The next morning, Ethan woke up early, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. He had decided to attend the meeting, and he couldn't wait to see what this organization was all about.
As he got dressed and ready, his mother stirred in her sleep. "Ethan, where are you going?" she mumbled, rubbing her eyes.
"I'm just going out for a bit, Mom," Ethan replied, trying to sound casual. "I'll be back soon."
His mother nodded, still half asleep, and Ethan slipped out of the apartment, making his way to the address on the letter.
The building was a sleek, modern skyscraper in the financial district. Ethan felt a little out of place among the suits and briefcases, but he steeled himself and walked into the lobby.
A receptionist looked up from her desk and smiled. "Can I help you?"
"I'm here for a meeting," Ethan said, holding out the letter. "With Rachel."
The receptionist nodded and picked up the phone. "Rachel, your guest is here."
A moment later, a woman with short, dark hair and a kind smile appeared from the elevator. "Ethan, welcome," she said, extending her hand. "I'm Rachel. Please, come with me."
Ethan followed Rachel into the elevator, which whisked them up to a high floor. They walked down a corridor lined with doors, each one bearing a discreet nameplate.
Rachel stopped at a door marked "Conference Room" and pushed it open. "Please, take a seat," she said, gesturing to a chair at the far end of a long table.
Ethan sat down, feeling a little awestruck by the luxurious surroundings. Rachel took a seat opposite him, a folder open on the table in front of her.
"So, Ethan," she began, "I'm sure you're wondering why we've brought you here today."
Ethan nodded, his curiosity getting the better of him.
"We've been watching you for some time now," Rachel continued. "We believe you have great potential, and we'd like to offer you a chance to join our organization."
Ethan's eyes widened. "What organization?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Rachel smiled. "All in good time, Ethan. First, we need to discuss the terms of our offer."
(To be continued in Chapter 3: "The Discovery")