The Unavoidable Collision

Ethan Wen was losing control.

He felt it slipping through his fingers like a rope fraying at the edges.

And Noah Reid was the one pulling the threads loose.

That damn secretary—always watching. Always pushing.

Ethan should have fired him months ago.

So why couldn’t he?

Why, despite everything, did he feel like he needed to prove something to him instead?

And worse—why did he care what Noah thought of him at all?

Ethan clenched his jaw.

This had to stop.

But fate had other plans.

Thursday – 6:45 PM – Charity Gala

Ethan hated these events.

A room full of investors, corporate elites, and society’s finest, all pretending to care about causes they barely understood.

He was only here for one reason—to close a deal with the CEO of Sterling International.

And yet, from the moment he stepped into the ballroom, Ethan could feel eyes on him.

Not from the investors. Not from the press.

But from Noah.

Ethan turned his head—just slightly—and there he was.

Noah Reid, standing by the bar, dressed in a sharp black suit that fit too damn well.

Talking. Laughing. Completely at ease.

And not looking at him.

Ethan’s chest tightened.

Since when did that bother him?

He forced his attention back to the business at hand, shaking hands, exchanging pleasantries—

Until a voice cut through the noise.

“Didn’t think you’d actually show up, Wen.”

Ethan tensed.

James Carter.

Ethan turned slowly, masking his irritation. “James.”

James smirked. “Nice event, huh? Plenty of people to impress. Though… some of your company’s recent initiatives might be raising a few eyebrows.”

Ethan’s jaw ticked. “Is that so?”

James swirled the whiskey in his glass. “You’ve changed. A few months ago, you wouldn’t have entertained all this diversity nonsense.”

Ethan’s fingers curled against his glass. “I don’t recall asking for your opinion.”

James chuckled. “Oh, come on. We both know why this is happening.”

His gaze flickered across the room.

Landed on Noah.

Ethan felt something in him snap.

“You should watch what you’re implying,” Ethan said, voice dangerously low.

James smirked. “Relax. It’s just… funny. I always thought you were the last person who’d—”

Ethan stepped closer.

James faltered.

Ethan’s voice was ice. “If you have something to say, say it.”

James hesitated—just long enough for Ethan to see the doubt creep in.

And then—

“Sir.”

A familiar voice.

Noah.

Ethan turned.

Noah stood there, expression unreadable. “Your meeting with Sterling’s CEO is in five minutes.”

Ethan nodded, tension still coiled in his shoulders.

James scoffed. “You really let him run the show, huh?”

Noah smiled, but there was no warmth in it.

 “Well, someone has to keep things in order.”

Ethan almost laughed.

Almost.

Because Noah just humiliated James Carter in six words or less.

And for the first time that evening-

Ethan didn’t mind being on Noah’s side.

Thursday – 10:15 PM – The Aftermath

The deal was closed. The event was winding down.

And Ethan was exhausted.

He stepped outside, away from the chatter, letting the cool night air ground him.

Footsteps.

Then, a quiet voice.

“You were angry."

Ethan exhaled sharply. “Don’t analyze me, Reid.”

Noah stopped beside him. “I don’t have to. It was obvious.”

Ethan glanced at him. “And?”

Noah studied him for a moment. “And I think it bothered you more than it should have.”

Ethan scoffed. “I don’t care what James Carter thinks."

Noah tilted his head. “Maybe not. But you care that he said it.”

Silence..

Ethan looked away.

And then—

Noah’s voice, softer this time.

“You know, if you wanted to prove him wrong, you wouldn’t be out here avoiding me.”

Ethan stilled.

Something between them shifted.

It was unspoken. Tangible.

Ethan turned slowly, their eyes meeting under the dim glow of the streetlights.

Noah held his gaze, unreadable. Unwavering.

Ethan should have walked away.

But instead—

For the first time in his life—

He wasn’t sure if he wanted to.

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