Rise of Underdog

13

"Yes, it's important. It's about your business, and of course, about us," Scarlett said, her voice growing weaker.

Scarlett was almost frustrated by the situation. She was beginning to doubt Ethan's abilities and was very confident in her father's ability to carry out this strategy. She saw Thomas's unfailing commitment to carrying out his missions. Moreover, this involved the family's reputation and pride. This clearly concerned the future of his beloved daughter. Surely Thomas wasn't playing around with this terrifying game.

Ethan's frown deepened.

"Did you know about your father's attempt to boycott my business?" Ethan asked, getting straight to the point.

"Yes, I just heard it, in Dad's study. I overheard Dad talking to Mom about this. What should we do now besides feel forward to what will happen next? This is predictable and even obvious, Ethan," Scarlett said, filled with fear and intense worry.

"Do you believe all of this will happen?" Ethan asked, his expression becoming serious.

Scarlett fell silent and couldn't answer Ethan's question. She felt it wasn't a question she needed to answer. Because it was already clear that reality wasn't on their side. That was what Scarlett was thinking now.

"Oh, so you believe it will happen? Okay," Ethan said, then stood up and left Scarlett alone.

Scarlett fell silent and felt guilty towards Ethan. She couldn't even strengthen Ethan's resolve and confidence. Scarlett tended to underestimate Ethan's abilities. Perhaps Ethan was disappointed by her assessment of him. But in a completely unreadable space, Scarlett would be amazed by Ethan's apparent, boundless courage. His hard work in fighting for their relationship was no small feat. Ethan wasn't playing around with this. But Scarlett still didn't believe that Ethan was a man to be underestimated.

Although her father's views of Ethan strongly influenced Scarlett's current view of him, deep down, Scarlett hoped Ethan would follow a path that would bring him peace. Her peace could only be found through a continued good relationship with Ethan. In fact, her greatest hope was that they could sail the ship of marriage they had always dreamed of together.

Scarlett still sat alone, brooding over things she shouldn't have shown Ethan. Scarlett's thoughts were increasingly confused, and she felt uneasy towards Ethan. But she couldn't escape the logic and reality of what was happening. This was too binding, as if it had become a common occurrence. Although, in reality,

not everything that happens regularly will happen again. But she always encountered a constant thought about her view of Thomas: that Sinclair never fails if there's a will.

On the other hand, Ethan felt slightly offended by Scarlett's views. But he was still confident and would prove Scarlett wrong in her assessment of his abilities. However, Ethan never blamed Scarlett for that view. He couldn't turn a blind eye to Thomas's long-standing personal brand.

"You seem a little disappointed, your face looks so gloomy?" Jessica asked, looking attentively at Ethan.

Opening a can of drink and taking a sip, Ethan looked straight ahead. Only then did he begin to speak in response to Jessica's question.

"Yes, you're absolutely right. I feel very disappointed. My greatest disappointment lies in my own greatest strength," Ethan said with a slightly dim expression.

"What do you mean?" Jessica asked, seeking confirmation from Ethan.

"Yes, Scarlett, she is my strength. I would be disappointed if she didn't trust me," Ethan said honestly, lowering his head.

Jessica turned to Ethan, showing sympathy. She tried to reassure him, gently stroking his shoulder to reassure him. She gave him hope and complete confidence, so he wouldn't feel alone and helpless.

"I know what you're feeling, I understand very well. But I believe that you will be able to show good efforts even in the eyes of the world, not only in front of Scarlett. I really believe that, so don't worry and feel weak just because of a view that is completely against reality. Scarlett only comes with her own fears. It's not that she looks down on you. She's just a girl born from a strong family doctrine. In the sense, her view of you just now is a terrace and not a true view. Her belief must lead to complete trust in you, don't doubt that!" Jessica said, enlightening Ethan.

After hearing this, Ethan began to feel enlightened and better than before. It was true that Scarlett wasn't truly expressing her views toward Ethan. She was simply dominated by her own fears and anxieties. It wasn't that Scarlett didn't trust Ethan, but that was the condition that currently held her captive. It was difficult to separate from her, and Ethan began to understand that thanks to Jessica's clear words.

"How are you feeling? I see a glimmer of hope in your eyes," Jessica asked, reassuringly.

"Yes, of course. Thank you for opening my mind to a clearer path. I nearly drowned in deep insecurity. I nearly lost my self-confidence and drowned in assumptions I shouldn't have," Ethan said, rejuvenated with confidence.

"That's good, then. I know you as a tough and relentless person," Jessica said, giving Ethan renewed encouragement.

Ethan smiled, turning to Jessica, and Jessica smiled back.

"Become an undefeated god of war!" Jessica said firmly.

Ethan's spirits grew again after a brief, honest conversation with Jessica. She always knew how to

empower her friend's feelings and bring them back to life. Although, of course, Scarlett didn't know this yet. Ethan had an amazing female friend, Jessica. She had always helped Ethan through various challenges in his life, including now.

Ethan hoped that his relationship with Jessica would remain as good friends, without ruining his romantic relationship with Scarlett. Ethan also had high hopes that Scarlett wouldn't misunderstand his relationship with Jessica if she ever found out. To Ethan, both were precious, but each had its own distinct place and position.