Ethan's words were almost cruel: "So, one of the ultimate goals of driving a supercar is to 'attract attention.' This also explains why its core audience is often young people seeking excitement and presence. As for comfort and practicality? That's something you only consider a 'compromise' after you have it."
His tone was straightforward, without any concealment.
Mia lowered her head, her fingers unconsciously twisting the handstrap of her briefcase.
Ethan's straightforwardness caught her off guard, but also gave her a strange sense of ease.
He tore away the grandiose veil that wrapped around wealth and luxury cars, directly exposing the most primal vanity and desire to show off in human nature.
Having worked at banks for so many years and interacted with countless wealthy people, she knew some tellers who were more attractive tended to be easily tempted by money.
During her tenure, many bank tellers had already chosen to resign and willingly become mistresses for others.
Ethan's voice rang out again, carrying a transcendent calm: "Actually, rich people are just like that; they don't have any more sense than anyone else. Some just have more resources and more tricks to play, but at their core, they still can't escape a bit of human nature — craving attention, recognition, and a sense of superiority. Everyone's the same."
"Pfft!" This time, Mia really couldn't hold back and was amused by Ethan's sharp self-mockery that even roasted himself.
Wow, when he got ruthless, he even talked about himself.
Her laughter was crisp, breaking the last bit of restraint in the car.
She looked up, her eyes filled with a smile and a hint of disbelief: "Ethan, you can't say that! Aren't you super rich yourself?"
Ethan turned his head and gave her an extremely calm, even slightly mischievous smile: "So I'm no exception. I drive this car, and I've got elements of showing off and attracting attention too. There's nothing to hide or be ashamed of."
He shrugged, his posture relaxed.
Mia was stunned. She looked at Ethan's sharply defined profile, sunlight streaming through the car window, casting shadows on his straight nose.
She had met too many wealthy people who either pretended to be deep, deliberately kept low-key, or used various lofty reasons to package their luxurious indulgences, as if without them, they couldn't match their "taste."
So hypocritical it was like wearing an exquisite mask.
So when she faced them, she always carried a cautious respect and an indelible barrier.
But Ethan before her was astonishingly frank.
He openly admitted to the sports car's "social show-off" nature, even making fun of himself to analyze human weaknesses.
No pretense, no excuses — everything so natural, real, and down-to-earth.
There was no trace of rich-guy airs at all; it was more like two ordinary friends chatting together.
Especially when he said buying a supercar was just to show off and turn heads, there was no excessive pretense. Everything was said naturally, without any grandiose excuse for the issue.
This openness instantly melted away the invisible barrier in her heart.
Her tense shoulders unconsciously relaxed, and the hand that had been gripping the briefcase strap loosened.
An unprecedented sense of comfort spread throughout the car.
Mia realized she was no longer deliberately searching for words to be "appropriate," and naturally, she started talking more.
Her heart was filled with curiosity about Ethan.
The young man before her possessed the straightforwardness, humor, and vibrant energy befitting his age, and his words often revealed a clarity and maturity far beyond that of his peers.
The first time she met Ethan was when William invited him to dinner. Back then, she was very reserved around him, but now she was much more relaxed.
Ethan found it hard not to wonder what kind of family and environment could produce such an outstanding young man.
What kind of environment was this contradictory yet captivating quality forged in?
In this relaxed and harmonious conversation, the McLaren P1 emitted a deep gear shift sound and smoothly slid into the underground parking lot of a modern office building.
The roar of the engine echoed a few times in the empty concrete space, then fell silent.
The destination arrived, and Mia's understanding of this young employer was just beginning a brand-new, intriguing chapter.
...
Midtown, the Meridian Tower.
The McLaren P1 slipped silently into the building's underground parking lot like a bright orange barracuda.
The car door rose like butterfly wings, and Ethan and Mia got out one after another.
Brandon, who had been waiting for a while, and a capable woman dressed in a dark professional suit immediately came forward to greet him.
"Hello, Ethan!" The woman stepped forward first, her face warm yet proportionate, and proactively extended her hand. "I'm Erin, the property management manager for the Meridian Tower. Just call me Erin."
She was about thirty-five years old, with impeccable makeup and sharp eyes, her every gesture revealing extensive reception experience.
Ethan reached out and shook her hand with just the right pressure: "Hello, Erin."
"Damn it, you finally made it!" Brandon casually gave Ethan a playful punch on the shoulder.
Then, his gaze curiously landed on Mia, who stood out behind Ethan: "Who's this?"
There was a hint of amusement in his eyes, thinking she was Ethan's new "secretary."
Ethan briefly introduced her, saying, "Chase Bank's personal secretary, Mia."
As soon as he finished speaking.
Mia stepped forward half a pace, nodded slightly to Brandon, and showed a standard professional smile. Her voice was clear and pleasant: "Brandon, hello. I'm Mia, assisting Ethan with the initial tasks of the new company."
"Oh! Mia, hello, hello!" Brandon replied with a smile, his attitude friendly, but his gaze had already shifted away from Mia.
For a second-generation heir of his status, being around a top private secretary was nothing unusual.
Brandon turned to Ethan, full of enthusiasm: "Let's go, let's see the spot I picked out for you! Guaranteed satisfaction!"
His tone was certain, clearly showing he'd put a lot of thought into choosing the location for this trip.
Ethan nodded, "Alright."
"Ethan, Brandon, this way please. Let me lead the way." Erin immediately stepped aside to lead the way, her steps swift, her heels tapping crisply and steadily on the mirror-smooth floor.
The group passed through the grand lobby and arrived at the exclusive elevator lobby.
Erin pressed the button first, and the elevator doors slid open silently.
She stood respectfully by the door, waiting for Ethan and the other two to enter, then entered last, standing beside the control panel.
"Ethan, Brandon, shall we start by looking at the top floor, the 82nd?" Erin asked, her finger dangling above the button.
There are 130 advance chapters ahead in my Patreon. If you are interested can check it out.
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