From Ashes to Eminence

Chapter 5. A new beginning

Ethan woke up to a bright morning, feeling refreshed. He glanced at Emily, sleeping peacefully.

"Today's the day," Ethan whispered, determination in his voice.

He bathed, dressing in his best attire – a navy blue suit.

Next, he gently bathed Emily, who cooed and giggled.

"Time for daycare, baby girl," Ethan said, smiling.

He hailed a cab.

"Kids Haven daycare, please," Ethan instructed.

At the daycare, Ethan kissed Emily goodbye.

"I'll pick you up soon, okay?"

The cab driver nodded.

"Wyrmstone Residence, Eldrador Coast," Ethan said.

As they drove, Ethan reviewed his plan.

Renting an apartment at Wyrmstone would be the first step.

Eminence's guidance echoed.

"Chain mission: #1: Get a better apartment."

The cab stopped in front of Wyrmstone Residence.

Ethan paid the fare.

"Thanks," Ethan said.

Wyrmstone Residence's grandeur awed Ethan.

A sleek, modern design. Manicured lawns. Ethan took a deep breath. Time to secure his new life.

Ethan strolled into the lobby, his confidence unwavering.

The sleek, modern design impressed him.

He approached the receptionist.

"Hi," Ethan said. "I'm Ethan Wright. I called last night about renting a villa."

The receptionist, polished and poised, looked him over.

Her gaze lingered on his suit, her expression unimpressed.

"Ah, yes," she said coolly. "You're the one who thinks they can afford our villas."

Her tone dripped with skepticism.

"I'm afraid we don't usually get...people like you here," she continued.

Ethan's eyes narrowed.

"People like me?" he repeated.

The receptionist's smile was condescending.

"Those who can't quite afford our standards," she clarified.

Ethan's face remained calm.

"I've got the money," Ethan said firmly.

The receptionist raised an eyebrow.

"Really?" she drawled. "Then why are you dressed like...that?"

Ethan's suit, once his best, now felt shabby.

"I'd like to speak to your manager," Ethan requested.

The receptionist sighed.

"Fine. But I warn you, Mr. Wright, our villas start at $5,000 per month."

Ethan smiled. "That's exactly what I'm looking for."

The receptionist rolled her eyes and picked up the phone.

"Manager Stevens, there's someone here who thinks they can afford one of our villas," she said, her voice dripping with disdain. "But, honestly, sir, he looks like he can barely afford a meal."

She listened for a moment.

"Yes, sir. I'll send him to your office."

She hung up and turned to Ethan.

"Manager Stevens will see you now. Third door on your right."

Ethan nodded and began to walk away.

The receptionist's eyes narrowed.

She quickly dialed another number.

"Security? We have a...potential issue here. Someone trying to rent a villa, but clearly can't afford it. Can you discreetly escort him out if necessary?"

She listened, her eyes fixed on Ethan.

"Yes, I know it's not protocol, but trust me, this guy is a bum."

She hung up, her expression smug.

Ethan, oblivious to the exchange, walked toward the manager's office.

The receptionist's smile was icy.

This wasn't going to end well.

Just as Ethan reached for the manager's door handle, two burly men in security garb stepped out of nowhere, blocking his path.

"Excuse me, sir," one of them growled. "You need to come with us."

Ethan's eyes narrowed.

"What's going on? I have an appointment with Manager Stevens."

The security guard crossed his arms.

"You're not welcome here. Please follow us out of the building."

Ethan stood firm.

"I'm not going anywhere until I speak to Manager Stevens."

The guards exchanged a menacing glance.

That's when Manager Stevens burst out of his office.

"What's the commotion?" he demanded.

Ethan explained.

"I was about to meet with you, sir, when these gentlemen interrupted me."

Manager Stevens' expression turned stern.

"Security, what's going on here?"

One guard shifted uncomfortably.

"The receptionist called us, sir. Thought this...gentleman was a potential threat."

Manager Stevens' eyes widened.

"Without my consent?"

He turned to Ethan.

"Please, Mr. Wright, join me. We'll clear this up."

Together, they walked toward the receptionist's desk.

The receptionist's smile faltered.

"Manager Stevens, I—"

"Not now, Karen," he interrupted. "We'll discuss this in private."

Ethan's eyes locked onto the receptionist.

This wasn't over.

Back in Manager Stevens' office, the receptionist, Karen, spoke up.

"Sir, I thought he was a potential scammer. His suit looked outdated, and he seemed...unsure."

Manager Stevens listened attentively, nodding.

"I see. Mr. Wright, would you like to respond?"

Ethan smiled wryly.

"I understand her concerns, but I assure you, I'm capable of paying."

Manager Stevens nodded.

"Very well. Let's proceed."

He browsed through his laptop.

"We have three villas available. Each offers luxury amenities and stunning ocean views."

The securities stood silently, observing.

Manager Stevens presented the options:

"Villa A: $2,000/month, 2 bedrooms, 1,500 sqft.

Villa B: $3,500/month, 3 bedrooms, 2,500 sqft.

Villa C: $5,000/month, 4 bedrooms, 3,500 sqft, private pool."

Ethan's eyes sparkled.

"I'll take Villa C."

Karen's eyes widened.

"Are you... certain?"

Ethan smiled.

"Positive."

He pulled out his phone, opening his mobile banking app.

"Would you like me to transfer the first month's rent now?"

Manager Stevens nodded.

"Please do."

Ethan's fingers flew across the screen.

"Transfer confirmed."

The room fell silent.

Karen's face turned pale.

Manager Stevens smiled.

"Welcome to Wyrmstone Residence, Mr. Wright. Villa C is yours."

Manager Stevens' expression turned glacial as he turned to Karen.

"Karen, your actions today are unacceptable," he said, his voice low and stern.

Karen shrank back, sensing the storm brewing.

"You judged Mr. Wright based on his appearance, nearly costing us a valuable customer," Manager Stevens continued. "Your behavior is precisely what drives clients away."

Karen's eyes darted to Ethan, then back to Manager Stevens.

"I-I was just trying to protect the company," she stammered.

Manager Stevens' glare intensified.

"Protect the company? You almost lost us a $5,000/month client. Your prejudices have no place here."

He turned to the securities.

"Please escort Karen out of the building. Effective immediately, she is relieved of her duties."

The securities nodded, stepping forward.

Karen's face crumpled.

"But...where will I go?" she pleaded.

Manager Stevens' expression remained unyielding.

"That's not our concern. Your actions have consequences."

The securities gently but firmly guided Karen out of the office.

As the door closed behind them, Manager Stevens turned to Ethan.

"Again, I apologize for the inconvenience, Mr. Wright. Please, let me offer you a complimentary upgrade on your villa's furnishings."

Ethan smiled.

"Thank you, Manager Stevens. Your professionalism is appreciated."

Manager Stevens nodded.

"I assure you, Mr. Wright, Wyrmstone Residence values all clients, regardless of appearance.

Ethan stared at the picture of the luxurious house, then the words of Marcus flashed in his mind again, he knew exactly that just getting a better apartment won't cut it.. he needs complete the entire chain mission.

«Ding! Congratulations to Host on completing the first segment of the chain mission.»

«Ding! Host has been awarded $500,000.»

Ethan's eyes widened, then a smile played on his face.. "It has begun!"