Episode 3. Uncertain Fate

"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 😄

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