Ultimate Tycoon: Building the Richest Empire with System and Heroines-Chapter 47: The wedding is near

Inside the guest room, Gregory lay sprawled on the bed, irritated.

"F*ck... where did that boyfriend come from?" he muttered.

He sat up, scowling. "Master didn’t mention anything about a boyfriend. Not even his spy found anything strange. They’ve been watching the Hayes family for years."

Gregory rubbed his temples. "I thought everything would go smoothly. That girl is worth five billion. I can’t let her slip away."

He let out a dry laugh. "Boyfriend or not, doesn’t matter. I’m good at stealing things. It’ll be fun to watch his face when I take her for myself."

He scrolled through his phone, stopping at Natalie’s photo. "Not just her. I’ll take the whole family. Her mother’s not bad either."

But then, his expression turned serious.

"There’s one thing that’s bothering me."

He stood, looking into the mirror.

"My skill—Treasure Eye—shows the fortune value of anything and anyone. If it’s worthless, it shows zero."

He paced. "Everyone in the Hayes family showed something. Natalie? Five billion. Even the butler, security guards, maids had a number."

"But that guy... the alive mummy wrapped in bandages... nothing."

He frowned. "Not zero. Just blank. First time that’s ever happened."

Gregory stood silently for a moment.

"Whatever," he muttered. "What can a loser like that do? He doesn’t have any skill. No charm. Nothing like me."

He smirked. "But first let’s use my skill in this city."

Meanwhile, in Ethan’s room

Ethan stared at the system panel.

"System, Lets say if I want to snatch his opportunities or humiliate him or kill him, is his luck going to be a problem, just like it was in the novel?"

[Ew!! Fuck that, we dont do that beta shit here.]

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "So if I wanted to kill him, rob him, humiliate him..."

He grinned.

"Not that I’ll do that. Not yet. I haven’t milked him properly."

[ Just like in the novel with his luck , he will gain opportunities , fortunes. But it will not affect you if you want to do something to him. My suggestion , lets dry that big fat cow]

Ethan leaned back, satisfied.His smile widened

"I like you, system. No homo though."

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Morning light spilled into the grand dining hall of the Hayes estate. The long oak table gleamed with neatly arranged dishes,steamed buns, fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, roasted vegetables, and more. Maids moved quietly, refilling cups and placing dishes with practiced grace.

The entire Hayes family was present for breakfast.

Alistair sat at the head, reading a newspaper. Clarissa and Damien spoke in low tones about some business. Mina, of course, was munching loudly on a pancake, humming some cartoon theme song.

And beside Natalie... was Ethan.

He sat casually with one arm resting behind her chair. Natalie, dressed in a light blue blouse, pretended not to notice how close his knee was to hers. But her flushed ears said otherwise.

Just as Damien was lifting his tea, heavy footsteps echoed from the staircase.

Gregory Vale appeared at the top of the stairs, hands in his pockets, sunglasses still perched unnecessarily on his head despite being indoors. His shirt was unbuttoned halfway, trying hard to look like a laid-back playboy.

As he descended, he smiled to himself.

This is the moment they’ll invite me to join. Maybe Natalie’ll pull out a chair for me.

But—

Silence.

No one said a word. No one looked up. No invitation. No smile.

The only sound in the room was the quiet clink of silverware.

Gregory’s smile stiffened. "Tch... what a cold bunch," he muttered under his breath. Fine. Keep ignoring me. You’ll all be licking my feet once Natalie’s mine.

Alistair finally spoke, lowering his paper without looking at him. "Hope you find a place to live today."

Gregory let out a forced chuckle. "You’re eager to kick me out, huh?"

The reply came instantly. Everyone at the table, in perfect harmony, answered:

"Yes."

Even Mina, with a mouthful of syrup-covered toast, mumbled a muffled, "Yeah!"

Gregory’s eye twitched. He glanced at Natalie.

Still beautiful. Still tempting. He couldn’t let her slip away. This was too much fortune to lose.

He smiled. "My offer still stands, Natalie. A proper date. Let me show you why I’m better than this guy." He gestured lazily at Ethan.

Natalie stiffened slightly.

She remembered Ethan’s words from last night. "Just call me. We’ll go together."

She glanced at Ethan unconsciously.

Gregory’s smile warped into mockery. "What’s this? Why are you looking at him? Do you not have your own will, or does he control every decision you make now?"

The moment those words left his mouth, Natalie’s expression changed. A flicker of anger passed through her eyes.

Before she could speak, Ethan casually reached across and took her hand.

"Actually," he said, still smiling, "I was thinking of taking Natalie somewhere today, but all the drivers were busy. I’m glad." He turned to Natalie. "Babe, looks like we found a good driver."

Laughter exploded at the table.

Clarissa chuckled, Damien nearly spit out his tea, and even Alistair couldn’t hide his smirk. A few maids near the corner burst into giggles, trying to stifle the sound with their hands.

Gregory’s smile froze.

His jaw tightened as he hissed in his mind, Laugh all you want. When Natalie’s in my bed, we’ll see who’s laughing then.

He took a deep breath and forced a grin. "I’d love to, but... my car’s only a two-seater. I can only take one person."

Ethan didn’t miss a beat.

Without a single ounce of hesitation, he slid his hand behind Natalie’s back and gently pulled her onto his lap.

She gasped softly, eyes wide, but didn’t resist.

Her legs settled across his, and Ethan wrapped an arm around her waist with practiced ease, like she belonged there.

"We can manage like this," Ethan said, relaxed. "Natalie and I can just sit like this."

The entire table froze.

Natalie’s face was as red as a cherry.

Clarissa’s mouth dropped. Damien blinked rapidly, unsure if he was dreaming. Even the maids stood frozen like statues, eyes wide at the scandalous sight.

Gregory’s face twisted in fury.

"This... fucker."

He gritted his teeth, his fingernails digging into his palm.

But he smiled again, barely. "Ah, I just remembered," he said, his voice clipped. "I have to pick up a... friend on the way. Can’t take passengers today. Next time, maybe."

"Sure, drive safe," Ethan replied, totally unbothered.

Then he picked up a dumpling with chopsticks and gently brought it to Natalie’s lips. "Open up."

She hesitated, face still burning. But after a brief pause, she leaned forward and bit it without protest.

"Good girl," Ethan whispered with a teasing grin.

Natalie flushed harder but didn’t say anything.

Then she glanced sideways and whispered, "You’re really taking advantage of this ’acting,’ aren’t you?"

The room went dead silent again.

Clarissa slowly turned to Damien. "Did she just...?"

Alistair raised a brow, smiling behind his teacup. "Their acting is getting dangerously real."

"I knew it," Mina shouted, standing on her chair. "The wedding is near!"

Natalie snapped out of it and immediately tried to slide off Ethan’s lap.

"Mina! Sit down!"

Mina grinned. "Nope. I need to prepare your bridal dress. I’m going to be the flower girl!"

Gregory clenched his fists as he stormed away.

Ethan smiled calmly, then leaned close to Natalie’s ear.

"Do you want more bite," he whispered, "My girlfriend."

"Shut up," she mumbled, ears still red.

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