In the luxurious confines of his office, Ethan reclined comfortably in his leather chair, his fingers steepled beneath his chin. The golden rays of the setting sun streamed in through the large window, casting a warm glow on his chiseled features.
Amused by the thought of Emily's reactions to the little surprise he'd left for her in his bedroom, Ethan couldn't help but chuckle softly. He envisioned her waking up in his bed, the rush of embarrassment coloring her cheeks as she discovered herself in different attire. He could almost hear her voice filled with exasperation and imagined the fiery glint in her eyes when she found his handwritten letter on the bedside table.
"Hahaha," Ethan laughed out loud, his amusement echoing within the office, a sound that left his bodyguard, Mike, utterly perplexed.
Mike watched his boss, a furrow forming on his forehead as he silently wondered if something had gone amiss. Ethan's outburst of laughter was a rare occurrence, and it left him questioning whether his usually composed and stoic boss had suddenly lost his sanity.
Once Ethan's laughter had subsided, he returned to his desk, resuming his role as the formidable CEO of Sterling Company Worldwide. His mind, however, was focused on the events that lay ahead.
He leaned forward, his gaze sharp and unwavering as he addressed Mike with a seriousness that belied his earlier laughter. "I want maximum security around the orphanage during the opening ceremony tomorrow. Every person entering must be scrutinized, and I expect you to be by Emily's side at all times. My father's presence is a likely scenario, and I need to be prepared for anything."
Ethan's thoughts echoed with a sense of urgency. His father, Anthony Dante, had returned, and the silence surrounding him since his arrival was unsettling. Ethan was well aware that his father was not one to remain idle for long, and he couldn't help but wonder about the storm that might be brewing on the horizon.
As the sun dipped lower, casting long shadows across the city, Ethan knew that the events of the coming days would be pivotal.