If anything, he thrived in monts like these.
"My goal," he began, "is to create sothing tiless. 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 — they feel like they've been transported to another reality. And that's what I want to expand on."
The n listened attentively.
Ethan continued.
"Most people think real estate is just about property. Land, buildings, resale value. But I believe it's about sothing bigger. It's about imrsion. Creating an environnt 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 — the exclusivity, the experience, the brand appeal — 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 — but live."
The table went silent for a mont.
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 investnt opportunities.
One of them even brought up an off-market deal for a private island — sothing 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 n who shaped skylines, who saw the world as sothing 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 investnts that could push ATLAS into an entirely new league.
That was the advantage of sitting with business n.
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?"
Zack shook his head. "Not really."
The investors at the table gave Zack a brief glance before turning back to their conversation.
Ethan exhaled, downing the last of his whiskey before rising to his feet.
"Excuse , gentlen," he said, smoothing out his suit. "Business calls."
The n nodded, so chuckling knowingly.
"Always sothing," one of them said. "That's the life."
Ethan gave a polite smirk and followed Zack out of the VIP area.
The mont they stepped into the quieter hall outside, Ethan turned to Zack, adjusting his tie with mild annoyance.
"Alright, what is it?"
Zack didn't answer imdiately.
Instead, he led them further away from the restaurant, down a hall that was quieter, away from the chatter of VIPs and guests.
Only when they were alone did Zack speak.
"I know today is a big day," he started, running a hand through his hair. "And I know this resort is everything to you, but Ethan…"
He paused, his tone heavy.
"There's a problem."
Ethan straightened, his previous irritation fading.
Zack wasn't one to overreact or bring sothing up unless it was serious.
"What kind of problem?" Ethan asked, his voice sharpening.
Zack hesitated for a second before answering.
"The security team reported sothing strange near the periter."
Ethan's expression darkened.
"Define strange."
"There was a guy near the back entrance. No ticket, no invitation. He didn't try to get in, but he was watching."
Ethan's jaw clenched.
ATLAS had tight security.
The entire resort was built with exclusivity in mind, which ant no one got past the gates unless they were supposed to be there.
And the fact that soone was lurking outside wasn't just concerning — it was a threat.
"Who was he?" Ethan asked.
Zack shook his head. "Security didn't recognize him. But they said he looked… off."
"Off?"
"Yeah. Sothing about the way he was dressed, the way he just stood there. Like he wasn't just looking for a way in — he was waiting for sothing."
Ethan's eyes narrowed.
He had to deal with competitors trying to spy on him before, journalists attempting to sneak in, even VIP guests who wanted to bring in their own 'special arrangents' against the rules.
But this felt different.
"Did security approach him?"
"They were about to," Zack said, "but by the ti 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 caras 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 — his friend wouldn't have pulled him out of that eting unless this was worth investigating.
Still, there was sothing 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 cos back, I want to know. Imdiately."
Zack nodded. "Understood."
For a mont, 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 sothing'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.
"Co on," he said, "we still have a resort to run."
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