The Tyrant Heir's Return: Reclaiming the Thorne Empire

Chapter 8:Stealing Credit

That afternoon, Anthony Thompson, the general manager of White’s Resort, indeed personally delivered a brand-new contract to the Hart family’s villa.

Only Ethan Martinez was at home—Arthur, Richard, and Martha were all out and hadn’t returned yet.

The general manager was extremely humble as he presented the contract, explaining that the amount had been increased from the original one million dollars to two million dollars.

The terms were so favorable they exceeded the Hart family’s expectations.

"This is all thanks to Mr. Brown and Miss Hart. It’s our small apology and sincerity," the general manager said respectfully.

After seeing the general manager off, Ethan stared at the two-million-dollar contract.

An evil idea popped into his head.

He picked up the contract and called Arthur.

"Grandpa, look! I’m the one who finally got the contract! That Jack—he just got lucky and knows some people. The real reason we got it is definitely the reputation you’ve built up for the family all these years!"

"Well done, my boy!" Arthur was delighted.

"Tonight, we’ll hold a celebration dinner at Maple Leaf Restaurant! Let’s celebrate properly!"

On the other side, Jack and Isabella received a fake-friendly call from Ethan.

"Isabella, Jack—come to the celebration dinner tonight! Grandpa’s so happy we got the White’s Resort contract! Don’t forget to come!"

Isabella and Jack thought it was a celebration for them winning the contract.

Though they found Ethan’s sudden enthusiasm strange, they agreed to go.

Inside the private room at Maple Leaf Restaurant, the atmosphere was lively.

Arthur Hart’s face was flushed as he raised his glass frequently.

Ethan was even more triumphant—surrounded by several distant relatives of the Hart family, he soaked up their compliments.

"Ethan is really promising at such a young age!""Yeah—securing such a big contract so quickly. He’s going to have a great future!"

When Jack and Isabella walked in, this was the scene they saw.

Spotting them, Ethan immediately picked up his wine glass and swaggered over.

He spoke to Jack in a provocative tone.

"Oh, you’re here? Jack, see that? That’s power! A two-million-dollar contract—Ethan Martinez got it done easily! Unlike some people, who only know how to rely on luck and bragging!"

Isabella was stunned.

"Ethan, what are you talking about? Jack is the one who got the contract..."

"What about Jack?" Ethan interrupted loudly, making sure everyone could hear.

"Isabella, I know you want to save face for your husband. But facts are facts! I worked my tail off to get this contract! It has nothing to do with Jack! He’s just riding my coattails!"

Arthur Hart frowned slightly—but clearly, he believed Ethan’s words more.

Isabella’s parents also chimed in.

"Isabella, stop talking. Ethan really did most of the work. Jack, we’re grateful you healed Isabella’s face. But when it comes to business—you don’t understand, so stay out of it."

Jack watched Ethan’s performance quietly.

There was no anger on his face—only a faint hint of mockery.

He gently held Isabella’s hand to stop her from arguing, shaking his head.

Then, under Ethan’s triumphant gaze and the sympathetic or disdainful looks of the others, Jack took out his phone.

He dialed a number and said simply into the receiver: "Come over here and set the record straight."

After hanging up, he said nothing more.

Ethan scoffed.

"Putting on a show! Who are you calling? Even if the king of heaven comes today, the credit is still mine!"

However, less than half an hour later, the private room door was pushed open.

Anthony hurried in, beads of sweat on his forehead.

As soon as he entered, his eyes quickly found Jack.

He rushed over, and under everyone’s stunned gaze, bowed deeply to Jack at a nearly 90-degree angle.

"Mr. Brown! I’m sorry I’m late! What do you need me to clarify?"

The private room fell completely silent!

The smile froze on Ethan’s face, and he nearly dropped his wine glass.

Arthur Hart jumped to his feet.

Isabella’s parents’ mouths dropped open.

Jack looked at Anthony calmly, pointing at Ethan.

He asked, "I want to know—what exactly did Mr. Ethan Martinez do to help secure this contract?"

Anthony followed Jack’s finger to Ethan.

Disgust and contempt were written all over his face.

He straightened up, his voice clear enough for the entire room to hear:

"Mr. Brown, you’re joking. This Mr. Ethan Martinez did come to our resort a few times. But he was arrogant, and his proposals were shoddy—we already put him on our blacklist of people we won’t consider. This contract was solely because of you and Miss Hart. The Hart family—including Ethan Martinez—had nothing to do with it! Why? Did he steal the credit?"

The truth was out!

Everyone’s eyes turned to Ethan.

His face turned red, then purple.

He wanted to crawl into a hole in the ground, stammering as he tried to defend himself.

"Y-you’re lying... I..."

"That’s enough, Ethan!" Arthur Hart slammed his fist on the table.

His old face was bright red—angry at Ethan’s stupidity and deception, and even more shocked by Jack’s unfathomable power!

Who else could make the general manager of White’s Resort rush over to expose a lie and apologize?

What kind of authority did that require?

Ethan trembled all over, slumping into his chair.

He couldn’t say another word.

Jack put his arm around Isabella’s shoulders.

His cold gaze swept over all the Hart family members present, finally landing on Arthur.

"I hope this is the last time," Jack’s voice wasn’t loud, but it carried an overwhelming pressure.

"If anyone dares to bully my wife again, or steal what belongs to her— the consequences will be far more serious than today."