NOVEL WEB Chapter 75: Planning Business
The wind outside whispered through the trees, but inside the room, the air was heavy. Seraphina leaned forward, her voice calm but firm. "Think about it, Aunt. No matter what you do, no matter how hard you try to escape… you can't. And neither can he. In the end, all of you will have to face it."
Elise and Arthur's expressions darkened. The weight of her words pressed deep into their hearts. Elise's fingers curled slightly over her teacup, her eyes drifting toward the floor. Arthur sat silently, brows furrowed, lips tight.
They both knew what Seraphina was talking about. All the people who once supported them, all their well-wishers… were either dead or ruined. All because of a past Elise never chose. A shadow she tried so hard to leave behind, but one that kept following her.
Seraphina didn't flinch. "It happened in the past because we didn't know anything. We were blind. But this time… this time, if you want to do something—if Ethan wants to do something—I will support both of you."
Arthur spoke next, his voice low and serious. "You don't understand that man, Seraphina. That man will go to any length to fulfill his ambition. It doesn't matter who or what stands in front of him."
Elise nodded slowly. "Even though he never shows himself in public… he controls everything from the shadows. The businesses, the politics, even the underworld. We only survived because we disappeared."
Seraphina chuckled softly, a wry smile on her face. "Sounds like your son."
Elise raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
" Nothing," Seraphina said, then she continued,
"I told you what I think is right. But it's up to you, Aunt. Whether you act or stay silent, that's your choice. But I will say one last thing,don't hide anything from Ethan. He deserves to know the truth. He's more capable than you think."
Both Elise and Arthur were stunned.
"Where did you meet him?" Elise asked.
Seraphina smiled. "It's a long story, but yes. And he's in good hands. He's staying with the Hayes family."
Arthur's eyes widened. "Wait… the Hayes family? You mean that Hayes family?"
Elise looked shocked too. "What is that brat doing there?!"
Seraphina grinned mischievously. "Oh, I have another surprise for you both. Your son, Ethan… he's quite the player."
Elise raised an eyebrow. "What now?" Sаmplе frоm Мy Virtuаl Librаry Еmpirе—rеаd mоrе оn М&VLЕМРY&R.
"He's already charmed three fine ladies. And all of them come from prestigious families. I won't go into details,you can ask him yourself later."
Elise clicked her tongue and folded her arms. "That brat. Instead of focusing on his studies, he's busy building a harem?"
Arthur sighed deeply. Is he really our son, Elise? When did he became a player?"
Seraphina laughed, her tone light. "Aunt, it's been so long since I visited… and you didn't even make me my favorite pancakes. Before I leave, I want to eat them. You know they're still my favorite."
Elise's stern expression softened. Her lips curved into a nostalgic smile. She stood up and walked over to Seraphina, hugging her tightly.
"Of course, my darling. I'll make them for you right now."
After some time, Elise returned with a tray of freshly made pancakes, their sweet scent filling the room. She placed the plates down on the table where Arthur, Seraphina, and Luke were seated.
Everyone began eating together. Even Luke, who rarely spoke, joined in.
Seraphina took her first bite and closed her eyes in delight. "Wow. It still tastes just as good as I remember."
Elise smiled proudly. "Come on, don't overpraise me. It's just pancakes."
"But they're your pancakes," Seraphina said warmly.
Elise glanced at her. "I'm proud of you. You've grown into a fine young woman."
She then turned to Luke, who was trying to eat quietly and avoid attention.
"And Luke," Elise added, "Your dream of becoming a knight,Seraphina's personal knight,has become reality, hasn't it?"
Luke blushed, coughing lightly and placing his fork down. "Yes, Lady Elise…"
Seraphina also looked a little flustered but tried to act cool. "He's just doing his duty."
Elise narrowed her eyes and leaned forward with a sly smile. "So… when are you two getting married?"
Both Seraphina and Luke immediately coughed at the same time, choking slightly on their food.
"A-Aunt, what are you saying?!" Seraphina stammered.
Luke turned completely red, waving his hands. "Lady Elise, please, that's—"
Elise waved her hand casually. "Oh, come on. It's obvious. Wasn't it obvious to everyone?"
They both stared at her, shocked.
"Were we that obvious?" they asked in unison.
Elise nodded with a grin. "Yes."
Arthur chuckled for the first time that day. "Well, I suppose things have finally begun moving again."
As laughter filled the room, the heavy mood slowly lifted. Even if the storm was coming, for now… they had a quiet moment of warmth, pancakes, and family.
Inside the luxurious Hayes family guestroom, Ethan sat cross-legged on the bed staring at the system panel glowing in front of him.
[Ding! Main Mission 1: Success]
Task: Earn $5 million within 7 days – Completed!
Exceptional Performance Bonus Triggered!
Due to exceeding mission goal by 100x, base reward multiplied.
Reward updated: $500 million → Rebate Bonus x2 → $1 Billion transferred to your account.
Ethan's jaw dropped. He blinked. Rubbed his eyes. Blinked again.
"What the fuck…?" he muttered. "Did I just—"
Then he screamed, "WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK?! $1 BILLION?! I'M A FREAKING BILLIONAIRE?!"
He jumped up from the bed and started dancing like a maniac. "HA! Take that, poverty! In my previous life, I couldn't even dream of it! Now it is my reality"
He flopped onto the bed, laughing. "Oh Goddess System, you beautiful cosmic sugar mommy, thank you again for this golden life. I swear, I'll make the most of it!"
After calming down barely, he stared at the ceiling. "Alright, now what?"
He opened his notes app where he had scribbled plans like "help Nate and Sasha," "open Ethan's Empire Restaurant," and "grow the Maple Nest brand."
"I promised Nate and Sasha to help their cafe business… I know exactly how to market it. I'll use trending shorts, challenges, and sponsor famous reviewers. Easy."
He smirked.
"And Aunt Mei and Lily? They're already perfect in cooking, just need some staff and a manager. I'll have Maple Nest employees handle that. Boom. My first restaurant franchise begins."
Ethan grinned wider. But then his face softened.
"But most importantly… I haven't even asked my parents what they want in this life. I have never asked what they want in their life , what is their dream, now its time, now i have enough money, its time to do that and time to tell the truth."
His fingers hovered over the contact saved as "Momzilla."
He hit a call.
Ring... Ring...
"Hello?" a soft voice answered.
Ethan blinked. "Hello… Mom?"
"Ethan, are you okay? When are you coming home?" she asked gently.
He sat up straighter, suspicious. "Mom… Are you okay? Did you eat something bad? Or are you sleepy? Do I need to call an exorcist?"
The other side went silent for a moment.
Then— "YOU GODDAMN BRAT! YOUR MOTHER IS ASKING NICELY AND THIS IS WHAT YOU SAY?!"
Ethan burst into laughter. "Now that's the mom I know!"
"Stop laughing, you little rascal! Where are you staying? What the hell are you doing?"
"Mom, calm down, calm down. I'm totally fine. The place I'm staying in is basically a five-star resort. And I'll come home in about three or four days. Trust me, I've got a lot to share. Also, you don't have to worry about my studies anymore…"
"FOUR MORE DAYS?! Ethan! What are you doing there?! Are you working or raising goats?!"
Just then, the door to his room opened. Jasmine peeked in, followed by Natalie and Rhea.
"Ethan, what are you doing?" Jasmine asked.
"We told you not to take it slow! You need to do it harder," Natalie added casually.
Rhea nodded. "Exactly. If you're too gentle, it won't fit!"
Ethan froze.
His mother screamed through the phone. "ETHAN! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING OVER THERE?!"
His jaw dropped. "Wait, Mom, let me explain!"
The girls burst out laughing.
"Wha—NO! It's not what it sounds like!" Ethan shouted at his phone, panicking.
"Oh, it's exactly what it sounds like," Jasmine teased, walking over and winking at his phone.
Natalie added, "Auntie! Don't worry, we're taking good care of your son!"
"Yeah," Rhea grinned, "he's working really hard. In many ways."
Ethan's eyes nearly popped out. "Stop! Stop! You're going to kill me!"
On the phone, his mom's voice boomed, "ETHAN, YOU BETTER COME HOME IN THREE DAYS OR I'M SENDING YOUR DAD TO DRAG YOU BACK BY YOUR EAR!"
He groaned. "Okay, okay! I'll come home! I swear! Please don't send Dad!"
The girls couldn't stop giggling.
"Alright," his mom huffed. "But I'm not done with you, mister. And when you come home, explain why three girls are in your room shouting weird things!"