Rise of Underdog

8

Ethan opened his mouth, intending to speak. But no words came out. He stood frozen, even his hand trembled slightly. He, Ethan Caldwell—usually calm under political pressure and million-dollar negotiations—was now at a complete loss for words.

Scarlett felt it too. Her eyes darted—glancing at the hallway, at the floor, then back at Ethan’s face. As if asking herself: Should I speak first? Should I leave?

The silence hung in the air like a fragile bridge between two worlds that had never truly touched.

Finally, Ethan took a soft breath and gave a stiff smile. “Scarlett… I thought you’d gone home.”

His voice was low and trembling, as if even saying that took great courage.

Scarlett paused, then replied quietly, “I… just came back from the archives. I had to double-check a document.”

“Oh,” Ethan nodded, though he had no idea how else to respond. “You look… busy.”

Scarlett gave a faint smile. “Just like you.”

They fell silent again. Only the sound of footsteps passing by and the soft hum of the air conditioner filled the space.

Ethan knew this wasn’t the right time for a long conversation. But he also knew—if he let this moment pass, he might not get another chance.

“Scarlett,” he said gently, more serious this time. “Do you have time after this? Just for a few minutes. I think… there are some things I’d like to ask you.”

Scarlett looked at him for a moment. There was hesitation in her eyes, but also curiosity.

She nodded slightly. “Alright. In fifteen minutes?”

“Behind the building, in the garden,” Ethan replied quickly.

Scarlett gave a small smile. “Okay. See you then.”

And with that, she walked away. Ethan watched her back as she left—and for the first time that day, his heart raced not from political tension… but because of someone.

Scarlett was not just a name. Not just a smile from behind a desk. She was a possibility—and Ethan wasn’t going to let her slip away.

Scarlett’s eyes lingered on Ethan for a moment, her lashes long and delicate—the very ones Ethan had often longed to see up close. She lowered her gaze, ready to continue walking and leave the moment behind. But just as she took her first step, Ethan gently reached for her hand, causing Scarlett to turn toward him in surprise.

She looked at Ethan, puzzled.

“What are you doing?” she asked, scrutinizing his face.

“I’m just fighting for what I believe should be mine,” Ethan replied with quiet ambition.

“I don’t understand. You’ve changed so suddenly. I don’t even recognize you anymore, Ethan Caldwell—truly!” Scarlett said, her expression cold.

Ethan sensed something had gone wrong. But he also realized Scarlett wasn’t a mind reader—she couldn’t possibly grasp the deeper reasoning behind his actions yet. Ethan was moving like a pawn toward certainty.

One day, Scarlett would see it clearly and understand his intent.

He wasn’t defying her father, not really. He was simply dismantling Thomas’s ego—proving that social class should never be a barrier to love.

Ethan shook his head and slowly released her hand. Scarlett seemed startled by the gesture. Ethan could feel a shift in the energy—something unfamiliar.

Clearly, Scarlett was shaken by Ethan’s behavior, perhaps finding it strange and unlike the man she thought she knew.

Without another word, Ethan turned and walked away, leaving Scarlett alone. She remained frozen at the doorway, unsure why she had even come there in the first place.

But her mind quickly turned to Robert—yes, she had to tell him everything.

It wasn’t a long walk, and soon Ethan found Robert seated across from Daniel, both of them still absorbed in their unfinished game.

Ethan approached them without hesitation, full of confidence.

“Well?” asked Robert, without even glancing at Ethan.

Ethan frowned slightly.

Robert then turned his head toward Ethan.

“You carried out the test phase properly?” Robert asked, seeking confirmation.

“Of course. I gained plenty of support and praise in there,” Ethan replied with full confidence, convinced he would pass with the highest result.

Daniel simply looked at Ethan, occasionally glancing at his father, making sure the conversation didn’t become too tense.

“You’re very confident, Ethan. Have you forgotten who Thomas Sinclair is?” Robert asked, trying to remind him.

“Of course not. Why, is there a problem? I just believe in myself,” Ethan answered without much thought.

“That’s a good thing,” Robert said. “But on the other hand, we have to remember that Thomas is capable of doing anything—even things beyond the limits. You know that, don’t you?” he warned.

Ethan fell silent, absorbing Robert’s words—which, indeed, had merit.

“So what should I do now?” Ethan asked, seeking certainty and a solution from Robert, who was far more experienced in matters like this.

“You’re brave, but bravery alone isn’t enough. You also need to be strategic in your movements. The goal is to make sure you stay safe as you take your next steps. Don’t assume you’ll win right away! It’s not that easy—especially since your opponent is Thomas Sinclair. You already know what he’s capable of, and how masterfully he plays in politics and power games,” said Robert, challenging Ethan’s overconfidence and opening his eyes.

“You need to be more careful, Ethan!” Daniel chimed in after silently observing the conversation between Ethan and his father.

Ethan nodded in understanding, acknowledging Daniel’s concern. Robert continued his analysis. He understood clearly the kind of situation that could unfold very soon. Although time was tight and there was little room for delay, Thomas would undoubtedly act swiftly and deliberately.

This was Thomas Sinclair. Ethan had to match cunning with cunning—he needed both intelligence and skill to survive the game.

“My advice is simple: keep your eyes on everything. Especially on the key players—the examiners and those who have the authority to announce the final decision on your test results. I think you understand what I mean,” Robert said, giving Ethan a strategic suggestion.

“Alright, I’ll do that. I understand the direction of your advice,” Ethan replied, ready and composed.

Robert nodded.