Ethan's lips curled into a cold smile as he watched Vanessa and Tyla practically vibrate with anticipation. He could read their thoughts as clearly as if they'd been written across their foreheads—they were already spending the billion dollars in their minds, already imagining him on his knees, already tasting their victory.How utterly foolish they were.They had no idea—couldn't possibly comprehend—just how much the world had shifted beneath their feet. The Ethan Morrison they thought they knew was gone, replaced by someone with power beyond their wildest imagination. The heir to the Kidman family fortune. The grandson of the richest man in the world.But they didn't need to know that. Not yet. Let them enjoy their delusion a little longer."Ms. Hendricks will be right with you," the younger agent said nervously, retreating to her desk as if afraid the tension in the room might somehow become her problem.A moment later, a tall, impeccably dressed woman in her late forties emerged f

Patricia Hendricks stared at her computer screen, her mind refusing to process what her eyes were seeing. The verification results glowed on the display like some kind of impossible equation that shouldn't exist in reality.Verified. Approved. Sufficient funds available. Authorization complete.She'd been in luxury real estate for twenty years. She'd sold properties to tech billionaires, oil tycoons, entertainment moguls, and foreign royalty. She'd seen wealth in every imaginable form. But this? This ordinary-looking young man in an unremarkable suit, standing calmly in her lobby while two women screamed insults at him?This was impossible.And yet, the numbers didn't lie."Ms. Hendricks?" Ethan's voice cut through her shocked stupor. "Is there a problem?"Patricia's mouth opened and closed several times before words finally emerged. "No, sir. No problem at all. I'm just... I'm somewhat surprised by your choice of property.""Why?" Ethan asked simply."Because..." Patricia cleared her

Ethan's expression hardened, his patience finally reaching its limit. "Ms. Hendricks, I appreciate your concern, but it's misplaced. I am perfectly capable of making this purchase. I don't need protection, sympathy, or assistance in 'saving face.' What I need is for you to accept my payment and prepare the necessary paperwork for the villa."Before Patricia could respond, James stepped forward, his military bearing suddenly very evident. His voice was cold, sharp, and carried an authority that made several people in the crowd take an involuntary step back."Ms. Hendricks," James said, his tone brooking no argument, "I suggest you mind your business. Your only concern here should be accepting the young master's payment and facilitating the transaction he has requested. Your personal opinions about his financial decisions are neither requested nor relevant."Patricia's mouth opened, then closed. The shift in atmosphere was palpable—James wasn't making a suggestion, he was delivering a d

Patricia Chen's hands trembled so violently she nearly dropped her phone. The verbal assault from Ms. Hendricks Senior had left her legs weak, her face drained of all color, her entire body shaking with the realization that her twenty-year career was hanging by a thread."Ms. Hendricks, please," Patricia begged into the phone, her voice breaking. "Please, just let me explain the situation properly. The verification came through legitimate channels—First National Reserve Bank confirmed—""I don't want to hear your excuses!" Ms. Hendricks Senior's voice crackled through the speaker, loud enough for half the lobby to hear. "You have made this company look like fools! You have endangered our reputation! You have wasted valuable time on an obvious fraudster!""But ma'am, if you would just—""FIVE MINUTES, Patricia! I will be there in FIVE MINUTES! And that scammer better be GONE, or you'll be following him out the door! PERMANENTLY!"The line went dead with a harsh click.Patricia stood fr

Ethan shook his head slowly, his expression calm despite the chaos surrounding him. "The deal isn't over."Vanessa blinked. "What?""I said," Ethan repeated clearly, "the deal isn't over. It hasn't been confirmed whether I can afford the house or not. I've been accused, yes. But accusations aren't proof. You can't declare victory based on assumptions and phone calls from angry bosses."Tyla's smug expression cracked, her face twisting with fury. "Are you KIDDING me right now?! Your own agent just got screamed at by her boss! She's literally on her KNEES because of you! The security guards are here to throw you out! What more proof do you need?!""Actual proof," Ethan said simply. "Verified documentation showing I cannot complete the purchase. A final, definitive rejection from the property owners. Until then, the bet remains active.""This is INSANE!" Vanessa shrieked, her carefully maintained composure shattering completely. "You're delusional! You're completely, utterly DELUSIONAL!