Chapter 954

Never in his wildest dreams did Ethan imagine that handing out money would be simple, but getting it back would feel impossible

Flashing a strained grin. Ethan tried his luck. "Josh, I know this sounds sudden, but there's something urgent at home and I really need the cash. Can you return what you owe me?"

A frosty look replaced Josh's usual charm as he stubbed out his cigarette. "Oh? Something urgent?What's going on at home?" He lounged back on the sofa, not even pretending to be friendly

Ethan mumbled, "It's really important, Josh. Please,could you just give it back?

Not budging an inch. Josh took a slow drag and exhaled wvithout a hint of sympathy. "That money's already been put into the company. It's out of my hands now."

The words caught Ethan completely off guard."That doesn't make sense. I spoke with your secretary, and she said you haven't even been to the office today.Besides,you never brought in a lawyer or had me sign anything. How could it already be invested?"

Josh's demeanor grew harsher. "If I tell you it's invested, then it's invested. Do you think I'm lying to you? Let's be honest-you're probably the one making things up."

Ethan's nerves betrayed him, his gaze dropping for a moment. "Look, investments are supposed to be voluntary, right? I'm not interested in this anymore.Please, just return my money."

Remaining stone-faced, Josh replied, "You gave me the money yourself. I didn't steal it from you. You think just because we're family, I'll go easy on you and listen to these stories?"

If anything, Ethan's determination only grew stronger.."Maybe we can work something out. I know I put money into the business before, but I want out. Could you tally things up and give me back whatever's left?"

Family ties, Ethan thought, ought to count for something. It was just one afternoon. Even if there were some minor losses, it shouldn't add up to much.Getting the bulk of it back was all he needed. Losing a bit to Josh wouldn't sting, after all, they were related.

But the answer he received took him by surprise.

With a rare note of understanding in his voice, Josh .said, "Sure, we can do that." Ethan's face brightened. "Really? Then.."

A raised hand stopped him. "Just so you know,the money's tied up in a project now. If you pull out,you'll lose a chunk of it I'm just looking out for you.Are you sure you want to go through with this, Ethan?Wouldn't you rather give it a second thought?"

"That's not necessary, Josh. I'm done. Please just give me back what you can."

Josh's features hardened the moment Ethan refused to back down. A cold sneer formed on his lips as he pulled out his phone and rang the finance department.

Minutes later, the door swung open to reveal Josh's daughter,,the newly minted financial manager,calculator in hand.

Eyes flicking over the screen, she punched in a few numbers, then pushed up her glasses and fixed Ethan with a knowing look. "Uncle Ethan, you wired 28.5billion into the company's account earlier, After a few hours and all the standard deductions. I'll arrange a transfer of three million right now."

Shock swept over Ethan, leaving him reeling. Putting that much money in a regular savings account would've earned him more than this.

"There's got to be a mistake,right?" Ethan fought to keep his expression pleasant。 even though every muscle in his face threatened to betray what he truly felt.

How could nearly thirty billion, handled by Josh for one afternoon, turn into three million?

"Josh, this isn't right," Ethan said, his voice strained.

Josh just shrugged. "You're the one who wanted out.I tried to tell you to let the investment grow.Since you're my brother, I'm doing you a favor by giving anything back at all. Anyone else would have walked away with nothing."

Tears pricked Ethan's eyes, fury building inside him."Don't do this, Josh. I deserve what's mine. You know that."

Unbothered, Josh inhaled deeply on his cigarette,remaining silent.

Swallowing his pride, Ethan pleaded, "We're family.Please, don't make this ugly. Let's compromise.Give me twenty billion and keep the rest. I won't ask for more."

The truth finally settled in for Ethan. Whatever Josh's reputation in business, nobody could outdohim when it came to taking advantage of his own brothers. He had no heart at all.

"Forget it. Take the three million or leave the money in and become a shareholder. The choice is yours."said Josh,stubbing out his cigarette and heading for the door.

Staring at Josh's retreating back, Ethan shouted,"Stop right there! You owe me an explanation, and I'm not letting you walk away from this!"

Panic clawed at Ethan's chest. With Josh's talent for exploiting family, any chance of getting his money back would vanish if he let Josh leave now.

Desperation took over. Ethan lunged,grabbing Josh by the collar, his voice ragged. "Don't walk away! You know my family isn't wealthy like yours. If you refuse,I swear I won't let this go!"

The last thing Josh expected was for Ethan to fight back.

A struggle erupted between the two brothers,neither willing to back down.

An emergency call brought Hamiltonracing to the hospital, only to find Ethan and Josh in the middle of a heated exchange.

Each of them ended up with a broken arm, the evidence of their ordeal plain to see.

Ethan even lost a front tooth,looking both ridiculous and pitiful.Hamilton could only gape. "What in the world are you two doing?"

With red eyes. Ethan turned to him and admitted."Hamilton, I owe you an apology. Alll this time.I blamed you, but today. I finally know who the real villain is,"