WAITING FOR ETHAN

CHAPTER SEVEN: THE OFFER

The rain poured heavily outside Ethan's apartment window.New York never seemed to sleep.Neither did Ethan.For the past three months, he had worked every job he could find, surviving on little sleep and even less money.

Yet somehow, he kept moving forward.

The phone call from William Bennett had given him something he hadn't felt in a long time.Hope, but something about it also felt strange.

Too easy, too sudden, too good to be true.

The next morning, Ethan found himself standing in front of a tall glass building in downtown Manhattan. Its shining exterior reflected the cloudy sky above.

The sign outside read: Bennett Global Investments

Ethan adjusted his jacket nervously. This was far beyond anything he had ever imagined.Taking a deep breath, he stepped inside.

The lobby was luxurious.Marble floors, crystal chandeliers, employees dressed in expensive suits, everything screamed wealth.

A young receptionist greeted him. "Mr. Carter?"

"Yes."

"Mr. Bennett is expecting you." She led him toward a private elevator.The further they went, the more uneasy Ethan became.When the elevator doors opened, he was escorted into a large office overlooking the city.William Bennett stood near the window, smiling.

"Ethan."

"Mr. Bennett."

William gestured toward a chair. "Please sit."Ethan obeyed.For several moments, neither spoke.Then William finally broke the silence."I've been watching you."The words immediately made Ethan uncomfortable.

Watching him? William continued. "Not in a bad way."He chuckled. "I admire hardworking people."

Ethan relaxed slightly.

"Thank you."William nodded."I believe people like you deserve opportunities."He slid a file across the desk.Inside was a job offer.The salary alone made Ethan's eyes widen.It was more money than he had ever seen.

His heart raced.This couldn't be real."Why me?" Ethan asked.William smiled."Because I see potential." Something about the answer felt rehearsed, almost prepared.

Ethan glanced through the documents again.The offer seemed perfect, too perfect.There were no interviews, no qualifications required, no references, nothing, just a signature.

A strange feeling settled in his stomach.Later that afternoon, Ethan visited a small coffee shop.The contract sat in front of him.Untouched.He couldn't stop staring at it.The opportunity could change everything.

But every instinct told him something wasn't right.A waitress approached.

"More coffee?"Ethan nodded absentmindedly.As she poured, she glanced at the papers.Her expression changed.Only slightly, but Ethan noticed."Everything okay?" he asked.The woman hesitated.

Then quietly said:"Be careful."Ethan froze."What?"The waitress immediately looked away."I didn't say anything."She hurried off.Leaving Ethan completely confused.

That night, Ethan couldn't sleep.The waitress's warning echoed inside his head.Be careful, why would she say that? Has she recognized the company? Recognized William Bennett?

At two in the morning, Ethan finally opened his laptop. He began researching Bennett Global Investments.At first everything looked normal, successful projects, business awards, charity work, positive reviews.

But then he found something unusual, an old article buried deep within search results.

The headline read: FORMER EMPLOYEE VANISHES AFTER FRAUD INVESTIGATION

Ethan clicked immediately. His pulse quickened.The article mentioned Bennett Global Investments.Only briefly, but enough to raise questions.

The employee had accused the company of financial misconduct.Two weeks later, he disappeared.

No evidence, no witnesses, no explanation.The case remained unsolved.Ethan leaned back in his chair.A cold chill crawled down his spine.

The next day, Ethan returned to the office.Not to sign.To ask questions.William welcomed him warmly."Have you made a decision?"Ethan placed the contract on the desk."I have some questions first."

For the first time, William's smile faded slightly."What kind of questions?"Ethan explained what he had found.The old article, the missing employee, the investigation.

Silence filled the room.William stared at him, completely expressionless.Then slowly smiled again. But this smile felt different, colder, less friendly."Be careful what you read online, Ethan."The response wasn't reassuring.

It was a warning.Ethan felt it immediately."What happened to him?"William's eyes narrowed."You ask too many questions."The room suddenly felt smaller, the air felt heavy, more dangerous.

William stood, walked toward the window.Then spoke without turning around."You remind me of someone."Ethan remained silent."The last young man who thought he could uncover the truth."A chill shot through Ethan's body.

Truth? What truth?Before Ethan could speak, William turned.His expression had completely changed.Gone was the friendly businessman. Standing before him now was someone else entirely.

Someone calculating, someone dangerous, Someone hiding something and suddenly Ethan realized something terrifying.William Bennett hadn't chosen him because of his potential.William Bennett had chosen him because he already knew exactly who Ethan Carter was.

And somehow...He knew about Willow Creek.

As Ethan left the building, his phone vibrated.A new message appeared, an unknown Number.His hands tightened around the phone.The message contained a photograph, his apartment.Taken only minutes ago.

Below it were six simple words.You are asking the wrong questions.Ethan's heart nearly stopped, because this time he understood, the people watching him...the people threatening him...and William Bennett… were somehow connected.

And for the first time since arriving in New York, Ethan realized he wasn't building a new life.He was walking straight into a trap.