Ultimate Tycoon: Building the Richest Empire with System and Heroines-Chapter 74: It’s in his fate

The park at the heart of the city was packed to the brim. People had gathered from every direction. News vans were parked along the road, their antennas raised like spears. Reporters stood with mics in hand, eyes sparkling with anticipation as their cameramen adjusted their angles for the perfect shot.

A makeshift stage had been set up beside the park’s fountain, surrounded by barriers and velvet ropes. But what drew everyone’s eyes wasn’t the stage—it was the ridiculous sight hanging above it.

Two men—Master Yun and Gregory—were tied up together on a single wooden board, swinging from ropes like a human pendulum. Their arms were tied behind their backs, legs bound tightly together, and gags stuffed into their mouths. They spun gently in the breeze, groaning with every motion.

The crowd was buzzing.

"What is he planning to do?" Natalie asked, standing near the front with crossed arms and a curious expression.

Jasmine chuckled, sipping a cold drink as if she were watching a circus show. "Oh, you haven’t seen Ethan’s punishments yet. They’re... unique."

Rhea, standing beside them, smirked as she recalled the school incident. "Yup. Totally unique."

Natalie raised an eyebrow. "Now I’m curious."

Not far from them, a group of older men stood in the shade of a tree, quietly observing.

"That boy really played both of them like puppets," Virgil muttered, stroking his beard. "Sometimes he’s downright terrifying."

Walter, Carter, and Alistair exchanged chuckles.

"Surprises, this boy gives them like gifts on New Year’s," Carter said.

"Even roped in the princess and her knight," Walter added with amusement.

Just then, a new wave of murmurs rippled through the crowd.

"Look! The Princess! And... that’s Luke, the Royal Knight!"

"Seraphina!"

"Luke! My love!"

Cheers broke out. Some princess fanboys screamed like it was a rock concert. A bunch of Luke fangirls waved little banners and hearts.

But Seraphina narrowed her eyes at the girls, releasing a chilling glare.

Instant silence.

Luke casually adjusted his gloves and shot the boys a warning glare too.

The crowd fell quieter than a cemetery at midnight.

Seraphina stepped onto the stage with Luke beside her. Her presence silenced the crowd like a switch had been flipped.

"Ladies and gentlemen," she said, her voice carrying without the need for a mic, "please calm down."

She gestured gracefully toward the two men still swinging in the air.

"These two,Master Yun and Gregory,have committed crimes that cannot be ignored. Treason, manipulation, attempted murder. My father will see to their full punishment..."

She paused, her lips twitching into a playful smirk.

"...but before that, we decided to let you all have a little fun."

Excitement crackled through the air like static.

At that moment, Ethan appeared from the side of the stage, dressed sharply and confidently holding a mic.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" he declared, his voice amplified across the park. "As per Her Highness’s suggestion, we present today’s main event!"

He dramatically pointed toward the swinging traitors. "See those two clowns up there? That’s your target."

A few children in the crowd cheered. Adults leaned forward with curiosity.

Ethan then pointed at a long table filled with brightly colored water balloons.

"Yes, I know what you’re thinking," Ethan said with a grin. "These aren’t just any water balloons. These are weapons of justice,filled with icy cold water and a bit of food dye for flair!"

Chuckles ran through the audience.

"Here are the rules!" he continued. "Each of you gets one throw. Just one."

"Hit their head,you win $100."

"Hit their crotch,$300!"

A collective ooohhhhhh rose from the crowd.

Ethan winked. "Anywhere else on the body? Ten bucks. Not bad for a balloon toss, eh?"

People began rushing forward, lining up to grab their balloons.

The game began.

Splashes filled the air.

Some balloons missed entirely and exploded on the ground. Some nailed arms, legs, and stomachs, some cheered earning $10 dollars

But the real magic happened when a balloon landed squarely between Gregory’s legs. frёeωebɳovel.com

He let out a muffled scream through his gag.

"THAT’S A CROTCH SHOT!" Ethan shouted. "$300 to the lady in red!"

The crowd roared.

More balloons flew, some smacking Master Yun in the head, drenching his hair with blue dye. One balloon struck both their faces in a spinning double-hit.

Natalie smirked as she picked up her balloon.

"That bastard irritated me too much," she muttered and launched it.

It soared through the air and smacked Gregory right where it hurt.

"ANOTHER CROTCH SHOT!"

Even Jasmine and Rhea were laughing now.

"That’s gotta sting," Jasmine said, wiping tears from her eyes.

"It’s more accurate than any school math quiz I’ve ever taken," someone from the crowd said.

In the background, Seraphina leaned over to Luke and whispered, "Should I be worried that he’s enjoying this too much?"

Luke sighed. "Honestly, I’m just glad it’s not me up there."

The event lasted nearly twenty minutes.

The crowd was in high spirits, laughing, shouting, and celebrating. Even the old families who had once feared Gregory and Master Yun joined in.

By the end, both Yun and Gregory were soaked, shivering, humiliated, and colored like circus clowns.

Seraphina took the mic once more. "Let this be a reminder to everyone watching—justice may take time, but it will arrive. And sometimes, it comes with water balloons."

The crowd applauded wildly.

A storm was brewing—not outside, but inside the cozy living room.

"Tch! That boy said he’d come home early, and now he extended his trip again?" Ethan’s mom, Elise, huffed as she folded laundry aggressively.

"He’s careless. Just like you," she shot a glare at her husband.

Arthur blinked. "Huh? What did I do?"

Elise grumbled. "Why couldn’t he just inherit my genius and not your laziness?"

Arthur coughed. "I’ll have you know, I was better than you in—"

"Shut up," she snapped before he could finish. "It’s all your fault. You spoiled him too much."

Arthur mumbled something under his breath but didn’t dare argue further.

Just then, the doorbell rang.

Elise narrowed her eyes. "Who is it at this time?"

She marched to the door and opened it—and froze.

Standing there in the dim porch light was a beautiful young woman with long flowing silver hair, dressed elegantly in a royal navy-blue outfit. She held herself with poise and grace.

"Hello, Aunt Elise," Seraphina said sweetly.

Elise’s eyes widened. Of all the people... she had never wanted anyone from that area to be near her family ever again.

Arthur walked over, curious. "Who is it—"

"Hello, Uncle Arthur," Seraphina greeted him with a smile.

Arthur’s brows shot up. "P-Princess Seraphina?!"

"Can I come in?" she asked politely.

Arthur quickly stepped aside. "Yes, yes, of course!"

They all sat on the plush sofa. Seraphina crossed one leg over the other, completely at ease. Elise, however, looked tense.

"So..." Elise finally asked, arms folded. "Why are you here, Seraphina?"

"Oh, come on, Aunt," Seraphina pouted playfully. "We haven’t seen each other in years and you can’t even ask me nicely? After all, I was your favorite, wasn’t I?"

Elise raised a brow, clearly unimpressed.

Seraphina sighed and waved it off. "Okay, okay. I just wanted to see you. That’s all. And don’t worry—I didn’t tell anyone. No one followed me here."

Hearing that, both Elise and Arthur visibly relaxed.

"And," Seraphina added, tilting her head, "I also met Ethan."

Arthur and Elise exchanged a quick look. Elise’s voice lowered. "You... met him?"

Seraphina nodded. "He’s grown into quite an impressive man. Bold, clever... charming, even.

Her voice, once warm with hospitality, now dropped to a firm, guarded tone. "You all stay as far away from him as possible," she said, staring straight into Seraphina’s eyes. "Don’t involve him in your business. You know exactly why. I left that world behind for a reason. I don’t want my bloody past creeping into his life."

Arthur stiffened at her words, but said nothing. He knew better than to interrupt her when she was like this.

Seraphina didn’t flinch. She simply lowered her teacup and placed it neatly on the table. "I understand, Aunt Elise. I know how much you sacrificed. But whether you like it or not, Ethan... he is your son. And he is the rightful heir."

Elise’s hands clenched slightly on her lap. "No," she said quietly. "He was. Not anymore."

A long silence followed. The ticking of the clock on the wall was the only sound in the room.

"If I go back,if I even take one step into that place—do you know how much blood will be spilled?" she whispered, voice tight. "That man... he won’t stop. He never did."

Seraphina’s gaze softened for a moment, but then hardened with resolve. "You know better than anyone, Aunt... No matter how far you run, you can’t escape it. They will find Ethan whether you want it to or not. It’s in his fate."

Elise’s eyes narrowed. "So what? Should I just hand him over to those monsters?"

"No," Seraphina said softly, "But you need to stop pretending he can live a normal life forever. Sooner or later... he’ll be pulled in."

Then she said, think about it Aunt , Its for him."