“Sir, please wait!” Ethan’s voice cut through the air like a knife.
Liam’s fingers paused just inches from the door handle. For a brief moment, his face showed a flicker of surprise.
‘One hundred and fifty million dollars… this man is actually considering it?’ Liam’s mind raced as he tried to make sense of it.
His company wasn’t worth anywhere near that amount. In fact, if he was being honest, even fifteen million dollars was an offer he never expected to hear.
And yet, Ethan—who had just balked at the price minutes ago—was calling him back.
Liam’s heart pounded slightly as he turned over the thought in his mind.
‘What in the world does Ethan see in my company that even I don’t? What could possibly make him think it’s worth so much money?’
Then, as he stood there, turning it over in his mind, he suddenly understood.
It wasn’t him.
It wasn’t his company.
It was Sir Alex.
Liam’s eyes flickered with realization.
‘Sir Alex isn’t even here for the negotiations… and yet, he already knew exactly how much the other side could bear.’ Liam had no idea how Alex did it, but one thing was clear—this was all part of his plan.
It was almost miraculous.
Even without being present, Alex had somehow gauged Ethan’s limits with absolute precision.
Despite the thoughts racing through his head, Liam kept his face unreadable. He didn’t let his surprise show as he slowly turned back around to face Ethan.
His expression remained cool, composed—his stance unwavering.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, his voice smooth and steady. “Is Mr. Ethan… willing to come up with that amount?”
Though he was asking the question, Liam already knew the answer.
Lily had been sitting quietly, watching the conversation unfold with wide, disbelieving eyes. But now, she couldn’t stay silent any longer.
She turned her gaze to Ethan, her expression filled with a mixture of shock, confusion, and growing concern.
“Ethan, are you seriously considering putting up one hundred and fifty million for this company?” she asked, her voice laced with disbelief.
Her brows furrowed deeply as she struggled to understand why Ethan was willing to go to such extreme lengths for a company that wasn’t even worth a million.
It didn’t make sense.
Why would he take such a massive risk for something so small and insignificant in the grand scheme of things?
But Ethan didn’t immediately answer her question.
Instead, he turned to look at her—his gaze was calm, steady, yet filled with undeniable sincerity.
Then, softly but firmly, he asked her just one thing.
“Do you trust me?” His words were simple, but they carried a weight that made Lily’s heart skip a beat.
There was something about the way he looked at her in that moment—like he was laying everything bare, like he was letting her see a part of himself that very few ever did.
His eyes held no hesitation, no uncertainty.
Just pure, unwavering belief.
Lily felt something stir within her.
She still didn’t understand why Ethan was doing this, but… for some reason, she wanted to believe in him.
She couldn’t explain it.
But deep down, her heart was telling her that Ethan must have a reason. That he must know something she didn’t.
And so—without arguing further, without voicing another doubt—Lily’s hand slowly slipped into her pocket.
Her fingers brushed against the smooth surface of her bank card, a silent but significant gesture.
She was ready.
If Ethan really needed this money… then she would support him.
Even though he didn’t know it yet, she had already made her decision.
Unaware of Lily’s quiet act of trust, Ethan turned his attention back to Liam, his expression serious.
“So, if I manage to gather one hundred and fifty million, I can invest in your company, right?” he asked, his tone filled with anticipation.
He needed confirmation. He needed to hear it directly from Liam’s mouth.
For a moment, there was silence. Then… Liam chuckled. A low, knowing chuckle, as if he had been expecting this very moment.
Slowly, he leaned back into his chair, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips.
He reached into his pocket and, with smooth ease, pulled out a cigarette. With a practiced flick, he lit it, the small flame briefly illuminating his face before he took a slow, deliberate inhale.
Finally, exhaling a thin stream of smoke, he spoke.
“No, no, no…” His voice was light, almost amused.
“I think Mr. Ethan might have misunderstood.” Ethan’s brows knitted together slightly. “What do you mean?”
Liam, now fully relaxed, tapped the cigarette against the ashtray, watching the embers fall before finally meeting Ethan’s gaze.
“I only said that if you come up with one hundred and fifty million, we will cooperate in the company. That’s a requirement—you must bring that amount to the table.”
“But that doesn’t mean you get to control my company just because you’ve put up that amount.”
His voice was cool, matter-of-fact, as if he was simply explaining the rules of the game.
Ethan’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Then what does it mean?”
Liam took another slow drag of his cigarette before answering.
“This one hundred and fifty million would be your investment.”
“If the company makes money during this period, you’ll receive dividends according to the percentage of your investment.”
“But if we suffer losses…”
Liam paused for a brief moment, flicking the ashes off his cigarette.
Then, with a small, almost indifferent smile, he delivered the final blow.
“Then I’m sorry… you’ll have to accept that risk too.” His words were cold, purely business-like, stripping away any illusion of safety.
He wasn’t making any guarantees.
If Ethan put in the money and things went well, then yes—he would make a fortune. But if things went south? Then he would have no one to blame but himself.
Because once that money left his hands… it wouldn’t be his anymore.
—
Magic Castle 🏰 = 5 Bonus Chapters
Bonus Chapters on: 300, 500, 700 Power Stones.
—
(A/N: Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)
Don’t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.