Rewriting My Heart's Fate (Ethan and Evelyn)

"Fine! I'm leaving!" Carlos spat and stormed off.

We watched him leave. We were all relieved when he finally vanished from our sight.

Turning around, I looked into Ethan's eyes and earnestly said, "Thank you, Mr. Grayson."

"Don't mention it," he said with a gentle smile. I could see the concern in his eyes when he spoke to me. "Tell me right away if something like this happens again. Don't bear it all alone." I nodded, moved by his words. Warmth spread from the bottom of my heart.

After Carlos left, the room became silent again. Glancing around, Ethan realized that Lianne and Kevin were in the room too.

"Sorry, I must've frightened you two," said Ethan with an apologetic smile.

"It's fine," said Lianne and Kevin in unison as they waved their hand to dismiss his apology. "Thanks for lending us a hand and resolving the situation for Evelyn."

Ethan nodded lightly. "It's no big deal. Since we're going to collaborate, it is my duty to make sure that nobody gives her a rough time."

His words made me feel warm inside. It seemed like he took our collaboration very seriously. Besides, it was as clear as day that he didn't care about Carlos.

I couldn't help but ask him, "Speaking of which, how did you manage to get here in time?"

Ethan's reply wasn't much of an answer because he said, "I just so happened to come to ask you about our contract."

He took out a stack of documents from his briefcase and handed it to me. "Take a look at it when you're free. You can ask me if there's any problem with it."

I took the documents from him and scanned them. The terms and conditions were stated in great detail, and overall, they gave me quite the advantage. Besides a few details that needed amending, there weren't any problems with the documents.NôvelDrama.Org: text © owner.

"It's all good," I said, looking at him. "There's something I'd like to add, though. Can the details about my brand ownership be stated more clearly?"

"Don't worry about that." Ethan shot me a reassuring smile. "You will have full ownership of your brand. Grayson Group is just the investor. We won't interfere with your plans for your brand. I can vouch for this."

His promise set me at ease. He showed me more respect now. It didn't seem like he would try to take control of my brand under the guise of a contract. "Okay. I'll sign it," I said, picking up a pen and signing the documents.

From this day onward, Ethan and I would be business partners.

"It's a pleasure to get to work with you," said Ethan, extending a hand.

Without hesitation, I shook his hand firmly. His hand was bigger than mine, and his palm was a little coarse. I could feel the warmth from his palm.

My heart pounded in my chest for some unknown reason. Maybe I was just nervous after signing the contract.

"We're in the same boat now," said Ethan, his smile warm. "Tell me if you need help with anything."

"Thanks," I said. "I'll do my best in building my brand."

After seeing him off, I sighed in relief. Talking business and negotiating with a business partner with high potential like him gave me the heebie-jeebies. Still, the results were satisfactory.

"Wow! Mr. Grayson is so kind to you!" Lianne's face was burstinge with envy. "Not only did he help you teach Carlos a lesson, but the contract is advantageous to you. You're so lucky, Evelyn!"

I laughed bitterly at Lianne's enthusiasm. I didn't share her optimism. Indeed, Ethan's kindness was something worth being happy about, but something felt off about it somehow.