Chapter 2 Humble beginning

❤️❤️❤️ Humble beginning ❤️❤️❤️

Ethan Thompson's gaze lingered on Emily's report, long after she'd left this office.

Her insight and analysis impressed him, but he knew better than to let his guard down.

At 22, Ethan became the youngest self-made billionaire after inheriting nothing but debt and ashes from his parents' tragic car accident.

His drive and intellect transformed Thompson Innovations into a global powerhouse.

But the scars of his past still lingered.

Ethan's thoughts drifted to his parents, Alexander and Elizabeth Thompson, whose untimely death had left him alone and adrift.

He remembered the anguish, the struggle to make ends meet, and the determination to prove himself.

Ethan's jaw clenched, his eyes flashing with resolve.

He would never let anyone or anything threaten what he'd built.

The intercom buzzed, snapping him back to reality.

"Mr. Thompson, Sophia Montgomery is waiting," his assistant announced.

Ethan's expression turned cold.

Sophia, the daughter of influential businessman Mr. Maxwell, had secured a lucrative deal for Thompson Innovations. But Ethan knew her true intentions.

He strode to the window, his eyes narrowing.

Sophia's words echoed in his mind: "Father's influence. You wouldn't dare decline."

Ethan's phone buzzed again.

"Mr. Thompson, your schedule for tomorrow," his assistant said.

Ethan's gaze lingered on the city, his expression unreadable.

As he turned back to his desk, a faint smile played on his lips.

Emily Lee, with her determination and raw talent, intrigued him.

But he wouldn't let emotions cloud his judgment.

Not again.

The darkness of his past still lingered, a reminder of the devastating consequences of letting his guard down.

Ethan's eyes hardened.

He would keep Emily Lee at arm's length, no matter how captivating she seemed.

Just then, Sophia swept into his office, her piercing green eyes flashing with entitlement.

"Ethan, Father expects our partnership to yield unprecedented profits," Sophia said, her voice dripping with condescension.

Ethan's gaze turned icy.

"I'll ensure our partnership benefits both parties, Sophia. Nothing more."

Sophia's smile twisted.

"We'll see about that."

Emily Lee's mind wandered back to her childhood home as she stepped out of Thompson Innovations' sleek glass building.

The stark contrast between her past and present was a harsh reminder of how far she'd come.

The cramped, worn-down apartment she grew up in was a world away from the luxurious high-rise offices of Los Angeles' elite.

Her parents, struggling to make ends meet, had sacrificed everything for her education.

Emily recalled the countless nights spent studying by the faint glow of a single bulb, the sound of her parents' worried whispers in the background.

Her heart swelled with determination.

She wouldn't let their struggles be in vain.

As she walked to the bus stop, Emily's thoughts drifted to her parents' words of encouragement. "You're our chance at a better life, Emily. Make us proud."

The bus ride home was long, but Emily's mind was already racing with tomorrow's tasks.

Research, reports, and impressing Ethan Thompson.

As she stepped off the bus, the familiar sights and sounds of her old neighborhood enveloped her.

The vibrant street art, the smell of Korean BBQ, and the warm greetings from Mrs. Kim, their elderly neighbor.

Emily smiled, feeling a sense of belonging.

She approached her family's apartment complex, the peeling paint and rusty railings a reminder of the harsh realities she'd faced.

Her mother, Jae-Hwa, greeted her with a warm hug and a tired smile. "How was your first day, Emily?"

Emily's eyes sparkled. "It was amazing, Umma. I'm going to make a difference."

Jae-Hwa's eyes shone with pride. "We always knew you would."

As they shared a simple dinner of kimchi stew and rice, Emily's father, Min-Soo, asked about her day. Emily recounted her experiences, leaving out the intimidating moments.

Min-Soo's eyes crinkled with warmth. "You're making us proud, Emily. Keep pushing forward."

The evening passed in a blur of laughter and stories, Emily's heart swelling with love for her family.

As she settled into her small bedroom, Emily's gaze fell upon the faded photograph of her parents, taken before hardship etched its mark on their faces.

She made a silent promise:

I'll create a better life for us. I won't let our struggles define me.

With renewed resolve, Emily drifted off to sleep, the city's distant hum lulling her into a dream-filled night.

.

.

*New Dawn*

Emily's alarm blared, jolting her awake.

She rubbed the sleep from her eyes, excitement coursing through her veins.

Day two at Thompson Innovations.

As she dressed, Emily's thoughts lingered on Ethan Thompson.

His piercing gaze, his enigmatic smile. She pushed aside the flutter in her chest.

Focus, Emily.

Downstairs, her mother, Jae-Hwa, had prepared a hearty breakfast.

"Eat well, Emily. You need energy for your big day," Jae-Hwa said, her eyes shining with pride.

Emily hugged her mother tightly. "Thanks, Umma. I won't let you down."

The bus ride to Thompson Innovations flew by in a blur. Emily's mind was already racing with the day's tasks.

As she stepped into the office, Rachel greeted her with a warm smile.

"Good morning, Emily! Ethan wants to see you at 9 a.m."

Emily's heart skipped a beat.

What did Ethan want to discuss?

She made her way to Ethan's office, her nerves humming.

Ethan looked up from his desk, his eyes narrowing.

"Emily, I've assigned you a new project. Research the latest trends in sustainable energy."

Emily nodded, determination igniting within her.

"I'm on it."

Ethan's gaze lingered, his expression unreadable.

"I expect exceptional results."

Emily's pulse quickened.

"I won't disappoint."

As she left Ethan's office, Emily felt a sense of purpose.

She dove into her research, hours flying by in a whirlwind of reports and data.

Just as she was wrapping up, Rachel approached her desk.

"Emily, you're doing great. Ethan's impressed."

Emily's heart swelled with pride.

"Thanks, Rachel. I won't let him down."

As the day drew to a close, Emily packed up her belongings, eager to share her progress with Ethan.

.

.

As the day drew to a close, Emily submitted her report to Ethan, feeling a sense of accomplishment.

Ethan's eyes scanned the document, his expression unreadable.

"Excellent work, Emily," he said finally, a hint of approval in his voice.

Emily's heart swelled with pride.

Ethan stood up, his tall frame towering over her.

"Let's discuss the Smithson project," he said, gesturing to two elite guards waiting by the door.

Victor and Lucas, former Special Forces operatives turned high-end security specialists, flanked Ethan.

Their firm, Blackwood Protection Services, was renowned for safeguarding high-profile business leaders.

As they walked out of the office, Emily listened intently to Ethan's explanation.

"...and our goal is to revitalize the downtown area with sustainable infrastructure," Ethan concluded.

Emily's mind whirled with ideas.

"I see immense potential," she said, her eyes meeting Ethan's.

Ethan's gaze lingered, a flicker of interest sparking within.

As they stepped into the parking garage, Emily's eyes widened.

Sophia Montgomery stood beside Ethan's sleek black sedan, flanked by two imposing guards.

Ethan's expression turned cold.

Sophia's smile twisted.

"Ethan, darling. I've been waiting."

Ethan's jaw clenched.

"What do you want, Sophia?"

Sophia's eyes locked onto Emily.

"I think you know, Ethan."

Ethan's voice dropped to a low growl.

"Back off, Sophia."

Sophia's laughter echoed through the garage.

"We're just getting started."

Sophia's eyes narrowed, her gaze piercing Emily with an evil glare.

Jealousy simmered within her, fueled by Emily's growing proximity to Ethan.

How dare she, Sophia thought, her mind racing with malice.

Ethan's attention, once solely focused on her, now wavered.

Sophia's smile twisted.

"I'll take care of you," she whispered to herself.

As Ethan walked towards his sleek black sedan, flanked by Victor and Lucas, Emily headed in the opposite direction.

She pulled out her phone, checking the bus schedule.

A few minutes to spare.

Emily quickened her pace, walking towards the bus stop.

The cool evening air enveloped her, a welcome respite from the tension-filled parking garage.

As she waited for the bus, Emily's thoughts drifted to Ethan.

Why did he so cold hearted and independent?

And what was Sophia's problem?

Emily shook her head, pushing aside the thoughts.

The bus arrived, and Emily stepped aboard, finding a quiet seat near the back.

As the bus pulled away, Emily gazed out the window.

The city lights blurred together, her mind whirling with questions.

Little did she know, Sophia's sinister plan was already in motion.

Sophia pulled out her phone, dialing a number.

"Johnson," she said, her voice dripping with venom, "I need you to dig up dirt on Emily Lee."

Johnson's voice echoed through the line.

"What kind of dirt, Ms. Montgomery?"

Sophia's laughter sent shivers down Johnson's spine.

"Enough to get her fired. Enough to keep her away from Ethan."

Johnson hesitated.

"I understand, Ms. Montgomery. But if this gets out-"

Sophia's tone turned glacial.

"It won't."

The bus rumbled on, carrying Emily further away from the looming storm.

But for how long?

To be continued...