The Ultimate Billionaire Check-in System
Copyright© 2026 by BillMax
Chapter 9: The Stage That Belonged to the Tycoon
Julian Prescott’s friends stood frozen in disbelief.
Just moments ago they had watched Ethan Caldwell stroll straight into the restricted private villa area like he owned the place. Now Julian was trying the same move.
He sped up, refusing to let Bella and Ethan have any alone time.
The guards hadn’t stopped Ethan, so surely—
Before Julian could reach the gate, several tall, stone-faced security guards stepped forward and blocked his path.
“You are not permitted to enter this area, sir.”
Julian stopped short. “What? Then why could he go in?!”
“No comment,” one guard replied coldly. “Please leave the premises immediately.”
In the end, they physically escorted a fuming Julian twenty meters back from the entrance.
He stood there, face burning with humiliation.
Why? Why could Ethan enter the most exclusive villa section while he couldn’t? Was it really just because Ethan was more handsome? Had society reached the point where looks trumped money and status?
Julian’s entire worldview was cracking.
His two male friends walked over, equally pissed. “This is bullshit.”
“Too damn shady.”
Maddie Hale and Lexi Moreau wore complicated expressions — not for Julian, but for themselves. They were silently cursing their hesitation earlier. They should have asked Ethan to bring them inside Villa No. 1. What a wasted golden opportunity.
Helpless, Julian’s group had no choice but to book standard hotel rooms.
Inside the breathtaking Villa No. 1, Bella wanted to ask how Ethan had pulled that off, but he spoke first.
“Bella, go ahead and rest for a bit. I have some things to handle.”
With that, Ethan left.
Alone in the luxurious villa, Bella thought for a moment and suddenly understood.
Of course. With Ethan’s true status, getting Villa No. 1 was nothing. The realization made her heart race with excitement.
He actually brought me here alone...
She smiled brightly. Refusing to give up after his initial rejection had been the right choice. Their relationship was clearly progressing!
She was more determined than ever to win him over.
Ethan made his way to the resort’s main office building.
“Mr. Caldwell, welcome.” General Manager Reynolds was already waiting with several senior executives.
The moment they saw Ethan in person, the entire team was stunned. The photos hadn’t done him justice — he was ridiculously young and ridiculously handsome. One of the female executives couldn’t stop staring.
Reynolds led Ethan inside. “Mr. Caldwell, here is the latest financial report for the resort.”
Ethan casually flipped through it and was impressed. The Horizon Lake Resort truly lived up to its reputation as one of the Northeast’s top luxury destinations. Quarterly net profit: $250 million. Annual profit approached a billion. It was a cash machine.
“I have no special instructions for now,” Ethan said lightly. “Everything continues as usual.”
“Understood, sir.” Reynolds nodded. “Also, the master key to Villa No. 1 has already been placed inside for you.”
“Got it.”
Ethan was satisfied. Villa No. 1 was even more luxurious than his new mansion at The Sovereign Villas. He could use it whenever he wanted.
A few minutes later he left the office. Reynolds and the executives watched him go, still in awe. Just what kind of terrifying background did their new young boss have?
In the afternoon the group reunited outside the villa area. Julian and his friends had been waiting.
They decided to head to the shooting range. Since none of them were gun experts, they chose archery instead.
“Shall we have a little competition?” Julian suggested with a provocative grin.
“No need,” Bella stepped forward protectively. “Ethan doesn’t know how to shoot. There’s no point.”
She knew Julian had trained in archery since childhood and had won multiple competitions. He was clearly trying to embarrass Ethan.
“I’m in,” Ethan replied casually, patting Bella’s shoulder.
Everyone stared. Had they heard him right? A complete beginner challenging a lifelong expert?
“Ethan, do you actually know archery?” Bella asked, surprised.