Ch-2 Conditions

Ashley's POV

I find myself standing outside the grand hotel, my heart pounding with fear and anticipation. 

Although I have declared to Mr. Clifton that I would do anything and everything to secure my place, just the thought of seeking assistance from Ethan is enough to make me stumble in my step.

After all, Ethan Johnson is known for his undefeatable power and fearsome reputation… and right now, my throat is completely parched by the idea of facing him and requesting his help. 

I don't know why I even agreed to come here, why would someone like Ethan help me out? After what he has managed to achieve at a young age by taking over the Johnson Group and ruthlessly crushing his competitors, Ethan has established himself as a formidable figure in the business world. And he isn't really fond of giving out favors… at least that's what I have heard. 

I feel more and more uneasy with each passing minute, and Tiffany's warning echoes in my mind;

"Dad, what are you saying, she can't go to Ethan Johnson! He is the reincarnation of the devil himself, Ashley, don't listen to my father. I don't know what has gotten into him, but this is not a good idea.

From what I have heard, Ethan is very cunning, and he never does anything which doesn't benefit him. Ashley, you might end up losing whatever you have in your hands right now. Don't worry, we will think of some other route and save the company on our own."

But even though I trust Tiffany with my life, I can't put my faith in these words. Because frankly, I can see no other option, no alternative path to reclaiming what is rightfully mine.

And this is why, I try to remember what Mr. Clifton said in response to his daughter's panicked warnings. 

"I am aware that Ethan Johnson is not a philanthropist, but according to my experience, only a miracle can save the Waverly Corporation now. And everyone knows that there is only one man today, who can conjure this miracle…"

These words do the trick, giving me the boost of confidence I need and I approach the receptionist desk, ignoring the doubts gnawing at my conscience. 

"Excuse me," I begin, my voice steady despite the nervous flutter in my stomach.

"Can you tell me which room Mr. Ethan Johnson is staying in?"

The receptionist glances up, her expression neutral as she regards me with a hint of curiosity in her eyes. 

But she quickly withdraws her gaze, types in the name I have given and replies shortly, her tone betraying no hint of recognition. 

"Mr. Johnson is in the platinum suite. Are you one of his guests?"

Although she hasn't said anything directly, I don't know why I feel a pang of discomfort at the implication, and I push aside the unwelcome thoughts. 

"No!" 

My tone is clipped as I give a curt reply;

"I just need to speak with him on urgent business."

With the receptionist's directions in mind, I make my way to the exclusive platinum wing of the hotel. But as I approach the platinum suite, my mind starts to race with a thousand doubts and uncertainties.

My temporary boost of confidence runs out at the most critical moment, and I feel my hesitation return as soon as my hand hovers uncertainly over the brass knuckle on the door. 

Is this the right decision? Should I even be here, uninvited and unannounced? Assuming that Ethan even answers my knock, what will I say to him? Will he even agree to see me in the first place? 

In the end, I made my choice. Instead of knocking on the door, I step back from the threshold of Ethan's suite. 

My plan is to wait, biding my time until the right moment presents itself. In the meantime, I will get the chance to collect my thoughts and come up with a convincing pitch. 

Whether Ethan agrees to see me or not, I will not waste my time and energy worrying about it. I just know that I can't rest until I have exhausted every avenue, every possibility, in this quest to save my dad's company.

And so, I settle down on the plush carpet as if I have been appointed to guard Ethan's door. No matter the odds, I have to succeed… I have to show everyone whose daughter I am!

But while I am sifting through my thoughts, filtering the best arguments to prove why he should help me, I feel my senses slowly succumbing to the numbness… 

_____

Startled awake by a sudden sound, my eyes flutter open to find a tall guy standing before me, a single frown as the only flaw on his otherwise perfect face. 

For a few seconds, he looks at me with a quizzical expression, as if trying to place me. Meanwhile, I myself am busy figuring out where I am, looking at my surroundings through the auburn hair scattered all over my face. 

"So, you managed to find me?" he scoffs, although his voice is tinged with surprise. 

"What do you–"

All of a sudden, his words trail off as he hesitates, and assuming that he is indeed Ethan Johnson, I grab this opportunity to make the pitch I have been formulating. 

I scramble to my feet, tucking my hair behind my ears and trying to remember what all I had thought. But my heart is pounding with nervousness and all the words I can remember stumble out of my mouth;

"Mr. Johnson, I need your help. That's why I came here to ask for your help with my father's company…"

Ethan's expression remained impassive as he listened to my pleas, his features betraying no hint of emotion. For a long moment, he said nothing, making me even more panicked inside. 

But he finally broke his silence, his voice cold and detached;

"Okay, after hearing everything, I have understood your concerns, Miss…"

"Ashley… Ashley Waverly!"

"Right, Miss Waverly. But as you know, nothing in this world comes free of cost. What would I gain in return for helping you?"

A dark smirk danced on his face, while I quickly replied;

"I am ready to do anything you ask me… I am ready to pay any price–"

"Anything? Any price! Huh! I see, you are making very bold claims Miss Waverly. Are you even sure–"

"I am completely sure about what I am saying."

"Okay, then, I won't drag this conversation on for much longer. I'll only help you if you become my companion for the night," he states bluntly.

I recoil involuntarily at this demand, my eyes widening in disbelief. Have I heard it correctly?! 

The sheer audacity of his condition leaves me speechless for a moment, sending my mind reeling with indignation and outrage. 

How could he dare to suggest such a thing?

"I won't agree to that," I declare firmly, my voice trembling with suppressed anger. 

"What kind of a bargain is this? There must be another way to secure your help."

But Ethan remains unmoved, his demeanor icy and unyielding, even as a sarcastic chuckle leaves his mouth.

"You changed so fast, Miss Waverly! I think those directors are speaking the truth, you are not fit for business. At one point, you are making great claims and the very next moment, you are denying them… business is not a place for people who can't stick to their words."

"But that doesn't–"

 

He cuts me off sharply;

"Just to be clear, if you need my help, this is the only compromise I'm willing to offer. Take it or leave it."

I feel my frustration rising. There has to be some way to save my father's company, without compromising my integrity! 

But Ethan doesn't seem to be interested in anything I have to say, his expression impassive as if he is delivering his final ultimatum. 

"I have somewhere to be," he says coldly. "And I haven't taken any vow to help out anyone and everyone. So if you are done–"

Despite feeling dejected and defeated, I also know that is the only chance I'm going to get. I can't let him go without even hearing out my offer first. 

So, I gather my thoughts and steel myself against the disappointment of Ethan's refusal, somehow and speak;

"Mr. Johnson, why don't we sit and talk? I promise, I won't take up too much of your time."

____