Alex woke up with a fresh perspective. Her brief meeting with Ethan had humanized the billionaire, and she no longer sought to expose a scandal. Instead, she aimed to tell a meaningful story about the person behind the public persona.
Alex decided to delve deeper into Ethan's life, determined to uncover the truth behind the myths and headlines. Her investigation would reveal the complexities of a man often reduced to mere headlines, and she was ready to listen.
Alex drafted a mail to Ethan Ryder's PR team for the second time. It wasn't a request for an interview this time; it was a proposal. She proposed a feature article that would delve into Sky Tech's innovative work and Ethan's role as a philanthropist, but also explore his motivations and his vision for the future.
The response surprised her. An email arrived from Ethan's personal assistant, stating that Mr. Ryder had read her proposal but he declined. She felt disappointed.
Alex got to work, armed with a folder full of research and a head brimming with ideas, Alex marched towards Tori's office. This time, the scent of freshly brewed coffee couldn't mask the stale odor of disappointment that lingered in the newsroom. The negative feedback from Tori on her previous celebrity fluff piece had left a sour taste in Alex's mouth. Today, however, her steps were lighter, her smile genuine. This time, she had a story. A real one.
Tori's office door swung open before Alex could even knock. Well, Thompson, Tori greeted her, a hint of amusement dancing in her steely gray eyes. Back from your little chat with Mr. Perfect? Did he regale you with tales of his philanthropic endeavors and his flawless golf swing?
Alex chuckled, a note of newfound confidence in her voice. Something like that. But there's more to Ethan Ryder than meets the eye, Boss. Believe it or not.
Tori raised her eyebrow, intriguing. Sit down, Alex. Spill.
Alex settled into the plush chair across from Tori's desk, her folder resting on her lap like a shield. First, forget everything you think you know about Ethan Ryder. The reclusive billionaire, the philanthropist, all that's true. But there's more to it.
Tori leaned back in her chair, her sharp gaze unwavering. More like what? A dark secret he's hiding in the basement? A gambling addiction? Come on, Alex, hit me with something juicy.
"Not exactly a dark secret," Alex countered, "but a past life he seems rather eager to keep buried." She opened the folder, pulling out a printout of a news article from several years ago, the headline screaming: "Sky tech Industries Accused of Environmental Violations."
This article talks about a controversial mining project in South America, accusations of environmental damage, and a fierce public backlash. All of it aimed at Sky tech.
Tori's eyes narrowed as she scanned the article. Interesting. So, Mr. Green Thumb has a less-than-rosy ecological footprint?
"There's more, Alex continued. "The article mentions Ethan Ryder, then CEO of Sky tech, facing a public hearing regarding the accusations. But then, poof! He vanishes. No public statements, no apologies, just… silence.
"So, he ran and hid?" Tori smirked. "That's starting to sound more like a story."
"Not exactly running, Alex argued. "He stepped down as CEO for a brief period, allegedly to deal with 'personal matters.' Then, a few months later, he resurfaced. Skytech cleaned up their act, focusing on renewable energy, and Ethan Ryder became the 'eco-conscious billionaire' we all know today."
Tori steepled her fingers, a thoughtful frown creasing her forehead. "This is interesting, Thompson. But it's still not earth-shattering. People change, companies change. Maybe Ryder learned his lesson.
There's something else ma, Alex insisted. The whole thing felt staged. The sudden disappearance, the convenient return, the complete image overhaul. It's too… neat.
"So, what's your theory, Sherlock?" Tori challenged.
"My theory," Alex leaned forward, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, is that there's something else Ethan Ryder is hiding from that period. Something that could potentially shatter his carefully crafted image.
Tori raised an eyebrow, a slow smile spreading across her face. This was the Alex she recognized – the one with a nose for a story and the tenacity to chase it. "Intriguing, she drawled. "So, what's your plan, Thompson? How do you propose we unearth this buried treasure?"
"I have already started digging," Alex admitted, pulling out a small notepad from her folder. "I interviewed Mr. Davies, the current CEO of Sky tech. He was cagey, of course, but I managed to glean a few tidbits. Apparently, the South American project was Ethan's brainchild, and the backlash hit him hard personally.
"Personally, huh? Tori's lips pursed thoughtfully. "Maybe there's more to this story than just environmental concerns. Could there have been an accident, a loss of life?"
"That's a possibility, Alex conceded. "But Davies wouldn't budge on any details. He clamped up faster than a frightened clam.
Days turned into weeks, the frustration mounting. Alex interviewed everyone with a connection to Sky tech, from disgruntled ex-employees to environmental activists who still bore the scars of the South American project. But everyone seemed to sing the same sanitized tune – Ethan Ryder, the brilliant visionary, the eco-conscious leader.
Discouragement gnawed at Alex.
Was she chasing a ghost?
Had the past been successfully buried under a mountain of charity work and cutting-edge technology?