HER DARK PATH

A Favor

Chapter 5

A Favor

The morning sun cast a golden glow across the university campus as students hurried between lecture halls, trying to beat the start of the first class.

Nadia walked through the main gate with a notebook tucked beneath her arm. She had barely taken a few steps when someone called her name.

"Nadia!"

She turned.

Ethan jogged toward her, slightly out of breath, his laptop bag bouncing against his shoulder.

"You walk faster than everyone else on this campus."

A faint smile appeared on Nadia's lips.

"Maybe you're just slow."

"I've been told many things."

He placed a hand over his chest dramatically.

"But slow? That one hurts."

She chuckled.

"You're impossible."

"I've accepted that."

For a brief moment, they stood smiling at each other before continuing toward the Faculty of Business.

As they walked, Ethan noticed the stack of books in her arms.

"Those look heavy."

"I'm fine."

"Are you sure?"

"I've carried heavier."

Without waiting for permission, he took half of the books from her.

"Ethan—"

"You can argue later."

She sighed, shaking her head.

"You don't give people much choice, do you?"

"Not when I'm trying to help."

For reasons she couldn't explain, she didn't ask for the books back.

Their first lecture ended just before noon.

As students streamed out of the classroom, Ethan opened his laptop.

"I need a favor."

Nadia looked at him curiously.

"A favor from me?"

"You're good at organizing information."

"And?"

"I'm creating a financial analysis model for a business competition."

"You joined another competition?"

He smiled.

"I couldn't resist."

"I believe that."

"I've finished the software, but I need someone to review the business section before I submit it."

Nadia thought for a moment.

"I can do that."

"Really?"

"As long as you don't expect me to understand your coding."

He laughed.

"Deal."

They found an empty table beneath a large tree overlooking the central courtyard.

Ethan opened his laptop and explained the project.

Nadia read through the financial projections carefully, occasionally making notes in the margin.

"You've underestimated the operating costs here," she said, pointing at the screen.

"And this section needs a stronger risk analysis."

Ethan leaned closer.

"I completely missed that."

"You focused too much on the software."

"I guess that's why I needed you."

For the next hour, they worked side by side, exchanging ideas and improving the project together.

When they were finally done, Ethan leaned back in his chair.

"You've just saved me from embarrassing myself."

"I doubt that."

"I'm serious."

He looked at her sincerely.

"You see things other people don't."

Nadia smiled modestly.

"My father always says business isn't just about numbers."

"It's about understanding people."

Ethan nodded.

"I'd like to meet him someday."

The words slipped out before he could stop them.

Nadia looked at him for a second, surprised.

"Maybe... one day."

As they packed their belongings, applause erupted from the other side of the courtyard.

A crowd had gathered around a group of students.

"What's going on?" Nadia asked.

Ethan glanced over.

"The results of the university innovation challenge."

One of the lecturers stepped onto the small stage with a microphone.

"This year's winner is..."

He paused dramatically.

"...Ethan Carter!"

Cheers broke out across the courtyard.

Several students rushed forward to congratulate him.

Nadia smiled quietly.

"So you won again."

Ethan rubbed the back of his neck, looking almost embarrassed by the attention.

"I wasn't expecting it."

"You say that every time."

"Because it's true."

As he stepped onto the stage to receive his certificate, his eyes briefly searched the crowd.

For a moment...

They found Nadia.

She gave him a small nod of congratulations.

Somehow...

That simple gesture meant more to him than the applause surrounding him.

Not everyone in the crowd shared her happiness.

Standing beneath the shade of a nearby tree, Vanessa watched the scene unfold.

Her gaze shifted from Ethan...

...to Nadia.

Her lips curved into a faint smile.

"So..."

"This is where it begins."

She reached into her handbag, took out her phone, and sent a short text message.

I need your help.

A reply came almost instantly.

What do you want me to do?

Vanessa stared at Nadia across the courtyard.

Then she typed three words.

Spread a rumor.

She pressed Send.

The first move in her plan had begun.