If anything, he thrived in moments like these.

    "My goal," he began, "is to create something timeless. ATLAS isn''t just a resort. It''s an experience, a world of its own. When people step inside, they don''t feel like they''re in a city — they feel like they''ve been transported to another reality. And that''s what I want to expand on."

    The men listened attentively.

    Ethan continued.

    "Most people think real estate is just about property. Land, buildings, resale value. But I believe it''s about something bigger. It''s about immersion. Creating an environment so unique that people feel privileged just to exist in it."

    One of the younger investors nodded slowly, his interest piqued.

    "And how do you plan to do that?"

    Ethan''s lips curled into a knowing smile.

    "By taking everything that works about ATLAS — the exclusivity, the experience, the brand appeal — and applying it on a grander scale. I''m talking private islands, self-sustaining luxury communities, next-generation smart cities. Places where the ultra-wealthy don''t just vacation — but live."

    The table went silent for a moment.

    Then, one of the older investors whistled under his breath.

    "Ambitious," he said, leaning back. "Very ambitious."

    Ethan simply shrugged.

    "The world rewards ambition."

    The discussion shifted after that.

    Ethan wasn''t just a young businessman anymore.

    He was now one of them.

    They started including him in their talks about upcoming projects, market shifts, and investment opportunities.

    One of them even brought up an off-market deal for a private island — something only the richest people even heard about.

    ######

    Ethan was fully engaged in conversation, the air around him thick with power, ambition, and the scent of expensive whiskey.

    He was rubbing shoulders with men who shaped skylines, who saw the world as something they could buy, build, and sell.

    And they were listening to him.

    He was earning their respect, exchanging ideas, and even getting whispers of potential investments that could push ATLAS into an entirely new league.

    That was the advantage of sitting with business men.

    He would have continued, maybe even secured a deal, if it weren''t for Zack.

    A firm hand gripped his shoulder.

    "Ethan."

    Ethan glanced up, slightly irritated at the interruption.

    Zack stood over him, his expression serious, brows slightly furrowed.

    "We need to talk."

    Ethan sighed. "Can''t it wait?"

    But this felt different.

    "Did security approach him?"

    "They were about to," Zack said, "but by the time they got close, he was gone."

    Ethan crossed his arms, his mind already running through possibilities.

    He wasn''t the type to jump to conclusions, but he also wasn''t stupid.

    Random people didn''t just stand outside luxury resorts, watching.

    There was always a reason.

    "Did cameras pick up anything?" Ethan asked.

    "Not much," Zack admitted. "But I had the footage sent to our security team to enhance. If this guy is a problem, we''ll know soon."

    Ethan nodded.

    He trusted Zack — his friend wouldn''t have pulled him out of that meeting unless this was worth investigating.

    Still, there was something about this that bothered him.

    A gut feeling he couldn''t shake.

    "We need to tighten security," Ethan finally said.

    "Already on it," Zack replied. "I told the guards to keep an eye on every entrance, check IDs twice, and watch for anything suspicious."

    "Good." Ethan exhaled. "If that guy comes back, I want to know. Immediately."

    Zack nodded. "Understood."

    For a moment, the two stood in silence.

    Zack looked at Ethan, studying him.

    "You okay?" Zack finally asked.

    Ethan scoffed. "I don''t get rattled that easily."

    Zack smirked. "Yeah, I know. But something''s got you thinking."

    Ethan didn''t answer right away.

    Instead, he glanced down the hall, toward the resort''s main floor where hundreds of guests were laughing, drinking, and enjoying themselves.

    "Let''s keep this quiet," Ethan finally said.

    Zack raised a brow.

    "I don''t want guests catching wind of this," Ethan clarified. "No need to start unnecessary rumors. If this turns out to be nothing, great. If not..."

    He let the words hang.

    Zack smirked.

    "Understood."

    Ethan clapped a hand on Zack''s shoulder.

    "Come on," he said, "we still have a resort to run."