FATE UNWRAPS

Chapter 10

Ita's pov

As I sat across from Neil, I couldn't help but think about how surreal this moment was. I never thought I'd be able to sit and talk so freely with the person I had admired from afar for so long. Neil was everything I had imagined him to be - charming, witty, and kind. But what struck me most was his intellect. He was even more perceptive and insightful, as evidenced by the way he had caught on to my subtle cues. Of course, I had been angry at first. I had helped Ryder, and yet Neil had doubted me. But as I looked into his eyes, I understood where he was coming from. How could he trust someone he didn't know when his friend had suffered so much?

Suddenly, a thought hit me, and I couldn't help but blurt it out. "Neil," I said, my voice interrupting his train of thought. He stopped talking. I continued, my words tumbling out in a hesitant but earnest tone. "It's been four days since the scandal broke, and yet...your entertainment company hasn't released any official statement or notice. I mean, shouldn't they be addressing this, trying to contain the damage or something?" I asked, my brow furrowed in genuine curiosity. I was puzzled by the company's silence.

He sighed, his shoulders sagging under the weight of the truth. "Ita, this isn't as simple as you think," he said, his voice laced with frustration and disappointment. "The situation in the company is worse than you can imagine. They don't want to support Ryder anymore." A gasp escaped my mouth as I processed his words. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. "They're more focused on building up the young groups and new trainee teams," he continued, his tone bitter. "In simple language, we're on our own."

"The other members are still in Spador, but it's just a show. They're trying not to raise any suspicions. The company isn't saying it out loud, but we know what's really going on. They're cutting ties with Ryder, and by extension, the rest of us.

"We're all just pawns in their game, Ita. They don't care about Ryder's innocence or guilt; they only care about protecting their reputation and investments." His words were laced with a mix of anger and resignation, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of outrage on behalf of the group.

Neil's expression turned grave, and he continued, "For now, only Ryder's name is tainted, but if the company intervenes, the fandom will turn on them. They'll be the victims of their rage." He paused, his voice laced with urgency. "This is the perfect opportunity for the company to dismiss us without facing the wrath of the fandom globally. They'll use this scandal to justify our termination, and no one will question it. We'll be silenced.

"Why not hire a private attorney or legal team to navigate this situation?" I asked, seeking clarity.

"I could certainly afford to do so, but I'm aware that news of our involvement would spread quickly and reach the company's ears. Inevitably, they would stop at nothing to prevent us from securing legal representation, thereby maintaining their grip on the situation." Neil said.

"Neil, Neil!" I exclaimed, my voice urgent as I grabbed his arm. "Wait a minute... I just remembered something."

"Last year, I attended a global conference in Ravensburg, and that's where I met this lawyer from Spador and I was impressed by his expertise and passion for justice. I'm not sure if he'd be willing to help us, but I could try reaching out to him if you'd like. Neil nodded thoughtfully, then gave a resolute nod. "Do it. Reach out to him. We need all the help we can get."

I smiled, "I'll talk to him today," I confirmed, and Neil's face lit up with gratitude.

"Thank you so much for your help, Ita," he said, his voice sincere. "I really appreciate it."

He glanced at his watch and stood up, "I should get going, it's been over two hours. Ryder would be furious" he added with a chuckle.

As he turned to leave, he handed me a piece of paper with his phone number on it. "Here, take this. Keep me updated on what your lawyer friend says. We'll work together on this, Ita."

I nodded, took the paper, and smiled. "Will do.

I quickly dialed my assistant's number, my fingers moving swiftly over the screen. As soon as she picked up, I said, "Eva! I need you to get me Mr. Ethan Ross's contact details within the hour. Hurry up!" I didn't wait for her response, simply hanging up the call. Now, all I had to do was wait.

"Just as I finished my breakfast, my phone rang. It was Eva. 'Ma'am, I've emailed you Mr. Ethan's contact details,' she said. 'Thanks, Eva,' I replied.

I eagerly phoned Ethan, and as soon as he answered, I said, "Hello, Mr. Ross. This is Ita Venus. Can I talk to you for a minute?" Ethan's warm voice replied, "Ita!! Ah, how did you remember me after so long?" I apologized, "I'm sorry, Mr. Ross, for not being in touch, I desperately need a favor." Ethan's tone turned attentive, "Of course, Ita, what's going on?

"Ethan, you're aware of the scandal surrounding Mr. Ryder Carson and I believe you're the only one in Spador who can help him. I'm reaching out to ask if you'd be willing to take his case. Please help Ryder clear his name."

Ethan was silent for a moment before he responded, "Alright, Ita, I'll take the case... but I have a condition."

I was taken aback by Ethan's condition, expecting something related to the case, but instead, he said, "I want to take you on a date after the case gets over. You gave me an excuse last time, but not this time, Ita." I couldn't help but laugh at the unexpected turn, "Okay, okay, Ethan, I'll go, but you know this can't go further, I added slowly, trying to set boundaries, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Ita, just a friendly date. Now, are you happy?" he said sarcastically. I hummed in response, and continued "Okay, then I'll arrange a video call with Ryder. Please send me your schedule, and I'll take care of the rest."

"Also, Ethan, please keep this hidden from his company. They're not on Ryder's side, and we can't risk them finding out about our plans."

"Alright, Ita, Rest assured. I'll handle it" Ethan replied, his voice firm and final. I expressed my gratitude, "Thank you, Ethan."

I let out a satisfied sigh, "Ohhh, done!" I knew I had to share the news with Neil, but I decided it would be better to do it in person. "Yes... I'll do that in the evening," I thought, making a mental note. For now, I needed a break, so I decided to head to the nearby play fair to unwind and clear my mind.

I slipped into a comfortable camisole and paired it with my favorite jeans, adding a cool jacket to complete the relaxed look. And headed out.      

To be continued..