Chapter 8: Negotiations and Realizations

When Ryan's cover and interior photos were released, they created exactly the kind of sensation Emily had hoped for—fans were in a frenzy, and the buzz only continued to grow.

This was a side of Ryan that people hadn't seen before. Because he started his career young and had a boy-next-door image from his earlier roles, the public still saw him as a teenager. But in these photos, the teenager had transformed into a young man. Dressed in a sharp suit and gold-rimmed glasses, Ryan lightly tugged at his tie, revealing a perfect jawline and a subtle but defined Adam's apple.

Every detail, from the smoldering look in his eyes behind those glasses to the sharp collarbone peeking from his unbuttoned shirt, to his long, elegant fingers gripping the tie, exuded raw, untamed energy—this was a man on the cusp of adulthood, with a magnetic blend of youthful charm and masculine appeal.

With this cover, twenty-year-old Ryan declared his arrival as a man.

The fanbase went wild, split between those tearfully exclaiming, "My baby is all grown up, I'm so proud!" and others yelling, "Forget that, he's a man now, and I want him!"

Ryan's studio posted a photo of him with the magazine's editor, Emily, and Jessica. In the photo, Emily was standing closest to Ryan, and while she maintained her usual poised and elegant demeanor, the crescent shape of her eyes betrayed the joy she was trying to keep hidden.

Fans flooded the comments, thanking Alisa (Emily's professional name) for capturing this new side of Ryan. One comment summed it up:

**"As a fellow photographer, I have to give Alisa credit. Whether it's Olivia or Ryan, she has a knack for revealing sides of people that others can't see. She sees beyond the surface, finding their true selves and helping them express that more fully. Alisa is truly a master of her craft!"**

**"I don't know much about photography, but I can say this—she's stunning! Look at those perfect proportions, that amazing posture. She's standing next to Ryan, and she's holding her own!"**

**"I have to say it… not only is she not losing to Ryan, but I'm also seeing some real chemistry there. I could totally ship this older woman/younger man pairing!"**

Ethan scrolled through these comments, his expression tightening as he saw more and more people saying they looked "good together."

Good together?

Ha.

She's married, how could she be a match with some young guy?

Ethan scrolled back up to the photo of Emily and Ryan together. This time, he noticed something new—the hand on Ryan's shoulder.

Her hand, pale and delicate, rested casually on the young star's shoulder, the pose seemingly natural.

But what caught Ethan's eye was her hand itself—unadorned by any jewelry.

She wasn't wearing her wedding ring.

She had taken it off.

Ethan glanced down at the ring on his own finger, irritation bubbling up inside him.

He remembered a time after their marriage when he forgot to wear his ring, and Emily got upset, insisting he put it back on and promise never to take it off again. Now, she was the one who had taken off her ring to play around with a boy, smiling as if she didn't have a care in the world.

Smiling.

Why didn't she smile like that when she looked at him?

Ethan tossed the tablet aside and ordered, "Have the PR team take down those news articles about my wife. And especially this one."

Jason hesitated for a moment before quickly nodding, "Yes, Chairman Harrison."

Jason was puzzled.

Hadn't he just said not to worry about his wife's news?

But seeing his boss's expression, Jason knew better than to ask questions.

Just as he was about to leave, Ethan called him back.

Picking up the tablet, Ethan tapped a couple of times before showing Jason the screen. "Tell me—"

He pointed to Ryan's new cover photo. "Who looks better, him or me?"

**

Jason stood at the door, still reeling.

Comparing himself to a nearly ten-years-younger male celebrity and asking another man for his opinion—how was this not a trap?

Jason refused to answer. Jason liked his job. Jason hadn't saved enough for his wedding yet.

Taking a deep breath, Jason looked up and saw a familiar figure approaching from down the hallway.

Slender, elegant, and poised, with long, silken hair that swayed with each step—Emily walked right up to Jason. "Is your boss in?"

Jason instinctively pointed to the door. "Chairman Harrison is inside…"

Emily ignored the assistant's surprise and pushed the door open.

Ethan looked up at her, surprised for a moment, before a slight smirk curled one side of his mouth.

Under his gaze, Emily felt her lashes flutter slightly, betraying her nerves.

She really didn't want to be here. Seeing this heartless businessman was the last thing she wanted.

But what could she do? She had to earn a living.

She tossed her bag onto the leather sofa and tried to look nonchalant.

But the moment Ethan spoke, her composure began to crumble.

"Photographer Emily isn't busy today? Don't you need to check with your assistant about your schedule?"

Emily: "…"

Ethan was such a petty man!

Emily glared at him with a sharp, cutting gaze.

"About your grandfather's birthday banquet… I'll go with you."

Ethan raised an eyebrow, clearly waiting for more.

Emily's confidence wavered, her voice dropping, "But… you also have to shoot the *MegaZine* cover and give an interview…"

Ethan's interest piqued. "Oh? Are you trying to negotiate with me?"

"Why not?" Emily countered. "Isn't negotiating a part of doing business?"

Ethan stared at her for a moment before a slow smile spread across his face.

"Business does involve negotiation. But I'm sorry, your offer doesn't interest me at all."

Emily froze.

Ethan continued, "Plans have changed. I'm flying abroad for business in two days. I've already sent a gift to my grandfather on behalf of both of us, so we don't need to attend the banquet."

Emily: "…"

D*mn him.

He really was a sly old fox.

"So," Ethan said slowly, "I don't want what you're offering."

Emily deflated.

"Then what do you want?"

"What do you think I want?" Ethan asked, his eyes dark and unreadable, his voice low and teasing.

Emily: "…"

She was pretty sure this was heading in a questionable direction.

Under his intense gaze, Emily felt her cheeks grow warm. She pursed her lips, then suddenly smiled. "I didn't expect Chairman Harrison to conduct business this way."

Her smile turned mischievous. "But it makes sense, given that you've just started an entertainment company full of beautiful women."

Ethan blinked slowly. "Are you jealous?"

Emily: "…"

Does this guy use extra conditioner every day? Where does he get this confidence from?

Ethan watched her, his lips curling into a smirk.

So she still cared about him, after all.

With that realization, the frustration he'd felt over that photo with Ryan melted away.

"Don't worry," he said to Emily. "They're not my type."

Emily tilted her head slightly.

Those women didn't interest him?

So, was she his type, then?

At least his eyes were still working, even if his heart was dark.

But then Emily scowled, feeling a wave of disdain.

Ha, why was she feeling pleased about being his type? It was just a matter of being the best of a bad bunch.

She looked at Ethan, her smile turning sly. "Are you saying, Chairman Harrison, that you're interested in… me?"

Ethan's pen stopped tapping on the desk. He looked at her, his eyes as deep as a dark well.

"Yes."

He stood up and walked over to her, leaning in close. His warm breath brushed her ear as he whispered in that low, magnetic voice:

"So? Do you want to be pursued?"