The room held its breath as Ethan stared at the glowing phone screen. The words burned into his memory: “Sign the paper and your mother’s truth dies today.”
Ethan’s mother had disappeared ten years ago under mysterious circumstances. The police had ruled it an accident, but Ethan knew his wealthy family held dark secrets. For years, he had lived as a humble student, hiding his true identity while silently investigating her disappearance. Now, someone in this very room—or watching through the security cameras—knew the truth.
Mr. Vance, Julian’s father, sweat profusely as he watched Ethan’s sudden silence. “Mr. Sterling… please. My son was foolish, but our company—our workers—they depend on this bailout! Just sign the document!”
Julian remained on his knees, his face pale, unable to meet Ethan’s eyes. The arrogance that had defined him just an hour ago was completely shattered.
Ethan raised his head slowly. His eyes locked onto Mr. Vance, then shifted toward the corner of the boardroom where a sleek security camera blinked with a tiny red light. Whoever sent the text was watching his every move.
“The deal is off,” Ethan said, his voice cold as ice.
He slammed the pen onto the glass conference table. The executives gasped in disbelief.
“Ethan, wait!” Mr. Vance begged, lunging forward. “If you don’t sign, we go bankrupt by midnight!”
“Then you better start packing,” Ethan replied coldly. “Because until I find out who is pulling the strings behind your company, not a single cent of Sterling money enters your bank account.”
Ethan turned around and strode out of the boardroom, his dark coat billowing behind him. As he walked down the grand marble corridor, his phone vibrated once more.
Another text appeared from the unknown number: “Smart choice, Ethan. Now look up.”
Ethan stopped dead in his tracks at the end of the hallway. Standing near the exit was a woman in a dark coat, holding an old leather photo album—the exact same album that had vanished from his mother’s room the night she disappeared.
(To be continued in Episode 4…)
