Godly Investor: A Hundred Trillion Dollars For Investment And Donations

without being told Ethan could tell Serenity was still doubtful.

He caught the faint shift in her tone, the way her shoulders seemed to slump ever so slightly. For all her strength and independence, there was something vulnerable about her in that moment. He couldn't ignore it.

"You won't have to," Ethan said after a beat, his tone firm and resolute. "I'll come. I'll find a way to make it work."

Serenity's eyes widened, her surprise evident. For a moment, she just stared at him, as though trying to gauge whether he was serious. "You don't have to do that," she said quickly, though there was a flicker of hope in her voice.

"I mean, I'd love for you to come, but don't feel like you have to—"

"I want to," Ethan interrupted, his tone leaving no room for doubt.

"If it's important to you, then it's worth it. I'll figure it out."

At that moment her lips parted, as if to protest further, but then she stopped. There was something in Ethan's expression—a quiet determination, an unwavering confidence—that made her believe him. Still, a part of her couldn't shake the thought that he was only saying it to make her feel better.

At that moment as Ethan turned to leave, he felt a sudden warmth wrap around him. Serenity's arms encircled him in a tight embrace from behind, her voice soft and trembling with sincerity.

"You're my best friend," she whispered, her words carrying an unexpected weight.

Ethan's heart skipped a beat, caught off guard by the gesture. He stood still for a moment, letting the significance of her words sink in. Best friend? he thought, his mind momentarily clouded. I didn't expect that.

Taking a steadying breath, he gently replied, "I'll come, Serenity. I promise." His voice was calm, but inside, his emotions were a swirl of surprise and something he couldn't quite name.

Then Serenity slowly released him, stepping back with a shy smile on her face.

"Good," she said, her tone lighter now. "And since we're on holiday, you should come visit me anytime. My grandma would love to see you again, and… well, so would I."

At that moment Ethan turned to face her fully, raising an eyebrow slightly.

"Visit you? You make it sound like I'm the one who's too busy to show up," he teased lightly.

Immediately She laughed, the sound soft and genuine.

"Well, you're always running around doing important things, saving lives and making people smile on your own little way, making big moves. It wouldn't hurt for you to slow down once in a while."

Ethan chuckled, shaking his head. "I'll keep that in mind."

Serenity's expression grew more serious then, her eyes meeting his with quiet determination.

"You know," she began, "if the York family's deal with the Godly Investor goes as planned, I'll pay the ten million dollars for you to join the trip. You shouldn't have to worry about it."

Hearing what serenity just said.

Ethan frowned slightly, shaking his head.

"Serenity, I don't need—"

"Let me finish," she interrupted, her tone firm but kind.

"I know you don't need me to. But you're always thinking about the future, about building something bigger than yourself. It's inspiring, Ethan, but you don't have to carry everything alone. If the deal goes through, consider it my way of saying thank you."

He opened his mouth to protest, but she held up a hand to stop him. "And besides," she added with a small smile, "the York family will always have a free spot for you, no matter what. You've done so much for us already. It's the least we can do."

Ethan stared at her for a moment, her words settling over him like a warm blanket.

He didn't reply immediately, instead nodding slowly as a faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

Maybe I don't need their help, he thought. But it's nice to know that someone's looking out for me.

Serenity, satisfied that she had made her point, gave him one last smile before stepping back.

"So, don't forget," she said, her tone lighter now. "Visit me before the trip, okay?"

Ethan nodded.

"I will," he said simply, his voice steady. Then, with a final glance, he turned and walked away, his thoughts swirling with her words and the unexpected comfort they brought.

Ethan walked away from Serenity, her words replaying in his mind like a broken record.

"If only she knew who I really am," he thought, his chest tightening with a mix of guilt.

However he kept his expression neutral, masking the storm of emotions brewing inside.

"What would she think if she knew? Would she still see me the same way?"

As he reached his car, he paused momentarily, glancing back over his shoulder. Serenity was still standing where he had left her, her expression a mixture of hope and contentment. Ethan quickly turned away, slipping into the driver's seat and starting the engine.

The quiet hum of the car provided a brief respite from his racing thoughts as he drove off.

The city lights blurred past him, and the silence in the car was broken only when he picked up his phone and dialed Naomi's number. The call connected after a few rings.

"Ethan," Noami's voice came through, calm and professional as always.

"What's the matter?"

"Where are you traveling to?" Ethan asked bluntly, his tone sharper than he intended.

There was a brief pause before Noami replied, "I'm heading to the same place the school is taking you all for the trip. Why?"

Ethan's grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly, his mind calculating the possibilities.

"How about we use this opportunity to expand our territory?" he said, his tone cool but purposeful.

"Expand?" Naomi echoed, her curiosity evident.

"You mean establish connections while we're there?"

"Exactly," Ethan confirmed. "If this is where the elite gather, it's a chance to network and solidify our presence internationally. I want you to arrange something—secure meetings with potential partners. Make sure we're seen, but keep it subtle. We can't afford to make noise just yet."

At that moment Naomi chuckled lightly, impressed by his foresight. "You're always thinking ahead. Consider it done."

Without wasting anymore time Ethan ended the call, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. If I'm going on this trip, I'm not going just for leisure. This will be an investment.

**

Meanwhile, in the towering skyscraper of a high-profile corporation, a young receptionist was making a discreet call. Her voice was low and hurried, her words too muffled to be heard by anybody. When she finished, she carefully placed the phone back on its receiver, her movements calculated and deliberate.

The receptionist glanced around, ensuring no one was watching, before stepping out from behind her desk.

She adjusted her blazer, exuding an air of calm professionalism as she strode through the grand corridors of the building.

Her heels clicked against the polished floors, echoing faintly in the vast space.

However the vast expanse of the building was eerily quiet, its usual hustle and bustle absent. Only two receptionists were present, their desks spaced apart in the grand lobby.

The stillness felt heavy, as though the building itself was holding its breath.

The young receptionist from earlier moved with purpose. Her movements were deliberate, her focus unshaken as she approached the elevator. She pressed the button, and the doors slid open with a soft chime. Stepping inside, she selected the top floor, her expression unreadable.

As the elevator ascended, the numbers above the door blinked in succession, counting her journey upward. Her fingers tapped lightly against the folder she carried, her gaze fixed on the polished doors reflecting her composed facade. The ding of the elevator announced her arrival. The doors slid open, revealing a dimly lit corridor that stretched ahead.

Without wasting anymore time she stepped out, her steps echoing softly as she walked the long hallway.

The walls were lined with abstract art, and the air carried a faint scent of leather and expensive cologne. At the end of the corridor stood a large double door, its polished wood glinting under the soft overhead lights.

The receptionist stopped in front of the door, adjusting her posture before raising her hand to knock twice.

The sound was sharp but measured, breaking the silence. Moments later, the door creaked open, revealing a man standing in the threshold. His face was obscured by a sleek black mask, adding an air of mystery to his otherwise imposing figure.

Without a word, the receptionist handed him the letter she had been carrying. Her movements were efficient, almost mechanical. The masked man accepted the letter with a curt nod before stepping back and shutting the door behind him, leaving her standing in the hallway.

Inside, the masked man walked toward a large mahogany desk where the company's boss sat. The office was dimly lit, the only source of illumination coming from the floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a breathtaking view of the city skyline. The boss, a sharp-dressed man with an air of authority, sat in his high-backed chair, his fingers steepled as he gazed out at the sprawling city below.

The masked man approached the desk silently, placing the letter on its surface with precision. He stepped back, his posture rigid, as the boss reached for the envelope. The silence in the room was almost deafening as the boss unfolded the letter, his expression hardening with each passing second.

His eyes scanned the contents, and then he froze. At the bottom of the letter, written in bold, elegant handwriting, were the words:

[The Godly Investor.]