A Proposition

Chapter 11: A Proposition

Danielle stared at Ethan in stunned silence, her mind racing. The sincerity in his voice was clear, but so was the impossibility of his offer. How could she allow him to help? This wasn't his issue—it was hers.

"I can't let you do that, Mr. Wright," she finally said, shaking her head. "It's too much."

Ethan leaned back in his chair, his gaze steady. "Danielle, I admire your independence, but sometimes strength isn't about handling everything on your own. Sometimes it's about knowing when to accept help."

Her throat tightened, and she looked away, blinking rapidly to hold back tears. "I don't want anyone to think I'm using you or taking advantage of your kindness."

Ethan smirked slightly, a hint of amusement in his tone. "Danielle, if anyone tried to accuse you of that, they'd be in for a rude awakening. You've earned every bit of respect you have here."

She glanced back at him, her defenses starting to crumble. "I don't know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything right now," Ethan said, his voice softening. "Just listen to me."

Danielle nodded hesitantly, and Ethan continued. "I know how overwhelming medical bills can be. And I also know that you're not the type to ask for help, even when you really need it. So, here's my proposal: let me cover your father's hospital expenses—for now."

Her eyes widened in disbelief. "What? No, I—"

He raised a hand to stop her. "Just hear me out. This isn't charity, Danielle. Think of it as a loan if that makes it easier for you. You can pay me back, no interest, on your own terms. This way, your father gets the care he needs, and you can focus on what really matters."

Danielle's mind was racing. Part of her wanted to refuse outright, to hold on to her pride and figure things out on her own. But another part of her—the one that had been struggling under the weight of her situation—was tempted to accept. For her father's sake.

"I don't know if I can ever pay you back," she confessed, her voice barely a whisper.

"You will," Ethan replied confidently. "I'm not worried about that. I just want to make sure you and your father are taken care of."

She bit her lip, caught between gratitude and guilt. Finally, she let out a shaky breath. "Okay. But only as a loan. I'll pay back every cent."

Ethan smiled, a rare warmth lighting up his face. "Deal."

For the first time in days, a small sense of relief washed over her. She wasn't alone anymore.

That evening, as Danielle returned to the hospital, she felt a flicker of hope. She held her father's hand and shared the new plan with him, leaving out the part about Ethan's help. James Bennett smiled weakly, squeezing her hand.

"You've always been resourceful, Dani," he said, his voice rough. "I'm proud of you."

She nodded, feeling a tightness in her chest. "I'll do whatever it takes, Dad. Just focus on getting better."

The next morning, Danielle entered Wright Enterprises with a fresh sense of determination. She was still tired and weighed down, but knowing her father was receiving good care brought her a clarity she hadn't experienced in weeks.

Ethan noticed the shift right away. As she walked past his office, he called out, "Danielle."

She stopped and turned to him. "Yes, Mr. Wright?"

He gave her a knowing look. "It's Ethan. You can call me Ethan outside of work."

Her cheeks warmed slightly, and she nodded. "Okay... Ethan."

"Great." He grinned. "Now get to work. I expect nothing less than brilliance from you today."

She laughed softly, shaking her head as she moved on. For the first time in ages, she felt ready to tackle whatever challenges lay ahead.

Meanwhile, in the dim corners of Wright Enterprises, Adrian simmered with anger. He had been monitoring Danielle, hoping her difficulties would drive her out of the company and away from Ethan. But now, it appeared Ethan had intervened, thwarting his plans.

Adrian wasn't alone in his frustration. He had recently teamed up with an unexpected ally who shared his animosity toward Ethan: Nathaniel Wright, Ethan's older brother. Bound by their mutual disdain, the two had started scheming to undermine Ethan and reclaim their perceived power.

Nathaniel reclined in his chair, a glass of whiskey cradled in his hand. "Ethan's always been the golden boy, hasn't he?" he remarked with a hint of bitterness. "But even golden boys can lose their shine."

Adrian grinned, his thoughts racing with schemes. "Then let's make sure he does."

Ethan and Danielle found their lives shifting, intertwining in ways neither could fully grasp. Yet in the shadows, a storm was gathering—one that threatened to disrupt everything they were starting to create together.