The assistant's name was Maya.
She walked a few steps ahead of Ethan, her heels soft against the carpet as she led him down the private hallway reserved for elite members only.
As they walked, Maya stole glances at him when she thought he wasn't looking.
Strange, she thought.
She had worked at the hotel for two years. Two full years of serving men with money that could crush cities. She had seen every type of rich man there was.
The loud ones, who wore gold watches the size of plates and spoke as if the whole world belonged to them.
The rude ones,who snapped fingers, shouted orders, and treated staff like dirt.
And the quiet ones.
The truly wealthy ones.
Those men didn't dress loudly. They didn't brag. They didn't explain themselves.
They simply existed.
Ethan didn't look rich. His clothes were plain. His shoes were worn. But he also didn't act desperate or nervous like most people who didn't belong.
If anything… he looked calm.
Maybe he's one of those, Maya thought.
A low-key billionaire. The dangerous kind.
She slowed her pace slightly. "This floor is restricted to platinum members only," she said politely. "Privacy and discretion are guaranteed."
Ethan nodded. "I understand."
That response alone made her more curious.
They stopped in front of a large double door made of dark polished wood.
Maya tapped a card against the sensor.
The door opened.
Ethan froze.
The suite was massive.
It was at least twice the size of the apartment he used to call home. Floor-to-ceiling windows revealed the city skyline. A living area larger than his entire old house sat to the left. To the right, a dining space with a long marble table. Further in, a bedroom with a king-sized bed dressed in silk sheets.
He stepped inside slowly, afraid to touch anything.
"This is… mine?" he asked quietly.
"Yes, Mr. Rowe," Maya said with a professional smile. "Your suite."
Ethan swallowed.
He had never imagined a place like this could exist, let alone belong to him.
Maya handed him a sleek black room key. "Room service is available twenty-four hours. Anything you request will be handled immediately."
As if on cue, there was a knock.
Two staff members entered, followed by the sous chef himself, pushing a covered cart.
"Welcome, Mr. Rowe," the chef said respectfully. "Your meal."
The covers were lifted.
Dish after dish filled the table.
Foods Ethan had never seen before. Colors, textures, aromas that made his stomach twist in shock. It looked less like food and more like art.
Ethan stared.
"This is… a lot," he muttered.
Maya watched from the side, amused.
He didn't rush. He didn't grab anything greedily. Instead, Ethan tasted each dish slowly, carefully, as if he was afraid of doing something wrong.
Like a man standing in a museum, afraid to touch the paintings.
Something in her chest stirred.
She had never seen a rich man eat like that.
After a while, Maya cleared her throat. "I'll leave you to enjoy your meal, sir."
Ethan looked up. "Stay."
She hesitated. "That would be unprofessional."
"Please," he said calmly. "Help me. I don't even know where to start."
She studied his face for a moment.
Not arrogant. Not demanding.
Just… honest.
After a pause, she nodded. "Alright. Just this once."
They ate together.
Ethan asked simple questions. What things were called. What tasted best. He laughed quietly when he struggled with unfamiliar flavors.
Maya found herself smiling more than she should.
When they were done, she stood and straightened her uniform.
"Thank you for the meal, Mr. Rowe."
"Thank you for staying," Ethan replied.
She left the room.
The door closed.
Silence settled in.
Ethan exhaled and leaned back on the couch.
Then
The air shimmered.
A familiar translucent screen appeared before his eyes.
[MISSION UPDATE]
[MISSION ONE: PROOF OF WORTH]
[STATUS: COMPLETE]
[POINTS EARNED]
Ethan's heart skipped.
[SKILL UNLOCK AVAILABLE]
[PLEASE SELECT ONE]
Five options appeared on the screen:
• Financial Insight : Instantly analyze money flow and opportunities
• Shadow Presence : Reduce detection and increase intimidation
• Negotiation Mastery : Dominate verbal and business exchanges
• Physical Reinforcement : Enhanced strength and endurance
• Memory Recall: Perfect recall of all seen and heard information
Ethan stared at the list.
His pulse quickened.
This wasn't just money anymore.
This was power.
Slowly, he lifted his hand
And reached toward the screen.