Ultimate Tycoon: Building the Richest Empire with System and Heroines-Chapter 65: A successful escape

Luke stood by Ethan thinking about the plan..

"When the stage is set for their hanging," he said, "I’ll have some of my men create a ruckus. That’ll give them a chance to escape."

Ethan nodded. "Make sure your men wear masks. No one should recognize them."

He added, "And once you’re ready, give me a mask too. I want to be part of this act."

Jasmine glanced over. "What do you want to do now?"

Ethan gave a small grin. "I’m going to pour petrol on the fire."

Luke said simply, "Sure. Once everything starts, I’ll signal my men. You can move with them."

—

Inside the holding room, Gregory sat chained, his breathing sharp, eyes filled with rage.

He stared at Master Yun, who stood silent.

"I’ll kill this old man," Gregory muttered. "I’ll definitely kill him. Just give me one chance."

He clenched his fists tighter.

"I’m already going down. Doesn’t matter anymore. I’ll take that clown down with me. Everything he has is because of me... and now he does this?"

His voice trembled with fury. "Unforgivable."

His eyes darted to the door. "But how... how do I escape?"

—

The door opened.

Seraphina stepped in first, composed. Luke followed her, expression serious. Ethan’s group walked in behind, calm and silent.

Master Yun looked at them, unease flickering in his eyes.

What did they talk about? What took so long? What did that boy say to her?

Luke stepped forward. "We will hang both of them outside."

He turned to Gregory and Trevor. "Preparation is done. All shall know what happens when someone dares to take from the Princess."

Ethan whispered to himself, "Why is he being so dramatic? Just get it done. Everyone wants to be an actor now."

Rhea giggled slightly. "He’s acting like it’s a play."

Luke gestured to the guards. They dragged Gregory and Trevor out of the room.

—

Outside, the execution stage had been set. A large wooden scaffold stood at the center. Two ropes dangled down, swaying slightly in the breeze.

The crowd had gathered. Dozens of nobles, guards, and onlookers waited eagerly to witness the punishment.

Tension was thick in the air.

Gregory stood still as the guards pushed him forward. His eyes burned with fury.

Just one chance. That’s all I need...

Then—

BANG!

A loud gunshot rang out.

Screams.

BANG! BANG!

Another blast. Then smoke. Thick, white, clouding the stage.

People screamed and backed away. Panic spread.

Masked men burst through the edges of the crowd, charging forward in formation.

Luke gave a small nod. The plan was in motion.

Ethan, now wearing a mask, stepped out with them.

Time to act.

"What’s happening?!" Luke shouted over the chaos as smoke filled the air and screams echoed outside.

Without hesitation, he jumped beside Seraphina, shielding her with his body. "Princess, stay here!"

Seraphina glanced sideways at him, her voice soft even amidst the noise. "Aren’t you taking too much advantage of this situation... or has your acting improved?"

Luke blinked, then said in a puppy-like voice, "Sorry."

She chuckled. "I don’t mind though."

Luke smiled, relieved.

From nearby, Ethan stared at them, jaw dropping. "What the fuck? You two couldn’t find a more perfect time or place to start your romance?"

Luke shot back, "What are you doing here? Go do your thing!"

"Yeah yeah," Ethan muttered, then turned to his crew. "Why aren’t all of you acting? Merge with the crowd already!"

Alistair groaned. "At this age, you’re hurting my old bones, Ethan!"

Amid the chaos, Rhea, Jasmine, and Natalie sprang into action. They spotted Gregory amid the smoke and chains, and without hesitation, each landed a well-timed kick before disappearing into the crowd.

"What the fuck?!" Gregory cried, stumbling in his shackles. "Who hit me?! Fuck... If only someone could unlock these chains, I’d be gone by now!"

Meanwhile, Master Yun was panicking nearby, hand on his chest, struggling to stay composed. "Damn it, who dares to attack... and in front of the Princess. Fuck ,I need to get out of here!"

Just as he tried to slink away, WHAM! Ethan appeared from nowhere and kicked him hard in the balls.

"GAH!" Master Yun dropped instantly, eyes bulging.

A few people from the crowd, running blindly through the smoke, trampled over him.

"Fuck this shit," he wheezed. "I should’ve never come here..."

Another gunshot rang out.

BANG!

Master Yun, now crawling, muttered, "What the hell... This Luke, isn’t he going overboard with the gun firing?!"

Amid the madness, Ethan moved swiftly toward Gregory.

Gregory blinked, squinting through the clearing smoke. A figure approached,face hidden behind a clown mask.

"Who are you?" Gregory asked, tensing up.

The masked figure spoke calmly. "I don’t know if you’ll believe me, but we were the ones who stole the painting... under Master Yun’s orders."

"You all stole it?" Gregory’s eyes widened.

"Yes. But the moment Master Yun saw the royal family getting involved, he shifted the blame to you. He pinned it all on you to protect himself and get closer to the royals. Our leader feared that after you... he’d be next.."

Gregory clenched his fists. "That scheming old man... Yes, of course he would do that. Everything makes sense now!"

"We," the masked Ethan continued, "planned to break you out. You’re the only one close enough to him. You can take revenge. He’ll try to eliminate all of us soon anyway... so this might be the last time I see you."

Gregory nodded slowly. "Thank you. I’ll never forget this. I’ll make sure he pays."

Ethan stepped forward and unlocked the chains.

Gregory stood, free at last.

Other masked men ,now fell to the ground, pretending to be beaten, some groaning dramatically as if overwhelmed by guards.

One of them shouted, "Master Gregory! You must run! We can’t hold them much longer!"

Gregory nodded. "Understood."

He paused, glancing at Trevor. "But... What about him?"

Trevor, on the ground with wide eyes, pleaded, "Young Master... Please free me! Help me!"

Gregory hesitated.

"Young Master," Trevor continued, "please run. I’ll hold them off. You’re on your own now. If he goes with you... he’ll only slow you down."

Gregory nodded with a clenched jaw. "Thank you. But help Trevor... please."

Ethan gave a half-bow. "As you wish."

Gregory turned and bolted into the smoke, vanishing from sight.

Trevor sighed in relief and looked up at Ethan. "Please... now help me."

"Sure," Ethan said, kneeling close. But instead of unlocking the chains, he tightened them.

"W-What are you doing?" Trevor stammered.

Ethan smirked. "Hello, peanut brain."

Trevor’s eyes widened. "Y-You... who are you?!"

Ethan slowly removed his clown mask.

Trevor’s jaw dropped. "ETHAAAAAN?!"

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