The Ultimate Hidden Tycoon

Chapter 2

Ethan's gaze locked onto the papers.

She didn't remember the ring at all, right?

Those three years. He had given everything. Stood behind her. Protected her. Built her success. Economically and emotionally.

For the ring. For the promise.

She thought he was poor. Fine. Because he never cared about looking rich.

Ethan stared at the woman he once loved, all he could feel was cold and disappointment.

This was all he was worth to her?

This was how she repaid him?

Silence stretched between them. Then Ethan exhaled. A hard smirk tugged at his lips.

“You really think this is the life you want?” His voice was quiet.

But there was something in his voice—something that made Madeline’s fingers tighten slightly around Robert’s arm.

For the briefest second, doubt flickered in her eyes.

But then she squared her shoulders, shaking it off.

“I know it is.”

She grabbed her designer handbag, turning it in her hands. Showing it off to Ethan.

“You know how much this bag costs?” She smiled. “More than you make in a year.”

Robert snickered. “So be a good boy and walk away, yeah?”

Ethan smiled. A slow, humorless smile.

“Alright.”

Madeline blinked. Robert’s smirk faltered.

As if thrown off by how easily Ethan agreed.

Ethan grabbed the papers. Flipped through them. Then he signaled a passing waiter.

“Got a pen?”

The waiter hesitated before handing one over.

Ethan didn’t pause. Didn’t hesitate.

He signed it.

Then he set the papers down, meeting Madeline’s gaze. The warmth in his eyes? Gone.

“There.” His voice was calm. “Done.”

Without another glance, he turned and walked away.

Madeline watched him go. A strange unease crept into her chest.

But she soon pushed it to the side, and laughed ambitiously as she clinked glasses with Robert.

**

Outside the bar, the cold air hit like a slap.

Ethan stepped onto the sidewalk. He lit a cigarette, and took a slow drag.

Then he pulled out his phone. Dialed a number.

“It’s me. Ethan.”

Minutes later, a sleek black Maybach glided to a stop in front of him.

The back door swung open, and a man in a sharp suit stepped out.

If Madeline and Robert were here, they would’ve been shocked.

Because it was Lewis Parker.

A name that carried weight. A billionaire whose name dominated the wealth rankings.

Yet now, this man stood before Ethan with nothing but respect.

He bowed to Ethan.

Not a casual nod. It was a deep, deliberate bow.

Only when Ethan gave a slight nod, Lewis finally speak.

“Sir, I have the information you requested.”

Ethan flicked his cigarette away.

“Tell me.”

Lewis adjusted his glasses.

“Robert Davenport. He looks like a rich heir. But actually? His company is on its last legs of bankruptcy.”

“He’s been using wealthy women to fund his failing business. Madeline has no idea.”

Ethan’s lips curled into a cold smirk.

“And Madeline?”

“Lavish spending. Shopping, travelling, luxury hotels. She’s maxed out her credit cards.”

“Now she’s counting on Robert to clean up the mess.”

Ethan exhaled, shaking his head.

Pathetic. He thought.

“Let her dig her own grave.”

Lewis hesitated. “Do you want us to… step in?”

Ethan’s eyes turned to ice.

“Not necessary. They’ll destroy themselves.”

Lewis nodded in understanding.

Ethan glanced back at the bar. His expression unreadable.

He turned back to Lewis.

“It’s time they know I’m back.”

“Arrange a meeting with the executives. Within one hour.”

“Yes, Sir.” Lewis gestured toward the Maybach. “Your car is ready.”

Ethan adjusted his jacket, and stepped forward without a second thought.

***

Inside the bar, Madeline was still basking in her illusion of wealth.

At that moment, Robert’s phone buzzed.

He picked up the call impatiently.

Next second, his face turned pale.

His fingers tightened around his drink. Trembling.

Madeline noticed.

“What’s wrong, baby?” she frowned.

Robert forced a weak, fake smile.

“Nothing. Just… a minor issue with the company. I’ll handle it.”

However, Madeline clearly saw the sweat beading on his forehead.

Doubt crept into her heart, but she easily swept it away. Madeline giggled, wrapping her arms around Robert’s.

“I trust you, Robert. Of course you can handle it.”

Robert forced a smile. Pretended to be calm.

He had just received the call from a debt collector.

Three days. That’s all they gave him. Or else they’d throw him into the river, and he knew they were able to do it.