Harem Investment System: Getting Money And Women-Chapter 218: Greyport City

He rolled his eyes. "I'm just saying, people are always moving. You either keep up or get left behind."

Riley tilted her head, considering his words. "I guess that's true."

The train suddenly hit a rough patch of tracks, shaking violently for a few seconds.

A few people yelped in surprise, gripping their seats. Riley instinctively grabbed onto Ethan's arm, eyes wide.

"What the hell was that?" she muttered.

"Probably just the train tracks shifting," Ethan replied, though he kept his grip on the armrest firm.

"They should fix that," she grumbled, slowly releasing his arm.

The train eventually steadied, but the movement remained slightly erratic.

It wasn't the smoothest ride Ethan had been on, but it was manageable.

Across from them, an older man chuckled as he folded his newspaper. "First time riding this train?" he asked.

Riley nodded. "Yeah, is it always this rough?"

"More or less," the man replied. "It's an old route. They patch it up here and there, but it's never perfect. You get used to it after a while."

"Not sure I want to get used to it," Riley muttered, making the man laugh.

Ethan glanced out the window again, the sky above starting to shift into a golden hue as the sun began to descend.

"How long until we get there?" Riley asked, stretching her legs.

"Couple of hours," Ethan replied. "You should get some rest if you're tired."

She pouted. "Why do you always assume I'm tired?"

"Because you were the one complaining about how rushed everything has been," he pointed out.

Riley narrowed her eyes at him but couldn't argue with the truth.

"Fine," she grumbled, shifting to a more comfortable position. "Wake me up when we're close."

Ethan nodded, watching as she closed her eyes. He leaned back in his seat, letting the steady rhythm of the train fill the silence.

As the train gradually slowed, the rhythmic clatter of the wheels against the tracks became softer.

The overhead lights flickered slightly as the train pulled into Greyport's central station.

A muffled voice crackled over the intercom, announcing their arrival.

Ethan glanced over at Riley, who was still dozing with her head tilted slightly to the side.

He reached out and gently nudged her shoulder. "Hey, wake up. We're here."

Riley stirred with a soft groan, her eyelashes fluttering open as she blinked groggily at him. "Mmm... already?" she mumbled, rubbing her eyes.

"Yeah. Come on," Ethan said, standing up and grabbing his bag.

Riley stretched her arms above her head, letting out a quiet yawn before standing as well.

The train doors slid open with a soft chime, and the passengers began filing out onto the platform.

Stepping off the train, they were greeted by a gust of fresh air.

The scent of the city was familiar — faint traces of coffee from a nearby café mixed with the distant aroma of car exhaust.

People hurried past them, some reuniting with family members, others simply making their way through the bustling station.

"Ugh, I feel stiff," Riley muttered, rolling her shoulders as they walked. "I should've stretched before sitting that long."

"You were too busy sleeping," Ethan teased.

"Hey, I deserved that nap," she shot back, nudging him playfully.

They exited the station and found themselves on the sidewalk, the streetlights casting a warm glow over the busy road ahead.

The city felt different after being in Silicon City — smaller, maybe a bit quieter, but still filled with life.

"Alright," Ethan said, scanning the street. "Let's get you a taxi."

Riley nodded, adjusting her bag as they stepped closer to the curb.

Ethan raised a hand, hailing a nearby cab. The vehicle pulled up smoothly, and the driver rolled down the window.

"Where to?" the driver asked.

Riley gave him the address of her home, then turned to Ethan. "You sure you don't need a ride too?"

Ethan shook his head. "Nah, I'll call my own in a bit. You get home first."

Riley hesitated for a second before offering him a small smile. "Alright. Thanks for everything, Ethan."

"Don't mention it," he replied casually.

She opened the car door and climbed inside, rolling down the window once she was settled. "Text me when you get back to your place, okay?"

"Yeah, yeah," Ethan said, waving her off.

She gave him one last look before the taxi pulled away, merging into traffic and disappearing down the road. Ethan let out a small sigh, running a hand through his hair.

He was about to raise his hand to hail a taxi when the smooth hum of a familiar engine cut through the noise of the street.

He turned his head just in time to see a sleek grey Porsche pull up in front of him.

The tinted window rolled down, revealing Vanessa in the driver's seat, her lips curling into a grin as she waved at him.

"Need a ride, handsome?" she teased, her eyes glinting playfully.

Ethan smirked, adjusting his bag over his shoulder. "How convenient. My ride just happens to be a Porsche driven by a speed demon."

"Speed demon?" Vanessa gasped dramatically, placing a hand over her chest. "How could you? I'm a professional!"

"Sure you are," he muttered, opening the passenger door and sliding in.

The moment he shut the door, Vanessa leaned over and pressed her lips against his in a quick but eager kiss.

"Welcome back," she murmured, her voice softer than before.

Ethan hummed against her lips before pulling away slightly. "I was only gone for a little while."

"Still too long," she shot back, eyes flickering over his face as if trying to make sure he was really there. "So? How was Silicon City?"

Ethan leaned back in his seat, waving a hand dismissively. "It was alright. Got into a bit of trouble, though."

Vanessa arched a brow as she started the engine. "Trouble? You? What kind of trouble?"

"Nothing major," Ethan assured her, buckling his seatbelt. "Just some rich girl who didn't like being ignored."

"Ahh, so you broke a spoiled princess's heart?" Vanessa smirked as she shifted gears. "Serves her right."

Ethan chuckled but didn't argue.

As they pulled onto the main road, Ethan glanced at her. "Drive slow, will you? I'd rather not have my car scratched the moment I get back."

Vanessa scoffed, her hands gripping the wheel tighter. "Excuse me? Do you know who you're talking to? I'm a master racer. My driving is flawless."

"Vanessa..." Ethan said, already sensing where this was going.

"Don't worry, I got this." And with that, she pressed down on the accelerator.

The Porsche roared forward, cutting through the streets of Greyport like a bullet.

Ethan sighed, gripping the handle on the door as Vanessa maneuvered effortlessly between cars, taking turns at speeds that made most drivers nervous.

Pedestrians and other motorists blurred past as she expertly weaved through traffic, her confidence unwavering.

"You enjoying yourself?" Ethan asked dryly as she took a corner a little too sharply.

"Of course. Don't you feel the thrill?" she shot him a sideways glance, her grin widening.

"No, I feel my life flashing before my eyes," he deadpanned.

"Oh, hush. You'll live."

Despite his complaints, Ethan had to admit — she was good. There was a level of control in her driving that made it clear she wasn't just some reckless thrill-seeker.

Every movement, every turn, every press of the gas was precise. This wasn't just speed — it was skill.

Fortunately, despite her need for speed, they made it to the mansion without so much as a scratch on the Porsche.

Vanessa pulled into the driveway, parking with a smooth ease that almost made Ethan forget how fast they had been going.

She turned to him with a smug expression, leaning her elbow on the steering wheel. "See? Told you I'm a master."

Ethan let out a long breath and unbuckled his seatbelt. "Yeah, yeah. I'll admit it — you didn't kill us."

"That's all I wanted to hear," she said, winking.

Ethan shook his head and stepped out of the car.

The familiar sight of the mansion loomed before him, its grand structure standing tall against the evening sky. It felt... good to be back.

R𝑒ad latest chapt𝒆rs at freewebnovёl.ƈom Only.

No more hotel rooms, no more sterile hospital air. Just home.

As Vanessa came around the car, Ethan stretched his arms above his head. "Alright, let's head inside."

Vanessa looped her arm around his and smirked. "What, no 'I missed you, Vanessa'?"

"I figured the kiss said it all."

"Hmph. Good answer." She tugged him forward, and together, they stepped into the mansion.

The moment Ethan stepped into the mansion, he could tell something was different.

The air was warm, carrying the faint scent of fresh flowers and polished wood.

It was noticeably cleaner than he remembered — not that it was ever messy, but now it felt almost pristine.

The floors gleamed under the soft golden glow of the chandeliers, and the maids bustled about with renewed energy.

A few of them paused in their work as he entered, bowing politely.

"Welcome back, sir," one of the older maids said with a warm smile.

Ethan gave a nod in response, rolling his shoulders as he walked further inside.

It had been a long trip, and while the hotel bed had been comfortable, there was nothing quite like being back in his own home.

[Author's Note:]

[Happy New Month, Our normal updates of 3-4 chapters per day will resume tomorrow! Thanks for reading!]