More Than Prepared

Ethan had memories of his past. Though his body might be novice in the business, his soul and mind were not. The years he spent observing and learning under his father's tutelage had given him an unshakeable confidence. He noticed how Ella had left him with a stack of files without much explanation, a subtle indication that perhaps they underestimated him. They were all looking down at him, but only a cold smirk appeared on his lips. He was not at all afraid of the difficult details related to business.

As he sat back in his office chair, Ethan's mind drifted to the countless hours he had spent as a child in his father's study, absorbing the nuances of business strategy, negotiation tactics, and market analysis. Gregory had always been meticulous, and Ethan had silently taken notes, understanding the importance of each decision and the weight it carried.

He picked up the first file and began to read. The information flowed naturally into his mind, each statistic and strategy piece fitting into a bigger picture he had already started to form. The Radiance product line was an ambitious project, but Ethan knew ambition was the driving force behind every success at Harrington Enterprises.

A quick glance at the clock told him it was late afternoon. He had the entire evening to prepare, and he intended to make the most of it. Ethan's mind raced through potential marketing angles, campaign structures, and key points he needed to highlight in the meeting.

Hours passed, and the files were now spread across his desk, each one meticulously annotated. Ethan leaned back and stretched, his smirk widening. The task was challenging, but it was also exhilarating. He thrived on challenges, and this was just the beginning.

He thought about Ella's behavior earlier. She had been polite but distant, almost as if she doubted his capabilities. Ethan welcomed the skepticism; it only fueled his desire to prove them wrong. He was ready to show everyone, including his father, that he was more than capable.

As the city lights began to twinkle outside his window, Ethan stood and walked to the expansive view. The skyline was a reminder of the empire he had gotten in this life. Just a bit more hard work and all of this would belong to him. He felt a renewed sense of purpose and excitement. This was his destiny, and he was ready to claim it.

Outside his office, Ella waited nervously, her heart pounding with anticipation. She had been given a task—to feed Ethan wrong details and ensure his failure. It was a plan she couldn't express freely, a burden she carried silently. She could only wait for him to give up, to stumble under the weight of the misleading information she had planted.

For hours, Ella bit her nails, anxiously waiting for the bell to ring, signaling that Ethan needed her. She imagined his frustration, his inevitable downfall as he struggled with the incorrect data. But as the evening turned into night, there was no call. The office remained silent, and her nerves grew taut with each passing minute.

Ella's thoughts raced. What was taking him so long? Why hadn't he called for help? The silence was unnerving. She had expected him to falter, to seek clarification, but instead, he remained resolute in his office, working tirelessly through the night.

As midnight approached, Ella's anxiety turned into a mix of confusion and frustration. She couldn't fathom how Ethan was managing without the correct information. She had carefully crafted the details to mislead him, to ensure he would fail spectacularly at the presentation.

Finally, unable to bear it any longer, Ella decided to take a peek. She approached Ethan's office quietly and peeked through the glass door. There he was, still immersed in his work, surrounded by files and papers. His expression was one of intense focus, and the cold smirk that played on his lips sent a shiver down her spine. 

Ethan was not struggling; he was thriving. The incorrect details she had provided were either unnoticed or irrelevant to him. Somehow, he had seen through the deception and was crafting a presentation that was not only accurate but brilliant.

Ella stepped back, her mind racing. She realized she had severely underestimated him. Ethan was not just a novice stepping into his father's world; he was a formidable force, prepared and unfazed by the obstacles placed in his path.

As the night wore on, Ella felt a shift within herself. The plan to sabotage Ethan seemed futile now. He had proven himself to be more than capable, a worthy successor to the empire his father had built. The realization filled her with a mix of respect and apprehension.

The next morning, Ethan arrived early, exuding confidence. He made his way to the main conference room, carrying the neatly organized files. He took a deep breath before entering, feeling the familiar rush of adrenaline.

Inside, the executive team was already seated, with Georgery at the head of the table. Ella was there too, along with several other high-ranking officials. The room fell silent as Ethan walked in, all eyes on him.

Georgery gave him an encouraging nod. "Ethan, we're ready when you are."

Ethan placed his files on the table, his gaze steady and determined. "Good morning, everyone. Let's get started."

He launched into his presentation, detailing the comprehensive marketing strategy for the Radiance product line. He spoke with authority and clarity, showcasing his deep understanding of the market and the innovative approaches they would take. He highlighted the key points Ella had mentioned, but added his own insights and enhancements, showing a depth of knowledge that surprised the room.

As he finished, there was a moment of silence before the room erupted in applause. Georgery looked proud, and even Ella seemed impressed.

"Excellent work, Ethan," Georgery said. "I knew you had it in you."

Ethan nodded, a satisfied smile on his face. "Thank you. I'm just getting started."

As the meeting wrapped up, Ethan felt a sense of triumph. He had proven himself, and this was just the beginning of his journey at Harrington Enterprises. With his past experiences and newfound responsibilities, he was ready to take on whatever challenges lay ahead.