The Underestimated Tycoon

Chapter 9

As Ethan stepped out of the combat room, the crowd that had gathered in the underground fight club was buzzing with shock and disbelief. 

"He's cheating!" someone shouted from the back, followed by murmurs of agreement.

"Of course he won, look at that suit! No wonder he managed to pull off those moves. He didn’t beat Greg fairly!" another voice joined in.

Ethan ignored the accusations, his expression impassive, but Victoria, standing beside him, stepped forward and glared at the crowd.

“Mr. Ethan did not choose the excellent equipment I provided. His skills are what decided the fight.”

The crowd erupted in laughter at her words.

“Yeah, right. Do you expect us to believe some random guy just walked in and beat the Gregory Holden?” One of the onlookers sneered.

Aria, who had been watching from the front row suddenly stood and sauntered over with a smirk on her face.

“Greg will have his revenge soon enough,” she said in a mocking tone.

“This win means nothing. You cheated, Ethan. Everyone knows it.”

Ethan met Aria’s gaze with a steady calm, refusing to rise to her baiting words.

“If you think he cheated, we can schedule a rematch.” Victoria said, her voice laced with authority.

The crowd murmured in approval, and Greg, still rubbing his bruised ego, stepped forward. He looked Ethan up and down, his eyes narrowing.

“There’s no need for that. Let him enjoy the win while he can.” Greg spat furiously, though his tone carried a hint of hesitation.

Aria, standing at Greg’s side, shot Ethan a condescending smile.

“Greg is clearly the better fighter. You just got lucky.”

“It’s obvious you have no shame, resorting to cheating just to win a fight!” Aria sneered at Ethan, her disgust for him fully evident in her tone.

Victoria frowned at Aria’s harsh words and wanted to retort, but she remembered Ethan’s order about keeping his identity secret, so she couldn’t help but back down.

The crowd, already sceptical of Ethan, now viewed him with even more disdain at Aria’s words.

Several people started shouting, urging Ethan to take off the gear and fight again. 

Greg, however, raised a hand to silence them. His eyes flickered with a mix of pride and insecurity as he addressed the crowd.

“I’d love to put him back in his place, but I’ve got somewhere to be.” he said, his voice carrying a false bravado.

Aria’s face lit up at his words.

“Greg has an important engagement tonight, which is dinner with the prestigious Crestwood family.” she chimed in, her voice filled with pride.

The mention of the Crestwood family sent murmurs through the crowd. Being invited to a dinner with them was a symbol of status and influence, and it only added to Greg’s perceived superiority.

“You’re backing out?” Ethan asked, his voice low but challenging.

Greg clenched his jaw in anger, but he forced a smirk to appear on his face.

“Backing out? Of course not. Unlike you, I have real responsibilities. I don’t need to fight a second-rate fighter twice to prove anything.” Greg snorted.

In truth, he was genuinely afraid of fighting Ethan as he might lose to him again. Unlike the rest of the crowd, he was aware that Ethan had fought him with nothing but his skills. He wasn’t sure he would win even if they fought ten times.

He turned to leave, but Ethan’s voice stopped him in his tracks.

“Greg, don’t forget to leave the keys to the Lamborghini.” he remarked casually.

The crowd fell silent, with all eyes now on Greg, who looked visibly irritated.

“I’ll get you the keys later. I’ve got more important things to handle.” he snapped.

Aria, ever loyal to Greg, stepped in defensively.

“Greg doesn’t owe you anything. He’ll deal with you when he’s ready.”

Greg, his smirk widening, turned toward Aria with a glint of mischief in his eyes.

"Aria, why don't you join me for dinner at the Crestwoods tonight? A very special guest will be there. It would be an honour to have you by my side." Greg asked with a gentlemanly smile.

Ethan, standing a few feet away, narrowed his eyes. He knew Greg’s invitation was more or less about impressing Aria and spitting in his face.

Aria, flipping her hair back, smiled warmly at Greg, completely ignoring Ethan. "I'd love to, Greg. It sounds like an incredible evening."

"Perfect," Greg replied smugly, and then shot Ethan a mocking glance.

Ethan said nothing, his face calm and unreadable, but as Greg basked in his moment of glory, Ethan's voice sliced through the air.

"I wouldn’t be too excited if I were you. After all, that dinner might not happen as you expect."

Greg raised an eyebrow. "And why is that?"

Ethan took a step forward, his posture radiating quiet confidence.

"Because the special guest of honour won’t be there."

Greg let out a mocking laugh, the crowd around them following suit.

"And how would you know that? Who could be more important than the Crestwood' guest?"

Ethan locked eyes with Greg. His reply carried a hint of nonchalance and unhurried composure.

"Because it was the party for me. And I told Edward to cancel it."