Harem Investment System: Getting Money And Women-Chapter 224: Chilling On The Beach

Ethan and Melissa stepped out of the entertainment room, the subtle hum of conversation and soft applause fading as they walked further away.

The resort was alive with its usual luxury, a well-oiled machine running smoothly, just as Ethan had intended.

Melissa had quickly informed one of her vice managers to keep an eye on the ongoing performance before they made their way through the resort grounds, passing lavish halls, open gardens, and high-end restaurants.

They had been walking for a while when Melissa spoke.

"Your family went home a few days ago," she said casually, glancing at him.

Ethan turned his head slightly, raising a brow. "Oh?"

"Yeah. Your mom was a bit worried about you," Melissa added, adjusting her hair as the morning breeze swept through.

Ethan smirked slightly. "She always is."

"Well, you did disappear without much of an explanation," Melissa pointed out.

Ethan chuckled.

He couldn't really argue with that. His mother had always been protective, even if she understood the nature of his business.

It was one of the things that made her HER.

"I'll contact them soon enough," Ethan assured.

Melissa gave him a knowing look. "You should. Otherwise, she might just show up at your place unannounced."

Ethan could actually picture that happening.

His mother wasn't the type to just sit around and worry — if she needed answers, she got them.

They continued walking, passing by the pool section.

The resort's outdoor area was vast, complete with multiple pools, lounging spaces, and cabanas.

The morning sun reflected off the crystal-clear water, casting shimmering waves of light onto the tiled floors.

Some guests were already swimming, while others sat back with drinks in hand, enjoying their luxury-filled morning.

"The pool's getting more use than I expected," Ethan noted as they walked past.

Melissa shrugged. "People love lounging in rich places, Ethan. It's like, the one thing they're best at."

Ethan smirked but didn't disagree.

Eventually, they made their way down a small path that led to the beach.

The air shifted immediately.

The scent of salt and fresh ocean air filled their lungs, the rhythmic crashing of waves providing a soothing contrast to the structured chaos of the resort.

It was still early, so the beach wasn't packed yet.

A few guests were scattered along the shoreline, some walking along the wet sand, others stretching out on sun loungers, enjoying the calm before the inevitable crowd arrived later in the day.

Ethan let out a breath, taking in the scene.

"Been a while since I actually relaxed here," he admitted.

Melissa smirked. "Well, you are the owner. Kind of hard to relax when you're the guy running everything."

They found a pair of empty lounge chairs near the water and sat down. The beach staff, ever attentive, approached them almost immediately with trays of refreshments.

A waiter, dressed in a sharp white uniform, presented them with a selection of chilled drinks.

"Would you like something to drink, sir?"

Ethan took a moment, then pointed at a glass of fresh coconut water. "I'll take that."

Melissa leaned back in her chair, stretching her arms. "Margarita for me."

The waiter nodded and disappeared to fetch their orders.

Melissa glanced over at Ethan. "So, what did you actually do throughout the past few days?"

Ethan leaned back, exhaling. "Handled some business, checked out Silicon city, met a few people. Nothing too serious."

Melissa raised a brow. "Nothing too serious? I believe you then but what I don't believe is that you were being lazy throughout the past week."

She wasn't wrong though.

...

Ethan stretched his legs out on the lounge chair, letting the soft ocean breeze brush against his skin.

He took another sip of his coconut water, the cool liquid refreshing against his throat.

Melissa, sitting beside him with her margarita, swirled her drink before taking a small sip.

She seemed thoughtful, her crimson hair catching the sunlight.

"What about the resort?" He asked, setting his drink down. "Zack told me stuff, but I wanna hear how it's been from you."

Melissa exhaled and adjusted his position slightly. "Well, everything seems to be running smoothly, There were some complications with drunk youths. Zack must have told you that."

Ethan sighed. "Of course he did, maybe we have to take down the drinks or something."

Melissa shrugged. "Anyhow you do it, it'll be great."

Melissa leaned in slightly, her voice softer now. "But still, I've been missing you, you know?"

Ethan felt his face heat up slightly at her words.

She inched closer, her eyes flickering down to his lips for just a second before returning to meet his gaze.

He could feel the tension in the air. The soft roar of the ocean, the distant chatter of beachgoers — it all faded into the background.

Is she really about to —

"MELISSA!"

A loud voice shattered the moment, cutting through the tension like a knife.

Melissa groaned and pulled back, her expression immediately shifting from warmth to irritation. Ethan blinked in confusion before turning his head towards the ocean.

Emerging from the waves like some kind of overly dramatic action hero was a guy with wet, slicked-back hair and an infuriatingly confident smirk.

He was tall, broad-shouldered, and annoyingly fit — someone who clearly spent more time working out than Ethan did.

Melissa sighed. "Oh, great. Of all the times…"

Ethan arched a brow. "Who the hell is that?"

Melissa gave him a look before muttering, "My brother. Adrian."

Ethan's lips parted slightly. "Oh, I forgot how he looked like."

Before Ethan could say anything else, Adrian stomped his way up the sand, completely ignoring Ethan as he flashed Melissa a bright, almost too happy smile.

"Haven't seen you in a while, sis," Adrian said, shaking water out of his hair like a dog.

Melissa forced a smile. "Yeah, yeah, Adrian. Great to see you."

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Then, Adrian turned his head and finally acknowledged Ethan.

The moment their eyes met, Adrian's expression completely changed. The friendly, easygoing smile he had for Melissa vanished, replaced by a sharp, almost predatory glare.