Obedience No More He's the One I Deserved novel Chapter 360

**Chapter 360: A Beauty, Allegedly**

“Hey, what kind of attitude is that?” Alex exclaimed, his tongue clicking in frustration. “Girls are absolutely adorable, you know? I’m just out here trying to sprinkle a little love into their lives… But never mind that. Are you going or not? This is serious business! Mr. Will himself handed me this mission. Come on, have a heart. Pity me just a little, will you?”

He clasped his hands together as if in prayer, his expression so earnest that one might think he was on the verge of dropping to his knees in supplication.

Ethan remained as unyielding as stone. “If you got assigned this task, then you should go handle it.”

A heavy silence settled between them.

Alex clenched his jaw, irritation radiating from him. “Fine. But just so you know, I have a date with a stunning girl this week, so don’t mess it up for me. If you still refuse to go, I swear I’ll just move in with you.”

He pivoted on his heel, striding away, yet frequently glancing back over his shoulder as if to gauge Ethan’s reaction.

“I’m serious, man. You better show up.”

“You’re my brother. You have to go.”

“Just go already!”

Ethan remained silent, his resolve unshaken.

Once Alex stormed out, the office returned to a stillness that felt almost oppressive.

This quiet was not the peaceful kind; it was the sort that left you feeling hollow, as if the very air had been sucked out of the room.

Ethan stood tall, his posture impeccable, every inch of him radiating a quiet strength. His features were like those of a statue, sharp and flawless, untouched by the passing of time. The only thing that had faded was the wild, untamed spirit he once possessed, now replaced by a calm, controlled demeanor that felt distant.

The floor-to-ceiling windows gleamed, offering a breathtaking view of the city beyond.

It was nothing short of stunning.

The sunlight danced off the gleaming steel and glass structures, reflections flickering across his dark eyes—only to disappear without a trace.

Those eyes were deep, enigmatic, hiding a multitude of thoughts and emotions. No one could decipher what lay behind them.

How long he stood there, lost in contemplation, was anyone’s guess.

Eventually, Tony entered the room, breaking the spell of silence.

“Boss, it’s time to head to the airport to pick up Mr. Baldwin.”

Ethan, still gazing out the window, replied with a nonchalant “Mm.” He finally tore his gaze away and added, “Stonewarden’s new executive is starting in a few days. Make sure to prepare a gift.”

Tony’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “You’re actually going to the banquet?”

Ethan paused for a brief moment, his voice steady and low. “Better than sitting around doing nothing.”

**Northville Airport.**

Winter seemed reluctant to release its grip this year. It was already April, yet the chill lingered in the air, and the haze hung heavy. As soon as the sun dipped below the horizon, the world outside transformed into a dim, smog-laden gray.

Ethan and Tony stood by the arrival exit, both wearing frowns as they scrutinized the flight display board.

“You sure there’s no mistake?” Ethan queried, a hint of concern lacing his tone.

Tony glanced at his phone, shaking his head. “Nope. Right flight, no delays showing either… So where on earth is he?”

After what felt like an eternity, Luke Baldwin finally appeared, clad in a gray sweatsuit and flashing a grin that suggested he owned the entire airport.

He threw his arms wide open. “My man! Long time no see! Come on, give me a hug—”

Luke couldn’t help but share, “Man, you missed out. There was this woman inside—absolutely gorgeous.”

Ethan glanced down at his phone, his tone flat as he asked, “How gorgeous?”

“Didn’t get a good look.”

Ethan remained silent, his eyes narrowing slightly as he shot Luke a sidelong glance, the kind reserved for fools. He climbed into the car without another word.

“What’s with that look? Not every woman needs a perfect face. It’s all about the aura, you get it?” Luke protested as he followed him inside.

“Nope.”

Now it was Luke’s turn to fall silent, the weight of Ethan’s indifference settling heavily between them.

“Forget it. You’re practically a hermit at this point. Talking to you is pointless.”

He continued to ramble, but Ethan had already leaned back in his seat, eyes closed, tuning him out completely.

A rare beauty?

Women. They’re all the same.

Luke had no business ventures in the country; he was merely back for a brief work trip, staying at one of Jackson Group’s hotels.

After dropping him off and ensuring he was settled in, Ethan joined him for dinner at a nearby restaurant.

“This is everything I’ve managed to dig up,” Luke said as he slid a sealed folder across the table, then picked up a piece of fruit and popped it into his mouth.

As he chewed, he continued, “Stonewarden Group’s chairman—no one’s actually seen him in person. Total mystery. But overseas? That guy plays both sides. Everyone respects the name, no matter which side they’re on.”