The showroom lights dimmed.
Customers were gone. Staff clocked out one by one.
Only Mia Chen remained behind the desk, finishing paperwork for the two cars Ethan had just bought.
She kept stealing glances at him.
He was leaning casually against a black supercar, scrolling on his phone like spending over $200,000 was normal.
It wasn't normal.
Not even close.
[DING!]
Mia Chen - Emotional Curiosity Rising
Favorability: +75
Suggested Action: Increase Personal Interaction
Mia walked over nervously.
You really didn't have to buy those cars for me…
Ethan smiled slightly. I wanted to.
She looked at him carefully You don't even know me.
Then let me.
That caught her off guard.
For a moment, it wasn't about money. It wasn't about the system.
It was just eye contact.
The kind that lingers a little too long.
A few employees whispered near the exit.
Did he really buy two cars
For her.
Who is that guy.
Mia's ears turned red.
Ethan noticed and walked closer, lowering his voice.
Are they bothering you
She shook her head quickly. No… I'm just embarrassed.
Why.
Because… no one's ever done something like that for me.
Favorability Increased: +10
Current Favorability: +85
Ethan felt that small warmth in his chest again.
Not greed.
Not revenge.
Something softer.
Mia finished her shift and changed into casual clothes - simple jeans and a light sweater.
She looked even prettier without the uniform.
Ethan tossed her the keys to the silver convertible.
Let's test it.
Her eyes sparkled You're coming.
Of course.
They drove out together, city lights reflecting off the polished hood.
Wind brushed through her hair as she laughed - real laughter, free and bright.
Ethan watched her more than the road.
[DING!]
Emotional Bond Strengthening
Cashback Multiplier Stable: 3x
They pulled up outside her apartment building.
It wasn't fancy.
Small. Older building. Quiet street.
She turned off the engine slowly.
Silence filled the car.
Today felt like a dream,Mia said softly.
Ethan leaned back. Good dream
The best one.
She hesitated.
Then looked at him with determination.
Ethan… you're not just rich, are you.
He smirked slightly. What do you think
I think…she said carefully, you're lonely.
That hit deeper than Victor ever could.
Ethan didn't answer right away.
She smiled gently.
Text me when you get home, okay
He nodded. Only if you promise to answer.
She laughed.
Deal.
Before stepping out, she leaned over slightly and kissed his cheek.
Soft.
Warm.
Unexpected.
[DING!]
Favorability Increased: +15
Current Favorability: +100
Bonus Emotional Multiplier Unlocked
Ethan sat there for a second after she went inside.
Hand touching his cheek.
For the first time since Lily left him…
He didn't feel heartbroken.
He felt chosen.