Chapter 3 - The Debt Collector
Three days had passed since the incident in the parking lot, and Ethan's life had transformed into a living nightmare.
Creditors were calling him regarding unpaid credit card bills, and his landlord had already issued a stern warning about overdue rent.
The ten thousand dollar debt to Antoine hung over his head like a guillotine blade ready to drop at any second.
Desperate and out of options, Ethan decided to track Antoine down at the headquarters of Sterling Technologies, the multi-billion-dollar tech conglomerate rumored to be owned by a mysterious young mogul.
Standing before the towering glass-and-steel skyscraper, Ethan felt exceptionally small, wearing a plain hoodie to avoid recognition.
He pushed through the revolving glass doors and approached the immaculate marble reception desk, his heart pounding against his ribs.
'Excuse me, I need to see Antoine Sterling,' Ethan said, trying to keep his voice steady despite his intense anxiety.
The receptionist looked up, her expression entirely neutral as she tapped away at her terminal. 'Do you have an appointment, sir?'
'No, but tell him it's Ethan. He knows what it's about,' Ethan insisted, shifting uncomfortably from foot to foot.
Before the receptionist could reply, a sleek private elevator chime echoed through the lobby, and the doors glided open to reveal Sarah walking out.
Sarah recognized Ethan instantly from the viral video. A knowing smirk played on her lips as she approached him.
'Ah, the famous car owner,' Sarah said, her voice dripping with subtle sarcasm. 'Antoine is expecting you. Follow me.'
Ethan swallowed hard, his palms sweating as he followed Sarah into the private elevator that soared upward at breathtaking speed.
When the doors opened, Ethan stepped into a sprawling, ultra-modern penthouse office filled with minimalist art and panoramic views of the metropolis.
Sitting behind a massive mahogany desk was Antoine, looking up from a collection of financial reports with a calm, piercing gaze.
'Take a seat, Ethan,' Antoine said quietly, gesturing to the leather chair opposite his desk.
Ethan sat down slowly, his bravado entirely gone, replaced by a profound sense of humiliation and helplessness.
'I... I'm here about the ten thousand dollars,' Ethan stammered, staring down at his sneakers.
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'I figured as much,' Antoine replied evenly, leaning back in his chair. 'A bet is a bet, after all. Or does your family fortune not cover pocket change?'
Ethan flinched as if he had been physically struck, realizing that Antoine knew everything about his hollow background.
