Beneath the surface

Chapter ten

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As Ethan watched Ava walk out with Max, a flicker of emotion crossed his face. He felt a pang of... something. Jealousy? Possessiveness? He couldn't quite put his finger on it.

He turned away from the window, his expression smoothing out. "Focus on the project," he reminded himself.

But as he sat at his desk, Ethan's mind wandered back to Ava. He admired her professionalism and intelligence, but there was more to her than met the eye. What was she hiding?

Internally, Ethan struggled with his growing interest in Ava. He didn't know much about her past, but he was determined to uncover more.

Ethan's phone buzzed, and he answered, expecting a routine update. Instead, it was a familiar voice from his underground world, laced with an air of urgency. "Ethan, your father wants to see you. It's about the mission."

Ethan's expression turned serious, his mind racing with possibilities. "What's going on?" he asked, his tone firm.

"I'm not entirely sure, but he mentioned it's connected to the Entity and the recent events," the voice replied. "He wants to discuss the implications and potential consequences."

Ethan's grip on the phone tightened. "Tell him I'll be there."

As he hung up, Ethan's thoughts swirled around his father, Jim Phelps, and their complicated past. He hadn't spoken to his father in years, and now, suddenly, he wanted to meet about a mission? Ethan's curiosity was piqued, and he knew he had to attend.

Ethan walked into the dimly lit room, the familiar scent of cigar smoke and whiskey filling his nostrils. His father, Don Giovanni, sat behind the large oak desk, his eyes narrowing as Ethan approached.

"Ah, Ethan, my boy," Don Giovanni said, his voice low and gravelly. "We have a problem."

Ethan took a seat, his expression neutral. "What kind of problem?"

"Someone's been leaking our information to the government," Don Giovanni replied, his eyes glinting with anger. "I think it's one of our own."

Ethan's mind began to race. "Who do you suspect?"

Don Giovanni handed him a folder filled with documents and photos. "I want you to find out who's behind this and take care of it. You're my heir, Ethan. It's time you proved yourself."

Ethan's gut twisted with unease. He knew what his father expected of him - loyalty, ruthlessness, and results.

Ethan's eyes scanned the documents, his mind racing with possibilities. He knew the organization's inner workings, but identifying the mole wouldn't be easy.

"I'll get to work on it," Ethan said, his voice firm.

Don Giovanni nodded, a hint of approval in his eyes. "I expect results, Ethan. You're running out of time."

Ethan left the meeting, his thoughts consumed by the investigation. He knew he had to tread carefully, given the organization's complex dynamics.

As he walked out, he was approached by one of his father's loyal associates. "Ethan, I might have some information that could help you."