Ethan stood in the center of his new office building, his eyes taking in the open, sunlit space. Rays of light poured through the glass walls, creating shifting patterns on the gleaming floors.
The structure, a testament to Luca Moretti's genius, radiated a quiet magnificence that seemed to promise endless possibilities. Yet, for all its magnificence, it lacked a certain warmth—an identity. His identity.
He had already taken steps to change that. Lunar ID, the most sought-after interior design firm in Novan City, had been enlisted to breathe life into the building's interior.
Lucas Moretti himself had recommended them. The name carried enough weight to ensure Ethan's project would receive their utmost attention.
The design team arrived promptly, armed with blueprints, laser measures, and a flurry of creativity. Clara, the lead designer—a woman with an air of effortless authority—had immediately taken charge, her eyes gleaming with both ambition and skepticism.
"So," she'd said, flipping through her sleek tablet, "what's the vision?"
Ethan, his voice steady, replied, "Modern. Sleek. But also welcoming. I want it to feel alive—like innovation itself lives here. The moment people walk in, they should know this isn't just an office. It's the future."
Clara raised an eyebrow, intrigued but wary. "That's ambitious. A project like this typically takes a few weeks."
Ethan's response was instant, almost casual. "I'll pay triple if it's done in three days."
Clara blinked, momentarily thrown off. She'd heard whispers of the young man who had purchased a Moretti masterpiece outright, but seeing such nonchalance about a cost most would balk at was something else. Triple?
For a second, she wondered if he were playing some elaborate prank, but the unwavering look in his eyes told her otherwise.
"Why? Is that not enough?" Ethan asked. He was really asking. Not being provocative. "Or is it impossible?"
Clara stunned. She believed if she did not reply quickly, Ethan would retract his offer.
A slow smile crept across her face. "Three days, you say?" she repeated, savoring the challenge. "Consider it done, Mr. Cole."
Ethan nodded, satisfied. He could not wait for weeks. He had a timeline to meet—missions to complete.
"If I can get everything to be completed early, I can get a lot more done. Well, more rewards," he said to himself.
The building needed to be ready for NovaTech's team as soon as possible. The sooner the office was operational, the sooner the app development could begin, and the sooner everything else would fall into place.
At least, that was the plan.
Well, sort of. Ethan had to admit to himself that he wasn't thinking everything through as carefully as he should. He was relying heavily on David's expertise to manage the finer details.
But in his mind, the logic was simple: Build fast. Hire the best. Start strong. Good and simple plan, right?
His phone buzzing stopped his thought. Pulling it out of his pocket, he received a voice message from David.
David (Voice Message): I'm ready to post the job ads. Are we going with standard offers, or do you have something else in mind?
Ethan stared at the screen for a moment, considering. Standard offers? That wouldn't cut it. He had a sense—perhaps inspired by the system itself—that mediocrity wouldn't do.
Ethan replied with a text message. It was echoing like crazy inside here.
Ethan: [Double the average salaries for each position.]
The reply came quickly, with an understandable note of hesitation.
The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
David: [Double? You need to think about the company's finances, too.]
Ethan could almost see David shaking his head as he typed the next message.
David: [Remember, for the first few months, revenue will be... minimal, at best.]
Ethan sighed, appreciating David's caution but knowing he had to push forward. He typed back confidently.
Ethan: [I get it. But to build the best, we need the best. Top talent doesn't come cheap. Double salaries, better benefits—whatever it takes.]
David, experienced and pragmatic, wasn't convinced. It was a gamble and, in his mind, an unnecessary one.
David: [What if it's unsustainable? This is a huge risk.]
Ethan's response was resolute.
Ethan: [Trust me, I've got this covered. I don't just want employees—I want a team that's all in. The money will handle itself once we have the right people.]
A long pause followed before David's reluctant agreement came through.
David: [Alright. I'll get started.]
Ethan exhaled, his grip on the phone loosening. He knew David still had no idea of the depths of his wealth—or the system backing it. But that wasn't the point.
This wasn't about spending for the sake of it; it was about building something extraordinary. Ethan felt that since he was tasked to do it, he would just go all out.
With the purchase of the office finalized, Ethan turned his attention to an equally important task—finding a secure home for his family.
The creeping unease of being watched had been gnawing at him, and he couldn't risk delaying the move any longer.
Pulling out his phone, he found Jessica's contact and fired off a quick message.
Ethan: [Had any luck finding a house? I need to move in as soon as possible.]
Jessica, ever efficient, responded almost instantly.
Jessica: [I have a few that I believe you'll like. Sending the details now.]
True to her words, a few minutes later, his phone buzzed again. Jessica sent a few photos and the descriptions.
There were three stunning homes. Each of them was a multi-million dollar in price.
Jessica had sent him photos and descriptions of three stunning multimillion-dollar homes.
These are the kinds of places Ethan could only have dreamed of a few days ago.
He didn't even blink at the price tags, and his focus was entirely on the layout and security features.
Ethan: [These look great. Let's set up a viewing later.]
Jessica's reply came swiftly, laced with a touch of incredulity.
Jessica: [You're incredibly quick at making decisions, huh?]
Ethan couldn't help but laugh softly at her remark. It was true.
One moment, he'd been a university student juggling shifts at a bookstore, and now, here he was, breezing through multimillion-dollar decisions like picking out groceries.
'Life changes fast when you have an unlimited money.' Ethan chuckled at the thought.
Jessica, too, was riding the whirlwind. From struggling to close deals, she had catapulted into the upper echelon of real estate, thanks to Ethan.
First, a record-breaking building sale, and now, the prospect of selling a high-end home.
Ethan appreciated her professionalism—she didn't pry into his background. Not that he had an explanation that would make any sense.
Ethan pocketed his phone and took one last look around the empty office building, letting the reality sink in. This wasn't just an office. It was the foundation for everything he was going to build.
"Now... It is just a waiting game," he murmured, almost as if making a promise to the space itself.
As he headed for the exit, his thoughts turned to a practical dilemma—transportation.
"Why did I reject their offer to send me home?" he muttered in regret.
He didn't own a car, and while Novan City's public transit was perfectly fine, it wasn't exactly fitting for his new lifestyle.
'Maybe after the move,' he decided.
Still, he wasn't eager to drive himself; it had never appealed to him. The thought of navigating busy city streets felt more like a chore than a privilege.
'But hiring a chauffeur?' That was an idea he could get behind.
Imagine it. Enjoying the view and sitting at the back while someone else handled the driving.
That was how a man with a billion-dollar fortune should travel.
As he exited the building, the security guards at the entrance saluted him with friendly greetings. Word had clearly spread that Ethan Cole was now the owner. They seemed eager to make a good impression.
"Heading out already, sir?" one of them called out, his voice carrying a bit too enthusiastically across the marble lobby.
Ethan paused, surprised by the loud greeting. He chuckled softly, reminded that he wasn't just Ethan anymore. He was the boss. He'd have employees soon, and these interactions were just the beginning.
"Yes," he replied, flashing a friendly smile. "I'll be back tomorrow. Keep up the great work, everyone. I leave the security of this building to you guys."
The guards straightened immediately, saluting in unison. Ethan bit back a laugh at their earnest display.
"Seems like the new boss is a good one," one guard murmured as Ethan walked away.
"And young, too," another added. "Means he won't be as grumpy."
"Let's do our best. Who knows, we might even get a raise sooner," said a third, grinning.
Ethan left with a smile, their camaraderie warming his heart. But as he walked a few blocks down the bustling city streets, that warm feeling was replaced by something colder.
A chill crept down his spine, and his steps faltered slightly. That unsettling sense of being watched had returned.
'Again?' Ethan wondered. His heart pounded as he stood in the narrow alley, his fists clenched and trembling.
That was when his gaze locked onto the two familiar figures lingering at the entrance.