Old friend

Ethan and Oliver arrive at the company, greeted by the bustling energy of the headquarters. Upon entering, Ethan casually mentioned, "I'll be in my office shortly, catch up with you later." His easy confidence hinted at a busy day ahead.

Meanwhile, Emily pondered how to navigate her way to the CEO's office. She approached a colleague with a friendly smile, "Hey there." The colleague responded promptly, "Yes, ma'am?" Emily quickly gathered her thoughts, "I think I left something in the CEO's office, could I quickly pop in to retrieve it?" 

"Absolutely," her colleague assured her, "The CEO's office is always open." Emily's heart skipped a beat, seeing an opportunity to uncover the truth she sought.

She made her way to Ethan's office with determined steps. Upon entering, she was struck by the harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetics that defined the space. As the headquarters of Ethan's organic energy shots company, the office spoke volumes about the company's commitment to health and wellness.

A channel-back leather rolling chair sat gracefully at Ethan's desk, a symbol of comfort and productivity combined. Its sleek leather upholstery exuded sophistication, reflecting Ethan's seamless movement between tasks. The walls, adorned with bold wallpaper, showcased vibrant patterns that sparked creativity and focus, creating an atmosphere that was both inspiring and inviting.

Emily couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. Here, amidst the curated environment, she believed she would uncover the truth she had been seeking.

Emily knew she had to find Ethan's desk. With determined steps, she approached it and meticulously began to open every compartment. To her surprise, Ethan had left one compartment unlocked. As she opened it, she was confronted with a photograph that sent a jolt through her - her past and potential future collided at that moment.

Struggling to maintain composure, Emily fought back a whirlpool of emotions threatening to overwhelm her. She knew she needed more information about Ethan. Her search led her to discover a diary tucked away discreetly. As she flipped through its pages, she stumbled upon a heartbreaking entry: "Mom, I'm sorry I couldn't protect anyone."

Just then, the unmistakable sound of footsteps approached the office. Emily's heart raced with urgency as she quickly gathered everything and moved towards the door. With trembling hands, she reached for the handle just as Ethan opened it from the outside.

Startled, Ethan's gaze locked onto Emily. "What are you doing here?" he inquired, his tone tinged with suspicion.

Collecting herself swiftly, Emily responded, "I came to retrieve something I forgot this morning." Her voice, though steady, masked the turmoil inside her.

Ethan studied her for a moment, then nodded. "Alright," he said finally, stepping aside to let her pass.

As Emily walked away, she couldn't shake the weight of what she had discovered. The photograph and Ethan's cryptic diary entry echoed in her mind, fueling a determination to unravel the mystery surrounding him.

Ethan entered his office. Oliver followed closely behind, questioning Ethan about their next steps.

"What's our move now, boss?" Oliver inquired, his tone reflecting a sense of readiness.

Ethan's expression hardened slightly as he responded, "First, we need to uncover any ties Tyler might have had with the chairman. Second, locate the security footage from the night of Emily's accident in the parking lot."

"Got it, boss," Oliver acknowledged, rising from his chair. Just as he turned to leave, Ethan halted him with a raised hand.

"Wait," Ethan paused, his gaze focused yet troubled. "Before that, arrange a meeting with the heads of the other departments."

Oliver furrowed his brow, curiosity piqued. "Why's that, boss?" he asked cautiously.

Ethan's voice softened, carrying a hint of vulnerability. "I need to understand more," he admitted quietly. "There's something missing, something I need to piece together."

Understanding dawned on Oliver's face. "I see," he murmured. "I'll set up the meeting right away."

With a nod from Ethan, Oliver left the office, leaving Ethan alone with his thoughts. Ethan gazed out the window, grappling with the weight of unanswered questions.

Ethan sank into his chair, his mind swirling with doubts. "Can I really pull this off?" he wondered aloud, his voice barely a whisper in the silent office. The weight of confronting the chairman loomed large over him.

Suddenly, the tranquility shattered as Ethan's phone rang sharply, jolting him from his reverie. With a cautious breath, he answered, "Who's calling?"

A gravelly voice on the other end cut through the air, "Ethan, how's it going? How are you holding up?"

Recognition flickered in Ethan's eyes. "Enzo? I heard you were dead," he replied incredulously.

Enzo chuckled darkly. "That was to throw off Dario's gang. Things have gotten complicated."

Ethan's brow furrowed. "What do you need, Enzo? Why call me now?"

There was a pause before Enzo spoke again, his voice grave. "I need your private plane. I have to get somewhere fast, no questions asked.