Ethan sat in the corner of a small coffee shop, a steaming cup of cappuccino cradled in his hands. The warm, rich aroma filled the air, but his thoughts were far from the drink in front of him. His phone rested on the table, the screen displaying the three properties he had been considering.

The first was still his favorite—a well-secured suburban home that offered everything he envisioned for his family. But the other two weren't far behind. They were spacious and modern and offered amenities that could elevate their lifestyle significantly. Yet, he had hesitated to prioritize them.

The main reason? Location.

Both properties were farther from their current home, and relocating would mean transferring Jacob and Lily to different schools. That thought had initially given him pause.

Disrupting their routines felt unfair, especially since they seemed content with their current setup.

Ethan sighed, tapping his finger against the table. "But… maybe a change is exactly what they need," he murmured softly to himself.

Jacob and Lily were studying at the same public school Ethan had attended. As an alumnus, Ethan knew all too well the challenges and limitations of the place.

It wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either. Resources were stretched thin, and opportunities were scarce.

Ethan's lips pressed into a thin line as memories of his own schooling surfaced. The teachers had done their best, but the lack of funding had made certain dreams unattainable for most students.

For Ethan, his path had been clear—study hard, win scholarships, and claw his way toward better opportunities.

Even then, his journey hadn't been without sacrifices. Despite being on the cusp of genius, the top universities in the world had felt out of reach.

The private colleges designed to prepare students for overseas studies were prohibitively expensive unless you had connections or scholarships.

Ethan had managed to secure one scholarship, but it was for Medicine—a field he had no passion for. His true love had always been computer science.

Opting to follow his heart, he turned down the offer. Instead, he enrolled in the country's best university, a respectable institution two hours away from home.

Still, he couldn't shake the feeling that he had missed out on something greater. "Jacob and Lily deserve better," he thought, determination hardening his resolve.

His mind wandered to a private school he had come across during his search. The institution was an affiliate of one of the top universities in the world, offering a rigorous curriculum designed to prepare students for success on an international scale.

He glanced at his phone again, opening the school's website. The sleek, professional layout boasted a variety of programs, extracurricular activities, and connections to global opportunities. Ethan's eyes lingered on the tuition fees listed at the bottom of the page.

A year ago, such a figure would have made his chest tighten with anxiety.

But now? He barely blinked.

"If I can provide them with this chance…" Ethan trailed off, his thoughts racing. The school's reputation alone could open doors he had never even dreamed of. He could give them a future he had once thought impossible. In this future, their potential wasn't limited by financial constraints.

Ethan sipped his coffee, the bitterness grounding him as he pieced together his next steps. First, he needed to finalize the property. Then, he would focus on the school enrollment process for Jacob and Lily.

A small smile tugged at the corners of his lips. For the first time in a long while, Ethan felt like he was truly in control—not just of his life but of the lives of those he cared about most.

The pieces were beginning to fall into place, and he was determined to make sure nothing would hold them back.

Ethan stood up, slipping his phone into his pocket as he finished the last sip of his coffee. Determined to move forward, he left the cozy coffee shop and headed for the next property agency on his list.

The efficient public transportation system of Novan City made traveling across the city a breeze. Ethan tapped his transit card and boarded the sleek, air-conditioned tram. As he settled into his seat, he gazed out the window, his thoughts wandering.

'Should I get a car now?' he mused. With his newfound wealth, it seemed almost ridiculous not to own one. He had a driver's license, but the idea of owning a car had never crossed his mind before. It felt unnecessary—until now.

He imagined the possibilities. 'Maybe one for myself, one for Mom and Dad… heck, why not three?' A faint smile played on his lips. The thought of surprising his parents with a car brought a warmth to his chest. They'd surely love it.

Of course, the sudden leap in wealth would raise questions. Ethan frowned slightly as he considered how to explain it. 'Investment,' he thought. 'Or something related to programming… that always works.'

His parents had always believed in his abilities. They knew he was smart, a hard worker, and someone destined for success. Ethan felt confident they wouldn't pry too deeply. After all, he meant no harm. His wealth was a tool to give his family the life they deserved.

As the tram glided smoothly to a stop near his destination, Ethan stood and stepped off. The property agency he had researched earlier stood just across the street. The building had a clean, modern design with large glass windows showcasing luxurious property listings.

Ethan paused for a moment at the entrance, taking a deep breath. 'Alright,' he thought, steadying his nerves. 'This time, no setbacks.'

He was determined to finalize a property and complete his missions quickly. Pushing open the door, he stepped inside, hoping that this agency would treat him better than the last.

Ethan stepped into the agency, his eyes scanning the well-lit space. Unlike the previous agency, this one exuded a welcoming vibe. The decor was sleek but not overly ostentatious, and soft classical music played in the background, adding a touch of sophistication.

Before he could take more than a few steps inside, a voice greeted him.

"Good morning, sir. How can I assist you today?"

Ethan turned toward the source of the voice and found himself momentarily taken aback. Standing there was a young woman, her presence as striking as it was graceful.

She looked to be in her mid-twenties, with shoulder-length dark hair that shimmered under the soft lighting. Her sharp features were balanced by a warm smile that reached her almond-shaped hazel eyes.

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She wore a perfectly tailored blazer over a sleek blouse and pencil skirt, her professional attire only enhancing her natural beauty.

"Uh, good morning," Ethan managed to reply, quickly regaining his composure.

"My name is Claire," she said, extending a hand toward him. Her voice was confident yet approachable, a perfect blend for her role. "How can I help you today?"

Ethan shook her hand, noting her firm but gentle grip. This was already starting better than his previous experience, and he hoped it would stay that way.

Ethan offered a polite smile as he introduced himself. "I'm Ethan Vale. I've been looking at properties online, and there's one listed through your agency that's caught my attention. It's the three-story house in one of the elite residential areas—"

"The one with the massive yard and swimming pool?" Claire interjected, her expression faltering for the briefest moment. She quickly recovered, but Ethan noticed the slight hesitation.

"That's the one," Ethan confirmed.

Claire blinked, a bit taken aback. That property was no ordinary listing—it was one of the crown jewels of the agency, with a price tag in the tens of millions. Most clients who even inquired about it were seasoned millionaires or figures from the city's elite circles.

For a moment, doubt flickered in her mind. Was this young man serious? She stole a glance at his outfit—stylish but understated—and at his composed demeanor.

He didn't have the polished air of Novan City's wealthy elite, but something about his calm confidence made her pause.

Inwardly, she reminded herself of a principle she'd always held: Never judge a book by its cover. There were too many stories of agents losing sales because they underestimated a client based on appearances.

Besides, Claire knew her place within the agency hierarchy. The senior agents handled the wealthiest and most high-profile clients, leaving the newer agents like her to manage smaller deals.

She'd been in the property business for just over a year, fresh out of university with a Business Management degree. Finding a stable job in the city had been challenging, and property sales, though unpredictable, had been the best option she could secure.

Taking a deep breath, Claire smiled warmly at Ethan. "That's a fantastic choice, Mr. Vale," she said, her tone professional. "I'd be happy to assist you with the details. Should we take a seat?"

Ethan nodded, impressed by her composure. "Sure," he replied, already feeling that this encounter might be different from the last.

Claire opened a sleek folder and pulled out a detailed catalog showcasing the property Ethan had mentioned. It was filled with high-quality images of the three-story house, its expansive yard, and the sparkling pool. She laid it out on the table before Ethan and began explaining the features.

"This is one of the finest properties in the area," she said, her tone even and professional. "As you can see, it offers over 10,000 square feet of living space, top-of-the-line amenities, and excellent security. The price tag reflects that—"

"I'm okay with everything," Ethan interrupted, nodding with a calm expression. "I'd like to proceed with the purchase."

Claire blinked a few times, clearly startled. "Don't you want to view the property first?" she asked cautiously, her voice tinged with disbelief. "It's standard to visit and inspect the house before making such a significant decision."

Ethan froze for a moment, realizing he had no idea how these things usually worked. He scratched his head, trying to mask his embarrassment. "That's fine," he said quickly, hoping to sound confident. "I trust the quality of the property. It's much better than where I currently live anyway."

Claire tilted her head slightly, unconvinced. She leaned forward, her voice softer but firm. "I really think you should see it in person, Mr. Vale. At the very least, you can choose which unit you prefer. Even in elite areas like this, each house has its own unique character."

Ethan sighed inwardly, realizing there was no way around it. He couldn't keep bluffing and risk looking foolish. "Alright, if you think that's best, let's go," he said, giving her a small, sheepish smile.

Claire's smile brightened as she nodded. "Great! Should we drive separately, or would you like to meet me there? Do you have your own car?"

Ethan's hand instinctively went to the back of his neck, an awkward chuckle escaping his lips. "I… uh, I came here by public transport," he admitted. "Which line should I take to get there?"

Claire managed to keep her face neutral, but her thoughts swirled. Most clients interested in properties of this caliber arrived in luxury vehicles, often chauffeured. Still, she reminded herself of stories she'd heard about some of the super-rich choosing public transport for convenience or environmental reasons. Maybe he's one of them, she thought, though doubt lingered.

Deciding not to let her skepticism show, she smiled politely. "That's alright, Mr. Vale," she said. "You can ride with me. I'll drive us there."

Ethan nodded, grateful for her understanding, even though he felt a bit embarrassed. "Thanks. I appreciate it."

"No problem at all," Claire replied smoothly, already gathering her things. "Shall we?"

The drive took less than twenty minutes, and as they entered the residential area, Ethan couldn't help but feel impressed. The estate exuded exclusivity, with tall, meticulously maintained hedges lining the streets and security personnel stationed at regular intervals. Cameras were discreetly placed at strategic points, capturing every angle of the pristine neighborhood. It was easily the most elite residential area he had ever seen.

This level of security should be more than enough for now, Ethan thought, a quiet satisfaction settling over him.

When they arrived at the property, Ethan stepped out of the car and immediately found himself awestruck. The house was massive, with sleek modern architecture, large glass windows, and a beautifully landscaped lawn. The swimming pool in the backyard sparkled under the sun, and every detail seemed meticulously crafted.

Ethan quickly schooled his expression, forcing himself to remain calm. I can't look too impressed. I need to appear confident, he reminded himself, even as his eyes lingered on the stunning facade.

Claire, ever professional, guided Ethan through the house, showcasing every room and feature. The interiors were as impressive as the exterior—spacious, airy, and fully furnished with high-end furniture and appliances. The kitchen gleamed with stainless steel finishes, the living room offered panoramic views of the yard, and even the bedrooms had walk-in closets and en-suite bathrooms.

"It's fully furnished," Claire explained as she led him into the last room. "So you won't have to worry about anything beyond moving in."

Ethan nodded, his thoughts racing. This house is perfect. It's better than I imagined, he mused.

After the tour, Claire turned to him with a polite smile. "So, Mr. Vale, what do you think?"

Ethan met her gaze and said confidently, "I like it. Let's proceed with the purchase."

Claire's smile widened, but there was a flicker of doubt in her eyes. "Alright. Just to confirm, what kind of loan are you planning to take for the payment?"

Ethan paused, considering her question. Then, with a small shrug, he said, "None. I'll pay the full amount upfront. It can be done right away."

Claire froze, her eyes widening slightly. For a moment, she struggled to maintain her composure. "Excuse me? Did you just say… upfront? No loan?"

Ethan chuckled lightly at her reaction, nodding. "Yes. I know I might not look like it, but I have the money."

Claire blinked, unable to mask her surprise. Is he serious? she wondered. This property is worth tens of millions.

"I see," she said finally, forcing herself to remain professional. "Well, the first step is the deposit. If you can make that transfer, we can move forward with the process."

Ethan nodded but held up a hand. "Give me a moment. I need to confirm something with my bank."

Stepping aside, Ethan dialed Charles Weston's number. It didn't take long for Charles to answer. "Mr. Vale! How can I assist you today?"

"I'm purchasing a property," Ethan began. "The deposit is substantial, and I just wanted to confirm if there's any limit on my account for transferring such an amount."

Charles was momentarily silent, clearly caught off guard. "How much are we talking about?"

Ethan told him the amount, and Charles couldn't help but let out a small laugh. "Mr. Vale, with your Premier Account, there's no limit to the amount you can transfer. This is a small transaction compared to what your account can handle. You're all set."

"Thank you," Ethan said, ending the call.

Returning to Claire, he saw that she had already prepared the necessary paperwork at a small table inside the house. "Are you ready to proceed?" she asked, still unsure of whether Ethan was truly serious.

"Of course," Ethan said, sitting down and reviewing the forms. The process was relatively straightforward in their country. After filling out the required details, Ethan initiated the deposit transfer. The funds would go to a holding account managed by the law firm handling the transaction, a standard practice to ensure all legal requirements were met before the agency received its commission.

Claire watched as Ethan completed the process, her skepticism growing with each passing moment. Is he really going to pull this off?

Moments later, her phone buzzed. It was a notification from the law firm confirming that the deposit had been successfully received. Claire stared at the screen, disbelief washing over her.

"It's… confirmed," she murmured, glancing up at Ethan.

Ethan simply smiled. "Good. Let me know if there's anything else you need from me."

For a moment, Claire could only nod, struggling to process what had just happened. If this sale went through, she would earn a commission of 4%—an amount that would set her up for months, if not longer.

"This is amazing," she finally said, regaining her composure. "Thank you for trusting me with this, Mr. Vale."

Ethan chuckled. "You've been helpful, Claire. I'm glad I came to this agency."

Her chest swelled with pride at his words. "I'll make sure everything proceeds smoothly from here."