How to Hunt a Billionaire ✔️

Step 34: UNDERSTAND him

The tension in the room could be cut with a knife and despite the fact that Ethan was being fussed over by nurses who were putting his tubes back in, I was worried about him trying to kill his brother again. Andrew sat in a chair across the room where he was being watched by a security guard. Holding an icepack to his cheek, he grinned mockingly.

"Well done, brother. You almost killed me."

Ethan surprisingly was calm. "I'll try harder next time."

"Empty threats. So where was I before you attempted to end my life?"

"You were about to explain how the f*ck you became in debt."

Andrew laughed without humour. "Well, the whole thing started with you. I never wanted Holt Industries and no one agreed with my idea of selling it."

"I wonder why," Ethan muttered sarcastically.

"So I made my own investments instead, putting money here and there. Unfortunately, I invested in a jewelry company run by the respectable Mr Pierson. Too bad he actually was a piece of sh*t. He asked for more money, promising great things and I gave it to him. Eventually, his demands were becoming ridiculous so I cut him off. Then came threats and the requests for money increased to the point where I could never ever pay it off."

"Unless you owned the company," Ethan added.

"Yes and all I needed was for you to remain single so the company would be passed onto me. But instead you brought this b*t-"

"Andrew."

The brother sighed and gave a fake smile. "Ashley home and removed every little chance of me getting the company. When Mr Pierson found out that I wasn't getting Holt Industries, he threatened to end my life. I didn't say anything but he called my saying that he was going to shot me dead as he could see me. I, however, wasn't in the country so I knew it was you he was going to kill. So despite the fact that you being dead wouldn't mean much to me, I gave you the warning and here we are today."

Silence followed. The nurses looked worried and I coughed, chocking on nothing. Ethan pointed to the door, "Leave," he said to his brother emotionlessly.

Andrew stared at him, confused. "What?"

"Leave."

"That's it? You're not going to help?"

"Like you said 'you being dead wouldn't mean much to me'."

"F*ck you," Andrew snarled. "F*ck you to hell."

"With that attitude, I won't help you at all."

"Telling me to leave isn't helping!"

"How much is your debt?"

"Thirty-two million dollars."

Ethan narrowed his eyes at his brother. "You now owe me that exact amount."

"So I'm still in debt? And how are you going to pay Mr Pierson? He's only going to ask for more."

Ethan's hazel eyes glanced briefly at me. "I'll call you later. Now, get out of my room."

This time Andrew left without a word. I got up and folded my arms, annoyed. Ethan looked at me, raised an eyebrows then rolled his eyes when I glared at him. "What are you planning?" I asked.

"It has nothing to do with you."

"Oh yes it does."

"How?"

"You're my 'boyfriend'."

"So?"

"If you die, then I lose the bet."

"And what does that have to do with you knowing what I'm planning?"

"I just explained," I exclaimed.

"I'm not telling you," he said simply, closing his eyes.

"Is it illegal? Ethan! Ethan? For f*ck sake," I growled.

"Why would it be illegal?" he replied without opening his eyes.

"I don't know. Nothing you do is normal."

"Please shut up now," Ethan muttered.

I grabbed his glass of water and emptied it on his head. "You are so annoying."

"So you pour water on me?"

"I'll pick you up tomorrow," I called out to him as I stomped out of his room.

*****

Ethan entered the car after dumping his bags at the back. I began driving him back to his apartment in Manhattan. He looked asleep but he started talking.

"Can you even drive?"

My hands clenched the wheel tighter. "Do you always have to insult me?"

"I didn't even say anything worthy of an insult. It was just a question."

"Well, what does it look like, Ethan? The car isn't driving itself."

"I would feel more safe if it did."

"And there's the insult."

He laughed then turned on the radio. "Who gave you my car keys?"

"Seth. He said that as your girlfriend, I have permission to use your sh*t as well as his if you didn't let me have yours."

"Is that so? What did you say?"

"I told him that I didn't need your permission."

The billionaire sighed. "Don't touch my stuff, Ashley."

I rolled my eyes. "It's too late now. I've already driven all your cars. And by the way, they're great. Good choices."

"You..."

"Me what?"

He ignored me until we arrived at his apartment. Ethan grabbed his suitcase then walked to the elevator, leaving me in the car park. I locked his car and chased after him. "I hate you so much," I panted out of breath, sliding into the elevator before it closed.

"Why are you even here?" he pointed out. "I got shot not killed."

"Is it so bad that I'm checking if you're okay?"

Ethan grabbed my chin and leaned closer. "I'm fine, Ashley. Go home."

"Are you sure?"

"If it helps, you can stay for a bit."

The doors of the elevator pinged open. We entered the apartment and Ethan flicked the lights on, leaving his suitcase in the hallway before making his way towards the kitchen. I wondered into the living room then slumped on the sofa. Ethan walked in holding a box of pizza and cans of beer.

"You're not supposed to drink," I chided.

"I won't."

He lied.

#

My childrennnnnn helllooo.

I love you lot. Also, I hope life is good.

I have nothing to say *sigh* My phone is broken, my laptop is dying and I'm hungry.

XO Nyx