Chapter 36

Ethan halted the car in front of a cozy restaurant that he had been planning to take Mel to for a while. As they walked in, they were greeted by the warm and inviting atmosphere of the place. The restaurant was dimly lit, with soft jazz music playing in the background, creating a relaxing ambiance.

They were led to a quiet corner booth, and after eye scanning the menu, they both ordered their meal. As they waited for their food to arrive, they began to chat about their day.

"How was work, Mel inquired about Ethan's day at work and he replied that it had been a long and tedious day. "Nothing exciting happened today, just the usual meetings and paperwork," he added.

"Mel, You were at the post office, when you should be home resting? I bet you didn't only go to the post office," Ethan said, raising an eyebrow at her.

Mel smiled in return. "You've definitely been watching my every movement" she joked and continued, "I went to the spa today, and it was a wonderful experience. Perhaps I should take you there one of these days. I'm quite sure you would be on your knees thanking when I do" she teased

Ethan choked on his drink at her suggestion, "Taking me with you to the spa?"

Mel was confused, "What, don't you want to go?"

"No, it's not that. I just can't believe men actually visit the spa," Ethan said, his face reflecting his disbelief.

Mel couldn't hold back her laughter at Ethan's ignorance, "I'm just really shocked at your ignorance. Well, I should have expected this; your life is basically wrapped around work alone, so of course, you wouldn't know." she teased again.

Ethan frowned, "Hey, that's a more direct mockery."

Mel continued laughing, "You can laugh all you want, but I won't go there," Ethan said, staying strong on his stance.

changing the subject, Mel asked "Where else would you like to go?"

Smiling, Ethan replied, "I need you to do me a small favor by following me somewhere."

"Somewhere? Can I get the name of the place?" Mel asked curiously.

"No, dear Miss Andrae Mel, it's a secret for now. I will let you know when it needs to be revealed. You have to promise to go with me first," Ethan said, with a twinkle in his eye.

"Promise," Mel said without thinking.

"Great," Ethan said, and then added, "One more thing, Mel. Can you stop adding a title to my name? Just call me Ethan."

Mel raised an eyebrow, "Why on Earth and how would I stop that? I'm so used to President Ethan," she said.

"Now, you should get used to calling me Ethan !" he said giving out a little smile.

Mel smiled back, "Fine, I will try, President Ethan!," she said, adding the title again, which left Ethan speechless as he shot her a cold gaze.

After their meal, they spent some time chatting and exchanging thoughts before eventually parting ways.

****

It was evening and Lisa was still seething with anger after seeing Mel and Ethan together that evening, she snatched her bag and stormed out of her apartment. She got into her car and drove for a while until she stopped and stepped out, her heels clicking on the tiled floor as she walked into the real estate agency. "I need you to find me an apartment as close as possible to the LIM company building," she demanded from the agent.

The man shook his head. "I'm sorry, miss, but that's not possible. All the apartments in that area have already been occupied."

Lisa unzipped her bag and pulled out a thick wad of cash. "I'm giving you this as a bonus to find me one," she said, pushing the money towards him.

The agent's eyes widened in disbelief at the sight of so much cash. "I'll see what I can do," he said, taking the money from her.

Lisa leaned in closer, her voice low and threatening. "It needs to be done before the end of the week. And if you're not interested, you can hand back my cash. There are plenty of other agents waiting to take your place."

The agent swallowed hard, then nodded. "I understand, miss. I'll do my best to find you an apartment before the end of the week."

Lisa gave him a cold smile. "Good. You'll get your full payment once it's finalized."

As she walked out of the agency, Lisa couldn't help but smile to herself. She had just taken the first step towards getting what she wanted, and she was determined to see it through.

Meanwhile, after Ethan dropped her off, Mel entered her apartment and immediately changed into her comfortable clothes. She then made herself a cup of tea and sat down on the couch, taking a moment to reflect on her meeting with Ethan.

She couldn't help but smile as she thought about him. He had suddenly turned so kind to her and she appreciated that. She wondered what he had meant by the secret place he wanted to take her to. Mel was curious, but she didn't want to keep asking him as she knew how stubborn he could get. All she needed to do was just wait for the suprise.

After settling in with her cup of tea, Mel decided to unpack the package she had picked up from the post office earlier. Excitement bubbled within her as she carefully opened it up and revealed the rare lipstick she had been waiting for. It was an old model that was almost impossible to find, but she had been lucky enough to come across an online store that still had it in stock. And so, she had placed her order, eagerly awaiting its arrival.

The package had been waiting for her at the post office for a while now, but with her busy schedule, she had not been able to pick it up until earlier today. As she held the lipstick in her hands, she couldn't help but smile at the memories it brought back of her childhood friend who had gifted her a similar pack on her 5th birthday years ago.

Mel's heart filled with nostalgia and comfort as she gazed at the pack of lipstick. It reminded her of the friend she loved and missed dearly. After savoring the moment, she placed it in a special place, knowing it held a special significance to her.

She recalled the times when she had play with her childhood friend every day until he suddenly vanished from the country. It was devastating for Mel to lose her closest friend at such a young age. Over the years, she had searched for him relentlessly, but to no avail. It was as if he had vanished into thin air.

As Mel put away the pack of lipstick, she couldn't shake off the feeling that something was amiss. She wondered where he was and what he was doing now. Did he think about her too?

Unbeknownst to Mel, the person she longed to find was closer than she could ever imagine. He worked alongside her every day, yet she was unaware of his presence.

****

Ethan was back at the office when his phone rang and he answered it, his expression changing as he listened to the voice on the other end. Without a word, he grabbed his keys and walked out of the company, getting into his car and driving off.

A few minutes later, he was sitting across from Jace, both of them with serious looks on their faces as Jace relayed the details of their captive's confession, Ethan's mind worked quickly, piecing together the puzzle.

He said the company was unknown?" Ethan asked sounding skeptical.

"Yes boss, Jace replied, with a nod. "He claimed to be a lowlife thug who was paid to scare Mel off a particular company she was investigating. But it's pretty clear he was talking about the L logo company. That's the only one Mel's been looking into." He recalled.

Ethan's brow furrowed. "I see. And did he mention who paid him?"

"He told me that he got a call from a private number and the money was wired to his phone," Jace explained. "That's all he said he knows."

Ethan leaned back, considering his options. "Let him go," he said finally.

"What? Why boss? Do you believe his story?" Jace asked, puzzled.

What if I don't?" Ethan replied. "It doesn't matter. He's been in custody for so long, and despite all the torture he's been through, he never revealed the truth. Instead, he spun a tale that he thinks is plausible. However, if we set him free, he will likely return to his superiors." Ethan explained, rubbing his chin in a sly manner.

Jace voiced his concern, "That seems like a risky move."

"It's all part of the plan," Ethan replied, grinning cunningly. "I don't believe a single word he has said. I suspect that he has been employed by the company for a considerable period of time and has a more substantial role than just being a petty criminal. By allowing him to return to his employers, we may gather additional information."

Ethan instructed Jace to keep a close watch on the man after his release. "We need to know who he is reporting to," Ethan said.

Impressed by Ethan's strategy, Jace nodded and replied, "Consider it done, boss."