From Ashes to Eminence

Chapter 7. Reward and Recognition

Ethan watched as the furniture company's team meticulously arranged the luxurious pieces, transforming Villa C into a haven.

"Perfect," Ethan said, admiring the result.

The team leader beamed.

"Thank you, sir! We're glad you're satisfied."

Ethan handed him an envelope.

"A small token of appreciation. $10,000 for your exceptional service."

The team leader's eyes widened.

"Thank you, sir! This is generous."

As the team departed, Ethan felt a sense of pride and accomplishment.

«Ding! Congratulations, Host, on completing the second segment of the chain mission.»

«Ding! Your outstanding result earns you a bonus: $2,700,000.»

Ethan's eyes sparkled.

«Ding!

Wealth: $3,975,000

Influence: 300

STAT System Update:

Chain Mission Progress: 2/5»

Eminence's message flashed:

«Ding! Congratulations to Host. Your strategic spending and generosity have boosted your influence. Prepare for the next challenge.»

Ethan pondered the upcoming mission.

Ethan's phone buzzed. An unknown number.

"Ethan Wright."

"Mr. Wright, this is Rachel from Wyrmstone Residence's management. We've received complaints about your encounter with Jason Omar and Sarah. Please be cautious."

Ethan's grip on the phone tightened. Rachel was the new receptionist after Karen was fired.

"Thank you, Rachel. I'll be careful."

The call ended. Ethan's mind raced. Jason Omar's involvement signaled trouble.

Ethan left Villa C, feeling fulfilled after completing the second segment of the chain mission. He hailed a cab and slid into the backseat.

"Kids Haven daycare, please," Ethan instructed.

The driver nodded and pulled away from the curb.

Twenty minutes later, Ethan arrived at the daycare. He paid the fare and stepped out, his heart warming at the thought of reuniting with Emily.

Inside, Ethan was greeted by the cheerful staff.

"Hi, Mr. Wright! Emily's been waiting for you."

Ethan smiled, spotting his daughter in the playpen.

"Hey, baby girl!"

Emily cooed, recognizing her father's voice.

Ethan lifted Emily into the baby carrier he had purchased earlier.

"Time to go home, sweetie."

As they left the daycare, Ethan felt a sense of pride and responsibility.

Next stop: Baby Bliss, a renowned baby supply store.

Ethan browsed the aisles, selecting top-quality baby food, diapers, and toys.

"Welcome to Baby Bliss! Would you like some assistance?" a friendly staff member asked.

"Please recommend the best baby food for my three-month-old," Ethan replied.

The staff member helped Ethan choose an organic, nutrient-rich formula.

"That'll be $50, sir."

Ethan paid, loading the purchases into a taxi.

"Back to Wyrmstone Residence, please," Ethan instructed.

As they drove, Emily slept peacefully in the baby carrier.

Ethan smiled, feeling grateful for this new chapter in his life.

Upon returning to Villa C, Ethan settled Emily into her nursery.

"Dinner time, baby girl!"

Ethan prepared a bottle, feeding Emily as she gazed up at him.

Content and full, Emily drifted off to sleep.

Ethan's heart swelled.

This was what it meant to be a father.

*

Ethan woke up early, feeling refreshed. He bathed and dressed Emily in her new attire, admiring the colorful embroidery of her name.

"Looking beautiful, Emily!" Ethan cooed.

Emily giggled, enjoying the attention.

Ethan secured her in the baby carrier, and they headed out.

"Kids Haven daycare," Ethan instructed the cab driver.

At the daycare, Ethan kissed Emily goodbye.

"Have a great day, baby girl. Daddy will pick you up later."

The staff welcomed Emily with warm smiles.

Ethan boarded another cab.

"Jetfly Company, please."

The driver raised an eyebrow.

"Big player, huh? Eldridge family's company."

Ethan nodded.

"Yes. I'm looking for a job."

The driver dropped Ethan at Jetfly Company's sleek, high-rise building.

Ethan took a deep breath, confidence bolstering him.

Inside, the receptionist greeted him.

"Welcome to Jetfly Company. How can I help?"

"I'm here to inquire about job opportunities," Ethan replied.

The receptionist nodded.

"Please fill out this application form."

Ethan completed the form, highlighting his skills.

As he submitted it, a well-dressed woman approached.

"Hi, I'm Victoria Eldridge. What makes you think you're a fit for Jetfly?"

Ethan stood tall.

"I bring innovative thinking, determination, and a strong work ethic."

Victoria's eyes narrowed.

"We'll review your application. Expect a call soon."

Ethan left Jetfly Company, hopeful.

Ethan's phone buzzed.

An unknown number.

"Ethan Wright."

"Mr. Wright, this is Rachel from Wyrmstone Residence. Jason Omar's been inquiring about you."

Ethan's grip tightened.

"Thank you, Rachel. I'll be cautious." The call ended.

*

Ethan decided to drop by the hospital, concerned about Dr. Lee. It's been a long time since they both spoke to each other.

At the hospital, Ethan found Dr. Lee's office and knocked.

"Come in!" Dr. Lee called out.

Ethan entered, noticing Dr. Lee on a phone call.

Dr. Lee gestured for Ethan to take a seat.

Ethan waited patiently, observing Dr. Lee's increasingly troubled expression.

The call ended, and Dr. Lee sighed heavily.

"Everything okay, Doc?" Ethan asked, concern etched on his face.

Dr. Lee rubbed his temples.

"I'm afraid not, Ethan. The landowner wants to sell the land.

"We're being evicted. The hospital will be demolished."

Ethan's eyes widened in shock.

"That's devastating! What about the patients?"

Dr. Lee shook his head.

"We'll have to relocate, but it's not that simple.

"This hospital serves the underprivileged.

"Where will they go?"

Ethan's mind raced.

"This can't happen. There must be a solution."

Dr. Lee's eyes locked onto Ethan's.

"I've been searching for alternatives, but time's running out."

Ethan stood, determination burning within.

"I'll help, Doc. We'll find a way."

Dr. Lee placed a hand on Ethan's shoulder.

"Ethan, I appreciate your enthusiasm, but it's not that simple."

"The landowner wants 5 million dollars."

Ethan's determination faltered.

"That's a steep price," Ethan admitted.

Dr. Lee nodded.

"I've tried negotiating, but he won't budge."

Just then, Ethan's phone rang.

"Excuse me, Doc."

Ethan answered.

"Ethan Wright."

"Mr. Wright, this is Victoria Eldridge from Jetfly Company."

"We're pleased to inform you that you're hired."

"Report to our office next Monday."

Ethan smiled.

"Thank you, Ms. Eldridge."

The call ended.

«Ding! Congratulations, Host, on completing the third segment of the chain mission.»

«Ding! Your exceptional performance earns you $4,000,000.»

«Ding! Bonus: $2,000,000.»

Ethan's eyes widened.

Wealth: $9,975,000

Influence: 500»

Ethan turned to Dr. Lee. "Doc, I have good news. I'll buy the land, I'll become the owner."

Dr. Lee's jaw dropped. "Ethan, are you serious?"

Ethan nodded. "I can afford it now."

Dr. Lee's face lit up.

"This is incredible!"

The hospital's future was secured.

Eminence's message flashed. Ethan's heart swelled with pride.

Ethan instructed Dr. Lee, "Call the landowner. Let's finalize the deal."

Dr. Lee nodded, dialing the number.

An hour passed.

Dr. Lee's office door opened.

"Ah, right on time," Dr. Lee said.

Ethan turned, expecting the landowner.

Instead, he faced Jason Omar and Sarah.

Ethan's eyes narrowed.

"What are you doing here?" Ethan asked, his tone cold.