Chapter 38

It was a Monday morning and Mel got to the office and resumed her day as usual. She went about making new sketches and reaching various work decisions with her team members.

After an hour, she concluded the meeting with them and returned to her office, ready to rest for a while. That was when she got a text on her phone. She stared at it for a while, wondering what Ethan wanted to see her for. Perhaps it was related to what they had talked about the previous day. Mel got up as she approached Ethan's office.

She knocked on the door, awaiting his response, and as she expected, his familiar voice replied, asking her to come in.

She walked in elegantly and took a seat in front of Ethan. Good day, President Ethan. Mel said, and he gave a brief nod.

“How about that anonymous email you received?” Ethan asked, his gaze intense. “Did you take any action?”

Mel shook her head. “No, I didn't. You warned me to be careful about it, remember?”

Ethan nodded. “Yes, I did.” “But now I think we need to do something about it.”

“What exactly did the email say?” He asked.

Well, it all circled an evidential proof that showed that the company was guilty of disposing of materials used in textile production in a way that could be harmful to the environment and people. There was clear proof of this,” she said.

After hearing what it was about, Ethan shook his head in disbelief. “That's a lame one,” he commented. “I don't think they're telling the truth. It seems like they're trying to cover up something more harmful and illegal.”

“I think so too,” Mel said, nodding.

“So what do you plan to do with this information?” Ethan asked.

“I need to do more research,” Mel replied. “I want to make sure I have all the facts before taking any action.”

Ethan leaned forward in his chair. “Mel, just go and report it like you were told to in that email.”

Mel's eyes widened in surprise. “Weren't you the one who said it was a trap?”

“Yes, I did,” Ethan admitted. “But on further thinking, I think it would be best if you reported the proof in the email like you were told.”

“Why?” Mel asked, clearly confused.

Ethan leaned back in his chair as he began explaining. “If you pretend not to believe the L logo company and refuse to report them to the authorities, they would be frustrated that their well-planned trap did not work. Consequently, they may resort to employing other tactics to hinder your progress. However, if you comply with their demands, they will be pleased and let their guard down, making it easier for you to investigate without any hindrance.

Mel watched in astonishment as Ethan finished outlining his strategy, and she clapped her hands in excitement. “That's a great plan!” she exclaimed.

Ethan smiled modestly, feeling a sense of satisfaction from Mel's enthusiastic response. “It's really not that big of a deal,” he said humbly. “The question is, are you willing to follow my advice?”

Mel paused for a moment before replying. “I will, but you need to join me in this investigation. Will you? She asked eagerly.

Mel's request hung in the air as Ethan sat silently, contemplating her words. Finally, he shook his head, his expression resolute. “No, Mel, I can't, and I won't,” he said firmly. “I warned you to stay away from this company, but you insist on getting involved in matters that are not yours to solve.”

Mel's shoulders slumped in disappointment. “But it's just my sense of justice,” she pleaded pouting.

Ethan's face softened momentarily, but his resolve remained firm. “I understand that, Mel. But occasionally, the best way to serve justice is by not getting involved at all,” he explained.

Mel let out a frustrated sigh. “Okay, fine,” she said, standing up to leave. “I'll handle it on my own then.”

But then Ethan raised his brows. “Wait!” he said, and Mel spun around, hopeful.

“That's not all I have to tell you.” “There's something more important,” he said, gesturing for her to take a seat again.

“What is it?” Mel asked, looking confused as she took her seat.

“Do you remember when you wanted to take me to the spa and I refused, saying we would go somewhere else?” Ethan asked.

Mel nodded. “Yeah, you never agreed to mention the name of the place.” “Are you finally ready to spill it now?" she questioned.

"Yes," Ethan said, pursing his lips as he turned on his phone screen and handed it to Mel. She took the phone and saw a picture of a luxurious hall with a stunning view.

"That is the place," he said as Mel's eyes widened while looking at the screen. "Huh, where is this place, and why would I follow you there?" she asked, still peering at the screen.

"Actually, Mel, it's one of the event halls of the Kilton Grand Hotel."

Mel's eyes widened in surprise. "The Kilton Grand Hotel? That's a pretty upscale place. What's the occasion?"

"It's an annual business dinner where all the major players in the industry will be present. The company has booked the hotel's event space for the evening," Ethan explained. It's also a mandatory requirement to bring a date to the event," Ethan explained, looking down.

"Okay?" Mel asked, prompting him to continue.

"This being my first year as CEO, I must abide by the business dinner rule." "I haven't had to do this before, and it's been weighing on my mind," Ethan trailed off, looking visibly uncomfortable.

"Soooo?"   Mel asked, her eyes shining with curiosity.

"Mel, I need you to be my date, just this once," Ethan said, blinking as the words flew from his mouth.

"What? A date?" Mel's eyes widened in surprise as she hesitated for a moment, feeling unsure of what to do. She had never thought that Ethan would ask for something like this. But as she looked at him, she noticed that he looked nervous and vulnerable, like he was asking for a huge favor.

"Mel, I know it's a lot to ask, but I couldn't think of anyone else to ask, and you're the only person I trust enough to accompany me," Ethan said, steepling his fingers together.

Mel watched his expression once more and then she finally agreed "Okay, I'll do it," she said, smiling softly at him as an idea crept into her mind.

Ethan looked up at her, relief and gratitude written all over his face. "Thank you, Mel. You don't know how much this means to me," he said, his voice filled with gratitude. 

But then Mel cut in as she grinned mischievously. "I will act as your date only if you promise to help me with my investigation," she said, winking at him.

Ethan kept silent for a while, deliberating on the reply to give to her insistent request. Finally, he spoke. "Okay, fine, I will. You've succeeded in bringing me into your circle of investigations again," he said with a small smile.

Mel raised her eyebrows with a playful expression on her face. "I hope you will keep to your word," she said, challenging him.

"Of course I will. But that should be after the dinner party. I will communicate the venue and time to you later," he said as Mel handed his phone back to him.

"I should get back to work now." "I have a lot of things to do," she said as she got ready to leave.

"Sure, I understand." And Mel?" Ethan called out before she could leave.

Mel turned around to face him. "Yeah?" she asked.

"Thank you again." "You're a good friend," he said, giving her a small smile.

Mel smiled back, feeling happy and content. "Anytime!" she grinned before walking out.