"My name is Ethan Cross," he said into the phone. "Is there a problem with my order for five hundred banquet tables?"
The hotel manager almost dropped the phone.In all his years, he'd never seen anything like this.
Still, business was business. And a massive order like this?No way they were turning it down.
"Mr. Cross, five hundred tables will cost over three hundred thousand dollars," the manager said carefully. "We'll need a deposit of at least $30,000 up front to get started."
"No problem," Ethan replied smoothly. "Send me your account info. I'll transfer it right away."
Once money was involved, everything moved fast.
The manager happily added Ethan on social media and sent over the banking details.Ethan didn't even blink—he wired the money immediately.
Once the funds were confirmed, the hotel went into full panic mode.
"Move, move! We've got a monster order coming in!""Get purchasing on the line—we need inventory NOW!""Tell the kitchen to pause all outside orders. Full focus on this!"
Meanwhile, Ethan put down his phone and sighed.
"Money won't matter a month from now… but for now, I still need it."
Between his inheritance and savings, he had about $300,000 total.
And now? Half of it was gone in a single click.
It stung.But in the grand scheme of things, it was worth it.
A lot of people clutched their cash, only to die with it in their hands—useless paper in a frozen world.
At least he was spending it while it still mattered.
Still… he needed more.
A lot more.
Ethan's eyes fell on his apartment.
A 1,300-square-foot place in Oceanview's central district.Paid off in full.
Market value? Easily over $750,000.
"Right. I'll take out a mortgage."
He chuckled.
A loan he'd never have to pay back?What could be better?
He grabbed his keys and headed for the bank.
Halfway there, his phone buzzed.
It was a message from Rachel Whitmore.
"Ugh, weekends are so boring. I wish someone would take me out for a walk."
Ethan barely glanced at it before tossing the phone onto the passenger seat.
At the bank, the process went surprisingly smooth.
Large loan. Full documentation. Clear title.The loan officer was thrilled.
They approved him for $600,000 without a fuss.
Ethan didn't haggle. It was free money.
After signing the papers, the funds hit his account.
"Alright. I've got a little over $750,000 left after the hotel deposit. Should be enough to renovate my place."
"But weapons, medicine… that'll burn through fast."
Ethan rubbed his chin.
He needed more.
That's when a man with bleached-blond hair spotted him on the sidewalk, deep in thought.
He strutted over, a grin on his face.
"Hey, buddy—you look like someone who needs cash."
Ethan glanced up.
"Who the hell are you?"
The guy lowered his voice. "I'm just asking. You need money, right? And the banks won't give it to you?"
Ethan smirked internally.
Loan shark. Perfect.
He played along, sighing heavily. "Yeah. My business needs emergency funding. The bank's dragging their feet…"
He looked troubled. Perfect bait.
The blond guy nodded knowingly.
"Yeah, man, banks are a pain. Slow. Complicated. Full of red tape."
"But if you really need cash… I might be able to help."
Ethan narrowed his eyes. "You? I'm talking half a million dollars."
The guy's eyes lit up.Big fish.
He handed over a business card.
MoreFunds Financial ServicesHugh Mills — Loan Consultant
Ethan acted thrilled. "You can really help me? I need half a mil. I can repay in three months, max!"
Hugh grinned."We've got you covered. That's our specialty—helping people just like you."
"Let's head to the office. We'll talk details there."
Ethan nodded eagerly and followed.
The office was in a rundown office building in a back alley.
Inside, Hugh led him to a flashy, over-decorated room with fake leather couches and golden wallpaper.
Sitting at the desk was a burly man in a designer suit two sizes too small.
Trying hard to look legit.Failing miserably.
His name was Vince Chen.
"Mr. Cross," Vince said, standing up with a shark's smile. "How much do you need?"
"Half a million."
Vince raised an eyebrow."That's a big ask. Our interest rates are steep. Hope you're ready for that."
Hugh jumped in smoothly.
"Ethan's just got a short-term cash crunch. Once things turn around, he'll pay it back in no time—right?"
Ethan played his part, eyes desperate.
"Yes, of course. I'll pay it back. I don't care how high the interest is. I just need the money now."