The crisp November air bit at Ethan Park's cheeks as he zipped through Nova City's crowded streets on his old motorbike. His delivery bag strapped securely to his back, he expertly navigated through honking cars, jaywalking pedestrians, and the occasional pothole. A warm smile spread across his face as he glanced at the receipt on his phone.
"Devereaux Tower," he muttered, shaking his head. "Who orders spicy tofu from Downtown?"
Uptown was a different world. Polished, pristine, and crawling with people who wouldn't look twice at someone like him. Ethan didn't mind, though. Work was work, and this delivery was going to net him a solid tip.
As he approached the sleek glass monolith of Devereaux Tower, the reality of Uptown hit him. A valet raised an eyebrow at his motorbike, and security guards eyed him like a stray dog. He adjusted his cap and squared his shoulders, walking past the revolving doors.
The lobby was breathtaking: marble floors, shimmering chandeliers, and an air of self-importance. Ethan didn't belong here, and everyone knew it.
"Can I help you?" the receptionist asked, her tone bordering on condescension.
"Delivery for… uh, Lila Devereaux?" Ethan said, glancing at his phone.
The receptionist's brows furrowed. "CEO Devereaux doesn't *do* deliveries."
"Well, someone ordered spicy tofu, and it's going to get cold," Ethan quipped, flashing his signature grin.
Before she could respond, the elevator dinged, and a sharp voice sliced through the air.
"What's the holdup?"
Ethan turned to see a striking woman stepping out of the elevator. She was tall, poised, and dressed in a tailored black pantsuit that probably cost more than his year's rent. Her piercing green eyes landed on him, and her expression darkened.
"Who are you?" she demanded.
"Your tofu guy?" Ethan offered, holding up the bag.
A flicker of confusion crossed her face before she crossed her arms. "I don't eat tofu. Who let him in?"
The receptionist stammered, but Ethan interjected. "Look, I just go where the receipt tells me. If this isn't yours, fine. I'll leave."
Lila's eyes narrowed as she stepped closer. "Let me see that receipt."
Reluctantly, Ethan handed it over. She scanned it quickly, her brow furrowing.
"This is for Devereaux Industries, not me personally," she said, thrusting the phone back at him. "Next time, check your details before barging into a secure building."
Ethan bit back a retort. "Noted. Enjoy your day, ma'am."
As he turned to leave, a man in a suit rushed over. "Ms. Devereaux, about the firmware update—"
Ethan paused mid-step. "Wait, *that's* the project? The one everyone's been buzzing about?"
Lila glanced over her shoulder, her irritation mounting. "Yes, why?"
Ethan shrugged. "You're gonna want to double-check your encryption protocols. The system's wide open to backdoor breaches."
Silence fell over the lobby. The suited man gawked, and Lila's eyes narrowed dangerously.
"Excuse me?" she said, her voice icy.
"Just saying," Ethan replied, holding up his hands. "I read about it online. Wouldn't want a billion-dollar scandal on your hands."
Lila took a step closer, her gaze boring into him. For a moment, Ethan thought she might actually throw him out herself. But instead, she gave a curt nod.
"Wait here," she ordered.
Before Ethan could protest, she disappeared into the elevator with the suited man. He glanced around awkwardly, the tofu bag still in hand.
"This day just keeps getting weirder," he muttered.