Ethan knew this moment was crucial. He needed to convince her to see things from his perspective. "While it's true that I hold a majority of the shares, additional capital can greatly accelerate growth. Think about it as a partnership for mutual benefit. We both want the company to thrive, don't we?"Lily paused, her cursor blinking in the chat box. Then, she typed, "I understand the need for growth, but I don't even know who you are. I've never seen your face. How can I trust this arrangement?"Ethan anticipated this concern. He replied, "I understand your apprehension, Lily. I assure you, I have the best interests of the company at heart. We can arrange a meeting soon so you can put a face to the name. Trust is important in any partnership, and I'm willing to earn yours."He could sense Lily's reluctance. She was treading on unfamiliar ground, and the weight of her decisions was intense. She finally responded, "Alright, I'm willing to consider this. But let's meet in person before
Ethan 211Ethan then went back into the room, finding Sophia still in deep slumber. He carefully climbed onto the bed and nestled beside her, ensuring they were both snugly covered with the duvet.As if sensing his presence, Sophia instinctively shifted her head, resting it on Ethan's chest. Her hand sought his, holding it tightly, a subconscious gesture of comfort.Ethan smiled affectionately at her serene face, her gentle humming creating a soothing ambiance. He gently raised his hand, allowing his fingers to caress through her silken hair."You're an absolute vision of beauty, my dear girlfriend. I yearn for the day when I can swiftly tie up my affairs, unveil every secret to you, and make you my wife," he whispered tenderly.He gently brushed a strand of hair from her face, his fingers tracing her features with affection, pecking her forehead. The next day at Ashville police station, the atmosphere was tense and filled with the weight of anticipation. The private interrogative roo
"Cooperate now, and it might go easier for you," Seraphina urged, her voice firm but not unkind. "Continuing down this path will only lead to more trouble."As the tension in the room thickened, Seraphina's stern expression left little room for doubt. "Tell me, did you commit this act?" She demanded, awaiting Halland's response.Just as Halland seemed on the brink of speaking, the door swung open, breaking the charged atmosphere.Seraphina's gaze sharpened as she turned towards the door, her expression curious yet composed. Her eyes fell on the man in the impeccably suit, a bag clutched under his arm, accompanied by the head of the police department.Halland's face transformed, a glimmer of hope lighting up his eyes at the sight of their family lawyer. The man was their families lawyer so he knew he was there for him. He wasted no time, beseeching the lawyer to intervene."Lawyer, you're here! You need to save me from these wicked and idiotic people," Halland implored.Slap!"Seraphina
The next day, Ethan's eyes gently opened, greeted by the sight of Sophia still sound asleep beside him, her phone held lightly in her hand. He stretched and yawned, observing Sophia place her phone down with a smile.Sophia looked up as Ethan greeted her, returning the greeting with equal warmth. "You're awake, good morning, babe.""Good morning. You're up early, what are you doing?" Ethan inquired."Just going through some stuff, nothing major," Sophia replied, a hint of morning drowsiness in her voice.Ethan nodded, then cleared his throat. "Alright, so what's on the agenda for today?"Sophia suggested a relaxing day at home. "How about we stay in, find a good movie or series on N*****x, and then head out in the evening?""In the evening?" Ethan queried, a slight frown forming. "Where would we go?"Sophia pondered for a moment before deciding. "Anywhere, really. We can take a leisurely stroll, have ice cream, or just explore the streets.""Sounds great then. So, what's our movie for
Ethan and Sophia stepped outside, opting for a leisurely stroll instead of driving. As they ambled down the street, they were unknowingly being shadowed by a tall, foreboding figure. This man, concealed and dangerous, kept a close eye on them, a hidden firearm ready for action. It was he who had been dispatched by Boss Lady after the initial team's failure to protect Ethan.He activated the earpiece in his ear and, after a brief pause, reported, "Boss Lady, young master and his girlfriend have just stepped out."Boss Lady's voice crackled in response, "Alright, do your job. Ensure their safety and stay vigilant. If you perceive any imminent threat, take appropriate action."The man acknowledged her instructions. "As you wish, boss." He clicked off the earpiece and continued to shadow Ethan and Sophia, his presence hidden from their view.Ethan and Sophia meandered down the charming streets of London on this tranquil evening. The city was aglow with the warm hues of street lamps, casti
The man frowned angrily, frustration etched on his face as he recounted his mounting losses. It seemed luck was nowhere in his favor this week.Ethan turned to Sophia with an eager glint in his eye. "I really want to try."Sophia, supportive as ever, nodded. "Surely you can. I'll pay for it."Ethan shook his head, a confident smile on his face. "No need. I actually have some cash; it should be enough."Sophia beamed at him. "All the best."The old man, sensing a new participant, inquired, "Gentleman, you seem new here. Do you want to give it a try?"Ethan nodded with enthusiasm. "Yes, I want to. How much is it?"The old man deftly displayed the amount with his fingers before verbalizing it. It was a considerable sum.Sophia looked at him, concerned. "Should I pay?"Ethan reassured her. "Don't worry, as I said, I have enough cash. I'll pay."The old man co
"Puff!"As the old man delicately unveiled the inner sanctum of the second stone, a collective breath was held in anticipation. However, to the naked eye, there was no immediate sign of the coveted green hue. A wave of initial disappointment rippled through the onlooking crowd."Ah, too bad," muttered a voice from the back, disappointment dripping from the words. "Looks like he might not have the touch after all."Ethan himself felt a bit disappointed and same was Sophia. "He seemed so confident," another person whispered, shaking their head in mock sympathy. "Guess it's not as easy as it looks."Ethan's heart sank for a fraction of a second. The collective sighs of the crowd seemed to echo in his ears. But he wasn't ready to give up hope just yet, at least the third one could be luck. He was about to ask the old man to continue with the third but what happened was more shocking. As if to defy the odds, a so
Ethan extended his hand and shook the man's, saying, "Yes, I am. And who are you, too?"The middle-aged man smiled and introduced himself as Seth Joseph, the owner of the jade business with establishments in different locations.Ethan nodded appreciatively. "Nice. So, I want to sell my jades, and I heard you buy them back."Seth confirmed, "Yes, I do." He motioned to his assistant to bring the jades that Ethan had won. After a careful examination, a pleased smile crept across Seth's face. "This is really good. Now, let's talk about the price."Ethan agreed, "Alright. You make your offer. If I'm cool with it, I'll let you know. And if I'm not, too, I'll let you know."Seth re-evaluated the jade, his satisfaction not escaping notice. Finally, he looked at Ethan and made an offer, "I'll give you $2 million for this."The onlookers chuckled lightly, expecting Ethan to decline, as he had already stated he wouldn't settle for that amount. As anticipated, Ethan shook his head, resolute. "Sor