Harem Investment System: Getting Money And Women-Chapter 114: Take A Break, Mr. Owner

Ethan let out a soft scoff as he stood by the infinity pool, watching the last of the day-pass guests leave the resort.

Updated from freewёbnoνel.com.

The ones who had booked an overnight stay were already being escorted to their private villas by the staff, their excitement still lingering in the air.

The main resort was finally quiet, its once-bustling energy now reduced to a tranquil hum.

The night was cool, a soft breeze carrying the distant sound of waves from the ocean beyond. Ethan rolled his shoulders, inhaling deeply.

It had been a long, exhausting day, but Atlas Resort’s grand opening had been an undeniable success.

From the VIP speeches to the guest interactions, everything had gone according to plan — perhaps even better than he had expected.

And yet, despite all of that, Ethan couldn’t shake off the weight pressing down on his mind.

There was always more to do. More expansion, more planning, more strategies to ensure Atlas continued its meteoric rise.

But for now, he needed a break.

With that thought, he reached for the hem of his shirt and pulled it off, tossing it onto one of the poolside lounge chairs.

The cool air brushed against his skin as he ran a hand through his dark hair, exhaling. He unbuttoned his trousers next, sliding them off until he was left in his swim shorts.

He was just about to step forward and dive in —

A sudden force from behind sent him toppling into the water.

The shock was immediate, cold water rushing up to engulf him as he plunged beneath the surface.

His instincts kicked in, and within seconds, he twisted and resurfaced, shaking water from his face as he turned toward the culprit.

Standing at the pool’s edge, arms crossed, was Melissa.

She looked smug, her crimson hair catching the glow of the pool lights, creating an almost fiery halo around her.

The soft breeze carried the scent of her floral perfume, mixing with the crisp night air.

Ethan wiped water from his eyes, leveling her with an unimpressed stare. "Really?"

Melissa shrugged, completely unbothered. "You were overthinking again. Figured I’d help you relax."

Ethan let out a breath, a half-laugh escaping him. "By pushing me into the pool?"

Melissa smirked. "Hey, it worked, didn’t it?"

Before he could retort, she took a step forward — then, without hesitation, she dove into the pool.

Ethan barely had time to react before she was beneath the water, her silhouette cutting through the pool with effortless grace.

He couldn’t deny it — she was stunning.

When she surfaced, droplets of water cascaded down her skin, her hair clinging to her shoulders in dark red waves.

There was a slight rosiness in her cheeks, whether from the water or something else, he wasn’t sure.

They floated in silence for a moment, the gentle ripples around them the only movement.

"You know," Melissa said, tilting her head slightly, "I think you did well today."

Ethan raised a brow. "Oh? And here I thought you spent the whole day chasing off women who wanted pictures with me."

Melissa’s cheeks puffed out in an exaggerated pout, but the slight redness in them betrayed her.

"That was…" She huffed. "That was just me protecting the resort’s image. Imagine if those women started posting misleading things. ’Mysterious CEO caught flirting with VIP guests.’ That would be bad PR!"

Ethan smirked. "Sounds more like you were jealous."

Melissa splashed water at him.

"Was not!"

"You totally were."

"Was not!"

Another splash. Ethan dodged it easily, laughing in a way he hadn’t all day.

Melissa sighed, floating lazily. "You’re always so serious, Ethan. Even now, I can tell you’re thinking about work."

Ethan glanced up at the sky. "I have to be. If I don’t take this seriously, no one else will."

Melissa studied him for a moment before shaking her head. "You should allow yourself to breathe every once in a while."

Ethan didn’t answer.

The truth was, she wasn’t wrong. But he had spent so long working — building Atlas, proving himself — that the idea of slowing down felt unnatural.

He wanted to work more, if he worked more, he gained more. And if he gained more, he would become not only a millionaire but a billionaire.

Melissa suddenly floated closer, her voice softer now. "You should at least enjoy this, Ethan. You made something incredible."

Ethan finally turned his gaze back to her. The way the water reflected against her skin, the way her eyes held something unreadable, made him pause.

A strange tension settled between them, the air shifting into something… different.

Melissa’s lips parted slightly, and for a fleeting second, neither of them moved.

Then, Ethan cleared his throat and looked away. "You should get out before you catch a cold."

Melissa blinked, then smirked. "Are you worried about me, Mr. Owner?"

Ethan rolled his eyes. "Just get out of the pool."

She giggled but swam toward the edge, pulling herself up gracefully.

Water dripped from her body, glistening under the lights as she wrapped a towel around herself.

Ethan followed, stepping onto the stone pavement, his toned frame still glistening with droplets.

Melissa raised an eyebrow. "Are you posing for a magazine cover or something?"

Ethan shot her a flat look. "Just go to bed, Melissa."

She chuckled but didn’t argue. Instead, she stretched her arms, letting out a content sigh.

"This place is amazing," she murmured, her gaze sweeping across the resort. "You really did it, Ethan."

For once, Ethan didn’t know what to say. He simply nodded, staring out at the resort he had built from nothing.

Melissa turned to him, her expression softer than usual. "Promise me you’ll take a break once in a while?"

Ethan smirked. "No promises."

Melissa rolled her eyes but didn’t push further. "Fine. But if I catch you working too much, I’ll push you into the pool again."

With that, she turned on her heel, heading toward the main building, her wet footprints trailing behind her.

Ethan watched her go, towel draped over his shoulder, the night eerily quiet once more.

He let out a breath and ran a hand through his damp hair.

"I should probably call Lila and Vanessa,"