From Ashes to Eminence

Chapter 8. A pretentious encounter

Jason Omar and Sarah walked into Dr. Lee's office, ignoring Ethan.

"Dr. Lee, delightful to see you," Jason said, his smile dripping with insincerity.

Sarah nodded in agreement.

Sarah smiled sweetly.

"We're happy to facilitate the transaction."

Dr. Lee's eyes locked onto Jason.

"I'm happy you're willing to sell.

"Five million dollars is a steep price, even for me, a member of the Omar family." Jason smiled as he spoke.

"I'm curious, where did you get the funds?" Jason's eyes sparkled with amusement.

Dr. Lee turned to Ethan.

"Actually, Mister Omar, it's not me buying the land."

Ethan stepped forward.

"It's Ethan Wright here who's interested in purchasing the land."

Jason's and Sarah's heads snapped towards Ethan.

Their expressions changed from amusement to shock.

Jason's eyes narrowed.

"Ethan Wright?" Jason repeated. He had been trying to pry into Ethan's mysterious backer, but so far all he knows is that Ethan is an abandoned son of the Noah family. He was curious as to how Ethan suddenly could afford all he's currently getting.

Sarah's face twisted in disgust.

"You can't be serious," she spat. She could not accept that fact. How could Ethan suddenly get rich after she left? Was he hiding all that money and was just waiting for her to leave?

Ethan's gaze met Jason's.

"I'm very serious," Ethan said, his tone firm.

The room fell silent.

Jason's smile returned, laced with malice.

"Interesting development.

"Well, Ethan Wright, let's discuss the terms."

Ethan's eyes locked onto Jason.

"I'm ready when you are."

Jason snapped open his briefcase, pulling out a document.

"Change of plans, Ethan," Jason said, a sly smile spreading.

"I'm no longer willing to sell at five million."

Ethan's expression remained calm.

"Six million dollars is the new price," Jason declared.

Dr. Lee intervened, "Mister Omar, that wasn't what we agreed on, that's unacceptable!"

Jason's gaze silenced Dr. Lee.

"Let's not forget, Doctor, you're no longer in the picture."

Jason turned back to Ethan.

"Six million, or leave the premises."

Ethan didn't flinch.

"Account number, please," Ethan requested.

Jason's smile faltered.

"You're willing to pay that much?" Jason asked.

Ethan nodded.

"Business is business," Ethan replied.

Jason's eyes narrowed.

"Very well," Jason said.

He handed Ethan a document with the account details.

"Transfer the funds within the hour.

"Or the deal is off."

Ethan took the document.

"I'll make the transfer now," Ethan said.

Jason's plan had backfired, nevertheless he kept a calm facade, he wanted to see how Ethan was going to make the transfer.. he believed Ethan will make a call to his backer to transfer the money. What he didn't know was that his assumptions were all wrong.

Ethan pulled out his phone and initiated the transfer.

"The funds will be in your account shortly," Ethan said.

A message notification popped up in Jason's phone, the transfer was successful. Jason's expression faltered for a moment. He regained composure, handing Ethan the documents.

"Sign here," Jason instructed.

Ethan signed the documents with a flourish.

Jason's eyes narrowed. He was really curious as to which family was backing Ethan. Was it the Eldridge? The Ozilla? Or the Von Blake family? The only way to satisfy his curiosity is to swallow his pride and ask.

"Which family is backing you, Ethan Wright?" Jason asked.

Ethan smiled. "That's on a need to know basis, and you, Jason Omar, don't need to know." Ethan said without any honorifics.

Sarah remained silent, shock etched on her face.

Ethan now held the documents, his ownership secured.

"Thank you for the transaction, Jason, Sarah," Ethan said politely. "It's time for you to leave the premises."

Jason's face darkened. Was this insignificant insect chasing him out? Him, a member of the Omar family. This act alone infuriated Jason to the core, and right now he cared less for whoever was backing Ethan, he will crush Ethan.

"This isn't over, Ethan," Jason warned.

Ethan stood firm. "I'm afraid it is," Ethan replied.

Dr. Lee stood up to mediate on the issue before things got out of hand.

"Please Mister Omar, I apologise on his behalf." Dr. Lee said with a small bow. He knew how powerful and ruthless the Omar family was.

Dr. Lee escorted Jason and Sarah out.

As they departed, Ethan felt a sense of triumph.

«Ding! Congratulations, Host, on completing the fifth segment of the chain mission.» Eminence's message flashed.

Ethan's gaze fell on the documents. He had secured the hospital's future. But most importantly, he has secured a company of his own.

Dr. Lee returned, beaming with gratitude. "Ethan, I don't know how to thank you."

Ethan smiled. "Just seeing the hospital thrive is thanks enough, Doc."

As they shared a warm moment, Ethan's phone flashed. But before he could check it, he received a notification from the system.

«Ding! Congratulations, Host, on completing the entire chain mission!»

«Ding! Your exceptional performance earns you $10,000,000.»

«Ding! Bonus: $10,000,000.

Wealth: $23,975,000

Influence: 900»

Ethan's eyes widened.

Ethan felt over the moon. But he cautioned himself. Pride would be his downfall.

He remembered the Noah family's net worths. Almost ten billion dollars.

Ethan's resolve strengthened. He needed to work harder. Catch up, then surpass them.

Dr. Lee noticed Ethan's intense gaze.

"Ethan, what's on your mind?"

Ethan refocused.

"Just planning the future, Doc."

The hospital's future was secure.

Now, Ethan's sights were set higher.

Ethan left the hospital, feeling accomplished. Securing the hospital was just the beginning. To maximize profits, he needed to expand.

Ethan boarded a cab.

"Kids Haven daycare, please," Ethan instructed.

At the daycare, Ethan's face lit up.

"Hey, baby girl!" Emily cooed.

Ethan lifted Emily into the baby carrier.

As they headed home in a cab, Ethan pondered.

"Isn't it time to get my own car, even while I was still part of the Noah family, I didn't own a set of wheels.. this time, things are different." Ethan thought.

Convenience and style would be his.

Ethan browsed luxury cars on his phone.

Emily slept peacefully in the carrier.

Ethan's vision expanded.

Wealth and influence were within reach.

Back at Villa C, Ethan settled Emily into her nursery.

"Dinner time, baby girl!" Ethan prepared a bottle.

Content and full, Emily drifted off to sleep.

Ethan's mind returned to business. Cars, hospitals, and real estate. The possibilities were endless.