The next morning, Ethan arrived at the company earlier than usual. The events of the previous day were still on his mind. Daniel Grant. The secret project. And the strange words Daniel had said before Ethan left. There are some questions about your past that you may eventually want answered.Ethan didn't understand what Daniel meant. But he had decided not to chase answers without knowing where they would lead. For now, work came first.He walked into the operations department and greeted Marcus. "Good morning."Marcus looked up. "You're early again.""I've gotten used to it."Marcus smiled. "That's dangerous. Soon they'll expect everyone to arrive early."Ethan laughed. Before they could continue, David appeared. "Ethan.""Yes, sir?""Come with me."Marcus raised an eyebrow. "Again?"David smiled. "Again."Ethan followed him.Inside David's office, Ethan noticed a folder on the desk. David closed the door. "Sit down."Ethan sat. David took a seat opposite him. "I spoke with the chair

The chairman's warning stayed in Ethan's mind long after he left the office. You may not be dealing with ordinary criminals. Ethan didn't know what that meant. But he knew one thing. His responsibilities were becoming more dangerous.The next morning, David called him into his office. "Ethan.""Yes, sir?""How are you feeling?""Fine."David smiled. "Good. Because I have another assignment."Ethan sighed. "Already?""You're becoming reliable."Ethan laughed. "That sounds like punishment.""Sometimes it is."David handed him a file. Ethan opened it. The first page contained a photograph of a woman. "Who is she?""Victoria Hale. CEO of Hale Industries."Ethan continued reading. "She's visiting the city today.""Why does she need security?""She's meeting several investors.""Any threats?"David shook his head. "Not directly.""Then why am I assigned to her?""Because someone has been trying to disrupt her business."Ethan looked up. "How?""Threatening messages. Anonymous calls. And two

Kyle sat behind his desk, staring at the report in front of him. He had read it three times. Still, he couldn't believe it. Ethan Carter had been promoted. Not only that, Ethan had received a large bonus and had been invited to a private dinner with some of the city's most powerful businessmen.Kyle threw the report onto the desk. "This doesn't make sense."His assistant stood quietly."What don't you understand?""How did Ethan get this far so quickly?"The assistant hesitated. "I don't know."Kyle stood. "He was a nobody. Now the chairman knows his name." He walked toward the window. "I've spent years trying to get close to those people. And Ethan walks in and gets noticed immediately." His hands tightened. "This isn't fair."The assistant remained silent.Kyle turned around. "Find out who recommended him.""We've tried.""And?""Nothing."Kyle slammed his hand against the desk. "Then try harder."Later that afternoon, Kyle went to the Lawson company. He found Sophia in her office.

Ethan stood in front of the mirror, staring at the promotion letter. Senior Operations Officer. A few months ago, he would never have imagined seeing those words beside his name. He folded the letter and placed it carefully inside his drawer.Then his phone rang. It was David. "Congratulations."Ethan smiled. "Thank you.""There's one more thing.""What?""The chairman wants you at an event tonight.""What kind of event?""A business reception."Ethan sighed. "Another one?"David laughed. "You're becoming popular.""I don't think I like that.""You'll get used to it."Ethan looked at his clothes. "I don't have anything suitable.""That's why I'm calling."Two hours later, Ethan stood outside an expensive clothing store. He had never entered a place like this before. The windows displayed suits that cost more than several months of his old salary.A salesman approached him. "Good afternoon, sir.""Good afternoon.""How can I help you?""I need a suit.""Of course." The salesman looked

Ethan stood beside the café table, his phone still pressed to his ear. "Someone I know?"David's voice came through again. "Yes. Come back to the office.""Who is it?""I'd rather explain when you get here."Ethan frowned. "Alright. I'm coming." He ended the call.Emily looked at him. "Something happened?""Work.""Is everything okay?""I don't know yet."Emily nodded. "I understand."Ethan reached for his wallet. "Sorry. I have to go.""You don't have to apologize."He stood.Emily smiled. "We can finish our coffee another day.""I'd like that.""Good."Ethan gave her a small smile before leaving. As he walked outside, Emily watched him through the window. She had expected to feel nervous meeting him again. Instead, she felt strangely comfortable. The Ethan she remembered was still there. But something about him had changed. He seemed stronger. More confident. Yet he still treated people with the same quiet kindness.Ethan reached the company less than thirty minutes later. David was