The Ultimate Hidden Tycoon

Chapter 4

Almost immediately, she pulled out her cell phone and was ready to call Kathrine.

But Ethan never met Kathrine. She keeps her loser husband from being known to her friends.

She thought of another possibility, an even greater one.

Did he pick it up after I threw it away? Has he been holding onto it all these years?

"What a creep." Madeline spat.

She carelessly tossed the silver ring onto the floor.

Just then, her phone buzzed. The screen lit up with Robert’s name.

Her expression shifted immediately.

Her earlier disdain replaced with a practiced sweetness.

"Hey, Robert, don’t tell me you miss me already?" she purred.

Robert chuckled on the other end.

"Madeline, get ready. You’re coming with me to meet with Brightstar Corporation tonight."

The name alone sent a jolt through her chest.

Brightstar Corporation - the most powerful company in Atlantis City!

If Robert was handling this deal personally, then this was far from some casual business meeting.

Suppressing her excitement, she replied smoothly.

"Of course, Robert. Don’t worry, I won’t embarrass you."

"Good." His voice carried a hint of satisfaction. "I'm picking you up now. Be ready."

The moment the call ended, Madeline let out a squeal of excitement, spinning in place like a giddy schoolgirl.

She pressed a hand to her lips, unable to contain the smile stretching across her face.

This was it. This was her chance to truly step into old money’s world. A world of wealth, power, and prestige!

***

A sleek, black Maybach rolled smoothly to a stop in front of Brightstar Corporation’s grand headquarters.

The luxurious sedan stood out like the sun among stars.

Ethan pushed the door open and stepped out.

He tilted his head up, glancing at the towering glass building before him.

A smirk tugged at his lips.

"Brightstar Corporation, it’s been a long time. "

The Maybach was swiftly driven to a private parking area by security.

With an easy stride, he moved toward the entrance.

But before Ethan took another step, a burst of laughter from nearby caught his attention.

He turned slightly—and his gaze landed on a familiar pair, walking side by side from the other entrance.

Madeline and Robert.

Even under the bright city lights, her heavy makeup couldn’t fully conceal the vanity gleaming in her eyes.

Beside her stood Robert, his arm draped casually around her as he whispered something in her ear, making her giggle.

Their intimate gestures were sickening to watch.

Ethan didn’t take the second glance as he moved to walk past them.

But Madeline caught sight of him instantly.

"Ethan?" Her voice rang out, loud enough for people nearby to hear. "What the hell are you doing here?"

Ethan paused, but didn’t even bother turning.

"Walking my own path. Is that a problem?"

Madeline blinked. She was momentarily stunned by his calm tone.

But she quickly recovered, her smirk turned into a sneer.

"Seriously, Ethan? THIS is Brightstar Corporation."

She sneered, her gaze sweeping over his outfit with disdain.

"You sure you’re in the right place? Are you here to apply for a cleaner position?"

Robert snickered beside her, playing along.

"Now, now, Madeline, don't be so blunt. Maybe he’s just here to enjoy the air conditioning."

Madeline covered her mouth, made a high, mocking sound.

"That makes more senses!”

“Look at him, showing up just as work hours end. Talk about perfect timing for a free ride!"

Ethan finally turned to face them.

His gaze was steady, unreadable.

“You two seem awfully concerned about me. Should I be flattered?”

Madeline rolled her eyes.

“Don’t flatter yourself, Ethan. No one cares about you!”

As if realizing something, she stepped closer, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

“Wait, don’t tell me you’re here to beg me for a second chance. Is that it?”

Ethan’s lips curved into a faint, almost imperceptible smile. 

"You? A second chance? Madeline, don’t overestimate your worth."

“I’m just here to visit my company.”

“The thing you wanted it so badly, but you couldn’t never have.”

Madeline froze, her smirk faltering for a split second.

Then she burst out laughing.

"Your company? Ethan, stop embarrassing yourself!"

Robert smirked, arms crossed.

"Ethan, buddy, I get it. Life’s been tough for you. But you need some helps."

He clicked his tongue.

"This is Brightstar Corporation. The top conglomerate in Atlantis.”

“You think you can just waltz in here and claim it as yours? Do you need us to call the loony bin for you?"

"Listen, Ethan," Madeline said, her voice rising with every word.

"You may some introductions. This place is for the elite. For people with power, connections, and money."

She gave him a once-over.

"You? You’re nothing. Just go home before security throws you out for loitering."

Robert sighed, faking a sympathy smile.

"Ethan, as men, we should know when to quit. You’ve already lost. Don’t make it worse for yourself."

Madeline playfully nudged Robert’s arm.

"See? Robert is a real man. Look at his presence. That’s the kind of successful person who belongs here."

She turned back to Ethan, her smile widening.

"And you? You just look like a desperate nobody trying to get attention. It’s honestly embarrassing to watch."

Ethan’s gaze swept over them, cold and unimpressed.

He turned to leave, but Madeline stopped him again.

"Hold it right there!" Madeline called out.

“Ethan, since we’re divorced now, I don’t expect much from you. But there’s still a debt you owe me.”

Ethan paused, his back still to her.

Slowly, he turned, his eyes narrowing. “A debt?”

Madeline flipped her hair, her voice dripping with false sweetness.

“Three years of my life, Ethan. Three years I wasted on you. Don’t you think you should pay me more alimony as a consumption for that?”

Ethan scoffed.

“Compensation for what?”

“Compensation for cheating on me? For trampling on everything we had?”

Madeline’s face flushed with anger.

“You think you can just walk away like nothing happened? You ruined my life!”

Ethan took a step closer, his presence suddenly overwhelming.

“Madeline, let’s get one thing straight.”

“You’re the pathetic one who destroyed our marriage. Not me.”

"Oh, right," Madeline suddenly sneered. "Speaking of pathetic—remember that ring?"

“You picked my ring out of the trash after I threw it! And keep it in your cabinet! You freak!"

Robert snickered

from the side.

" Really? He actually fished it out of the trash? Ethan, man, were you that desperate? "

Ethan’s eyes darkened.

"What the hell are you talking about?"

“That ring was mine. You gave it to me years ago. Don’t you remember?”

Madeline scoffed, her voice dripping with disdain.

"Don't start with your nonsense. I threw that ring away ages ago. Never gave it to anyone.”

Ethan clenched his jaw.

"Madeline, have you really forgotten everything?"

Ethan’s expression was too serious.

Madeline frowned, a thought suddenly striking her.

Katherine - She had a ring just like that!

Her expression twisted with disgust.

"Wait. Did you steal it from Katherine?"

“I knew something was off. So that’s it—you’re nothing but a goddamn thief.”

Ethan froze. The name hit him like a bullet.

Katherine?

His mind spun.

Could he have been wrong?

The girl who saved him, the one who placed that silver ring in his hands…

Wasn’t Madeline?