Madison's expression shifted; she looked as though she wanted to argue, but the words died on her lips. Ethan didn't wait for a response. He turned and followed Allen, leaving Madison to hurry after them.
"Why are they like this?" Madison muttered under her breath. Ethan heard her, but he offered no reaction.
As the trio reached the school gates, a black G-Wagon pulled up to the curb. Allen recognized the plates immediately—it was a car dispatched by the Former Chairman. He stepped forward to hold the door open for Ethan.
"Get in," Allen said. "The Chairman sent this for us."
Ethan climbed in without a word, followed by Madison. Allen took the passenger seat, and the car pulled away. The drive was defined by a heavy, suffocating silence. Soon, they pulled into a sprawling parking lot in front of a towering corporate headquarters.
"Come on," Allen signaled as they stepped out.
As they walked toward the entrance, Madison couldn't contain her curiosity any longer. "Ethan, why do you want to meet my grandfather so badly?"
Ethan's face remained an unreadable mask. "You'll know soon enough."
What a cold-blooded human, Madison thought, frustrated by his detachment.
As they crossed the lobby, the employees' whispers followed them. Their eyes were glued to Ethan, wondering who this boy was to be flanked by the Chairman's granddaughter and his top aide. The trio entered the elevator, ignoring the stares, and the doors slid shut. The silence in the ascending lift was thick.
Now this is awkward, Allen thought, staring at the floor numbers. Really awkward.
The doors chimed open. Allen led the way through a series of high-end executive suites. As they passed one particular room, Ethan caught a glimpse through the glass partition. The bottom half was frosted for privacy, but the top was clear. He saw a boy in their school uniform with his back to the door, facing another student who was oddly wearing a motorcycle helmet. On a nearby shelf, a title caught Ethan's eye:
Secrets of Hero Town: Volume 1
He didn't linger. Allen stopped before a heavy set of double doors and knocked.
"Sir, it's Allen. I've brought Ethan."
"Come in," a gravelly voice replied. "Only Ethan."
Madison and Allen exchanged surprised looks, but Allen stepped aside and gestured for Ethan to enter. Inside, the Former Chairman stood to greet him.
"Welcome," the old man said, his presence filling the room.
The door clicked shut behind Ethan.
"Thank you for seeing me," Ethan said with a respectful nod.
The Chairman gestured to a chair. "Please, sit." Once they were both settled, the old man leaned forward, his eyes sharp. "So, what is it you wanted to discuss so urgently?"
"I want a job," Ethan said, devoid of hesitation.
Before the Chairman could respond, a sharp knock sounded at the door. "Grandpa? Can I come in?" a woman's voice called out.
The Chairman glanced at the bodyguard standing silently in the corner and sighed. "I'll handle her," the guard murmured, stepping out to intercept the visitor.
The Chairman turned back to Ethan. "A job? Why the sudden interest in working, Ethan?"
"My mother and grandfather are working themselves to the bone to provide for us," Ethan replied flatly. "I want to help them."
A small, knowing smirk played on the old man's lips. "I admire your conviction, young man. Most people your age are only interested in enjoying their youth."
Ethan remained as calm as still water.
"You've started to see how the real world works at a very young age," the Chairman observed, searching Ethan's eyes for any sign of weakness. He found none. "What kind of work are you looking for?"
"Anything I can balance with my school schedule," Ethan replied.
The Chairman nodded thoughtfully. "What about becoming a bodyguard?"
Ethan gave a single, firm nod. "I can do that."
"My other granddaughter will be attending a series of high-level meetings soon," the Chairman explained. "The summit is being held abroad. I need someone I can trust to go with her. Can you handle being her shadow for a short time?"
"Okay," Ethan agreed.
The Chairman smiled, standing up and offering his hand. "Is there anything else?"
Ethan shook his head as he rose. "No. Thank you for the opportunity."
"No, Ethan, I should be the one thanking you," the Chairman said warmly. "You saved Madison and Allen. You've already proven your worth."
"That was mostly Allen," Ethan countered, shaking the man's hand. "He's the one who kept her safe for so long."
"You both played your parts. And for that, I am grateful."
Ethan turned and walked out. In the hallway, Madison and Allen scrambled away from the wall, trying—and failing—to look like they hadn't been eavesdropping.
"How did the meeting go?" Allen asked, his voice a pitch too high.
"Good," Ethan said shortly.
He headed toward the elevator without another word.
"Ethan! I've told the driver to take you home," Allen called out. "Just give him the directions!"
Ethan gave a slight nod over his shoulder as he walked. As he passed the glass-walled room again, he glanced inside. It was empty. The boy, the helmeted student, and the book were gone. Ethan looked ahead, stepped into the elevator, and descended.