From Campus Pauper To Billionaire King

Chapter 8

The taxi rolled to a stop in front of the Grand Crown Hotel.

Luxury cars were lined in the entrance, as chauffeurs opened doors for wealthy guests stepping out of their luxury cars.

Ethan stepped out of the cab.

His worn sneakers landed softly on the spotless ground. He had changed his clothes before coming here, but he didn't change his old pair of shoes he had worn for months.

He barely walked five feet toward the entrance before a hand suddenly blocked his path.

“Where do you think you're going?” the security man said sharply. “This place is not a walk in the park, boy.”

The man's white-gloved hand stayed stretched in front of Ethan like a wall.

He didn’t even bother looking directly at Ethan. Instead, he quickly turned to open the glass door for a well-dressed man wearing an expensive suit and gleaming leather shoes.

Ethan frowned slightly.

“I know what this place is.” he said calmly. “I'm here to see Mr. Jones.”

That got the security man's attention.

He finally looked Ethan up and down, his eyes slowly traveling from Ethan’s simple clothes down to his old sneakers. Then he sneered.

“The general manager?” he scoffed. “You think a man who manages this luxury hotel has time to meet a boy like you?”

He examined Ethan again, clearly unimpressed.

“Get going before I call more securities for you.”

“My father sent me to meet him.”

The man laughed mockingly.

“Tell your father this is not a place for beggars,” he said coldly. “Hungry fools like you shouldn't even be standing here.”

Ethan clenched his jaw slightly.

“Can you stop the insults already and at least let him know that Ethan is here?”

But the man had already turned away, ignoring him completely as he attended to another arriving guest.

Behind Ethan, a powerful engine roared.

A sleek Lamborghini Huracán pulled smoothly into the driveway.

The scissor door lifted upward and Celeb stepped out, dressed in designer clothes and sunglasses.

Ryan stepped out from the other side of the car, pulling Laura close and planting a kiss on her cheek. The two laughed playfully until their eyes suddenly landed on Ethan.

Ryan blinked in disbelief. “Wait… is that Ethan?”

His lips slowly curved into a mocking smile.

“You think pulling that fake stunt back at the party would make me rate you?” Ryan said loudly. “You're still a poor scholarship boy.”

He pointed down at Ethan’s feet.

“Just take a look at those shoes.”

Celeb burst out laughing.

Laura folded her arms, shaking her head in irritation.

“Ethan, stop this,” she said. “It's embarrassing. You showed us some random paper at the party and threw us out, fine. But this is the Grand Crown Hotel.”

Her voice hardened. “You don't belong here.”

Ryan turned toward the security and shouted, “Hey man! Why is this beggar still standing here?”

“Don't worry sir, I'll handle it.” the man replied.

He stepped forward and grabbed Ethan roughly by the shoulder.

“I said move! The more stubborn you become, the more I rough-handle you.”

“Take your hands off him.”

The sharp voice came from the far end of the hotel compound.

Everyone turned.

A man in a perfectly tailored charcoal suit had just stepped out of the lobby and was striding rapidly toward them.

He looked to be in his early fifties, tall and imposing, with neatly combed silver hair and sharp, commanding eyes. His face carried the calm authority of someone used to running an empire. It was Mr. Jones.

The security man quickly straightened, forcing a respectful smile. He spoke nervously.

“Mr. Jones, I was just sending out this nuis—”

A hot slap cut him short. The sound echoed across the entrance.

The security man's cap flew off as he stumbled backward, clutching his burning cheek.

“Do you have any idea who you are touching like that?!” Mr. Jones thundered.

The atmosphere fell silent.

Celeb, Ryan, Laura all stared in disbelief.

Then, before their stunned eyes, Mr. Jones turned toward Ethan and bowed. “Young Master Wilson,” he said respectfully.

“Your father informed me you would arrive today. Please forgive this blind fool for offending you.”

Ryan’s jaw dropped open. Laura’s face was drained of color. Celeb stared as if his brain had stopped working.

The security man suddenly fell to his knees.

“Sir! I'm sorry!” he cried desperately. “I didn't know who you were! Please forgive me, Young Master! I have a family to feed!”

He crawled closer, almost grabbing Ethan’s leg.

“I beg you! Please don't fire me!”

Ethan looked down at him calmly.

“This is exactly why people like you behave the way you do,” he said quietly.

“You judge others by their clothes.”

The man's voice trembled.

“I was wrong sir! Please give me another chance!”

Ethan’s expression hardened.

“This will teach you a lesson not to look down on people.”

He turned to the manager. “Take him away.”

Mr Jones made a call across the security inside and they came out immediately and dragged the crying man away while he continued begging.

“Please Young Master! I'm sorry!”

His voice faded as he was taken out of sight.

Ethan then turned calmly to Mr. Jones.

“Can we now go inside?”

“Of course, Young Master.”

Ryan and the others could only watch in stunned silence as Ethan walked past them without even glancing in their direction.

Inside the hotel, Mr. Jones personally escorted Ethan to a private office on the top floor.

The office overlooked the entire city through wide glass windows. From this height, the streets below looked like glowing rivers of light. Expensive leather chairs surrounded a polished mahogany table, and the faint scent of sandalwood filled the air.

Mr. Jones pulled out a chair respectfully.

“Please have a seat, Young Master.”

Ethan sat down slowly, still taking in everything around him.

Just hours ago he had been treated like a nobody.

Now one of the most respected hotel managers in the city was standing before him like a servant.

Mr. Jones placed a tablet on the table and tapped the screen.

“Allow me to briefly introduce the hotel’s operations before we proceed with other matters.”

Ethan nodded.

“The Grand Crown Hotel currently operates at an average occupancy rate of eighty-seven percent,” Mr. Jones began professionally. “During peak seasons it reaches full capacity.”

He swiped to another page.

“Our VIP client list includes several international businessmen, diplomats, and entertainment celebrities. Many of them have long-term reservations in our executive suites.”

Ethan listened quietly.

“The hotel’s reputation in the city is one of prestige and exclusivity,” Mr. Jones continued. “It is considered one of the top three luxury hotels in the region. Most high-profile events, corporate banquets, and political gatherings are hosted here.”

Ethan leaned back slightly.

“So basically, the hotel is doing well.”

“Yes, sir,” Mr. Jones replied with a respectful nod. “Very well.”

He pointed toward the screen again.

“Our presidential suite, which you are currently occupying, is the most luxurious unit in the building, which cost up to $10,000 per night. It includes private dining services, a personal concierge, direct elevator access and many more.”

A faint smile crossed Ethan's lips,as Mr. Jones continued.

“The restaurant downstairs is managed by a Michelin-trained chef. The rooftop lounge is extremely popular among elite clients. We also host private auctions and charity galas for wealthy investors.”

Ethan tapped his fingers lightly on the armrest.

“And the staff?”

“Highly trained,” Mr. Jones replied immediately. “However, after what happened with the security man earlier, I will personally review the conduct of the front desk team.”

Ethan gave a small nod.

“That would be wise.”

Mr. Jones bowed slightly.

“Of course, sir.”

“So what's next?” Ethan asked.