Episode 1-- The Art of Control

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.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***