The Underestimated Tycoon

Chapter 6

Before Ethan could get another word in, Aria walked off and approached a sleek, black Porsche that had just pulled up. The car's door opened, and a beautiful girl stepped out. Her designer outfit clung tightly to her slim figure, and every inch of her oozed wealth and privilege. Her expression was unreadable behind her oversized sunglasses, but the moment she saw Ethan, her lips curled in disdain.

“This is my best friend, Natalie.” Aria said, throwing a glance over her shoulder at Ethan, her eyes gleaming with something between mischief and malice.

Ethan extended a polite hand, offering a brief nod. "Nice to meet you."

Natalie didn’t even look at his outstretched hand. Her eyes flicked up and down, taking in his simple clothes with a disgusted sneer.

“So, this is the guy?” she asked, her voice dripping with contempt. She didn’t wait for an answer, turning to Aria. “I got your call. I see what you meant now.”

Aria smirked, clearly pleased with her friend’s reaction. Ethan could feel the childishness of Natalie’s attitude as he withdrew his outstretched hands, but he didn’t comment on it. After all, he had no interest in playing their petty games.

“We’re heading to Greg’s party. You should come,” Aria said, tossing the invitation casually over her shoulder as if she were doing him a favour by inviting him.

Ethan caught the hint of malice in her tone and instantly clocked that there was more to her invitation than she let on. Still, his face remained impassive.

"I don't think I’ll have the time for that."

Aria laughed, but there was no humour in it.

“Come on, it’ll be fun. Besides, Greg is dying to meet you.”

Everyone at Tussauds University knew the name Gregory Holden, except Ethan, that is. If it weren’t for the chaos that occurred in the villa some minutes back, he would never have heard the name, much less paid any attention to it. Greg was the golden boy, wealthy, powerful, and deeply entrenched in the school's elite. More than that, everyone believed Aria and Greg were destined to end up together. Rumours about their relationship were constantly circulating, and now the clueless Ethan was being invited right into the lion's den.

However, before he could respond, Natalie was already getting into her car, clearly uninterested in anything Ethan had to say.

“Let’s go, Aria. We don’t want to be late.”

Aria threw Ethan a final, mocking smile. “See you at the party, if you’re brave enough to show up.” She got into the Porsche without waiting for his response, the engine roaring to life as the car sped off, leaving Ethan standing outside alone.

***

The party Aria mentioned was being held at one of the most exclusive clubs in town. It was a club that was reserved for the wealthy and privileged only, and it was extremely hard for an average person to get in. Ethan didn’t have to look far to see the difference between him and everyone else there. Flashy cars, designer clothes, and an air of superiority were on full display.

As he approached the entrance, the towering metal doors slid open automatically for the guests. Ethan tried to follow, but the doors slammed shut just before he could step through, blocking his way. He frowned, standing there as the guests inside barely gave him a second glance.

Two large security guards who stood at the entrance noticed his situation and walked over intimidatingly, eyeing him with barely disguised amusement.

“You lost, buddy?” one of them asked, crossing his arms over his chest.

Ethan said nothing, glancing up at the doors that had locked him out. He had expected this kind of treatment.

“Only members get through those doors,” the other guard chimed in, smirking. “And you don’t look like you belong here.”

The guards chuckled, clearly enjoying the moment. Ethan could hear their taunts clearly, but he didn’t seem the least bit fazed by their words, his expression calm.

“Listen, kid, why don’t you save yourself the embarrassment and head home? This place isn’t for you,” one of the two guards said, stepping closer to Ethan. He sounded like he cared for Ethan’s wellbeing, but Ethan could clearly see through the bullshit.

Ethan remained calm and was about to respond, but before he could let a word out, the sound of a roaring engine echoed down the street. A fancy red sports car pulled up, and Gregory Holden stepped out, flanked by a few of his friends. His eyes immediately landed on Ethan, and a cunning grin spread across his face.

“Well, well. What do we have here?” Greg said as he clapped his hands in delight, walking over with his group of friends. One look at Ethan's simple outfit, and he could easily understand the situation that was occurring.

The guards straightened, clearly recognising Greg. Greg looked Ethan up and down, his grin widening as if he had been waiting for this exact moment.

“You trying to get in, man?” Greg asked, his voice dripping with false concern. Aria had already informed him of what Ethan looked like and how she wanted to humiliate him, so he couldn’t help but try and make fun of Ethan.

“This place has rules, you know. Only the elite and privileged like us can get in.” Greg said, and his words elicited a series of snickers and sneers from his friend group.

Ethan remained silent, his eyes fixed on Greg, who was clearly revelling in the attention.

“Tell you what,” Greg continued, throwing an arm over Ethan’s shoulder as if they were old friends.

“There’s a competition happening downstairs tonight. Underground fight club. It has a lot of rewards that could be helpful to someone like you. However, that would only happen if you could find your way in.” Greg sneered, and his words prompted another round of mocking sneers and laughter from his friend group.

Something in Ethan’s head clicked at that moment, and Aria’s plan became clear.

She hadn’t invited him to the party for fun. She had invited him to humiliate him in front of everyone.

Ethan glanced at the security guards, who were watching the exchange with smug looks on their faces.

He knew this was a setup, but he wasn’t one to back down.