MTLNOVEL Chapter 166
At that moment a subtle smile played across Ethan's lips as he examined the assignment slip. "What an interesting coincidence" he thought, his enhanced mind already calculating the possibilities.
He'd acquired Carson Automotive Industries but hadn't had time for a proper inspection.
Between the entertainment company cleanup and his other ventures, the car manufacturer had been running on autopilot under its existing management.
"Perfect timing,"
he murmured, making Serenity glance at him curiously.
His enhanced intelligence was already processing everything he knew about the company - profit margins, employee reports, production inefficiencies.
"This school assignment."
would provide the perfect cover for a detailed internal audit.
" Killing Two birds with one stone" he thought, watching Serenity organize her notebook for the interview. He would help her with Noah situation while simultaneously examining his automotive empire from the inside.
The power thrummed beneath his skin as he contemplated the approaching visit to his company, anticipating what secrets might need addressing in his newest acquisition.
Not long after they arrived at Carson Automotive headquarters gleamed with steel and glass, its modern architecture impressive but somehow cold. Ethan's enhanced senses caught every detail as they entered - security cameras, employee movements, the subtle signs of inefficiency.
When they arrived they told the receptionist why they were here and handed the letter from the school to her.
The receptionist directed them to the executive floor with practiced politeness.
"Mr. Davidson will see you now."
Inside the spacious office, Davidson rose from behind his mahogany desk, his expensive suit and artificial smile speaking of corporate arrogance.
He grasped Serenity's hand warmly, his eyes lingering inappropriately around her.
At that moment Ethan extended his hand, Davidson deliberately ignored it, turning back to Serenity. "Please, have a seat,"
he gestured to the chair before his desk, his voice dripping with charm.
Then he turned to Ethan, his expression hardening.
"You can wait over there,"
he pointed to a far corner dismissively.
"Give us some space for the interview."
'Interesting.'
Ethan thought, watching the man's power play with cold amusement. 'He doesn't realize who really signs his paychecks.'
Without wasting anymore time Ethan smoothly took the seat beside Serenity, his movement carrying subtle authority that made Davidson's eye twitch.
"The school assigned us as partners,"
he said, voice carrying lethal politeness.
"This is a team project."
Upon hearing what Ethan just said Davidson's artificial smile faltered, his fingers drumming irritably on his mahogany desk.
"I wasn't informed about—"
"Your company agreed to the school's terms,"
Ethan cut in, his anger thrumming beneath his calm face.
"Which includes partner interviews."
Davidson's face flushed red as he turned to Serenity, deliberately ignoring Ethan.
"Will this affect your grade, my dear?"
"Yes,"
Serenity replied, shifting uncomfortably under his inappropriate attention.
"Ethan and I will receive same score. We're meant to work together."
Davidson's jaw clenched visibly, his corporate arrogance battling with the situation.
'If only he knew who really owned his comfortable office'
Ethan thought, watching the man's internal struggle with cold amusement.
Davidson stood abruptly, his chair scraping against hardwood.
"I'm afraid,"
he said with barely concealed satisfaction.
"your scores will have to differ."
He snatched Serenity's assignment paper, his expensive fountain pen scratching across the surface with vindictive pleasure.
"Student shows poor character,"
He read aloud while writing. "Displays significant insubordination and lack of respect."
Serenity's face paled as she watched him write, but Ethan remained perfectly still, his enhanced senses noting every detail of Davidson's petty power play.
"There,"
Davidson thrust the paper toward Ethan with a smug smile.
"This comment from a corporate executive should ensure an appropriately low grade for your rude behavior."
His triumphant expression faltered slightly when he saw no reaction on Ethan's face. Something in those calm eyes made him suddenly uncertain about his victory.
"If only you knew who really holds your career in their hands"
Ethan thought, watching Davidson's moment of doubt.
At that moment Davidson's smug smile began to waver as Ethan showed no sign of distress. Instead, Ethan calmly pulled out his phone, his fingers moving across the screen with deliberate precision.
Sending a message to Naomi.
[Send me the director number of Carson Automotive's director.]
The executive's face darkened with rage as Ethan ignored his power play, completely absorbed in his texting.
"How dare you!"
Davidson's voice rose sharply.
"Put that phone away when I'm speaking to you!"
Serenity watched nervously as Davidson's face turned an alarming shade of red, his carefully maintained corporate facade cracking at Ethan's apparent disrespect.
"Are you even listening?"
Davidson slammed his hand on the desk, making his name plate rattle. "Do you know who I am in this company?"
At that moment Ethan's phone buzzed with Naomi's reply, making Davidson's eye twitch violently at the continued dismissal.
"Let's see how long this attitude lasts"
Ethan thought, noting the CEO's number while Davidson fumed.
"Please,"
Serenity pleaded, her eyes wide with practiced concern, hands clasped before her.
"Remove the remark. It could affect both our grades."
"Don't worry, sweetheart," Davidson's voice dripped with condescension, his whole body leaning toward her inappropriately. A thin sheen of sweat gleamed on his forehead despite the room's perfect temperature.
"Your grade is safe."
His eyes lingered far too long, making Serenity suppress a shudder.
"What if he apologizes?"
Serenity suggested softly he didn't want Ethan to get into in trouble, playing the mediator role that made Davidson's smile turn cruel, his corporate mask revealing the petty tyrant beneath.
"Well,"
he leaned back in his leather chair, savoring what he thought was his moment of triumph. His fingers drummed against the mahogany desk.
"If he crawls to that door on his knees, I might reconsider my... professional assessment."
Just then, Ethan's phone buzzed with the Director number. His enhanced senses caught every micro-expression crossing Davidson's face - the quickening pulse in his neck, the slight twitch in his left eye at being ignored.
"Your remark means nothing to my grade,"
Ethan said quietly, his voice carrying deadly precision as he began dialing the number. Every word fell like ice into the suddenly tense air.
"But my next call will mean everything to your career."