Chapter 153
"Some foreigner, the Godly investor is a foreigner,"
Mr. Bernard waved his hand dismissively.
"He is throwing money around like confetti. Fifty billion in one night? Amateur moves. Probably borrowed funds."
"New money always makes the most noise,"
Mrs Olivia added, delicately sipping her tea.
"These newcomers think they can buy their way into our circles. But they don't understand the game."
"How much was it again?"
Lady Madison inquired innocently, through her eyes held that calculating gleam.
"Fifty billion or so,"
Dr. Raymond adjusted his glasses. "Caused quite a stir among the lower ranks. The government's practically in panic."
He chuckled softly.
"As if that's even a real money."
"My shipping division moved more than that last quarter,"
Mr.Bernard boasted.
"I did it Without making headlines."
"The real power,"
Mrs leaned forward, her voice dropping conspiratorially.
"isn't in how much you spend, but in how quietly you can move mountains."
She gestured around the room at her peers.
"Each of us here... well, let's just say fifty billion wouldn't cover our quarterly interest."
'I've been measuring success in billions.'
Ethan realized.
'while they measure it in market control and generational influence'
Ethan said to himself as he quietly listened to their words.
"True power,"
Dr. Raymond nodded sagely.
"Takes generations to build. This Godly Investor might make waves in the shallow end, but the deep waters..."
he smiled at Lady Madison.
"those belong to the old families."
Lady Madison watched the conversation unfold, a knowing smile playing at her lips as her grandson received this education of true power.
'Let him learn.'
her expression seemed to say, 'what real influence looks like'
However Ethan was still standing quietly as he listened even more.
'I thought I was playing in the deep end'
As the titans casually discussed their wealth, Ethan's mind raced with more calculations.
"The system's next stage... How much further could it take me? These people measure power in connection and investment, not billions."
Now his determination to reach the next level burned stronger than ever.
"Speaking of discretion,"
Lady Madison interjected smoothly, her voice cutting through the conversation like silk over steel. "Perhaps we should discuss my grandson's... unique situation."
The atmosphere in the room shifted subtly as they turned their attention to Ethan's circumstances.
"Hiding your status at that university,"
Mrs Olivia shook her head disapprovingly.
"Playing being ordinary while those ignorant children mock what they don't understand. It's beneath you now, your lady Madison grandson"
"After all,"
Mr. Bernard raised his crystal glass in a mock toast.
"Revenge is a dish best served with compound interest. Let them see who they've been mocking all this time."
Ethan however couldn't help but nodded his head.
He understood their words and concern but at the same time he's going to do things his way.
Lady Madison watched the exchange silently, her eyes never leaving Ethan's face as the powerful figures around her advocated for her grandson's emergence into their world of privilege and power.
"I'll consider it,"
Ethan replied diplomatically, earning knowing smiles from the assembled power players.
"Just drive that new Bugatti to school,"
Mr. Bernard chuckled, adjusting his gold cufflinks.
"Nothing ends arguments quite like a four-million-dollar car, and I'm sure nobody would dare look at you after that display."
Before Ethan could say anything Mrs Olivia said.
"The Rolls-Royce Phantom is more subtle,"
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She suggested with a sly smile. "Old money speaks softer."
Ethan told them he was going to consider all their advice.
Not long after it was time for them to leave and One by one, they exchanged contacts with Ethan, their business cards heavy with implied power - embossed with private numbers that could reshape markets with a single call.
"The Winston family aid during the economic crisis saved us all,"
Dr. Raymond said solemnly, gripping Ethan's hand firmly. "When the markets collapsed, your grandmother's intervention prevented a global catastrophe. Supporting her heir is the least we can do."
"Your family's chess moves kept us all afloat,"
Mrs Olivia added.
"We don't forget such debts."
After they exchanged some words and cards they all left the mansion.
After they departed Ethan and lady Madison were led to the massive dining room, it felt almost intimate with just Ethan and Lady Madison. Mrs.Vivian and her staff brought in an elaborate spread of gourmet dishes, each plate arranged with artistic precision.
The subtle aroma of truffle and saffron filled the air.
As they began their meal, Lady Madison dabbed her lips delicately with a silk napkin.
Her eyes held that calculating gleam that had made titans of industry squirm.
"I've been monitoring your accounts, dear, It seems you've been quite... busy with the funds I provided. Almost all spent, I believe?"
Ethan was shocked to hear lady Madison's words but he wasn't surprised.
immediately he put on a bright smile on his face.
"Just investments, Grandmother," Ethan replied carefully, cutting into his perfectly cooked wagyu beef.
"I wouldn't want you to think I'm frivolous with resources."
Lady Madison's laugh tinkled like crystal glasses touching, but her eyes remained sharp as razors. "Investments?"
She set down her silver fork with precise movement.
"How fascinating. And what exactly has caught my grandson's strategic eyes?"
"The market offers... unique opportunities."
Ethan deflected smoothly.
"Does it now?"
Lady Madison's smile reminded him of a cat watching a particularly interesting mouse.
"And these opportunities required nearly all your capital?"
At that moment Ethan paused, his fork hovering above his plate. He met her calculating gaze with his own.
"Can I trust you, Grandmother?"
His voice carried an edge that made even Lady Madison's eyebrow raise slightly.
**
Across the city, a convoy of black Mercedes pulled up to an unmarked building. The tinted windows reflected the setting sun like obsidian mirrors. Security cameras tracked every movement as gates silently opened.
A distinguished man in an impeccable suit opened one of the car doors, bowing slightly to the occupant within. His silver hair caught the dying light.
"Welcome,"
he said smoothly.
"to the G Group circles, where true power resides. The five families await your presence."
Inside the car, a figure smiled in the shadows.