Chapter 10 - THE APARTMENT SANCTUARY
Ethan's apartment was located in a modest, brick-faced building on the working-class side of the university town.
The interior was cozy, filled with stacks of textbooks, thrift-store furniture, and the rich aroma of instant coffee.
Chloe dropped her duffel bag by the entryway, feeling an immense physical weight lift off her shoulders.
"It's not a Manhattan penthouse, but it beats living under the thumb of a corporate tyrant," Ethan said, tossing his suit jacket over a chair.
"It's a palace compared to where I've felt for the last four years," Chloe murmured, walking over to the small kitchen window.
She placed her dark leather graduation folder gently on the wooden kitchen table, tracing the embossed gold lettering with her thumb.
Ethan walked up behind her, setting two mugs of hot tea on the counter before wrapping a warm blanket around her shoulders.
"Do you think my father will actually follow through on his threats regarding the EPA investigation?" Chloe asked quietly.
Ethan leaned against the counter, sipping his tea as he considered the gravity of their current situation.
"Vance Global Logistics is a massive corporation with deep political ties, Chloe. They won't go down without a fight," Ethan admitted honestly.
"Then my thesis data is the smoking gun they need to lock him away," Chloe realized, staring down into her mug.
"Which means you need to keep that folder safe. Your parents know you have it," Ethan warned gravely.
May you like
Chloe nodded slowly, her expression hardening with fierce determination as she looked out at the twinkling city lights.
"They spent my entire life trying to control every breath I took. It stops tonight," Chloe declared with unshakeable resolve.
