Chapter 1: Introduction
The annual business conference was a shimmering spectacle of suits, ties, and polished shoes. The grand ballroom of the five-star hotel was illuminated with a soft, golden glow that made the sea of stiff collars and crisp cufflinks gleam like precious metal. Ethan Hamilton, a successful businessman in his thirties, strode through the crowd with an air of confident ease. His short, dark hair was styled in a messy but controlled fashion, and his chiseled jawline was accentuated by a few days' worth of stubble.
Ethan's piercing green eyes scanned the room, taking in the familiar faces and feeling the familiar hum of anticipation that always came with these events.
He grabbed a coffee from a passing waiter, the strong aroma filling his nostrils as he made his way towards the main stage. The scent of stale coffee mixed with the faint hint of expensive cologne, creating a peculiar bouquet that was unique to these business gatherings.
As he took a sip, his eyes landed on a figure that made him pause mid-swallow. It was a man, standing a few tables away, deep in conversation with a group of colleagues.