Sophia stood in front of the mirror in her room, adjusting the simple yet elegant dress she had chosen for UCLA's Orientation Day. The light-blue sundress complemented her complexion perfectly, and the white sneakers added a touch of casual comfort. She tied her long hair into a loose ponytail, keeping her look unassuming but stylish. Today wasn't about standing out. She was determined to blend in and experience college life without the shadow of her brother's towering legacy.
Satisfied with her appearance, she grabbed her tote bag and headed downstairs. The villa's grand staircase, with its intricate wrought-iron railing, felt like a runway as her steps echoed in the spacious hall. At the bottom, Ethan waited, leaning casually against the kitchen counter with a coffee mug in hand.
"Looking sharp, Soph," he teased, his trademark smirk playing on his lips.
"Thanks," she replied, her tone light but determined. "And no, I'm not going to let anyone know who I am. I'm just Sophia Edwards, a regular freshman."
Ethan raised an eyebrow, amused. "A regular freshman who gets dropped off in a Special Edition Range Rover Sport and lives in a $23 billion mansion?"
Sophia rolled her eyes, ignoring his playful jab. "The car is just transportation, and I'll act normal. No one has to know about you."
Ethan chuckled, sipping his coffee. "Alright, Miss 'Normal.' Just don't forget—if anything happens, you call me. Got it?"
"Got it," Sophia said, smiling as she picked up her bag.
At that moment, the villa's head of security, Marcus, appeared at the door. He nodded respectfully. "Miss Edwards, the car is ready."
"Thanks, Marcus," Sophia replied as she walked outside.
The morning sun bathed the villa grounds in a warm glow, highlighting the manicured lawns and the gleaming Range Rover waiting at the circular driveway. Marcus opened the car door for her, and she slid inside, adjusting her bag on her lap.
Before the door closed, Sophia turned back to wave at Ethan, who had followed her to the entrance. "See you very soon, Brother," she said with a playful grin.
Ethan smirked, raising his coffee mug in a casual salute. "Go conquer the world, Soph."
As the car pulled away from the villa's sprawling campus, Sophia leaned back against the plush leather seat, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. The cityscape of Los Angeles blurred past the tinted windows, and she took a deep breath. This was her chance to step out of Ethan's shadow and carve her own path.
Back at the villa, Ethan watched the car disappear down the driveway before heading inside. His expression shifted from the warm brotherly smile to the focused demeanor of the CEO and scientist the world knew him to be. The day ahead was packed, and the most critical item on his agenda was the meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He strode into his office, a high-tech command center equipped with holographic screens and cutting-edge communication systems. A digital assistant's voice greeted him.
"Good morning, Mr. Edwards. Your meeting with Prime Minister Modi is scheduled for 2 PM. Would you like a briefing on the agenda?"
"Yes, pull up the specs for the new NTI defense drones," Ethan replied, settling into his chair.
A 3D hologram of the sleek, state-of-the-art drones materialized before him. These weren't just weapons—they were revolutionary pieces of technology designed for precision and efficiency. The drones, equipped with cutting-edge AI and Ethan's proprietary Uranium-1 fuel cells, were years ahead of anything else on the market.
Ethan leaned forward, studying the hologram with an intensity that betrayed his drive for perfection. This deal wasn't just about business; it was about strengthening global defense partnerships and cementing NTI's position as an unparalleled force in the industry.
As the clock ticked closer to the meeting time, Ethan's mind remained sharp, his focus unwavering. This was his world—a realm of innovation, diplomacy, and immense responsibility.
Yet, even as he prepared to discuss groundbreaking technology with one of the world's most powerful leaders, a part of him wondered how Sophia was doing. Would she enjoy her first taste of college life? Would she find friends who appreciated her for who she was, not who her brother was?
Ethan allowed himself a brief smile before returning to the task at hand. Today was important for both of them, in their own ways.