Chapter 18 Chapter 18
Chapter 18
It was the first day of June.
The morning sun hit the tall glass windows of the Castellan Enterprises building, cutting across the wide office floor.
Ethan sat behind his desk, his sleeves folded neatly to his elbows, eyes glued to the reports in front of him.
For most people, the beginning of a new month meant fresh starts, but for Ethan, it was simply a reminder of his routine. Every first day of the month, he donated to the charity orphan foundation home in Monterey.
It wasn’t for publicity or business reputation. He didn’t care for those things. It was something personal — a debt he believed he could never repay.
He picked up his phone and dialed his manager.
“Make sure everything is perfect as usual. Today’s the first of June,” he said, his tone sharp and straightforward.
The man on the other end sounded alert, almost nervous. “Yes, sir. The funds have already been transferred into the charity account. The trucks are on their way to deliver the food and supplies.”
Ethan nodded even though the man couldn’t see him. “Good.”
And that was it. No further conversation. He didn’t like to drag talks longer than needed.
He hung up and leaned back in his chair for a second, staring blankly at the screen of his phone. A few seconds later, it began ringing again.
Sam Keystone.
Ethan sighed quietly before answering. “You’re up early.”
“I’m leaving, man,” Sam’s voice came through, loud and clear. “Sorry I couldn’t stop by. It’s sudden. My flight’s in two hours.”
Ethan sat straighter. “You could’ve said something earlier.”
“I know. It just happened fast,” Sam said, his voice lighter than usual. “You know my dad. When he says go, you pack your bags and leave. France, here I come.”
Ethan shook his head slightly, a faint smirk playing on his lips. “You and your last-minute plans.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Sam chuckled. “Hey, but listen, I saw someone here in Monterey. Man, she’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. I swear I’m coming back for her.”
Ethan frowned a little, confused. “What do you mean?”
“I mean, I saw a chick, bro. No cap, she’s breathtaking. The kind that makes you forget your own name,” Sam said with a small laugh.
“I didn’t even get her number. Just helped her pick up something she dropped. She said ‘thank you,’ and that was it. But her face, bro, it’s been on my mind since.”
Ethan’s brows furrowed slightly. “You’re talking like a high schooler.”
Sam laughed. “Don’t play smart, Castellan. You’ve been all work, no love. You wouldn’t understand. But that girl, she’s different. I don’t know what it is, but she’s got this… peace around her. Not loud, not fake. Just… pure.”
Ethan leaned back in his chair, his tone still dry. “So what now? You’re planning to fly back for her?”
“Exactly.” Sam said confidently. “When I want something, I get it. Monterey isn’t that big. I’ll find her when I’m back from France. Mark my words.”
“You don’t even know her name.”
“Doesn’t matter,” Sam replied, his voice full of certainty. “If it’s meant to be, it’ll happen. You know me, bro. I don’t chase things I don’t believe in.”
Ethan didn’t respond immediately. He turned his chair slightly, looking out through the large windows that faced the city. “You sound too sure.”
“Because I am,” Sam said. “Anyway, enough about me. You still doing your charity thing today?”
“Yes,” Ethan said simply. “Same as every month.”
“Still feeling guilty for something that wasn’t your fault?”
Ethan’s jaw tightened a little. “It’s not guilt. It’s responsibility.”
“Call it whatever you like,” Sam said, half teasing. “You’ve been doing this for what—for a whole year straight ? ”
Ethan didn’t answer. His silence said enough.
Sam sighed on the other end. “Alright, fine. I’ll stop.”
After a few seconds, Ethan asked quietly, “When’s your return flight?”
“Next year,” Sam said. “Twelve months, give or take. I’m heading there to handle some business for my dad. But when I come back, trust me, I’ll find that girl. You’ll probably be the first person I tell.”
Ethan let out a faint sound that wasn’t quite a laugh. “I’ll be waiting for that fairytale.”
“Laugh all you want, man,” Sam said. “When I get her, don’t act surprised. You’ll be my best man.”
Ethan shook his head with a small smile. “You’re unbelievable.”
“I know,” Sam replied proudly. “Anyway, I gotta go. The driver’s here. Take care, bro. Don’t drown yourself in paperwork.”
Ethan replied flatly, “I’ll try.”
“Liar,” Sam said before hanging up.
Ethan dropped the phone and sat quietly for a moment. The sound of the air conditioner hummed low in the background. His eyes drifted toward the small black frame on his desk — a picture of a group of children from the orphan foundation.
He stared at it for a while.
The world thought Ethan Castellan had everything — wealth, reputation, control. But what most people didn’t know was that those donations weren’t just a random act of kindness.
There was a reason behind it.
He exhaled slowly, pushing the thought aside, and stood from his chair.
“Madeline,” he called through the intercom. “Hold all calls till noon.”
“Yes, sir,” came her voice immediately.
Ethan grabbed his car keys and walked out of his office. The elevator doors opened as soon as he stepped in. On his way down, he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirrored wall — same calm, expressionless face he wore every day.
By the time he reached the ground floor, the valet was already waiting with his car. He got in, adjusted his cuffs, and drove off without a word.
As he pulled up near the orphan foundation, he saw the large trucks parked by the gate, workers unloading boxes of food, toys, and school supplies. The place looked lively.
The children ran around the yard, laughing and shouting, their joy echoing through the open space.
Ethan got down, and a few of the staff rushed to greet him. “Mr. Castellan, thank you again, sir. The kids are so happy.”
He gave a short nod. “Good.”
A little boy ran up to him suddenly, his hands covered in chocolate. “Sir, thank you for the biscuits!”
Ethan froze for a second before giving the boy a slight smile. “You’re welcome.”
The boy ran off again, laughing.
He didn’t stay long. He never did. After making sure the staff had everything they needed, he got back into his car.
His phone buzzed again — a text from Sam.
“Bro, I’m on the plane. Don’t forget what I said — when I want something, I get it. And that girl… I’ll find her.”
Ethan stared at the message for a moment before sliding his phone aside.
He drove off quietly, his face unreadable as usual.
Whatever Sam was chasing — love, excitement, whatever it was — Ethan didn’t understand it. For him, feelings were distractions. And distractions led to mistakes.