Ethan Blackwood stood at the floor-to-ceiling windows of his office, gazing out at the Manhattan skyline. His eyes, a piercing blue, seemed to bore into the steel and concrete jungle below. The city was his domain, and he ruled it with an iron fist.

Behind him, his assistant, Rachel, cleared her throat. "Sir, your meeting with the investors is in fifteen minutes."

Ethan's gaze didn't waver. "Hmm."

He turned, his suit, his broad shoulders and strong features. His face was a mask of confidence, honed from years of ruthless business deals.

As he walk towards the conference room, the sounds of the city faded into the background. Ethan's focus was laser-sharp, fixed on the next conquest.

But amidst the gleaming skyscrapers and precision-crafted deals, a whispered rumor circulated: Ethan Blackwood, the invincible CEO, had a secret.

One that could shatter his carefully constructed facade.

Meanwhile, across town...

Austin Reed's paint-stained fingers moved deftly across the canvas, as if driven by an unseen force. Colors danced, merged, and swirled, birthing a vibrant cityscape. His art was his escape, his sanctuary.

But the harsh voice of his mother, Margaret, shattered the tranquility. "Austin , you're wasting your time. You'll never make a living with this... hobby."

Austin 's brush hesitated, and for an instant, the colors blurred. He had heard this refrain countless times before.

With a quiet determination, he continued painting, losing himself in the strokes and swirls..

His world revolved around painting, his escape from reality. But his own mother, Margaret, didn't understand. She saw art as a waste of time, a frivolous hobby.

Austin 's heart still aches from the memory of his first painting, cherished by his father, John. His dad had beamed with pride, saying, "You're talented, son. Never give up on your passion." Austin felt seen, supported.

Tragedy struck when Austin was 15. His father passed away, leaving the family struggling financially. Margaret's stress and anxiety intensified, and she became fixated on securing a stable future for Austin .

Behind his back, Margaret admitted Austin to the prestigious New York University as a computer science student, ignoring his pleas to study art. Austin felt betrayed, trapped.

Determined to make the most of the opportunity, Austin worked hard, earning a scholarship to support his studies. But every day felt like a lie, every coding lesson a reminder of his abandoned dreams.

Austin's relationship with his mother grew strained. He felt like a disappointment, a failure for not conforming to her expectations.

Present

*University Art Gallery*

Austin pushed open the gallery door, surrounded by vibrant artwork , fragrance of colours and inspiring quotes. He felt at home, his heart beating faster.

Unbeknownst to Austin, Ethan was about to enter the gallery, his entrepreneurial mind seeking innovative ideas.

As Adam turned a corner in the gallery, he collided with a tall, imposing figure.

"Sorry!" Adam exclaimed, steadying himself.

Ethan Blackwood's piercing blue eyes locked onto Adam's. "No harm done," Ethan said, his deep voice commanding attention.

Austin's eyes widened as he look in Ethan's tailored suit and confident demeanor.

"You're...?" Austin began.

"Ethan Blackwood," he replied, his gaze lingering on Austin's paint-splattered backpack. "And you are?"

"Austin Reed," he said, feeling a flutter in his chest.

Their handshake was firm, but Austin sensed a spark of electricity.

Ethan's eyes narrowed. "What brings you to the gallery, Austin?"

Austin hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "Just admiring the art," he said finally.

Ethan nodded. "I'm giving a lecture on entrepreneurship later. Perhaps you'll attend?"

Austin's heart skipped a beat. "I'll try," he said, feeling drawn to Ethan's charismatic presence.

As they parted ways, Austin couldn't shake off the feeling that their encounter was more than coincidence.

Adam took his seat in the packed auditorium, he skips his lecture & is curious about Ethan's lecture on entrepreneurship. As Ethan stepped onto the stage, confidence radiated from him.

"Welcome, students," Ethan began. "Today, we'll discuss innovation and risk-taking. The key to success lies not in playing it safe, but in embracing uncertainty."

Adam listened intently, Ethan's words resonated with his own desires to break free from his predetermined path.

After the lecture, Ethan invited students to ask questions. Adam hesitated, then raised his hand.

"Yes, Mr. Reed?" Ethan said with a hint of recognition.

"Adam," he corrected. "How do you balance creativity with a business strategy?"

Ethan smiled showcasing himself as a very friendly person . "That's where the art comes in, Adam. Finding harmony between vision and execution. Would you like to discuss further?" Everyone was shocked to see Austin never participate in any of these lectures.

Adam nodded, his heart racing.

As the audience dispersed, Ethan approached Adam. "Follow me"

Adam agreed, feeling a spark of excitement as Ethan was the first person who showed interest in his arts and of course he is Ceo ob Blackwood industries .

Outside, Ethan led Adam to a nearby café, his strides long and purposeful. Adam struggled to keep pace.

"Sit," Ethan commanded, gesturing to a chair.

Adam sat, taken aback by Ethan's abruptness.

A waitress arrived, and Ethan ordered both of them without asking Adam's preference.

"Coffee, black," Ethan said.

Adam raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

As the waitress departed, Ethan leaned back, his eyes narrowing.

"I've reviewed your portfolio, Adam. Impressive."

Adam's eyes sparkled. "Thank you."

Ethan's expression remained cold. "Don't get ahead of yourself. I'm not here to coddle your ego."

Adam's face flushed.

The waitress returned with their coffee, breaking the tension.

Ethan sipped his coffee, his eyes never leaving Adam's.

"I have an idea for a project," Ethan said, his voice dripping with condescension. "You'll bring the artistic vision; I'll handle the business end."

Adam's eyes widened. "I'd love to hear more."

Ethan leaned in, his voice taking on a hint of superiority.

"I think we can create something revolutionary. But I expect nothing but excellence."

Rachel, Ethan's secretary, watched from across the café, her eyes wide with shock.

She had never seen Ethan invite anyone to coffee, let alone discuss a project with such intensity.

As Adam and Ethan parted ways, Ethan handed Adam his business card.

"Tomorrow, 9 a.m. My office. Don't be late."

Adam nodded, still reeling from Ethan's arrogance.

"Sir?" Rachel approached Ethan, her voice hesitant.

"Yes?" Ethan replied, his eyes still fixed on Adam's retreating figure.

"You... invited him to coffee," Rachel stammered.

Ethan's expression froze. "What is it?"

Rachel's eyes darted around the café, ensuring they were out of earshot.

"You never do that, sir. You're always... distant."

Ethan's gaze snapped back to Rachel.

"This is business, Rachel. Nothing more."

Rachel nodded, but her eyes betrayed her skepticism.

She knew Ethan better than anyone she is working with for like 3 yrs now

And she saw something in his eyes that gave her hope, that Ethan really belongs to this world.

"OMG, is this really happening?!" Austin thought while laying on his small bed and conjusted room his mind racing with excitement and nerves. "Ethan Blackwood, the business mogul, wants to collaborate with me? Me! Who is not even an art student!"

Austin 's palms sweated as he envisioned the meeting. "What if I mess up? What if Mom finds out?" His heart sank at the thought. She'd never approve of his artistic pursuits, and now he was considering a partnership with a seasoned businessman.

"Can I really trust Ethan?" Austin wondered. "I don't know anything about business. He could take advantage of me."

Doubts swirled in his mind:

"What if Ethan exploits my art for his own gain?

What if I lose creative control?

What if Mom discovers my involvement and disowns me?"

Austin 's anxiety spiked. He felt like a small fish in a shark-infested ocean Should i call Jhon ? ohhh no he has exams starting tomorrow.

Just then, his phone buzzed with a text from Rachel, Ethan's secretary:

"Hi Austin , looking forward to seeing you at 9:30 a.m. tomorrow. Don't be late Ethan is very punctual"

Austin took a deep breath and replied:

"Thanks, Rachel. I'll be there exactly at 9:30 am."

He couldn't back out now.

As he tried to calm his racing thoughts, Austin realized:

"I need to protect myself. I need to know what I'm getting into."

He began researching business partnerships, contracts, and intellectual property rights.

"I won't be a fool," Austin vowed. "I'll be prepared."

The next morning, Austin arrived at Ethan's office, determined to assert himself.

As Austin stepped out of the taxi, his eyes widened in awe. The sleek, glass skyscraper towered above him, its peak hidden in the clouds. A gleaming silver sign read: "Blackwood Industries."

"Wow, this whole place belongs to Ethan?" Austin thought, his mind racing with wonder.

Taking a deep breath, Austin pushed through the revolving doors and entered the lavish lobby. Marble floors gleamed underfoot, and a stunning chandelier hung from the ceiling.

Approaching the reception desk, Austin was greeted by a poised woman with a warm smile.

"Welcome to Blackwood Industries. How can I assist you?" she asked.

"I'm here to meet Ethan sir," Austin replied, trying to sound confident.

The receptionist's eyebrows rose slightly. "Do you have an appointment?"

Austin nodded. "Yes, I do. Rachel arranged it."

The receptionist's expression turned professional. "Excellent. May I see your appointment confirmation, please?"

Austin fished out his phone and displayed the email.

"Thank you, Mr. Reed. Please, take a seat. I'll notify Mr. Blackwood's assistant."

As Austin waited, he couldn't help but glance around the opulent lobby. The artwork on the walls was breathtaking, and the atmosphere hummed with quiet efficiency.

Suddenly, the receptionist's voice broke the silence. "Mr. Reed, Mr. Blackwood's assistant will escort you to the meeting room."

A sleek elevator door slid open, revealing a tall, imposing figure in a suit.

"Austin Reed, welcome. I'm Ethan's assistant, Marcus. Right this way, please."

With Marcus leading the way, Austin stepped into the elevator, his heart pounding with anticipation.

What would this meeting bring?

Hey Guys do you like my work ? Please comment 🙏🏻 as this is the first time i am showcasing my work btw thanks for reading 😄