfits she had collected over time, but right now, none of them seemed... right.


    She chewed her lip, her fingers grazing over the fabric of a few dresses.


    What kind of date was this, anyway?


    Was it casual? Fancy? Did she have to wear heels?


    She groaned, dragging a hand down her face.


    Why did choosing clothes have to be this hard?


    She grabbed a simple black dress, holding it up in front of her. It was elegant but not too formal. She turned slightly, inspecting it in the mirror.


    "Hmm..."


    She hesitated before tossing it onto the bed and reaching for a pair of jeans instead.


    Maybe something more relaxed?


    Or maybe ¡ª


    A knock at the door interrupted her internal debate.


    She turned to see Ethan leaning casually against the doorframe, watching her with mild amusement.


    "Still deciding?" he teased.


    Vanessa rolled her eyes. "Shut up."


    He smirked, stepping into the room. "What''s the struggle? Just wear what makes you comfortable."


    She exhaled, placing a hand on her hip. "Yeah, but comfortable and good-looking aren''t always the same thing."


    Ethan chuckled. "Since when do you care about looking good for me?"


    Vanessa''s cheeks reddened slightly. "I don''t."


    He raised an eyebrow. "Uh-huh."


    She grabbed a pillow from the bed and tossed it at him. "Get out."


    He laughed, dodging it easily. "Alright, alright. Take your time."


    With that, he left the room, leaving Vanessa staring at her wardrobe once more.


    She sighed, running a hand through her hair.


    This was stupid.


    It was just Ethan.


    She shook her head, grabbing a final outfit.


    Whatever. She was just going to wear what she liked.


    And if Ethan had something to say about it, she''d throw another pillow at him.


    Vanessa soon took a deep breath as she stepped out of her room, her fingers still adjusting the hem of her outfit.


    She had settled on something she liked ¡ª a fitted blouse and high-waisted jeans that hugged her figure just right, paired with a casual yet stylish jacket.


    ''Not too dressy, not too plain. Perfect.''


    As she walked down the hall toward Ethan''s room, she tried not to think too much about how nervous she felt. It was just Ethan.


    Nothing was different.


    She reached his door and knocked lightly before pushing it open.


    And immediately, she froze.


    Ethan had just finished slipping on a hoodie, adjusting the way it sat on his shoulders before tugging down the sleeves.


    He wore a simple pair of dark jeans and sneakers, but something about the effortless way he dressed made her pause.


    It wasn''t even anything fancy, but it worked on him. The dark hoodie framed his toned figure, and the casual pair of glasses he had on made him look ¡ª


    Different.


    It was almost unfair how easily he could make simple clothing look so good.


    He caught her staring and smirked, adjusting his glasses as he glanced at her.


    "You look pretty," he said simply.


    Vanessa''s breath hitched, and she felt warmth creep up her neck.


    She rolled her eyes, trying to play it off. "Tch. You just had to say that, huh?"


    Ethan chuckled. "Just stating the obvious."


    She crossed her arms, shifting slightly. "Well... you look good too."


    The words left her mouth before she could stop them, and immediately, she regretted it.


    ''Why did I say that out loud?''


    Ethan raised an eyebrow, his smirk growing. "Oh? So you do notice, huh?"


    Vanessa turned away sharply, pretending to inspect something on the floor. "Shut up."


    His laughter followed her as he grabbed his keys and phone, sliding them into his pockets.


    "Alright, let''s go," he said.


    She nodded quickly, still recovering from the embarrassment.


    As they headed toward the car, she glanced at him curiously. "So... what kind of date is this, exactly?"


    Ethan didn''t answer immediately.


    Instead, he suddenly raised a finger to her lips, his touch feather-light.


    Her eyes widened.


    "Shh," he murmured. "It''s a surprise."

 Chapter 190 190: Museum Date

    Vanessa instantly shut up, her heartbeat spiking for reasons she didn''t want to acknowledge.


    Ethan grinned before dropping his hand, unlocking the Porsche with a beep.


    "Come on," he said, opening the door for her.


    She slid into the passenger seat, still flustered, as he moved around to get in himself.


    The engine purred to life, and soon, they were pulling out of the driveway and heading off.


    Vanessa crossed her arms, trying to maintain her composure as she stared out the window.


    ''A surprise date, huh?''


    She wasn''t sure if she was excited or terrified.


    Ethan let out a small chuckle as he swerved past another car on the road, his smooth driving making Vanessa glance at him with slight concern.


    "Were you up all night practicing how to drive like this?" She teased, resting her elbow on the car door while watching the city blur past.


    He smirked but kept his eyes on the road.


    "No, I was up late thinking about our date today," He admitted casually. His voice held a certain warmth, but he didn''t elaborate further.


    Vanessa raised an eyebrow, turning fully toward him. "Oh? And what exactly are we doing today?"


    Ethan simply raised a hand and tapped her lightly on the lips with his index finger. "That, my dear Vanessa, is a surprise."


    She narrowed her eyes playfully and crossed her arms. "You know I hate surprises, right?"


    "That''s exactly why I planned one," Ethan shot back with a smirk before smoothly pulling the car into a turn.


    The drive continued in a comfortable silence for a while, Vanessa sneaking glances at him every so often.


    She wasn''t sure why, but something about today felt... different. Maybe it was the way Ethan had been acting since the morning had begun, it was certainly strange a bit.


    Before long, he finally slowed the Porsche down, smoothly pulling up in front of a grand museum.


    It was an architectural beauty, its towering pillars and intricate carvings giving off an air of sophistication.


    The entrance doors gleamed in the sunlight, and a well-dressed museum curator was already standing outside, waiting for them.


    Vanessa blinked. "A museum?"


    Ethan turned to her, gauging her reaction. "Yeah. Thought we''d start the day off with a little culture before moving on to the fun stuff."


    She wasn''t sure how to respond.


    It wasn''t like she hated museums, but it definitely wasn''t the type of place she expected Ethan to take her on a date. "I mean... sure, I guess?"


    "Don''t sound too excited now," Ethan teased as he stepped out of the car. He quickly moved to her side and opened the door for her, offering his hand.


    Vanessa hesitated for a second before taking it. "I just didn''t think you were the museum type."


    Ethan let out a small laugh. "I''m not. But I figured, why not? If nothing else, at least we can make fun of some of the paintings."


    Vanessa finally cracked a smile. "Alright, deal."


    The curator, a middle-aged man with glasses and a professional air, greeted them with a polite nod. "Mr. Ethan Grey, welcome. We''ve arranged a private tour for you and your guest. Shall we begin?"


    Ethan gestured forward. "Lead the way."


    They stepped into the museum, and Vanessa was instantly struck by how quiet it was inside. The air was cool, and the lighting was dim, allowing the soft glow from various exhibit lights to highlight paintings, sculptures, and ancient artifacts.


    The high ceilings made everything feel grander, almost as if they had stepped into another world.


    As they walked, the curator began explaining various exhibits, talking about historical events, artistic techniques, and the significance of different pieces.


    Ethan listened with mild interest, occasionally nodding, while Vanessa found herself observing his reactions more than the actual artwork.


    "You know," Vanessa whispered as they stood before a particularly dramatic painting of a battlefield, "I never thought I''d see the day Ethan Grey willingly walked into a museum."


    Ethan chuckled, slipping his hands into his pockets. "There''s a first time for everything."


    Vanessa smirked. "So what''s the real reason? Did you lose a bet?"


    "Not everything has to be about winning and losing, you know," Ethan replied with a grin. "Sometimes, I just want to do something different."


    She looked at him for a long moment before shaking her head. "You''re so weird."


    "Sometimes weird is better," Ethan shot back.


    Vanessa rolled her eyes but didn''t argue.


    As they continued the tour, they reached a section of the museum dedicated to ancient civilizations.


    A large, glass-encased exhibit displayed an old suit of armor, beautifully preserved with engravings of a long-forgotten kingdom.


    Vanessa stopped in front of it, admiring the craftsmanship.


    "It''s beautiful," she murmured.


    Ethan stood beside her, observing the details. "Yeah. Imagine wearing that into battle."


    Vanessa smirked. "You''d look ridiculous."


    He scoffed. "I''d look like a warrior."


    "You''d look like a knight who got lost on his way to the Renaissance fair," she teased.


    Ethan placed a hand over his heart in mock offense. "Ouch. That one hurt."


    Vanessa laughed softly, the sound light and genuine. She had to admit ¡ª this wasn''t so bad. Maybe Ethan had been right to bring her here.


    The tour wrapped up about an hour later, and as they exited the museum, the late afternoon sun was already casting golden hues over the city.


    Ethan stretched his arms above his head and let out a satisfied sigh. "Alright, now that we''ve had our share of culture, let''s move on to part two of the date."


    Vanessa tilted her head. "There''s a part two?"


    Ethan smirked as he unlocked the car. "Of course. You didn''t think I''d let the day end with just a museum, did you?"


    She slid into the passenger seat, her curiosity piqued. "Okay, fine. Where to now?"


    "You''ll see," Ethan replied, revving up the engine.


    As they sped off, Vanessa couldn''t shake the feeling of excitement bubbling up inside her. Whatever Ethan had planned next, she had a feeling it was going to be something she''d actually love.


    And she wasn''t wrong.


    Because, as the car pulled up to an exclusive racetrack, Vanessa''s eyes widened in disbelief.


    "Wait... is this...?"


    Ethan grinned. "Welcome to the track. Thought I''d let you have some real fun."


    Vanessa''s heart skipped a beat.

 Chapter 191: Racing

    The Porsche came to a smooth halt, the low hum of the engine fading as Ethan switched off the ignition.


    The moment Vanessa stepped out of the car, she was hit by the scent of burning rubber and the distant roar of engines tearing across the track.


    Her eyes widened in sheer excitement as she took in the scene before her ¡ª sleek, high-performance cars zipping past, the cheers of spectators and mechanics, and the bright floodlights illuminating the night air with a golden glow.


    It was exhilarating.


    Vanessa felt her pulse quicken as she turned to Ethan. "You brought me to a race track?"


    Ethan smirked, slipping his hands into his pockets as he leaned casually against the Porsche. "What? You thought we''d spend the whole night sipping coffee and discussing fine art?"


    Vanessa rolled her eyes but couldn''t fight the grin spreading across her face. "I mean... I wouldn''t have complained. But this ¡ª this is so much better!"


    The track was alive with energy, and Vanessa''s feet practically bounced as she moved forward, watching the cars race around the circuit.


    She could feel the vibrations of their engines in her chest, the sheer power of them sending an undeniable thrill through her.


    But then, a thought hit her, and she turned to Ethan with a questioning look.


    "This is great and all," she said, "but what am I supposed to drive?"


    Ethan''s smirk deepened as he clapped his hands once. As if on cue, a sleek red Ferrari pulled up near them, its polished exterior gleaming under the track lights.


    The soft purr of its engine was like music to Vanessa''s ears.


    Her breath hitched as the person driving it left the car and saluted, handing her the keys.


    "Wait ¡ª this ¡ª ?" She turned to Ethan, her eyes shining with disbelief.


    He simply nodded. "I rented it for you."


    Vanessa''s lips parted slightly as she stared at the car, her fingers twitching with the urge to grip the steering wheel.


    She turned back to Ethan, still trying to process it all.


    "This must''ve cost a fortune," she murmured.


    Ethan shrugged. "You''re worth it."


    For a moment, she just stood there, stunned. Then, without thinking, she stepped forward and pressed her lips against his.


    Ethan barely had time to react before she was kissing him ¡ª soft at first, but then more demanding, more fierce.


    Ethan''s hands instinctively found her waist, pulling her in as he kissed her back.


    He could feel the way her heart pounded against his chest, mirroring his own.


    It was intoxicating and Vanessa''s lips moving against his as if she never wanted to let go.


    After what felt like an eternity (but was probably only a few seconds), Vanessa finally pulled back, her cheeks flushed, her breath a little uneven.


    Ethan, looking just as dazed, raised an eyebrow.


    "Well," he said, his voice slightly husky, "I''ll take that as a thank you."


    Vanessa laughed, shaking her head. "Shut up."


    She turned back to the Ferrari, practically vibrating with excitement. Running a hand along the hood, she let out a small, disbelieving chuckle. "You really did this for me?"


    Ethan leaned against the car beside her. "I know how much you love racing. Figured I''d give you the chance to actually enjoy it without holding back. It was a shame we couldn''t bring your own car."


    Vanessa bit her lip, warmth spreading through her chest. She never really expected Ethan to go this far just for her.


    It wasn''t just about the Ferrari or the track ¡ª it was the fact that he had thought about what she loved, about what would make her happy.


    And damn, did it make her happy.


    She turned to him once more. "You sure you''re not secretly in love with me?"


    Ethan chuckled. "I think you''re the one who just kissed me out of nowhere."


    Vanessa groaned. "Okay, okay, stop talking before I regret it."


    Ethan smirked but said nothing.


    "Now, let''s see if you can actually handle it," Ethan said with a teasing glint in his eye.


    Vanessa grinned. "Oh, you have no idea."


    Sliding into the driver''s seat, she felt a rush of anticipation. The interior was luxurious, the scent of leather filling her senses as she gripped the wheel.


    Ethan leaned down by the open window, watching her with amusement.


    "Try not to crash it in the first lap," he said.


    Vanessa scoffed. "Please. Just watch and learn."


    With that, she revved the engine, the powerful growl of the Ferrari sending a thrill up her spine.


    Ethan made his way up to the stands.


    He could feel the vibrations from the track beneath his feet, each rev sending a thrill through the excited crowd.


    Vanessa was already lined up with the other cars, her sleek Ferrari looking like a predator among prey.


    From where he stood, he could see her gripping the steering wheel, her fingers twitching in anticipation.


    He smirked.


    ''She''s in her element alright.''


    Before heading to his seat, Ethan stopped by a stand, eyeing the selection before settling on a bag of freshly popped popcorn.


    He paid for it and made his way toward the seating area, weaving through groups of excited spectators.


    The crowd wasn''t huge ¡ª it wasn''t a professional race, just a friendly one meant for enthusiasts to test their skills ¡ª but that didn''t make it any less thrilling.


    Finding an open spot, Ethan slid onto a bench between two middle-aged women who were already chattering about the race.


    One of them, a woman with short curly hair, glanced at him briefly before nudging her friend.


    "Oh, you look out of place here, huh?" she teased with a knowing smirk.


    Ethan chuckled as he pulled his hoodie over his head, trying to blend in. "Something like that."


    As if on cue, the announcer''s voice crackled over the speakers.


    "Ladies and gentlemen, we have an exciting lineup tonight! These drivers are here to give us a show, so get ready ¡ª because the race is about to begin!"


    The engines roared to life, a deafening chorus of horsepower and ambition. Ethan''s grip on the popcorn bag tightened slightly.

 Chapter 192 192: A Racers Resolve (I)

    As soon as the light flicked to green, Vanessa''s foot slammed down on the gas pedal.


    The Ferrari roared like an unleashed beast, its tires screeching against the asphalt as it launched forward.


    She barely spared a glance at the competitors beside her ¡ª there was no need. She already knew what was going to happen.


    The announcer''s voice boomed over the loudspeakers.


    "And they''re off! Three laps around this technical track, and while there''s no cash prize, the winner will receive something even better ¡ª a permit allowing them to use the track however they see fit! A dream for any racer!"


    Vanessa barely paid attention to his words. She was already locked in.


    The first turn came fast ¡ª a sharp left with a slight incline. The track here wasn''t like the perfectly paved circuits she was used to in professional races.


    There were uneven patches, tiny dips, and tricky angles that could mess up anyone who wasn''t fully prepared.


    For her, though? It was just another challenge.


    And like all other challenges in her way, she would overcome.


    A sleek black Porsche tried to match her speed, its driver edging dangerously close to her left side.


    He was aggressive, pushing his car to its limits, but Vanessa could already tell ¡ª he was overcompensating.


    ''He''s scared of me.''


    She smirked, tapping her brakes just enough to let him think he had the advantage.


    He took the bait, speeding up to overtake her ¡ª only for Vanessa to swing into the perfect line for the upcoming hairpin turn.


    "Ooooh! And just like that, the Ferrari takes back the lead with a textbook inside cut! That''s experience right there!"


    The Porsche''s driver gritted his teeth, realizing too late that he''d been played. He had to slam on his brakes to avoid overshooting the curve, and by then, Vanessa was already gone.


    She shifted gears smoothly, accelerating into the next section of the track.


    Behind her, the other racers struggled to keep up.


    A yellow Corvette was fighting to maintain second place, its driver handling the turns well enough, but it was clear he didn''t have the skill to challenge her.


    Vanessa barely acknowledged them. Her mind was completely in sync with the road, her instincts guiding her as she navigated the complex sections of the track.


    The first lap was designed to test drivers ¡ª it had tight corners, sudden elevation changes, and even a short tunnel where visibility dropped dramatically.


    As she entered the tunnel, the darkness swallowed her for a brief second before her headlights automatically adjusted. Her grip on the wheel remained steady, her foot easing on the gas just enough to maintain control.


    It was a simple trick: most drivers tensed up in tunnels, afraid of unseen obstacles.


    She, on the other hand, embraced the feeling of uncertainty. She kept her line perfect and burst out of the tunnel at full speed.


    Meanwhile, behind her, chaos erupted.


    One of the racers miscalculated the exit and slammed into the side barrier, sending sparks flying. Another had braked too hard inside the tunnel, getting rear-ended by a competitor.


    Vanessa smirked.


    ''Amateurs.''


    Maybe she had expected them to be a tad more experienced, but she couldn''t complain ¨C It was Ethan that got her this gig after all, she would enjoy it to the fullest.


    Up in the stands, Ethan watched the race unfold, his eyes fixed on Vanessa''s Ferrari. He knew she was good, but damn.


    One of the middle-aged women beside him gasped. "She''s ruthless!"


    The other lady laughed. "More like unstoppable. That poor Porsche guy didn''t even see it coming!"


    Ethan smirked, popping a piece of popcorn into his mouth. "She''s not even trying yet."


    Down on the track, Vanessa hit the halfway mark of the first lap, approaching one of the trickiest sections ¡ª a sudden downhill slope leading into a tight S-curve.


    This was where most drivers would hesitate. If you braked too hard going down, you''d lose momentum.


    If you went too fast, you''d lose control in the S-curve and spin out.


    Vanessa?


    She didn''t hesitate for even a second.


    She let gravity do its work, her foot easing off the accelerator just enough to maintain balance as she soared down the slope.


    The car practically glided, her precision allowing her to carry maximum speed without losing control.


    "Incredible! She''s taking that downhill like it''s nothing! Look at that control!"


    The crowd erupted in cheers as Vanessa entered the S-curve at exactly the right angle, shifting gears mid-turn to maintain perfect positioning.


    Behind her, the Corvette driver wasn''t so lucky.


    He took the downhill too fast, panicked at the last second, and braked too hard. His tires locked up for a moment, and in that instant, his position was lost.


    A red Mustang slipped past him effortlessly, claiming second place.


    Vanessa didn''t even look back.


    By the time she reached the final stretch of the first lap, she had already created a significant gap between herself and the rest of the racers.


    She grinned, feeling the familiar rush of excitement in her veins.


    ''This is too easy.''


    As she crossed the line marking the start of the second lap, she briefly glanced at the stands.


    Even from this distance, she could spot Ethan.


    He wasn''t cheering or shouting like the rest of the crowd. He was just watching. Watching her.


    And for some reason, that made her heart pound even faster than the race itself.


    As Vanessa crossed the starting line for the second lap, she immediately knew things were going to be different.


    This lap was going to be harder.


    The first lap had been full of amateurs ¡ª people who could handle a car decently but lacked the instinct, the racing soul.


    But now, as she glanced in her rearview mirror, she saw them. The real competitors.


    And one, in particular, stood out.


    A sleek red Mustang pulled up close behind her, its aggressive acceleration proving that its driver wasn''t here just for fun. No, this woman was a racer.


    Then, Vanessa heard it.


    Loud, blaring music.


    Even over the roar of engines and screeching tires, she could hear it ¡ª some high-energy rock song blasting from the Mustang''s open windows. It wasn''t just loud. It was obnoxiously loud.


    Vanessa gritted her teeth.


    ''Seriously?''

 Chapter 193 193: A Racers Resolve (II)

    She had encountered plenty of racers in her time, but this? This was just annoying.


    The Mustang driver, a woman with short, spiky black hair and an oversized pair of sunglasses, threw her a cocky grin as she pulled up beside her.


    Vanessa didn''t need to hear what she was saying ¡ª her smug expression said it all.


    "You think you''re fast? Try keeping up with me."


    Vanessa narrowed her eyes.


    "Oh, it''s on."


    The announcer''s voice crackled over the speakers.


    "And just like that, we''re heading into the second lap! But look at this! The red Mustang is closing in fast! We''ve got ourselves a real battle now!"


    The first challenge of the second lap came in the form of a brutal series of sharp turns ¡ª tighter and faster than anything on the first lap.


    If a driver wasn''t careful, they''d either overshoot and hit the barriers or slow down too much and lose momentum.


    The Mustang driver took the first turn aggressively, nearly clipping Vanessa''s front bumper in the process.


    Vanessa scowled.


    ''Oh, she wants to play dirty?''


    Fine.


    She let the Mustang take the lead for just a second before positioning herself perfectly for the next turn.


    As the Mustang driver oversteered slightly, Vanessa cut in from the inside, reclaiming her lead with precise handling.


    For a second, there was silence.


    Then, from the Mustang, a loud, dramatic honk-honk!


    Vanessa''s eye twitched.


    Was this woman seriously using her horn to complain during a race?!


    She barely had time to react before the Mustang surged forward again, its driver cranking up the music even louder.


    Vanessa could feel the bass vibrating through her own car.


    "Oh, for f ¡ª " she muttered under her breath, gripping the wheel tighter.


    The two cars were neck and neck as they hit the next stretch, a deceptively simple-looking straightaway that had one major catch ¡ª a hidden dip halfway through.


    If a driver wasn''t careful, their car would go airborne for a split second, completely throwing off their handling.


    As Vanessa carefully adjusted her speed, the Mustang hit the dip at full force.


    For a moment, all four of its tires lifted off the ground.


    Vanessa smirked.


    ''Got you.''


    The second the Mustang landed, its back tires wobbled slightly. It wasn''t a big mistake, but it was enough.


    Vanessa seized the opportunity, shifting gears and launching forward while the Mustang struggled to regain control.


    "Nice try," she muttered, a victorious grin spreading across her face.


    But just as she thought she had put some distance between them, the Mustang suddenly appeared in her side mirror again.


    Vanessa''s grin faltered.


    ''What the hell?''


    The woman in the Mustang was laughing. She loved the challenge.


    Vanessa had to admit, she kind of respected that.


    That didn''t mean she wasn''t going to leave her in the dust.


    For the next several minutes, the two of them battled fiercely.


    Every turn, every straightaway, every opportunity was a back-and-forth struggle.


    Vanessa would take the lead.


    Then the Mustang would reclaim it.


    Then Vanessa would snatch it back.


    Neither of them held back, pushing their cars ¡ª and themselves ¡ª to the absolute limit.


    The announcer was practically losing his mind.


    "Ladies and gentlemen, this is what racing is all about! The Ferrari and the Mustang are putting on a clinic here! Look at them go!"


    Up in the stands, Ethan had long since stopped eating his popcorn. His eyes were glued to the track.


    The two middle-aged women beside him were just as invested.


    "That Mustang driver''s crazy," one of them whispered.


    "And Ferrari''s driver is insane for keeping up with her," the other replied.


    They were approaching the final stretch of the second lap, and Vanessa could feel it ¡ª the Mustang driver was getting desperate.


    Vanessa had been testing her the whole time, figuring out her weaknesses.


    And now, she saw it.


    The Mustang driver was reckless.


    Talented? Absolutely. But reckless.


    She pushed too hard in tight situations, relied too much on raw aggression instead of strategy.


    Vanessa knew exactly how to use that against her.


    The final turn before the finish line was deceptively tricky. If you forced your way through it, you''d either go too wide or lose too much speed.


    Vanessa played it smooth.


    The Mustang driver?


    She tried to force her way through.


    And that''s when it happened.


    Her back tires slipped.


    Just for a second.


    But in racing, a second was everything.


    The Mustang spun out.


    It wasn''t a huge crash ¡ª she didn''t hit anything ¡ª but it was enough to send her careening off track.


    The announcer practically screamed into the mic.


    "And she''s OUT! The Mustang spins out at the worst possible moment! That''s it! That''s the opening Vanessa needed!"


    Vanessa didn''t even look back.


    She crossed the finish line, officially ending the second lap.


    The Mustang driver, now sitting sideways on the track, let out a long, frustrated groan before slamming her hands on the wheel.


    Vanessa finally glanced at her in the rearview mirror.


    The woman sighed, yanked off her sunglasses, and gave Vanessa a begrudging thumbs-up.


    Vanessa smirked and returned the gesture.


    ''One more lap to go.''


    Vanessa had expected the third lap to be smooth sailing.


    She had already beaten the toughest competitor in the last round ¡ª the cocky Mustang driver who had almost sent her eardrums to an early grave with that blaring music.


    Now, with no one else able to match her speed, this lap was hers to dominate.


    Or so she thought.


    She was barely a quarter into the lap when her instincts screamed at her.


    Something was definitely wrong.


    Then she saw it.


    A dark blue muscle car barreling toward her from behind.


    Before she could react, the car swerved toward her, nearly slamming into her side.


    Vanessa barely had time to yank her wheel, her tires screeching in protest as she dodged at the last second.


    The announcer''s voice exploded over the speakers.


    "What in the hell was that?! That driver came out of nowhere! That was a blatant attempt to ¡ª wait, wait! He''s going in again!"


    Vanessa''s heart pounded as she shifted gears, forcing herself forward, but the blue car wasn''t backing off.


    This wasn''t just some aggressive driving.


    This guy was trying to crash her.


    Her grip on the wheel tightened.


    ''Oh, so that''s how it is?''


    If he wanted a war, he was going to get one.

 Chapter 194 194: A Racers Resolve (III)

    Up in the stands, Ethan''s relaxed demeanor vanished.


    His hands clenched around his popcorn bucket as he watched the blue car try to ram into Vanessa.


    "That guy''s reckless," one of the middle-aged ladies beside him gasped.


    The other shook her head. "No, no. He''s not reckless ¡ª he''s dangerous."


    Ethan''s jaw tensed.


    Back on the track, Vanessa was furious.


    Not scared ¡ª angry.


    She had dealt with aggressive racers before, but this guy? He wasn''t even trying to win. He was just here to ruin her race.


    Well, he could try.


    But she wasn''t going down without a fight.


    She took the next turn at full throttle, forcing her car to the absolute limit. The blue car tried to cut in, but she was too fast.


    For a brief second, she thought she had finally shaken him.


    But then ¡ª


    BAM!


    Her entire car shuddered as the blue car clipped her rear bumper.


    Vanessa gritted her teeth.


    This bastard.


    The announcer was practically shouting.


    "That was blatant! Where are the officials?! Someone get that reckless driver off the track!"


    But the officials weren''t reacting fast enough, and the blue car was still there.


    Vanessa didn''t have time to wait for them.


    She had to handle this herself.


    She took the next stretch strategically, feigning like she was going to stay on the outer lane before cutting in hard.


    The blue car reacted too slow and overshot, losing a second of speed.


    That was all Vanessa needed.


    She floored it, pushing ahead.


    But just as she was about to secure her lead ¡ª


    He tried it again.


    This time, he fully committed to a crash.


    Vanessa saw him coming in the mirror, and at the last second ¡ª


    She braked.


    The blue car whizzed past her, completely missing his mark.


    For a split second, she saw his panicked face through his windshield.


    He had lost control.


    The blue car swerved violently, trying to recover, but it was too late.


    He spun out, the back of his car slamming into the barriers before coming to a dead stop.


    The crowd erupted.


    The announcer sounded relieved.


    "And he''s out! That''s what happens when you play dirty!"


    Vanessa exhaled.


    She wasn''t out of the woods yet.


    The finish line was still ahead.


    With no more threats in sight, she did what she did best ¡ª


    She raced.


    "AND SHE WINS IT! THE FERRARI DRIVER TAKES FIRST PLACE AFTER A WILD FINAL LAP! WHAT A RACE, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!"


    The crowd was on their feet.


    But Vanessa?


    She just took a deep breath and grinned.


    Another victory.


    The moment Vanessa stepped out of the car, she was swarmed.


    It started with a few murmurs, hushed whispers traveling between onlookers.


    Then, before she knew it, people were approaching, cameras flashing, voices rising with excitement.


    "Wait ¡ª is that Vanessa? Vanessa, the Grand Prix winner?!"


    "Holy crap, it is her!"


    She barely had time to process before fans were asking for pictures, some holding out their phones with eager expressions.


    Despite the thin layer of sweat still clinging to her skin, she smiled for them.


    The rush of the race still thrummed in her veins, and she let herself enjoy the moment ¡ª posing with fans, shaking hands, and even signing a few autographs.


    Meanwhile, Ethan stood off to the side, hands casually tucked into his pockets, watching the scene unfold.


    He had expected her to draw attention ¡ª Vanessa wasn''t just some random racer; she was the Vanessa, a champion known across the racing world.


    After a few more pictures, she finally slipped away from the crowd and spotted Ethan standing near the man he had rented the Ferrari from earlier.


    She walked up just in time to see them shaking hands. The rental owner, a middle-aged guy with sharp eyes and a knowing grin, patted Ethan on the back before climbing into the car and driving off.


    As the roar of the engine faded into the night, Vanessa reached for Ethan''s hand, lacing her fingers with his.


    For a moment, they stood there, watching as the race authorities surrounded the reckless driver who had tried to crash into her.


    His face was set in frustration as he argued, but there was no escaping the consequences now.


    Vanessa barely spared him a glance.


    He wasn''t worth her time.


    Ethan, on the other hand, looked like he wanted to say something ¡ª maybe throw in a sarcastic remark about karma ¡ª but instead, he just gave her hand a small squeeze and led her away from the scene.


    Ethan guided her through the racing complex until they reached a private restroom tucked away from the crowds.


    "Here," he said, pushing open the door. "Clean up a little."


    Vanessa stepped inside and immediately went to the sink, twisting the faucet and letting the cool water run over her hands.


    She splashed some on her face, the refreshing chill cutting through the heat of the race.


    Reaching for a nearby towel, she dabbed at her skin, inhaling deeply as the adrenaline slowly began to fade.


    Behind her, Ethan leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, watching her.


    She met his gaze through the mirror.


    "You looked good out there," he said.


    She scoffed lightly. "Yeah? You mean aside from the part where I nearly got wrecked?"


    Ethan tilted his head, pretending to think. "Nah, including that part. You handled it well."


    Vanessa smirked, shaking her head. "You have a weird way of giving compliments."


    Ethan shrugged. "You like them."


    She rolled her eyes but didn''t deny it.


    The towel was still pressed to her face when she suddenly felt Ethan step closer.


    She lowered it slightly, looking up at him.


    His expression had shifted ¡ª still relaxed, but with something deeper in his eyes, something unreadable yet intense.


    The air between them changed, subtly but unmistakably.


    Vanessa swallowed.


    ''Oh.''


    Her fingers tightened around the towel.


    Then, before she could overthink it ¡ª


    She kissed him.


    At first, it was slow.


    A tentative press of lips, soft and lingering. But then Ethan responded, his hands finding her waist, pulling her closer, and suddenly it wasn''t slow at all.


    It was heated. Messy. Desperate.


    Vanessa barely registered when the towel slipped from her grip, hitting the floor with a dull thud.


    All she knew was the way Ethan''s fingers dug into her hips, the way he tilted her head just right, deepening the kiss until she could hardly breathe.

 Chapter 195 195: Heated Kiss

    She gripped his hoodie, pulling him in harder, pressing against him. The faint scent of his cologne mixed with the lingering traces of the racetrack ¡ª the smell of rubber, asphalt, and him.


    Her heart pounded as she parted her lips slightly, inviting him in, and Ethan took the invitation.


    His tongue teased hers, slow at first, then more demanding.


    A quiet whimper escaped her throat before she could stop it, and she felt Ethan smirk against her lips.


    ''Cocky bastard.''


    She didn''t let him have the upper hand for long.


    Her fingers slid up to the nape of his neck, tugging lightly at his hair, and it was his turn to groan softly.


    The sound sent a shiver down her spine.


    She felt alive.


    The same rush she felt when racing ¡ª heart-pounding, exhilarating, slightly reckless ¡ª was what she felt now.


    The kiss deepened, growing more urgent by the second.


    Ethan pressed her against the cool tiled wall, his grip tightening like he didn''t want to let go, like he needed to feel her closer.


    And she wanted it, too.


    God, she wanted ¡ª


    A loud knock suddenly echoed through the restroom.


    Vanessa jerked back, breathless, her chest rising and falling rapidly.


    Ethan pulled away slightly, but his hands remained on her waist, his forehead resting against hers.


    "Occupied," he called out, voice slightly hoarse.


    A muffled voice responded from outside. "My bad, man. Just making sure no one passed out in there."


    Vanessa let out a breathy laugh, still trying to catch her breath. "Well. That was... something."


    Ethan grinned. "Yeah. You sure you still want to leave?"


    She arched a brow. "Are you saying I should stay here with you?"


    Ethan leaned in again, brushing his lips against hers just barely. "Wouldn''t be the worst idea."


    Vanessa rolled her eyes, but her cheeks were flushed.


    She pushed lightly at his chest. "Come on. We still have to get home before Marianne complains."


    Ethan sighed dramatically but relented, finally stepping back.


    Vanessa grabbed the towel from the floor. With one final glance in the mirror to make sure she didn''t look too wrecked, she turned to Ethan.


    "Alright," she said, smirking. "Let''s go."


    Ethan took her hand.


    Ethan didn''t bother checking the time when they got into the car, but judging by the dimming sky, he guessed it was around 6 PM.


    That was usually when work at the site wrapped up for the day.


    ''Tomorrow,'' he thought. ''I''ll be back there tomorrow.''


    It wasn''t something he minded ¡ª after all, work was work ¡ª but what surprised him was the brief flicker of realization that he kind of missed hearing Riley''s voice.


    Not in a longing way or anything. Just... familiarity.


    He had spent so much time with her these past few days that the sudden absence of her usual chatter felt strange.


    Still, tonight was about Vanessa.


    He glanced over at her as he pulled onto the road. She was looking out the window, her face still slightly flushed from the excitement of the race.


    Then, as if reading his mind, she turned to him with a smirk.


    "So, what now?" she asked, stretching her arms slightly. "You got some other secret surprise waiting for me?"


    Ethan sighed, shaking his head. "Nope. We''re just heading home."


    Vanessa pouted dramatically. "That''s it?"


    "That''s it," Ethan confirmed, though the teasing lilt in his voice told her he wasn''t entirely serious.


    Vanessa huffed but didn''t argue. "Fine. I guess that''s acceptable."


    Ethan chuckled as they continued down the road.


    The drive was comfortable, the hum of the engine filling the brief pauses in their conversation.


    They talked about the race, about the idiot who had nearly crashed into her, about how Vanessa had practically obliterated the competition.


    It was nice.


    Until the phone rang.


    Ethan glanced at the screen but didn''t bother picking up. Whoever it was could wait.


    A few seconds later, it rang again.


    Vanessa quirked a brow. "Someone really wants to talk to you."


    "Yeah," Ethan muttered, still ignoring it.


    The ringing stopped. Then, not even a full minute later ¡ª


    Riiing.


    Vanessa snorted. "Okay, at this point, they might as well be banging on your front door."


    Ethan sighed, gripping the wheel a little tighter.


    He hated persistent calls. If someone was this eager to reach him, it was probably something annoying.


    Still, he didn''t answer.


    By the time they pulled up to the mansion, the phone had rung three more times.


    Ethan parked, rubbing his temple.


    Vanessa unbuckled her seatbelt, stretching slightly before looking at him.


    "You gonna pick that up?"


    Ethan exhaled. "Yeah. I''ll take it outside."


    Vanessa shrugged. "Alright. I''m heading in."


    She grabbed her bag and stepped out of the car, walking up to the entrance as Ethan leaned against the Porsche, staring at the caller ID.


    The number wasn''t saved in his contacts, but it was familiar.


    And they were calling again.


    ''Who the hell is this?''


    He sighed, finally answering.


    Ethan pushed open the front door, stepping into the house with his usual composed expression.


    Inside, Vanessa was lounging on the couch, scrolling through her phone. She looked up when she saw him.


    "You good?"


    Ethan nodded. "Yeah."


    She squinted at him. "You sure? You look like you''re thinking about something annoying."


    Ethan smirked slightly. "I''m always thinking about something annoying."


    Vanessa snorted. "True."


    The warmth of the house felt welcoming as Ethan stepped into the living room.


    He exhaled and ran a hand through his hair before making his way over to her. She glanced up from her phone and smirked.


    "Still brooding?" she teased.


    Ethan scoffed lightly. "I don''t brood."


    "Uh-huh," she hummed, unconvinced.


    Before she could poke at him further, Marianne entered the living room with two neatly arranged trays of food.


    "Well, look at you two," she said, setting the trays on the coffee table in front of them. She gave Vanessa a pointed glance and then winked.


    Ethan sighed inwardly.


    ''Great.''


    He could already tell that Marianne was going to pull Vanessa aside later to get all the details about their day.


    Women had a way of doing that ¡ª sharing every little thing in a way guys just... didn''t.

 Chapter 196 196: TV and Chill

    Vanessa, of course, smirked knowingly but didn''t say a word.


    Marianne straightened, placing her hands on her hips. "So, how was the outing?"


    Vanessa stretched her arms over her head. "It was fun."


    Ethan expected her to say more, but she didn''t.


    Marianne''s brows lifted slightly, as if she was expecting a lot more than that.


    "Just fun?" she asked, glancing between them.


    Vanessa gave an innocent shrug. "What else am I supposed to say?"


    Ethan hid his smirk as he reached for his utensils.


    He had known Vanessa long enough to recognize that she was purposely leaving things vague, just to mess with Marianne.


    Marianne sighed dramatically. "I swear you two are so difficult sometimes."


    Ethan chuckled and leaned in to give her a quick kiss on the cheek. It was something he always did when she brought him food ¡ª a silent gesture of appreciation.


    She rolled her eyes playfully. "Flattery will get you nowhere."


    "Then I should stop doing it," Ethan mused.


    Marianne scoffed. "Don''t you dare."


    With that, she finally left them alone, retreating back to wherever she had come from.


    Vanessa snickered before reaching for the remote.


    Ethan took a bite of his food. "Marianne seems interested in what we did today."


    "Yeah," Vanessa said, flipping through the channels. "And she''s so nosy. I bet she''s waiting for me to tell her everything."


    Ethan smirked. "You gonna?"


    Vanessa clicked her tongue. "Maybe. Maybe not."


    Ethan just shook his head.


    She finally settled on a channel ¡ª a movie was playing, but neither of them really paid much attention.


    They ate in comfortable silence, the only sounds being the occasional clink of utensils against the plates and the low hum of the television in the background.


    After a while, Vanessa stretched her legs out and leaned back into the couch.


    "By the way," she said casually, "who was calling you earlier?"


    Ethan''s chewing slowed slightly. He knew she''d ask at some point.


    He debated for a second how much he should tell her.


    After a brief pause, he finally answered, "Just someone from the site."


    Vanessa turned her head toward him, brows raised slightly. "Mmm. Work stuff?"


    "Yeah."


    She studied his face for a second before shrugging and looking back at the TV.


    Ethan exhaled quietly. He wasn''t sure if she believed him or if she just didn''t care enough to press further, but either way, he was grateful she dropped the subject.


    It was hard to stay tense when Vanessa was sprawled next to him, absentmindedly playing with a strand of her hair while flipping through the channels again.


    At some point, she pulled her knees up onto the couch and turned her body toward him.


    "Hey," she said suddenly.


    Ethan looked up from his plate. "What?"


    She tapped her chin. "You really didn''t have another surprise planned?"


    Ethan exhaled a short laugh. "Why are you still stuck on that?"


    "Because!" Vanessa huffed. "You were on a roll today. First the museum, then the track. I figured there''d be one more thing."


    Ethan smirked. "Sorry to disappoint."


    Vanessa made a face but didn''t argue further. Instead, she leaned back, eyes flicking toward the screen again.


    Ethan took another bite of food, watching her out of the corner of his eye.


    She looked... content.


    It was a rare expression for her. Vanessa was always so energetic, always chasing the next big thing. But right now, she just seemed relaxed. Comfortable.


    For some reason, that made something in Ethan''s chest feel a little lighter.


    He shook his head, amused at himself.


    He was thinking too much again.


    Riley walked in silence, her boots clicking softly against the pavement.


    The streetlights cast long shadows over the sidewalk, stretching and bending as she moved.


    There were still people out ¡ª workers heading home, couples strolling under the city lights, the occasional laughter of friends spilling out of a cafe? ¡ª but none of it registered in her mind.


    Her hands gripped the strap of her bag tightly.


    She hated this feeling.


    It clung to her, weighing her down, making her chest feel tight.


    It wasn''t like she hadn''t spent evenings alone before.


    She lived alone, after all.


    But tonight was different. Tonight, she felt... hollow. Like something was missing.


    And she knew exactly what it was.


    Ethan.


    She scoffed at herself, shaking her head as she approached the curb.


    ''God, get a grip, Riley.''


    She had never been the type to get attached, to let her emotions dictate her mood. And yet, all day, she had been waiting.


    Hoping. Expecting to see him at the site like usual.


    But he hadn''t come.


    And the worst part? She had called him.


    She hadn''t even realized she was doing it at first ¡ª her fingers had moved on their own. And when he picked up, his voice was casual, indifferent.


    "I''ve got some stuff to deal with, but I''ll be there tomorrow."


    That was it.


    Just a simple, straightforward answer. Nothing wrong with it. Nothing rude.


    And yet, it had hit her like a punch to the gut.


    She let out a slow breath, rubbing her temple as she raised her hand for a taxi.


    One pulled up, its headlights cutting through the night. She stepped inside without hesitation, the familiar scent of leather and faint air freshener greeting her.


    "Where to?" the driver asked.


    She gave him the address of her apartment, her voice quieter than usual. The man nodded and pulled into the street, the hum of the engine blending with the distant sounds of the city.


    She leaned back against the seat, staring out of the window.


    The buildings blurred past, neon signs flickering in the distance.


    People rushed along the sidewalks, lost in their own worlds, oblivious to the storm brewing in her chest.


    She shouldn''t feel this way.


    It was stupid. So stupid.


    But she couldn''t shake it off.


    Her mind replayed the past few days over and over ¡ª the way Ethan had helped at the site, the way he had teased her during lunch, the way he had just been there.


    And now he wasn''t.


    The taxi slowed to a stop in front of her apartment complex. Riley pulled out some cash, handing it to the driver before stepping out.


    The building loomed above her, dark windows reflecting the city''s glow. She exhaled softly, pushing open the front door and walking into the quiet lobby.


    The air was cool, the soft hum of classical music playing from unseen speakers. She barely acknowledged the receptionist before heading toward the elevator.


    She pressed the button for her floor and leaned against the wall, closing her eyes for a moment as the elevator doors slid shut.


    Seconds later, she was home.


    She unlocked the door, stepped inside, and let her bag slip from her shoulder onto the floor.


    Her boots were kicked off without care, and she barely made it to the bed before collapsing onto the mattress.

 Chapter 197: Riley...

    The silence in the apartment was deafening.


    She groaned into her pillow, frustrated with herself.


    Why was she acting like this?


    It wasn''t like Ethan owed her anything. He wasn''t hers.


    And yet...


    She turned onto her back, staring at the ceiling, her heart heavy in her chest.


    With a sigh, she reached for her phone, unlocking it out of habit.


    Her thumb hovered over her gallery.


    She tapped it open.


    And there it was.


    A picture she had taken during their date.


    It wasn''t even a good one ¡ª just a candid shot of Ethan when he wasn''t paying attention.


    His hoodie was slightly pulled over his face, his face was off to the side. He wasn''t smiling, wasn''t posing.


    But it was him.


    And something about it made her chest tighten.


    She wanted to send him a message.


    Something casual. Something simple.


    [Hey, how was your day?]


    [Did you eat?]


    [Are you still busy?]


    But she didn''t.


    Her fingers hovered over the screen before she locked the phone and set it aside, face-down on the mattress.


    She let out a slow, frustrated sigh, turning onto her side and pulling her blanket over herself.


    Tomorrow.


    He said he would be there tomorrow.


    She just had to wait.


    Riley''s eyes fluttered open, the faint glow of morning light barely seeping through the curtains. A groggy haze clouded her mind as she shifted beneath the covers, her limbs heavy with sleep.


    Something felt... off.


    She frowned, blinking as her surroundings came into focus.


    Her sheets were wrinkled, her pillow slightly damp from where her cheek had pressed into it, and ¡ª her heart nearly stopped ¡ª her phone lay beside her, still unlocked, still displaying the same image of Ethan from last night.


    Her stomach twisted.


    Then, as if her brain had suddenly kicked into gear, she became painfully aware of the stiffness in her clothes.


    ''Oh, no.''


    She bolted upright, throwing the blanket off of her and looking down at herself.


    She had slept in her work clothes.


    Dirt smeared across her sleeves, faint specks of dust clung to her jeans, and ¡ª ugh ¡ª there was even a faint smell of sweat lingering around her.


    Riley groaned, rubbing her hands over her face in frustration.


    ''Seriously?''


    She hadn''t even realized how exhausted she was when she got home.


    She had been so lost in her thoughts, so preoccupied with Ethan not being there, that she had just collapsed onto the bed like an idiot.


    And now, here she was, sitting in yesterday''s filth, staring at his face on her phone screen like some lovesick teenager.


    A furious blush crawled up her neck as she hurriedly grabbed the device and turned off the screen, shoving it under her pillow as if that would erase the embarrassing truth.


    ''Get it together, Riley. You''re not in high school.''


    But, if she was being really honest with herself, she hadn''t felt this kind of anticipation since ¡ª well, since the time she had been asked to prom.


    And that was years ago.


    She didn''t have time to dwell on it.


    Leaping off the bed, she rushed to the bathroom, peeling off the dirty clothes as fast as humanly possible.


    The warm spray of the shower was a blessing, washing away the sweat and fatigue from yesterday''s work.


    She scrubbed with a little more force than necessary, as if trying to scrub away the ridiculous feelings that had taken root in her chest.


    Ethan was just a guy. Her boss that she worked with.


    That was all.


    Sure they went on a date but there was nothing more than that.


    But then why did the thought of seeing him again send a thrill through her veins?


    Shaking her head, she turned off the water and grabbed a towel, wrapping it around herself as she stepped out into the cool air.


    She needed to be quick.


    There was no way she was going to be late today.


    Throwing open her closet, she grabbed a fresh pair of work clothes ¡ª clean ones, this time.


    The fabric felt crisp against her skin as she slipped into her jeans and pulled on a simple top, tucking her hair behind her ears as she fastened her boots.


    A glance at the clock.


    Still early.


    ''Good.''


    Scooping up her phone from under the pillow, she hesitated for only a second before shoving it into her pocket.


    No more staring at Ethan''s picture.


    That was ridiculous.


    Within minutes, she was out the door, practically jogging down the stairs of her apartment building.


    The city was just beginning to wake up, the distant hum of traffic growing louder with each passing second.


    She stepped onto the sidewalk, raised her hand, and hailed down a taxi.


    The car slowed to a stop, and she hopped inside without hesitation.


    "Where to?" the driver asked.


    "Take me to Cafe shop in West Avenue," she said, fastening her seatbelt.


    The driver nodded, pulling away from the curb.


    The ride was a blur.


    Her fingers tapped against her knee, her heart beating a little faster than usual.


    Would he really be there?


    He said he would.


    But for some reason, she couldn''t shake the tiny sliver of doubt gnawing at the back of her mind.


    The moment the taxi rolled to a stop near the site, she handed the driver some cash, barely waiting for her change before stepping out.


    Her boots hit the pavement with purpose.


    She crossed the street, dodging a few early-morning pedestrians, and as soon as she reached the entrance of the site ¡ª


    She saw him.


    Ethan.


    Standing near a stack of construction materials, deep in conversation with the foreman.


    For a second, she just stared.


    The familiar sight of him, the way he stood with his hands in his pockets, the casual ease in his posture ¡ª it made something inside her settle.


    Like a missing piece sliding back into place.


    She exhaled, the tension in her shoulders melting away as she stepped forward, calling out, "You''re actually here this time."


    Ethan turned at the sound of her voice, a lazy grin tugging at the corner of his lips.


    "Did you think I wouldn''t show up?" he asked, raising a brow.


    Riley rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. "You did bail on me yesterday."


    Ethan chuckled, shrugging. "Had some stuff to deal with."


    She wanted to ask what exactly that stuff was.


    But something told her she wouldn''t like the answer.


    So instead, she just smirked. "Well, you''re here now. That means you''re working today, right?"


    Ethan gave her a long look, as if considering his options. Then, with an exaggerated sigh, he said, "I guess I can get my hands dirty for a bit."


    Riley grinned.


    ''Good.''

 Chapter 198: Lighting Up The Mood

    The first light of dawn crept into the room, casting a golden glow across the walls.


    Ethan stirred, his body naturally waking before the alarm ever had a chance to ring.


    He blinked a few times, adjusting to the soft morning light, before realizing there was a comfortable weight pressing against his chest.


    Vanessa.


    Her dark hair spilled across the pillow, her face nestled against his shoulder.


    Her breath was soft, steady, her chest rising and falling with the rhythm of sleep.


    And she was snoring. Lightly.


    Ethan smirked.


    For someone as fiery and headstrong as Vanessa, seeing her like this ¡ª so peaceful, so unguarded ¡ª was something he had started looking forward to every morning.


    Nobody would ever be able to see this except for him after all.


    Careful not to wake her, he shifted slightly, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face before pressing a light kiss to her cheek.


    She stirred, murmuring something unintelligible, but instead of waking, she only curled into him more.


    Ethan chuckled under his breath.


    As much as he would have liked to stay like this a little longer, he had things to do today.


    He carefully unwrapped himself from her and swung his legs over the bed.


    His feet touched the cool wooden floor, and he stretched his arms, rolling his shoulders to shake off the remnants of sleep.


    With quiet steps, he made his way to the bathroom.


    The moment the hot water hit his skin, Ethan let out a sigh.


    Showers always helped him wake up completely, and this morning was no different.


    He ran his fingers through his wet hair, letting the water wash away the last bits of drowsiness.


    Today, he needed to be sharp. He was going to be carrying load after all.


    By the time he stepped out, the steam from the shower had fogged up the mirror.


    He wiped a hand across it, catching his own reflection.


    His dark hair was damp, slightly tousled, and his sharp eyes were clear, focused.


    After dressing in a fresh set of clothes ¡ª a fitted black shirt and dark jeans ¡ª he made his way downstairs.


    The smell of food greeted him before he even reached the dining area.


    Marianne was already at work, moving effortlessly around the kitchen.


    The table was set with a proper breakfast ¡ª scrambled eggs, toast, bacon, and fresh coffee.


    Like always.


    "You''re up early," Marianne noted, glancing at him as she flipped something on the stove.


    Ethan smirked, sliding into a chair. "Had to be. Got work to do."


    She set a plate in front of him. "Good. You''ve been slacking."


    Ethan chuckled. He couldn''t even argue with her.


    He had gone on the date yesterday after all.


    He picked up his fork and took a bite, savoring the warm, hearty breakfast.


    Marianne always made sure he ate well, even on the days when he was too busy to sit down properly.


    Just as he was finishing his coffee, he glanced at his watch.


    It was still early ¡ª exactly as he planned.


    He stood up, grabbing his car keys from the counter.


    "Heading out already?" Marianne asked.


    "Yeah. Gotta check on the project before things get busy."


    She nodded. "Drive safe."


    Ethan gave her a casual wave as he stepped out of the house and into the fresh morning air.


    The Porsche sat gleaming in the driveway, reflecting the morning sun.


    Sliding into the driver''s seat, Ethan started the engine, the low purr filling the quiet surroundings.


    He pulled out of the driveway, merging onto the open road.


    There was something calming about driving at this hour.


    The streets weren''t crowded yet, the city still waking up.


    The cool breeze filtered through the open window as he accelerated, the hum of the engine filling the car.


    His thoughts drifted as he drove.


    He''d taken a rare break yesterday, spent the entire day with Vanessa.


    It had been fun ¡ª more than fun, really. But now it was time to get back to business.


    By the time he reached the site, the sun was fully up, casting long shadows across the ground.


    The place was already active ¡ª workers moving around, tools clanking, the usual rhythm of construction.


    Ethan parked his car and stepped out, surveying the progress.


    It was coming along well ¡ª better than expected, actually.


    A familiar voice called out.


    "Boss," the foreman greeted, wiping his hands on his jeans. "Didn''t think you''d be here this early."


    Ethan smirked. "Wanted to check in before things got crazy."


    The foreman chuckled. "Can''t say I''m surprised."


    They walked through the site together, discussing the latest updates.


    The framework was coming together, supply shipments had arrived on schedule, and there were a few minor setbacks to address.


    Ethan listened carefully, taking mental notes.


    He liked being hands-on, staying involved. It was what made his projects successful.


    As they wrapped up their discussion, movement at the entrance caught Ethan''s eye.


    A taxi pulled up, stopping just outside the site.


    The door opened, and out stepped Riley.


    Even from a distance, he could see the determination in her stride.


    Her boots crunched against the gravel as she made her way inside, her expression focused.


    She hadn''t noticed him yet.


    Instead, she was scanning the site, taking in the progress, her brows slightly furrowed.


    Ethan smirked.


    There was something about the way she carried herself ¡ª this quiet but undeniable presence.


    "She was worried and asked about you yesterday," the foreman commented beside him.


    Ethan raised a brow. "That so?"


    The foreman nodded. "She was genuinely worried Boss."


    That didn''t surprise Ethan. She has called him after all.


    What did surprise him was the slight tug of something in his chest as he watched her approach.


    And the realization that he had missed seeing her here.


    "You''re actually here this time."


    He turned at the sound, a lazy grin tugging at the corner of his lips.


    Riley stood a few steps away, arms crossed, her expression a mix of amusement and skepticism.


    "Did you think I wouldn''t show up?" he asked, raising a brow.

 Chapter 199: Work… Work… Work!!

    Riley exhaled, the tension in her shoulders melting away as she stepped closer. "You did bail on me yesterday."


    Ethan chuckled, shoving his hands into his pockets. "Had some stuff to deal with."


    Instead of pushing, she simply smirked. "Well, you''re here now. That means you''re working today, right?"


    Ethan gave her a long look, as if actually considering his options.


    Then, with an exaggerated sigh, he said, "I guess I can get my hands dirty for a bit."


    Riley rolled her eyes, but a small smile played on her lips. "How generous of you."


    They made their way deeper into the site, the morning air still crisp but warming under the rising sun.


    The site was alive with activity ¡ª workers hauling materials, welding sparks flying in the distance, the rhythmic pounding of hammers filling the air.


    They had finished the drilling and foundation yesterday.


    Ethan grabbed a pair of gloves from a nearby workstation, slipping them on with practiced ease.


    "So," Riley started as they walked, "what''s the plan for today?"


    Ethan nodded toward a section of the site where steel beams were being positioned.


    "We''re reinforcing that side of the structure first. Then we need to check on the supply deliveries."


    Riley nodded, already mentally preparing herself.


    She had a habit of immersing herself fully into whatever task was at hand, and Ethan respected that about her.


    They spent the next hour working side by side.


    Riley handled measurements, making sure everything aligned perfectly before giving the go-ahead for the beams to be locked in.


    Ethan assisted with securing them, using his strength to hold things steady as the workers welded them into place.


    It was tiring work, but neither of them minded.


    Occasionally, Riley would glance over at Ethan, watching the way he worked.


    Despite his casual demeanor, he was efficient ¡ª he knew exactly what he was doing, no wasted movements, no unnecessary fuss.


    "You''re surprisingly getting better at this," she remarked at one point, wiping a bit of sweat from her forehead.


    Ethan smirked. "Surprisingly?"


    Riley gave him a look. "Come on, I didn''t exactly peg you as the hands-on type when I first met you but after a few days of work, you''ve gotten far better."


    He leaned against a stack of metal beams, crossing his arms. "And now?"


    She shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "Now I think you''re actually be useful."


    Ethan chuckled, shaking his head. "High praise."


    After a while, they took a short break, finding shade near one of the temporary site offices.


    Ethan grabbed a couple of water bottles from a cooler and tossed one to Riley, who caught it effortlessly.


    She took a long sip, letting out a satisfied sigh.


    Ethan watched her for a moment before speaking. "You really like working here, don''t you?"


    Riley looked at him, surprised by the question.


    She thought about it for a moment before nodding. "Yeah, I do. It''s not just a job for me."


    Ethan tilted his head. "Why''s that?"


    She hesitated, then gave him a small smile.


    She couldn''t say that it was now mostly because she enjoyed his company.


    That would be creepy on so many levels.


    "It''s a chance, not everybody is perfect and I''d be damned to think I''m perfect. Every job for me is a new opportunity to learn something new."


    Ethan nodded.


    He understood that feeling more than most people probably would.


    Riley looked around.


    The workers were scattered around the site, taking refuge in whatever shade they could find.


    Some sat on overturned crates, drinking from water bottles, while others simply leaned against materials, wiping sweat from their brows.


    Even the foreman had taken a moment to rest, reclining against a crate as he sipped from his bottle.


    The air smelled like metal, dust, and cement ¡ª scents Riley had oddly grown fond of over time.


    Ethan tossed a small rock between his hands absentmindedly, his sleeves pushed up to his elbows.


    He looked relaxed, yet Riley could tell he was still running numbers in his head, calculating the progress of the site.


    She took a deep breath, then, before she could stop herself, spoke the words that had been lingering at the back of her mind.


    "I missed you."


    The words were soft, almost lost in the ambient noise of the site.


    Ethan''s gaze flickered to her, his fingers stilling around the rock he had been playing with.


    There was a moment of silence, the kind where the world seemed to slow just a little.


    Then, to her surprise, he echoed her words.


    "I missed you too."


    Riley''s cheeks warmed instantly.


    She quickly looked down, pretending to be very interested in the dust on her boots, but there was no denying the way her heart skipped a beat.


    It was now beating so fast she thought Ethan could hear it,


    But, for once, he didn''t tease her about it.


    Instead, he simply leaned back against the crate behind him, stretching his arms out.


    "Didn''t think you''d admit it first," he said, smirking slightly.


    Riley rolled her eyes, though the blush still hadn''t faded. "Don''t make it weird."


    The silence that followed wasn''t awkward.


    Between them, there was an understanding, an ease that didn''t need to be filled with unnecessary words.


    Riley stole a glance at him, noting the way he stared ahead, lost in thought.


    ''What are you thinking about?''


    She wanted to ask but held back. Instead, she sighed and leaned her head back, closing her eyes for a moment.


    Ethan noticed.


    "Tired?"


    She hummed. "A little."


    He shifted, resting his elbows on his knees. "Long night?"


    Riley hesitated before answering. "Not really. Just... couldn''t sleep much."


    Ethan raised a brow. "Thinking about me?"


    Her cheeks turned red. ''That was accurate as hell!''


    She scoffed. "Don''t flatter yourself."


    His smirk widened.


    The break didn''t last long. Soon, the foreman clapped his hands, signaling that it was time to get back to work.


    Ethan stood first, offering a hand to Riley. She hesitated for a second before taking it, letting him pull her up.

 Chapter 200: Rileys Apartment

    The day had stretched long, filled with the kind of work that left muscles aching and minds drained.


    Riley exhaled, rubbing the back of her neck as she took a step back from the construction area.


    The sun had started its slow descent, painting the sky in hues of orange and gold, casting long shadows across the site.


    There was still work to be done ¡ª the casino was a long way from completion but for today, they had done enough.


    The foreman had already started wrapping things up with some of the workers, and Riley found herself wandering a few steps away, resting her weight against the sturdy trunk of a tree near the edge of the site.


    From where she stood, she could see Ethan finishing up a task, his movements fluid and efficient.


    She was exhausted, but somehow, watching him move ¡ª watching the way his body shifted under the weight of the day''s labor ¡ª made her forget the heaviness in her limbs.


    Her gaze followed the way his shirt clung to his torso, damp with sweat, outlining the firm muscles underneath.


    The late afternoon sun caught on the light sheen of sweat that glistened along his arms and neck.


    ''Damn.''


    She swallowed hard.


    He was talking with the foreman now, nodding as they went over the final details for the day.


    Riley wanted to listen.


    She really did.


    But her mind wasn''t cooperating.


    Her eyes were glued to the way his lips moved when he spoke, the way his jaw tensed slightly when he concentrated.


    She felt ridiculous, like some lovesick fool, but no matter how much she scolded herself internally, she couldn''t look away.


    Then, as if he could sense her staring, Ethan turned his head slightly.


    Their eyes met.


    And then, he smiled.


    It was an easy, confident grin, one that sent warmth flooding through her chest.


    Riley felt her cheeks heat up instantly, and she instinctively looked down, grateful for the creeping darkness that offered her a little cover.


    ''Get yourself together,'' she scolded herself.


    Ethan finished his conversation with the foreman, shaking hands before the older man made his way off.


    The other workers had started to leave as well, heading toward their cars or waiting for rides and the guards meant for watching over the equipment were starting to come in.


    Ethan turned on his heel and strolled toward her, his steps lazy but purposeful.


    "Let me drive you home," he said, his voice smooth, casual ¡ª like he wasn''t asking at all, but rather stating a fact.


    Riley''s heart skipped a beat.


    She swallowed. "You don''t have to. I can just catch a taxi."


    Ethan tilted his head slightly, his gaze steady. "I want to."


    Her fingers curled slightly against the bark of the tree, grounding herself.


    She wasn''t sure if it was exhaustion or something else entirely, but the idea of sitting beside him in the quiet of his car, of having a few more minutes alone with him before the day officially ended ¡ª it sounded nice.


    More than nice.


    She gave him a small nod. "Alright, then."


    Ethan smirked. "Good choice."


    He turned, leading the way toward his Porsche, parked at the far end of the site.


    Riley followed, her pace slightly slower as she took one last look at the place they had spent the entire day working on.


    Ethan walked her to his car, his stride easy and unhurried.


    Riley felt her heart beat a little faster when he pulled open the passenger door for her.


    "Look at you, being all gentlemanly," she teased, raising a brow.


    Ethan smirked. "Don''t get used to it."


    Riley rolled her eyes, but a smile tugged at her lips as she slipped inside. Ethan shut the door and rounded the car, sliding into the driver''s seat with effortless ease.


    The low hum of the Porsche''s engine purred to life as he pulled onto the road, the warm glow of streetlights illuminating their path.


    The city looked different at this time of day ¡ª slower, quieter. Buildings that had seemed alive in the daylight were now wrapped in the soft hush of evening. Riley leaned back against the seat, stretching out her legs.


    "So..." Ethan glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. "You seemed pretty busy yesterday."


    Riley scoffed, throwing him a side-eye glare. "Busy is one way to put it. Bored out of my mind is another."


    Ethan chuckled. "Bored, huh?"


    "Yes," she huffed. "Do you know how painfully slow yesterday felt without you there? I mean, it''s work, sure, but at least when you''re around, there''s some entertainment."


    He shot her an amused look. "Oh? So I''m entertaining now?"


    "Absolutely," she said without hesitation. "It was so quiet without you yesterday. I had to actually listen to the foreman go on about concrete measurements and foundation stability instead of getting distracted by your stupid comments."


    Ethan smirked. "I''ll take that as a compliment."


    "Don''t," Riley shot back, but there was laughter in her tone.


    The conversation carried on, easy and natural.


    It was one of the things she had grown to love about him ¡ª the way they could just talk. No effort, no forced topics. Just words flowing like a steady current, making the time pass by too quickly.


    Before she knew it, they were pulling up in front of her apartment building. The engine quieted as Ethan cut the ignition. He unbuckled his seatbelt and stretched slightly, turning his gaze toward her.


    "Well," he said, drumming his fingers against the steering wheel. "Home sweet home."


    Riley didn''t move right away.


    Instead, she found herself hesitating. It wasn''t that she didn''t want to get out ¡ª but the thought of the night ending so soon made her stomach twist.


    And then, an idea popped into her head.


    "Come in," she said suddenly.


    Ethan raised a brow. "Oh? You inviting me in?"


    "Don''t make it weird," she rolled her eyes, reaching for the door handle. "I just figured... you probably haven''t eaten yet, right?"


    He tilted his head, as if considering. "...No, not really."


    "Then I''ll cook something for you."


    Ethan smirked. "I''ll believe it when I see it."


    "Oh, you will," she huffed, stepping out of the car.


    Ethan followed her inside the building, and they took the elevator up to her floor. The ride was quiet, save for the soft hum of the elevator.


    When they reached her apartment, she unlocked the door and stepped inside, flipping on the lights.


    The familiar coziness of her place wrapped around her, and she set her bag down near the door. Ethan lingered for a moment, hands in his pockets, eyes scanning the place.

 Chapter 201: Riley, The Chef

    She grabbed Ethan''s hand, ignoring the recoil and led him straight to the couch.


    He settled let her guide him, an amused smirk tugging at his lips as he sank into the cushions, stretching his legs out comfortably.


    The place was small but cozy ¡ª warm lighting, a few personal touches scattered around to show it was her that owned the place and the faint scent of vanilla in the air.


    It suited her.


    Riley stood before him, hands on her hips, looking determined.


    "You''ve paid for dinner twice now," she said, narrowing her eyes at him. "So tonight, I''m treating you."


    Ethan raised an eyebrow, clearly entertained. "Oh? Is that why you''re cooking?"


    She scoffed. "Absolutely not."


    Crossing her arms, she grinned. "I want to make you a home-cooked meal so great it''ll be unlike anything you would find in a restaurant."


    He leaned back, resting an arm over the couch. "That so? Should I be worried?"


    "Please," she scoffed, flipping her hair. "You''re about to have the best meal of your life."


    Ethan chuckled. "Alright then, chef. I''ll be right here, waiting."


    She nodded, looking satisfied with herself. "Good. But first, I need to change into something comfortable."


    Ethan watched her retreat to her bedroom, noticing the slight bounce in her step.


    She looked... excited.


    And that, more than anything, made him curious.


    He didn''t doubt she could cook, he had eaten lunch with her before, but the way she was so eager to impress him? That was something else.


    He leaned back, letting out a quiet sigh as he glanced around the room.


    There were photo frames on the shelves, little trinkets on the coffee table.


    It was so different from his place, which, despite being luxurious, often felt a little too... empty.


    ''Maybe smaller is better,'' He said, taking a picture frame into his hand.


    A younger version of Riley was on display, beautiful stark dark hair and even a pair of glasses which he had to admit made her look...


    Beautiful? Nah.


    It was breathtaking.


    But the main focus of this picture wasnt on Riley, but rather the young boy she took the picture with.


    He looked like Riley except as a young boy, his hair draped over his forehead, glasses hanging off the bridge of his nose, Ethan could have sworn he looked like this when he was younger.


    He dropped the photo shortly after though.


    A few minutes later, Riley reappeared ¡ª wearing loose sweatpants and an oversized singlet which did little to hide her curves, her hair tied up in a messy bun.


    She looked ridiculously comfortable, and for a second, Ethan just stared, finding something strangely endearing about it.


    Her cheeks turned pink as she saw his eyes on her.


    "Alright," she clapped her hands together. "Time to cook."


    Ethan smirked. "Looking very professional."


    She rolled her eyes but grinned. "Mock me all you want. You''re still going to eat every bite."


    Riley tugged on Ethan''s arm, her fingers wrapping around his wrist as she pulled him up from the couch with a grin.


    "Come on," she said, leading him toward the kitchen.


    Ethan let her guide him, his gaze flickering around the space as they stepped inside.


    He hadn''t paid much attention before, but now that he was here, he noticed how neat everything was.


    The counters were spotless, the utensils arranged in a way that suggested they had a designated place.


    Even the cupboards looked like they''d been freshly painted ¡ª a soft cream color that made the space feel warm.


    And then there was the scent ¡ª faint but familiar.


    That same vanilla aroma lingered in the air, mixing with the subtle hints of spice and something homey.


    "You always keep your kitchen this spotless?" Ethan asked, leaning against the counter.


    Riley shot him a playful glare. "Unlike some people, I actually take care of my space."


    He smirked. "Are you calling me messy?"


    "I''m calling you rich," she corrected, rolling her eyes. "I bet you have someone else cleaning up after you."


    Ethan chuckled. "Fair enough."


    She turned toward the cabinets, opening one and pulling out a few ingredients.


    As she set them on the counter, she glanced up at him.


    "Alright, tonight''s special is something my grandma used to make," she said, gesturing toward the ingredients.


    Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Your grandma, huh? So this is a family recipe?"


    "Yep," Riley said proudly. "She taught my mom, and then my mom taught me."


    Ethan folded his arms. "Alright, now I''m actually curious."


    Riley smirked. "You should be. This is top-tier home cooking."


    She got to work, moving around the kitchen with an ease that spoke of experience.


    As she measured out the ingredients, she explained each step to Ethan.


    "So, first things first, we need to marinate the meat," she said, grabbing a small bowl. "Grandma always said the secret to good flavor is letting the spices really soak in."


    Ethan watched as she carefully mixed a blend of spices, her fingers working with practiced precision.


    There was something oddly fascinating about it ¡ª the way she moved, the little frown of concentration on her face.


    He didn''t know why but it reminded him of Marianne a whole lot more than it should.


    "Alright," she continued, reaching for the meat. "We coat this evenly, then let it sit for a while."


    Ethan leaned in slightly, watching her hands work. "And what exactly are we making?"


    She shot him a teasing look. "You''ll find out."


    He smirked. "Keeping me in suspense, huh?"


    "Gotta make it interesting somehow," she said with a wink.


    Ethan chuckled, shaking his head. He didn''t mind waiting.


    Something about seeing her so invested in this, so genuine, made the whole thing worth it.


    After letting the meat rest, Riley moved on to preparing the vegetables.


    She chopped with confidence, explaining how different cuts could change the texture of the dish.


    Ethan had never really thought about things like that before.


    "Cooking''s kinda like building something," Riley mused, slicing through an onion with precision. "Every piece has to fit together just right."

 Chapter 202: Family Special

    Ethan tilted his head. "Never thought of it that way."


    She smirked. "Yeah, well, I actually pay attention when I cook."


    He chuckled. "Guess I''ll have to take lessons from you, then."


    Riley snorted. "Please, you''d probably burn water."


    Ethan held a hand to his chest in mock offense. "I''m offended by how little faith you have in me."


    She laughed, shaking her head. "You? Cook? I''d pay to see that."


    As a matter of fact, she would. She would give a whole lot to see him sweaty and in an apron cooking for her.


    He smirked. "Careful what you wish for."


    As the dish started coming together, the smell of spices filled the air.


    Riley moved effortlessly between the stove and the counter, stirring, tasting, adjusting.


    Ethan just stood back and watched, more intrigued by her than the food itself.


    Finally, after what felt like an eternity, she plated the meal and slid a plate in front of him.


    "Moment of truth," she said, resting her hands on her hips.


    Ethan picked up his fork, eyeing the dish. It looked good.


    Like, actually good. He took a bite, and the flavors hit instantly ¡ª rich, savory, perfectly balanced.


    He chewed thoughtfully, dragging out the suspense.


    Riley stared at him. "Well?"


    Ethan swallowed, then let out a slow nod. "...Not bad."


    She groaned. "Oh, come on! It''s amazing, and you know it."


    Ethan smirked. "Alright, fine. It''s damn good."


    As Ethan set down the fork after his first taste, Riley wasted no time scooping the rest of the food she had made into a tray.


    There was a kind of satisfaction on her face, like she was pleased with how it had turned out ¡ª and more importantly, pleased that he had enjoyed it.


    Ethan didn''t say much, but the way he reached for another bite without hesitation was all the confirmation she needed.


    She grabbed the tray, balancing it with practiced ease, and nodded toward the living room.


    "Come on, we''re not eating at the kitchen table like some cave people. Couch it is."


    Ethan smirked, standing up. "Lead the way."


    As they made their way over, Riley detoured toward the fridge, grabbing a couple of drinks. "What do you want? Beer? Juice? Water?"


    "Surprise me," Ethan said, sinking into the couch.


    She rolled her eyes but still smirked, pulling out a can of soda for him and a bottle of iced tea for herself.


    She padded back toward the couch, setting the drinks down on the coffee table before plopping down beside him.


    As she got comfortable, she hesitated for a second before muttering, "Uh ¡ª sorry in advance."


    Ethan glanced at her, raising an eyebrow. "For what?"


    She shifted slightly, not quite meeting his gaze. "My TV''s kinda small compared to what you''re probably used to. No giant flatscreens or fancy surround sound. Just...this."


    She gestured toward the modest-sized television mounted on the wall.


    Ethan blinked, then let out a short laugh. "That''s what you''re worried about?"


    Riley''s cheeks heated slightly. "I mean...yeah?"


    He shook his head and reached out, placing two fingers against her lips, effectively silencing her before she could ramble more.


    "It''s good enough," he said simply.


    Riley blinked, her lips parting slightly as if to argue, but then she closed her mouth.


    He was being genuine ¡ª he really didn''t care.


    And maybe that was a stupid thing to feel touched by, but it made her stomach do a little flip anyway.


    Adding to the thousands of times Ethan had made her stomach flip in the past few days.


    She huffed, shaking off the weird fluttering feeling in her chest, and grabbed the remote. "Alright, let''s pick something."


    Ethan leaned back into the cushions as Riley logged into her Netflix account, scrolling through the various categories.


    "What are we thinking?" she asked. "Action? Comedy? Something so bad it''s actually good?"


    Ethan smirked. "I feel like you have strong opinions about terrible movies."


    "Oh, I do," Riley confirmed. "Some of them are pure art. Others...pure garbage."


    Ethan chuckled. "Alright, let''s go with something fun. Something you''d actually enjoy."


    Riley paused, tilting her head as she scrolled.


    Her lips curved into a mischievous smile. "Oh, I got just the thing."


    She clicked on a movie, and the title screen appeared.


    Ethan glanced at her, amused.


    "Really? A classic?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.


    Riley grinned. "Absolutely. You cannot go wrong with a good old-fashioned ridiculous action flick."


    He chuckled, shaking his head. "Alright, let''s see if it lives up to the hype."


    As the movie started playing, they settled in, sharing the tray of food between them.


    Ethan found himself surprisingly comfortable.


    Maybe it was the warmth of the room, or maybe it was the way Riley casually nudged his arm whenever something ridiculous happened on-screen.


    Halfway through, she tossed a pillow at him when he made a sarcastic comment about the MC''s impossible stunt.


    "You are not allowed to trash-talk my childhood favorites," she scolded, though her lips twitched in amusement.


    Ethan smirked, tossing the pillow right back. "I''m just saying, physics doesn''t work like that."


    "Shhh. Don''t bring logic into this."


    They fell into an easy rhythm, sharing commentary and laughter as the movie went on.


    The tension from earlier ¡ª the nervousness Riley had about hosting him, the awkwardness of everything melted away, and Riley found an excuse to snuggle him.


    By the time the credits rolled, Riley stretched her arms above her head, letting out a satisfied sigh.


    "See? Perfect choice," she said smugly.


    Ethan shook his head with a smirk. "I''ll admit, it wasn''t bad."


    Riley gasped. "High praise."


    He chuckled. "Don''t get used to it."


    She rolled her eyes but smiled, leaning back against the couch.


    For a moment, they sat in silence, the only sound in the room being the faint hum of the TV.


    And then, without thinking, Riley murmured, "This was nice."


    Ethan turned his head slightly to look at her. "Yeah," he agreed.


    Riley''s fingers toyed with the hem of her shirt, and she hesitated before adding, "We should do this again."


    Ethan didn''t respond right away. Instead, he just looked at her ¡ª really looked at her.


    There was something soft in her eyes, something hopeful but uncertain.


    And then he smirked. "Only if you cook again."


    Riley laughed, nudging his shoulder. "Deal."

 Chapter 203: Tell Me About Your Family

    Riley wasn''t quite sure how it happened, but at some point during the movie credits, she had ended up resting her head on Ethan''s lap.


    It had been gradual, like slipping into a dream.


    First, she had curled up against the couch, legs tucked under her, slowly easing closer.


    Then, as the warmth of his body radiated toward her, she had let her head fall, just enough to rest against his thigh.


    And Ethan... he didn''t seem to mind.


    His hand absently ran through her hair, fingers threading through the strands, slow and methodical.


    She wasn''t sure if he even realized he was doing it, but the rhythmic motion was enough to lull her into a daze. She exhaled softly, savoring the moment.


    Her cheeks burned as her mind wandered into inappropriate territory.


    The warmth of his lap, the feeling of his hand stroking her hair ¡ª it was too easy to imagine something more.


    She pressed her face deeper into his thigh, hoping to hide the pink tint blooming across her face.


    She wasn''t supposed to be like this, she was supposed to be a woman... but that didn''t matter here.


    That was when she noticed him watching her.


    His eyes, deep and contemplative, studied her with quiet amusement. The moment stretched between them, unspoken but electric.


    She swallowed, trying to will away her embarrassment, before finally speaking. "Tell me about your family."


    Ethan blinked, as if caught off guard by the request.


    For a moment, he said nothing, his fingers momentarily pausing before resuming their gentle movements through her hair.


    "What do you want to know?" he asked, his voice quieter than before.


    Riley peeked up at him. "Anything. Everything. I just... want to know more about you."


    He exhaled through his nose, a small, thoughtful smile tugging at his lips. "Well... My dad, Harold, is a bit of a hardass. Old-school and knew everything about business. Everything is about discipline and responsibility with him."


    Riley hummed in understanding. "Sounds strict."


    "Oh, he is," Ethan chuckled, leaning back against the couch. "But he''s not all bad. Just a little intense. My mom, Margaret, she''s the opposite. Warm, patient, the kind of person who makes you feel at home the second you step through the door."


    Riley smiled at that. "She sounds lovely."


    "She is." His gaze softened for a fraction of a second before he continued, "Then there''s Claire, my younger sister. She''s eighteen ¡ª probably even smarter than me but she''s also the most stubborn."


    "Runs in the family," Riley teased, "Considering you didn''t want to let me pay for those dates,"


    Ethan smirked. "Maybe."


    He tilted his head, considering. "Claire''s got big dreams. She wants to travel, see the world. Always talking about moving to Europe or starting her own thing. Dad doesn''t approve, of course, but she doesn''t care. She''s going to do what she wants."


    "She sounds amazing," Riley mused, secretly admiring the girl she''d never met. Despite Ethan''s overwhelming status as a Multi-millionaire and the owner of ATLAS, he had a normal family... a really normal one.


    "She is. A pain in the ass, but amazing."


    Riley laughed, feeling herself relax even more. "You only have one sibling?"


    Ethan''s entire expression shifted, softening into something unmistakably affectionate. "No, the last one''s Julia. She''s seven. Probably the happiest kid you''ll ever meet. Loves drawing, always carrying a sketchbook around. She''s convinced she''s going to be an artist when she grows up."


    Riley felt something warm bloom in her chest at the way he spoke about his family.


    It was different from the usual, laid-back Ethan she was used to teasing. There was something deeper, something undeniably real in the way his voice grew softer as he spoke of them.


    "Sounds like she takes after your mom," Riley said.


    "Yeah," Ethan agreed, a distant look in his eyes. "She''s got that same kindness."


    Riley didn''t say anything for a moment, letting the words settle between them.


    It made her realize how little she had thought about Ethan''s life outside of work, outside of their interactions.


    She had always seen him as this confident, enigmatic man who somehow made her days brighter.


    But here, like this, he felt more real than ever. A son. A brother. Someone who had stories and memories, family members who shaped him into who he was today.


    And she wanted to know all of it.


    Ethan extended his hand toward her, palm up, an invitation rather than a demand.


    His expression was relaxed, but there was a quiet curiosity in his eyes as he spoke.


    "How about you tell me about your own family?"


    Riley stiffened slightly. She hadn''t been expecting that.


    She had been so lost in listening to him talk about his own family ¡ª the warmth in his voice, the ease with which he spoke of them ¡ª that she hadn''t considered the conversation might turn to her.


    Before she could respond, Ethan leaned forward and grabbed a picture frame from the side table. He turned it toward her, his lips quirking into an amused smirk.


    "Especially this boy that looks like me when I was in middle school," he added.


    Riley''s eyes widened, and an immediate blush spread across her face.


    "Wha ¡ª " She sat up quickly, snatching the frame from his hands. "No, he does not!"


    Ethan laughed, leaning back against the couch with that same lazy confidence that always seemed to drive her crazy. "He absolutely does. Same haircut, same awkward smirk. If I didn''t know better, I''d think I had a long-lost twin."


    Riley groaned, hugging the frame to her chest as if she could somehow make it disappear. "That''s my little brother, Ethan."


    He raised an eyebrow. "Little brother, huh? So, what''s his name?"


    She hesitated for a moment before sighing in defeat. "Oliver."


    Ethan nodded, settling in as if he had all the time in the world. "Alright. Tell me about Oliver."


    Riley pursed her lips, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the edges of the picture frame. "He''s sixteen now. Annoying. Always in his room playing video games and pretending like the world outside doesn''t exist."


    "So, a typical teenage boy," Ethan mused.


    "Exactly," she said, rolling her eyes. "But he''s smart. Way smarter than I was at his age. He''s into tech stuff, wants to build apps and make a name for himself in Silicon Valley or something."


    Ethan nodded thoughtfully. "Sounds like he''s got ambition."

 Chapter 204: Olivers Call

    "He does." Riley smiled a little, tapping her nail against the glass of the frame. "Even if he spends most of his time being an unbearable little gremlin."


    Ethan chuckled at that. "And your parents?"


    The smile on Riley''s lips faltered just a bit. Not because she didn''t love them ¡ª she did. But because, she realized how far away they felt. She had tried to take her mind off it, maybe she would go see them once in a while... Yeah she would.


    "They don''t live here," she admitted softly. "They moved out of the city a few years ago. My dad got a job in a smaller town, and my mom wanted a quieter life. Oliver went with them, but I stayed here."


    Ethan tilted his head. "Why?"


    Riley swallowed. "Because... I felt like I had to."


    The words hung in the air for a moment before she continued.


    "I grew up in the kind of household where expectations were clear. Work hard, do well in school, get a stable job, and build a life that makes sense."


    She let out a dry chuckle. "I think my parents still don''t quite understand why I chose to work in construction instead of sitting in an office. But I like it here. I like this city. I like working with my hands, seeing something take shape from the ground up. Probably it was because I liked building sandcastles when I was a kid."


    ''Sandcastles? Does that mean Jules will want to become a constructor?''


    Ethan watched her carefully, his gaze steady. "And do they know that?"


    Riley hesitated, looking down at the frame again. "I think so. We talk, but... not as much as we used to. They don''t understand why I''m still here when I could have moved with them, gotten a different job, done something more... predictable."


    Ethan didn''t say anything for a moment, just studied her like he was trying to piece her together. Then, he reached out and gently brushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear.


    "You don''t owe anyone an explanation for the life you want to live," he said, his voice softer now. "It''s yours."


    Riley''s breath caught in her throat. It was such a simple statement, but coming from him, it felt different. It felt like the permission she hadn''t even realized she needed.


    She smiled, a small, grateful thing, before glancing at him playfully. "You''re surprisingly wise for someone who spends half his time pretending to be too cool for serious conversations."


    Ethan smirked. "I contain multitudes."


    Riley rolled her eyes, but her heart felt a little lighter. She leaned back against the couch, resting the frame on the table once more.


    "Thanks for asking," she said quietly. "Most people don''t."


    Ethan just looked at her for a moment before finally saying, "Well, most people are idiots."


    She laughed, shaking her head. "And you''re not?"


    "I''m a functional idiot," he corrected. "There''s a difference."


    Riley grinned, feeling warmth spread through her chest.


    Then, suddenly, her phone rang.


    The sound jolted her, pulling her back to reality. She blinked and reached for it, glancing at the caller ID. Oliver.


    Her eyebrows furrowed slightly. It wasn''t unusual for her little brother to call, but this late? That was strange.


    "Hold on," she muttered to Ethan, who simply nodded, watching as she answered the call.


    "Oliver?" she said, pressing the phone to her ear. "What''s up?"


    But the voice that responded wasn''t the usual laid-back, slightly sarcastic tone she was used to. It was tight, strained ¡ª almost shaky.


    "Riley."


    Her stomach immediately dropped. "What''s wrong?"


    There was a pause, and she could hear him exhale shakily.


    "It''s Mom." His voice cracked slightly, and Riley sat up straight, every muscle in her body tensing. "She''s sick. Dad had to take her to the hospital."


    The room around her blurred. Her grip on the phone tightened.


    "What?" Her own voice felt foreign ¡ª too quiet, too unsteady.


    "She collapsed this afternoon," Oliver said quickly. "I ¡ª I don''t know all the details, but Dad said it''s serious. He wants you to come home."


    The words hit her like a punch to the gut.


    Her mother. Hospitalized. Serious.


    Her mind scrambled to process it, but nothing made sense.


    She had just been thinking about her parents ¡ª how far away they felt, how they never quite understood why she stayed in the city. And now... this?


    She sucked in a shaky breath. "How bad is it?"


    Oliver hesitated, and that hesitation was worse than anything he could have said.


    "I don''t know," he admitted. "Dad wouldn''t tell me much. Just that they''re running tests and that we should be there."


    Riley squeezed her eyes shut, pressing a hand to her temple. "What hospital?"


    Oliver told her, his voice wavering slightly, and she swallowed hard.


    "I''ll be there," she said, the words coming out as a quiet promise. "First thing tomorrow."


    There was a pause on the other end before Oliver let out a breath. "Okay. I''ll let Dad know."


    She nodded, even though he couldn''t see her. "Stay with him, okay? Don''t let him sit there alone."


    "I won''t," Oliver mumbled. "See you tomorrow."


    And then the line went dead.


    Riley didn''t move for a moment, the phone still pressed to her ear, as if hoping that maybe, just maybe, if she stayed still enough, she''d wake up from whatever horrible dream this was.


    But she didn''t wake up.


    Instead, a warm hand touched hers, grounding her.


    "Riley?" Ethan''s voice was gentle, cautious. He was watching her, his brows drawn together in concern.


    She let out a shaky breath and lowered her phone, setting it down on the table beside her.


    "It''s my mom," she said, her voice hoarse. "She''s in the hospital."


    Ethan didn''t say anything immediately. He just looked at her, his expression unreadable, as if assessing what she needed at that moment.


    "Do you know what''s wrong?" he finally asked.


    Riley shook her head. "Oliver didn''t say. Just that Dad wants me to come home."


    Ethan nodded, as if processing the information.


    Then, without hesitation, he reached out and took her hand. His palm was warm, steady ¡ª a contrast to the icy panic creeping up her spine.


    "You''re leaving tomorrow, then?"


    "Yeah." Her voice wavered. "First thing."


    Ethan squeezed her hand gently. "Do you want me to take you?"

 Chapter 205 205: Night In

    She blinked, caught off guard. "What?"


    "I can drive you," he said simply. "You don''t have to do this alone."


    The offer made something in her chest tighten.


    She wanted to say yes.


    Wanted to lean into him, let him take some of the weight pressing down on her shoulders.


    But a part of her hesitated.


    "I ¡ª " She bit her lip. "You have work. You can''t just drop everything ¡ª "


    "I can," Ethan cut in, his voice firm. "And I will, if you need me."


    Riley swallowed hard, staring at him.


    It was the way he said it ¡ª not as if it was some grand gesture, but as if it was the most natural thing in the world.


    Like there was no question.


    Like she mattered.


    Her throat tightened.


    "I..." She let out a shaky breath and gave him a small, grateful smile. "Thank you."


    Ethan nodded. "It''s nothing."


    But to her, it wasn''t nothing. It was everything.


    Riley didn''t know how it happened, but before she even realized it, her head was resting against Ethan''s shoulder.


    She wasn''t sure who moved first ¡ª whether it was her seeking comfort or him offering it ¡ª but either way, she melted into his warmth.


    And then she cried.


    It wasn''t loud. It wasn''t dramatic.


    It was quiet, almost desperate.


    The kind of crying that sneaks up on you when you least expect it, breaking past the barriers you''ve spent years carefully constructing.


    The kind that doesn''t ask permission.


    Her shoulders trembled as she gripped the fabric of his shirt, her fingers twisting into the material as if anchoring herself to something real.


    Ethan didn''t speak. He didn''t try to stop her or offer hollow reassurances.


    He just held her, his strong hand slowly stroking through her hair, fingers threading gently at the base of her scalp.


    The motion was steady, grounding, a silent reminder that she wasn''t alone.


    She didn''t even know why she was crying like this.


    Maybe it was the uncertainty, the fear of not knowing how bad things really were.


    Maybe it was the guilt of being so far away while her family dealt with this on their own.


    Or maybe it was just the overwhelming realization that no matter how independent she tried to be, some things were just too heavy to carry alone.


    And Ethan... he was here.


    She felt his deep sigh against her hair, his breath warm and steady.


    His fingers never stopped moving, tracing small, absentminded patterns against her back.


    He knew what this felt like.


    He didn''t have to say it.


    She could tell from the way he held her ¡ª not in an awkward, hesitant way, but like someone who had been in this exact place before.


    Someone who understood what it was like to feel helpless, to sit by and wait while someone you loved was fighting an invisible battle.


    For a long time, neither of them spoke.


    The quiet hum of the city outside the apartment window filled the silence, a distant reminder that the world kept moving, even when your own life felt like it had come to a grinding halt.


    Eventually, the tears slowed.


    The storm passed, leaving behind nothing but the occasional shaky breath and the weight of exhaustion pressing down on her chest.


    She sniffled, pulling back slightly. Her eyes felt swollen, and she knew she probably looked like a mess.


    "Sorry," she mumbled, swiping at her cheeks. "I didn''t mean to ¡ª "


    "Don''t." Ethan cut her off with a shake of his head.


    His voice was firm, but not unkind. "You don''t have to apologize for that."


    She let out a breath, glancing down at the damp patch on his shirt.


    "Still," she muttered, grimacing. "I ruined your shirt."


    Ethan glanced down at the stain, then back up at her with a smirk. "It''s just a shirt."


    The way he said it ¡ª so casual, like it really was nothing ¡ª made her chest tighten.


    Riley managed a weak laugh, though it came out more like a sniffle. "Well, if you say so."


    Ethan reached out, brushing a stray tear from her cheek with his thumb before pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.


    The warmth of it lingered even after he pulled away.


    "I''ll be here first thing tomorrow," he told her, his voice low but certain. "You won''t have to go alone."


    Riley stared at him, her breath catching slightly.


    It wasn''t every day that someone willingly involved themselves in another person''s life like this.


    It wasn''t every day that someone showed up without being asked.


    And yet, Ethan was here.


    Something about that made her throat tighten all over again.


    "...Thank you," she whispered.


    Ethan just nodded, his hand still resting lightly against her back.


    The room settled into silence again, save for the faint ticking of a clock somewhere in the distance.


    The weight of the conversation still lingered in the air, but it was softer now, like the edges had been smoothed out.


    Ethan shifted slightly, leaning back into the couch.


    His arm remained around her shoulders, but the tension had eased.


    Riley let herself relax against him, inhaling the subtle scent of his cologne ¡ª something woodsy, mixed with a hint of clean linen.


    It was strangely comforting.


    "You should try to get some sleep," he murmured, tilting his head down to look at her.


    She sighed. "I don''t think I can."


    Ethan hummed, his fingers resuming their slow, rhythmic motion through her hair. "I''ll stay until you do."


    Her lips quirked upward, just barely. "You don''t have to do that."


    "I know," he said simply. "But I will."


    Riley closed her eyes for a moment, letting herself sink into the quiet.


    The exhaustion was there, creeping in at the edges, but she didn''t fight it.


    After a while, her breathing evened out, the weight of the day finally catching up to her.


    Ethan stayed true to his word. He didn''t move. He didn''t rush her. He just stayed.


    He took a deep breath once she had finally fallen asleep.


    ''Vanessa must be worried,''

 Chapter 206 206: Silicon City (I)

    Riley stirred awake, her eyes blinking groggily against the morning light filtering through the curtains.


    The warmth she had grown accustomed to in the night was gone, replaced by the cool emptiness of the sheets that covered her which she guessed Ethan put there so that she would remain warm.


    She groaned softly, rubbing her face as reality settled in.


    Ethan wasn''t here.


    For a brief, foolish second, she had wished he had stayed the night, that he had held her close like the Main characters in the dark romance novels she secretly devoured.


    But this was reality, not some fantasy where the brooding billionaire never left his lover''s side.


    Real life wasn''t so indulgent.


    She sighed, stretching her limbs before she sat up, her body sluggish from the restless night.


    Her eyes were puffy ¡ª probably from all the crying. She scoffed at herself.


    Ethan must have thought she was pathetic, falling apart like that.


    But she couldn''t help it. The thought of her mother sick in a hospital had unraveled her completely.


    Just then, the sound of the door unlocking made her head snap up.


    Ethan stepped inside, his presence filling the room like he belonged there.


    He was dressed casually ¡ª black sweatpants and a simple gray hoodie, his hair slightly tousled, as if he had just come from a morning drive.


    Their eyes met, and Riley''s stomach flipped.


    ''Oh. My. God.''


    She must''ve looked terrible, with her messy hair and swollen face.


    "Good, you''re awake." Ethan''s voice was smooth as ever, but there was something warm in the way he looked at her. "Get ready. We''re leaving soon."


    Riley blinked. "You weren''t joking about coming with me?"


    Ethan gave her a flat look. "Obviously."


    Her heart squeezed. "You don''t have to."


    "I know." He shrugged. "I want to."


    Riley swallowed.


    Her throat tightened as she realized just how much his presence meant to her right now.


    How many times had she dealt with things on her own?


    Pushing through because there was no one else to lean on?


    But Ethan wasn''t letting her do that. He was here, just like he said he would be.


    Before she could embarrass herself by tearing up again, Ethan clapped his hands. "Now, go freshen up. I''ll take care of breakfast."


    Riley nodded quickly, her face heating up. "Okay."


    She darted toward the bathroom, practically fleeing the room in her shame.


    In the kitchen, Ethan exhaled, running a hand through his hair.


    He had woken up early in the mansion, freshened up and put on some fresh clothes, and returned before she even noticed he was gone.


    A part of him had expected her to wake up in a panic, but seeing on the couch, looking so soft and vulnerable, had caught him off guard.


    He wasn''t used to seeing Riley like that.


    Usually, she was snarky, teasing, always ready with a quip.


    But last night had shown him a different side of her ¡ª a side that wasn''t as tough as she pretended to be.


    He opened her fridge, scanning its contents.


    Not much to work with. A couple of eggs, some bread, leftover rice, and some vegetables. He frowned.


    ''Guess we''re going with a simple breakfast.''


    By the time Riley stepped out of the bathroom, freshly dressed in a simple sweater and jeans, the smell of toast and eggs filled the air.


    She followed the scent to the kitchen, where Ethan was standing by the stove, flipping eggs with a practiced ease.


    Riley leaned against the doorway, watching him. It was a strangely domestic sight.


    Ethan, the guy who owned a whole damn resort, cooking in her tiny kitchen like it was the most natural thing in the world.


    "Don''t let the eggs burn." she asked, raising a brow.


    Ethan glanced at her. "I know how to make breakfast. Don''t expect me to whip up anything fancy."


    She smirked. "Wow. Resort owner by day, chef by morning."


    He rolled his eyes but didn''t comment, instead focusing on plating the food.


    Once he was done, he gestured for her to sit at the small dining table.


    She did, and he set down a plate in front of her ¡ª scrambled eggs, toast, and a side of sliced fruit.


    Her stomach rumbled.


    "You didn''t have to," she said, though she was already reaching for the toast.


    Ethan sat across from her, his own plate in hand. "I wasn''t gonna let you go to Silicon City on an empty stomach."


    Riley paused at that.


    Silicon City... that was where her parents were.


    She had spent years away, burying herself in work, distancing herself from the memories of that place.


    Now, she was going back for her parents, and suddenly, it all felt a little too real.


    Ethan must have noticed her hesitation because he nudged her foot under the table. "Eat."


    She took a deep breath and did as he said.


    #####


    Ethan pulled his hood up as they descended the stairs into the subway station.


    It wasn''t a particularly cold morning, but the gesture was habitual ¡ª one he used whenever he didn''t want attention.


    Riley found it amusing how someone who wasn''t a movie star or a famous athlete still managed to draw eyes wherever he went.


    Maybe it was the way he carried himself, that effortless confidence, or the fact that he looked like he belonged in a luxury car commercial rather than a dusty construction site.


    She sighed, glancing at him as he walked beside her.


    He was practically a celebrity in the circles he moved in.


    People at the resort certainly knew him, and in the business world, his name carried weight.


    Here, in the subway? He was just another commuter, blending in with the crowd.


    When they reached the ticket kiosk, Riley moved ahead and purchased two standard tickets to Silicon City.


    $45 each. A fair price, considering the distance between the two cities.


    She handed Ethan his ticket, but he just looked at her, unimpressed.


    "Seriously?" he said, his tone playful but laced with disapproval.


    "What?" she asked, stuffing her wallet back into her bag.


    "You paid."


    Riley rolled her eyes. "Oh, come on. Are you really going to make a scene over $45?"


    Ethan sighed, shaking his head. "It''s not about the money."


    "Then what is it about?"


    Ethan exhaled through his nose, grabbing his ticket with a smirk. "Fine. But I''m paying for everything else today."

 Chapter 207: Silicon City (II)

    Riley shrugged, pretending not to care, though she knew she''d probably end up fighting him over the bill again later. Ethan was the type of guy who never let someone else pay when he was around.


    She had to be quick to beat him to it.


    The station was buzzing with life as people rushed in and out, trying to make their trains.


    A few subway performers were playing music near the entrance, filling the space with soft guitar melodies and occasional bursts of applause from passersby.


    The smell of coffee and fresh pastries from a nearby underground cafe? wafted through the air, mixing with the scent of train metal and warm bodies.


    Ethan glanced at the schedule on the digital board overhead. "Looks like we''re right on time."


    The train rolled into the station with a metallic screech, slowing to a stop as the doors slid open.


    People filed out, a mixture of business commuters, students, and everyday workers.


    "Ready?" Ethan asked.


    Riley nodded, and they stepped inside.


    The subway car wasn''t too packed, but it wasn''t empty either.


    Ethan and Riley found seats near the window, and she immediately leaned against it, watching as the underground walls blurred past as the train began moving.


    Ethan stretched his legs out, tapping his fingers against his knee absentmindedly. "So, how do you feel?"


    Riley sighed, pressing her cheek against the cool window. "I don''t know. Nervous, I guess."


    "You''ll be fine," he assured her.


    She turned her head to look at him. "You say that like you know for sure."


    Ethan smiled. "Because I do."


    She studied him for a moment, then shook her head. "You''re always so damn sure of everything, aren''t you?"


    He shrugged. "Not everything. Just the things that matter."


    Riley let out a small laugh, though it quickly faded into silence. Her fingers tapped against her knee, mirroring Ethan''s habit.


    "How long has it been since you saw them?" he asked after a while.


    Riley''s gaze dropped to her lap. "Months. Maybe half a year."


    Ethan nodded, not pushing her for more. He could tell she was already anxious about the visit.


    The train continued speeding down the tracks, the rhythmic sound of the wheels against the rails filling the space between them.


    Outside, the underground walls gave way to glimpses of the city above as they moved closer to the outskirts.


    Soon, the gray tunnels were replaced with stretches of suburban neighborhoods and green spaces.


    Riley took a deep breath.


    She had no idea what to expect when she arrived. Would her mother be okay? How bad was it? Oliver hadn''t given too many details over the phone, just that she was hospitalized and that their dad needed her there.


    She clenched her fists.


    ''I should''ve visited sooner.''


    Ethan reached over and tapped her hand lightly. "You''re overthinking."


    She looked at him. "You don''t know that."


    He raised a brow. "I do. I can see it all over your face."


    Riley sighed but didn''t argue. He was right. She was overthinking.


    She exhaled, forcing herself to relax. "It''s just... I didn''t realize how much I missed them until now."


    Ethan gave her a knowing look. "That''s usually how it goes."


    Silence settled over them again, but this time, it felt more comfortable.


    The train began to slow as they approached their stop in Silicon City. Riley sat up straighter, rubbing her hands together.


    "You okay?" Ethan asked.


    "Yeah," she said, though she wasn''t entirely convinced.


    The train came to a stop, and the overhead announcement confirmed their destination. Ethan stood first, reaching out his hand toward her.


    She took it without hesitation, letting him pull her to her feet.


    As they stepped off the train and into the bustling station, Riley inhaled deeply.


    The air smelled different here ¡ª familiar yet distant.


    The sounds of the city surrounded her, from the chatter of pedestrians to the honking of cars outside the station.


    Ethan glanced at her, tilting his head. "Ready?"


    Riley nodded. "Yeah. Let''s go."


    Silicon City was massive ¡ª far larger than Greyport (The city they were coming from). Towering skyscrapers stretched toward the heavens, their glass exteriors reflecting the golden rays of the morning sun.


    Digital billboards lined the streets, flashing advertisements for high-end brands, luxury cars, and new tech gadgets.


    The sidewalks were packed with businessmen in tailored suits, tourists marveling at the city''s grandeur, and workers hurrying to their jobs.


    The sheer scale of the place was overwhelming, even for someone like Ethan, who had seen his fair share of impressive cityscapes.


    Riley, however, barely paid attention to the city''s splendor. Her thoughts were consumed by her mother and the urgency of their visit.


    The moment they stepped off the subway platform, she immediately pulled out her phone and checked for any updates from Oliver.


    Ethan, walking beside her, pulled up his hood even more. He wasn''t exactly a celebrity, but given his connections and business dealings, he knew that people could recognize him.


    He preferred to keep a low profile, especially when they were here for something serious.


    "Let''s get a taxi," Ethan said, scanning the street.


    Riley nodded absentmindedly, scrolling through her messages.


    Finally, she found what she was looking for ¡ª a text from Oliver from yesterday.


    [Oliver: Mom''s at Trinity Hospital. Dad and I are already here.]


    Riley exhaled sharply, anxiety tightening in her chest. Ethan noticed her expression and placed a reassuring hand on her back.


    "We''ll be there soon," he said softly.


    She nodded, forcing herself to focus. Spotting a taxi parked at the curb, she stepped forward and waved.


    The driver, an older man with graying hair and sharp eyes, nodded and gestured for them to get in.


    Ethan reached for his wallet, but before he could even pull it out, Riley quickly told the driver their destination. "Trinity Hospital, please."


    "Twenty bucks," the driver said.


    Before Ethan could protest, Riley pulled out her own wallet and handed the man the money.


    Ethan frowned, clearly displeased.


    "I could''ve paid," he muttered as they got in.


    "I know," Riley said, buckling her seatbelt. "But you paid for our dates."


    Ethan sighed, shaking his head. She wasn''t wrong, but that didn''t mean he had to like it.


    As the taxi pulled out into traffic, the driver glanced at them through the rearview mirror. "First time in Silicon City?"


    "No," Riley answered, her voice softer than usual. "I''ve been here sometimes."


    "Ah, a local." The driver nodded approvingly. "And you, young man?"


    Ethan leaned back, looking out the window at the towering buildings. "No, I''m just interested in business here."


    The driver whistled. "Business, huh? You one of those young entrepreneurs taking over the city?"


    Ethan smirked. "Something like that."


    The driver chuckled. "Well, you picked a good city for it. Silicon City''s where the big money is. Tech companies, law firms, investment groups... you name it, we''ve got it. This place never sleeps."

 Chapter 208: Silicon City (III)

    Ethan knew that already. It was one of the reasons he had considered expanding his business here.


    The opportunities were endless.


    "Well, whatever business it is you''re interested in, you better have deep pockets," the driver said with a laugh. "Real estate prices here are brutal. You could buy a whole neighborhood in some smaller city for the price of a single penthouse here."


    Ethan knew that, too. But he wasn''t worried. If he decided to expand to Silicon City, he''d make sure it was worth every penny.


    Riley, however, wasn''t focused on business. Her eyes flickered between the view outside and her phone, waiting for another message from Oliver.


    The closer they got to the hospital, the tighter her grip on her phone became.


    Ethan noticed. He reached over and gently squeezed her hand.


    "Hey," he said softly. "It''ll be okay."


    She looked at him, her lips parting as if to say something, but no words came out. Instead, she simply nodded, her fingers curling around his.


    The taxi continued weaving through the city streets, passing high-end boutiques, five-star restaurants, and sleek office buildings.


    Despite its overwhelming size, there was a strange familiarity to it for Riley.


    But right now, none of that mattered.


    The only thing on her mind was her mother.


    "We''re almost there," the driver announced, turning onto a street lined with trees and modern-looking buildings.


    In the distance, a large white building came into view.


    Trinity Hospital.


    Riley''s breath hitched.


    She straightened in her seat, her fingers tightening around her phone. Ethan felt the shift in her posture and gave her hand another reassuring squeeze.


    The taxi pulled up to the hospital''s entrance, and before Ethan could even reach for the door to open it, Riley had already unbuckled her seatbelt and opened the door.


    "Thanks," she called to the driver over her shoulder before stepping out.


    He sighed.


    As he stepped out of the taxi, he saw Riley already walking toward the entrance, her pace quick, her shoulders tense.


    Ethan didn''t say anything. He simply caught up to her, walking beside her in silence.


    The hospital smelled of antiseptic and freshly cleaned floors, the air cold with the kind of sterility that always made people uneasy.


    As soon as Riley and Ethan stepped inside, she wasted no time heading toward the front desk.


    The receptionist, a woman in her mid-thirties with glasses perched on her nose, glanced up from her computer.


    "How can I help you?" she asked politely.


    Riley took a sharp breath before speaking. "I''m looking for my mother, Miriam Cliff. My brother, Oliver, is already here."


    The receptionist typed something into her computer, her expression neutral as she scanned the information on the screen.


    Then, she picked up the phone on her desk and dialed a number.


    "Hello, Oliver? Your sister is here to see your mother." She pressed a button, putting the call on speaker.


    "Riley?" Oliver''s voice came through, sounding both relieved and exhausted.


    "Yeah, I''m here," she answered quickly. "We''re at the front desk. What room is she in?"


    "Room 407," Oliver replied. "Dad and I are here with the doctor. Just come up."


    The receptionist nodded, confirming the room number, and gestured toward the elevators. "Fourth floor. Take a left when you exit the elevator, and it''ll be down the hall."


    Riley didn''t wait for anything else. She turned on her heel and hurried toward the stairs instead, her urgency making her choose speed over convenience.


    Ethan sighed but followed, though at a much more controlled pace.


    "Riley, slow down," he called after her, but she was already halfway up.


    She barely heard him. Her heart pounded as she climbed, her thoughts racing.


    ''Please be okay. Please be okay.''


    By the time she reached the fourth floor, her chest was rising and falling rapidly, more from nerves than exertion.


    She scanned the hallway quickly until her eyes landed on the door marked 407. Without hesitation, she grasped the handle and pushed it open.


    Inside, the first thing she saw was her mother lying on the hospital bed, connected to several tubes and a heart monitor that beeped rhythmically in the background.


    The sight of her ¡ª so fragile, so still ¡ª made Riley freeze in place.


    The second thing she noticed was her father and Oliver standing near the bed, speaking with a doctor. When she entered, all eyes turned to her.


    Her father, a man in his early fifties with graying hair and tired eyes, took a step forward. "Riley."


    "Dad," she breathed, and then her gaze darted to Oliver.


    He looked exhausted, dark circles under his eyes, his usually neat appearance slightly disheveled.


    Ethan finally caught up, stepping in behind her and shutting the door gently. He didn''t say anything, merely observing the room, taking in the tension that hung thick in the air.


    Riley swallowed the lump in her throat and stepped forward. "What... what''s going on? What did the doctors say?"


    The doctor, a middle-aged man with glasses and a calm but professional expression, cleared his throat.


    "Your mother has been diagnosed with an advanced stage of pulmonary fibrosis. It''s a progressive disease, and unfortunately, the only effective treatment at this point is a lung transplant."


    Riley felt her stomach drop. "A transplant?"


    "Yes," the doctor confirmed. "It''s an expensive procedure, costing roughly six hundred thousand dollars, including pre-surgery care, the operation itself, and post-surgery recovery."


    The number hit Riley like a slap to the face. Six hundred thousand?


    "We... we have insurance," she said weakly, looking between her father and Oliver.


    Her father shook his head grimly. "Insurance only covers a portion. Nowhere near enough."


    "And the hospital ¡ª "


    "The hospital requires full payment before they can proceed," Oliver interrupted, his voice bitter. "They have too many patients on waiting lists. They won''t prioritize someone who hasn''t paid."


    Riley felt lightheaded. This wasn''t just bad ¡ª it was devastating.


    Her eyes moved to her mother again.


    She was unconscious, her chest rising and falling weakly. She looked so much smaller than Riley remembered.


    Ethan, still quiet, finally stepped forward. "Is there a payment plan?"


    The doctor hesitated. "Unfortunately, no. The demand for organ transplants is high, and the hospital needs to ensure funding before proceeding."


    Ethan nodded slowly, taking in the information.


    Riley felt her knees go weak, and she grabbed onto the edge of the bed for support. "So what are we supposed to do?" she whispered.


    Her father sighed heavily, rubbing a hand down his face. "We''ve been trying to find a way, but the money... it''s just too much."


    Oliver clenched his fists. "Me and Dad been reaching out to different places, seeing if there are any charities or grants that could help, but even if we find something, it won''t cover everything. We don''t have that kind of money, Riley."


    Riley''s vision blurred with tears. Was this really happening? Was she about to lose her mother because of money?


    She didn''t want to... it was too much, Her mother had been with her since she was young... she couldn''t lose her just because she didn''t have enough money.


    She thought about the foreman, maybe she could ask him to help her, but nobody would lend out that kind of money even if it was for an important reason.


    If she asked Ethan, even if he was a multi-millionaire... She didn''t want him to think that she was after his money.


    A warm hand touched her back, pushing her out of her thoughts.


    Ethan.


    He didn''t say anything at first, just offered quiet support. Then, after a moment, he spoke.


    "I''ll cover it."


    Silence.

 Chapter 209 209: Silicon City (IV)

    What would people think if a man, practically a stranger to the family, stepped forward and offered six hundred thousand dollars for a life-saving surgery?


    It wasn''t just generosity.


    It was absurd.


    It was unheard of.


    The room felt frozen in time as Ethan''s words settled in.


    Riley''s father, Robert, stood stiff, his mouth slightly open but unable to form words.


    Oliver''s brows were deeply furrowed, his hands clenched into tight fists as he stared at Ethan in disbelief.


    And Riley ¡ª Riley looked like she had just been hit by a tidal wave of emotions. Her lips parted, but no sound came out.


    Her eyes shimmered, tears threatening to spill, her breath shaky.


    Ethan gently loosened his grip on her back and stepped forward.


    His expression was firm, his presence commanding as he addressed the doctor.


    "I want her moved to the most advanced facility this place has to offer. She''ll get the best treatment, the best care, and everything else she needs."


    His voice was steady, unwavering. It wasn''t a question. It was a command.


    The doctor blinked rapidly, clearly trying to process what was happening.


    He opened his mouth, closed it, then finally managed to stammer, "Sir... a-are you serious?"


    Ethan exhaled and reached up, pulling off his hoodie in one smooth motion. His dark hair, slightly tousled, fell over his forehead before he ran a hand through it, pushing it back into place.


    It was as if he was shedding the anonymity of the hood, revealing himself for who he really was ¡ª someone with the means to change things.


    Oliver scoffed. "This is insane," he muttered under his breath.


    Riley turned her wide, tear-filled eyes toward Ethan. "Why... why are you doing this?"


    Ethan was quiet for a moment, his gaze distant. Then, finally, he answered.


    "Because I''ve been in your shoes before," he said softly.


    The room fell into a hush.


    "When I was ten," he continued, "my aunt got sick. Not with something like this, but... something softer, something people say is ''manageable'' until it suddenly isn''t. My dad did everything he could. He gathered money, pulled every string, but it wasn''t enough. We needed more. And I was just a kid. I couldn''t do a damn thing except sit there and watch while the person who had been the kindest to me slowly faded away."


    He exhaled through his nose, his jaw tightening. "I hated that feeling. Wishing I had all the money in the world, knowing it wouldn''t have mattered because we were just another family that couldn''t afford to save a loved one."


    Ethan turned his gaze back to Riley. His voice was softer now, but just as determined.


    "I won''t let that happen to you."


    A choked sob escaped from Riley, and she covered her mouth with her hand.


    Her father looked away, his shoulders tense, while Oliver simply stared, his skepticism still present but shaken.


    The doctor swallowed. "Sir, I... I understand the urgency, but this isn''t something that can be done instantly. There are processes, paperwork, transfers ¡ª "


    Ethan cut him off. "How soon can it be arranged?"


    The doctor hesitated before glancing at Robert and Oliver, as if waiting for them to protest.


    But neither spoke. So he cleared his throat and said, "If we start the transfer process immediately, we can move her by tonight. The payment will need to be settled before then."


    "Cash or card?" Ethan asked without hesitation.


    The doctor stared at him.


    Even Robert looked like he was having an internal battle, as if struggling between pride and desperation.


    He finally spoke, voice low, hesitant. "I don''t know who you are but we can''t just ¡ª "


    "You can," Ethan interrupted, his tone gentle but firm. "And you will. This isn''t about favors or debts. This is about her."


    He motioned toward Riley''s mother. "She doesn''t have time for us to sit around debating pride or fairness."


    Oliver shook his head. "Do you even understand what you''re offering? Six hundred thousand isn''t small money."


    Ethan''s lips quirked in a humorless smile. "It is to me."


    Another silence.


    Riley finally found her voice. "But why? Why help me? Why help us?"


    Ethan turned his gaze toward her, softer now, less guarded. "Because I want to. Because I can."


    Riley let out a shuddering breath, and without thinking, she moved toward him.


    She hesitated for only a second before wrapping her arms around him.


    Ethan stiffened slightly, caught off guard, but then he exhaled and relaxed into the hug.


    He didn''t say anything ¡ª just let her hold onto him.


    The doctor cleared his throat, trying to regain some professionalism despite the intense moment.


    "Alright, sir, if you''re truly willing to proceed, I''ll take you to the administrative office to finalize the transaction."


    Ethan nodded and gently pulled away from Riley. "Lead the way."


    As he followed the doctor out, Riley watched him go, her hands trembling.


    Oliver crossed his arms. "I still don''t get it. Who just drops that much money on someone they barely know?"


    Their father sighed, rubbing his temple. "Maybe someone who understands what it means to lose family."


    Riley didn''t answer. She just wiped her eyes.


    ...


    Ethan followed the doctor down a quiet, sterile hallway, the scent of antiseptic thick in the air.


    The soft hum of hospital equipment filled the silence between their footsteps.


    His expression remained unreadable, but his mind was sharp, focused.


    The doctor led him into the administration office, where a woman in her late forties sat behind a desk covered with neatly stacked folders, a landline phone, and a half-empty cup of coffee.


    She looked up as they entered, adjusting her glasses before offering a professional nod.


    "Mr?"


    "Grey, just call me Grey," Ethan said.


    "Alright, please have a seat."


    Ethan sat across from her, leaning back slightly in the chair.


    His hoodie was draped over his arm, and he ran a hand through his hair before settling his gaze on the doctor.


    "We need to go over the details before we proceed with payment," the administrator said, flipping through a file. "The surgery itself is a complex operation, and we want to ensure you fully understand what you''re paying for."


    Ethan nodded. "Go ahead."

 Chapter 210 210: Silicon City (V)

    The doctor took a seat beside the administrator, folding his hands together.


    "That woman has been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis ¡ª a progressive lung disease that causes scarring of the lung tissue. Over time, this scarring makes it increasingly difficult for the lungs to function properly. In her case, the disease has advanced to a critical stage, where her oxygen levels are dangerously low even at rest."


    Ethan''s jaw tightened slightly.


    He had heard of the condition before, when he was still in University It wasn''t something that could be treated with simple medication.


    "The scarring is irreversible," the doctor continued, his voice measured. "At this point, the only viable treatment is a double lung transplant. Without it, she will continue to deteriorate until her lungs can no longer provide enough oxygen to sustain her body."


    Ethan listened intently, his fingers lightly tapping against the armrest of the chair.


    "The first step," the doctor went on, "is to stabilize her condition while we prepare for the surgery. She will be placed on high-flow oxygen therapy and monitored closely to prevent further complications. Given how advanced the disease is, she may also need ventilatory support if her breathing worsens."


    He gestured toward the medical file on the desk. "We have already registered her in the transplant database, and there is a high-priority match available. However, as you are aware, lung transplants are extremely delicate. The operation itself will take anywhere from 10 to 12 hours, with multiple surgeons working in tandem to ensure a successful transplantation."


    Ethan narrowed his eyes slightly. "And the risks?"


    "The biggest risk is organ rejection. Even with a perfect donor match, there is always a chance that the body will reject the new lungs. To minimize this, she will need to be on immunosuppressive medication for life. The first 72 hours after the transplant are the most critical, as that is when acute rejection is most likely to occur."


    The administrator cleared her throat, flipping to another page. "Beyond the surgery, there are post-operative expenses. She will require at least three weeks in intensive care, followed by months of rehabilitation. She will need regular pulmonary function tests, physical therapy, and strict monitoring to ensure the new lungs are functioning properly."


    Ethan''s gaze flicked to the paper in front of him.


    [600,000 dollars.]


    A few years ago, that number would have been insurmountable. Now, it was just another transaction.


    He exhaled slowly and nodded. "I''ll cover everything."


    The doctor hesitated slightly, it wasn''t the first time Ethan had said that today but still... his eyebrows lifting. "Are you sure, Mr. Grey?"


    "If I wasn''t, I wouldn''t be here," Ethan said firmly.


    The administrator typed something into her computer, then slid a document across the desk. "These are the hospital''s banking details. Once the transfer is complete, we will proceed immediately with the pre-surgical treatments and move her to the top of the transplant priority list."


    Ethan picked up the paper, glanced at it, then pulled out his phone.


    He entered the details, typed in the amount, and without hesitation, pressed confirm.


    A moment later, his screen flashed:


    [Transaction Successful.]


    He turned his phone toward the administrator. "It''s done."


    Her computer beeped, and after a few keystrokes, she straightened in her chair. "Payment confirmed."


    The doctor stood, his expression more serious now. "You''ve just given her the best possible chance, Mr. Grey. Thank you."


    Ethan simply nodded. "Make sure she gets the best."


    With that, he stood and walked out.


    Ethan stepped out of the administration office with a smile. He had done what needed to be done.


    As he walked through the sterile white halls, his footsteps echoed in the silence, but he didn''t turn toward Riley''s mother''s room. This wasn''t his moment.


    The family needed time together ¡ª time to process what was happening, time to hope. He had given them a chance, and that was enough for now.


    With a sigh, he stepped out of the hospital doors, the fresh city air greeting him with a mix of car exhaust and the distant scent of coffee from a nearby stand.


    He rolled his shoulders, glancing up at the towering skyscrapers of Silicon City.


    "Well," he murmured to himself, stuffing his hands into his pockets. "I''ve got time to kill."


    A yellow taxi pulled up near the curb, and Ethan raised a hand to hail it.


    The driver, a middle-aged man with sunglasses and a thick mustache, leaned out the window.


    "Where to?"


    Ethan smirked. "Surprise me."


    The driver chuckled. "A tourist, huh?"


    "Something like that," Ethan replied as he slid into the backseat.


    The taxi peeled away from the hospital, merging into the bustling traffic of Silicon City.


    From the window, Ethan watched as the world outside moved like a well-oiled machine ¡ª businessmen rushing down sidewalks, street vendors calling out to customers, massive billboards flashing advertisements for the latest tech gadgets.


    This place was alive in a way Greyport wasn''t.


    It was bigger, bolder, and made him wonder what it was like to expand here ¨C well that was when he was done with the Casino.


    While Ethan disappeared into the heartbeat of the city, Riley sat by her mother''s bedside, her fingers curled tightly around her hand.


    Her father stood at the foot of the bed, his jaw tense, while Oliver leaned against the wall, arms crossed, lost in thought.


    Every second felt like an eternity.


    The rhythmic beeping of the machines filled the silence as Riley''s mother remained unconscious, her breathing shallow.


    Then the door opened.


    Riley snapped her head up as the doctor entered, clipboard in hand, an unreadable expression on his face.


    The tension in the room thickened instantly.


    "Miss Riley. Mr. Robert. Oliver." The doctor nodded to each of them before clearing his throat. "I have some updates."


    Her father straightened, his fingers clenching slightly. "Go on."


    The doctor flipped through his notes, then met their gazes. "Mr. Grey has officially covered the full cost of the operation."


    Silence.


    Riley''s grip on her mother''s hand tightened as tears welled in her eyes. She had heard him say he would do it, but some part of her hadn''t been able to believe it until now.


    Her father looked down, exhaling a long, shaky breath.


    Oliver rubbed his temples, still trying to process the sheer weight of the amount Ethan had just handed over without a second thought.


    "What does this mean?" Riley whispered.


    The doctor softened. "It means we can begin prioritizing her treatment immediately. We''ve already arranged for her transfer to our best surgical team, and preparations are being made to move her to the operating room."


    Riley swallowed the lump in her throat. "How soon?"


    "Within the next hour," the doctor confirmed. "Everything is moving quickly now. She''s been placed at the top of the transplant list, and we''ve already identified a viable donor. The surgery will be long and complex, but this gives her the best possible chance."

 Chapter 211: Silicon City (VI)

    Riley''s father let out a breath he didn''t realize he''d been holding. "Thank you," he said, voice thick with emotion.


    The doctor gave a small nod before stepping out to make further arrangements.


    Riley wiped at her eyes, looking toward the door as if expecting Ethan to walk in at any moment. But he didn''t.


    Of course he didn''t.


    Maybe he wanted them to have time... but she was grateful for it, she didn''t want him to see her in this sorrowful state, with tears streaking down her eyes and snot coming out of her nose. She turned back to her mother.


    ...


    The doors to the hospital room swung open shortly after, and a team of doctors and nurses entered, their movements precise and practiced.


    Without wasting a second, they began preparing to transport Riley''s mother to the operating room.


    The quiet hum of machines filled the space as they carefully unhooked and adjusted equipment, checking her vitals one last time before the move.


    Riley stood by the bedside, her hands clasped tightly together, watching as her mother was lifted onto the stretcher.


    The IV lines and tubes attached to her made it all the more terrifying. She looked so fragile, so breakable, it seemed she would break at any moment.


    Her father swallowed hard, his usual stern expression masking the deep worry in his eyes.


    Oliver stood rigid, his jaw clenched, hands shoved into his pockets as if trying to keep them from shaking.


    None of them spoke. There was nothing to say.


    As the doctors pushed the stretcher forward, Riley followed, her legs moving on instinct.


    Her father and Oliver walked beside her, the three of them a silent force trailing behind the medical team, the medical team was calm, they had done this too many times before and that was what made Riley calmer.


    The hallways felt endless.


    The cold fluorescent lights reflected off the sterile white walls, casting a clinical glow over everything.


    With every step, they passed more and more patients ¡ª people in wheelchairs, people clutching their chests, people whose faces were pale and hollow, everybody was in a different situation.


    They might not have pulmonary fibrosis like her mother but still, there were people with different conditions ¨C the Hospital was just that big.


    And then they saw him.


    A man on a stretcher, barely breathing. Blood soaked through the sheets covering him, pooling around a bullet wound in his chest.


    His face was contorted in pain, his breaths shallow and ragged.


    A nurse shouted for a trauma team, and more staff rushed in, wheeling him past them at full speed.


    Oliver shut his eyes for a moment, his face tightening. Riley turned her head away, unable to bear the sight.


    Death was everywhere in this place.


    It reeked in the air, seeped into their noses and made the hospital even more scary.


    It made her mother''s situation all the more real.


    They reached the doors of the operating room, where a few more doctors were already waiting.


    One of them ¡ª a woman in her forties with sharp eyes and a calm demeanor ¡ª approached them.


    "We''re taking her in now," she said gently. "The transplant preparations are underway, and we''ll be stabilizing her before the procedure. It will take time, but we''re optimistic."


    Her father gave a stiff nod, as if afraid that speaking would break him.


    Riley, however, found her voice. "Can we stay? Can we wait here?"


    The doctor offered a small, understanding smile. "It''s going to be a long surgery. I suggest you all go home and rest."


    Riley wanted to argue, wanted to insist that she couldn''t possibly sleep while her mother was on an operating table, but Oliver placed a hand on her shoulder.


    "She''s right," he murmured. "We''re no help standing around."


    She looked between him and her father, then back at the doctor, her heart sinking.


    "Will you call us the second there''s news?" she asked.


    "Of course."


    Riley turned her eyes to her mother one last time as they wheeled her through the doors.


    Then they were left standing in the empty hallway, the only sound the steady beep of machines from nearby rooms.


    Stepping outside the hospital doors felt like surfacing from deep underwater.


    The crisp late afternoon air wrapped around them, a stark contrast to the sterile, artificial atmosphere they had just left behind.


    For a brief moment, Riley inhaled deeply, trying to rid her lungs of the lingering scent of antiseptic and sickness.


    The hospital parking lot was dimly lit, with only a few streetlights flickering in the distance.


    Even though it was well past rush hour, the hospital''s emergency entrance remained busy.


    A couple of ambulances were parked near the entrance, their back doors wide open as paramedics hurried to unload new patients.


    As the family walked toward their car, another stretcher was being wheeled in, a man groaning in pain, his body twisted unnaturally.


    Riley glanced away quickly, but the image was already burned into her mind.


    This place never rested.


    That was how hospitals were, she could only wonder what it was like working in this place.


    Her father, Robert, walked ahead with slow, heavy steps, his shoulders hunched in a way that made him look older than he was.


    He reached his car, a modest dark blue sedan, and unlocked it without a word.


    Oliver got in first, sliding into the passenger seat. Riley hesitated, still holding her phone in her hand.


    She had tried calling Ethan twice, but each time, the call didn''t go through.


    She frowned, her thumb hovering over the redial button.


    Maybe he was busy.


    She wasn''t sure why, but it unsettled her.


    He had just up and disappeared after paying for everything.


    Had he gone back home? Was he just giving them space? It was getting weird.


    She bit her lip, staring at her phone screen before sighing and slipping into the back seat.


    Robert started the engine, and the low hum of the car filled the quiet.


    No one spoke as he pulled out of the parking lot and onto the main road.


    ...


    Ethan leaned back in the cab''s seat, eyes roaming the cityscape as the taxi weaved through the bustling streets.


    This was his first time in Silicon City, and even though he had heard about it, nothing could have prepared him for the sheer size and energy of the place.


    If he thought driving from the subway to the hospital made this place big then he was immensely wrong, Silicon was even bigger than that.


    Neon signs flashed against the glass buildings, and the sidewalks were packed with people, some walking briskly in business attire while others laughed over street food at stalls.


    The cab driver, an older man with graying hair and a thick accent, glanced at Ethan through the rearview mirror.


    "First time in Silicon City?"


    He wanted to say no like he did with the first Taxi but rather he admitted the truth.


    Ethan nodded, still taking everything in. "Yeah. Heard a lot about it, but seeing it in person is different."


    The driver chuckled. "That it is. This place never sleeps. You could spend a whole year here and still not see everything."


    Ethan smirked. "Guess I better make the most of it, then."


    The driver hummed in agreement and made a sharp turn onto a wider road, where even more towering buildings lined the horizon.


    "You know, since you''re new here, I can show you around a bit. For a little extra, of course."


    Ethan pulled out his wallet without hesitation. "Fair deal."


    He handed the man some bills, and the driver grinned.


    "When there''s money involved, one would do anything," the driver muttered with amusement as he pocketed the cash.


    And Ethan agreed, Money was one of the most important things in this world.


    The taxi slowed as they reached a large, open plaza, a rare stretch of space amidst the tightly packed city.


    In the center stood a tall statue, its bronze surface reflecting the glow of the surrounding streetlights.


    The driver turned off the engine and gestured for Ethan to step out.


    "Come on, kid. You oughta see this up close."


    Ethan hesitated for a moment before stepping out of the cab.


    The driver walked ahead of him and pointed at the statue.


    "This right here is Arthur Silicon, strange name but it''s important ¡ª the guy who built Silicon City from the ground up. Back then, this place was just another small town, but he had a vision. Turned it into what you see today."


    Ethan tilted his head, examining the finely sculpted details of the man cast in bronze.


    "Must''ve taken a lot to build all this."


    The driver scoffed. "You bet. This city ain''t just about money; it''s about ambition. You got that, you can make it here. Without it? This place''ll eat you alive."


    Ethan listened, his gaze drifting from the statue to the skyline above.


    He could see it now ¡ª the way opportunity pulsed through this city, the way the lights never truly went out.


    It was different from Greyport, where things moved at a steadier pace. Here, everything felt... limitless.

 Chapter 212: Silicon City (VII)

    The tour continued, with the taxi weaving through the veins of Silicon City like a lifeline, carrying Ethan deeper into its core.


    The driver, whose name Ethan had learned was Marvin, turned out to be more than just a taxi driver ¡ª he was a storyteller.


    Every street had a history, every towering skyscraper had a tale, and Marvin was more than happy to share them.


    "Now, this here is the business district," Marvin said as they came to a crawl in traffic. "Biggest companies in the country got their headquarters here. See that building? That''s Solaris Tech, one of the leaders in AI development. And over there? That''s where Titan Investments does its thing, one of the biggest real estate firms in the country."


    Ethan glanced out the window. Everything looked so pristine, like the entire district had been polished just this morning.


    The streets were filled with men and women in sleek suits, some on their phones, others hurrying between buildings with a sense of urgency.


    Even the coffee shops and cafe?s here had a refined air about them, with high-end brands glowing above their doors.


    "Damn," Ethan muttered. "This place feels... different from the other places."


    Marvin chuckled. "Yeah, it''s got that effect. You either belong here, or you don''t. And trust me, the people here can tell in a second which one you are."


    Ethan wasn''t so sure about that. He had money, sure, but he wasn''t walking around with designer labels or flashing expensive watches like the people he saw.


    Still, he couldn''t shake the feeling that he could fit in if he wanted to. Maybe even thrive.


    Suddenly, the taxi came to a stop, the honking of impatient drivers filling the air.


    Marvin sighed and tapped his fingers on the wheel. "Looks like we''re in a bit of a hold-up."


    Ethan looked around, seeing cars stretching down the avenue. It wasn''t an accident ¡ª just pure congestion.


    People moved between lanes like jaywalkers darting across the street despite the risk.


    "This happen a lot?" Ethan asked.


    "All the time," Marvin replied. "This city never stops, and that means traffic never does either. You got places to be, you gotta plan ahead. But hey, gives you more time to take in the sights."


    Ethan did just that, watching how the city operated from the inside.


    He saw businessmen adjusting their ties in the reflection of their car windows, food couriers maneuvering through the mess with alarming skill, and even street performers trying to entertain pedestrians stuck at crosswalks.


    It was a chaotic symphony of movement, and yet, it worked.


    After what felt like forever, the traffic started moving again, and Marvin took a different route, cutting through less crowded streets until they finally reached a new part of town.


    "Alright, kid," Marvin said, pulling up in front of a high-class restaurant.


    The building was sleek, modern, and oozing with elegance. Through the glass windows, Ethan could see well-dressed patrons dining under golden chandeliers, their meals plated like works of art.


    "This where you drop me off?" Ethan asked, raising an eyebrow.


    Marvin smirked. "You said you wanted to see what Silicon City has to offer, right? Well, here''s a taste of the good life. Besides, you look like you could use a decent meal after all that sightseeing."


    Ethan sighed, but there was amusement in his eyes. "Fine. How much do I owe you?"


    Marvin waved him off. "You already paid me more than enough. Consider this a part of the tour package."


    Ethan chuckled and stepped out of the cab, stretching his legs. He turned back to Marvin. "Thanks for the ride, old man."


    Marvin snorted. "Old man? I''m fifty, not ancient. Enjoy your lunch, kid."


    With that, the taxi pulled away, disappearing into the stream of traffic, leaving Ethan standing in front of the restaurant.


    He glanced at the entrance, straightened his jacket, and stepped inside.


    It was time to see if the food here was as good as the city itself.


    ...


    As Ethan stepped inside the restaurant, the difference was... well he couldn''t describe it.


    This wasn''t some standard diner or a casual eatery ¡ª this was a high-class establishment, designed to cater to those who expected nothing less than perfection.


    The lighting was soft but elegant, casting a golden glow over the carefully arranged tables.


    The air smelled of fine wine, aged wood, and perfectly seared meat.


    Conversations were hushed, filled with the refined tones of business professionals, well-dressed couples, and those who simply belonged in places like this.


    His sharp eyes took in the details ¡ª the marble floors polished so well they reflected the chandeliers, the neatly dressed waitstaff moving with precision, and the way each plate that left the kitchen looked like something out of a gourmet magazine.


    It reminded him of his own VIP restaurant back at the resort, except here, it wasn''t exclusive to celebrities or ultra-rich individuals.


    This was a place where even the city people could dine alongside successful entrepreneurs, high-ranking executives, and those with enough money to afford this lifestyle.


    He wondered just how much someone would have to invest in a business to reach this level. The thought lingered in his mind.


    Was it worth it? The people here clearly had a taste for the finer things, but was it profitable enough to justify the expenses?


    He found an empty table near the corner, one that offered him a good view of the restaurant but was also somewhat private.


    As he pulled out the chair and sat down, a waiter approached almost instantly, dressed in a crisp black vest and white button-up shirt.


    The man''s professional demeanor barely flickered as he noticed Ethan''s casual attire, but Ethan could tell the waiter had assessed him in a single glance, likely determining whether he belonged or not.


    "Good afternoon, sir," the waiter greeted smoothly. "Would you like something to drink while you decide on your meal?"


    Ethan exhaled slowly and pulled his hoodie over his head.


    He didn''t want unnecessary attention. If people in Silicon City recognized him as the Ethan Grey, things could get complicated. He wasn''t in the mood for that.


    "Just water for now," he replied, his voice casual but firm.


    The waiter nodded professionally. "Still or sparkling?"


    "Still," Ethan answered. He was never a fan of the fizzy nonsense.


    The waiter placed a sleek, leather-bound menu in front of him before walking off, his movements efficient and practiced.


    Ethan leaned back in his chair and took a glance around.


    People were engaged in quiet conversations, some discussing business deals over wine, others simply enjoying expensive meals with their company.


    It was a different world from the subway ride he had taken just an hour ago. The contrast between the two environments was almost laughable.


    He had gone from moving through a crowded, chaotic train station to this ¡ª where wealth whispered instead of shouted, and luxury was displayed in the subtlest ways.


    His gaze fell to the menu, and as he flipped it open, he nearly raised a brow at the prices.


    "$120 for a steak?" he muttered under his breath.


    He wasn''t exactly shocked ¡ª he had been to places that charged more ¡ª but seeing it here, in a restaurant where regular people dined, made him realize just how different Silicon City was from Greyport.


    In Greyport, luxury was confined to select areas, limited to high-end locations.


    But here, it was woven into the very fabric of the city.


    The menu itself was filled with all kinds of gourmet dishes ¡ª truffle-infused pasta, dry-aged steaks, seafood caught fresh that morning, and desserts that looked almost too artistic to eat.


    He skimmed through the options before deciding on something simple but filling.


    The waiter returned with his water, setting it down with a practiced grace. "Have you decided on your order, sir?"


    "Yeah," Ethan said, closing the menu and handing it back. "I''ll take the filet mignon, medium rare. And add a side of mashed potatoes."


    "Excellent choice," the waiter said with a small nod. "Would you like to pair it with one of our recommended wines?"


    Ethan thought about it for a second before shaking his head. "No wine. Just the meal."


    "Understood. Your order will be out shortly."


    With that, the waiter disappeared into the kitchen, leaving Ethan alone with his thoughts.


    He wondered how Riley and her family were doing, he would check in when he was done here. But for now, checking out the city came first.


    A faint clinking sound pulled him out of his thoughts, and he looked up to see the waiter approaching with his meal.


    The plate was set in front of him with precision, and Ethan took in the sight of the perfectly seared filet mignon, the smooth, creamy mashed potatoes on the side, garnished elegantly.


    "Enjoy your meal, sir," the waiter said before stepping away.


    Ethan picked up his knife and fork, cutting into the steak.


    The first bite was tender, rich, and perfectly cooked ¡ª exactly what he had expected from a place like this.

 Chapter 213 213: Natalie Wren

    Ethan continued eating, taking slow bites of his filet mignon and savoring the taste.


    He had to admit ¡ª the food was incredible.


    The steak was tender, cooked to perfection, and seasoned just right, while the mashed potatoes were smooth and buttery.


    It was the kind of meal that reminded him why people were willing to pay so much for fine dining.


    Around him, the quiet hum of conversation filled the air. Unlike the usual loud chatter of casual restaurants, this place had a certain etiquette.


    Everyone was focused on their own affairs, engaged in business talks or simply enjoying their meals. Nobody interrupted the other.


    There were no rowdy customers or unnecessary distractions ¡ª just the soft clinking of utensils, the occasional sip of wine, and the murmuring of voices.


    The air conditioning was cool but not overwhelming, providing the perfect atmosphere for a relaxed meal.


    Ethan noticed surprisingly that there were younger individuals too, not just the rich successful older men.


    Some high school or college students were scattered around, sitting with laptops open, typing away as they sipped on overpriced coffee.


    "Probably working on assignments or projects," Ethan thought. He could see why they would come here.


    The ambiance, the free Wi-Fi, the quiet ¡ª it was the perfect place to focus.


    Everything seemed too perfect.


    And then, just as he was about to take another bite, someone pulled out the chair across from him and sat down.


    Ethan''s grip on his fork tightened slightly, his instincts kicking in before his brain could process what was happening.


    He lifted his gaze, meeting the eyes of a woman who had settled comfortably in the seat across from him.


    She wasn''t someone he recognized, but the confidence in the way she sat down, the way she leaned slightly forward with a small, knowing smile ¡ª it was as if she had been planning this.


    "How are you doing?" she asked, her voice smooth, casual, yet carrying an undertone of curiosity.


    Ethan didn''t answer immediately. Instead, he studied her.


    She was in her mid-to-late twenties, with shoulder-length chestnut brown hair styled in loose waves.


    Her eyes were a striking shade of green, sharp and observant, like she was always analyzing everything around her.


    She was dressed in a dark red blouse that fit snugly against her frame, paired with tailored black slacks. Expensive-looking earrings dangled from her ears, subtle yet elegant.


    She looked like someone who belonged in Silicon City ¡ª someone who was used to getting what she wanted.


    Ethan sighed internally. He had been enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, and now, this.


    He set down his knife and fork, wiping the corners of his mouth with the linen napkin before finally responding.


    "I''m fine," he said simply. "And you?"


    The woman smirked slightly, as if amused by his short reply.


    "I''m doing quite well," she replied, resting her chin on her palm. "Though I have to say, it''s not often you see someone like you eating alone in a place like this."


    Ethan arched a brow. "Someone like me?"


    She tilted her head slightly. "Young. Dressed in a hoodie. Sitting in a high-end restaurant, eating filet mignon like it''s just another Tuesday."


    Ethan could see where this was going. She was trying to figure him out.


    "I''m just passing through," he said, deciding to keep things vague.


    "Passing through, huh?"


    She tapped a manicured finger against the table, her expression thoughtful.


    "That''s interesting. Most people who come to a restaurant like this either live in Silicon City or have some kind of business here. But you... you don''t seem like the typical businessman."


    Ethan exhaled quietly. He didn''t owe her an explanation, but something about the way she spoke made him feel like she was used to getting answers from people.


    Instead of responding directly, he leaned back in his chair slightly. "You always sit at random people''s tables and interrogate them while they''re eating?"


    She laughed at that, the sound light but full of amusement. "Only when they seem interesting."


    Ethan wasn''t sure whether to be flattered or annoyed.


    "Alright," he said, humoring her. "Since you''re so curious, why don''t you tell me who you are first?"


    She smiled. "Fair enough. My name is Natalie. Natalie Wren."


    The name didn''t ring any bells, but something about the way she said it ¡ª like she expected him to recognize it ¡ª made Ethan think she was someone important.


    "Nice to meet you, Natalie," he said neutrally. "I''m Ethan."


    "No last name?" she asked, her green eyes twinkling with intrigue.


    He smirked slightly. "Just Ethan."


    Natalie studied him for a moment before nodding. "Mysterious. I like it."


    zHe wasn''t sure what she wanted from him, but he also wasn''t in the mood to play along.


    "So, Natalie," he said, picking up his glass of water and taking a sip. "What exactly do you want?"


    Natalie leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. "I just wanted to talk. You see, I have a habit of noticing people, and you stood out."


    "Because of the hoodie?"


    She chuckled. "Because you don''t fit in here. And yet, you''re completely comfortable. That tells me you''re either rich enough to not care, or confident enough that you don''t need to prove anything to anyone."


    Ethan didn''t respond to that.


    Natalie took his silence as confirmation. "So, which is it?"


    Ethan glanced at his plate, then back at her. "Why do you care?"


    Natalie smirked. "Curiosity. And maybe a bit of professional interest."


    Now that caught his attention. "Professional interest?"


    She tapped her fingers against the table again. "Let''s just say I deal with people who have potential. And I have a good eye for spotting interesting opportunities."


    Ethan narrowed his eyes slightly. "Are you trying to recruit me for something?"


    Natalie laughed. "Not necessarily. But I am wondering what you''re doing in Silicon City. A guy like you doesn''t just pass through without a reason."


    Ethan exhaled slowly. He hadn''t planned on drawing attention, and yet, somehow, he had.


    Maybe it was just bad luck.

 Chapter 214: Spoiled Brat

    Ethan focused on his meal, savoring the well-seasoned dish in front of him.


    But of course, there had to be an exception.


    Natalie Wren sat across from him, casually sliding in the seat as if they were old friends.


    "I have to say, why pick this specific restaurant?" Natalie mused, propping her chin on one hand. "Are you here for business, or just sightseeing?"


    Ethan kept his expression neutral, offering nothing in response.


    He wasn''t in the mood for idle chatter, and he especially wasn''t in the mood to entertain someone who had forced themselves into his space.


    Instead, he glanced at his plate and continued eating at his own pace, hoping she''d take the hint.


    But she didn''t.


    Natalie leaned forward slightly, clearly not deterred by his silence. "You know, most people would kill to have a conversation with me. You''re acting like I don''t exist."


    Ethan sighed inwardly. She was persistent.


    "Waiter," he called, ignoring her entirely.


    A staff member approached promptly, polite and efficient. "The check, please."


    Natalie blinked at him in disbelief. "Oh, come on. You''re really just going to ignore me?"


    Ethan finally glanced up, meeting her gaze with an impassive stare.


    "Yes," he said simply.


    Her eyes widened, as if no one had ever dared to dismiss her so blatantly before.


    For a second, she looked genuinely taken aback.


    Ethan, on the other hand, remained unbothered.


    As soon as the waiter returned, he handed over the cash without hesitation.


    He had enjoyed his meal, but he wasn''t going to let some stranger ruin the rest of his day.


    Natalie, however, wasn''t done.


    As he pushed back his chair and stood up, she waved a hand in front of his face, attempting to regain his attention.


    "Are you seriously not even going to ask who I am?" she asked, a bit of frustration creeping into her voice.


    Ethan stopped and looked at her, this time with a slight tilt of his head.


    Then, with the same level of disinterest, he said, "No."


    Natalie huffed. "Do you even know who I am?"


    Ethan secured the hoodie with his hands, slipping it further over his head before giving her a sideways glance. "Don''t care."


    He turned away, leaving her sitting there with an incredulous look on her face.


    As he stepped outside, the fresh air hit him, and he immediately felt lighter, freed from whatever weird energy she had been trying to impose on him.


    Raising a hand, he hailed a taxi. A cab pulled up almost instantly, and just as he reached for the door handle, he heard quick footsteps behind him.


    "Hey, wait a second ¡ª " Natalie called, following him out.


    Ethan gave the driver a nod before looking back at her one last time. "Seriously?"


    She crossed her arms, exuding an air of annoyance. "You''re the first person to ever brush me off like that."


    Ethan smirked, the corner of his lips lifting ever so slightly. "Then maybe you should take the hint."


    Without another word, he slid into the backseat of the taxi and closed the door behind him.


    The driver, having witnessed the whole exchange, chuckled before pulling away from the curb.


    "You must be new around here," the man finally said, breaking the silence.


    His voice carried a certain casual confidence, the kind that came with knowing a city inside and out.


    Ethan smirked slightly, not bothering to deny it. "Yeah. First time in Silicon City."


    The driver nodded as if that much was obvious. "Figured as much. Most folks who''ve been here a while know better than to mess with the Wrens."


    Ethan''s brow furrowed slightly, but he kept his expression neutral. "Wrens?"


    The driver let out a low whistle. "Boy, you really are new."


    There was a brief pause before he continued, his voice taking on the tone of someone about to tell a story they''d repeated many times before.


    "The Wren family is one of the most influential families in this city. Old money, powerful connections, and enough businesses under their belt to make or break just about anyone who tries to make a name for themselves here."


    He chuckled dryly. "Hell, if you''re running a business in this city, chances are you''re either working with them or trying not to get in their way."


    Ethan listened carefully, though outwardly he remained indifferent.


    He wasn''t the type to be easily intimidated, but it was always good to know the lay of the land.


    The driver tapped the wheel thoughtfully. "That girl you just brushed off? That was Natalie Wren ¡ª her family''s golden girl. She''s got the kind of influence that can turn someone''s life upside down if she wants to. Never been ignored before, far as I know. Most people trip over themselves trying to get on her good side."


    Ethan sighed, rubbing his temple. "Great. And here I thought I was just dealing with a regular spoiled rich girl."


    The driver chuckled. "Oh, she''s spoiled, alright. But she''s got weight behind her name. If you were from a wealthy or well-connected family in this city, she could pull strings to make things very difficult for you. If you owned a business? She could make sure your reputation went down the drain overnight."


    Ethan glanced out the window, watching the city blur past. "That so?"


    His tone was calm, as if the idea of someone trying to sabotage him was just another minor inconvenience.


    The driver nodded, seeming to pick up on Ethan''s lack of concern. "You don''t seem too worried."


    "I''m not," Ethan replied simply.


    He wasn''t the type to let anyone dictate how he lived his life. He had built his success with his own hands, without needing to beg or step on others.


    If Natalie thought she could ruin him just because he didn''t entertain her, then she would be in for a surprise.


    Still, it was worth keeping in mind. Powerful people didn''t like being slighted, and rich brats who were used to getting their way were even worse.


    Ethan had no intention of stirring up unnecessary trouble, but he also wasn''t going to start groveling just because someone''s last name carried weight.


    The driver gave him another glance in the mirror, a small smirk playing at his lips. "You got guts, kid. Most folks would be sweating bullets after hearing that."


    Ethan smirked right back. "Good thing I''m not most folks."


    The driver let out a laugh. "Fair enough. Just don''t say I didn''t warn you."

 Chapter 215 215: Gratification Comes In Many Ways (I)

    Ethan sat on the edge of the plush hotel bed, his phone still in his hand after sending the text.


    The city lights outside the large window painted the room in a dim glow, their neon reflections flickering across the sleek, modern decor.


    The hotel was high-end, but not overly extravagant ¡ª just enough to provide the comfort and privacy he needed for the night.


    He had no intention of staying at Riley''s parents'' place, no matter how grateful they were. It wasn''t about them, really.


    He just wasn''t the type to settle into someone else''s home, not when there were too many unspoken expectations, too many polite formalities to navigate. They needed space, and so did he.


    A knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts. He turned his head, already knowing who it was.


    "Come in," he called, slipping his phone onto the nightstand.


    The door pushed open, and Riley stepped inside, slightly out of breath, her cheeks flushed.


    She leaned against the door for a second before pushing it closed behind her, exhaling deeply.


    "You ran here?" Ethan asked, raising an eyebrow.


    Riley nodded, still catching her breath. "I ¡ª yeah. I didn''t want to wait for a cab."


    She wiped the light sheen of sweat from her forehead and shot him a small grin. "I figured it''d be faster."


    Ethan sighed, shaking his head. "At least you''re energetic."


    She rolled her eyes but didn''t argue.


    Instead, she scanned the hotel room. It was spacious, with a king-sized bed, a small seating area near the window, and a sleek, marble-accented bathroom visible through a slightly ajar door.


    "You really went all out, huh?" she teased, walking further into the room.


    Ethan leaned back on his hands, smirking slightly. "It''s just for the night. Figured I''d get something decent instead of a shoebox."


    Riley hummed in approval, then stretched her arms over her head. "Okay, I''m jumping in the shower. I probably look like a mess right now."


    Without waiting for a response, she made her way to the bathroom, her fingers tugging at the hem of her shirt as she walked.


    Ethan watched as she disappeared inside, the door clicking shut behind her.


    The faint sound of running water soon filled the room, creating a soft, ambient backdrop to the quiet.


    Ethan ran a hand through his hair and exhaled, finally allowing himself to fully relax.


    It had been a long day. Between paying for the surgery, navigating the city, and dealing with that Wren girl''s entitled attitude, he hadn''t had much time to just sit and breathe.


    Leaning back against the headboard, he glanced at his phone.


    A few unread messages blinked on the screen, most of them from Zack and Melissa, probably checking in on the resort.


    He''d deal with those later. For now, he just wanted a moment of peace.


    His eyes drifted to the window, where the city stretched out beneath him.


    Part of him still thought about expanding his business here, but after everything he''d heard about the Wren family, he wasn''t so sure.


    If people like them controlled the market, he''d have to be careful about how he moved.


    Especially if that girl recognized him.


    The bathroom door clicked open, and steam spilled out into the cooler air of the room. Riley stepped out, towel wrapped around her body, her damp hair sticking to her skin.


    She looked refreshed, though her eyes held the telltale signs of exhaustion.


    "You better have extra clothes or something," Ethan commented, amused.


    Riley smirked, walking over to her bag. "I''m not an idiot. I brought some."


    She rummaged through her things, pulling out an oversized T-shirt and a pair of shorts before disappearing back into the bathroom.


    When she emerged again, dressed and drying her hair with a smaller towel, she plopped onto the bed beside Ethan.


    "Today was a lot," she admitted, her voice softer than usual.


    Ethan nodded. "Yeah."


    They sat there in silence for a moment, the weight of the day settling in. Riley let out a small sigh and leaned back against the pillows.


    "Thank you," she said, turning her head to look at him.


    "For what?"


    "For everything. For paying for my mom''s surgery. For being here." Her voice was steady, but it was shaky as well.


    "I don''t think I''ve really processed it yet, but... I just ¡ª thank you."


    Ethan didn''t say anything right away. He simply nodded, accepting her gratitude without making a big deal out of it.


    He hadn''t done it for thanks.


    He''d done it because he knew what it felt like to be powerless in the face of sickness, to watch someone you love suffer and not have the means to help.


    If he could spare Riley from that pain, then that was enough for him.


    "You should sleep," he said instead, nodding toward her. "Tomorrow''s probably gonna be just as hectic."


    Riley smiled faintly. "Yeah. I guess so."


    Riley''s heart pounded in her chest, each beat loud in the quiet room.


    She was alone with Ethan again ¡ª just like the other times this week ¡ª but this time, it wasn''t just a day after work.


    The dim lighting cast long shadows across the hotel room, and the only sound was the occasional hum of cars passing outside.


    Ethan lay beside her, his arm draped lazily over her back.


    It wasn''t an intentional embrace, just something that had happened naturally, but Riley could feel the warmth of it seeping into her skin.


    It sent an involuntary shudder down her spine, and she squeezed her eyes shut, willing herself to relax.


    "You''re not sleeping, are you?" Ethan''s deep voice cut through the silence, low and calm.


    Riley groaned softly, not wanting to answer. If she spoke, she feared she might say something she shouldn''t.


    Ethan shifted slightly, the movement making her even more aware of their proximity.


    He exhaled through his nose, almost like he was amused.


    "Don''t tell me you want to repay me," he said, his voice carrying a teasing edge. "If you really want to do that, then you should focus all your might on building the casino."


    Riley finally opened her eyes, turning her head to look at him.


    The glow from the city outside illuminated his face in patches of light and shadow, making his features seem even sharper.


    She felt her throat tighten.

 Chapter 216: Gratification Comes In Many Ways (II)

    She had wanted to say something ¡ª to express the gratitude that was bubbling inside her ¡ª but his words stopped her.


    It wasn''t about owing him anything. She knew that. And yet, she wanted to repay him... if not for him, they might have lost their mother or be stuck in massive debt.


    Her eyes stung, and before she could stop them, tears welled up and threatened to spill.


    Ethan sighed when he noticed. "You''re crying again?"


    Before she could wipe them away, he reached out and gently brushed his fingers under her eyes, catching the tears before they could fall.


    His touch was light, almost careful, as if he wasn''t used to handling something fragile.


    Then, without a word, he leaned in and pressed his lips to the corners of her eyes.


    Riley froze.


    It wasn''t a passionate kiss ¡ª it wasn''t something desperate or urgent.


    It was slow, deliberate, and full of something she couldn''t quite name.


    His lips lingered for a moment before he pulled back just enough to look at her again.


    "Stop crying," he murmured.


    She let out a shaky breath.


    "Why are you like this?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.


    Ethan tilted his head slightly. "Like what?"


    Riley didn''t know how to answer.


    He was frustrating. He was infuriating. And yet, he was also the reason she felt safe tonight.


    She turned her body slightly so she was facing him more fully. His arm was still over her back, his hand resting lightly on her waist now.


    He wasn''t pulling her closer, but he wasn''t letting go either.


    "You act like you don''t care," she said finally. "Like you''re just doing things because it''s convenient for you. But you do care, don''t you?"


    Ethan''s gaze flickered, but he didn''t look away.


    "I do," he admitted after a pause.


    That simple confession sent a rush of warmth through her, and she didn''t know what to do with it.


    A silence stretched between them, heavy but not uncomfortable.


    Ethan exhaled, then shifted, rolling onto his back and staring up at the ceiling.


    "You should sleep," he muttered.


    Riley didn''t move. She watched him for a moment longer before finally sighing and turning onto her side again, facing away this time.


    "Goodnight, Ethan," she whispered.


    She felt his fingers lightly brush against her back, just once, before he pulled his arm away.


    "Goodnight, Riley."


    And with that, she slept off.


    ...


    An hour later, Ethan stirred awake at the sound of his phone buzzing on the nightstand.


    The screen lit up in the dark, casting a faint glow over the room. He squinted at the caller ID ¡ª Vanessa.


    With a quiet sigh, he carefully slipped out of bed, mindful not to disturb Riley, who was curled up under the covers.


    She let out a soft breath but didn''t stir.


    Ethan grabbed the phone and answered the video call, groaning slightly as he stretched his stiff shoulders.


    The cold air from the air conditioner made him shiver, so he grabbed the white full-body coat that came with the hotel room and slipped it on.


    Then, without turning on any lights, he walked toward the balcony, sliding open the glass door before stepping outside.


    The city stretched below him, a sea of glowing lights and distant noise. He pulled the balcony door shut behind him to block out any sound from inside, then finally turned his attention to the screen.


    Vanessa''s face filled his phone, her dark eyes heavy-lidded, her lips slightly parted.


    She was slouched on a couch, looking unusually disheveled. On the table in front of her, Ethan immediately spotted three open bottles of alcohol, a few of them nearly empty.


    His brows furrowed.


    "Did Mirianne really let you drink alcohol?" he asked, exhaling tiredly.


    Vanessa blinked slowly, like it took a second for her brain to process his words.


    Then she scoffed, shaking her head. "I''m not a child, Ethan." Her voice was a little hoarse.


    Ethan clicked his tongue. "You''re barely an adult. And drunk on a video call? That''s not exactly the image of a champion racer."


    Vanessa rolled her eyes and took another sip from her glass, though her grip on it was loose.


    "Champion racer? Who cares about that?"


    Ethan frowned. This wasn''t like her.


    "What''s going on?" he asked, his voice quieter now, less teasing and more serious.


    Vanessa leaned back on the couch, staring up at the ceiling.


    Her lips pressed together for a moment before she sighed. "I don''t know. I just... I just feel like everything is slipping away."


    Ethan didn''t respond immediately. Instead, he let the silence stretch between them, giving her space to say what she needed.


    "Wow, so you do pick up your calls," she said flatly, it was like the tension of before had just vanished and now she had changed.


    Ethan sighed. "I always pick up my calls. What''s with the attitude?"


    Vanessa scoffed. "Oh, I don''t know, maybe because you said you were leaving for business and then completely vanished?"


    She leaned closer to the screen, her expression sharp. "When are you coming back?"


    Ethan rubbed his temple. "Vanessa, I literally just got here today."


    "Exactly!" she shot back. "You''ve been gone a whole day. Do you know how boring it is without you? Mirianne''s the only one at home, and while I appreciate her cooking, she doesn''t talk much. Do you know how lonely that is?"


    Ethan sighed, leaning against the balcony railing. "Vanessa..."


    "You could have at least told me when you''d be back. Or better yet, taken me with you," she grumbled, then frowned. "Wait. Who are you even with?"


    Ethan exhaled through his nose, shaking his head slightly.


    "I''m not with anyone," he said, his voice calm and steady. "And I''ll be back tomorrow. I''ve seen what I wanted to see, and there''s no point in staying longer."


    Vanessa''s expression shifted instantly.


    One second, she was suspicious, her lips pursed and her eyes narrowed, and the next, she was grinning ear to ear, practically bouncing in her seat.


    "Finally!" she cheered, throwing her hands up. "You took long enough! Do you know how dead this place is without you?"


    Ethan could only smirk at her reaction. It was amusing, really. Vanessa acted like he had been gone for months instead of just a day.


    "Mirianne! He''s coming back tomorrow!" she called over her shoulder, clearly excited.


    Ethan heard some rustling in the background, and then, before he knew it, Mirianne appeared in the frame, peering over Vanessa''s shoulder with her usual calm expression.


    Her hair was tied back neatly, and she looked as composed as ever.


    She gave Ethan a small, warm smile, her voice gentle as she said, "It''ll be good to have you back. We''ll be expecting you."


    Unlike Vanessa, who was practically vibrating with excitement, Mirianne''s words were simple but reassuring.


    Vanessa, meanwhile, continued rambling, "I hope you brought back something good. You better not have wasted all your time doing boring business stuff ¡ª "


    Before she could finish, Mirianne reached out and placed a hand over Vanessa''s mouth, effectively silencing her.


    "That''s enough," Mirianne said lightly, though the look she gave Vanessa held the slightest bit of amusement.


    Ethan chuckled as Vanessa flailed slightly, trying to pry Mirianne''s hand off her face.


    "Anyway, safe travels," Mirianne continued before nodding at the screen and ending the call.

 Chapter 217 217: Gratification Comes In Many Ways (III)

    Ethan sighed, tucking his phone into his pocket as he let the night wind ruffle his hair.


    It was... annoying yet amusing at the same time.


    Vanessa was just being herself, but her reactions never failed to entertain him.


    He turned away from the balcony, stepping back into the hotel room. The contrast between the crisp night air outside and the warm atmosphere inside was stark, making him realize just how comfortable the room was.


    His gaze landed on Riley, who was curled up on the bed, still deep in sleep.


    Her breathing was soft and steady, her body half-buried under the thick covers.


    A small smirk tugged at Ethan''s lips. She had been so anxious the night before, running all the way here just to see him.


    Now, she looked peaceful, almost defenseless in her sleep.


    Shaking his head slightly, he slipped into bed beside her, adjusting the blanket over himself before closing his eyes.


    ...


    The next morning, Ethan groggily blinked awake, his body still heavy with sleep.


    He let out a slow exhale, rubbing his eyes before adjusting to the morning light filtering through the hotel curtains.


    The scent of something warm and delicious wafted through the air, and he frowned slightly.


    Then, he noticed movement.


    Standing right beside the bed was Riley, a steaming tray of food in her hands.


    But what caught his attention even more was what she was wearing ¡ª or rather, what she wasn''t wearing.


    A skimpy tank top and a pair of shorts that barely reached her thighs.


    Ethan''s brow twitched, and his sleep-addled brain took a moment to process the sight before him.


    He cleared his throat. "What... are you wearing?"


    Riley blinked, then looked down at herself as if she had just remembered her outfit choice.


    A light pink dusted her cheeks, but she quickly composed herself. "I, um... I accidentally wet my other clothes in the tub when I was in the bathroom earlier. These were the only things I had left in my bag."


    Ethan stared at her for a second longer before sighing. "You could have just borrowed my shirt or something."


    "And let you see me drowning in an oversized shirt?" she teased with a grin. "No thanks."


    Ethan shook his head, deciding not to argue further.


    Instead, he sat up, stretching out his arms before glancing at the tray she was holding. "You made breakfast?"


    "Of course!" Riley beamed, stepping closer and setting the tray down on the small table beside the bed. "I figured it''s the least I could do. You''ve been spoiling me, so it''s only fair that I do something for you."


    Ethan eyed the food ¡ª a neatly arranged plate of toast, eggs, and some fruit on the side. It looked surprisingly good.


    "Not bad," he admitted.


    Riley grinned, but then, a playful glint appeared in her eyes. "Here, let me feed you."


    She picked up a fork and scooped up a piece of egg, holding it up toward him.


    Ethan''s expression flattened. "I can eat by myself."


    "But I made it," she whined, pouting as she waved the fork closer to his mouth. "Come on, Ethan, just let me do it."


    He exhaled sharply. "Riley ¡ª "


    "Please?" she dragged out the word, giving him the biggest, most exaggerated puppy eyes she could muster.


    Ethan groaned, rubbing his temple. "You''re relentless."


    "Mhm! Now, open up!*" she chirped.


    Defeated, Ethan reluctantly opened his mouth, letting Riley place the bite of food in. She watched him expectantly as he chewed, as if waiting for some kind of grand reaction.


    "It''s fine," he said after swallowing.


    "Just fine?"


    "It''s good," he corrected with a small smirk.


    Riley puffed out her chest proudly. "See? I told you I could cook better than you!"


    Ethan shook his head but didn''t protest when she continued feeding him.


    Maybe it was because she looked so happy doing it, or maybe it was because he was too tired to argue.


    Either way, he let her have this moment.


    Ethan zipped up his bag with a firm tug, tossing it over his shoulder as he glanced toward Riley. "Come on, start packing," he urged, slipping his phone into his pocket.


    Riley let out a soft groan from where she stood at the counter, stretching her arms over her head.


    "We still have time," she mumbled, rubbing her eyes.


    "No, we don''t," Ethan countered, picking up one of her shirts and tossing it toward her bag. "We need to get back. There''s work to do."


    Despite her reluctance, Riley knew he was right. She had already called her father and Oliver earlier that morning, letting them know she''d be leaving soon.


    They had been understanding, though Oliver had jokingly called her a traitor for leaving them so soon.


    She let out a sigh and stood up, gathering her things. "Fine, fine. But I''m moving at my own pace."


    Ethan didn''t respond, already focused on his own packing. As he folded a few more pieces of clothing, he ran a hand over the soft fabric of the white robe he had worn the previous night.


    He had to admit ¡ªit felt damn nice. Maybe when he got back to Greyport, he''d look into buying one for himself.


    After about fifteen minutes, they were done.


    Ethan double-checked the room to make sure they hadn''t left anything behind before grabbing his bag and leading the way out.


    Once they stepped into the hallway, Riley gave the room one last glance before closing the door behind her.


    "It was nice while it lasted," she murmured.


    Ethan shot her a side glance. "Don''t get sentimental over a hotel room."


    ...


    The taxi ride to the subway station was relatively quiet. Riley rested her head against the window, watching the towering buildings of Silicon City pass by.


    "It really is different from Greyport," she murmured.


    Ethan, who was sitting beside her, nodded slightly. "Yeah. Bigger, busier. But I don''t think I''d want to live here."


    "Why not?"


    "Too much noise. Too many people in your business." He leaned back against the seat, glancing out the window. "Greyport''s quieter. More manageable."


    Riley hummed in thought. "Yeah... I guess I get what you mean."


    The taxi eventually pulled up in front of the subway entrance, and the two of them stepped out, shouldering their bags as they made their way inside.


    The station was bustling with people, most of them either rushing to catch their train or waiting in groups.


    The smell of coffee and baked goods lingered in the air from a nearby stand, and an announcement echoed overhead, listing departure times.


    Ethan led the way to the ticket counter, pulling out his wallet.


    "Two tickets to Greyport," he said to the attendant.


    The man behind the counter nodded, typing into his computer before sliding the tickets across the counter.


    "That''ll be fifty-five," he said.


    Ethan handed over the cash without hesitation. Riley, standing beside him, crossed her arms. "You didn''t even let me pay for my own ticket."


    "Because I didn''t feel like waiting for you to dig through your purse," Ethan replied flatly, tucking the tickets into his pocket before handing one to her.


    She rolled her eyes but accepted it, following him toward the waiting area.


    As they sat down on one of the metal benches, Riley stretched her legs out, letting out a small yawn. "I feel like yesterday was too much."


    "It was," Ethan admitted, checking his watch. "But we''ll be back soon. Then you can go back to annoying me in a more familiar environment."


    "Pfft. You make it sound like you don''t enjoy my company."


    Ethan smirked. "I tolerate it."


    Riley gasped dramatically. "Rude."


    Ethan chuckled, shaking his head. As they waited for their train, he glanced around at the people walking by, their faces either tired or preoccupied.


    Something about travel always fascinated him.


    People were always on the move, going places for different reasons. Some were heading home, some were leaving for something new.


    As the train pulled into the station, a gust of wind rushed through the platform, rustling Riley''s hair as she adjusted the strap of her bag.


    Ethan, standing beside her, watched the train doors slide open with a faint hiss. People moved around them, some rushing forward to get on first, while others stepped out, eager to be on their way.


    "Come on," Ethan said, nodding toward the doors.


    They stepped inside, scanning the train car for empty seats. The train was fairly packed, filled with all sorts of people heading to Greyport.


    A few businesspeople dressed in stiff suits sat with their laptops open, typing away.


    Some high school students huddled together, chatting excitedly. A young mother struggled to keep her toddler from climbing onto the seat beside her.


    Riley nudged Ethan''s side. "Over there," she said, pointing to two empty seats near the window.


    They made their way over, squeezing past a few passengers before finally settling down. Ethan let out a small sigh as he leaned back, adjusting his bag on his lap.


    "It''s busier than I expected," Riley commented, glancing around.


    "Silicon City is huge," Ethan replied. "Lots of people going in and out."


    Before they could say anything else, the train jolted, the movement abrupt enough that Riley had to grab onto the edge of her seat.


    "Well, that was dramatic," she muttered.


    Ethan smirked slightly, but he gripped the armrest just in case.


    The train picked up speed, the vibrations of the metal tracks humming beneath them.


    The cityscape outside the window blurred as they left the station behind, the towering buildings giving way to the outskirts of Silicon City.


    For a few minutes, neither of them spoke, simply watching as the scenery changed.


    The transition from city to countryside was gradual ¡ª first, the tightly packed streets became wider, then the concrete jungle gave way to stretches of open land and clusters of trees.


    Riley let out a sigh and leaned back in her seat. "Feels weird, doesn''t it?"


    "What does?"


    "Leaving. It''s like... we were just here, and now we''re gone," she said, waving a hand vaguely toward the window. "It makes me think about how fast everything moves."


    Ethan hummed in agreement. "That''s just how life is. One minute you''re in one place, the next you''re somewhere else."


    "Deep," she teased, smirking.

 Chapter 218: Greyport City

    He rolled his eyes. "I''m just saying, people are always moving. You either keep up or get left behind."


    Riley tilted her head, considering his words. "I guess that''s true."


    The train suddenly hit a rough patch of tracks, shaking violently for a few seconds.


    A few people yelped in surprise, gripping their seats. Riley instinctively grabbed onto Ethan''s arm, eyes wide.


    "What the hell was that?" she muttered.


    "Probably just the train tracks shifting," Ethan replied, though he kept his grip on the armrest firm.


    "They should fix that," she grumbled, slowly releasing his arm.


    The train eventually steadied, but the movement remained slightly erratic.


    It wasn''t the smoothest ride Ethan had been on, but it was manageable.


    Across from them, an older man chuckled as he folded his newspaper. "First time riding this train?" he asked.


    Riley nodded. "Yeah, is it always this rough?"


    "More or less," the man replied. "It''s an old route. They patch it up here and there, but it''s never perfect. You get used to it after a while."


    "Not sure I want to get used to it," Riley muttered, making the man laugh.


    Ethan glanced out the window again, the sky above starting to shift into a golden hue as the sun began to descend.


    "How long until we get there?" Riley asked, stretching her legs.


    "Couple of hours," Ethan replied. "You should get some rest if you''re tired."


    She pouted. "Why do you always assume I''m tired?"


    "Because you were the one complaining about how rushed everything has been," he pointed out.


    Riley narrowed her eyes at him but couldn''t argue with the truth.


    "Fine," she grumbled, shifting to a more comfortable position. "Wake me up when we''re close."


    Ethan nodded, watching as she closed her eyes. He leaned back in his seat, letting the steady rhythm of the train fill the silence.


    As the train gradually slowed, the rhythmic clatter of the wheels against the tracks became softer.


    The overhead lights flickered slightly as the train pulled into Greyport''s central station.


    A muffled voice crackled over the intercom, announcing their arrival.


    Ethan glanced over at Riley, who was still dozing with her head tilted slightly to the side.


    He reached out and gently nudged her shoulder. "Hey, wake up. We''re here."


    Riley stirred with a soft groan, her eyelashes fluttering open as she blinked groggily at him. "Mmm... already?" she mumbled, rubbing her eyes.


    "Yeah. Come on," Ethan said, standing up and grabbing his bag.


    Riley stretched her arms above her head, letting out a quiet yawn before standing as well.


    The train doors slid open with a soft chime, and the passengers began filing out onto the platform.


    Stepping off the train, they were greeted by a gust of fresh air.


    The scent of the city was familiar ¡ª faint traces of coffee from a nearby cafe? mixed with the distant aroma of car exhaust.


    People hurried past them, some reuniting with family members, others simply making their way through the bustling station.


    "Ugh, I feel stiff," Riley muttered, rolling her shoulders as they walked. "I should''ve stretched before sitting that long."


    "You were too busy sleeping," Ethan teased.


    "Hey, I deserved that nap," she shot back, nudging him playfully.


    They exited the station and found themselves on the sidewalk, the streetlights casting a warm glow over the busy road ahead.


    The city felt different after being in Silicon City ¡ª smaller, maybe a bit quieter, but still filled with life.


    "Alright," Ethan said, scanning the street. "Let''s get you a taxi."


    Riley nodded, adjusting her bag as they stepped closer to the curb.


    Ethan raised a hand, hailing a nearby cab. The vehicle pulled up smoothly, and the driver rolled down the window.


    "Where to?" the driver asked.


    Riley gave him the address of her home, then turned to Ethan. "You sure you don''t need a ride too?"


    Ethan shook his head. "Nah, I''ll call my own in a bit. You get home first."


    Riley hesitated for a second before offering him a small smile. "Alright. Thanks for everything, Ethan."


    "Don''t mention it," he replied casually.


    She opened the car door and climbed inside, rolling down the window once she was settled. "Text me when you get back to your place, okay?"


    "Yeah, yeah," Ethan said, waving her off.


    She gave him one last look before the taxi pulled away, merging into traffic and disappearing down the road. Ethan let out a small sigh, running a hand through his hair.


    He was about to raise his hand to hail a taxi when the smooth hum of a familiar engine cut through the noise of the street.


    He turned his head just in time to see a sleek grey Porsche pull up in front of him.


    The tinted window rolled down, revealing Vanessa in the driver''s seat, her lips curling into a grin as she waved at him.


    "Need a ride, handsome?" she teased, her eyes glinting playfully.


    Ethan smirked, adjusting his bag over his shoulder. "How convenient. My ride just happens to be a Porsche driven by a speed demon."


    "Speed demon?" Vanessa gasped dramatically, placing a hand over her chest. "How could you? I''m a professional!"


    "Sure you are," he muttered, opening the passenger door and sliding in.


    The moment he shut the door, Vanessa leaned over and pressed her lips against his in a quick but eager kiss.


    "Welcome back," she murmured, her voice softer than before.


    Ethan hummed against her lips before pulling away slightly. "I was only gone for a little while."


    "Still too long," she shot back, eyes flickering over his face as if trying to make sure he was really there. "So? How was Silicon City?"


    Ethan leaned back in his seat, waving a hand dismissively. "It was alright. Got into a bit of trouble, though."


    Vanessa arched a brow as she started the engine. "Trouble? You? What kind of trouble?"


    "Nothing major," Ethan assured her, buckling his seatbelt. "Just some rich girl who didn''t like being ignored."


    "Ahh, so you broke a spoiled princess''s heart?" Vanessa smirked as she shifted gears. "Serves her right."


    Ethan chuckled but didn''t argue.


    As they pulled onto the main road, Ethan glanced at her. "Drive slow, will you? I''d rather not have my car scratched the moment I get back."


    Vanessa scoffed, her hands gripping the wheel tighter. "Excuse me? Do you know who you''re talking to? I''m a master racer. My driving is flawless."


    "Vanessa..." Ethan said, already sensing where this was going.


    "Don''t worry, I got this." And with that, she pressed down on the accelerator.


    The Porsche roared forward, cutting through the streets of Greyport like a bullet.


    Ethan sighed, gripping the handle on the door as Vanessa maneuvered effortlessly between cars, taking turns at speeds that made most drivers nervous.


    Pedestrians and other motorists blurred past as she expertly weaved through traffic, her confidence unwavering.


    "You enjoying yourself?" Ethan asked dryly as she took a corner a little too sharply.


    "Of course. Don''t you feel the thrill?" she shot him a sideways glance, her grin widening.


    "No, I feel my life flashing before my eyes," he deadpanned.


    "Oh, hush. You''ll live."


    Despite his complaints, Ethan had to admit ¡ª she was good. There was a level of control in her driving that made it clear she wasn''t just some reckless thrill-seeker.


    Every movement, every turn, every press of the gas was precise. This wasn''t just speed ¡ª it was skill.


    Fortunately, despite her need for speed, they made it to the mansion without so much as a scratch on the Porsche.


    Vanessa pulled into the driveway, parking with a smooth ease that almost made Ethan forget how fast they had been going.


    She turned to him with a smug expression, leaning her elbow on the steering wheel. "See? Told you I''m a master."


    Ethan let out a long breath and unbuckled his seatbelt. "Yeah, yeah. I''ll admit it ¡ª you didn''t kill us."


    "That''s all I wanted to hear," she said, winking.


    Ethan shook his head and stepped out of the car.


    The familiar sight of the mansion loomed before him, its grand structure standing tall against the evening sky. It felt... good to be back.


    No more hotel rooms, no more sterile hospital air. Just home.


    As Vanessa came around the car, Ethan stretched his arms above his head. "Alright, let''s head inside."


    Vanessa looped her arm around his and smirked. "What, no ''I missed you, Vanessa''?"


    "I figured the kiss said it all."


    "Hmph. Good answer." She tugged him forward, and together, they stepped into the mansion.


    The moment Ethan stepped into the mansion, he could tell something was different.


    The air was warm, carrying the faint scent of fresh flowers and polished wood.


    It was noticeably cleaner than he remembered ¡ª not that it was ever messy, but now it felt almost pristine.


    The floors gleamed under the soft golden glow of the chandeliers, and the maids bustled about with renewed energy.


    A few of them paused in their work as he entered, bowing politely.


    "Welcome back, sir," one of the older maids said with a warm smile.


    Ethan gave a nod in response, rolling his shoulders as he walked further inside.


    It had been a long trip, and while the hotel bed had been comfortable, there was nothing quite like being back in his own home.


    [Author''s Note:]


    [Happy New Month, Our normal updates of 3-4 chapters per day will resume tomorrow! Thanks for reading!]

 Chapter 219 219: Miriannes Cooking

    Vanessa trailed behind him, stretching her arms behind her head as she glanced around. "Wow, did someone die while you were gone? The place is spotless."


    Ethan snorted. "Maybe they just missed me."


    One of the younger maids, who had been dusting a nearby vase, turned bright red and quickly scurried away.


    Vanessa raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, I think some really did."


    Ignoring her, Ethan made his way to the kitchen.


    He didn''t need to ask where Mirianne was ¡ª if she wasn''t managing the house, she was here, ensuring the kitchen remained the heart of the mansion.


    And, as expected, the moment he stepped through the doorway, he saw her standing by the counter, rolling out some dough with practiced ease.


    The rich aroma of cooking filled the air ¡ª freshly baked bread, a simmering pot of stew, and something that smelled suspiciously like roasted chicken.


    She didn''t even look up as he approached. "Took you long enough."


    Ethan smirked and, without hesitation, leaned in and kissed her cheek. "Miss me?"


    Mirianne huffed, though her lips twitched into a smile. "No, but the pantry did. You weren''t here to eat us out of food for a whole week, and the ingredients started piling up."


    Ethan chuckled, sliding onto one of the stools in the kitchen. "Guess I have some catching up to do, then."


    Vanessa plopped down beside him, resting her elbow on the counter. "What''s for lunch, chef?"


    Mirianne finally turned to face them, her hands on her hips. "For him? Whatever I feel like making."


    She narrowed her eyes at Ethan. "And I don''t care if you stuffed yourself with hotel food before this ¡ª you are eating some home-cooked food now."


    Ethan raised his hands in surrender. "Wouldn''t dream of saying no."


    "Good," she said, before turning back to the stove.


    A few moments later, a steaming plate was set in front of him.


    The meal was simple but rich in flavor ¡ª tender roasted chicken with garlic butter, creamy mashed potatoes, and a fresh side of saute?ed vegetables.


    The warmth of the food spread through his chest as he took the first bite, and he let out a quiet hum of appreciation.


    "You''ve outdone yourself, Mirianne."


    She sniffed. "I always do."


    Vanessa, who had been sneaking bites from Ethan''s plate, gave a satisfied nod. "I second that. Honestly, I don''t know why Ethan even eats out when he has this waiting for him at home."


    Ethan smirked. "Because sometimes I like a change of scenery."


    Mirianne rolled her eyes but said nothing, instead refilling his glass with fresh juice.


    ...


    Ethan let out a long sigh as he sank into his bed, the soft mattress molding around his tired body.


    He hadn''t realized just how exhausting the trip to Silicon City had been until now. Though the luxury hotel had been comfortable, there was nothing quite like his own bed.


    The faint scent of fresh linen lingered in the air, and the distant hum of the mansion''s staff moving around was oddly soothing to his ears.


    With a groan, he reached for his phone, unlocking it with a swipe of his thumb. The screen lit up, casting a faint glow in the dimly lit room.


    He had a few missed messages ¡ª some from business contacts, a couple from Vanessa (probably teasing him about something), and one from Riley.


    [Riley: You made it home, right?]


    Ethan smiled slightly and typed back a response.


    [Ethan: Yeah, got back a little while ago. You?]


    The reply came almost instantly.


    [Riley: I''m home too. Feels weird without you around though.]


    He chuckled under his breath, shaking his head.


    He could almost hear her voice in the text.


    [Ethan: Try not to miss me too much. We have work to do tomorrow.]


    She sent back a single emoji ¡ª an eye-roll.


    He smirked before setting the phone down for a moment, rubbing the back of his neck.


    The exhaustion was settling in, but there was still one more person he wanted to talk to before he rested.


    He scrolled through his contacts and tapped on Zack''s name. The call rang a few times before a familiar, laid-back voice answered.


    "Yo, look who finally remembers I exist."


    Ethan snorted. "It hasn''t been that long."


    Zack laughed. "It''s been a week, man. A whole week. Do you know how much can happen in a week?"


    Ethan leaned back against the headboard, adjusting his pillow. "Nothing important, apparently, since the resort hasn''t burned down."


    "Yet," Zack deadpanned. "But don''t jinx it."


    Ethan smirked. "You would''ve called me if something actually happened."


    "True," Zack admitted. "But still, a heads-up before you ran off would''ve been nice. I had to deal with everything while you were off doing... whatever the hell it was you were doing."


    Ethan sighed. "Yeah, sorry about that. Things got a little complicated."


    "Oh? Do tell." Zack''s voice carried a knowing tone. "Don''t tell me you got into trouble?"


    Ethan hesitated. "...Sort of."


    Zack groaned. "Of course you did. What happened? You piss off a mafia boss or something?"


    Ethan let out a low chuckle. "No, just a spoiled rich girl who thinks the world revolves around her. Apparently, ignoring her was the biggest crime I could''ve committed."


    Zack let out a sharp laugh. "Oh man, you have got to tell me everything when you get back."


    "Yeah, yeah," Ethan said, rubbing his temple. "Speaking of which, I''ll stop by the resort later. Need to check in on things."


    "You better," Zack said. "The resort''s still standing, but don''t think that means I didn''t almost lose my mind dealing with guests, staff, and everything else."


    Ethan smirked. "I thought you wanted the resort?"


    Zack let out an exaggerated sigh. "I did. And don''t get me wrong, I still do. But damn, man, this job isn''t as easy as you make it look."


    Ethan chuckled. "Now you understand my pain."


    "Yeah, yeah," Zack grumbled. "Anyway, don''t feel too bad about ditching me. It wasn''t that bad. The work isn''t hard ¡ª it''s just a lot."


    Ethan nodded to himself.


    He had always trusted Zack to handle things in his absence, and it was good to hear that the resort had been in capable hands.


    "Well, I appreciate it," he said sincerely.


    "Damn right you do," Zack replied. "Now, go get some sleep or whatever. You sound like you''re about to pass out."


    "Yeah, yeah," Ethan muttered, already feeling his eyelids growing heavy. "See you tomorrow."


    "Later, boss," Zack said before hanging up.

 Chapter 220: Welcome Home

    Ethan barely had time to set his phone down before the bed shifted beneath him. A familiar warmth settled on top of him, pressing against his chest.


    He didn''t even need to open his eyes to know who it was.


    "Vanessa." His voice was low, laced with the exhaustion of the day.


    He cracked one eye open, finding her perched on top of him, her thighs bracketing his waist.


    She leaned forward, her arms resting on either side of his head, trapping him beneath her.


    Her wavy hair tumbled down, strands brushing against his cheek. There was a mischievous glint in her eyes, her lips curved into a knowing smirk.


    "You look tired," she mused, tilting her head.


    Ethan sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. "That''s because I am tired."


    "And yet," she whispered, lowering herself until her face was mere inches from his, "you don''t seem to be pushing me away."


    Ethan smirked. "Maybe I just missed having you around."


    Vanessa''s grin widened, her hands trailing down his chest, her fingers teasing at the fabric of his shirt. "Oh? I knew it. You did miss me."


    He let out a quiet chuckle, wrapping a hand around her waist and effortlessly pulling her closer until her body was flush against his.


    "I kind of missed your weight against my lap," he admitted, his voice lazy and teasing.


    Vanessa froze for a second, her face flushing a deep shade of red before she scoffed. "Just say you like my ass, you bastard."


    Ethan laughed, his grip tightening around her. "I do like your ass."


    She smacked his chest, but the smile never left her face. "Shut up."


    But he wasn''t done teasing her.


    He shifted slightly beneath her, pressing a little closer. "And I missed that reaction, too."


    Vanessa rolled her eyes, but she couldn''t hide the way her breathing had slightly picked up. "You''re mean."


    Before he could respond, she closed the distance between them, capturing his lips in a firm kiss.


    Ethan responded instantly, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten as he pulled her down, deepening it.


    Her hands curled into his shirt, fingers gripping the fabric as she pressed herself against him.


    She wasn''t gentle ¡ª Vanessa never was. She kissed like she had something to prove, like she wanted to consume him.


    Ethan didn''t mind.


    He let her take the lead for a moment, his hands moving up to thread through her hair.


    She tugged at his bottom lip before pulling back, her breath warm against his mouth.


    "You really shouldn''t have left me alone for a day," she murmured, her voice husky.


    Ethan smirked. "I didn''t have a choice."


    Vanessa clicked her tongue. "Excuses."


    Before he could reply, she dipped her head, pressing open-mouthed kisses down his jawline and along the column of his neck.


    He felt her teeth graze his skin, and before he could react, she bit down ¡ª not hard enough to break skin, but enough to leave a mark.


    Ethan hissed, his fingers tightening around her waist. "Vanessa ¡ª "


    She pulled back slightly, admiring her work.


    A dark hickey was already forming on his neck. She grinned in satisfaction. "There. Now everyone will know you''re mine."


    Ethan sighed. "You do know I have a business to run, right?"


    She shrugged. "And? Let them see it."


    He shook his head. "You''re unbelievable."


    Vanessa smirked, but before she could say anything else, exhaustion finally caught up with Ethan.


    He let out a low breath, his grip on her loosening. "I''m too tired for this," he muttered.


    Vanessa blinked, tilting her head. "Oh? Too tired?"


    He gave her a lazy smile. "For now."


    She huffed but didn''t argue. Instead, she shifted off him, curling up at his side, her head resting against his shoulder.


    "Fine," she mumbled. "I guess I can let you sleep."


    Ethan chuckled, pulling her closer. "How generous of you."


    She nudged him lightly but didn''t pull away.


    Vanessa stayed pressed against him, her warmth lulling him further into sleep.


    Just before he drifted off, he felt her lips press lightly against his shoulder.


    "Welcome home, Ethan."


    He smiled, his grip on her tightening just a little before sleep finally claimed him.


    ...


    ...


    Ethan groaned as he felt himself being shaken awake. His body still felt heavy with sleep, his mind sluggish as he cracked one eye open.


    The room was dimly lit, the bedside lamp casting a warm glow. Vanessa was hovering over him, her hands gripping his arm as she tried to pull him up.


    "Come on, lazy ass," she huffed. "You''ve slept enough."


    Ethan exhaled slowly, rubbing a hand over his face. "How long was I out?"


    "Couple of hours," Vanessa said, her voice impatient. "Now get up. We''re watching a movie."


    He blinked at her, still groggy. "A movie?"


    "Yes," she said, already tugging at his arm again. "You do know what that is, right?"


    Ethan sighed but didn''t resist as she dragged him out of bed.


    His muscles protested slightly, but he had to admit ¡ª being awake wasn''t the worst thing in the world, not when Vanessa was this determined.


    As they walked downstairs, the mansion felt quieter than before. The maids had begun to leave for the night, some waving at him on their way out.


    Ethan gave them a small nod in return, his mind still waking up.


    Vanessa, on the other hand, was full of energy. She guided him straight to the living room, pushing him down onto the couch before rushing off toward the kitchen.


    Ethan stretched his legs, watching as she disappeared through the doorway.


    A moment later, she returned with a large bowl in her hands.


    The scent of warm, crispy potatoes filled the air, and Ethan raised an eyebrow as she plopped down beside him, setting the bowl between them.


    "Potato chips?" he asked.


    Vanessa grinned, grabbing one and popping it into her mouth. "Mirianne made them earlier. She meant them for your evening dessert, but since she''s asleep, we''re taking them anyway."


    Ethan smirked. "So we''re stealing from the cook now?"


    Vanessa shrugged, unbothered. "If she didn''t want us to eat them, she should''ve stayed awake."


    Ethan chuckled, shaking his head as he grabbed a chip. "You thief."


    "I know." She shot him a smug look before reaching for the remote and turning on the TV.


    The screen flickered to life, casting a bluish glow across the room. She scrolled through a few options before settling on a movie.


    Ethan didn''t even pay attention to the title ¡ª he was more focused on the way Vanessa curled up beside him, one of her legs draped over his as she got comfortable.


    The opening credits rolled, and they dug into the chips, the sound of crunching filling the room.


    "What even is this?" Ethan finally asked, watching as the movie introduced a cast of characters in medieval clothing, swords clashing in the background.


    "Some fantasy film," Vanessa replied, resting her head on his shoulder. "I figured it''d be up your alley."

 Chapter 221: Who Ate My Chips?!

    Ethan smirked. "You mean because it''s about war and betrayal?"


    "Exactly," she said, grinning. "I know what you like."


    He chuckled but kept his eyes on the screen.


    As time passed, he realized, The movie wasn''t bad.


    Vanessa, however, seemed less interested in the plot and more interested in eating.


    She kept reaching for the chips, her fingers brushing against his every so often.


    At one point, Ethan grabbed a chip at the same time she did.


    They both froze.


    Vanessa slowly turned to look at him, their fingers still touching.


    Ethan raised an eyebrow. "You''re seriously going to fight me over a chip?"


    Vanessa narrowed her eyes. "I got here first."


    He smirked. "I beg to differ."


    Without warning, she yanked the chip out of his grasp and popped it into her mouth, chewing victoriously.


    Ethan stared at her, unimpressed. "Really?"


    She grinned. "Really."


    Shaking his head, he leaned back into the couch, returning his attention to the movie.


    Vanessa eventually settled down as well, though every now and then, she''d glance at him with a playful smirk, as if waiting for him to retaliate.


    As the film reached its climax, Vanessa stretched her legs out, sighing in contentment. "This is nice," she murmured.


    Ethan glanced at her. "Stealing Mirianne''s dessert and fighting over chips?"


    She snorted. "No, dumbass. Just... being here. Watching a movie. Relaxing for once."


    Ethan hummed in agreement.


    Vanessa shifted, her head still against his shoulder, and Ethan felt her breathing slow slightly.


    "Hey," he said, nudging her lightly. "You''re not falling asleep, are you?"


    She yawned, mumbling something incoherent.


    Ethan smirked. "Guess that means I get the rest of the chips, then."


    Vanessa''s eyes snapped open. "Don''t you dare."


    He chuckled but said nothing, letting her drift off again.


    The soft glow of the television flickered across the living room, casting long shadows as the movie played on.


    Ethan remained comfortably slouched on the couch, his arm draped lazily over the backrest, while Vanessa nestled against his side, her eyes growing heavy with sleep.


    A satisfied smirk played on his lips as he reached for the last chip in the bowl, lifting it toward his mouth.


    It had been a good night ¡ª relaxing, peaceful, just how he liked it.


    Then he heard it.


    A creaking sound.


    Then a soft yawn.


    And finally... a stretch followed by a long sigh.


    Ethan''s fingers froze mid-motion.


    His instincts prickled. He turned his head slightly, just in time to see Mirianne stepping out of her room, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.


    She was dressed in her usual loose nightwear, her dark hair tousled from sleep.


    She stretched once more, exhaling before she lazily padded toward the kitchen, likely intending to call them for dinner.


    That was when it happened.


    Mirianne''s gaze fell upon the counter.


    The empty counter.


    The exact spot where she had placed the bowl of freshly fried potato chips hours ago.


    Ethan swore he could hear something snap inside her brain.


    A moment of eerie silence stretched through the mansion.


    The air itself seemed to still. The soft hum of the TV was the only thing breaking the tension.


    Then ¡ª


    "WHAT THE HELL?!"


    The sound of an explosion might have been quieter.


    Vanessa jolted awake against Ethan''s chest, startled by the outburst.


    Ethan, on the other hand, simply sighed, already bracing himself.


    Footsteps.


    Furious. Stomping. Each step louder than the last.


    Ethan didn''t need to turn his head to know what was coming, but he did anyway.


    Mirianne stormed into the living room, and for a moment, Ethan swore her eyes were glowing crimson.


    Steam might as well have been rising from her ears, her rage radiating off her in waves.


    "Who ate my damn chips?" she demanded, voice sharp and accusatory.


    Vanessa, still groggy, blinked up at her in confusion. "Huh?"


    Mirianne''s narrowed eyes darted to the coffee table, where the empty bowl lay like a crime scene.


    Her gaze then locked onto Ethan, who was still holding the last chip in his fingers, halfway to his mouth.


    There was a long, dangerous pause.


    Ethan, finally sensing the full weight of the moment, slowly lowered his hand.


    Mirianne inhaled sharply through her nose. "You ¡ª "


    "¡ª technically, it was Vanessa''s idea," Ethan interjected smoothly, ever the diplomat.


    Vanessa, now fully awake, gasped in betrayal. "Oh, hell no! You ate them too, don''t you pin this on me!"


    "It was meant to be his dessert!" Mirianne nearly shrieked, pointing an accusatory finger at Vanessa. "His!"


    "Relax, woman, it''s just chips," Vanessa scoffed.


    "Just chips?!" Mirianne looked genuinely offended. "I seasoned them! I made them with love! Love, Vanessa!"


    Vanessa rolled her eyes. "It''s not like I spat on them."


    "You might as well have!"


    Ethan sighed, rubbing his temple. "Mirianne, if it makes you feel better, they were good."


    That did not make her feel better.


    If anything, it only made her seethe harder. "Of course, they were good! That''s not the point!"


    Ethan knew that no matter what he said, Mirianne was not going to let this go easily. She was a chef, after all.


    Her pride was tied to every dish she made, and the idea that they had stolen her food while she was peacefully sleeping only fueled her fury.


    Vanessa, however, had no sense of self-preservation. "C''mon, we left the crumbs for you. That''s gotta count for something, right?"


    Ethan closed his eyes briefly. She really said that.


    Mirianne''s nostrils flared. "I hope you choke on air, Vanessa."


    Ethan decided it was best to intervene before things escalated into physical violence.


    "Mirianne, I''ll make it up to you," he said smoothly, sitting forward. "Tomorrow, I''ll take you to that fancy restaurant in town. You know, the one you''ve been wanting to try."


    Mirianne''s glare didn''t waver. "You think you can bribe me?"


    "Yes," Ethan said without hesitation.


    A beat of silence.


    Mirianne narrowed her eyes. "...It better be a good meal."


    Ethan smirked. "Only the best."


    She crossed her arms but huffed, as if considering his offer.


    Vanessa, on the other hand, pouted. "Hey, why does she get a fancy meal?"


    "Because you are the one who stole my chips!" Mirianne snapped.


    Vanessa threw her hands up. "Oh my God, let it go already!"


    Mirianne shot her one final glare before flipping her hair over her shoulder and marching back toward the kitchen.


    "Dinner will be ready in fifteen minutes. And you ¡ª" she pointed at Vanessa, "¡ª you don''t get seconds."


    Vanessa gasped. "You wouldn''t."


    Mirianne smirked. "Watch me."


    And with that, she disappeared into the kitchen.


    Ethan sighed in relief, leaning back into the couch. "Well, that went better than expected."


    Vanessa gave him a deadpan look. "Better? She literally cursed me."


    "You kind of deserved it," Ethan said, finally eating the last chip.

 Chapter 222: Who Ate My Chips? (II)

    Dinner was served not long after the great potato chip betrayal, and Mirianne made sure that both Ethan and Vanessa paid the price for their crimes.


    Ethan watched as she set down their plates with a very deliberate clink ¡ª small, nearly empty dishes with barely enough food to qualify as a meal.


    "That''s it?" Vanessa asked, glaring at her plate as if it had personally offended her.


    Mirianne lifted a brow. "That''s what you get. You already ate your share of dinner before dinner even started."


    Vanessa crossed her arms, pouting like a child. "But I''m still hungry."


    "And whose fault is that?" Mirianne jabbed a fork in her direction threateningly. "You? Are NOT getting seconds."


    "You''re a tyrant," Vanessa grumbled, stabbing at the measly portion on her plate.


    Ethan, meanwhile, simply accepted his punishment with a sigh.


    He should''ve seen this coming the moment he ate that first chip. At least the food, as small as it was, tasted good.


    They finished dinner in relative peace, with Vanessa grumbling through every bite while Mirianne smirked in victory.


    Afterward, Ethan stretched his arms over his head, exhaustion settling in. It had been a long day, and now, all he wanted to do was relax.


    "Let''s head up," he said, pushing his chair back.


    Vanessa didn''t need to be told twice. "Finally!"


    The two of them made their way upstairs, leaving Mirianne behind to clean up.


    The bed was as comfortable as Ethan remembered, the sheets cool against his skin as he lay sprawled on his back.


    Vanessa was curled up beside him, already fast asleep and he decided to join her, soon they both slept off.


    ...


    Ethan woke up early, the first rays of morning sunlight filtering through the curtains. He moved carefully, trying not to wake Vanessa as he slipped out of bed.


    A quick shower helped shake off the lingering drowsiness, and by the time he stepped out of the bathroom, dressed and refreshed, he was fully awake.


    Today, he was heading back to the resort.


    Grabbing his phone, he checked his messages. Riley had messaged him


    [Ethan: Alive and well. Heading to the resort today so I won''t be coming to work today, maybe tomorrow]


    Almost instantly, three dots appeared, signaling she was typing.


    [Riley: Good. I''ll miss you, just make sure to come tomorrow]


    [Ethan: ???? Don''t miss me too much]


    Pocketing his phone, he glanced toward Vanessa. She was still fast asleep, her hair a mess as she hugged the blanket tighter around herself.


    He chuckled softly.


    ''Let her sleep.''


    With that, Ethan grabbed his keys and headed downstairs.


    Mirianne was already in the kitchen, humming to herself as she prepped something on the stove.


    She turned when she heard him approach. "You''re up early."


    "I''ve got places to be," Ethan said, reaching for a piece of toast from a plate on the counter.


    She smacked his hand away. "That''s for Vanessa."


    He sighed, stepping back. "Fine. I''ll grab something on the way."


    "You should eat before leaving," she scolded. "You''ll regret skipping breakfast."


    Ethan smirked. "I regret a lot of things."


    Mirianne rolled her eyes.


    With that, Ethan made his way to the garage, sliding into his Porsche.


    The engine roared to life as he backed out of the driveway.


    ...


    Ethan drove through the bustling city streets, one hand resting lazily on the steering wheel while his other tapped against the face of his watch.


    A soft beep echoed in the car as a blue holographic screen flickered into existence before him, its faint glow illuminating the luxurious interior of his Porsche.


    His sharp eyes scanned the data in front of him, swiping through different reports until he landed on what he was looking for.


    [Total Net Worth: $10M]


    He let out a low whistle.


    "Not bad."


    For a resort that had barely been around for two months, ten million dollars in revenue was insane. It had far exceeded even his expectations.


    Ethan smirked slightly.


    ''And to think people doubted me.''


    Of course, this wasn''t just luck. The launch had gone smoothly, and with every passing week, more people were flooding in, drawn by the exclusivity, the entertainment, and the indulgence that the resort provided.


    Still, there was always room for improvement.


    He swiped through a few more reports that the System had stored over the past few days. The restaurant section was the biggest money-maker so far, followed by the private VIP lounges and high-end accommodations.


    The entertainment sector ¡ª live performances, exclusive events ¡ª was also seeing steady growth. Of course Zack had decided to hire some people to keep them interested


    Entertainment always pulls in the biggest profits.


    His mind briefly wandered to the vision he had for the resort.


    He wanted it to be more than just a luxury destination ¡ª he wanted it to be the place for the rich and powerful, a sanctuary where they could escape, cut deals, and spend absurd amounts of money without hesitation.


    A place where he controlled the game.


    Ethan''s fingers drummed lightly against the leather-wrapped wheel. There were still a few things to fine-tune, but overall, business was thriving.


    Then ¡ª traffic.


    A line of cars stretched before him, bumper to bumper, barely moving. Ethan exhaled sharply, resisting the urge to groan.


    "Great."


    He hated traffic. He hated waiting, especially when he had things to do.


    The road leading to the resort was especially packed today, most likely because of the influx of visitors.


    Even though he was pleased that business was booming, he wasn''t in the mood to sit around.


    Thankfully, the moment he pulled up closer to the entrance, the gate guards noticed his Porsche.


    One of them immediately gestured for him to pull aside while speaking into his radio.


    Ethan rolled down his window as he approached.


    "Good morning, Mr. Grey," the guard greeted with a respectful nod. "We''ve reserved your usual parking spot."


    Ethan nodded slightly. "Appreciated."


    The guards moved quickly, guiding his car past the congestion and into a private parking area reserved for VIPs and high-ranking staff.


    As Ethan slid into the spot, he took a deep breath, fingers drumming against the wheel one last time before shutting off the engine.


    The moment he stepped out, the warm breeze hit him, carrying the scent of salt from the nearby ocean. He adjusted the sleeves of his button-up shirt, glancing around the lot.


    The resort was as lively as ever.


    Guests walked along the pathways, some in expensive beachwear, others in business attire, likely here for exclusive meetings.


    Ethan''s gaze flickered toward the towering main building of the resort ¡ª his empire.


    He exhaled slowly, rolling his shoulders.


    "Time to get back to business. Just for today."


    ...


    The moment Ethan entered the lobby, heads turned.


    Even though he was dressed casually compared to his usual sharp suits, his presence still commanded attention.


    He walked past guests, some whispering about him as he strode toward the elevators.


    The receptionist at the front desk, a young woman with neatly tied-back hair, immediately stood up when she saw him.


    "Welcome back, Mr. Grey," she said with a polite smile. "Would you like us to prepare a suite?"


    Ethan shook his head. "No need. I won''t be staying overnight. Just here to check on things."


    The receptionist nodded. "Understood. Zack is in your office, by the way. He said he''d be expecting you."


    Ethan smirked slightly. "Of course he is."


    He took the elevator up to the executive floor, stepping into the sleek hallway leading to his private office.


    The familiar scent of expensive cologne and polished wood greeted him as he pushed the door open.


    Zack was already there, leaning back in one of the chairs, scrolling through his tablet. He looked up when Ethan entered, flashing a grin.


    "Well, look who decided to show up," Zack said. "I was starting to think that you wanted to stay and work on your other project permanently."


    Ethan rolled his eyes, shutting the door behind him. "As if. You wouldn''t survive running this place without me."


    Zack snorted. "Please, I''ve been running it better without you. Less stress, more profits."


    Ethan smirked, dropping into his chair. "Oh yeah? Then why are you drinking coffee like a stressed-out single dad?"


    Zack glanced at his cup before scowling. "Shut up."


    Ethan chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "So? How''s everything looking?"


    Zack tossed the tablet onto the desk. "Business is booming. The new live performances that I THOUGHT OF is printing money, VIP reservations are through the roof, and we''ve already got high-profile names wanting to host exclusive events here."


    Ethan nodded, pleased. "Any problems?"


    Zack hesitated slightly. "Nothing major. Just a few rich idiots who don''t know how to handle their alcohol. Security''s been handling them fine."


    Ethan sighed.


    Drunk rich people were always the worst. "Any serious incidents?"


    Zack shook his head. "Nope. Just some minor scuffles. Oh, and some girl tried to sneak into one of the high-roller suites pretending to be a guest''s girlfriend. Security caught her before she could make a scene."


    Ethan arched a brow. "Persistent."


    "Yeah, well, that''s what happens when people know you''ve got money," Zack muttered. "Anyway, you should check in with the entertainment manager when you get the chance. He''s got some numbers he wants to go over with you."


    Ethan nodded, standing up. "Might as well. I want to see the VIP floor anyway."


    Zack grinned. "Go ahead, boss. Try not to break too many hearts while you''re at it."


    Ethan smirked as he headed for the door. "No promises."


    As he walked toward the elevator, he couldn''t help but feel a sense of satisfaction.


    The business was moving well and from this point on, it was only going to get much more better.

 Chapter 223: The Entertainment Section

    Ethan stepped into the VIP restaurant section, immediately feeling the shift in atmosphere.


    This wasn''t just a place to eat ¡ª it was an arena where the rich mingled, where deals were made over glasses of expensive wine, and where the scent of power was almost as strong as the aroma of the gourmet dishes being served.


    A few people waved at him, some offering polite nods, others raising their glasses in acknowledgment.


    He waved back casually, knowing full well that the social hierarchy in a place like this was an intricate web.


    Some people in this room were wealthy beyond imagination, while others were still climbing, eager to rub shoulders with the elite in hopes of securing a bigger slice of the pie.


    That was the nature of money ¡ª there was always someone richer, always someone more powerful.


    And the moment you forgot that, the moment you underestimated someone, was the moment you put yourself at a disadvantage.


    Ethan had learned that lesson early.


    He was about to move through the section when a woman stumbled forward.


    She looked slightly flustered, clutching onto something as she approached him with wide, hopeful eyes.


    "Mr. Grey!" she called out, a nervous energy in her voice. "I ¡ª I know this is sudden, but could I get an autograph?"


    Ethan glanced at her.


    She seemed young, maybe in her late twenties, dressed in a business-casual outfit, with a lanyard around her neck that suggested she was some kind of journalist or reporter.


    He usually didn''t care much for signing things, but he supposed there was no harm. "What do you want me to sign?"


    She quickly pulled out a cap from her bag and presented it to him. It was plain, except for a section on the front where the word Grey was embroidered faintly.


    "Right here," she said, pointing at the forehead section of the cap.


    Ethan took the cap, pulled a marker from his pocket ¡ª because of course, he always carried one for moments like this ¡ª and signed his last name in sharp, bold strokes.


    She beamed, shaking his hand enthusiastically. "Thank you so much!"


    "No problem," Ethan said, offering her a slight nod before moving forward.


    He continued through the restaurant section, passing by elegantly dressed patrons and servers carrying trays of delicacies most people wouldn''t even be able to pronounce.


    He wasn''t here for the food, though ¡ª he had something else to check on.


    Finally, he reached a new room.


    During the resort''s construction, this space had been completely empty ¡ª a blank canvas with nothing but white walls and an untouched floor.


    But now, it had transformed into something else entirely.


    Rows of chairs were set up in an orderly fashion, a dim golden light illuminating the area, casting a warm ambiance.


    On stage, a group of performers was in the middle of an act, their voices filling the space with a raw, artistic energy.


    The audience sat in quiet appreciation, some sipping drinks, others simply watching in admiration.


    Ethan observed from the entrance, careful not to disturb the performance.


    It seemed like his team had turned this into a small entertainment venue.


    Smart.


    Even in a place where wealth ruled, people still craved art, music, and storytelling. And catering to that demand meant yet another avenue for profit.


    Entertainment was for the win.


    Curious, he approached one of the staff members standing by the side and asked quietly, "Who''s in charge of this?"


    The staff member gestured toward a woman standing near the side of the room, watching the performance closely.


    Ethan walked over and tapped her shoulder lightly.


    The woman turned around, and the moment she did, his eyes widened slightly.


    Crimson hair.


    A familiar face.


    It took a second, but then recognition hit him like a sudden gust of wind.


    Melissa.


    For a moment, it felt like the noise around them dulled.


    Melissa''s deep red eyes blinked in surprise before a slow smile crept onto her lips.


    "Well, well," she mused, crossing her arms. "Look who decided to show up after a vacation."


    Ethan exhaled sharply, shaking his head in amusement. "Melissa. Didn''t expect to see you here."


    "I could say the same for you," she shot back. "Though, I suppose it makes sense. This is your place, after all."


    Ethan glanced around. "Didn''t know you were involved in entertainment now."


    Melissa chuckled. "Zack wanted someone who could appreciate the uniqueness of ''Drama'', we tested a few people beforehand but well nobody could match that other than me."


    Ethan smirked slightly. "You really are a master of entertainment.".


    He glanced toward the stage. "So, this was your idea?"


    "Partially." Melissa shrugged. "The original plan was just to have some live music, maybe a few performances, but I figured we could do more. People like exclusivity, Ethan. So I turned this into a space where only VIPs and high-rollers get access to private performances. People will pay stupid amounts of money to watch artists perform in an intimate setting like this."


    Ethan nodded. "Smart move."


    "I know it is," she teased. "But thanks for the validation, boss."


    He shook his head with a smirk. "And? How''s it going so far?"


    Melissa tilted her head slightly. "Better than I expected. The rich love feeling like they have access to something others don''t. And the artists love performing for smaller crowds that actually listen instead of just treating them like background noise. It''s a win-win."


    Ethan considered her words. This was a good addition.


    Not just because of the money, but because it added another layer of luxury to the resort. The kind of experience that made people keep coming back.


    He crossed his arms. "And here I thought you''d never work under me."


    Melissa snorted. "Don''t flatter yourself. I don''t work under you ¡ª I work with you."


    Ethan chuckled. "Fair enough."


    Melissa studied him for a moment before smirking. "So? What do you think? You like what I''ve done with the place?"


    Ethan exhaled, glancing around once more.


    Yeah.


    He liked it.


    "Yeah," he finally admitted. "I do."

 Chapter 224 224: Chilling On The Beach

    Ethan and Melissa stepped out of the entertainment room, the subtle hum of conversation and soft applause fading as they walked further away.


    The resort was alive with its usual luxury, a well-oiled machine running smoothly, just as Ethan had intended.


    Melissa had quickly informed one of her vice managers to keep an eye on the ongoing performance before they made their way through the resort grounds, passing lavish halls, open gardens, and high-end restaurants.


    They had been walking for a while when Melissa spoke.


    "Your family went home a few days ago," she said casually, glancing at him.


    Ethan turned his head slightly, raising a brow. "Oh?"


    "Yeah. Your mom was a bit worried about you," Melissa added, adjusting her hair as the morning breeze swept through.


    Ethan smirked slightly. "She always is."


    "Well, you did disappear without much of an explanation," Melissa pointed out.


    Ethan chuckled.


    He couldn''t really argue with that. His mother had always been protective, even if she understood the nature of his business.


    It was one of the things that made her HER.


    "I''ll contact them soon enough," Ethan assured.


    Melissa gave him a knowing look. "You should. Otherwise, she might just show up at your place unannounced."


    Ethan could actually picture that happening.


    His mother wasn''t the type to just sit around and worry ¡ª if she needed answers, she got them.


    They continued walking, passing by the pool section.


    The resort''s outdoor area was vast, complete with multiple pools, lounging spaces, and cabanas.


    The morning sun reflected off the crystal-clear water, casting shimmering waves of light onto the tiled floors.


    Some guests were already swimming, while others sat back with drinks in hand, enjoying their luxury-filled morning.


    "The pool''s getting more use than I expected," Ethan noted as they walked past.


    Melissa shrugged. "People love lounging in rich places, Ethan. It''s like, the one thing they''re best at."


    Ethan smirked but didn''t disagree.


    Eventually, they made their way down a small path that led to the beach.


    The air shifted immediately.


    The scent of salt and fresh ocean air filled their lungs, the rhythmic crashing of waves providing a soothing contrast to the structured chaos of the resort.


    It was still early, so the beach wasn''t packed yet.


    A few guests were scattered along the shoreline, some walking along the wet sand, others stretching out on sun loungers, enjoying the calm before the inevitable crowd arrived later in the day.


    Ethan let out a breath, taking in the scene.


    "Been a while since I actually relaxed here," he admitted.


    Melissa smirked. "Well, you are the owner. Kind of hard to relax when you''re the guy running everything."


    They found a pair of empty lounge chairs near the water and sat down. The beach staff, ever attentive, approached them almost immediately with trays of refreshments.


    A waiter, dressed in a sharp white uniform, presented them with a selection of chilled drinks.


    "Would you like something to drink, sir?"


    Ethan took a moment, then pointed at a glass of fresh coconut water. "I''ll take that."


    Melissa leaned back in her chair, stretching her arms. "Margarita for me."


    The waiter nodded and disappeared to fetch their orders.


    Melissa glanced over at Ethan. "So, what did you actually do throughout the past few days?"


    Ethan leaned back, exhaling. "Handled some business, checked out Silicon city, met a few people. Nothing too serious."


    Melissa raised a brow. "Nothing too serious? I believe you then but what I don''t believe is that you were being lazy throughout the past week."


    She wasn''t wrong though.


    ...


    Ethan stretched his legs out on the lounge chair, letting the soft ocean breeze brush against his skin.


    He took another sip of his coconut water, the cool liquid refreshing against his throat.


    Melissa, sitting beside him with her margarita, swirled her drink before taking a small sip.


    She seemed thoughtful, her crimson hair catching the sunlight.


    "What about the resort?" He asked, setting his drink down. "Zack told me stuff, but I wanna hear how it''s been from you."


    Melissa exhaled and adjusted his position slightly. "Well, everything seems to be running smoothly, There were some complications with drunk youths. Zack must have told you that."


    Ethan sighed. "Of course he did, maybe we have to take down the drinks or something."


    Melissa shrugged. "Anyhow you do it, it''ll be great."


    Melissa leaned in slightly, her voice softer now. "But still, I''ve been missing you, you know?"


    Ethan felt his face heat up slightly at her words.


    She inched closer, her eyes flickering down to his lips for just a second before returning to meet his gaze.


    He could feel the tension in the air. The soft roar of the ocean, the distant chatter of beachgoers ¡ª it all faded into the background.


    Is she really about to ¡ª


    "MELISSA!"


    A loud voice shattered the moment, cutting through the tension like a knife.


    Melissa groaned and pulled back, her expression immediately shifting from warmth to irritation. Ethan blinked in confusion before turning his head towards the ocean.


    Emerging from the waves like some kind of overly dramatic action hero was a guy with wet, slicked-back hair and an infuriatingly confident smirk.


    He was tall, broad-shouldered, and annoyingly fit ¡ª someone who clearly spent more time working out than Ethan did.


    Melissa sighed. "Oh, great. Of all the times..."


    Ethan arched a brow. "Who the hell is that?"


    Melissa gave him a look before muttering, "My brother. Adrian."


    Ethan''s lips parted slightly. "Oh, I forgot how he looked like."


    Before Ethan could say anything else, Adrian stomped his way up the sand, completely ignoring Ethan as he flashed Melissa a bright, almost too happy smile.


    "Haven''t seen you in a while, sis," Adrian said, shaking water out of his hair like a dog.


    Melissa forced a smile. "Yeah, yeah, Adrian. Great to see you."


    Then, Adrian turned his head and finally acknowledged Ethan.


    The moment their eyes met, Adrian''s expression completely changed. The friendly, easygoing smile he had for Melissa vanished, replaced by a sharp, almost predatory glare.

 Chapter 225: Chilling On The Beach (II)

    The tour continued, with the taxi weaving through the veins of Silicon City like a lifeline, carrying Ethan deeper into its core.


    The driver, whose name Ethan had learned was Marvin, turned out to be more than just a taxi driver ¡ª he was a storyteller.


    Every street had a history, every towering skyscraper had a tale, and Marvin was more than happy to share them.


    "Now, this here is the business district," Marvin said as they came to a crawl in traffic. "Biggest companies in the country got their headquarters here. See that building? That''s Solaris Tech, one of the leaders in AI development. And over there? That''s where Titan Investments does its thing, one of the biggest real estate firms in the country."


    Ethan glanced out the window. Everything looked so pristine, like the entire district had been polished just this morning.


    The streets were filled with men and women in sleek suits, some on their phones, others hurrying between buildings with a sense of urgency.


    Even the coffee shops and cafe?s here had a refined air about them, with high-end brands glowing above their doors.


    "Damn," Ethan muttered. "This place feels... different from the other places."


    Marvin chuckled. "Yeah, it''s got that effect. You either belong here, or you don''t. And trust me, the people here can tell in a second which one you are."


    Ethan wasn''t so sure about that. He had money, sure, but he wasn''t walking around with designer labels or flashing expensive watches like the people he saw.


    Still, he couldn''t shake the feeling that he could fit in if he wanted to. Maybe even thrive.


    Suddenly, the taxi came to a stop, the honking of impatient drivers filling the air.


    Marvin sighed and tapped his fingers on the wheel. "Looks like we''re in a bit of a hold-up."


    Ethan looked around, seeing cars stretching down the avenue. It wasn''t an accident ¡ª just pure congestion.


    People moved between lanes like jaywalkers darting across the street despite the risk.


    "This happen a lot?" Ethan asked.


    "All the time," Marvin replied. "This city never stops, and that means traffic never does either. You got places to be, you gotta plan ahead. But hey, gives you more time to take in the sights."


    Ethan did just that, watching how the city operated from the inside.


    He saw businessmen adjusting their ties in the reflection of their car windows, food couriers maneuvering through the mess with alarming skill, and even street performers trying to entertain pedestrians stuck at crosswalks.


    It was a chaotic symphony of movement, and yet, it worked.


    After what felt like forever, the traffic started moving again, and Marvin took a different route, cutting through less crowded streets until they finally reached a new part of town.


    "Alright, kid," Marvin said, pulling up in front of a high-class restaurant.


    The building was sleek, modern, and oozing with elegance. Through the glass windows, Ethan could see well-dressed patrons dining under golden chandeliers, their meals plated like works of art.


    "This where you drop me off?" Ethan asked, raising an eyebrow.


    Marvin smirked. "You said you wanted to see what Silicon City has to offer, right? Well, here''s a taste of the good life. Besides, you look like you could use a decent meal after all that sightseeing."


    Ethan sighed, but there was amusement in his eyes. "Fine. How much do I owe you?"


    Marvin waved him off. "You already paid me more than enough. Consider this a part of the tour package."


    Ethan chuckled and stepped out of the cab, stretching his legs. He turned back to Marvin. "Thanks for the ride, old man."


    Marvin snorted. "Old man? I''m fifty, not ancient. Enjoy your lunch, kid."


    With that, the taxi pulled away, disappearing into the stream of traffic, leaving Ethan standing in front of the restaurant.


    He glanced at the entrance, straightened his jacket, and stepped inside.


    It was time to see if the food here was as good as the city itself.


    ...


    As Ethan stepped inside the restaurant, the difference was... well he couldn''t describe it.


    This wasn''t some standard diner or a casual eatery ¡ª this was a high-class establishment, designed to cater to those who expected nothing less than perfection.


    The lighting was soft but elegant, casting a golden glow over the carefully arranged tables.


    The air smelled of fine wine, aged wood, and perfectly seared meat.


    Conversations were hushed, filled with the refined tones of business professionals, well-dressed couples, and those who simply belonged in places like this.


    His sharp eyes took in the details ¡ª the marble floors polished so well they reflected the chandeliers, the neatly dressed waitstaff moving with precision, and the way each plate that left the kitchen looked like something out of a gourmet magazine.


    It reminded him of his own VIP restaurant back at the resort, except here, it wasn''t exclusive to celebrities or ultra-rich individuals.


    This was a place where even the city people could dine alongside successful entrepreneurs, high-ranking executives, and those with enough money to afford this lifestyle.


    He wondered just how much someone would have to invest in a business to reach this level. The thought lingered in his mind.


    Was it worth it? The people here clearly had a taste for the finer things, but was it profitable enough to justify the expenses?


    He found an empty table near the corner, one that offered him a good view of the restaurant but was also somewhat private.


    As he pulled out the chair and sat down, a waiter approached almost instantly, dressed in a crisp black vest and white button-up shirt.


    The man''s professional demeanor barely flickered as he noticed Ethan''s casual attire, but Ethan could tell the waiter had assessed him in a single glance, likely determining whether he belonged or not.


    "Good afternoon, sir," the waiter greeted smoothly. "Would you like something to drink while you decide on your meal?"


    Ethan exhaled slowly and pulled his hoodie over his head.


    He didn''t want unnecessary attention. If people in Silicon City recognized him as the Ethan Grey, things could get complicated. He wasn''t in the mood for that.


    "Just water for now," he replied, his voice casual but firm.


    The waiter nodded professionally. "Still or sparkling?"


    "Still," Ethan answered. He was never a fan of the fizzy nonsense.


    The waiter placed a sleek, leather-bound menu in front of him before walking off, his movements efficient and practiced.


    Ethan leaned back in his chair and took a glance around.


    People were engaged in quiet conversations, some discussing business deals over wine, others simply enjoying expensive meals with their company.


    It was a different world from the subway ride he had taken just an hour ago. The contrast between the two environments was almost laughable.


    He had gone from moving through a crowded, chaotic train station to this ¡ª where wealth whispered instead of shouted, and luxury was displayed in the subtlest ways.


    His gaze fell to the menu, and as he flipped it open, he nearly raised a brow at the prices.


    "$120 for a steak?" he muttered under his breath.


    He wasn''t exactly shocked ¡ª he had been to places that charged more ¡ª but seeing it here, in a restaurant where regular people dined, made him realize just how different Silicon City was from Greyport.


    In Greyport, luxury was confined to select areas, limited to high-end locations.


    But here, it was woven into the very fabric of the city.


    The menu itself was filled with all kinds of gourmet dishes ¡ª truffle-infused pasta, dry-aged steaks, seafood caught fresh that morning, and desserts that looked almost too artistic to eat.


    He skimmed through the options before deciding on something simple but filling.


    The waiter returned with his water, setting it down with a practiced grace. "Have you decided on your order, sir?"


    "Yeah," Ethan said, closing the menu and handing it back. "I''ll take the filet mignon, medium rare. And add a side of mashed potatoes."


    "Excellent choice," the waiter said with a small nod. "Would you like to pair it with one of our recommended wines?"


    Ethan thought about it for a second before shaking his head. "No wine. Just the meal."


    "Understood. Your order will be out shortly."


    With that, the waiter disappeared into the kitchen, leaving Ethan alone with his thoughts.


    He wondered how Riley and her family were doing, he would check in when he was done here. But for now, checking out the city came first.


    A faint clinking sound pulled him out of his thoughts, and he looked up to see the waiter approaching with his meal.


    The plate was set in front of him with precision, and Ethan took in the sight of the perfectly seared filet mignon, the smooth, creamy mashed potatoes on the side, garnished elegantly.


    "Enjoy your meal, sir," the waiter said before stepping away.


    Ethan picked up his knife and fork, cutting into the steak.


    The first bite was tender, rich, and perfectly cooked ¡ª exactly what he had expected from a place like this.

 Chapter 226: Rush To The Site

    Ethan sighed, tucking his phone into his pocket as he let the night wind ruffle his hair.


    It was... annoying yet amusing at the same time.


    Vanessa was just being herself, but her reactions never failed to entertain him.


    He turned away from the balcony, stepping back into the hotel room. The contrast between the crisp night air outside and the warm atmosphere inside was stark, making him realize just how comfortable the room was.


    His gaze landed on Riley, who was curled up on the bed, still deep in sleep.


    Her breathing was soft and steady, her body half-buried under the thick covers.


    A small smirk tugged at Ethan''s lips. She had been so anxious the night before, running all the way here just to see him.


    Now, she looked peaceful, almost defenseless in her sleep.


    Shaking his head slightly, he slipped into bed beside her, adjusting the blanket over himself before closing his eyes.


    ...


    The next morning, Ethan groggily blinked awake, his body still heavy with sleep.


    He let out a slow exhale, rubbing his eyes before adjusting to the morning light filtering through the hotel curtains.


    The scent of something warm and delicious wafted through the air, and he frowned slightly.


    Then, he noticed movement.


    Standing right beside the bed was Riley, a steaming tray of food in her hands.


    But what caught his attention even more was what she was wearing ¡ª or rather, what she wasn''t wearing.


    A skimpy tank top and a pair of shorts that barely reached her thighs.


    Ethan''s brow twitched, and his sleep-addled brain took a moment to process the sight before him.


    He cleared his throat. "What... are you wearing?"


    Riley blinked, then looked down at herself as if she had just remembered her outfit choice.


    A light pink dusted her cheeks, but she quickly composed herself. "I, um... I accidentally wet my other clothes in the tub when I was in the bathroom earlier. These were the only things I had left in my bag."


    Ethan stared at her for a second longer before sighing. "You could have just borrowed my shirt or something."


    "And let you see me drowning in an oversized shirt?" she teased with a grin. "No thanks."


    Ethan shook his head, deciding not to argue further.


    Instead, he sat up, stretching out his arms before glancing at the tray she was holding. "You made breakfast?"


    "Of course!" Riley beamed, stepping closer and setting the tray down on the small table beside the bed. "I figured it''s the least I could do. You''ve been spoiling me, so it''s only fair that I do something for you."


    Ethan eyed the food ¡ª a neatly arranged plate of toast, eggs, and some fruit on the side. It looked surprisingly good.


    "Not bad," he admitted.


    Riley grinned, but then, a playful glint appeared in her eyes. "Here, let me feed you."


    She picked up a fork and scooped up a piece of egg, holding it up toward him.


    Ethan''s expression flattened. "I can eat by myself."


    "But I made it," she whined, pouting as she waved the fork closer to his mouth. "Come on, Ethan, just let me do it."


    He exhaled sharply. "Riley ¡ª "


    "Please?" she dragged out the word, giving him the biggest, most exaggerated puppy eyes she could muster.


    Ethan groaned, rubbing his temple. "You''re relentless."


    "Mhm! Now, open up!*" she chirped.


    Defeated, Ethan reluctantly opened his mouth, letting Riley place the bite of food in. She watched him expectantly as he chewed, as if waiting for some kind of grand reaction.


    "It''s fine," he said after swallowing.


    "Just fine?"


    "It''s good," he corrected with a small smirk.


    Riley puffed out her chest proudly. "See? I told you I could cook better than you!"


    Ethan shook his head but didn''t protest when she continued feeding him.


    Maybe it was because she looked so happy doing it, or maybe it was because he was too tired to argue.


    Either way, he let her have this moment.


    Ethan zipped up his bag with a firm tug, tossing it over his shoulder as he glanced toward Riley. "Come on, start packing," he urged, slipping his phone into his pocket.


    Riley let out a soft groan from where she stood at the counter, stretching her arms over her head.


    "We still have time," she mumbled, rubbing her eyes.


    "No, we don''t," Ethan countered, picking up one of her shirts and tossing it toward her bag. "We need to get back. There''s work to do."


    Despite her reluctance, Riley knew he was right. She had already called her father and Oliver earlier that morning, letting them know she''d be leaving soon.


    They had been understanding, though Oliver had jokingly called her a traitor for leaving them so soon.


    She let out a sigh and stood up, gathering her things. "Fine, fine. But I''m moving at my own pace."


    Ethan didn''t respond, already focused on his own packing. As he folded a few more pieces of clothing, he ran a hand over the soft fabric of the white robe he had worn the previous night.


    He had to admit ¡ªit felt damn nice. Maybe when he got back to Greyport, he''d look into buying one for himself.


    After about fifteen minutes, they were done.


    Ethan double-checked the room to make sure they hadn''t left anything behind before grabbing his bag and leading the way out.


    Once they stepped into the hallway, Riley gave the room one last glance before closing the door behind her.


    "It was nice while it lasted," she murmured.


    Ethan shot her a side glance. "Don''t get sentimental over a hotel room."


    ...


    The taxi ride to the subway station was relatively quiet. Riley rested her head against the window, watching the towering buildings of Silicon City pass by.


    "It really is different from Greyport," she murmured.


    Ethan, who was sitting beside her, nodded slightly. "Yeah. Bigger, busier. But I don''t think I''d want to live here."


    "Why not?"


    "Too much noise. Too many people in your business." He leaned back against the seat, glancing out the window. "Greyport''s quieter. More manageable."


    Riley hummed in thought. "Yeah... I guess I get what you mean."


    The taxi eventually pulled up in front of the subway entrance, and the two of them stepped out, shouldering their bags as they made their way inside.


    The station was bustling with people, most of them either rushing to catch their train or waiting in groups.


    The smell of coffee and baked goods lingered in the air from a nearby stand, and an announcement echoed overhead, listing departure times.


    Ethan led the way to the ticket counter, pulling out his wallet.


    "Two tickets to Greyport," he said to the attendant.


    The man behind the counter nodded, typing into his computer before sliding the tickets across the counter.


    "That''ll be fifty-five," he said.


    Ethan handed over the cash without hesitation. Riley, standing beside him, crossed her arms. "You didn''t even let me pay for my own ticket."


    "Because I didn''t feel like waiting for you to dig through your purse," Ethan replied flatly, tucking the tickets into his pocket before handing one to her.


    She rolled her eyes but accepted it, following him toward the waiting area.


    As they sat down on one of the metal benches, Riley stretched her legs out, letting out a small yawn. "I feel like yesterday was too much."


    "It was," Ethan admitted, checking his watch. "But we''ll be back soon. Then you can go back to annoying me in a more familiar environment."


    "Pfft. You make it sound like you don''t enjoy my company."


    Ethan smirked. "I tolerate it."


    Riley gasped dramatically. "Rude."


    Ethan chuckled, shaking his head. As they waited for their train, he glanced around at the people walking by, their faces either tired or preoccupied.


    Something about travel always fascinated him.


    People were always on the move, going places for different reasons. Some were heading home, some were leaving for something new.


    As the train pulled into the station, a gust of wind rushed through the platform, rustling Riley''s hair as she adjusted the strap of her bag.


    Ethan, standing beside her, watched the train doors slide open with a faint hiss. People moved around them, some rushing forward to get on first, while others stepped out, eager to be on their way.


    "Come on," Ethan said, nodding toward the doors.


    They stepped inside, scanning the train car for empty seats. The train was fairly packed, filled with all sorts of people heading to Greyport.


    A few businesspeople dressed in stiff suits sat with their laptops open, typing away.


    Some high school students huddled together, chatting excitedly. A young mother struggled to keep her toddler from climbing onto the seat beside her.


    Riley nudged Ethan''s side. "Over there," she said, pointing to two empty seats near the window.


    They made their way over, squeezing past a few passengers before finally settling down. Ethan let out a small sigh as he leaned back, adjusting his bag on his lap.


    "It''s busier than I expected," Riley commented, glancing around.


    "Silicon City is huge," Ethan replied. "Lots of people going in and out."


    Before they could say anything else, the train jolted, the movement abrupt enough that Riley had to grab onto the edge of her seat.


    "Well, that was dramatic," she muttered.


    Ethan smirked slightly, but he gripped the armrest just in case.


    The train picked up speed, the vibrations of the metal tracks humming beneath them.


    The cityscape outside the window blurred as they left the station behind, the towering buildings giving way to the outskirts of Silicon City.


    For a few minutes, neither of them spoke, simply watching as the scenery changed.


    The transition from city to countryside was gradual ¡ª first, the tightly packed streets became wider, then the concrete jungle gave way to stretches of open land and clusters of trees.


    Riley let out a sigh and leaned back in her seat. "Feels weird, doesn''t it?"


    "What does?"


    "Leaving. It''s like... we were just here, and now we''re gone," she said, waving a hand vaguely toward the window. "It makes me think about how fast everything moves."


    Ethan hummed in agreement. "That''s just how life is. One minute you''re in one place, the next you''re somewhere else."


    "Deep," she teased, smirking.

 Chapter 227: Rush To The Site (II)

    Riley''s father let out a breath he didn''t realize he''d been holding. "Thank you," he said, voice thick with emotion.


    The doctor gave a small nod before stepping out to make further arrangements.


    Riley wiped at her eyes, looking toward the door as if expecting Ethan to walk in at any moment. But he didn''t.


    Of course he didn''t.


    Maybe he wanted them to have time... but she was grateful for it, she didn''t want him to see her in this sorrowful state, with tears streaking down her eyes and snot coming out of her nose. She turned back to her mother.


    ...


    The doors to the hospital room swung open shortly after, and a team of doctors and nurses entered, their movements precise and practiced.


    Without wasting a second, they began preparing to transport Riley''s mother to the operating room.


    The quiet hum of machines filled the space as they carefully unhooked and adjusted equipment, checking her vitals one last time before the move.


    Riley stood by the bedside, her hands clasped tightly together, watching as her mother was lifted onto the stretcher.


    The IV lines and tubes attached to her made it all the more terrifying. She looked so fragile, so breakable, it seemed she would break at any moment.


    Her father swallowed hard, his usual stern expression masking the deep worry in his eyes.


    Oliver stood rigid, his jaw clenched, hands shoved into his pockets as if trying to keep them from shaking.


    None of them spoke. There was nothing to say.


    As the doctors pushed the stretcher forward, Riley followed, her legs moving on instinct.


    Her father and Oliver walked beside her, the three of them a silent force trailing behind the medical team, the medical team was calm, they had done this too many times before and that was what made Riley calmer.


    The hallways felt endless.


    The cold fluorescent lights reflected off the sterile white walls, casting a clinical glow over everything.


    With every step, they passed more and more patients ¡ª people in wheelchairs, people clutching their chests, people whose faces were pale and hollow, everybody was in a different situation.


    They might not have pulmonary fibrosis like her mother but still, there were people with different conditions ¨C the Hospital was just that big.


    And then they saw him.


    A man on a stretcher, barely breathing. Blood soaked through the sheets covering him, pooling around a bullet wound in his chest.


    His face was contorted in pain, his breaths shallow and ragged.


    A nurse shouted for a trauma team, and more staff rushed in, wheeling him past them at full speed.


    Oliver shut his eyes for a moment, his face tightening. Riley turned her head away, unable to bear the sight.


    Death was everywhere in this place.


    It reeked in the air, seeped into their noses and made the hospital even more scary.


    It made her mother''s situation all the more real.


    They reached the doors of the operating room, where a few more doctors were already waiting.


    One of them ¡ª a woman in her forties with sharp eyes and a calm demeanor ¡ª approached them.


    "We''re taking her in now," she said gently. "The transplant preparations are underway, and we''ll be stabilizing her before the procedure. It will take time, but we''re optimistic."


    Her father gave a stiff nod, as if afraid that speaking would break him.


    Riley, however, found her voice. "Can we stay? Can we wait here?"


    The doctor offered a small, understanding smile. "It''s going to be a long surgery. I suggest you all go home and rest."


    Riley wanted to argue, wanted to insist that she couldn''t possibly sleep while her mother was on an operating table, but Oliver placed a hand on her shoulder.


    "She''s right," he murmured. "We''re no help standing around."


    She looked between him and her father, then back at the doctor, her heart sinking.


    "Will you call us the second there''s news?" she asked.


    "Of course."


    Riley turned her eyes to her mother one last time as they wheeled her through the doors.


    Then they were left standing in the empty hallway, the only sound the steady beep of machines from nearby rooms.


    Stepping outside the hospital doors felt like surfacing from deep underwater.


    The crisp late afternoon air wrapped around them, a stark contrast to the sterile, artificial atmosphere they had just left behind.


    For a brief moment, Riley inhaled deeply, trying to rid her lungs of the lingering scent of antiseptic and sickness.


    The hospital parking lot was dimly lit, with only a few streetlights flickering in the distance.


    Even though it was well past rush hour, the hospital''s emergency entrance remained busy.


    A couple of ambulances were parked near the entrance, their back doors wide open as paramedics hurried to unload new patients.


    As the family walked toward their car, another stretcher was being wheeled in, a man groaning in pain, his body twisted unnaturally.


    Riley glanced away quickly, but the image was already burned into her mind.


    This place never rested.


    That was how hospitals were, she could only wonder what it was like working in this place.


    Her father, Robert, walked ahead with slow, heavy steps, his shoulders hunched in a way that made him look older than he was.


    He reached his car, a modest dark blue sedan, and unlocked it without a word.


    Oliver got in first, sliding into the passenger seat. Riley hesitated, still holding her phone in her hand.


    She had tried calling Ethan twice, but each time, the call didn''t go through.


    She frowned, her thumb hovering over the redial button.


    Maybe he was busy.


    She wasn''t sure why, but it unsettled her.


    He had just up and disappeared after paying for everything.


    Had he gone back home? Was he just giving them space? It was getting weird.


    She bit her lip, staring at her phone screen before sighing and slipping into the back seat.


    Robert started the engine, and the low hum of the car filled the quiet.


    No one spoke as he pulled out of the parking lot and onto the main road.


    ...


    Ethan leaned back in the cab''s seat, eyes roaming the cityscape as the taxi weaved through the bustling streets.


    This was his first time in Silicon City, and even though he had heard about it, nothing could have prepared him for the sheer size and energy of the place.


    If he thought driving from the subway to the hospital made this place big then he was immensely wrong, Silicon was even bigger than that.


    Neon signs flashed against the glass buildings, and the sidewalks were packed with people, some walking briskly in business attire while others laughed over street food at stalls.


    The cab driver, an older man with graying hair and a thick accent, glanced at Ethan through the rearview mirror.


    "First time in Silicon City?"


    He wanted to say no like he did with the first Taxi but rather he admitted the truth.


    Ethan nodded, still taking everything in. "Yeah. Heard a lot about it, but seeing it in person is different."


    The driver chuckled. "That it is. This place never sleeps. You could spend a whole year here and still not see everything."


    Ethan smirked. "Guess I better make the most of it, then."


    The driver hummed in agreement and made a sharp turn onto a wider road, where even more towering buildings lined the horizon.


    "You know, since you''re new here, I can show you around a bit. For a little extra, of course."


    Ethan pulled out his wallet without hesitation. "Fair deal."


    He handed the man some bills, and the driver grinned.


    "When there''s money involved, one would do anything," the driver muttered with amusement as he pocketed the cash.


    And Ethan agreed, Money was one of the most important things in this world.


    The taxi slowed as they reached a large, open plaza, a rare stretch of space amidst the tightly packed city.


    In the center stood a tall statue, its bronze surface reflecting the glow of the surrounding streetlights.


    The driver turned off the engine and gestured for Ethan to step out.


    "Come on, kid. You oughta see this up close."


    Ethan hesitated for a moment before stepping out of the cab.


    The driver walked ahead of him and pointed at the statue.


    "This right here is Arthur Silicon, strange name but it''s important ¡ª the guy who built Silicon City from the ground up. Back then, this place was just another small town, but he had a vision. Turned it into what you see today."


    Ethan tilted his head, examining the finely sculpted details of the man cast in bronze.


    "Must''ve taken a lot to build all this."


    The driver scoffed. "You bet. This city ain''t just about money; it''s about ambition. You got that, you can make it here. Without it? This place''ll eat you alive."


    Ethan listened, his gaze drifting from the statue to the skyline above.


    He could see it now ¡ª the way opportunity pulsed through this city, the way the lights never truly went out.


    It was different from Greyport, where things moved at a steadier pace. Here, everything felt... limitless.

 Chapter 228 228: Rush To The Site (III)

    Dinner was served not long after the great potato chip betrayal, and Mirianne made sure that both Ethan and Vanessa paid the price for their crimes.


    Ethan watched as she set down their plates with a very deliberate clink ¡ª small, nearly empty dishes with barely enough food to qualify as a meal.


    "That''s it?" Vanessa asked, glaring at her plate as if it had personally offended her.


    Mirianne lifted a brow. "That''s what you get. You already ate your share of dinner before dinner even started."


    Vanessa crossed her arms, pouting like a child. "But I''m still hungry."


    "And whose fault is that?" Mirianne jabbed a fork in her direction threateningly. "You? Are NOT getting seconds."


    "You''re a tyrant," Vanessa grumbled, stabbing at the measly portion on her plate.


    Ethan, meanwhile, simply accepted his punishment with a sigh.


    He should''ve seen this coming the moment he ate that first chip. At least the food, as small as it was, tasted good.


    They finished dinner in relative peace, with Vanessa grumbling through every bite while Mirianne smirked in victory.


    Afterward, Ethan stretched his arms over his head, exhaustion settling in. It had been a long day, and now, all he wanted to do was relax.


    "Let''s head up," he said, pushing his chair back.


    Vanessa didn''t need to be told twice. "Finally!"


    The two of them made their way upstairs, leaving Mirianne behind to clean up.


    The bed was as comfortable as Ethan remembered, the sheets cool against his skin as he lay sprawled on his back.


    Vanessa was curled up beside him, already fast asleep and he decided to join her, soon they both slept off.


    ...


    Ethan woke up early, the first rays of morning sunlight filtering through the curtains. He moved carefully, trying not to wake Vanessa as he slipped out of bed.


    A quick shower helped shake off the lingering drowsiness, and by the time he stepped out of the bathroom, dressed and refreshed, he was fully awake.


    Today, he was heading back to the resort.


    Grabbing his phone, he checked his messages. Riley had messaged him


    [Ethan: Alive and well. Heading to the resort today so I won''t be coming to work today, maybe tomorrow]


    Almost instantly, three dots appeared, signaling she was typing.


    [Riley: Good. I''ll miss you, just make sure to come tomorrow]


    [Ethan: ???? Don''t miss me too much]


    Pocketing his phone, he glanced toward Vanessa. She was still fast asleep, her hair a mess as she hugged the blanket tighter around herself.


    He chuckled softly.


    ''Let her sleep.''


    With that, Ethan grabbed his keys and headed downstairs.


    Mirianne was already in the kitchen, humming to herself as she prepped something on the stove.


    She turned when she heard him approach. "You''re up early."


    "I''ve got places to be," Ethan said, reaching for a piece of toast from a plate on the counter.


    She smacked his hand away. "That''s for Vanessa."


    He sighed, stepping back. "Fine. I''ll grab something on the way."


    "You should eat before leaving," she scolded. "You''ll regret skipping breakfast."


    Ethan smirked. "I regret a lot of things."


    Mirianne rolled her eyes.


    With that, Ethan made his way to the garage, sliding into his Porsche.


    The engine roared to life as he backed out of the driveway.


    ...


    Ethan drove through the bustling city streets, one hand resting lazily on the steering wheel while his other tapped against the face of his watch.


    A soft beep echoed in the car as a blue holographic screen flickered into existence before him, its faint glow illuminating the luxurious interior of his Porsche.


    His sharp eyes scanned the data in front of him, swiping through different reports until he landed on what he was looking for.


    [Total Net Worth: $10M]


    He let out a low whistle.


    "Not bad."


    For a resort that had barely been around for two months, ten million dollars in revenue was insane. It had far exceeded even his expectations.


    Ethan smirked slightly.


    ''And to think people doubted me.''


    Of course, this wasn''t just luck. The launch had gone smoothly, and with every passing week, more people were flooding in, drawn by the exclusivity, the entertainment, and the indulgence that the resort provided.


    Still, there was always room for improvement.


    He swiped through a few more reports that the System had stored over the past few days. The restaurant section was the biggest money-maker so far, followed by the private VIP lounges and high-end accommodations.


    The entertainment sector ¡ª live performances, exclusive events ¡ª was also seeing steady growth. Of course Zack had decided to hire some people to keep them interested


    Entertainment always pulls in the biggest profits.


    His mind briefly wandered to the vision he had for the resort.


    He wanted it to be more than just a luxury destination ¡ª he wanted it to be the place for the rich and powerful, a sanctuary where they could escape, cut deals, and spend absurd amounts of money without hesitation.


    A place where he controlled the game.


    Ethan''s fingers drummed lightly against the leather-wrapped wheel. There were still a few things to fine-tune, but overall, business was thriving.


    Then ¡ª traffic.


    A line of cars stretched before him, bumper to bumper, barely moving. Ethan exhaled sharply, resisting the urge to groan.


    "Great."


    He hated traffic. He hated waiting, especially when he had things to do.


    The road leading to the resort was especially packed today, most likely because of the influx of visitors.


    Even though he was pleased that business was booming, he wasn''t in the mood to sit around.


    Thankfully, the moment he pulled up closer to the entrance, the gate guards noticed his Porsche.


    One of them immediately gestured for him to pull aside while speaking into his radio.


    Ethan rolled down his window as he approached.


    "Good morning, Mr. Grey," the guard greeted with a respectful nod. "We''ve reserved your usual parking spot."


    Ethan nodded slightly. "Appreciated."


    The guards moved quickly, guiding his car past the congestion and into a private parking area reserved for VIPs and high-ranking staff.


    As Ethan slid into the spot, he took a deep breath, fingers drumming against the wheel one last time before shutting off the engine.


    The moment he stepped out, the warm breeze hit him, carrying the scent of salt from the nearby ocean. He adjusted the sleeves of his button-up shirt, glancing around the lot.


    The resort was as lively as ever.


    Guests walked along the pathways, some in expensive beachwear, others in business attire, likely here for exclusive meetings.


    Ethan''s gaze flickered toward the towering main building of the resort ¡ª his empire.


    He exhaled slowly, rolling his shoulders.


    "Time to get back to business. Just for today."


    ...


    The moment Ethan entered the lobby, heads turned.


    Even though he was dressed casually compared to his usual sharp suits, his presence still commanded attention.


    He walked past guests, some whispering about him as he strode toward the elevators.


    The receptionist at the front desk, a young woman with neatly tied-back hair, immediately stood up when she saw him.


    "Welcome back, Mr. Grey," she said with a polite smile. "Would you like us to prepare a suite?"


    Ethan shook his head. "No need. I won''t be staying overnight. Just here to check on things."


    The receptionist nodded. "Understood. Zack is in your office, by the way. He said he''d be expecting you."


    Ethan smirked slightly. "Of course he is."


    He took the elevator up to the executive floor, stepping into the sleek hallway leading to his private office.


    The familiar scent of expensive cologne and polished wood greeted him as he pushed the door open.


    Zack was already there, leaning back in one of the chairs, scrolling through his tablet. He looked up when Ethan entered, flashing a grin.


    "Well, look who decided to show up," Zack said. "I was starting to think that you wanted to stay and work on your other project permanently."


    Ethan rolled his eyes, shutting the door behind him. "As if. You wouldn''t survive running this place without me."


    Zack snorted. "Please, I''ve been running it better without you. Less stress, more profits."


    Ethan smirked, dropping into his chair. "Oh yeah? Then why are you drinking coffee like a stressed-out single dad?"


    Zack glanced at his cup before scowling. "Shut up."


    Ethan chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "So? How''s everything looking?"


    Zack tossed the tablet onto the desk. "Business is booming. The new live performances that I THOUGHT OF is printing money, VIP reservations are through the roof, and we''ve already got high-profile names wanting to host exclusive events here."


    Ethan nodded, pleased. "Any problems?"


    Zack hesitated slightly. "Nothing major. Just a few rich idiots who don''t know how to handle their alcohol. Security''s been handling them fine."


    Ethan sighed.


    Drunk rich people were always the worst. "Any serious incidents?"


    Zack shook his head. "Nope. Just some minor scuffles. Oh, and some girl tried to sneak into one of the high-roller suites pretending to be a guest''s girlfriend. Security caught her before she could make a scene."


    Ethan arched a brow. "Persistent."


    "Yeah, well, that''s what happens when people know you''ve got money," Zack muttered. "Anyway, you should check in with the entertainment manager when you get the chance. He''s got some numbers he wants to go over with you."


    Ethan nodded, standing up. "Might as well. I want to see the VIP floor anyway."


    Zack grinned. "Go ahead, boss. Try not to break too many hearts while you''re at it."


    Ethan smirked as he headed for the door. "No promises."


    As he walked toward the elevator, he couldn''t help but feel a sense of satisfaction.


    The business was moving well and from this point on, it was only going to get much more better.i

 Chapter 229 229: Afternoon Brunch

    The tour continued, with the taxi weaving through the veins of Silicon City like a lifeline, carrying Ethan deeper into its core.


    The driver, whose name Ethan had learned was Marvin, turned out to be more than just a taxi driver ¡ª he was a storyteller.


    Every street had a history, every towering skyscraper had a tale, and Marvin was more than happy to share them.


    "Now, this here is the business district," Marvin said as they came to a crawl in traffic. "Biggest companies in the country got their headquarters here. See that building? That''s Solaris Tech, one of the leaders in AI development. And over there? That''s where Titan Investments does its thing, one of the biggest real estate firms in the country."


    Ethan glanced out the window. Everything looked so pristine, like the entire district had been polished just this morning.


    The streets were filled with men and women in sleek suits, some on their phones, others hurrying between buildings with a sense of urgency.


    Even the coffee shops and cafe?s here had a refined air about them, with high-end brands glowing above their doors.


    "Damn," Ethan muttered. "This place feels... different from the other places."


    Marvin chuckled. "Yeah, it''s got that effect. You either belong here, or you don''t. And trust me, the people here can tell in a second which one you are."


    Ethan wasn''t so sure about that. He had money, sure, but he wasn''t walking around with designer labels or flashing expensive watches like the people he saw.


    Still, he couldn''t shake the feeling that he could fit in if he wanted to. Maybe even thrive.


    Suddenly, the taxi came to a stop, the honking of impatient drivers filling the air.


    Marvin sighed and tapped his fingers on the wheel. "Looks like we''re in a bit of a hold-up."


    Ethan looked around, seeing cars stretching down the avenue. It wasn''t an accident ¡ª just pure congestion.


    People moved between lanes like jaywalkers darting across the street despite the risk.


    "This happen a lot?" Ethan asked.


    "All the time," Marvin replied. "This city never stops, and that means traffic never does either. You got places to be, you gotta plan ahead. But hey, gives you more time to take in the sights."


    Ethan did just that, watching how the city operated from the inside.


    He saw businessmen adjusting their ties in the reflection of their car windows, food couriers maneuvering through the mess with alarming skill, and even street performers trying to entertain pedestrians stuck at crosswalks.


    It was a chaotic symphony of movement, and yet, it worked.


    After what felt like forever, the traffic started moving again, and Marvin took a different route, cutting through less crowded streets until they finally reached a new part of town.


    "Alright, kid," Marvin said, pulling up in front of a high-class restaurant.


    The building was sleek, modern, and oozing with elegance. Through the glass windows, Ethan could see well-dressed patrons dining under golden chandeliers, their meals plated like works of art.


    "This where you drop me off?" Ethan asked, raising an eyebrow.


    Marvin smirked. "You said you wanted to see what Silicon City has to offer, right? Well, here''s a taste of the good life. Besides, you look like you could use a decent meal after all that sightseeing."


    Ethan sighed, but there was amusement in his eyes. "Fine. How much do I owe you?"


    Marvin waved him off. "You already paid me more than enough. Consider this a part of the tour package."


    Ethan chuckled and stepped out of the cab, stretching his legs. He turned back to Marvin. "Thanks for the ride, old man."


    Marvin snorted. "Old man? I''m fifty, not ancient. Enjoy your lunch, kid."


    With that, the taxi pulled away, disappearing into the stream of traffic, leaving Ethan standing in front of the restaurant.


    He glanced at the entrance, straightened his jacket, and stepped inside.


    It was time to see if the food here was as good as the city itself.


    ...


    As Ethan stepped inside the restaurant, the difference was... well he couldn''t describe it.


    This wasn''t some standard diner or a casual eatery ¡ª this was a high-class establishment, designed to cater to those who expected nothing less than perfection.


    The lighting was soft but elegant, casting a golden glow over the carefully arranged tables.


    The air smelled of fine wine, aged wood, and perfectly seared meat.


    Conversations were hushed, filled with the refined tones of business professionals, well-dressed couples, and those who simply belonged in places like this.


    His sharp eyes took in the details ¡ª the marble floors polished so well they reflected the chandeliers, the neatly dressed waitstaff moving with precision, and the way each plate that left the kitchen looked like something out of a gourmet magazine.


    It reminded him of his own VIP restaurant back at the resort, except here, it wasn''t exclusive to celebrities or ultra-rich individuals.


    This was a place where even the city people could dine alongside successful entrepreneurs, high-ranking executives, and those with enough money to afford this lifestyle.


    He wondered just how much someone would have to invest in a business to reach this level. The thought lingered in his mind.


    Was it worth it? The people here clearly had a taste for the finer things, but was it profitable enough to justify the expenses?


    He found an empty table near the corner, one that offered him a good view of the restaurant but was also somewhat private.


    As he pulled out the chair and sat down, a waiter approached almost instantly, dressed in a crisp black vest and white button-up shirt.


    The man''s professional demeanor barely flickered as he noticed Ethan''s casual attire, but Ethan could tell the waiter had assessed him in a single glance, likely determining whether he belonged or not.


    "Good afternoon, sir," the waiter greeted smoothly. "Would you like something to drink while you decide on your meal?"


    Ethan exhaled slowly and pulled his hoodie over his head.


    He didn''t want unnecessary attention. If people in Silicon City recognized him as the Ethan Grey, things could get complicated. He wasn''t in the mood for that.


    "Just water for now," he replied, his voice casual but firm.


    The waiter nodded professionally. "Still or sparkling?"


    "Still," Ethan answered. He was never a fan of the fizzy nonsense.


    The waiter placed a sleek, leather-bound menu in front of him before walking off, his movements efficient and practiced.


    Ethan leaned back in his chair and took a glance around.


    People were engaged in quiet conversations, some discussing business deals over wine, others simply enjoying expensive meals with their company.


    It was a different world from the subway ride he had taken just an hour ago. The contrast between the two environments was almost laughable.


    He had gone from moving through a crowded, chaotic train station to this ¡ª where wealth whispered instead of shouted, and luxury was displayed in the subtlest ways.


    His gaze fell to the menu, and as he flipped it open, he nearly raised a brow at the prices.


    "$120 for a steak?" he muttered under his breath.


    He wasn''t exactly shocked ¡ª he had been to places that charged more ¡ª but seeing it here, in a restaurant where regular people dined, made him realize just how different Silicon City was from Greyport.


    In Greyport, luxury was confined to select areas, limited to high-end locations.


    But here, it was woven into the very fabric of the city.


    The menu itself was filled with all kinds of gourmet dishes ¡ª truffle-infused pasta, dry-aged steaks, seafood caught fresh that morning, and desserts that looked almost too artistic to eat.


    He skimmed through the options before deciding on something simple but filling.


    The waiter returned with his water, setting it down with a practiced grace. "Have you decided on your order, sir?"


    "Yeah," Ethan said, closing the menu and handing it back. "I''ll take the filet mignon, medium rare. And add a side of mashed potatoes."


    "Excellent choice," the waiter said with a small nod. "Would you like to pair it with one of our recommended wines?"


    Ethan thought about it for a second before shaking his head. "No wine. Just the meal."


    "Understood. Your order will be out shortly."


    With that, the waiter disappeared into the kitchen, leaving Ethan alone with his thoughts.


    He wondered how Riley and her family were doing, he would check in when he was done here. But for now, checking out the city came first.


    A faint clinking sound pulled him out of his thoughts, and he looked up to see the waiter approaching with his meal.


    The plate was set in front of him with precision, and Ethan took in the sight of the perfectly seared filet mignon, the smooth, creamy mashed potatoes on the side, garnished elegantly.


    "Enjoy your meal, sir," the waiter said before stepping away.


    Ethan picked up his knife and fork, cutting into the steak.


    The first bite was tender, rich, and perfectly cooked ¡ª exactly what he had expected from a place like this.

 Chapter 230: Afternoon Brunch (II)

    Ethan stepped into the VIP restaurant section, immediately feeling the shift in atmosphere.


    This wasn''t just a place to eat ¡ª it was an arena where the rich mingled, where deals were made over glasses of expensive wine, and where the scent of power was almost as strong as the aroma of the gourmet dishes being served.


    A few people waved at him, some offering polite nods, others raising their glasses in acknowledgment.


    He waved back casually, knowing full well that the social hierarchy in a place like this was an intricate web.


    Some people in this room were wealthy beyond imagination, while others were still climbing, eager to rub shoulders with the elite in hopes of securing a bigger slice of the pie.


    That was the nature of money ¡ª there was always someone richer, always someone more powerful.


    And the moment you forgot that, the moment you underestimated someone, was the moment you put yourself at a disadvantage.


    Ethan had learned that lesson early.


    He was about to move through the section when a woman stumbled forward.


    She looked slightly flustered, clutching onto something as she approached him with wide, hopeful eyes.


    "Mr. Grey!" she called out, a nervous energy in her voice. "I ¡ª I know this is sudden, but could I get an autograph?"


    Ethan glanced at her.


    She seemed young, maybe in her late twenties, dressed in a business-casual outfit, with a lanyard around her neck that suggested she was some kind of journalist or reporter.


    He usually didn''t care much for signing things, but he supposed there was no harm. "What do you want me to sign?"


    She quickly pulled out a cap from her bag and presented it to him. It was plain, except for a section on the front where the word Grey was embroidered faintly.


    "Right here," she said, pointing at the forehead section of the cap.


    Ethan took the cap, pulled a marker from his pocket ¡ª because of course, he always carried one for moments like this ¡ª and signed his last name in sharp, bold strokes.


    She beamed, shaking his hand enthusiastically. "Thank you so much!"


    "No problem," Ethan said, offering her a slight nod before moving forward.


    He continued through the restaurant section, passing by elegantly dressed patrons and servers carrying trays of delicacies most people wouldn''t even be able to pronounce.


    He wasn''t here for the food, though ¡ª he had something else to check on.


    Finally, he reached a new room.


    During the resort''s construction, this space had been completely empty ¡ª a blank canvas with nothing but white walls and an untouched floor.


    But now, it had transformed into something else entirely.


    Rows of chairs were set up in an orderly fashion, a dim golden light illuminating the area, casting a warm ambiance.


    On stage, a group of performers was in the middle of an act, their voices filling the space with a raw, artistic energy.


    The audience sat in quiet appreciation, some sipping drinks, others simply watching in admiration.


    Ethan observed from the entrance, careful not to disturb the performance.


    It seemed like his team had turned this into a small entertainment venue.


    Smart.


    Even in a place where wealth ruled, people still craved art, music, and storytelling. And catering to that demand meant yet another avenue for profit.


    Entertainment was for the win.


    Curious, he approached one of the staff members standing by the side and asked quietly, "Who''s in charge of this?"


    The staff member gestured toward a woman standing near the side of the room, watching the performance closely.


    Ethan walked over and tapped her shoulder lightly.


    The woman turned around, and the moment she did, his eyes widened slightly.


    Crimson hair.


    A familiar face.


    It took a second, but then recognition hit him like a sudden gust of wind.


    Melissa.


    For a moment, it felt like the noise around them dulled.


    Melissa''s deep red eyes blinked in surprise before a slow smile crept onto her lips.


    "Well, well," she mused, crossing her arms. "Look who decided to show up after a vacation."


    Ethan exhaled sharply, shaking his head in amusement. "Melissa. Didn''t expect to see you here."


    "I could say the same for you," she shot back. "Though, I suppose it makes sense. This is your place, after all."


    Ethan glanced around. "Didn''t know you were involved in entertainment now."


    Melissa chuckled. "Zack wanted someone who could appreciate the uniqueness of ''Drama'', we tested a few people beforehand but well nobody could match that other than me."


    Ethan smirked slightly. "You really are a master of entertainment.".


    He glanced toward the stage. "So, this was your idea?"


    "Partially." Melissa shrugged. "The original plan was just to have some live music, maybe a few performances, but I figured we could do more. People like exclusivity, Ethan. So I turned this into a space where only VIPs and high-rollers get access to private performances. People will pay stupid amounts of money to watch artists perform in an intimate setting like this."


    Ethan nodded. "Smart move."


    "I know it is," she teased. "But thanks for the validation, boss."


    He shook his head with a smirk. "And? How''s it going so far?"


    Melissa tilted her head slightly. "Better than I expected. The rich love feeling like they have access to something others don''t. And the artists love performing for smaller crowds that actually listen instead of just treating them like background noise. It''s a win-win."


    Ethan considered her words. This was a good addition.


    Not just because of the money, but because it added another layer of luxury to the resort. The kind of experience that made people keep coming back.


    He crossed his arms. "And here I thought you''d never work under me."


    Melissa snorted. "Don''t flatter yourself. I don''t work under you ¡ª I work with you."


    Ethan chuckled. "Fair enough."


    Melissa studied him for a moment before smirking. "So? What do you think? You like what I''ve done with the place?"


    Ethan exhaled, glancing around once more.


    Yeah.


    He liked it.


    "Yeah," he finally admitted. "I do."


    Ethan and Melissa stepped out of the entertainment room, the subtle hum of conversation and soft applause fading as they walked further away.


    The resort was alive with its usual luxury, a well-oiled machine running smoothly, just as Ethan had intended.


    Melissa had quickly informed one of her vice managers to keep an eye on the ongoing performance before they made their way through the resort grounds, passing lavish halls, open gardens, and high-end restaurants.


    They had been walking for a while when Melissa spoke.


    "Your family went home a few days ago," she said casually, glancing at him.


    Ethan turned his head slightly, raising a brow. "Oh?"


    "Yeah. Your mom was a bit worried about you," Melissa added, adjusting her hair as the morning breeze swept through.


    Ethan smirked slightly. "She always is."


    "Well, you did disappear without much of an explanation," Melissa pointed out.


    Ethan chuckled.


    He couldn''t really argue with that. His mother had always been protective, even if she understood the nature of his business.


    It was one of the things that made her HER.


    "I''ll contact them soon enough," Ethan assured.


    Melissa gave him a knowing look. "You should. Otherwise, she might just show up at your place unannounced."


    Ethan could actually picture that happening.


    His mother wasn''t the type to just sit around and worry ¡ª if she needed answers, she got them.


    They continued walking, passing by the pool section.


    The resort''s outdoor area was vast, complete with multiple pools, lounging spaces, and cabanas.


    The morning sun reflected off the crystal-clear water, casting shimmering waves of light onto the tiled floors.


    Some guests were already swimming, while others sat back with drinks in hand, enjoying their luxury-filled morning.


    "The pool''s getting more use than I expected," Ethan noted as they walked past.


    Melissa shrugged. "People love lounging in rich places, Ethan. It''s like, the one thing they''re best at."


    Ethan smirked but didn''t disagree.


    Eventually, they made their way down a small path that led to the beach.


    The air shifted immediately.


    The scent of salt and fresh ocean air filled their lungs, the rhythmic crashing of waves providing a soothing contrast to the structured chaos of the resort.


    It was still early, so the beach wasn''t packed yet.


    A few guests were scattered along the shoreline, some walking along the wet sand, others stretching out on sun loungers, enjoying the calm before the inevitable crowd arrived later in the day.


    Ethan let out a breath, taking in the scene.


    "Been a while since I actually relaxed here," he admitted.


    Melissa smirked. "Well, you are the owner. Kind of hard to relax when you''re the guy running everything."


    They found a pair of empty lounge chairs near the water and sat down. The beach staff, ever attentive, approached them almost immediately with trays of refreshments.


    A waiter, dressed in a sharp white uniform, presented them with a selection of chilled drinks.


    "Would you like something to drink, sir?"

 Chapter 231: Afternoon Brunch (III)

    Ethan continued eating, taking slow bites of his filet mignon and savoring the taste.


    He had to admit ¡ª the food was incredible.


    The steak was tender, cooked to perfection, and seasoned just right, while the mashed potatoes were smooth and buttery.


    It was the kind of meal that reminded him why people were willing to pay so much for fine dining.


    Around him, the quiet hum of conversation filled the air. Unlike the usual loud chatter of casual restaurants, this place had a certain etiquette.


    Everyone was focused on their own affairs, engaged in business talks or simply enjoying their meals. Nobody interrupted the other.


    There were no rowdy customers or unnecessary distractions ¡ª just the soft clinking of utensils, the occasional sip of wine, and the murmuring of voices.


    The air conditioning was cool but not overwhelming, providing the perfect atmosphere for a relaxed meal.


    Ethan noticed surprisingly that there were younger individuals too, not just the rich successful older men.


    Some high school or college students were scattered around, sitting with laptops open, typing away as they sipped on overpriced coffee.


    "Probably working on assignments or projects," Ethan thought. He could see why they would come here.


    The ambiance, the free Wi-Fi, the quiet ¡ª it was the perfect place to focus.


    Everything seemed too perfect.


    And then, just as he was about to take another bite, someone pulled out the chair across from him and sat down.


    Ethan''s grip on his fork tightened slightly, his instincts kicking in before his brain could process what was happening.


    He lifted his gaze, meeting the eyes of a woman who had settled comfortably in the seat across from him.


    She wasn''t someone he recognized, but the confidence in the way she sat down, the way she leaned slightly forward with a small, knowing smile ¡ª it was as if she had been planning this.


    "How are you doing?" she asked, her voice smooth, casual, yet carrying an undertone of curiosity.


    Ethan didn''t answer immediately. Instead, he studied her.


    She was in her mid-to-late twenties, with shoulder-length chestnut brown hair styled in loose waves.


    Her eyes were a striking shade of green, sharp and observant, like she was always analyzing everything around her.


    She was dressed in a dark red blouse that fit snugly against her frame, paired with tailored black slacks. Expensive-looking earrings dangled from her ears, subtle yet elegant.


    She looked like someone who belonged in Silicon City ¡ª someone who was used to getting what she wanted.


    Ethan sighed internally. He had been enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, and now, this.


    He set down his knife and fork, wiping the corners of his mouth with the linen napkin before finally responding.


    "I''m fine," he said simply. "And you?"


    The woman smirked slightly, as if amused by his short reply.


    "I''m doing quite well," she replied, resting her chin on her palm. "Though I have to say, it''s not often you see someone like you eating alone in a place like this."


    Ethan arched a brow. "Someone like me?"


    She tilted her head slightly. "Young. Dressed in a hoodie. Sitting in a high-end restaurant, eating filet mignon like it''s just another Tuesday."


    Ethan could see where this was going. She was trying to figure him out.


    "I''m just passing through," he said, deciding to keep things vague.


    "Passing through, huh?"


    She tapped a manicured finger against the table, her expression thoughtful.


    "That''s interesting. Most people who come to a restaurant like this either live in Silicon City or have some kind of business here. But you... you don''t seem like the typical businessman."


    Ethan exhaled quietly. He didn''t owe her an explanation, but something about the way she spoke made him feel like she was used to getting answers from people.


    Instead of responding directly, he leaned back in his chair slightly. "You always sit at random people''s tables and interrogate them while they''re eating?"


    She laughed at that, the sound light but full of amusement. "Only when they seem interesting."


    Ethan wasn''t sure whether to be flattered or annoyed.


    "Alright," he said, humoring her. "Since you''re so curious, why don''t you tell me who you are first?"


    She smiled. "Fair enough. My name is Natalie. Natalie Wren."


    The name didn''t ring any bells, but something about the way she said it ¡ª like she expected him to recognize it ¡ª made Ethan think she was someone important.


    "Nice to meet you, Natalie," he said neutrally. "I''m Ethan."


    "No last name?" she asked, her green eyes twinkling with intrigue.


    He smirked slightly. "Just Ethan."


    Natalie studied him for a moment before nodding. "Mysterious. I like it."


    zHe wasn''t sure what she wanted from him, but he also wasn''t in the mood to play along.


    "So, Natalie," he said, picking up his glass of water and taking a sip. "What exactly do you want?"


    Natalie leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. "I just wanted to talk. You see, I have a habit of noticing people, and you stood out."


    "Because of the hoodie?"


    She chuckled. "Because you don''t fit in here. And yet, you''re completely comfortable. That tells me you''re either rich enough to not care, or confident enough that you don''t need to prove anything to anyone."


    Ethan didn''t respond to that.


    Natalie took his silence as confirmation. "So, which is it?"


    Ethan glanced at his plate, then back at her. "Why do you care?"


    Natalie smirked. "Curiosity. And maybe a bit of professional interest."


    Now that caught his attention. "Professional interest?"


    She tapped her fingers against the table again. "Let''s just say I deal with people who have potential. And I have a good eye for spotting interesting opportunities."


    Ethan narrowed his eyes slightly. "Are you trying to recruit me for something?"


    Natalie laughed. "Not necessarily. But I am wondering what you''re doing in Silicon City. A guy like you doesn''t just pass through without a reason."


    Ethan exhaled slowly. He hadn''t planned on drawing attention, and yet, somehow, he had.


    Maybe it was just bad luck.


    He rolled his eyes. "I''m just saying, people are always moving. You either keep up or get left behind."


    Riley tilted her head, considering his words. "I guess that''s true."


    The train suddenly hit a rough patch of tracks, shaking violently for a few seconds.


    A few people yelped in surprise, gripping their seats. Riley instinctively grabbed onto Ethan''s arm, eyes wide.


    "What the hell was that?" she muttered.


    "Probably just the train tracks shifting," Ethan replied, though he kept his grip on the armrest firm.


    "They should fix that," she grumbled, slowly releasing his arm.


    The train eventually steadied, but the movement remained slightly erratic.


    It wasn''t the smoothest ride Ethan had been on, but it was manageable.


    Across from them, an older man chuckled as he folded his newspaper. "First time riding this train?" he asked.


    Riley nodded. "Yeah, is it always this rough?"


    "More or less," the man replied. "It''s an old route. They patch it up here and there, but it''s never perfect. You get used to it after a while."


    "Not sure I want to get used to it," Riley muttered, making the man laugh.


    Ethan glanced out the window again, the sky above starting to shift into a golden hue as the sun began to descend.


    "How long until we get there?" Riley asked, stretching her legs.


    "Couple of hours," Ethan replied. "You should get some rest if you''re tired."


    She pouted. "Why do you always assume I''m tired?"


    "Because you were the one complaining about how rushed everything has been," he pointed out.


    Riley narrowed her eyes at him but couldn''t argue with the truth.


    "Fine," she grumbled, shifting to a more comfortable position. "Wake me up when we''re close."


    Ethan nodded, watching as she closed her eyes. He leaned back in his seat, letting the steady rhythm of the train fill the silence.


    As the train gradually slowed, the rhythmic clatter of the wheels against the tracks became softer.


    The overhead lights flickered slightly as the train pulled into Greyport''s central station.


    A muffled voice crackled over the intercom, announcing their arrival.


    Ethan glanced over at Riley, who was still dozing with her head tilted slightly to the side.


    He reached out and gently nudged her shoulder. "Hey, wake up. We''re here."


    Riley stirred with a soft groan, her eyelashes fluttering open as she blinked groggily at him. "Mmm... already?" she mumbled, rubbing her eyes.


    "Yeah. Come on," Ethan said, standing up and grabbing his bag.


    Riley stretched her arms above her head, letting out a quiet yawn before standing as well.


    The train doors slid open with a soft chime, and the passengers began filing out onto the platform.


    Stepping off the train, they were greeted by a gust of fresh air.


    The scent of the city was familiar ¡ª faint traces of coffee from a nearby cafe? mixed with the distant aroma of car exhaust.


    People hurried past them, some reuniting with family members, others simply making their way through the bustling station.


    "Ugh, I feel stiff," Riley muttered, rolling her shoulders as they walked. "I should''ve stretched before sitting that long."

 Chapter 232: Going Home

    Ethan sighed, tucking his phone into his pocket as he let the night wind ruffle his hair.


    It was... annoying yet amusing at the same time.


    Vanessa was just being herself, but her reactions never failed to entertain him.


    He turned away from the balcony, stepping back into the hotel room. The contrast between the crisp night air outside and the warm atmosphere inside was stark, making him realize just how comfortable the room was.


    His gaze landed on Riley, who was curled up on the bed, still deep in sleep.


    Her breathing was soft and steady, her body half-buried under the thick covers.


    A small smirk tugged at Ethan''s lips. She had been so anxious the night before, running all the way here just to see him.


    Now, she looked peaceful, almost defenseless in her sleep.


    Shaking his head slightly, he slipped into bed beside her, adjusting the blanket over himself before closing his eyes.


    ...


    The next morning, Ethan groggily blinked awake, his body still heavy with sleep.


    He let out a slow exhale, rubbing his eyes before adjusting to the morning light filtering through the hotel curtains.


    The scent of something warm and delicious wafted through the air, and he frowned slightly.


    Then, he noticed movement.


    Standing right beside the bed was Riley, a steaming tray of food in her hands.


    But what caught his attention even more was what she was wearing ¡ª or rather, what she wasn''t wearing.


    A skimpy tank top and a pair of shorts that barely reached her thighs.


    Ethan''s brow twitched, and his sleep-addled brain took a moment to process the sight before him.


    He cleared his throat. "What... are you wearing?"


    Riley blinked, then looked down at herself as if she had just remembered her outfit choice.


    A light pink dusted her cheeks, but she quickly composed herself. "I, um... I accidentally wet my other clothes in the tub when I was in the bathroom earlier. These were the only things I had left in my bag."


    Ethan stared at her for a second longer before sighing. "You could have just borrowed my shirt or something."


    "And let you see me drowning in an oversized shirt?" she teased with a grin. "No thanks."


    Ethan shook his head, deciding not to argue further.


    Instead, he sat up, stretching out his arms before glancing at the tray she was holding. "You made breakfast?"


    "Of course!" Riley beamed, stepping closer and setting the tray down on the small table beside the bed. "I figured it''s the least I could do. You''ve been spoiling me, so it''s only fair that I do something for you."


    Ethan eyed the food ¡ª a neatly arranged plate of toast, eggs, and some fruit on the side. It looked surprisingly good.


    "Not bad," he admitted.


    Riley grinned, but then, a playful glint appeared in her eyes. "Here, let me feed you."


    She picked up a fork and scooped up a piece of egg, holding it up toward him.


    Ethan''s expression flattened. "I can eat by myself."


    "But I made it," she whined, pouting as she waved the fork closer to his mouth. "Come on, Ethan, just let me do it."


    He exhaled sharply. "Riley ¡ª "


    "Please?" she dragged out the word, giving him the biggest, most exaggerated puppy eyes she could muster.


    Ethan groaned, rubbing his temple. "You''re relentless."


    "Mhm! Now, open up!*" she chirped.


    Defeated, Ethan reluctantly opened his mouth, letting Riley place the bite of food in. She watched him expectantly as he chewed, as if waiting for some kind of grand reaction.


    "It''s fine," he said after swallowing.


    "Just fine?"


    "It''s good," he corrected with a small smirk.


    Riley puffed out her chest proudly. "See? I told you I could cook better than you!"


    Ethan shook his head but didn''t protest when she continued feeding him.


    Maybe it was because she looked so happy doing it, or maybe it was because he was too tired to argue.


    Either way, he let her have this moment.


    Ethan zipped up his bag with a firm tug, tossing it over his shoulder as he glanced toward Riley. "Come on, start packing," he urged, slipping his phone into his pocket.


    Riley let out a soft groan from where she stood at the counter, stretching her arms over her head.


    "We still have time," she mumbled, rubbing her eyes.


    "No, we don''t," Ethan countered, picking up one of her shirts and tossing it toward her bag. "We need to get back. There''s work to do."


    Despite her reluctance, Riley knew he was right. She had already called her father and Oliver earlier that morning, letting them know she''d be leaving soon.


    They had been understanding, though Oliver had jokingly called her a traitor for leaving them so soon.


    She let out a sigh and stood up, gathering her things. "Fine, fine. But I''m moving at my own pace."


    Ethan didn''t respond, already focused on his own packing. As he folded a few more pieces of clothing, he ran a hand over the soft fabric of the white robe he had worn the previous night.


    He had to admit ¡ªit felt damn nice. Maybe when he got back to Greyport, he''d look into buying one for himself.


    After about fifteen minutes, they were done.


    Ethan double-checked the room to make sure they hadn''t left anything behind before grabbing his bag and leading the way out.


    Once they stepped into the hallway, Riley gave the room one last glance before closing the door behind her.


    "It was nice while it lasted," she murmured.


    Ethan shot her a side glance. "Don''t get sentimental over a hotel room."


    ...


    The taxi ride to the subway station was relatively quiet. Riley rested her head against the window, watching the towering buildings of Silicon City pass by.


    "It really is different from Greyport," she murmured.


    Ethan, who was sitting beside her, nodded slightly. "Yeah. Bigger, busier. But I don''t think I''d want to live here."


    "Why not?"


    "Too much noise. Too many people in your business." He leaned back against the seat, glancing out the window. "Greyport''s quieter. More manageable."


    Riley hummed in thought. "Yeah... I guess I get what you mean."


    The taxi eventually pulled up in front of the subway entrance, and the two of them stepped out, shouldering their bags as they made their way inside.


    The station was bustling with people, most of them either rushing to catch their train or waiting in groups.


    The smell of coffee and baked goods lingered in the air from a nearby stand, and an announcement echoed overhead, listing departure times.


    Ethan led the way to the ticket counter, pulling out his wallet.


    "Two tickets to Greyport," he said to the attendant.


    The man behind the counter nodded, typing into his computer before sliding the tickets across the counter.


    "That''ll be fifty-five," he said.


    Ethan handed over the cash without hesitation. Riley, standing beside him, crossed her arms. "You didn''t even let me pay for my own ticket."


    "Because I didn''t feel like waiting for you to dig through your purse," Ethan replied flatly, tucking the tickets into his pocket before handing one to her.


    She rolled her eyes but accepted it, following him toward the waiting area.


    As they sat down on one of the metal benches, Riley stretched her legs out, letting out a small yawn. "I feel like yesterday was too much."


    "It was," Ethan admitted, checking his watch. "But we''ll be back soon. Then you can go back to annoying me in a more familiar environment."


    "Pfft. You make it sound like you don''t enjoy my company."


    Ethan smirked. "I tolerate it."


    Riley gasped dramatically. "Rude."


    Ethan chuckled, shaking his head. As they waited for their train, he glanced around at the people walking by, their faces either tired or preoccupied.


    Something about travel always fascinated him.


    People were always on the move, going places for different reasons. Some were heading home, some were leaving for something new.


    As the train pulled into the station, a gust of wind rushed through the platform, rustling Riley''s hair as she adjusted the strap of her bag.


    Ethan, standing beside her, watched the train doors slide open with a faint hiss. People moved around them, some rushing forward to get on first, while others stepped out, eager to be on their way.


    "Come on," Ethan said, nodding toward the doors.


    They stepped inside, scanning the train car for empty seats. The train was fairly packed, filled with all sorts of people heading to Greyport.


    A few businesspeople dressed in stiff suits sat with their laptops open, typing away.


    Some high school students huddled together, chatting excitedly. A young mother struggled to keep her toddler from climbing onto the seat beside her.


    Riley nudged Ethan''s side. "Over there," she said, pointing to two empty seats near the window.


    They made their way over, squeezing past a few passengers before finally settling down. Ethan let out a small sigh as he leaned back, adjusting his bag on his lap.


    "It''s busier than I expected," Riley commented, glancing around.


    "Silicon City is huge," Ethan replied. "Lots of people going in and out."

 Chapter 233: Going Home (II)

    The warmth of the fire flickered against the cool evening air, the scent of roasted fish thick between the gathered survivors.


    Conversations buzzed in quiet murmurs, an occasional laugh breaking the air as people settled into their usual spots.


    Lucas chewed slowly, eyes drifting across the camp.


    Everything felt... normal.


    Well, as normal as things could get when stranded on an island.


    His gaze landed on Mia, who sat nearby, picking apart her fish with delicate fingers. Strands of her blonde hair fell over her face, catching the glow of the firelight.


    She was beautiful.


    He''d known it before, of course. Mia was attractive ¡ª gorgeous, even. But it wasn''t just that.


    She had a way about her. The way she laughed, the way she reacted to his teasing, the way she held herself despite everything.


    She intrigued him.


    And, for once, he didn''t just see her as a game to win.


    That realization was enough to push him forward.


    Lucas smirked and, without hesitation, scooted closer to her, the fabric of their mats brushing together.


    Mia glanced up, eyebrows raised. "Oh? You''re getting bold now?"


    Lucas grinned. "Always have been."


    Mia rolled her eyes, but there was no real annoyance in it. If anything, she was already smiling.


    "So, did you come here just to stare at me?" she teased, resting her chin on her palm.


    "Maybe." He leaned in slightly. "What, does it bother you?"


    She hummed, pretending to think about it before shrugging. "Not really."


    Lucas chuckled, pleased with her response.


    It was so easy with her.


    Their banter flowed naturally, the teasing, the back-and-forth. He didn''t have to force it, didn''t have to calculate his words ¡ª it just happened.


    And he liked it.


    More than he thought he would.


    As if reading his mind, Mia smirked. "You know, I''ve been watching you."


    Lucas raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what have you seen?"


    "That you''re ridiculously good at making girls flustered," she said bluntly, tilting her head at him.


    Lucas paused.


    That caught him off guard.


    Most people assumed he was just playing around ¡ª because he usually was. But Mia?


    She saw past that.


    His silence must have said something because Mia''s expression softened slightly.


    "I think... you like getting close to people," she mused. "Not just to flirt, but because you actually care."


    Lucas blinked. Care?


    He didn''t know how to respond to that.


    But before he could even think of something, Mia smirked again. "That, or you''re just a huge flirt who has no shame."


    Lucas snorted, shaking his head. "That''s more like it."


    Mia laughed. "Thought so."


    The sound of her laughter made something in his chest tighten ¡ª a feeling he wasn''t used to.


    It was genuine.


    He enjoyed her company, enjoyed the way she looked at him, the way she smiled.


    Lucas liked her.


    And not just as another conquest.


    The thought caught him off guard.


    It wasn''t like him to feel this way. He always played things cool, never letting emotions get too involved. But with Mia?


    It felt different.


    The moment stretched between them, something unspoken lingering in the air.


    Then, without warning, Mia reached over and pinched him.


    Lucas flinched. "Ow ¡ª what the hell?"


    Mia grinned. "You were staring at me all weird."


    Lucas rubbed his arm. "I was not."


    "You totally were."


    He groaned, shaking his head, but couldn''t stop the grin tugging at his lips. "You''re lucky you''re cute."


    Mia arched an eyebrow. "Oh? And you''re lucky I tolerate you."


    Lucas chuckled, shaking his head. She was something else.


    The night air was warm, carrying the lingering scent of salt and roasted fish.


    The faint crackling of torches flickered across the camp as conversations died down, the remnants of dinner now just an afterthought.


    Lucas and Mia walked side by side, their steps slow, unhurried, yet neither spoke.


    There was an unspoken anticipation between them, the kind that made the air feel heavier, electric in a way neither of them acknowledged out loud.


    Mia glanced at him from the corner of her eye, fingers lightly gripping the hem of her shirt. Her heart pounded in her chest, almost too loud, as if it would give her away.


    She wasn''t sure when it started ¡ª this feeling.


    The warmth in her chest whenever Lucas was near. The way her skin tingled when he looked at her just a second too long.


    It wasn''t just attraction ¡ª it was something deeper, something that made her breath hitch whenever he got close.


    And right now, he was close.


    Lucas, ever the observant one, noticed.


    He could see the slight flush dusting her cheeks, the way her lips parted just enough as if she was about to say something but changed her mind.


    The System notification hovered over her head.


    [Lust: 50]


    He wasn''t sure whether to smirk or feel flustered himself.


    The camp was quieter here, fewer people lingering as they approached Mia''s tent.


    The fabric swayed lightly from the breeze, the entrance slightly parted, offering the illusion of privacy.


    Lucas turned to her, and for a moment, neither of them moved. The tension between them was undeniable now, the space shrinking, as if the pull between them had reached its inevitable conclusion.


    Mia was the first to move.


    She closed the distance, her hands reaching up to cup his face as she pulled him into a kiss ¡ª not the hesitant, fleeting ones they''d stolen before, but something deeper.


    Her lips pressed against his, warm and insistent, and Lucas didn''t hesitate to reciprocate.


    His hands found her waist, pulling her closer until there was no space left between them. She shivered at his touch, feeling the heat of his hands even through the fabric of her clothes.


    The kiss deepened, her fingers tangling in his hair as a quiet sigh escaped her lips.


    Lucas felt it ¡ª felt the way she melted into him, the way her body pressed against his as if she never wanted to let go.


    Her back slowly met the rough bark of a tree behind her, but she barely registered it.


    All she could focus on was him ¡ª his warmth, his touch, the way he made her feel like nothing else mattered in this moment.


    ---


    Pre-Author''s Note:


    I apologize for the fakes but it fell under my Mass release for Harem Investment and I couldn''t juggle two at once, will be fixing them all up now!


    ---


    Lucas watched for a moment before rolling his shoulders and deciding to do the same.


    He pulled his own shirt over his head and tossed it onto a fallen log.


    Unlike the PE teacher, he didn''t have the body of a full-grown man, but he was toned, his muscles built from years of sports and training.


    He caught a few glances from some of the other boys, but no one said anything ¡ª there was no time for that.


    With renewed effort, he lifted his axe and swung again. The movement felt different now, smoother, and he put more power into each blow.


    The afternoon wore on. Their hands blistered, their bodies ached, but they kept going.


    Leo, despite his endless complaints, hadn''t stopped swinging.


    His form was sloppy, but the determination in his expression was real. Oliver was sweating through his shirt, but his swings were steady.


    Even the weaker boys were pushing through, gritting their teeth and hacking away at the tree.


    Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the deep gash in the trunk reached its breaking point.


    The PE teacher took a step back, wiped his brow, and gave a final swing with all his strength.


    CRACK!


    The sound echoed like a gunshot through the trees.


    The trunk groaned as it started to lean.


    The teacher''s voice rang out, powerful and commanding:


    "TIMBER!"


    The boys scrambled back as the tree gave one last, mighty creak before tipping over, crashing to the ground with a THUNDEROUS BOOM that sent a rush of wind through the clearing.


    The earth trembled beneath their feet. Birds scattered from the treetops, their cries filling the air as the dust settled.


    For a moment, there was silence.


    Then, Leo collapsed onto the ground, spreading his arms out dramatically. "Oh my God," he gasped, staring up at the sky. "I think I just died. Tell my mom I love her."


    Lucas let out a breathless laugh, resting his hands on his knees. His muscles were screaming, but the sight of the fallen tree made every ounce of effort worth it.


    The PE teacher clapped his hands together, nodding in approval. "Good work," he said. "Take a few minutes to catch your breath. Then, we''re dragging this thing back."


    The boys slumped onto the ground, their bodies aching, their hands blistered and sore.


    Sweat dripped from their brows, soaking into their shirts ¡ª or in the case of those who had discarded them, running in thin rivulets down their backs.


    The axes, once heavy in their grips, now lay forgotten on the forest floor, blades dulled from hours of relentless chopping.


    The small duffel bag that had once been filled with water cans was now empty, the last of it having been greedily downed during their previous break.


    But even if there had been more, it wouldn''t have been enough to fully refresh them.


    Their exhaustion went beyond thirst ¡ª it settled into their bones, weighing them down like stones.


    Lucas flexed his fingers, rolling his shoulders back as he took deep breaths to steady himself. The sun was already starting to dip lower in the sky, casting the forest in deepening shadows.


    If they didn''t move soon, night would catch up with them, and none of them wanted to be out here in the dark.


    Still, for now, they rested. They deserved that much.


    The PE teacher, ever the machine, didn''t sit down.


    Instead, he picked up his axe again and moved toward the fallen tree, his sharp gaze scanning its length.


    Without needing to say a word, Lucas followed suit, grabbing his own axe and stepping up beside him.


    "Good work today," the teacher said after a moment, swinging his axe down in one clean motion, slicing through a thick branch.


    Lucas nodded, wiping his brow before doing the same.


    "Thanks." He hesitated for a second, then added, "Didn''t think it''d take this long, though."


    The teacher let out a short chuckle. "Welcome to real work, kid."

 Chapter 234: Rest

    Riley''s father let out a breath he didn''t realize he''d been holding. "Thank you," he said, voice thick with emotion.


    The doctor gave a small nod before stepping out to make further arrangements.


    Riley wiped at her eyes, looking toward the door as if expecting Ethan to walk in at any moment. But he didn''t.


    Of course he didn''t.


    Maybe he wanted them to have time... but she was grateful for it, she didn''t want him to see her in this sorrowful state, with tears streaking down her eyes and snot coming out of her nose. She turned back to her mother.


    ...


    The doors to the hospital room swung open shortly after, and a team of doctors and nurses entered, their movements precise and practiced.


    Without wasting a second, they began preparing to transport Riley''s mother to the operating room.


    The quiet hum of machines filled the space as they carefully unhooked and adjusted equipment, checking her vitals one last time before the move.


    Riley stood by the bedside, her hands clasped tightly together, watching as her mother was lifted onto the stretcher.


    The IV lines and tubes attached to her made it all the more terrifying. She looked so fragile, so breakable, it seemed she would break at any moment.


    Her father swallowed hard, his usual stern expression masking the deep worry in his eyes.


    Oliver stood rigid, his jaw clenched, hands shoved into his pockets as if trying to keep them from shaking.


    None of them spoke. There was nothing to say.


    As the doctors pushed the stretcher forward, Riley followed, her legs moving on instinct.


    Her father and Oliver walked beside her, the three of them a silent force trailing behind the medical team, the medical team was calm, they had done this too many times before and that was what made Riley calmer.


    The hallways felt endless.


    The cold fluorescent lights reflected off the sterile white walls, casting a clinical glow over everything.


    With every step, they passed more and more patients ¡ª people in wheelchairs, people clutching their chests, people whose faces were pale and hollow, everybody was in a different situation.


    They might not have pulmonary fibrosis like her mother but still, there were people with different conditions ¨C the Hospital was just that big.


    And then they saw him.


    A man on a stretcher, barely breathing. Blood soaked through the sheets covering him, pooling around a bullet wound in his chest.


    His face was contorted in pain, his breaths shallow and ragged.


    A nurse shouted for a trauma team, and more staff rushed in, wheeling him past them at full speed.


    Oliver shut his eyes for a moment, his face tightening. Riley turned her head away, unable to bear the sight.


    Death was everywhere in this place.


    It reeked in the air, seeped into their noses and made the hospital even more scary.


    It made her mother''s situation all the more real.


    They reached the doors of the operating room, where a few more doctors were already waiting.


    One of them ¡ª a woman in her forties with sharp eyes and a calm demeanor ¡ª approached them.


    "We''re taking her in now," she said gently. "The transplant preparations are underway, and we''ll be stabilizing her before the procedure. It will take time, but we''re optimistic."


    Her father gave a stiff nod, as if afraid that speaking would break him.


    Riley, however, found her voice. "Can we stay? Can we wait here?"


    The doctor offered a small, understanding smile. "It''s going to be a long surgery. I suggest you all go home and rest."


    Riley wanted to argue, wanted to insist that she couldn''t possibly sleep while her mother was on an operating table, but Oliver placed a hand on her shoulder.


    "She''s right," he murmured. "We''re no help standing around."


    She looked between him and her father, then back at the doctor, her heart sinking.


    "Will you call us the second there''s news?" she asked.


    "Of course."


    Riley turned her eyes to her mother one last time as they wheeled her through the doors.


    Then they were left standing in the empty hallway, the only sound the steady beep of machines from nearby rooms.


    Stepping outside the hospital doors felt like surfacing from deep underwater.


    The crisp late afternoon air wrapped around them, a stark contrast to the sterile, artificial atmosphere they had just left behind.


    For a brief moment, Riley inhaled deeply, trying to rid her lungs of the lingering scent of antiseptic and sickness.


    The hospital parking lot was dimly lit, with only a few streetlights flickering in the distance.


    Even though it was well past rush hour, the hospital''s emergency entrance remained busy.


    A couple of ambulances were parked near the entrance, their back doors wide open as paramedics hurried to unload new patients.


    As the family walked toward their car, another stretcher was being wheeled in, a man groaning in pain, his body twisted unnaturally.


    Riley glanced away quickly, but the image was already burned into her mind.


    This place never rested.


    That was how hospitals were, she could only wonder what it was like working in this place.


    Her father, Robert, walked ahead with slow, heavy steps, his shoulders hunched in a way that made him look older than he was.


    He reached his car, a modest dark blue sedan, and unlocked it without a word.


    Oliver got in first, sliding into the passenger seat. Riley hesitated, still holding her phone in her hand.


    She had tried calling Ethan twice, but each time, the call didn''t go through.


    She frowned, her thumb hovering over the redial button.


    Maybe he was busy.


    She wasn''t sure why, but it unsettled her.


    He had just up and disappeared after paying for everything.


    Had he gone back home? Was he just giving them space? It was getting weird.


    She bit her lip, staring at her phone screen before sighing and slipping into the back seat.


    Robert started the engine, and the low hum of the car filled the quiet.


    No one spoke as he pulled out of the parking lot and onto the main road.


    ...


    Ethan leaned back in the cab''s seat, eyes roaming the cityscape as the taxi weaved through the bustling streets.


    This was his first time in Silicon City, and even though he had heard about it, nothing could have prepared him for the sheer size and energy of the place.


    If he thought driving from the subway to the hospital made this place big then he was immensely wrong, Silicon was even bigger than that.


    Neon signs flashed against the glass buildings, and the sidewalks were packed with people, some walking briskly in business attire while others laughed over street food at stalls.


    The cab driver, an older man with graying hair and a thick accent, glanced at Ethan through the rearview mirror.


    "First time in Silicon City?"


    He wanted to say no like he did with the first Taxi but rather he admitted the truth.


    Ethan nodded, still taking everything in. "Yeah. Heard a lot about it, but seeing it in person is different."


    The driver chuckled. "That it is. This place never sleeps. You could spend a whole year here and still not see everything."


    Ethan smirked. "Guess I better make the most of it, then."


    The driver hummed in agreement and made a sharp turn onto a wider road, where even more towering buildings lined the horizon.


    "You know, since you''re new here, I can show you around a bit. For a little extra, of course."


    Ethan pulled out his wallet without hesitation. "Fair deal."


    He handed the man some bills, and the driver grinned.


    "When there''s money involved, one would do anything," the driver muttered with amusement as he pocketed the cash.


    And Ethan agreed, Money was one of the most important things in this world.


    The taxi slowed as they reached a large, open plaza, a rare stretch of space amidst the tightly packed city.


    In the center stood a tall statue, its bronze surface reflecting the glow of the surrounding streetlights.


    The driver turned off the engine and gestured for Ethan to step out.


    "Come on, kid. You oughta see this up close."


    Ethan hesitated for a moment before stepping out of the cab.


    The driver walked ahead of him and pointed at the statue.


    "This right here is Arthur Silicon, strange name but it''s important ¡ª the guy who built Silicon City from the ground up. Back then, this place was just another small town, but he had a vision. Turned it into what you see today."


    Ethan tilted his head, examining the finely sculpted details of the man cast in bronze.


    "Must''ve taken a lot to build all this."


    The driver scoffed. "You bet. This city ain''t just about money; it''s about ambition. You got that, you can make it here. Without it? This place''ll eat you alive."


    Ethan listened, his gaze drifting from the statue to the skyline above.


    He could see it now ¡ª the way opportunity pulsed through this city, the way the lights never truly went out.


    It was different from Greyport, where things moved at a steadier pace. Here, everything felt... limitless.

 Chapter 235: Natalie?

    Ethan sighed, tucking his phone into his pocket as he let the night wind ruffle his hair.


    It was... annoying yet amusing at the same time.


    Vanessa was just being herself, but her reactions never failed to entertain him.


    He turned away from the balcony, stepping back into the hotel room. The contrast between the crisp night air outside and the warm atmosphere inside was stark, making him realize just how comfortable the room was.


    His gaze landed on Riley, who was curled up on the bed, still deep in sleep.


    Her breathing was soft and steady, her body half-buried under the thick covers.


    A small smirk tugged at Ethan''s lips. She had been so anxious the night before, running all the way here just to see him.


    Now, she looked peaceful, almost defenseless in her sleep.


    Shaking his head slightly, he slipped into bed beside her, adjusting the blanket over himself before closing his eyes.


    ...


    The next morning, Ethan groggily blinked awake, his body still heavy with sleep.


    He let out a slow exhale, rubbing his eyes before adjusting to the morning light filtering through the hotel curtains.


    The scent of something warm and delicious wafted through the air, and he frowned slightly.


    Then, he noticed movement.


    Standing right beside the bed was Riley, a steaming tray of food in her hands.


    But what caught his attention even more was what she was wearing ¡ª or rather, what she wasn''t wearing.


    A skimpy tank top and a pair of shorts that barely reached her thighs.


    Ethan''s brow twitched, and his sleep-addled brain took a moment to process the sight before him.


    He cleared his throat. "What... are you wearing?"


    Riley blinked, then looked down at herself as if she had just remembered her outfit choice.


    A light pink dusted her cheeks, but she quickly composed herself. "I, um... I accidentally wet my other clothes in the tub when I was in the bathroom earlier. These were the only things I had left in my bag."


    Ethan stared at her for a second longer before sighing. "You could have just borrowed my shirt or something."


    "And let you see me drowning in an oversized shirt?" she teased with a grin. "No thanks."


    Ethan shook his head, deciding not to argue further.


    Instead, he sat up, stretching out his arms before glancing at the tray she was holding. "You made breakfast?"


    "Of course!" Riley beamed, stepping closer and setting the tray down on the small table beside the bed. "I figured it''s the least I could do. You''ve been spoiling me, so it''s only fair that I do something for you."


    Ethan eyed the food ¡ª a neatly arranged plate of toast, eggs, and some fruit on the side. It looked surprisingly good.


    "Not bad," he admitted.


    Riley grinned, but then, a playful glint appeared in her eyes. "Here, let me feed you."


    She picked up a fork and scooped up a piece of egg, holding it up toward him.


    Ethan''s expression flattened. "I can eat by myself."


    "But I made it," she whined, pouting as she waved the fork closer to his mouth. "Come on, Ethan, just let me do it."


    He exhaled sharply. "Riley ¡ª "


    "Please?" she dragged out the word, giving him the biggest, most exaggerated puppy eyes she could muster.


    Ethan groaned, rubbing his temple. "You''re relentless."


    "Mhm! Now, open up!*" she chirped.


    Defeated, Ethan reluctantly opened his mouth, letting Riley place the bite of food in. She watched him expectantly as he chewed, as if waiting for some kind of grand reaction.


    "It''s fine," he said after swallowing.


    "Just fine?"


    "It''s good," he corrected with a small smirk.


    Riley puffed out her chest proudly. "See? I told you I could cook better than you!"


    Ethan shook his head but didn''t protest when she continued feeding him.


    Maybe it was because she looked so happy doing it, or maybe it was because he was too tired to argue.


    Either way, he let her have this moment.


    Ethan zipped up his bag with a firm tug, tossing it over his shoulder as he glanced toward Riley. "Come on, start packing," he urged, slipping his phone into his pocket.


    Riley let out a soft groan from where she stood at the counter, stretching her arms over her head.


    "We still have time," she mumbled, rubbing her eyes.


    "No, we don''t," Ethan countered, picking up one of her shirts and tossing it toward her bag. "We need to get back. There''s work to do."


    Despite her reluctance, Riley knew he was right. She had already called her father and Oliver earlier that morning, letting them know she''d be leaving soon.


    They had been understanding, though Oliver had jokingly called her a traitor for leaving them so soon.


    She let out a sigh and stood up, gathering her things. "Fine, fine. But I''m moving at my own pace."


    Ethan didn''t respond, already focused on his own packing. As he folded a few more pieces of clothing, he ran a hand over the soft fabric of the white robe he had worn the previous night.


    He had to admit ¡ªit felt damn nice. Maybe when he got back to Greyport, he''d look into buying one for himself.


    After about fifteen minutes, they were done.


    Ethan double-checked the room to make sure they hadn''t left anything behind before grabbing his bag and leading the way out.


    Once they stepped into the hallway, Riley gave the room one last glance before closing the door behind her.


    "It was nice while it lasted," she murmured.


    Ethan shot her a side glance. "Don''t get sentimental over a hotel room."


    ...


    The taxi ride to the subway station was relatively quiet. Riley rested her head against the window, watching the towering buildings of Silicon City pass by.


    "It really is different from Greyport," she murmured.


    Ethan, who was sitting beside her, nodded slightly. "Yeah. Bigger, busier. But I don''t think I''d want to live here."


    "Why not?"


    "Too much noise. Too many people in your business." He leaned back against the seat, glancing out the window. "Greyport''s quieter. More manageable."


    Riley hummed in thought. "Yeah... I guess I get what you mean."


    The taxi eventually pulled up in front of the subway entrance, and the two of them stepped out, shouldering their bags as they made their way inside.


    The station was bustling with people, most of them either rushing to catch their train or waiting in groups.


    The smell of coffee and baked goods lingered in the air from a nearby stand, and an announcement echoed overhead, listing departure times.


    Ethan led the way to the ticket counter, pulling out his wallet.


    "Two tickets to Greyport," he said to the attendant.


    The man behind the counter nodded, typing into his computer before sliding the tickets across the counter.


    "That''ll be fifty-five," he said.


    Ethan handed over the cash without hesitation. Riley, standing beside him, crossed her arms. "You didn''t even let me pay for my own ticket."


    "Because I didn''t feel like waiting for you to dig through your purse," Ethan replied flatly, tucking the tickets into his pocket before handing one to her.


    She rolled her eyes but accepted it, following him toward the waiting area.


    As they sat down on one of the metal benches, Riley stretched her legs out, letting out a small yawn. "I feel like yesterday was too much."


    "It was," Ethan admitted, checking his watch. "But we''ll be back soon. Then you can go back to annoying me in a more familiar environment."


    "Pfft. You make it sound like you don''t enjoy my company."


    Ethan smirked. "I tolerate it."


    Riley gasped dramatically. "Rude."


    Ethan chuckled, shaking his head. As they waited for their train, he glanced around at the people walking by, their faces either tired or preoccupied.


    Something about travel always fascinated him.


    People were always on the move, going places for different reasons. Some were heading home, some were leaving for something new.


    As the train pulled into the station, a gust of wind rushed through the platform, rustling Riley''s hair as she adjusted the strap of her bag.


    Ethan, standing beside her, watched the train doors slide open with a faint hiss. People moved around them, some rushing forward to get on first, while others stepped out, eager to be on their way.


    "Come on," Ethan said, nodding toward the doors.


    They stepped inside, scanning the train car for empty seats. The train was fairly packed, filled with all sorts of people heading to Greyport.


    A few businesspeople dressed in stiff suits sat with their laptops open, typing away.


    Some high school students huddled together, chatting excitedly. A young mother struggled to keep her toddler from climbing onto the seat beside her.


    Riley nudged Ethan''s side. "Over there," she said, pointing to two empty seats near the window.


    They made their way over, squeezing past a few passengers before finally settling down. Ethan let out a small sigh as he leaned back, adjusting his bag on his lap.


    "It''s busier than I expected," Riley commented, glancing around.


    "Silicon City is huge," Ethan replied. "Lots of people going in and out."


    Before they could say anything else, the train jolted, the movement abrupt enough that Riley had to grab onto the edge of her seat.


    "Well, that was dramatic," she muttered.


    Ethan smirked slightly, but he gripped the armrest just in case.


    The train picked up speed, the vibrations of the metal tracks humming beneath them.


    The cityscape outside the window blurred as they left the station behind, the towering buildings giving way to the outskirts of Silicon City.


    For a few minutes, neither of them spoke, simply watching as the scenery changed.


    The transition from city to countryside was gradual ¡ª first, the tightly packed streets became wider, then the concrete jungle gave way to stretches of open land and clusters of trees.


    Riley let out a sigh and leaned back in her seat. "Feels weird, doesn''t it?"


    "What does?"


    "Leaving. It''s like... we were just here, and now we''re gone," she said, waving a hand vaguely toward the window. "It makes me think about how fast everything moves."


    Ethan hummed in agreement. "That''s just how life is. One minute you''re in one place, the next you''re somewhere else."


    "Deep," she teased, smirking.

 Chapter 236: Natalie? (II)

    Zayn groaned as he sat up, rubbing the back of his neck with a tired hand.


    The morning sun trickled in through the shutters, golden rays spilling across the floor of his room.


    His muscles ached from yesterday''s not-so-friendly outing with Althea, and he still wasn''t sure if that was emotional tension or just the aftermath of carrying too many shopping bags.


    He yawned, threw his legs over the side of the bed, and stretched ¡ª arms high above his head, back cracking loud enough to startle a bird on the windowsill.


    "Morning already, huh?" he muttered, eyes squinting at the little device Tobias had used to face-time him yesterday.


    The one with the hologram feature.


    He tapped it a few times. Nothing.


    Tried again.


    Still nothing.


    He gave it a light smack against his palm. "Yeah, I figured that wouldn''t work. Tobias, you really need to get something with a warranty."


    After a quick rinse and a half-hearted combing of his hair, Zayn shuffled downstairs and whipped up some breakfast ¡ª fried honeyeggs, slightly burnt honeybread, and what could generously be described as "aggressively brewed" tea.


    By the time he got to the guild, the morning rush had passed and only a few adventurers lingered around the bulletin board.


    At the front desk stood none other than her ¡ª Clara, the rude half-elf sister.


    She barely looked up. "You again."


    Though there was no bite in it.


    "Good morning to you too, Sunshine," Zayn said with a fake smile.


    Clara glanced over her shoulder at him. "If you''re here to flirt with my sister again, she''s off today."


    "Actually, I''m looking for Tobias and the others. Any word from them?"


    "Nope. Didn''t check in today."


    Zayn frowned, drumming his fingers against the counter. "That''s weird. They were supposed to escort some merchants to a nearby town. Should''ve at least checked back by now."


    Clara rolled her eyes. "Adventurers get delayed all the time. Maybe they found another tavern to sleep in."


    Zayn scratched his head, more puzzled than worried. "Yeah... but something feels off."


    With a dramatic sigh, Clara crossed her arms. "Then go find them. I''m not their babysitter."


    He gave her a mock salute. "Thanks for the emotional support."


    Leaving the guild, Zayn turned his eyes toward the stables.


    He knew the group was supposed to escort a caravan to a nearby town.


    There were only two logical destinations: Beyrin or Aqua Town.


    They definitely hadn''t gone through Beyrin ¡ª it was just a 3-5 hours ride, they would have been able to make it back easily so Aqua town it was.


    He approached the stable and greeted the old man chewing a twig like it was gourmet jerky. "Hey, I''m here for Zayn."


    The man blinked. "You... are Zayn."


    Of course his name was popular now...


    "No, the horse. Named her Zayn."


    The old man chuckled. "Still weird you named a horse after yourself."


    "I''ve got a great sense of self-worth," Zayn said, patting the horse''s mane as it was led out. "Hey, buddy."


    The horse, a sturdy bay mare with a shaggy mane and sharp eyes, neighed softly and nudged his chest.


    Zayn returned the nuzzle. "Okay, let''s go find the team."


    As they trotted out of Timberstead, the sun began climbing higher, beating down on the fields with lazy warmth.


    Zayn adjusted his cloak and squinted toward the road. "So... Aqua Town. Since there''s Aqua in the name, Maybe they stopped at the lake on the way. Maybe Kara got too hot and jumped in for a swim. Maybe Bran cannonballed in behind her."


    The image made him chuckle.


    He passed a few traveling vendors, some fruit carts, and even an old woman pushing a wheelbarrow filled with suspiciously shaped vegetables.


    Everyone greeted him kindly ¡ª being part of the hero''s party had its perks.


    But beneath that, Zayn couldn''t shake the feeling. There was something off about this whole thing.


    He let his horse walk at a steady pace, eyes scanning the road for any broken cart wheels, signs of a scuffle, or Bran-shaped craters in the dirt.


    Eventually, he muttered aloud, "Wait... what did they mean by lying merchants again?"


    The realization hit him like Bran''s axe.


    "Oh no. Oh no no no. Those cheap bastards said the destination was closer just to pay less?! Tobias must be fuming. They probably made it halfway to the next continent."


    Zayn leaned forward, urging Zayn-the-horse into a gallop. "C''mon, let''s catch up before they sell Bran into labor."


    The road to Aqua Town curved through rolling hills and forest paths.


    Along the way, Zayn spotted signs of a battle and a very deep axe mark on the ground and muttered, "Bran definitely passed here."


    As the wind whipped through his hair, he replayed the last call in his mind.


    Tobias had looked tired. Elisse had sounded a bit annoyed. Kara was eating chips in the background, and Bran was being Bran..


    Yep, they were fine. But still.


    It took another three hours before the rooftops of Aqua Town peeked over the horizon.


    The town was modest ¡ª mostly brick houses, a central plaza with a fountain, and a handful of shops glowing with lantern light.


    Zayn slowed the horse as he entered the main road.


    "Aqua Town," Zayn muttered as he rode through the front gate on his horse ¡ª also named Zayn. "Dry air. Dusty roads. Not a single drop of water in sight. This town''s name is a scam."


    The town didn''t exactly scream ''refreshing oasis.''


    It looked like someone had tried to build a lakeside resort and then forgot to actually put in the lake.


    The buildings were mostly dry clay and faded wood, cracked from years of heat.


    The only thing "aqua" about it was the faded blue paint chipping off the sign at the entrance.


    As he trotted past an elderly fruit seller dozing under her umbrella, he asked, "Excuse me, ma''am, do you know where the stables are?"


    She stirred awake and pointed vaguely down the street. "Other side of the plaza, past the baker who yells at pigeons."


    "...Sure. Thanks." Zayn gently kicked his heels into the horse and rode off, spotting the baker in question mid-rant at a seagull perched on a fence.


    Something about unpaid debts.


    Once Zayn found the stables, he handed his horse over to a teenager with a mouth full of jerky and said, "Treat him well. He has my name. And better posture than me."


    The boy stared blankly.


    Zayn sighed. "Just ¡ª water him and don''t let him eat suspicious mushrooms."


    With Zayn-the-horse taken care of, Zayn-the-man began his search.


    He went from tavern to tavern, pub to pub, occasionally bumping into unhelpful locals.


    "Have you seen a group? Big guy with an axe, glasses guy who glares a lot, curvy girl who''s always sweet but scary when angry, and a dark-skinned mage who wears too much eyeliner?"


    Most answers were a shrug. A few were concerned stares. One person tried to sell him a chicken.


    By the third tavern, Zayn slumped into a barstool, ordered a lukewarm drink, and whispered, "Maybe they didn''t come this way. Maybe they really did go to Beyrin."


    He grimaced at the thought of Beyrin. He would have burned a lot of unreasonable time if they really did go there.


    He was about to give up and maybe rent a room when fate decided to throw him a bone ¡ª or rather, a lead.


    He had wandered into a general goods store that smelled like leather, pine, and whatever herbs they used to scare away rats.


    While Zayn browsed aimlessly through a rack of suspiciously labeled "healing oils".


    A man behind the counter called out, "You lost or just really bad at shopping?"


    Zayn turned, a bit offended. "I''ll have you know I''m great at shopping. I just... don''t have a list."


    The shopkeeper chuckled. "You don''t look local. Passing through?"


    "Sort of. Looking for some friends. One''s a massive guy with an axe strapped to his back, looks like he could fight a bear and win. There''s a nun with him too, very... blessed. Guy with glasses, permanently annoyed. A mage ¡ª dark-skinned, lots of dramatic hand gestures."


    The shopkeeper blinked. "Wait. You mean that group? They came through here yesterday evening."


    Zayn''s eyes lit up. "You''re serious?"


    "Sure am. The big guy nearly knocked over my shelf trying to check the price tag on jerky. The nun bought three jars of honey for some reason. Said they were heading north. To Edgeville."


    Zayn felt relief wash over him like a cold bath. Finally ¡ª a solid clue.


    "That''s them. They''re part of my party," he said, grinning. "You just saved me another half-day of awkward small talk with drunk people."


    The shopkeeper laughed and waved off the praise. "Just glad to help. They looked like good folks. Hope they didn''t run into bandits or worse."


    Zayn nodded seriously and reached into his pocket, pulling out a few coins. "Here. For the intel."


    The man raised an eyebrow. "You sure?"


    Zayn shrugged. "I''ve paid more for less."


    As he turned to leave, Zayn paused at the door and spun around.


    "Wait, can you point me toward Edgeville? Like, which road actually goes that way? I''ve been doing this thing where I guess and then regret it halfway through."

 Chapter 237: Natalie ? (III)

    The shopkeeper chuckled again and came out from behind the counter, leading Zayn outside.


    He pointed down a long, winding road that dipped through the hills. "That''ll take you there. Just follow the road past the split rock and ignore the weird signs about goats."


    Zayn raised an eyebrow. "Ignore the signs... got it. Unless they''re magic goats. Then I''m fighting them."


    The man patted his back. "Good luck, traveler."


    Zayn made his way back to the stables, still chewing over the information.


    Edgeville.


    So they had lied to the guild to pay less, ended up taking a longer route, and now Zayn was chasing after them like an older brother who just wanted his siblings to check in more often.


    He found Zayn-the-horse munching on some hay. "Alright, buddy. Found our next destination. You ready?"


    The horse neighed softly, flicking its ears.


    "I''ll take that as a yes."


    As he saddled up and began riding toward the road out of town, he muttered, "I swear, when I find them, I''m gonna yell at Tobias for exactly five minutes. Then I''ll ask Elisse if she brought extra food. Then I''ll probably fall asleep."


    ...


    The wind had grown colder the farther Zayn rode.


    His horse snorted beneath him, huffing steam into the brisk air.


    The cloak around his shoulders flapped in the wind as he held it tighter over his nose, squinting ahead at the nearly featureless terrain.


    "Edgeville, my ass," he muttered, patting his horse''s neck. "If I don''t die from monsters, the frostbite''ll do it."


    It had been hours of nothing but lake reflections and the occasional angry squirrel.


    Then ¡ª finally ¡ª movement.


    A girl.


    She was sitting under a tree, arms wrapped around her knees, head bowed.


    Her clothes were barely there, little more than a pair of shorts and a top that might''ve once been a shirt before someone shredded it for dramatic effect.


    Zayn frowned and pulled the reins.


    "That is suspicious," he muttered, narrowing his eyes. "Too suspicious."


    He slowed the horse to a stop a safe distance away and dismounted, his boots crunching the frosted grass.


    His soul energy simmered lightly under his skin, subtle, prepared.


    As he approached, the girl looked up, revealing sharp emerald eyes that flashed unnaturally. Her lips parted, and Zayn''s instincts screamed ¡ª he didn''t think, just moved.


    FSSSSHHHH


    A stream of green venom exploded from her mouth, sizzling through the air where Zayn''s head had been moments earlier.


    It hit the ground with a hiss, melting through dirt and stone like acid through butter.


    "Yeah, nope," Zayn muttered, dodging another volley. "Definitely not lost. Definitely an ambush."


    "Stay still!" the girl hissed, more venom spraying out, cutting through the air in erratic arcs.


    Behind him, rustling.


    Zayn spun.


    From the bushes, bandits emerged ¡ª some laughing, some hollering, some cracking their knuckles like they were auditioning for villain roles in a cheap stage play.


    There were five of them. One had an eye patch. One had no shirt. One was just... really tall.


    "Yo," the shirtless one grinned. "Thanks for walking right into the trap."


    Zayn cracked his knuckles. "Yo, thanks for making me feel like the main character."


    Then they rushed him.


    Zayn didn''t hesitate.


    Soul energy ignited from within, flooding into his limbs.


    His body moved before thought ¡ª ducking under a punch, grabbing the man''s arm and slamming him over his shoulder into the ground.


    He backflipped to avoid a dagger slash, planting a foot in the air to pivot and land a kick to a second bandit''s chest.


    The tall one came at him with a greatsword.


    Zayn slid low, hands sweeping in a martial curve, creating golden wisps of soul energy in his wake.


    The blade swung down, crashing into the ground ¡ª and Zayn surged upward, elbow slamming into the guy''s jaw.


    CRACK!


    The tall man staggered.


    Zayn grinned. "Should''ve stretched."


    More came.


    He leapt into the air, spinning mid-kick, soul energy swirling around his leg like wind caught fire.


    The kick struck three of them like bowling pins, knocking them back into a tree with a loud crash.


    The venom girl shouted, jumping into the fray.


    Her hands glowed green and poisonous claws extended from her fingers.


    She moved fast ¡ª unnaturally so ¡ª her feet barely touching the ground.


    She slashed.


    Zayn narrowly dodged. Her claw grazed his cloak, hissing as the cloth sizzled and burned.


    "OI! I liked this cloak!" Zayn snapped, jumping back and forming a thin thread of soul energy from his fingertips.


    She lunged again.


    Zayn flicked the thread forward.


    It wrapped around her wrist and yanked, redirecting her strike into a fellow bandit who screeched as venom tore through his armor.


    "Oops," Zayn smirked. "Friendly fire."


    She snarled and tried again ¡ªthis time spraying venom in a wide arc.


    Zayn dashed through it, soul energy bursting from his feet.


    He twisted, flipped over her, and struck her in the back with a soul-empowered palm. She hit the ground, skidding, but rolled to her feet instantly.


    "Who are you?" she gasped, panting, clearly shocked.


    "I''m the guy you shouldn''t have tried to mug before brunch."


    A bandit came from behind.


    Zayn didn''t turn ¡ª he formed a soul blade from his palm, a small one, just enough to stab backward without breaking stride.


    It hit the man in the gut and sent him reeling.


    Another charged.


    Zayn parried with his arm, slid into the man''s space, and delivered a lightning-quick series of blows ¡ª fist, elbow, knee, then a final uppercut that sent the man flying.


    All that remained was Venom Girl.


    She crouched, wild-eyed, claws ready.


    Zayn adjusted his stance, breathing steady, soul energy flaring again.


    "I don''t wanna hurt you," he said, voice calm now.


    "You already have," she growled. "You''re stronger. You should''ve run. You could''ve lived."


    "I still can," he said, and launched.


    Their final exchange was quick, fluid, brutal ¡ª her claws slicing, his strikes parrying.


    He finally locked her wrist, spun her body mid-air, and pinned her to the ground with his weight and a blade of soul energy glowing at her throat.


    Her breath hitched. Her body trembled.


    "I yield," she said finally, eyes glaring up at him with fire.


    Zayn raised a brow. "So what now? You guys gonna keep robbing travelers?"


    She didn''t answer.


    One of the wounded bandits groaned behind them.


    Zayn sighed. "Look, you''re decent. Fast. Poison girl powers. I''m sure there''s better work than highway mugging."


    "You don''t know anything about us," she muttered.


    "I know your aim''s kinda trash," he said, standing and brushing himself off.


    She glared at him ¡ªbut her lips twitched. Just a little.


    Zayn looked at the rest of the groaning bandits.


    "Alright, I''ll leave you guys alone, I''ll just be borrowing this girl for a bit."


    Zayn grabbed the venom girl by the waist and lifted her like a sack of angry potatoes, casually waving to the groaning, scorched, soul-punched bandits behind them.


    "Have a nice day!" he called out with a grin that probably annoyed them more than his fists did.


    The venom girl squirmed. "Let me down!"


    Zayn just shrugged and said "Nope" as he hopped back onto his horse.


    The horse neighed, half annoyed and half excited, then took off down the road like it had a grudge against geography.


    "You''re going to give me directions to Edgeville," Zayn said, voice loud over the wind. "Since you guys clearly know the area so well."


    She twisted in his arms to look at him, probably ready to bite something, but then paused.


    His eyes were still blazing.


    Not just glowing ¡ª blazing ¡ª with golden soul energy with maybe a bit of pink that flickered like fire through cracked crystal.


    The aura shimmered off his eyes like heat off asphalt.


    He looked dangerous. Monstrous, even. The kind of guy who says "I could kill you" and means it.


    And she definitely saw the part where he folded the crew of bandits into lawn furniture without breaking a sweat.


    "If you don''t help," Zayn said, casually, "I could always kill you. And your friends. You know, the ones doing such a great job playing dead back there."


    Her face twitched. "Alright, alright! Take the left path past the crooked tree. You''ll hit an icy ridge. After that, it''s a straight road to Edgeville."


    Zayn relaxed and nodded. "See? That wasn''t hard. You''re actually kinda helpful when you''re not spewing acid at my face."


    She grumbled something under her breath.


    "What was that?"


    "I said you smell like burnt soup."


    "That''s fair," Zayn said, deadpan. "Your aim was a little off. So the soup''s on you."


    They kept riding.


    The path stretched out before them, all frost-covered trees and quiet lakes that reflected the pale sky.


    The air bit at their cheeks, but the horse kept up the pace. Occasionally, Zayn would warm it with soul energy, keeping the steed going strong.


    "So," Zayn said after a moment. "What''s a young girl like you doing with a bunch of sweaty, unwashed bandits who look like they belong in a bad stage play?"


    She rolled her eyes. "You''re one to talk."


    Zayn gave her a look. "You''re dodging the question."


    She crossed her arms, still seated in front of him as they bounced along the path. "Not that it''s any of your business, but they found me a few years ago. I was just surviving, and they let me stay. Taught me stuff. I was small, but they didn''t kick me out."


    "And in exchange you... melted people?"


    "Sometimes," she muttered. "It''s what I''m good at."

 Chapter 238: A Kiss Eh?

    Ethan stepped into the VIP restaurant section, immediately feeling the shift in atmosphere.


    This wasn''t just a place to eat ¡ª it was an arena where the rich mingled, where deals were made over glasses of expensive wine, and where the scent of power was almost as strong as the aroma of the gourmet dishes being served.


    A few people waved at him, some offering polite nods, others raising their glasses in acknowledgment.


    He waved back casually, knowing full well that the social hierarchy in a place like this was an intricate web.


    Some people in this room were wealthy beyond imagination, while others were still climbing, eager to rub shoulders with the elite in hopes of securing a bigger slice of the pie.


    That was the nature of money ¡ª there was always someone richer, always someone more powerful.


    And the moment you forgot that, the moment you underestimated someone, was the moment you put yourself at a disadvantage.


    Ethan had learned that lesson early.


    He was about to move through the section when a woman stumbled forward.


    She looked slightly flustered, clutching onto something as she approached him with wide, hopeful eyes.


    "Mr. Grey!" she called out, a nervous energy in her voice. "I ¡ª I know this is sudden, but could I get an autograph?"


    Ethan glanced at her.


    She seemed young, maybe in her late twenties, dressed in a business-casual outfit, with a lanyard around her neck that suggested she was some kind of journalist or reporter.


    He usually didn''t care much for signing things, but he supposed there was no harm. "What do you want me to sign?"


    She quickly pulled out a cap from her bag and presented it to him. It was plain, except for a section on the front where the word Grey was embroidered faintly.


    "Right here," she said, pointing at the forehead section of the cap.


    Ethan took the cap, pulled a marker from his pocket ¡ª because of course, he always carried one for moments like this ¡ª and signed his last name in sharp, bold strokes.


    She beamed, shaking his hand enthusiastically. "Thank you so much!"


    "No problem," Ethan said, offering her a slight nod before moving forward.


    He continued through the restaurant section, passing by elegantly dressed patrons and servers carrying trays of delicacies most people wouldn''t even be able to pronounce.


    He wasn''t here for the food, though ¡ª he had something else to check on.


    Finally, he reached a new room.


    During the resort''s construction, this space had been completely empty ¡ª a blank canvas with nothing but white walls and an untouched floor.


    But now, it had transformed into something else entirely.


    Rows of chairs were set up in an orderly fashion, a dim golden light illuminating the area, casting a warm ambiance.


    On stage, a group of performers was in the middle of an act, their voices filling the space with a raw, artistic energy.


    The audience sat in quiet appreciation, some sipping drinks, others simply watching in admiration.


    Ethan observed from the entrance, careful not to disturb the performance.


    It seemed like his team had turned this into a small entertainment venue.


    Smart.


    Even in a place where wealth ruled, people still craved art, music, and storytelling. And catering to that demand meant yet another avenue for profit.


    Entertainment was for the win.


    Curious, he approached one of the staff members standing by the side and asked quietly, "Who''s in charge of this?"


    The staff member gestured toward a woman standing near the side of the room, watching the performance closely.


    Ethan walked over and tapped her shoulder lightly.


    The woman turned around, and the moment she did, his eyes widened slightly.


    Crimson hair.


    A familiar face.


    It took a second, but then recognition hit him like a sudden gust of wind.


    Melissa.


    For a moment, it felt like the noise around them dulled.


    Melissa''s deep red eyes blinked in surprise before a slow smile crept onto her lips.


    "Well, well," she mused, crossing her arms. "Look who decided to show up after a vacation."


    Ethan exhaled sharply, shaking his head in amusement. "Melissa. Didn''t expect to see you here."


    "I could say the same for you," she shot back. "Though, I suppose it makes sense. This is your place, after all."


    Ethan glanced around. "Didn''t know you were involved in entertainment now."


    Melissa chuckled. "Zack wanted someone who could appreciate the uniqueness of ''Drama'', we tested a few people beforehand but well nobody could match that other than me."


    Ethan smirked slightly. "You really are a master of entertainment.".


    He glanced toward the stage. "So, this was your idea?"


    "Partially." Melissa shrugged. "The original plan was just to have some live music, maybe a few performances, but I figured we could do more. People like exclusivity, Ethan. So I turned this into a space where only VIPs and high-rollers get access to private performances. People will pay stupid amounts of money to watch artists perform in an intimate setting like this."


    Ethan nodded. "Smart move."


    "I know it is," she teased. "But thanks for the validation, boss."


    He shook his head with a smirk. "And? How''s it going so far?"


    Melissa tilted her head slightly. "Better than I expected. The rich love feeling like they have access to something others don''t. And the artists love performing for smaller crowds that actually listen instead of just treating them like background noise. It''s a win-win."


    Ethan considered her words. This was a good addition.


    Not just because of the money, but because it added another layer of luxury to the resort. The kind of experience that made people keep coming back.


    He crossed his arms. "And here I thought you''d never work under me."


    Melissa snorted. "Don''t flatter yourself. I don''t work under you ¡ª I work with you."


    Ethan chuckled. "Fair enough."


    Melissa studied him for a moment before smirking. "So? What do you think? You like what I''ve done with the place?"


    Ethan exhaled, glancing around once more.


    Yeah.


    He liked it.


    "Yeah," he finally admitted. "I do."


    Ethan and Melissa stepped out of the entertainment room, the subtle hum of conversation and soft applause fading as they walked further away.


    The resort was alive with its usual luxury, a well-oiled machine running smoothly, just as Ethan had intended.


    Melissa had quickly informed one of her vice managers to keep an eye on the ongoing performance before they made their way through the resort grounds, passing lavish halls, open gardens, and high-end restaurants.


    They had been walking for a while when Melissa spoke.


    "Your family went home a few days ago," she said casually, glancing at him.


    Ethan turned his head slightly, raising a brow. "Oh?"


    "Yeah. Your mom was a bit worried about you," Melissa added, adjusting her hair as the morning breeze swept through.


    Ethan smirked slightly. "She always is."


    "Well, you did disappear without much of an explanation," Melissa pointed out.


    Ethan chuckled.


    He couldn''t really argue with that. His mother had always been protective, even if she understood the nature of his business.


    It was one of the things that made her HER.


    "I''ll contact them soon enough," Ethan assured.


    Melissa gave him a knowing look. "You should. Otherwise, she might just show up at your place unannounced."


    Ethan could actually picture that happening.


    His mother wasn''t the type to just sit around and worry ¡ª if she needed answers, she got them.


    They continued walking, passing by the pool section.


    The resort''s outdoor area was vast, complete with multiple pools, lounging spaces, and cabanas.


    The morning sun reflected off the crystal-clear water, casting shimmering waves of light onto the tiled floors.


    Some guests were already swimming, while others sat back with drinks in hand, enjoying their luxury-filled morning.


    "The pool''s getting more use than I expected," Ethan noted as they walked past.


    Melissa shrugged. "People love lounging in rich places, Ethan. It''s like, the one thing they''re best at."


    Ethan smirked but didn''t disagree.


    Eventually, they made their way down a small path that led to the beach.


    The air shifted immediately.


    The scent of salt and fresh ocean air filled their lungs, the rhythmic crashing of waves providing a soothing contrast to the structured chaos of the resort.


    It was still early, so the beach wasn''t packed yet.


    A few guests were scattered along the shoreline, some walking along the wet sand, others stretching out on sun loungers, enjoying the calm before the inevitable crowd arrived later in the day.


    Ethan let out a breath, taking in the scene.


    "Been a while since I actually relaxed here," he admitted.


    Melissa smirked. "Well, you are the owner. Kind of hard to relax when you''re the guy running everything."


    They found a pair of empty lounge chairs near the water and sat down. The beach staff, ever attentive, approached them almost immediately with trays of refreshments.


    A waiter, dressed in a sharp white uniform, presented them with a selection of chilled drinks.


    "Would you like something to drink, sir?"

 Chapter 239: Ass

    Riley''s father let out a breath he didn''t realize he''d been holding. "Thank you," he said, voice thick with emotion.


    The doctor gave a small nod before stepping out to make further arrangements.


    Riley wiped at her eyes, looking toward the door as if expecting Ethan to walk in at any moment. But he didn''t.


    Of course he didn''t.


    Maybe he wanted them to have time... but she was grateful for it, she didn''t want him to see her in this sorrowful state, with tears streaking down her eyes and snot coming out of her nose. She turned back to her mother.


    ...


    The doors to the hospital room swung open shortly after, and a team of doctors and nurses entered, their movements precise and practiced.


    Without wasting a second, they began preparing to transport Riley''s mother to the operating room.


    The quiet hum of machines filled the space as they carefully unhooked and adjusted equipment, checking her vitals one last time before the move.


    Riley stood by the bedside, her hands clasped tightly together, watching as her mother was lifted onto the stretcher.


    The IV lines and tubes attached to her made it all the more terrifying. She looked so fragile, so breakable, it seemed she would break at any moment.


    Her father swallowed hard, his usual stern expression masking the deep worry in his eyes.


    Oliver stood rigid, his jaw clenched, hands shoved into his pockets as if trying to keep them from shaking.


    None of them spoke. There was nothing to say.


    As the doctors pushed the stretcher forward, Riley followed, her legs moving on instinct.


    Her father and Oliver walked beside her, the three of them a silent force trailing behind the medical team, the medical team was calm, they had done this too many times before and that was what made Riley calmer.


    The hallways felt endless.


    The cold fluorescent lights reflected off the sterile white walls, casting a clinical glow over everything.


    With every step, they passed more and more patients ¡ª people in wheelchairs, people clutching their chests, people whose faces were pale and hollow, everybody was in a different situation.


    They might not have pulmonary fibrosis like her mother but still, there were people with different conditions ¨C the Hospital was just that big.


    And then they saw him.


    A man on a stretcher, barely breathing. Blood soaked through the sheets covering him, pooling around a bullet wound in his chest.


    His face was contorted in pain, his breaths shallow and ragged.


    A nurse shouted for a trauma team, and more staff rushed in, wheeling him past them at full speed.


    Oliver shut his eyes for a moment, his face tightening. Riley turned her head away, unable to bear the sight.


    Death was everywhere in this place.


    It reeked in the air, seeped into their noses and made the hospital even more scary.


    It made her mother''s situation all the more real.


    They reached the doors of the operating room, where a few more doctors were already waiting.


    One of them ¡ª a woman in her forties with sharp eyes and a calm demeanor ¡ª approached them.


    "We''re taking her in now," she said gently. "The transplant preparations are underway, and we''ll be stabilizing her before the procedure. It will take time, but we''re optimistic."


    Her father gave a stiff nod, as if afraid that speaking would break him.


    Riley, however, found her voice. "Can we stay? Can we wait here?"


    The doctor offered a small, understanding smile. "It''s going to be a long surgery. I suggest you all go home and rest."


    Riley wanted to argue, wanted to insist that she couldn''t possibly sleep while her mother was on an operating table, but Oliver placed a hand on her shoulder.


    "She''s right," he murmured. "We''re no help standing around."


    She looked between him and her father, then back at the doctor, her heart sinking.


    "Will you call us the second there''s news?" she asked.


    "Of course."


    Riley turned her eyes to her mother one last time as they wheeled her through the doors.


    Then they were left standing in the empty hallway, the only sound the steady beep of machines from nearby rooms.


    Stepping outside the hospital doors felt like surfacing from deep underwater.


    The crisp late afternoon air wrapped around them, a stark contrast to the sterile, artificial atmosphere they had just left behind.


    For a brief moment, Riley inhaled deeply, trying to rid her lungs of the lingering scent of antiseptic and sickness.


    The hospital parking lot was dimly lit, with only a few streetlights flickering in the distance.


    Even though it was well past rush hour, the hospital''s emergency entrance remained busy.


    A couple of ambulances were parked near the entrance, their back doors wide open as paramedics hurried to unload new patients.


    As the family walked toward their car, another stretcher was being wheeled in, a man groaning in pain, his body twisted unnaturally.


    Riley glanced away quickly, but the image was already burned into her mind.


    This place never rested.


    That was how hospitals were, she could only wonder what it was like working in this place.


    Her father, Robert, walked ahead with slow, heavy steps, his shoulders hunched in a way that made him look older than he was.


    He reached his car, a modest dark blue sedan, and unlocked it without a word.


    Oliver got in first, sliding into the passenger seat. Riley hesitated, still holding her phone in her hand.


    She had tried calling Ethan twice, but each time, the call didn''t go through.


    She frowned, her thumb hovering over the redial button.


    Maybe he was busy.


    She wasn''t sure why, but it unsettled her.


    He had just up and disappeared after paying for everything.


    Had he gone back home? Was he just giving them space? It was getting weird.


    She bit her lip, staring at her phone screen before sighing and slipping into the back seat.


    Robert started the engine, and the low hum of the car filled the quiet.


    No one spoke as he pulled out of the parking lot and onto the main road.


    ...


    Ethan leaned back in the cab''s seat, eyes roaming the cityscape as the taxi weaved through the bustling streets.


    This was his first time in Silicon City, and even though he had heard about it, nothing could have prepared him for the sheer size and energy of the place.


    If he thought driving from the subway to the hospital made this place big then he was immensely wrong, Silicon was even bigger than that.


    Neon signs flashed against the glass buildings, and the sidewalks were packed with people, some walking briskly in business attire while others laughed over street food at stalls.


    The cab driver, an older man with graying hair and a thick accent, glanced at Ethan through the rearview mirror.


    "First time in Silicon City?"


    He wanted to say no like he did with the first Taxi but rather he admitted the truth.


    Ethan nodded, still taking everything in. "Yeah. Heard a lot about it, but seeing it in person is different."


    The driver chuckled. "That it is. This place never sleeps. You could spend a whole year here and still not see everything."


    Ethan smirked. "Guess I better make the most of it, then."


    The driver hummed in agreement and made a sharp turn onto a wider road, where even more towering buildings lined the horizon.


    "You know, since you''re new here, I can show you around a bit. For a little extra, of course."


    Ethan pulled out his wallet without hesitation. "Fair deal."


    He handed the man some bills, and the driver grinned.


    "When there''s money involved, one would do anything," the driver muttered with amusement as he pocketed the cash.


    And Ethan agreed, Money was one of the most important things in this world.


    The taxi slowed as they reached a large, open plaza, a rare stretch of space amidst the tightly packed city.


    In the center stood a tall statue, its bronze surface reflecting the glow of the surrounding streetlights.


    The driver turned off the engine and gestured for Ethan to step out.


    "Come on, kid. You oughta see this up close."


    Ethan hesitated for a moment before stepping out of the cab.


    The driver walked ahead of him and pointed at the statue.


    "This right here is Arthur Silicon, strange name but it''s important ¡ª the guy who built Silicon City from the ground up. Back then, this place was just another small town, but he had a vision. Turned it into what you see today."


    Ethan tilted his head, examining the finely sculpted details of the man cast in bronze.


    "Must''ve taken a lot to build all this."


    The driver scoffed. "You bet. This city ain''t just about money; it''s about ambition. You got that, you can make it here. Without it? This place''ll eat you alive."


    Ethan listened, his gaze drifting from the statue to the skyline above.


    He could see it now ¡ª the way opportunity pulsed through this city, the way the lights never truly went out.


    It was different from Greyport, where things moved at a steadier pace. Here, everything felt... limitless.

 Chapter 240: Sigh

    Ethan continued eating, taking slow bites of his filet mignon and savoring the taste.


    He had to admit ¡ª the food was incredible.


    The steak was tender, cooked to perfection, and seasoned just right, while the mashed potatoes were smooth and buttery.


    It was the kind of meal that reminded him why people were willing to pay so much for fine dining.


    Around him, the quiet hum of conversation filled the air. Unlike the usual loud chatter of casual restaurants, this place had a certain etiquette.


    Everyone was focused on their own affairs, engaged in business talks or simply enjoying their meals. Nobody interrupted the other.


    There were no rowdy customers or unnecessary distractions ¡ª just the soft clinking of utensils, the occasional sip of wine, and the murmuring of voices.


    The air conditioning was cool but not overwhelming, providing the perfect atmosphere for a relaxed meal.


    Ethan noticed surprisingly that there were younger individuals too, not just the rich successful older men.


    Some high school or college students were scattered around, sitting with laptops open, typing away as they sipped on overpriced coffee.


    "Probably working on assignments or projects," Ethan thought. He could see why they would come here.


    The ambiance, the free Wi-Fi, the quiet ¡ª it was the perfect place to focus.


    Everything seemed too perfect.


    And then, just as he was about to take another bite, someone pulled out the chair across from him and sat down.


    Ethan''s grip on his fork tightened slightly, his instincts kicking in before his brain could process what was happening.


    He lifted his gaze, meeting the eyes of a woman who had settled comfortably in the seat across from him.


    She wasn''t someone he recognized, but the confidence in the way she sat down, the way she leaned slightly forward with a small, knowing smile ¡ª it was as if she had been planning this.


    "How are you doing?" she asked, her voice smooth, casual, yet carrying an undertone of curiosity.


    Ethan didn''t answer immediately. Instead, he studied her.


    She was in her mid-to-late twenties, with shoulder-length chestnut brown hair styled in loose waves.


    Her eyes were a striking shade of green, sharp and observant, like she was always analyzing everything around her.


    She was dressed in a dark red blouse that fit snugly against her frame, paired with tailored black slacks. Expensive-looking earrings dangled from her ears, subtle yet elegant.


    She looked like someone who belonged in Silicon City ¡ª someone who was used to getting what she wanted.


    Ethan sighed internally. He had been enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, and now, this.


    He set down his knife and fork, wiping the corners of his mouth with the linen napkin before finally responding.


    "I''m fine," he said simply. "And you?"


    The woman smirked slightly, as if amused by his short reply.


    "I''m doing quite well," she replied, resting her chin on her palm. "Though I have to say, it''s not often you see someone like you eating alone in a place like this."


    Ethan arched a brow. "Someone like me?"


    She tilted her head slightly. "Young. Dressed in a hoodie. Sitting in a high-end restaurant, eating filet mignon like it''s just another Tuesday."


    Ethan could see where this was going. She was trying to figure him out.


    "I''m just passing through," he said, deciding to keep things vague.


    "Passing through, huh?"


    She tapped a manicured finger against the table, her expression thoughtful.


    "That''s interesting. Most people who come to a restaurant like this either live in Silicon City or have some kind of business here. But you... you don''t seem like the typical businessman."


    Ethan exhaled quietly. He didn''t owe her an explanation, but something about the way she spoke made him feel like she was used to getting answers from people.


    Instead of responding directly, he leaned back in his chair slightly. "You always sit at random people''s tables and interrogate them while they''re eating?"


    She laughed at that, the sound light but full of amusement. "Only when they seem interesting."


    Ethan wasn''t sure whether to be flattered or annoyed.


    "Alright," he said, humoring her. "Since you''re so curious, why don''t you tell me who you are first?"


    She smiled. "Fair enough. My name is Natalie. Natalie Wren."


    The name didn''t ring any bells, but something about the way she said it ¡ª like she expected him to recognize it ¡ª made Ethan think she was someone important.


    "Nice to meet you, Natalie," he said neutrally. "I''m Ethan."


    "No last name?" she asked, her green eyes twinkling with intrigue.


    He smirked slightly. "Just Ethan."


    Natalie studied him for a moment before nodding. "Mysterious. I like it."


    zHe wasn''t sure what she wanted from him, but he also wasn''t in the mood to play along.


    "So, Natalie," he said, picking up his glass of water and taking a sip. "What exactly do you want?"


    Natalie leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. "I just wanted to talk. You see, I have a habit of noticing people, and you stood out."


    "Because of the hoodie?"


    She chuckled. "Because you don''t fit in here. And yet, you''re completely comfortable. That tells me you''re either rich enough to not care, or confident enough that you don''t need to prove anything to anyone."


    Ethan didn''t respond to that.


    Natalie took his silence as confirmation. "So, which is it?"


    Ethan glanced at his plate, then back at her. "Why do you care?"


    Natalie smirked. "Curiosity. And maybe a bit of professional interest."


    Now that caught his attention. "Professional interest?"


    She tapped her fingers against the table again. "Let''s just say I deal with people who have potential. And I have a good eye for spotting interesting opportunities."


    Ethan narrowed his eyes slightly. "Are you trying to recruit me for something?"


    Natalie laughed. "Not necessarily. But I am wondering what you''re doing in Silicon City. A guy like you doesn''t just pass through without a reason."


    Ethan exhaled slowly. He hadn''t planned on drawing attention, and yet, somehow, he had.


    Maybe it was just bad luck.


    He rolled his eyes. "I''m just saying, people are always moving. You either keep up or get left behind."


    Riley tilted her head, considering his words. "I guess that''s true."


    The train suddenly hit a rough patch of tracks, shaking violently for a few seconds.


    A few people yelped in surprise, gripping their seats. Riley instinctively grabbed onto Ethan''s arm, eyes wide.


    "What the hell was that?" she muttered.


    "Probably just the train tracks shifting," Ethan replied, though he kept his grip on the armrest firm.


    "They should fix that," she grumbled, slowly releasing his arm.


    The train eventually steadied, but the movement remained slightly erratic.


    It wasn''t the smoothest ride Ethan had been on, but it was manageable.


    Across from them, an older man chuckled as he folded his newspaper. "First time riding this train?" he asked.


    Riley nodded. "Yeah, is it always this rough?"


    "More or less," the man replied. "It''s an old route. They patch it up here and there, but it''s never perfect. You get used to it after a while."


    "Not sure I want to get used to it," Riley muttered, making the man laugh.


    Ethan glanced out the window again, the sky above starting to shift into a golden hue as the sun began to descend.


    "How long until we get there?" Riley asked, stretching her legs.


    "Couple of hours," Ethan replied. "You should get some rest if you''re tired."


    She pouted. "Why do you always assume I''m tired?"


    "Because you were the one complaining about how rushed everything has been," he pointed out.


    Riley narrowed her eyes at him but couldn''t argue with the truth.


    "Fine," she grumbled, shifting to a more comfortable position. "Wake me up when we''re close."


    Ethan nodded, watching as she closed her eyes. He leaned back in his seat, letting the steady rhythm of the train fill the silence.


    As the train gradually slowed, the rhythmic clatter of the wheels against the tracks became softer.


    The overhead lights flickered slightly as the train pulled into Greyport''s central station.


    A muffled voice crackled over the intercom, announcing their arrival.


    Ethan glanced over at Riley, who was still dozing with her head tilted slightly to the side.


    He reached out and gently nudged her shoulder. "Hey, wake up. We''re here."


    Riley stirred with a soft groan, her eyelashes fluttering open as she blinked groggily at him. "Mmm... already?" she mumbled, rubbing her eyes.


    "Yeah. Come on," Ethan said, standing up and grabbing his bag.


    Riley stretched her arms above her head, letting out a quiet yawn before standing as well.


    The train doors slid open with a soft chime, and the passengers began filing out onto the platform.


    Stepping off the train, they were greeted by a gust of fresh air.


    The scent of the city was familiar ¡ª faint traces of coffee from a nearby cafe? mixed with the distant aroma of car exhaust.


    People hurried past them, some reuniting with family members, others simply making their way through the bustling station.


    "Ugh, I feel stiff," Riley muttered, rolling her shoulders as they walked. "I should''ve stretched before sitting that long."