Harem Tycoon System

Chapter 10: The Director’s Arrival

Lucas frowned. “I... I want to meet...”

“Whoa!” said a voice that suddenly appeared behind them. “Isn’t it a blessing to meet me here?” the speaker said with a tone both sarcastic and threatening.

Both Lucas and the woman in the blood-red dress turned around.

Lucas Greystone had simply come to meet the hotel manager to claim the money he had lent years ago. That’s it. He hadn’t even finished his sentence when a heavy, pressuring voice cut in.

“Lucas Greystone?”

Lucas and several guests in the lobby turned. The man was striking: glamorous and slightly intimidating. A gold chain hung around his neck, a glinting watch stole everyone’s attention, and a leather bag tucked under his arm resembled a vault of dark secrets. On his left and right, two massive bodyguards looked like they existed solely to break the bones of anyone who annoyed their master.

“We’ve been looking for you everywhere. And here you are... hiding?”

Lucas frowned. “Who are you?”

“I have no business with you,” he added, trying to stay calm, though his heart was pounding.

The man gave a signal. His two bodyguards moved immediately.

“W-wait!” Lucas stepped back—but too late.

Strong arms seized his shoulders and arms. The hotel assistant who had welcomed him tried to intervene but was powerless. Even two hotel security guards were knocked out in seconds. Lucas was dragged outside like a wild animal that had crossed the line.

“What the hell is this?!” Lucas shouted, his face flushed with shame. Guests checking in, staff, and even taxi drivers outside were watching. Some had begun recording with their phones.

The mafia boss sneered down at him. “Pay your debts, Lucas. And that mountain of interest! Don’t pretend!”

Lucas groaned as he was thrown onto the hot pavement. He knew his face would go viral by tonight.

“I don’t know you,” he coughed. Maybe Lucas... had a past. But I’m not that Lucas!

Thinking fast, Lucas said, “Listen, just give me a moment. I came here to—to get my money. From the hotel manager. I have business.”

The mafia boss laughed coldly. “You think I’m stupid?”

He raised his hand—a signal to beat Lucas.

The first punch flew. But Lucas—dodged it.

The second came from the left, but somehow—Lucas ducked and countered. His punch landed squarely on the guard’s jaw. One down. The other tried to grapple him, but Lucas twisted the man’s arm and flipped him like a sack of rice.

Hotel guests held their breath. The defeated security guards stared in disbelief. Even the glamorous man stepped back.

Lucas looked at his hands. “What... was that…”

A bell-like chime rang in his mind.

+50 Points!

+100 Points!

Source: Target’s Admiration – Isabella Armand.

Lucas looked up. Who is Isabella? Among the crowd, a woman stood with elegance. A blood-red dress hugged her figure, her long hair neatly styled. Her sharp eyes stared at Lucas… filled with interest. She was the one who had welcomed him earlier. Was she?

“Are you... the cause of this?” Lucas whispered to himself.

Holding his breath, he turned to the mafia boss and stepped forward.

“Listen,” Lucas said in a low voice. “I don’t know what’s happening to me, but I’m sure, from now on... I’m not the Lucas you knew.”

The mafia boss backed away in fear. “I just want you to pay your debts!”

Before Lucas could respond, graceful footsteps echoed. The woman in the red dress approached them.

“What a shame. You didn’t even give him a chance to speak, sir,” she said coldly.

She opened her small handbag and threw a wad of cash at the mafia boss. “Mr. Lucas’s debt... is paid. Don’t come back.”

The man fell silent, grabbed the money, and left grumbling. His men dragged their battered bodies away.

The crowd murmured, confusion and awe mingling. Lucas could only stare at the woman, still dazed and amazed.

The woman bowed slightly.

“Sorry for the delay in welcoming you... Director Lucas.”

Silence.

Lucas blinked. “What... did you say?”

The woman stood tall. “I’ve been expecting your arrival. I’m the hotel manager.”

Lucas’s eyes widened. “What?”

The woman chuckled softly, then extended her hand. “My name is Alisha Armand. I’m the co-owner and operational manager of this hotel. And yes, I know about you.”

Lucas stood frozen, like someone struck by lightning.

“Come, let’s talk in my office. I’m sure you didn’t come all this way just to argue with them, right?”

Lucas finally accepted her handshake, and they walked together, leaving the now quiet lobby.

The manager’s office was on the top floor. Alisha led him into a glass-walled room overlooking the city skyline. The view was stunning—and slightly overwhelming for Lucas, who was still lost in confusion.

“Please, have a seat,” Alisha said, pouring two glasses of mineral water into crystal glasses. She also handed him a towel and some ice. “For your bruises.”

Lucas looked at his red, swollen knuckles. He had just fought two muscular men built like tanks. He was surprised himself, not expecting the strength he gained from the system to be that impressive.

“I heard you’re looking for Reinaldi?” Alisha asked.

Lucas nodded. “He’s an old friend. I once helped him when he went bankrupt. I... I just wanted to collect the money I lent him.”

Alisha stared at him intently, then smiled slightly. “Reinaldi... no longer works here.”

Lucas froze. “What?”

“He left two months ago. Rumor says he moved abroad. But don’t worry,” she said casually. “I know about that loan.”

Lucas frowned. “What do you mean?”

“Reinaldi left some notes before leaving. One of them was about you. I read the file. Your full name, the loan amount, even the exact date.”

Lucas straightened up, feeling a bit awkward. “I... I came to collect that money. Looks like you already gave it to those thugs earlier. So I guess we’re even.”

There was a bitter tone to Lucas’s words. But what he didn’t understand was why Alisha called him “Director.”

Alisha smiled mysteriously. “That was only a small portion of your money, Mr. Lucas. You actually own this entire hotel now.”

Lucas held his breath, confused. “What do you mean?”

Alisha smiled. “Well, the money you lent Reinaldi years ago became this hotel. He did go bankrupt but managed to recover thanks to your funding. Then he returned the ownership to you before leaving for overseas. And I was appointed as the operational manager until you—the rightful owner—returned.”

Lucas felt like the world was spinning.

“But... I don’t even understand hotels.”

Lucas may have been a businessman, but that was thanks to inheritance from his parents. And under his hands, the entire business empire collapsed—like dominoes—due to his love for gambling and alcohol. Meanwhile, Ethan, now residing in Lucas’s body and controlling everything, had no business experience either. He was a genius student, but a future doctor.

Finally, Lucas shook his head. “I’ve already taken what’s mine. You helped me settle my debt with those loan sharks. As for this hotel...”

Lucas looked around the office awkwardly, feeling guilty. He didn’t want to be greedy.

“I’ll leave it to you. I think you’re more experienced and suited to manage this hotel.” He said shyly.

Alisha was surprised, not expecting that from a Lucas Greystone. When she first heard that Lucas owned the hotel, she was skeptical—especially after hearing his bad reputation and womanizing habits. But now, after meeting him in person, her perception changed completely. She began to deeply admire Lucas.

But the real trouble was only just beginning.

On his system screen, Lucas saw hundreds of points popping up. He was confused where they came from, as he hadn’t done anything significant. Then he glanced at Alisha and realized the woman was starting to admire him. Inside, Lucas cursed.

[Mission Complete: Conquer the Target – Initiate Physical Contact!]