Ethan Storm’s Dark Awakening novel Chapter 39

39

Alice stepped into the plush yet clinical air of Newman Bank, her heels clicking sharply against the

marble floor.

The vaulted ceiling soared above her, chandeliers glittering like frozen constellations.

Everything about the place-its polished counters-screamed wealth. But beneath the sheen was something else entirely.

She could feel it in the way the tellers stiffened as they looked up, in the long, assessing glance from a nearby security guard.

The news had broken. The Morgan Group’s troubles were already circulating.

Still, she walked forward with measured grace, Ethan a quiet, composed presence at her side. Together, they ascended the sweeping staircase to the second floor, where the frosted glass door bore the name:

RICHARD BENNETT BRANCH MANAGER

–

Alice paused briefly, smoothing the front of her blazer. Then she knocked once and opened the door.

Richard Bennett looked up from his desk. His salt-and-pepper hair was slicked back with precision, his navy tie straight and severe.

When his eyes landed on her, and then on Ethan, something flashed in his gaze-fleeting, hard to read. Surprise, maybe. Something darker. But it vanished behind a pleasant smile.

“Alice Morgan,” he said, voice slow and edged. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

She stepped inside with quiet poise, her tone soft, respectful. “Good morning, Mr. Bennett. Thank you for seeing me without notice-I know your time is valuable.”

That earned the faintest arch of his brow.

“I’m here because I need your help,” she continued, standing tall but not aggressive. “The Morgan Group is experiencing a liquidity squeeze. We’re requesting a loan-one hundred million.”

Richard’s gaze flicked to Ethan, eyebrows lifting a little. “And this gentleman is…?”

“This is Ethan Storm,” she said. “He’s a friend and advisor. I trust him completely.”

Ethan gave a courteous nod and extended his hand. “Pleasure to meet you.”

Richard merely looked at the hand, then gave a short, dismissive nod without taking it. “Mm.“

He stood, slowly circling to the front of his desk, arms crossing as he leaned back against the edge. His tone shifted, a trace more clipped now. “Alice, I admire your courage, coming here in person. But you know how this works. That kind of request doesn’t just slide through the system. Especially not in a week like this.”

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“I understand,” she said gently. “I know it’s a big ask, and I don’t expect shortcuts. I’m only asking you to initiate the process. We have assets-this isn’t about bankruptcy, it’s just timing. The company can survive if we can stabilize.”

He gave a long, exaggerated sigh, as if the mere thought exhausted him. “Your stock dropped nearly thirty percent in five days. Nova Corp is circling like vultures, and your partners are pulling back this doesn’t look like a liquidity issue-it looks like a collapse.”

Her throat tightened, but she kept her voice steady. “Then tell me what I can do. I’m here to work with you, not beg for miracles. What would it take to get this loan into serious consideration?”

That made him pause.

Richard’s eyes shifted to Ethan again. This time, his gaze lingered-longer than before, speculative. The air seemed to grow thicker. The silence stretched too long.

Ethan noticed. His shoulders tensed subtly, and he took a small step closer to Alice. He leaned down, voice low and even.

“I don’t like where this is going,” he murmured. “If anything feels off, walk out. Or scream. Or throw something. I’ll be waiting outside.”

Alice gave a tiny nod, barely perceptible. Her fingers curled at her sides, and she lifted her chin.

She had come in with respect.

But if Richard Bennett thought that made her vulnerable… he was sorely mistaken.

The moment the door shut, Richard’s posture changed entirely. Gone was the stern professional. In his place stood a man with a lecherous glint in his eyes and a smirk that made Alice’s skin crawl.

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