Seeing the hard drive on her desk, a frown crept onto Katie's face.
"What is this?" she asked, her fingers brushing the device.
Her eyes narrowed at the label etched onto its surface: AI-OMNI 1.0.
"The future of artificial intelligence," Ethan replied in a slightly dramatic tone. "The future of your company. The solution to your problems… the algorithm to a new world. Foundation of everything the world in need in future in field of AI."
Before Katie could respond, Ethan added, "Test it first. Run your simulations. Only then will you understand its true value."
Katie's eyes narrowed. "And its price?"
She had not forgotten the staggering hundred million dollars Tony Stark had handed over to Ethan. And she certainly was not in the same league as that of Tony Stark. Millions of dollars was a number that was hard to comprehend for her.
"Half of your company," Ethan said casually as if it was no big deal.
Katie's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Half of my company?" she practically shouted as if rage was going to take over her. "My company is worth over 80 million dollars! You want half?"
Ethan remained undisturbed. He had expected this kind of reaction.
"You can accept it or walk away. Your choice. But I believe that sooner or later, you will either have to file for bankruptcy or go public to raise capital. Better to give half to me now and keep your control," he said.
She opened her mouth to protest, but Ethan cut her off with calm finality. "And no negotiations on the price."
"It may seem excessive, but you have not even seen what's inside the hard drive. Once you do, you will understand."
He continued almost arrogantly, "Many would offer me far more than your entire company is worth. But I chose you, for your talent, Miss Katie."
He placed his card on the desk. "You have three days."
Ethan was about to leave when Katie interrupted him, her voice sharp.
"Are you not worried I will just copy everything on this and claim it as my own?" She asked with narrowed eyes.
Ethan chuckled and despite the humour in his voice, the air in the room grew cold. Katie felt a chill crawl down her spine. Her instincts screamed that she had crossed a line.
"If you think you can," Ethan said with a smile, "go ahead and give it a try."
"You will find the consequences yourself," he added.
Katie swallowed hard and said nothing as Ethan turned and walked out. For the first time since founding her company, she felt… vulnerable.
She was not dealing with an ordinary man. And something told her that if she did try what she had just threatened, it would not end well—for her or for her company.
Ethan walked out of the office with a calm smile on his face.
Since his arrival in this world, he had been relentlessly active.
Not that any of it required much effort—his capabilities made things come easily. But still, it had not been… fun. It was time he dived into the world of pleasure and enjoyment.
Now, he had power. He had wealth within reach. And perhaps today, he'd claim the third piece of the infamous trio.
Power. Wealth. Woman.
He entered the reception area, where Lily was chatting with two clients. The moment they noticed Ethan approaching, they took their leave.
"Miss Lily," Ethan greeted with a smile. "A pleasure to see you again."
"Mr. Alcardo," Lily said, blushing as she remembered the wink he had given her the last time.
Ethan chuckled at her response. "I was wondering if you're free this evening?"
"I'd be honoured to take a beautiful lady like you on a date," he proposed.
Lily turned red as she blushed, her voice stammering as she replied, "I… I would be happy to accompany you."
It went against her better judgment, going on a date with someone she barely knew, but she felt no hesitation. In fact, she felt a giddy excitement welling up inside her. Ethan did not like an ordinary man. Did he?
"Wonderful," Ethan said. "I will pick you up at 7 PM, right at the entrance."
"That is fine by me," Lily replied, smiling shyly.
"See you then," Ethan said, turning away.
"See you…" she murmured, still in a daze.
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.
.
At exactly 7 PM, Lily stepped out of the office building onto the sidewalk. She greeted a few coworkers, but her eyes kept scanning the road anxiously. Just as she was about to spiral into overthinking, a sleek black luxury car roared to a stop in front of her.
The door opened, and Ethan stepped out. Lily's breath caught in her throat.
He was not wearing anything flashy—just a sky blue shirt and white pants—but he carried it with an effortless charm that left her stunned.
"Good evening, Miss Lily," Ethan said as he walked up to her.
"Good evening, Mr. Alcardo," she replied, quickly adding, "And just call me Lily."
"Then you must call me Ethan," he said, opening the car door for her.
After leaving AI Solutions, Ethan had checked into a five-star hotel, done a bit of shopping, and now returned to pick up his date.
Lily slid into the car while Ethan took the driver's seat.
"Maybe I should have put on makeup or done something extra to match your style," Lily said nervously.
"Oh no," Ethan said quickly. "You look absolutely stunning, Lily."
A warm smile crept across her face, and she fell silent.
"So, where would you like to go? Somewhere loud and lively, or calm and peaceful?" Ethan asked.
"I would be happy to go wherever you take me, but…" she hesitated, "after a long day, a calm dinner would be lovely."
"I know just the place," Ethan said, smoothly manoeuvring the car into New York City traffic.
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