Theodore Graves, the owner of Ridge City FC, led Ethan to a secluded seating area by the training ground.

It wasn’t the fanciest spot but offered a clear view of Ridge City FC’s practice. Players ran drills on the field, their movements sharp but lacking the intensity of a team that believed in themselves.

The club had potential—that much was obvious—but something was missing—something Ethan knew he could provide.

Theodore sat down, gesturing for Ethan to do the same. There was a cautiousness in the owner’s eyes, a mix of skepticism and curiosity. He leaned back in his chair, his gaze shifting from the field to Ethan.

“Sorry for not introducing myself properly earlier,” Theodore began, his tone polite but guarded. “Theodore Graves. I own the club—for now, anyway.” His eyes scanned Ethan, clearly sizing him up.

“Ethan Cole,” Ethan replied, meeting Theodore’s gaze with the same steady confidence he had developed since starting NovaTech. “I appreciate you giving me the time to talk.”

Theodore’s brow furrowed, his skepticism barely masked. The young man before him, dressed in casual jogging gear, was talking about purchasing a football club with the ease of someone buying a coffee.

“So, Ethan Cole… thinking about buying a football club?” Theodore’s tone was casual but edged with doubt. “Is this for yourself or… some kind of family investment?”

Ethan smirked slightly, sensing the undertone. It was familiar—people often questioned him, doubting someone as young as him could navigate in circles where power and wealth were almost always inherited, not earned.

“No,” Ethan said calmly. “This is for me. Personally.”

Theodore blinked, clearly surprised. “For you? And… if you don’t mind me asking, which Great Family are you from?” His voice was guarded, fishing for details.

'Great Family?' Ethan paused, feeling a flicker of uncertainty. This concept was unfamiliar to him.

He observed Theodore closely, realizing that Theodore was assessing his position. Ethan deduced that in Novan City, the true power must be held by a handful of influential families—the 'Great Families' Theodore referred to.

Ethan smiled slightly, deflecting the question. “I think you’ll be more interested in what I’ve built than where I’m from. You’ve heard of NovaTech, I assume?”

Theodore’s brows knit together in thought. After a moment, his eyes widened slightly in recognition. “NovaTech… That’s the tech company making headlines recently, right?”

Ethan nodded. “That’s right. It’s my company.”

Theodore leaned back in his seat, clearly intrigued. The skepticism in his gaze softened, but a hint of curiosity remained. “Well, that’s… unexpected. I’ve heard much about NovaTech but didn’t realize you were behind it.”

“Now you do,” Ethan said, his confidence filling the space between them.

Theodore studied him for a moment longer, then exhaled deeply. “So… you’re thinking about football. Let me guess—branding opportunity for NovaTech?”

Ethan shrugged slightly. “Partly. Football has always been personal to me, but NovaTech would benefit. Ridge City FC has untapped potential, and I believe it could be a powerful platform to grow the brand.”

Theodore chuckled, shaking his head. “I appreciate the enthusiasm, but this isn’t just some marketing gimmick, kid. Football is a rough business—more than you might realize. And Ridge City FC? We’re a second-tier club stuck in the mud. You can throw money at it, but turning this team into something respectable? I'm afraid it might bleed you dry.”

Ethan stayed silent for a moment, letting Theodore’s words settle. Then, with a calm, almost casual tone, he replied, “I understand the challenges. But you’ve already decided to sell, haven’t you? So what’s the harm in hearing me out?”

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Theodore studied Ethan again, perhaps expecting a flinch or hesitation. But Ethan’s confidence remained unshaken.

“Fair enough,” Theodore said, leaning forward slightly. “But let me tell you the truth upfront. Ridge City FC doesn’t have much to offer. We’re struggling to stay afloat. The players? They’re decent but nowhere near the level; you’d need to make a serious impact. The facilities? Outdated. And the sponsors? You’ll have to pay through the nose to replace them with your own.”

Ethan listened attentively, nodding. “I’m aware of all that. But I’m not buying Ridge City FC for what it is now. I’m buying it for what it could become.”

Theodore chuckled again, but his voice had a hint of respect this time. “You’ve got ambition, I’ll give you that. But ambition doesn’t win games. Money does. And patience. A lot of patience.”

Ethan smiled. “I’ve got both.”

Theodore raised an eyebrow. “Money, sure. But do you know how long it takes to turn a club around? Especially a club with no trophies, history, or real assets to speak of? This isn’t a quick win. You’re talking about years of work.”

Ethan’s gaze shifted to the players on the training ground, his mind racing with possibilities. “I’m not looking for a quick win. I’m looking to build something sustainable. A club that can compete at the highest level, not just in the league but internationally. That’s the vision.”

Theodore crossed his arms, clearly intrigued. “And how exactly do you plan on doing that? You’re talking about revamping a club from the ground up. It’s not just about money—it’s about getting the right people and talent.”

“I’m aware,” Ethan said, his tone measured. “I’m not just throwing money at this. I want to invest properly—upgrade the facilities, hire the best management team, and bring top-tier players and coaches. And yes, I want NovaTech to be front and center on every jersey, stadium banner, and social media post. This will be as much about football as it is about building a brand.”

Theodore nodded slowly. “You’ve thought this through.”

“Of course,” Ethan replied. “I don’t make moves without a plan.”

Theodore leaned back again, a thoughtful look on his face. “People around here talk about the ‘Great Families’—the ones who run this city, quietly or otherwise. When I saw you, I figured you were connected to one of them.”

Ethan remained silent. He could not show that he knew nothing about the Great Families, and he was curious to see where Theodore was going with this.

“But you… you’re not one of them, are you?” Theodore asked, his eyes narrowing slightly. “You’re something else.”

Ethan allowed himself a small smile. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

Theodore chuckled. “Maybe it is. But this city? It doesn’t take kindly to newcomers who think they can change the game. The Great Families, the ones you don’t see in the headlines—they won’t like it if someone new starts playing in their territory.”

Ethan’s expression remained steady, his voice calm but firm. “I’m not worried about them. My focus is on building something meaningful. Ridge City FC is just the beginning.”

Theodore gave a long, considering look before speaking. “You’ve got guts, I’ll give you that. But understand—this isn’t just about football. You’re stepping into a different world when you take over this club. One where people don’t just compete on the field—they compete in the boardroom, politics, and every corner of this city.”

"Besides, you've essentially declared war against them by starting NovaTech," Theodore pointed out, his voice tinged with concern.

Ethan nodded, indicating he got the message. However, he knew there was much more he could learn from David, especially about the intricate power dynamics ruling Novan City.

"I'm ready for that," he affirmed, his resolve clear.

Theodore studied him for a moment longer, then nodded, a slight smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Alright, Ethan. Let’s talk numbers.”

The conversation shifted into more practical territory, discussing the club's financial state, its debts, player contracts, and current sponsorship agreements. Theodore laid it all out on the table, not sugarcoating.

“The club’s not worth much right now,” Theodore admitted. “But if you’re serious about taking over, I’m willing to sell. I won’t ask for much upfront, but you’ll need to cover the existing debts and commit seriously to the club’s future.”

Ethan nodded, unfazed by the numbers. “I’m in. Let’s set up a formal meeting with your lawyers. We’ll review everything, and once the paperwork’s in order, we’ll move forward.”

Theodore extended his hand, a sign of agreement. “You’ve got yourself a deal.”

As they shook hands, Ethan couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement. This wasn’t just a business transaction—it was the start of something much bigger.

Ethan stood up, his mind buzzing with ideas for Ridge City FC’s future. The club would soon become a beacon for NovaTech, symbolizing the company’s growing influence.

But more than that, it was a statement to the city: Ethan Cole was here to stay. And he wasn’t just playing by their rules—he was ready to change the game entirely.