The night had stretched on longer than Ethan had expected, the hours slipping past unnoticed. His phone sat beside him, untouched for a while, as he leaned back in his chair, reflecting on the conversation that had just unfolded. The air in the office was thick with the weight of his thoughts, but he couldn't shake the one thing that had burned into his mind—Michael Chen.
Mr. Reynolds's words were still ringing in his ears: "Michael's a player, Ethan. He doesn't do favors, but he respects someone who knows what they want. And he owes you one."
Ethan had heard about Michael Chen for years. He knew of the tech mogul's ability to navigate the cutthroat world of gaming. Michael wasn't just a competitor to Titan Edge; he was a visionary. A force capable of outmaneuvering even the most entrenched players in the industry.
But the idea that Michael owed him? That had caught Ethan completely off guard.
Years ago, Ethan had been nothing more than a small-time coder with grand ambitions. He had never imagined that his skills—skills honed under his grandmother's watchful eye—could be worth anything to someone like Michael Chen. Yet, looking back, he realized there had been a few pivotal moments, small gestures, that had shaped their relationship. He had helped Michael during a rough patch—offering technical expertise for a platform Horizon had been developing, a project that had nearly faltered without the right coding. Michael had been grateful then, acknowledging Ethan's contribution in a way that no one else had.
Now, it seemed, that favor was about to come full circle.
Ethan picked up his phone and dialed the number Michael had given him years ago. He didn't expect the call to go through immediately—he was fully aware of how guarded someone like Michael could be. But to his surprise, after a few rings, Michael picked up.
"Ethan," Michael's voice was calm, but there was a familiarity to it, the kind that only came from someone who had known you longer than you'd realized. "I was wondering when you'd call."
Ethan hesitated for just a fraction of a second, before plunging into the heart of the matter. "Michael, I need your help. I'm in a tight spot, and I think you're the only one who can get me out of it."
There was a pause on the other end, but Ethan knew better than to rush it. Michael wasn't the type to give anything away easily.
"You're not calling just to catch up, are you?" Michael's voice held a hint of a smile. He had always been perceptive, able to read between the lines.
"No," Ethan said, his voice steady despite the tension rising in his chest. "Titan Edge is trying to take over Level Up Games—and they're using every dirty trick in the book. But I've got a plan, Michael, and I think it could work if you're willing to play along."
Another pause. This time, it felt longer. Ethan could hear the rustle of papers, maybe a breath, but nothing else. Then, Michael's voice came again, soft but decisive. "What's the plan?"
Ethan took a breath, steadying himself. "I need you to step in—Horizon Interactive. If you were to offer a competing bid for Level Up Games, Vaughn would be forced to make a move. It could turn the tables, make Titan Edge sweat. I know it's risky, but this could shake up the entire industry."
There was no immediate response. For a moment, Ethan feared he had miscalculated—maybe Michael had grown indifferent, focused solely on his own empire. Maybe this was too much, too soon. But then Michael spoke, his voice carrying an unspoken understanding.
"You really think this is the right move, don't you?" His tone was more contemplative now, not dismissive, but interested—perhaps even impressed.
"I do," Ethan replied, his confidence growing. "I've spent months fighting Titan Edge, but they're too powerful, too entrenched. We need someone bigger, someone they'll actually take seriously. You could be that person, Michael. With Horizon backing us, Titan Edge won't know what hit them."
Ethan could almost hear the gears turning on the other end of the line. He could picture Michael—the way he analyzed every word, every possibility. Michael wasn't the type to rush in without thinking. But Ethan had known this was always going to be a long shot. Still, Michael's reputation for sharp, calculated moves was exactly why he needed him now.
Finally, Michael responded, his voice steady but carrying an edge of something else—something like approval, a rare tone from a man who rarely showed his cards. "You've done well, Ethan. You've built something worth fighting for. Something worth protecting. I can't promise you anything just yet, but I will say this—you've earned my attention. You've got your shot."
Ethan's heart skipped a beat. He had known Michael was shrewd, that he didn't give favors lightly. But the way Michael spoke now—this wasn't the cold, detached businessman that others often described. This was a man who understood the stakes, who respected the effort it took to fight back, even against the biggest odds.
"Thank you, Michael," Ethan breathed, almost unable to process the relief that washed over him. "I won't let you down."
"You better not." Michael's tone shifted slightly, a knowing edge creeping back into his voice. "But don't mistake this for charity. I'm in this because I see potential. You've got a chance to break Titan Edge's grip, Ethan. But if I'm going to play, I need to know you can deliver on the bigger promise. You've got the talent. Now show me you can handle the power that comes with it."
Ethan let out a slow breath, his mind already shifting to the next steps. The plan was in motion, and Michael's words hung in the air, a challenge and a commitment all at once.
"You have my word," Ethan replied, feeling a fire stir within him. "I won't just fight for Level Up Games—I'll fight for everything we've built. And for everything we can still build."
There was a brief chuckle from Michael, soft but genuine. "That's what I like to hear. Get ready, Ethan. We're going to change the game."
The call ended with an unspoken promise between them. Ethan stared at the phone in his hand, his pulse quickening. He had known the stakes were high, but now they were real. Michael Chen—one of the most powerful figures in the industry—was on his side. For the first time in weeks, Ethan felt like they might just have a fighting chance.