As Stacy was still processing Ethan's words, the car came to a smooth stop in front of the hospital.
"Why are you always at the hospital?" Ethan asked quietly. "Who are you visiting?"
Stacy hesitated. She hadn't planned to tell him. But her grandmother's pale face flashed through her mind, and before she could stop herself, she spoke.
"Can the company… lend me fifteen million in advance? Since I'll be working there?"
The words felt heavy in the air.
Ethan's brows drew together. "What do you need that much money for? Are you in trouble?"
The concern in his voice caught her off guard.
"My grandmother has a blood clot in her brain. The surgery costs fifteen million. I wouldn't ask if I had another option."
She looked at him as though he were a judge deciding her fate.
Ethan exhaled slowly. "The company can't lend you that amount before you've even worked a day. But I can get you the money."
Hope flickered in his eyes.
Stacy immediately shook her head. "I'm sorry. It was out of line to even ask. I can't take your money. I barely know you. And I don't know when I could repay such a huge debt."
Ethan studied her for a moment.
"I told you I would do anything for you. Because it's you," he said calmly. "You don't have to decide now. We'll be seeing each other every day from now on."
He tapped the window, signaling the driver to open the door for her. He had a meeting to attend.
Stacy stepped out, her heart unsettled.
She went straight to her grandmother's ward but found her asleep. So she headed to Dr. Ryan's office first.
"The surgery cannot be delayed much longer," Dr. Ryan said seriously. "We're managing her with medication for now, but that also costs money."
Each word tightened the knot in Stacy's chest.
After speaking with the doctor, she returned to the ward. Her grandmother was awake.
"Grandma, I found a job closer to the hospital," Stacy said cheerfully as she peeled an apple. "Now I can visit you more often. So don't think I abandoned you."
"Brat," Grandma Dale teased. "Using my own words against me now?"
She chuckled, then added, "I haven't seen Ginna in a while. Tell her to visit."
Stacy's smile stiffened.
"She's been very busy. We both left the firm and started new jobs. I'll tell her when she's free."
Grandma Dale didn't press further, though she could tell something was wrong.
"Have some apple and rest," Stacy said gently. "We can talk longer tomorrow."
After her grandmother fell asleep, Stacy left the hospital.
That night, lying in bed, she couldn't sleep.
Fifteen million…
Dr. Ryan's words echoed in her mind.
Then Ethan's voice followed.
"I can get you the money."
Maybe tomorrow… she would at least ask about the terms.
With that thought, she finally drifted off.
At Sunset Bar & Lounge, the city's most sought-after young masters gathered in a private room.
David Gold — real estate heir.
Mark Elliot — top lawyer.
Clinton Benson — investment mogul.
Robert Yates — tech genius and information king.
And Ethan Hall.
"So Eric says you found the girl you've been searching for," Rob grinned. "Is she pretty now? Married?"
Ethan gave him a cold look but said nothing.
The others waited silently.
"If you won't tell me, I'll investigate," Rob continued. "I refuse to believe my network can't find her."
Ethan's gaze turned dangerous.
"If you disturb her or ruin my plans, it won't end well for you."
Rob raised his hands dramatically. "Why so serious? Just tell me and I won't investigate."
A pause.
Then Ethan spoke one word.
"Beautiful."
He finished his drink and stood up.
Mark scoffed. "Why are you rushing home? Clinton should be the one rushing — he has a wife. What's a single dog like you hurrying for?"
"Don't drag me in," Clinton said, checking his watch. "I've got twenty minutes before my wife calls."
Rob laughed. "You're all boring. I'm finding myself a beauty tonight."
One by one, they left.
David remained behind.
He pulled out his phone and sent a message to his sister:
He found her.
Remember, we were the ones who drove her away because you didn't like her.
What happens if he finds out?
I don't want to lose my childhood friend. Fix this.
The shrill sound of Stacy's alarm pierced through the quiet of her small apartment.
She jolted awake.
For a second, she forgot everything.
Then reality returned.
Grandma.
The surgery.
Fifteen million.
Ethan Hall.
She sat up slowly, pressing her fingers against her temples before turning off the alarm. Today was her first day at Hall Corp.
There was no room for weakness.
She showered, dressed in a simple but elegant cream blouse and black pencil skirt, and tied her hair into a neat low bun. When she looked at herself in the mirror, she forced confidence into her eyes.
"You can do this," she whispered.
By 6:30 a.m., she stood inside the towering lobby of Hall Corp.
After checking in at reception, she was directed to HR.
Clare, the woman who had called her the day before, handed her a stack of documents.
"Please read through the contract carefully and sign on the last page."
Stacy took her time. Salary: 50,000. Benefits. Confidentiality clauses. Performance expectations.
Her signature trembled slightly when she wrote her name.
Clare smiled and handed her a sleek ID card.
"Welcome to Hall Corp, Miss Dale."
The weight of the card in her hand felt heavier than it should have.
A woman in her early thirties approached Stacy with steady, confident steps.
She wore low heels instead of stilettos, and her fitted navy maternity dress did nothing to hide her very obvious eight-month pregnancy. One hand rested naturally at the curve of her belly as if out of habit.
Yet despite her condition, there was nothing fragile about her presence.
"I'm Helena Lawson," she said, offering a polite smile. "CEO Hall's executive secretary. I'll be handing things over to you before I start my maternity leave."
Her voice was calm, practiced — the voice of someone used to controlling chaos.
Stacy quickly noticed the small details:
The flat shoes for comfort.
The tablet balanced expertly against her hip.
The way staff instinctively deferred to her.
Helena walked slowly but efficiently.
"Don't worry," she added softly. "I know he can be intimidating. But if you're competent, he won't make things difficult for you."
She placed a hand at her lower back briefly — a subtle sign of discomfort — but didn't complain.
"This floor handles scheduling, internal coordination, and high-level communications. The CEO's time is precise. He doesn't tolerate delays."
She paused and looked at Stacy carefully.
"But he's fair."
That last sentence felt deliberate.
Stacy nodded, absorbing everything.
"His coffee is black. No sugar. No milk. Strong."
Helena handed her a tablet.
"His daily schedule is updated here. You're responsible for confirming every meeting one hour prior."
Before Stacy could ask more—
The elevator doors opened.
The atmosphere shifted instantly.
Ethan Hall stepped out.
The staff straightened automatically.
His gaze found Stacy immediately.
"Miss Dale. My office."
Her heartbeat quickened.
His office was vast, minimalist, intimidating.
She stood before his desk.
"Bring me today's schedule," he said calmly.
She stepped forward, tablet in hand, and began outlining his meetings.
He watched her as she spoke.
Professional. Composed. Different from the girl in his memories.
"Coffee," he added.
She went to the side counter and prepared it exactly as Helena had instructed.
When she handed it to him, their fingers brushed slightly.
Ethan froze.
For a split second—
He wasn't in his office.
A small boy standing alone in a crowded park.
Tears clinging to his lashes.
"I can't find my brother…"
A little girl with bright eyes kneeling in front of him.
"Don't cry. I'll stay with you until we find him."
She bought him cotton candy with her own pocket money.
They played by the fountain.
Every weekend after that, they met at the same bench.
She would chatter endlessly. He would listen.
Until one weekend—
He couldn't go.
He sent David to explain.
But when he returned the next week…
She never came again.
And he searched.
For years.
"CEO Hall?"
Stacy's voice pulled him back.
He took a slow sip of coffee.
"You adapt quickly," he said.
She hesitated.
"CEO Hall… about yesterday. Is the loan still possible?"
Silence filled the room.
He placed the cup down deliberately.
"It is."
Her breath caught.
"But," he continued, "it comes with conditions."
Her hands tightened.
"What conditions?"
"I will lend you the fifteen million. I will also ensure your grandmother receives the best neurosurgeon available."
Her eyes widened.
"And," he added calmly, "I will help you get revenge on those who hurt you."
She swallowed.
"In return?"
"You will be my girlfriend."
The words landed heavily between them.
"A contract relationship," he clarified. "You will accompany me to social gatherings. Public events. Ward off unnecessary women."
Her mind spun.
"This… this is fake?"
"Contractual."
"And after?"
"When it ends, you are free."
She stared at him.
"Why me?"
His gaze softened just slightly.
"Because it's you."
Her heart skipped.
But reality pushed back.
"My grandmother needs surgery immediately."
He opened a drawer and placed a prepared document on the table.
A contract.
Terms clearly stated.
Duration: One year.
Public relationship agreement.
Financial transfer: 15 million upon signing.
Her hands trembled slightly as she read.
This was the line between desperation and dignity.
But Grandma's face appeared in her mind.
She picked up the pen.
And signed.
Ethan signed immediately after.
Within minutes, his phone buzzed.
"Transfer completed," he said.
She stared at him.
"Already?"
"I don't delay important matters."
Her eyes filled.
"Thank you, CEO Hall."
She stood up abruptly.
"I need to call the hospital."
"Go," he said.
Her hands shook as she dialed.
"Dr. Ryan… I have the money. Please prepare the surgery. I'll transfer everything immediately."
She sent the payment.
Fifteen million.
Her entire future tied to a contract.
She leaned against the wall, breathing hard.
Inside the office, Ethan stood by the window watching her through the glass.
Soft.
Fragile.
But strong.
He whispered quietly to himself—
"I won't let you disappear again."