The morning air was crisp, but the sun bore down with relentless intensity, making the resort''s stone pathways warm underfoot.

    Inside the lounge, the cool air hummed from the central cooling system, a stark contrast to the heat outside.

    Ethan and Zack lounged on plush chairs, the open terrace giving them a clear view of the pristine resort grounds.

    Ethan exhaled, running a hand through his hair before standing up and stretching. "I need a swim," he muttered.

    Zack raised a brow from where he sat, lazily scrolling on his phone. "The big pool''s empty. Just dive in there."

    Ethan shook his head. "Too open."

    He preferred the smaller pools dotted around the resort, each designed for privacy and exclusivity.

    One, in particular, was his favorite — a secluded space framed by sleek white stone and tropical greenery, its water a deep crystalline blue.

    Without another word, he tugged off his shirt, revealing a lean but muscular build, toned from months of discipline and routine.

    Zack barely glanced up, already used to Ethan''s tendency to strip down whenever it got too hot.

    "You''re gonna spoil yourself, man. If you get too comfortable, you might start lounging around all day like a rich retiree."

    Ethan smirked as he tossed his shirt onto a nearby lounge chair. "Sounds like a plan."

    Just as he stepped toward the edge of the pool, ready to dive in, Zack suddenly let out a sharp, "Holy shit."

    Ethan halted mid-step, his muscles tensing.

    He turned to find Zack staring wide-eyed at his phone, mouth slightly open.

    "What?" Ethan asked, brows furrowing.

    Zack didn''t answer immediately, his fingers tapping furiously on the screen.

    A second later, he flipped the phone around so Ethan could see the screen.

    It was a Postgram post.

    Melissa Sinclair''s latest upload.

    Ethan leaned in slightly, taking in the details.

    The post was a carousel of high-resolution images from yesterday''s photoshoot — Melissa lounging by the infinity pool, standing in front of the private villas, a breathtaking sunset shot from the rooftop bar.

    Zack smirked. "Make it feel elite. Keep demand high."

    Ethan leaned back, running a hand through his hair. "We should call Melissa. See if she''s willing to do another post in a few days or so. Something more direct."

    Zack nodded. "We can also reach out to a few more high-profile names. This isn''t just a one-off thing. We have to keep the momentum going."

    Ethan''s phone buzzed on the table, and he picked it up. A message.

    [Melissa: Guess you saw the post? Told you I deliver. Expect more traction in the next 24 hours.]

    Ethan smirked slightly before typing back. Zack had given her his number in case they wanted to discuss things in private.

    [Ethan: Saw it. It''s moving fast.]

    A few seconds later, another message popped up.

    [Melissa: Fast is good. Hope you''re ready for what''s coming.]

    Ethan looked at his screen and exhaled. Ready or not, ATLAS Resort had just entered the public eye.

    And from here on out, every move they made had to be perfect.

    [Melissa: Anyway I''ll be coming later today for a video shoot this time, we''ll have to keep up the momentum]

    [Ethan: No problem, I''m not going anywhere]

    Ethan exhaled as he dropped his phone onto the lounge chair beside the pool.

    The glow of the screen dimmed against the bright morning sunlight filtering through the resort''s glass paneling.

    Without another thought, he pushed himself off the ledge and dove into the water.

    The initial shock of the cool water sent a rush through his body, but within seconds, it became a refreshing embrace.

    He surfaced, brushing his slicked-back hair out of his face before floating lazily on his back, letting the sunlight warm his skin.

    Zack sat by the edge, legs dangling in the water, still scrolling through his phone.

    Ethan turned his head toward him, raising an eyebrow. "You never really told me how you met such an influential girl."

    Zack let out a small chuckle, locking his phone and placing it beside him.

    He leaned back on his hands, gazing up at the sky as if digging through memories.

    "Melissa?" he mused. "It was during that phase when I actually socialized with people from the same class as me."