Ethan stood outside the glass doors of Apex Corporation, his heart pounding in his chest. The weight of his mother's hospital bills and his sister's school fees weighed heavily on his mind. He had barely slept the night before, replaying his hastily prepared solutions over and over in his head. Today was the day he had to present his plan to Lucien Belmont, and failure was not an option.
He took a deep breath and walked into the building, feeling small and out of place in the grand lobby. After a brief check-in, he was escorted to Lucien's office. The secretary led him to a set of imposing double doors and gestured for him to enter.
"Good luck," she whispered sympathetically before turning back to her desk.
Ethan nodded, his mouth dry, and pushed open the doors. Lucien's office was as intimidating as the man himself—spacious, modern, and meticulously organized. Lucien sat behind a massive mahogany desk, his piercing green eyes fixed on Ethan as he entered.
"Mr. Pierce," Lucien greeted, his voice cool and commanding. "Please, sit."
"Thank you, Mr. Belmont," Ethan said, trying to keep his voice steady. He took a seat and placed his folder on the desk.
Lucien leaned back in his chair, his gaze never leaving Ethan. "I've reviewed your proposal," he said, tapping the folder lightly. "And I must say, I'm not impressed."
Ethan felt a sinking feeling in his stomach. "I… I did my best, Mr. Belmont. I believe the plan can work if given the chance."
Lucien raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips. "Your best isn't good enough, Ethan. This mistake has cost my company a significant amount of money and time. Your plan lacks the necessary precision and foresight to rectify the situation."
Ethan's heart pounded in his chest. He had worked so hard on this proposal, and now it felt like all his efforts were in vain. "I'm sorry, Mr. Belmont. I'll work harder. I can come up with something better."
Lucien's eyes darkened, and he leaned forward, his voice low and dangerous. "You don't understand, Ethan. This isn't about working harder. This is about competence and capability. And right now, you're failing on both counts."
Ethan swallowed hard, feeling the pressure mounting. "Please, Mr. Belmont, I need this job. I need to make this right."
Lucien regarded him for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then he stood and walked around the desk, stopping just inches from where Ethan sat. "Tell me, Ethan, how far are you willing to go to fix this mess?"
Ethan looked up at him, confused. "What do you mean?"
Lucien's eyes bored into him, a predatory glint in their depths. "I'm offering you a deal. I will take care of your mother's hospital bills, your sister's school fees, and any other financial burdens you're carrying. In return, you will do exactly as I say, whenever I say it. No questions asked."
Ethan's mind raced. This was not what he had expected. "You want me to be your… what, your servant?"
Lucien chuckled, a cold, mirthless sound. "Let's call it a partnership, shall we? You will work for me, and I will ensure your financial security. But make no mistake, Ethan, this is not an equal partnership. You will obey my every command."
Ethan's heart pounded. This was madness. But what choice did he have? His mother needed medical care, and his sister needed to stay in school. He couldn't let them suffer because of his failure. "What… what kind of things would you ask me to do?"
Lucien's smile widened, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Nothing illegal, if that's what you're worried about. I have plenty of people for that. Your tasks will be more… personal. But make no mistake, Ethan, they will be demanding."
Ethan felt a chill run down his spine. "And if I refuse?"
Lucien's expression hardened. "Then I will ensure that your company is destroyed, and you will be out of a job, with no means to support your family. You will lose everything."
Ethan's mind was in turmoil. This was a devil's bargain, but what other option did he have? He couldn't let his family suffer. "Okay," he said quietly. "I'll do it."
Lucien's smile returned, this time with genuine satisfaction. "Good. I knew you were smart, Ethan." He reached into a drawer and pulled out a contract, placing it on the desk in front of Ethan. "Sign this. It's just a formality to make our arrangement official."
Ethan picked up the pen with a trembling hand and signed the contract. As he did, he felt a sense of finality settle over him. There was no turning back now.
Lucien took the contract and placed it back in the drawer. "Welcome to my world, Ethan. Your first task is simple. Tomorrow, you will hand in your resignation letter to your current company and begin working for me."
Ethan's eyes widened in shock. "What? But... why do you need me to work for you?"
Lucien waved off his question. "That's not for you to worry about. Just ensure you resign properly and report to my office by 9 AM sharp the day after tomorrow."
Ethan struggled to process the sudden change. "But I don't understand. What exactly will I be doing?"
Lucien's gaze turned cold and piercing. "Your job description will be explained in due time. For now, do as you're told."
Feeling cornered, Ethan nodded reluctantly. "Yes, Mr. Belmont. I'll do it."
Lucien checked his watch. "Good. Now, I have a meeting in a few minutes, so it's time for you to leave."
Ethan stood up, feeling a mix of anxiety and resignation. "Thank you, Mr. Belmont."
As Ethan turned to leave, Lucien's voice stopped him. "Remember, Ethan, I expect absolute obedience. Do not disappoint me."
Ethan nodded and walked out of the office, his mind racing with what had just transpired. He had made a pact with Lucien Belmont, and there was no going back. The thought of what he might have to do in the future sent chills down his spine.
The ride back home was a blur. He couldn't stop thinking about what had just happened. He had made a pact with Lucien Belmont, and there was no going back. The thought of what he might have to do in the future sent chills down his spine.
As he entered his apartment, he dropped his bag and sank onto the couch. The reality of his situation hit him like a ton of bricks. He had sold himself to save his family. What would Lucien demand of him? How far would he have to go to fulfill his end of the bargain?
Ethan knew one thing for sure: his life would never be the same again.