CHAPTER THIRTY

Julian walked into the TM company, where a well-dressed lady greeted him. "You're just in time for the meeting in the conference room," she said. "Your presence is required."

As Julian walked through the office, everyone greeted him, speculating that he would be chosen as the new CEO. However, Julian had a competitor, David Engan, who also coveted the position and would stop at nothing to ensure Julian didn't get it.

The meeting in the conference room was to determine who would become the new CEO. Julian entered the room, and after discussions, the board announced that they had chosen him for the position.

Julian's smile was wide, but it wasn't genuine. It was an evil grin, revealing his true intentions. He knew he now had the power to do as he pleased, without anyone to stop him.

Not everyone was pleased with the decision, however. Some felt Julian wasn't the right candidate, but it was too late to change the outcome. David Engan, in particular, was determined to get rid of Julian.

David had heard rumors of the Shadow Killer, a notorious assassin known for his stealth and efficiency. He decided to seek out the Shadow Killer to take care of Julian.

The meeting concluded, and Victor and Julian conversed as they walked through the hallways. Victor asked, "Do you have some good news for me?"

Julian replied, "I attempted to eliminate the detective to shift focus away from the Shadow Killer. However, someone intervened and rescued her."

Victor's expression turned thoughtful. "Don't you think that if you'd succeeded in getting rid of her, the detectives would have suspected the Shadow Killer? And if that happens,everything would come back to you!"

Julian remained silent, contemplating Victor's words.

Victor smiled, changing the subject. "Well, that's not our concern for now. What's important is that we celebrate your new role as CEO of TM."

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Ethan sat on a hospital bed, his hand being bandaged. Ava stood close to him, her expression concerned. Other detectives, including Ryan, were also present.

Ava asked, "Why did you go there without backup? What if you'd been killed?" Ethan met her gaze, but didn't respond.

The detectives exchanged surprised glances. Ava's display of concern was unusual, as she typically maintained a tough, no-nonsense demeanor.

Thompson intervened, "Do you need us to excuse you?" Ava nodded, "Yeah, sure. Go ahead."

As the others left, Ryan gave Ethan a knowing look, as if to say, "you will explain all this later." Ethan nodded subtly in understanding.

As soon as they were alone, Ethan asked Ava, "Why are you so bothered about me? Do you like me too?"

Ava quickly replied, "No I am not bothered and I don't like you!"

In her enthusiasm, Ava accidentally touched Ethan's bandaged hand, causing him to wince in pain.

Ava quickly apologized, but Ethan could sense a subtle shift in her demeanor. Ava had momentarily forgotten that she was supposed to be investigating ethan.

In her mind, Ava had already concluded that Ethan was innocent. She couldn't bring herself to suspect him, despite the fact that she was supposed to be objective.

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Outside, the other detectives were discussing Ava's unusual behavior with Officer Thompson. One of them, Detective dan, said, "I've never seen Ava act so soft. What's gotten into her?"

Thompson replied, "I know, it's not like her. She's always been tough and professional."

Another detective chimed in, "Do you think she's fallen for Ethan?"

Ryan shook his head. "I don't think so."

But the detective persisted, "I think she might have. I mean, Ethan is handsome, more handsome than any guy in the station."

Thompson raised an eyebrow. "Are you saying I'm not handsome?"

The detective quickly clarified, "No, no, I didn't say that. I just think Ethan has a certain charm."

Thompson chuckled and walked away, clicking his tongue.

Ryan smirked and said, "At least Ethan isn't as handsome as me. Speak for yourself."

**********************************

David Engan sat in his office, seething with anger. He couldn't believe Julian had been elected CEO instead of him. He felt he was more qualified for the position.

As his anger boiled over, David slammed his wine glass across the room, shattering it. He then grabbed his phone and dialed a number.

A subordinate rushed to his office.despite not been a ceo, david still held significant influence within the corporation.

"Get me the Shadow Killer's contact information," David ordered. "I have a job for him."

The subordinate hesitated before nodding. "Ok Sir"!

David's expression turned menacing. "Get it as quickly as possible."

The subordinate bowed and hastily exited the office.

David turned to the window, his eyes fixed on Julian's office. "Julian, I'll destroy you and take that position that rightfully belongs to me" he muttered to himself, his anger and resentment simmering just below the surface.

*************************

At the hospital, the doctor entered Ethan's room with a reassuring smile. "The injury isn't serious, so you'll be discharged. I'll prescribe some medication, and you can change your bandages as needed. If you need more bandages, you can get them here at the hospital."

Ethan nodded, relieved. "Okay, no problem."

After being discharged with medication and bandages, Ethan and ava met the detectives outside. Thompson asked asked if he was well enough to go to the station, but Ethan volunteered to come.

Ethan said he would be going with Ryan,Ava nodded and went to the other detectives.

Ethan got into the car with Ryan, who started the engine and asked, "So, what's going on between you and Ava?"

Ethan replied, "I confessed that I liked her."

Ryan's eyes widened in surprise, and he nearly choked. "You did what?" he asked, stunned.

Ethan smiled mischievously. "I don't need to repeat myself, do I?"

Ryan shook his head, still looking surprised. "I'm just shocked you confessed to her. What was her response? Did she say she likes you too?"

Ethan's expression turned neutral. "She didn't reply. She just ignored me."

Ryan nodded thoughtfully. "I'm not surprised. She's not the type to open up easily."

Ethan leaned in, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Something happened between us last night."

Ryan's eyes snapped back to Ethan's, his expression intrigued. "What!!!!!" he yelled

Ethan's grin grew wider, but before he could respond, Ryan slammed on the brakes, stopping the car abruptly. "What happened?" Ryan asked with a funny look on his face.his eyes locked intensely on Ethan's.

Ethan's grin faltered for a moment, surprised by Ryan's sudden stop. "What's wrong?" Ethan asked, his eyes scanning the surrounding area.

Ryan's gaze at ethan teasingly "Tell me what happened between you and Ava," he pressed.

Ethan's smile returned, and he leaned back in his seat. "Let's just say Ava's tough exterior might be cracking," he said, a hint of amusement dancing in his voice.

Ryan's eyes narrowed.

Ethan's grin grew wider, but he remained silent, enjoying the suspense. Ryan's eyes seemed to bore into his soul, but Ethan didn't crack. He just chuckled and shook his head.

Ethan asked, trying to catch Ryan off guard, "Do you like her?"

Ryan's expression turned dismissive. "She's not even my type."

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Then why are you asking what happened?"

Ryan shrugged. "I'm just curious, and I'm surprised. Besides, I was just teasing you."Ryan smiled sheepishly

Ethan chuckled

Ryan grinned, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Let's head to the station. We've got work to do."

With that, Ryan released the brake and accelerated, speeding towards the station.