When billionaire Ethan Royce announced he was looking for a wife, the news spread like wildfire through society circles. The 34-year-old founder of a global tech empire, Ethan was everything women whispered about — brilliant, mysterious, and devastatingly handsome. Yet, behind his composed smile and tailored suits, there was a man who had grown deeply tired — tired of empty compliments, shallow affection, and people who saw only the size of his bank account.
He had built an empire that touched millions of lives. But when the parties ended and the city lights dimmed, he often found himself alone — surrounded by luxury, yet starving for sincerity.
One evening, as the sun dipped behind the glass skyline of New York, Ethan sat with his lifelong friend David, nursing a rare whiskey.
“I could have any woman I want,” Ethan murmured, staring into his glass, “and yet, I can’t seem to find one who wants me.”
David chuckled. “You’re too cynical, Ethan. You can’t test love like a business algorithm.”
Ethan looked up sharply. “Can’t I?”
That night, the idea took root — an unconventional way to discover who among the women around him saw beyond his wealth. It was part curiosity, part desperation.
The Unusual Proposal
The following Friday, Ethan invited three women to his penthouse.
The first was Vanessa, a stunning model who had graced the covers of fashion magazines. She had been flirting with Ethan for months — confident, glamorous, and accustomed to luxury.
The second was Chloe, an event planner whose poise and intelligence had impressed him during a charity gala. Refined, elegant, and articulate — she seemed like the perfect match on paper.
The third was Maria, his maid.
Quiet, humble, and always in the background, she had worked for him for three years. She never asked questions, never overstepped, yet somehow, her presence made the mansion feel less empty. Ethan added her name at the last moment, driven by curiosity — and something softer he couldn’t quite name.
When the women arrived, Ethan stood by the grand piano, holding out three identical black platinum credit cards.
“I’m giving each of you this card,” he said calmly. “Use it however you wish this weekend. No limits, no restrictions.”
Vanessa’s eyes widened; Chloe arched a curious brow. Maria simply blinked, unsure she’d heard correctly.
Ethan continued, “On Sunday evening, we’ll meet again. I don’t want receipts or reports — I want to hear what you chose to do with the opportunity.”
David, standing nearby, nearly laughed out loud. “You’re serious about this?”
Ethan only smiled. “Completely.”
