The Tycoon's Odyssey

Somewhere in Indra...

In a softly lit hotel room, a woman stood with elegance, her jet-black hair cascading down her back in smooth waves, framing a face of striking beauty. A subtle mole near her lips added a touch of allure, drawing attention to her confident smile.

She wore a stunning red prom dress that embraced her curves delicately, the color vibrant and contrasting against her fair skin. The gown's intricate lace and flowing skirt whispered with every movement, enhancing her graceful presence.

As she discussed business matters with the people, her voice carried a melodic tone, effortlessly blending her charm and intelligence. Her eyes, a deep shade of emerald, sparkled with a hint of mischief, captivating anyone who was fortunate enough to meet her gaze.

In one hand, she held a glass of wine, the crystalline glass caught the ambient light and cast its delicate reflections across the room.

The few standing before her didn't dare to look her in the eye. Even if she might look like a Goddess, her aura was intimidating.

The clink of glasses and the soft murmurs of conversation filled the air as she gracefully navigated the topic of mergers and acquisitions with the man across from her. Her voice, smooth as silk, conveyed both her knowledge and passion for the intricate world of business.

"I believe our approach should be emphasizing long-term sustainability," she remarked, her eyes alight with conviction as she gestured with her wine glass. "It's not just about the short-term profitability."

The man nodded, clearly impressed by her insight. "Your perspective aligns perfectly with our company's ethos," he replied, his tone respectful yet intrigued. "Your attention to detail is truly admirable."

The woman smiled warmly, a hint of gratitude evident in her expression. "Thank you. I've always believed that success lies in the thin balance between innovation and responsibility."

Their conversation flowed effortlessly, punctuated by occasional laughter and nods of agreement.

"Since we have discussed preventive issues, I hope you can draft the complete contract and send it to my assistant. And the five minutes given to you are over, so...."

The men didn't dare to refute and left with a simple bow.

As soon as they left, the woman took a deep breath before taking a sip of wine while sitting on the soft edge of the bed and folding her legs.

"Ha! I need a break.".

She had just come out from a banquet and a line of business deals was already hurrying to meet her.

Knowing that she would soon leave Indra, she decided to give them a chance.

Adjusting her dress, she took out her phone for some mild entertainment.

Just then, a headline flashed on her screen which drew her eyes.

Narrowing her eyes, she clicked on the news.

Ignoring all the text, she focused on the man and zoomed in his photo.

"Evan...Tea Box Cafe...Brew Heaven..'

She had heard something about this but it wasn't enough to gather her attention until now.

The words hung on her lip for some reason.

The man in the cover image felt so much familiar. Especially those eyes.

They were eerily familiar. After she pondered more, her body froze for a moment. Putting down the wine glass, she opened her gallery and started searching for old pictures.

Soon, she stopped at a picture of a young man.

Splitting the screen, she opened both the pictures, one with a picture of a young man and another with a man in the news.

"This…is this just a coincidence..."

Her heart almost leapt out in shock.

_____

Unbeknownst to him that an unknown woman had suddenly taken an interest in him, Evan found himself caught in a life-and-death situation.

"What the fuck!" he yelled.

"Uncle, take it slow...Uncle....Uncle…!" Evan screamed at the top of his lungs and gripped the edge of his seat as the vehicle wound its way up the narrow, winding road in the hilly region.

The one driving, a middle-aged man, Uncle, seemed to be a daredevil in a human mask as he navigated each sharp turn with wild drifts while puffing a cigar.

"Take a chill, kids. It is my everyday work. The reason I drive fast is so that we can pass by slopes quickly and avoid any rocks that might be raining down. These slopes are dangerous, but not for expert drivers like us."

Evan cried hearing the man's words. Dying in such a way didn't bode well with him. Moreover, his stomach was churning rapidly.

While the Uncle seemed to be on a high, Evan couldn't shake the sense of death's claws gnawing at his neck.

The rugged terrain dropped sharply to one side, disappearing into the thick, mist-laden clouds below.

The turns were sharp and the visibility didn't last beyond a few meters ahead. On such a narrow road, the man's indifferent expression while driving made it even more terrifying.

'Fuck! Does this guy drink adrenaline blended with Red Bull and Mountain Dew?' Evan muttered, his knuckles turning white as he clutched the armrest.

The dense mist that cloaked the slopes added an eerie atmosphere to the journey, and the occasional glimpse of a steep drop made his heart skip a beat.

After what felt like an eternity, the car finally emerged onto a plateau.

Evan's fear gave way to awe as the mist parted, revealing the sprawling tea plantation that nestled amidst the rolling hills. The neatly manicured rows of tea bushes stretched into the distance, their vibrant green contrasting sharply against the gray sky and swirling clouds that hung low over the peaks.

Then, he saw a familiar figure…

Ryan stood near a quaint tea shop perched on the edge of the plantation and greeted Evan with a warm smile. His rugged appearance and calm demeanor contrasted starkly with Evan's shaken nerves.

The moment Evan jumped out of the car, he ran to the side and started emptying out his stomach.

"Welcome to High View Tea Estate," Ryan said, extending a hand to Evan. "Quite a joyful journey, isn't it?"

Hearing this, Evan shot him a dark look and raised his middle finger, making Ryan chuckle.

"It was fucking good," Evan scoffed and looked around.

The moment his gaze drifted, his soiled mood brightened up a bit.

"I apologize for the harrowing road," Ryan chuckled, gesturing towards the steep slope they had just ascended. "But I assure you, the view makes it all worthwhile."

Evan took a deep breath and tried to calm his erupting temper, "Who knows if you chose this place just to torture me? I know that you didn't want to take this mission but were forced by your higher-ups."

"Of course not, mate…"

Ryan nodded knowingly. "The first time is always the most exhilarating and the second time..."

"Directly takes you to heaven…" Evan cut in, leaving Ryan speechless.