### THE WRONG IMPRESSION
Monday morning began with an unexpected amount of excitement at Finance World Magazine. Aria Dozen arrived at the office earlier than usual, carrying a cup of coffee and a notebook filled with information about Mingyu Yunchuang Group. After her embarrassing encounter with Ethan Hawthorne, she had spent most of the weekend researching the company, its business partners, and its upcoming press conference. She was determined to meet him again, but this time she wanted to make a better impression. She had no intention of repeating the ridiculous mistake of calling him Isabella Laurent's uncle. Unfortunately, Aria had no idea that her next encounter with Ethan would be even more complicated.
"You're early," Serena Blake remarked as Aria placed her handbag beside her desk.
"Important people don't arrive late."
Serena looked at the clock and raised an eyebrow. "It's eight fifteen. Since when did you become an important person?"
"Since I decided to become successful."
"Does this sudden ambition have anything to do with a certain handsome CEO?"
Aria took a sip of coffee. "His name is Ethan Hawthorne, and yes, partly."
Serena laughed. "At least you're honest."
Before Aria could respond, Charlotte Hayes appeared beside their desks.
"Aria, I hope you've prepared something interesting."
Aria immediately straightened. "For the Mingyu Yunchuang interview?"
"Exactly. Their press conference is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon. I've managed to secure two media invitations. You'll be representing our magazine."
Aria's eyes widened. "Really?"
Charlotte smiled. "Don't look so surprised. You're one of my best reporters. But remember, I want professional journalism, not celebrity gossip."
"Of course."
Madeline Frost, who had been listening to their conversation, turned around in her chair.
"I heard the Hawthorne Group is extremely selective about interviews. I hope you know what you're doing."
Aria smiled politely. "Thank you for your concern, Madeline."
"It wasn't concern. Just a reminder that not everyone can get an exclusive interview."
"Then I suppose Wednesday will be interesting."
Madeline rolled her eyes and returned to her computer.
Serena leaned towards Aria.
"Please don't start a war before lunchtime."
"I haven't done anything."
"Your smile says otherwise."
Meanwhile, at the headquarters of Mingyu Yunchuang Group, Ethan Hawthorne was attending his morning meeting. A large digital screen displayed the company's latest financial projections, while several senior executives discussed the proposed expansion into international markets. Ethan listened carefully, occasionally asking questions that made even the most experienced directors reconsider their calculations.
When the meeting ended, his secretary, Alexander Reed, approached him.
"Mr. Hawthorne, the media invitations for Wednesday have been confirmed."
"Good."
"Finance World Magazine has also requested an exclusive interview."
Ethan stopped walking.
"Finance World?"
"Yes. Their representative is Miss Aria Dozen."
Alexander checked the information on his tablet.
"Apparently, she's one of their financial reporters."
Ethan remembered the young woman from the hotel entrance. Her confident smile, enthusiastic introduction, and extraordinary misunderstanding about Isabella immediately came to mind.
"Aria Dozen," he repeated.
"Do you know her?"
"Unfortunately."
Alexander looked up.
"Unfortunately, sir?"
"Nothing. Confirm the invitation."
"Certainly."
Alexander hesitated before adding, "Would you like me to arrange a separate interview?"
"No. Let's see how she handles the press conference first."
Alexander nodded, although he was beginning to suspect that there was an interesting story behind the request.
At the same time, Aria was sitting at her desk, studying Ethan's company profile. She had discovered that Mingyu Yunchuang Group had recently acquired several international technology firms and was preparing to announce a major investment project. The announcement could significantly influence the business market, making it one of the magazine's most important upcoming stories.
Serena approached with two printed documents.
"I found something."
Aria looked up. "What?"
"Isabella Laurent is attending the same press conference."
Aria immediately took the documents.
"Are you serious?"
"Apparently, her family has some business connections with the investors."
Aria studied the information carefully.
"Interesting."
Serena narrowed her eyes. "Don't tell me you're planning something."
"I'm a journalist. Researching interesting people is part of my job."
"That's not what I asked."
Aria smiled.
"Relax. I'm not going to cause any trouble."
Serena sighed. "I wish I could believe you."
On Wednesday afternoon, the grand ballroom of the Royal Kensington Hotel was filled with journalists, investors, business executives, and several influential personalities. Elegant chandeliers illuminated the room, while cameras flashed continuously near the main stage. Mingyu Yunchuang Group had organized the event to announce its upcoming international expansion, and the presence of Ethan Hawthorne had attracted considerable attention.
Aria entered the ballroom wearing a sophisticated black dress beneath a cream blazer. She carried her notebook and camera, looking around for a familiar face.
Serena followed her.
"Remember, we're here to work."
"Obviously."
"And don't embarrass yourself."
Aria gave her an offended look.
"Why would you even say that?"
"Because I know you."
Before Aria could reply, a familiar voice interrupted them.
"Miss Dozen."
She turned around.
Ethan Hawthorne stood a few steps away, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit. His expression was calm, and his dark eyes rested on her with unmistakable recognition.
Aria froze for half a second.
Then she smiled.
"Mr. Hawthorne! What a pleasant surprise."
"Is it?"
"Of course. I was hoping we'd meet again."
Ethan glanced at her press badge.
"Finance World Magazine?"
"Yes. I'm covering today's event."
"Good. Then I assume we'll be speaking professionally this time."
Aria's smile faltered slightly.
"Professionally?"
"Unless you have another family relationship to discuss."
Serena immediately turned her face away, trying not to laugh.
Aria cleared her throat.
"About that... I believe there was a small misunderstanding."
"A small one?"
"An innocent mistake."
Ethan looked at her for a moment.
"Isabella Laurent is not my niece, Miss Dozen."
"Yes, I've discovered that."
"Have you?"
"Absolutely."
Ethan gave a slight nod.
"Excellent."
Before Aria could say anything else, Alexander approached them.
"Mr. Hawthorne, the chairman is waiting."
Ethan nodded.
"I'll be there shortly."
He looked back at Aria.
"Enjoy the conference."
"Thank you, Mr. Hawthorne."
As he walked away, Serena immediately grabbed Aria's arm.
"An innocent mistake?"
Aria whispered, "Don't start."
"He remembered you!"
"Unfortunately, yes."
Serena laughed.
The press conference began a few minutes later. Ethan took his place on the stage beside several senior executives. His presentation was confident and precise, explaining the company's plans for expansion, investment opportunities, and long-term partnerships. Aria listened carefully, taking notes and preparing questions.
When the question-and-answer session began, several journalists raised their hands. After answering questions about the company's financial strategy and international partnerships, Ethan noticed Aria raising her hand.
"Miss Dozen."
Aria stood up.
"Thank you, Mr. Hawthorne. Your company has announced an ambitious international expansion. However, considering the current market uncertainty, how do you intend to manage the financial risks associated with such rapid growth?"
For the first time that afternoon, Ethan looked genuinely interested.
"An ambitious expansion doesn't necessarily mean an irresponsible one. Every investment decision is supported by detailed research, risk assessment, and long-term planning. We don't invest simply because an opportunity looks attractive. We invest when the numbers support it."
Aria nodded.
"Would you consider collaborating with independent media organizations to improve public understanding of your company's investment strategy?"
"Certainly. Provided the reporting is accurate and independent."
"Then perhaps Finance World Magazine could be a suitable partner."
A few journalists smiled at her confidence.
Ethan looked directly at her.
"Perhaps. You may submit a formal proposal."
Aria smiled.
"I will."
After the press conference, Aria approached the refreshments table to collect a glass of water. She was checking her notes when someone suddenly called her name.
"Aria?"
She turned around and found Isabella Laurent standing behind her. Isabella wore an elegant white outfit and carried a designer handbag.
"Isabella."
"I didn't expect to see you here."
"Well, I'm a financial reporter. Business events are part of my profession."
Isabella smiled faintly.
"Of course. I heard you met Ethan recently."
Aria raised an eyebrow.
"Did you?"
"Yes. He mentioned a rather unusual conversation."
Aria immediately understood what she meant.
"Oh, that."
Isabella laughed softly.
"You really thought he was my uncle?"
Aria took a sip of water.
"It was a misunderstanding."
"An amusing one, apparently."
"Perhaps."
Isabella studied her for a moment.
"Anyway, Ethan is not particularly interested in making new acquaintances. I wouldn't waste too much time trying to get his attention."
Aria smiled politely.
"Thank you for the advice."
"I'm just being helpful."
"How kind of you."
Isabella gave her a final smile before walking away.
Serena appeared beside Aria.
"What was that about?"
"Apparently, Isabella thinks I shouldn't waste my time."
"On Ethan?"
"Exactly."
Serena looked towards the other side of the ballroom, where Ethan was speaking with several investors.
"Well, she might have a point. He doesn't exactly look like someone who enjoys conversations."
Aria shrugged.
"I don't need him to enjoy conversations. I need him to answer my questions."
"That's what you keep telling yourself."
A few minutes later, Aria received a message from Charlotte.
Charlotte: Did you manage to speak with Mr. Hawthorne?
Aria: Yes. He agreed to consider a formal interview proposal.
Charlotte: Excellent work. Prepare the proposal by tomorrow morning.
Aria smiled at the screen.
At least one part of her plan was working.
However, as she was preparing to leave, she accidentally dropped her notebook near the ballroom entrance. Several pages scattered across the polished floor.
"Oh, wonderful," she muttered.
She quickly bent down to collect them, but another hand reached for the last page.
"Looking for this?"
Aria looked up.
Ethan.
He was holding a sheet of paper covered with handwritten notes. Unfortunately, the top of the page contained a rather large heading.
PROJECT: MAKE LUCAS WHITMORE REGRET EVERYTHING.
Aria's eyes widened.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Ethan glanced at the heading, then at her.
"Interesting research topic."
Aria quickly took the paper.
"It's personal."
"I can see that."
"It's not related to the interview."
"I didn't assume it was."
She gathered the remaining pages and stood up.
"Thank you."
Ethan nodded.
"You're welcome."
He was about to leave when he paused.
"Miss Dozen?"
"Yes?"
"May I offer you some professional advice?"
"Of course."
"Whatever you're planning, make sure you know exactly what you're getting yourself into."
Aria frowned slightly.
"Is that a warning?"
"Consider it an observation."
He walked away before she could ask another question.
Aria watched him disappear into the crowd.
Serena hurried towards her.
"What happened?"
Aria showed her the notebook.
"Nothing. He just saw something he wasn't supposed to see."
Serena read the heading and covered her mouth.
"Aria!"
"I know."
"You wrote your revenge plan in your notebook?"
"I didn't think the CEO of a multinational company would start reading my personal notes!"
Serena shook her head.
"You're unbelievable."
That evening, Ethan returned to his office. Alexander was waiting with several documents.
"Mr. Hawthorne, your schedule for tomorrow."
Ethan took the folder.
"Thank you."
Alexander hesitated.
"May I ask something?"
"Again?"
"Is Miss Aria Dozen the journalist who approached you about Isabella Laurent?"
Ethan looked up.
"Yes."
"She seems rather determined."
"She is."
Alexander smiled.
"Will you approve her interview request?"
Ethan opened the folder and examined the proposal.
"Her questions at the press conference were reasonable. Arrange a thirty-minute interview next week."
"Certainly."
After Alexander left, Ethan leaned back in his chair and looked towards the city skyline. He remembered the unusual heading on Aria's notebook and found himself wondering who Lucas Whitmore was.
Meanwhile, Aria was sitting in her apartment with Serena, discussing the events of the day.
"Let's review the situation," Serena said. "You met Ethan twice, embarrassed yourself once, and accidentally showed him your revenge plan."
Aria frowned.
"When you put it like that, it sounds terrible."
"Because it is terrible."
"But he approved my interview proposal."
Serena paused.
"Really?"
"Alexander confirmed it."
"Well, that's good news."
Aria smiled and opened her laptop.
"Now I have a professional reason to meet him again."
Serena looked suspicious.
"Only professional?"
Aria considered the question.
"Mostly."
"Aria!"
"What? I'm allowed to appreciate a handsome man."
Serena laughed and threw a cushion towards her.
Aria caught it, laughing along.
For the first time since Lucas had betrayed her, she felt genuinely excited about something new. She had a promising career, a difficult but interesting assignment, and an opportunity to prove herself.
But there was one problem.
Ethan Hawthorne was beginning to notice her.
And the more she tried to keep her personal revenge separate from her professional life, the more complicated everything became.
At the same time, across London, Lucas Whitmore was attending a private business dinner with Isabella Laurent. He had recently discovered that Isabella's family connections were not as powerful as he had originally believed. However, he was too proud to admit that he had made another mistake.
When Isabella mentioned that she had seen Aria at the Mingyu Yunchuang press conference, Lucas immediately looked up.
"Aria was there?"
"Yes. She was speaking with Ethan Hawthorne."
Lucas frowned.
"Why would Ethan Hawthorne speak with someone like her?"
Isabella shrugged.
"She's a journalist, apparently."
Lucas remained silent for a moment.
Then a strange expression crossed his face.
"Interesting."
He had spent weeks convincing himself that Aria would never become anything important without him.
Perhaps it was time to find out whether he had underestimated her.
And somewhere in the middle of all these misunderstandings, Aria Dozen was about to discover that revenge was far more complicated than she had imagined.
TO BE CONTINUED...
