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 sa."
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 sothing stable to focus on.
Harold had been hesitant at first — concerned about the risks, the responsibility — 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 custors 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 too much credit — I had a pretty good starting point, thanks to you."
Ethan shook his head. "I just gave you the opportunity. You're the one putting in the effort."
Harold didn't argue, but there was a hint of gratitude in his eyes.
Margaret, who had been listening quietly, gave her husband's arm a gentle squeeze, a silent show of support.
Claire, walking slightly ahead, rolled her eyes. "Great, now Dad's gonna start acting all wise and reflective again."
Harold let out a mock-offended gasp. "I'll have you know, young lady, that wisdom cos with age."
"Yeah, yeah," Claire said with a grin. "I'll believe that when you stop losing your keys every morning."
Margaret laughed softly, and even Ethan couldn't help but smirk.
It was monts like these that reminded him why he did all of this — why he pushed so hard to make Atlas a success, it was family… and well the girls too.
By the ti they reached the villa, the sky had darkened completely, the stars beginning to dot the night sky.
The villa itself was a modern masterpiece — large glass windows reflecting the moonlight, sleek architecture blending with nature. It was the perfect retreat, secluded yet luxurious.
Ethan stopped a few steps away from the entrance. He had no plans to stay the night here — he had other things to handle before tomorrow's collaboration began.
Julia noticed his hesitation and frowned. "You're not coming inside?"
Ethan shook his head. "Not tonight. I have a few things to take care of."
Julia's lower lip jutted out slightly in disappointnt, but she didn't argue.
Instead, she took a step forward and wrapped her small arms around his waist, hugging him tightly.
"Okay," she mumbled against his shirt. "I'll see you tomorrow, right?"
Ethan placed a hand on top of her head, ruffling her hair lightly. "Yeah. I'll see you tomorrow."
She held on for a few more seconds before pulling away, offering him a small but content smile.
Then, with a final wave, she turned and walked inside the villa, where Margaret was already holding the door open for her.
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 — not just the luxury, not just the branding, but the ones who worked behind the scenes, ensuring everything ran smoothly.
He made a ntal 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 sothing 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 comnted, 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 recomndations. 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 so digging on him. Seems like he started as an actor, but sothing made him switch to traveling full-ti. Apparently, he's making more money now than he ever did in Hollywood."
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