h4Chapter 163: Strategy/h4

    The ss walls of Stefan’s office gleamed under the gentle midday light, casting clean reflections across the polished floors. The scent of fresh espresso lingered in the air, courtesy of Oliver’s second cappino—something Stefan had long grown used to in their morning meetings.

    Oliver sat across from him now, a tablet in hand, scrolling through the final projection slides for that evening’s investor presentation.

    "If Mr. Rogers still isn’t convinced after tonight, we may have to restructure the dealpletely," Oliver said, his tone sharp but steady. "He’s cautious, and frankly, a little outdated in his thinking."

    Stefan rubbed his temples, then leaned back in his chair. "That man hasn’t trusted anyone under sixty since the ’90s."

    Oliver chuckled. "And yet we still need him."

    "We need his vote," Stefan corrected. "Not his approval."

    They both shared a knowing nce, the kind thates from fighting in the same corporate trenches for years. Stefan couldn’t be more happier, having Oliver in his corner. Perhaps, he should consider making him COO.

    Stefan was about to move on to the next point when there was a knock at the door. A rhythmic, confident three-tap knock that didn’t belong to a secretary.

    "Come in," Stefan called without looking up since he knew very well who that was.

    The door opened, and Ethan stepped in casually, dressed in a sharp te-gray suit, his hair perfectly styled, a faint hint of cologne drifting in with him. His face carried that familiar blend of arrogance and charm—the very thing that made him simultaneously lovable and infuriating.

    Oliver looked up and smiled politely. "Ethan."

    "Oliver," Ethan said with a nod, then turned to Stefan. "Didn’t mean to interrupt. I’ll wait."

    Stefan waved him in. "You’re fine. We’re almost done here."

    Ethan strolled over to one of the guest chairs and lowered himself into it, crossing one leg over the other, rxed as ever.

    Stefan turned back to Oliver. "Wrap this up and send me the finalized version before 3. I’ll go through it again before the event."

    "Got it," Oliver said, standing up and gathering his things. "Good luck with the other half of your day."

    "Thanks," Stefan muttered, already bracing himself.

    Once the door clicked shut behind Oliver, Stefan turned his attention fully to Ethan, his brow lifting.

    "So," Stefan said, leaning forward, forearms resting on his desk, "what’s up?"

    Ethan’s lips curled into a smile. "I’ve secured an invitation to tonight’s event. Mr. Rogers’ assistant added me to the guest list this morning."

    Stefan nodded. "That’s good."

    "Yup," Ethan said, clearly pleased with himself. "I can’t wait to see the look on Rayna’s face when she realizes I’m in town."

    Stefan’s expression didn’t shift. If anything, it ttened.

    "She’ll be surprised," he agreed carefully. "That you know. But surprised doesn’t mean pleased. You do realize that, right?"

    Ethan tilted his head, confusion knitting his brows. "Why wouldn’t she be pleased?"

    Stefan gave him a long, meaningful look. "Because she’s angry, Ethan. Full-blown angry. You haven’t called her. Not once. She thinks you ghosted her. Why am I even exining it to you."

    Ethan blinked, then gave a sheepish chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck. "I know, I know. Bute on, man—it’s part of the strategy."

    "Strategy?" Stefan echoed, frowning.

    Right from when Ethan had told him about this two days ago when he called to know if Rayna had arrived, he’d tried to talk him out of it but Ethan just wouldn’t bulge. What was he even thinking calling this a strategy?

    Ethan leaned forward, eyes bright. "Yeah. I figured... if I just showed up, like really showed up, after making her miss me like she’s doing now, it would make an impact."

    Stefan’s jaw tightened slightly. "You’ve said that before but Ethan, this isn’t a movie. Rayna isn’t a plot twist waiting to be wowed. She’s a person. With feelings."

    "I know," Ethan said quickly. "But I didn’t know how else to make her see that I’m serious. That I didn’t just say those things in Florittle to make her feel good. I meant every word. And I want her to know that. Waiting for her reply is killing me. I just needed to push her a little."

    "Even if that was your n, you should’ve at least picked up the phone," Stefan said inly. "You should’ve called. Or texted. Or emailed. Anything even if it’s just once."

    Ethan winced. "Yeah. That’s what Ruby said too."

    Stefan raised an eyebrow. "You spoke to Ruby?"

    "No," Ethan said quickly. "I mean, I haven’t. But I’m guessing she’d say the same."

    "She did," Stefan confirmed. "She’s upset on Rayna’s behalf. Honestly, I can’t me her."

    Ethan let out a long breath and slouched back into the chair. "So you’re saying I screwed it up."

    "I’m saying," Stefan said calmly, "that you gambled. And if it doesn’t go your way tonight, you need to be prepared to take responsibility for that. You can’t just appear with flowers and expect everything to reset."

    Ethan was quiet for a beat, his gaze lowering.

    "I didn’t want to make it worse," he muttered. "I just wanted to make our reunion unforgettable so she says yes without a second thought."

    "Then be unforgettable by being honest," Stefan said, standing up to walk toward the coffee station in the corner. "Be the guy she thought you were. Not a stuntman pulling off emotional magic tricks."

    Ethan looked up at that, then gave a slow nod.

    "You think she’ll even talk to me tonight?"

    Stefan handed him a small espresso shot and shrugged. "Depends. If you can get past the part where she wants to throw that drink in your face."

    Ethanughed softly and took the cup. "Fair enough."

    Stefan smiled faintly. "Good luck. You’ll need it."

    "Maybe I’ll just change my ns," Ethan said, thinking of how he could make things up first before the event.

    *********

    I saw all the gifts today and I’m really happy you are all supporting me this way. I love you, all. Thank you, Mary, Thank you, Missy, thank you, Baefan, Thank you, Romoke and everyone else. Much love from here(kisses)