Ethan sat in a small coffee shop, holding a hot cup of cappuccino. The rich smell of coffee filled the air, but his thoughts were somewhere else.

  His phone rested on the table, the screen displaying the three properties he had been considering.

  The first was still his favorite—a well-secured suburban home that offered everything he envisioned for his family. But the other two weren't far behind.

  They were spacious and modern and offered amenities that could elevate their lifestyle significantly. Yet, he had hesitated to prioritize them.

  The main reason? Location.

  Both properties were farther from their current home, and relocating would mean transferring Jacob and Lily to different schools. That thought had initially given him pause.

  Disrupting their routines felt unfair, especially since they seemed content with their current setup.

  Ethan sighed, tapping his finger against the table. "But… maybe a change is exactly what they need," he murmured softly to himself.

  Jacob and Lily were studying at the same public school that Ethan had attended. Ethan, a former student, knew the school's challenges and limits. The school was okay, but it had limited resources and few opportunities.

  Ethan's lips pressed into a thin line as memories of his own schooling surfaced. The teachers had done their best, but the lack of funding had made certain dreams unattainable for most students.

  For Ethan, his path had been clear—study hard, win scholarships, and claw his way toward better opportunities.

  Even then, his journey hadn't been without sacrifices. Despite being on the cusp of genius, the top universities in the world had felt out of reach.

  The private colleges designed to prepare students for overseas studies were prohibitively expensive unless you had connections or scholarships.

  Ethan had managed to secure one scholarship, but it was for Medicine—a field he had no passion for. His true love had always been computer science.

  Opting to follow his heart, he turned down the offer. Instead, he enrolled in the country's best university, a respectable institution two hours away from home.

  He still felt like he had missed out on something important. "Jacob and Lily deserve better," he thought, feeling more determined.

  His thoughts went to a private school he had found during his search. This school was linked to one of the top universities in the world and offered a challenging program to help students succeed internationally.

  He looked at his phone again and opened the school's website. The sleek design showed a range of programs, activities, and global opportunities. Ethan's eyes focused on the tuition fees at the bottom of the page.

  A year ago, that amount would have made him anxious.

  But now? He barely blinked.

  "If I can provide them with this chance…" Ethan trailed off, his thoughts racing. The school's reputation alone could open doors he had never even dreamed of. He could give them a future he had once thought impossible. In this future, their potential wasn't limited by financial constraints.

  Ethan sipped his coffee, the bitterness grounding him as he pieced together his next steps. First, he needed to finalize the property. Then, he would focus on the school enrollment process for Jacob and Lily.

  Ethan felt a slight smile form. For the first time, he sensed that he had control over his life. Not only that, but he believed with this system, he was also able to help the people he cared for.

  He wanted them to have control of their lives, too. That would be the best thing he could wish for them.

  Ethan stood up, put his phone in his pocket, and finished his coffee. Ready to move forward, he left the cozy coffee shop and went to the next property agency on his list.

  Thanks to the efficient public transportation in Arland City, getting around was easy. Ethan tapped his transit card and got on the clean, air-conditioned tram. As he sat down, he looked out the window and thought.

  "Should I get a car now?" he wondered. With his new wealth, it seemed odd not to have one. He had a driver's license, but owning a car hadn't been a priority for him before. Now, it felt necessary.

  He imagined the possibilities. 'Maybe one for myself, one for Mom and Dad… heck, why not three?' A faint smile played on his lips. The thought of surprising his parents with a car brought a warmth to his chest. They'd surely love it.

  Of course, the sudden leap in wealth would raise questions. Ethan frowned slightly as he considered how to explain it. 'Investment,' he thought. 'Or something related to programming… that always works.'

  His parents had always believed in his abilities. They knew he was smart, a hard worker, and someone destined for success. Ethan felt confident they wouldn't pry too deeply. After all, he meant no harm. His wealth was a tool to give his family the life they deserved.

  As the tram glided smoothly to a stop near his destination, Ethan stood and stepped off. The property agency he had researched earlier stood just across the street. The building had a clean, modern design with large glass windows showcasing luxurious property listings.

  Ethan paused for a moment at the entrance, taking a deep breath. 'Alright,' he thought, steadying his nerves. 'This time, no setbacks.'

  He was determined to finalize a property and complete his missions quickly. Pushing open the door, he stepped inside, hoping that this agency would treat him better than the last.

  Ethan walked into the agency and looked around. This place felt friendly. The decor was modern but not too flashy, and soft classical music played in the background, making it feel classy.

  Before he could take more than a few steps inside, someone greeted him.

  “Good morning, sir. How can I help you today?”

  Ethan turned to see a young woman smiling at him. Her presence was both striking and graceful.

  Looking at her, Ethan believed that she was in her mid-twenties. Maybe not. Maybe she was two or three years older than him. However, she was stunning.

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  Everyone would be mesmerized by the dark hair that reached her shoulders. Her sharp features softened when she smiled, which made her hazel eyes shine.

  She wore a fitted blazer over a blouse and a pencil skirt. Her outfit looked professional and highlighted her natural beauty.

  “Good morning,” Ethan said.

  “My name is Claire,” she said while extending her soft and beautiful hand. Her voice was confident and friendly. “How can I help you today?”

  Ethan shook her hand and noticed her firm but gentle grip. This visit was already better than his last, and he hoped it would continue this way.

  He smiled politely as he introduced himself. “I’m Ethan Vale. I’ve been looking online at properties, and one listed through your agency caught my attention. It’s the three-story house in an elite residential area—”

  "The one with the massive yard and swimming pool?" Claire interjected, her expression faltering for the briefest moment. She quickly recovered, but Ethan noticed the slight hesitation.

  "That's the one," Ethan confirmed.

  Claire blinked, a bit taken aback. That property was no ordinary listing—it was one of the crown jewels of the agency, with a price tag in the tens of millions. Most clients who even inquired about it were seasoned millionaires or figures from the city's elite circles.

  For a moment, doubt flickered in her mind. Was this young man serious? She stole a glance at his outfit—stylish but understated—and at his composed demeanor.

  He didn't have the polished air of Arland City's wealthy elite, but something about his calm confidence made her pause.

  Inwardly, she reminded herself of a principle she'd always held: Never judge a book by its cover. There were too many stories of agents losing sales because they underestimated a client based on appearances.

  Besides, Claire knew her place within the agency hierarchy. The senior agents handled the wealthiest and most high-profile clients, leaving the newer agents like her to manage smaller deals.

  She'd been in the property business for just over a year, fresh out of university with a Business Management degree. Finding a stable job in the city had been challenging, and property sales, though unpredictable, had been the best option she could secure.

  Claire took a deep breath and smiled at Ethan. "That's a good choice, Mr. Vale," she said in a clear voice. "I can help you with the details. Should we sit down?"

  Ethan nodded, impressed by her composure. "Sure," he replied, already feeling that this encounter might be different from the last.

  Claire opened a sleek folder and pulled out a detailed catalog showcasing the property Ethan had mentioned. It was filled with high-quality images of the three-story house, its expansive yard, and the sparkling pool. She laid it out on the table before Ethan and began explaining the features.

  "This is one of the best properties on sale right now," she said in a calm, professional tone. "It has over 10,000 square feet of living space, high-quality amenities, and strong security. The price reflects these features—"

  "I'm okay with everything," Ethan interrupted, nodding with a calm expression. "I'd like to proceed with the purchase."

  Claire blinked in surprise. "Aren't you going to visit the property first?" she asked, sounding uncertain. "It's normal to see the house before making such a big decision."

  Ethan paused, unsure of how this usually worked. He scratched his head to hide his embarrassment.

  "That's fine," he said quickly to sound confident. "I trust the quality of the property. It's much better than where I currently live."

  Claire tilted her head slightly, unconvinced. She leaned forward, her voice softer but firm. "I really think you should see it in person, Mr. Vale. At the very least, you can choose which unit you prefer. Even in elite areas like this, each house has its own unique character."

  Ethan sighed, realizing he had to face the situation. He couldn't keep pretending and risk looking foolish. "Okay. I'm good with anything you suggest. Let's go," he said, smiling awkwardly.

  Claire could not help but be excited as she nodded. "Great! Should we drive separately, or do you want me to drive you there?"

  Ethan rubbed the back of his neck, letting out a nervous laugh. "I… uh, I came here by bus," he said. "Which line should I take to get there?"

  Claire managed to keep her face neutral, but her thoughts swirled. Most clients interested in properties of this caliber arrived in luxury vehicles, often chauffeured.

  Still, she reminded herself of stories she'd heard about some of the super-rich choosing public transport for convenience or environmental reasons. Maybe he's one of them, she thought, though doubt lingered.

  She hid her doubts and smiled. "That's fine, Mr. Vale," she said. "You can ride with me. I'll drive."

  Ethan nodded, grateful for her understanding, even though he felt a bit embarrassed. "Thanks. I appreciate it."

  "No problem at all," Claire replied smoothly, already gathering her things. "Shall we?"

  The drive took less than twenty minutes. When they entered the residential area, Ethan felt impressed. The neighborhood looked exclusive, with tall, well-kept hedges lining the streets and security personnel at regular intervals.

  Cameras were placed at key spots, watching every corner of the tidy area. It was the most high-end neighborhood he had ever seen.

  'This level of security should be enough for now,' Ethan thought, feeling satisfied.

  When they arrived at the property, Ethan got out of the car and felt awestruck. The house was huge, with modern architecture, large glass windows, and a nicely landscaped lawn.

  The swimming pool in the backyard sparkled in the sun, and every detail looked carefully designed.

  Ethan quickly controlled his expression, forcing himself to stay calm. 'I can't look too impressed. I need to seem... normal,' he reminded himself, even as he admired the beautiful facade.

  Claire brought Ethan to have a view of the whole house and each area. There were ten rooms altogether, and each one was more spacious than his whole apartment.

  Ethan was amazed at how great everything on the inside and the outside of the house was. One of the features he loved the most was the kitchen. 'Mom will surely love this.'

  "The best thing about this house is... it is fully furnished," Claire said. "You just have to worry about moving in."

  Ethan nodded, his thoughts racing. This house is perfect. It's better than I imagined, he mused.

  After the tour, Claire smiled politely at him. "What do you think, Mr. Vale?"

  Ethan looked at her and said confidently, "I like it. Let's go ahead with the purchase."

  Claire's smile grew, but a hint of doubt appeared in her eyes. "Okay. Just to confirm, what type of loan will you use for the payment?"

  Ethan paused, considering her question. Then, with a small shrug, he said, "None. I'll pay the full amount upfront. It can be done right away."

  Claire froze, and her eyes widened. She tried to stay calm. "Excuse me? Did you just say no loan upfront?"

  Ethan chuckled lightly at her reaction, nodding. "Yes. I know I might not look like it, but I have the money."

  Claire blinked, unable to mask her surprise. Is he serious? she wondered. This property is worth tens of millions.

  "I see," she said finally, forcing herself to remain professional. "Well, the first step is the deposit. If you can make that transfer, we can move forward with the process."

  Ethan nodded but held up a hand. "Give me a moment. I need to confirm something with my bank."

  Stepping aside, Ethan dialed Charles Weston's number. It didn't take long for Charles to answer. "Mr. Vale! How can I assist you today?"

  "I'm purchasing a property," Ethan began. "The deposit is substantial, and I just wanted to confirm if there's any limit on my account for transferring such an amount."

  Charles was momentarily silent, clearly caught off guard. "How much are we talking about?"

  Ethan told him the amount, and Charles couldn't help but let out a small laugh. "Mr. Vale, with your Premier Account, there's no limit to the amount you can transfer. This is a small transaction compared to what your account can handle. You're all set."

  "Thank you," Ethan said, ending the call.

  Returning to Claire, he saw that she had already prepared the necessary paperwork at a small table inside the house. "Are you ready to proceed?" she asked, still unsure of whether Ethan was truly serious.

  "Of course," Ethan said, sitting down and reviewing the forms. The process was relatively straightforward in their country. After filling out the required details, Ethan initiated the deposit transfer. The funds would go to a holding account managed by the law firm handling the transaction, a standard practice to ensure all legal requirements were met before the agency received its commission.

  Claire watched as Ethan completed the process, her skepticism growing with each passing moment. Is he really going to pull this off?

  Moments later, her phone buzzed. A notification from the law firm confirmed that the deposit had been successfully received. Claire stared at the screen, disbelief washing over her.

  "It's… confirmed," she murmured, glancing up at Ethan.

  Ethan simply smiled. "Good. Let me know if there's anything else you need from me."

  For a moment, Claire could only nod, struggling to process what had just happened. If this sale went through, she would earn a commission of 4%—an amount that would set her up for months, if not longer.

  "This is amazing," she finally said, regaining her composure. "Thank you for trusting me with this, Mr. Vale."

  Ethan chuckled. "You've been helpful, Claire. I'm glad I came to this agency."

  Her chest swelled with pride at his words. "I'll make sure everything proceeds smoothly from here."