Jessica's heart was pounding, her face screaming that it was too expensive, and she panicked to find an excuse: "It's... it's really pretty, but... but I feel like it's... kind of tight? Not very comfortable..."
As she spoke, she deliberately moved her wrist trying to prove it.
Ethan looked at the watch fitting perfectly on her wrist—the sales associate had obviously adjusted the bracelet length according to her wrist size.
He knew this girl was just spooked by the price.
The corners of his lips curved up with a meaningful arc, his eyes sweeping over her reddened cheeks as he said slowly: "Tighter is better. Closer fit to your wrist. As you wear it, it'll naturally loosen up."
At first glance, this sounded like he was talking about the watch, but with his playful eyes, Jessica always felt something off about it.
Before she could think more about it, Ethan had already pulled out his wallet, took out a bank card and handed it to the sales associate: "We'll take this one. Run the card."
The sales associate's eyes flashed with delight. She took the card with both hands, her smile becoming even brighter: "Excellent choice, sir! Please give us just a moment and we'll process this right away!"
"Ethan!" Jessica hurriedly grabbed his arm and whispered, "This is too expensive! I can't accept this..."
Ethan gently held her hand with his, his tone carrying an unquestionable calm: "If you like it, keep it. Just think of it as a gift from me."
Soon, the payment was completed.
The sales associate respectfully handed the beautifully packaged Cartier watch box and gift bag to Ethan.
Ethan turned and stuffed it into Jessica's arms: "Take it."
Amid the enthusiastic "Thank you for your patronage, we look forward to seeing you at Cartier again!" the two left the store, Jessica still a bit dazed.
Just as they walked out of the Time Warner Center, the evening breeze hit their faces.
Jessica hugged the substantial Cartier bag and looked at Ethan with a resentful expression: "Hey! I said I'd show you around the city! How did you end up buying me such an expensive gift? This makes me feel really embarrassed!"
Ethan opened the car door and said with a smile: "The gift's already given—can you show me around with a clear conscience now? Tour guide Jessica, where to next?"
Jessica grinned: "Now we're talking! Let's go, I'll take you to feel the real vibe of New York!"
The two drove to the SoHo area.
Instead of going to upscale places, they wandered through the bustling streets and alleys.
They tasted authentic street food—halal cart chicken and rice, dollar pizza slices, fresh pretzels—strolled through the trendy boutiques and art galleries, soaked in the evening atmosphere, and felt the lively and relaxed street culture completely different from the Time Warner Center.
This simple and genuine happiness made Jessica feel more comfortable and joyful.
Time flew by amid laughter.
After an afternoon of walking around, the physical exertion was significant, and Jessica's stomach made a "gurgling" protest sound.
She covered her stomach and stuck her tongue out at Ethan sheepishly.
Ethan also felt hunger pangs and glanced at the Patek Philippe on his wrist: "Almost seven o'clock. Come on, let me treat the hardworking tour guide Jessica to a proper meal."
"Where are we going?"
"To eat, of course! I'll take you to try some authentic upscale cuisine."
They had dinner at an elegant French restaurant.
The two savored classic dishes like duck confit, coq au vin, and beef bourguignon.
After the meal, Ethan drove a satisfied and slightly tired Jessica back to the Courtyard by Marriott.
Then Ethan drove back to the Riverside Plaza alone.
When he opened the door, he saw Sophie wearing a silk robe, lazily curled up on the living room sofa watching a reality show, her slender legs casually stretched out.
"Oh? You're back?"
Sophie heard the movement, turned her head, and a smile appeared on her face.
"Yeah." Ethan loosened his collar, "Have you eaten?"
"Ages ago! Got room service."
Sophie patted the sofa beside her, "Tired? Come sit for a bit?"
The next day, Sophie needed to catch an early flight, so she got up quietly before dawn, kissed the still-sleeping Ethan on the forehead, and left in a hurry.
Ethan slept until late morning.
After having a quick lunch at the hotel restaurant, he drove to the office district.
The company was running smoothly. The team was managing everything in an orderly manner, and everything was progressing steadily as planned.
Diana was very busy. Ethan wandered around the company for most of the day, watching her go in and out of conference rooms with phone calls constantly coming in, so he didn't step forward to disturb her.
It wasn't until evening, seeing that she was still working at her desk in the office, that Ethan knocked on the door and went in.
"Workaholic, time to eat." Ethan leaned against the door frame.
Diana looked up and saw it was him, and a smile appeared on her tired face: "You're here. Let me finish reading this document."
The two had a simple meal nearby.
During the meal, Diana kept using her phone to handle work messages.
After eating, she hurried back to the company.
Ethan watched her energetic retreating figure, both appreciative and a bit concerned, but didn't hold her back.
Back at the Riverside Plaza, Ethan booked a ticket back to LA for the next morning.
He sent brief texts to Sophie, Vanessa and Jessica respectively: "Heading back to LA tomorrow."
Then he got some early rest.
The next morning, the hotel car delivered Ethan to JFK Airport right on time.
After checking in through the VIP lane, he boarded the business class section of the flight to LAX.
As soon as he sat down in his seat and lowered the tray table, a warm towel was handed to him, followed by a pair of soft slippers placed at his feet.
A familiar and cheerful voice sounded: "Sir, please use the towel and slippers to make yourself more comfortable."
Ethan looked up in surprise, and what met his eyes was Sophie's smiling face!
Wearing the standard flight attendant uniform, with perfect posture, a bright smile, and a knowing and proud look in her eyes.
"Sophie? You're on this flight?" Ethan was genuinely surprised.
Sophie deliberately pouted and pretended to leave: "What? Mr. Miller doesn't want me serving him? Then I'll go—I'll get you a different flight attendant?"
"It's not that I don't want you," Ethan grabbed her wrist, both amused and exasperated, "I mean, why didn't you tell me in advance?"
Sophie bent down, leaned close to his ear, and whispered with a hint of complaint: "Hmph! Isn't it because someone only informed me yesterday that he was going back to LA today? I specially requested to be transferred to this flight—I wanted to surprise you! But it seems like someone's only surprised, not happy, right?" She blinked.
Ethan subconsciously looked toward the front and rear sections of the cabin: "If you're on this flight, then...?"
"Don't bother looking!"
Sophie interrupted him, her tone a bit sour, "Jessica's flying a different route—she's not on this flight today! Am I the only one, and that disappoints you?"
She stared into Ethan's eyes.
Ethan laughed and gently squeezed her wrist: "Of course not. Surprise—definitely a surprise."
He looked at her, his eyes softening: "When we get to LA, I'll spend two full days with just you, as an apology. How's that?"
Sophie's eyes lit up: "Really?"
"When have I lied to you?" Ethan raised an eyebrow.
"You haven't lied,"
Sophie huffed and accused half-seriously, "You just openly go find other women!"
She stared at Ethan suspiciously again: "Really... just me in LA? There's no other 'arrangement'?"
Ethan looked at her calmly: "Promise. I don't have any 'special' friends in LA."
After receiving a positive answer, Sophie's face instantly cleared up, and a bright smile bloomed.
She quickly leaned over and kissed Ethan loudly on the cheek: "Babe, you're the best! It's settled then—I'll wait for you at the exit when we land!"
Her voice couldn't hide her joy.
"No problem." Ethan smiled and nodded.
Sophie was satisfied and turned around to serve other passengers with brisk steps.
This scene happened to be clearly seen by a male passenger sitting in the first row of economy class in back, whose curtain hadn't been fully closed yet.
His eyes went wide, his mouth slightly open, and he screamed internally: "What the hell? Business class has this kind of perk? Such a gorgeous flight attendant just straight-up kissed him? Why have I never heard of this in all my years of flying! If I'd known, I would've bought a business class ticket even if it meant going broke! Such a waste, what a waste!"
He suddenly felt like the economy class pretzels in his hand weren't appetizing anymore, and his guts were filled with regret.
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