Ethan was moving with deliberate slowness?!

And what was this location anyway?

His assistant knew perfectly well that Ethan's new residence wasn't in this neighborhood!

The assistant didn't dare question further, quickly following Ethan into the vehicle. During the drive, he began briefing Ethan on the upcoming filming schedule and the specific scenes planned for the day.

"You won't be accompanying me to the set today," Ethan interrupted abruptly, cutting off his assistant's detailed report. "Once we leave the city limits, you can get out. Just hand me the schedule."

His assistant stared at him, completely bewildered.

Was he... being dismissed?!

Ethan produced a small piece of string. "Find a ring in this exact size. When you reach the shopping district, send me photos of all the available styles."

The assistant's eyes widened in disbelief.

Wait... What was happening?!

"Also, arrange for a bouquet of nine hundred and ninety-nine roses. Ensure they're the freshest available."

Was Ethan planning a marriage proposal?!

Wasn't this incredibly sudden?!

Ethan didn't even have a girlfriend, did he? So why was he making preparations as if wedding bells were imminent?!

The assistant had always assumed that with Ethan's particular temperament, the man would likely remain single forever.

He'd never witnessed his employer showing genuine interest in any woman except Elizabeth, who clearly didn't return his affections!

Had Ethan experienced some sudden life revelation and decided to switch teams?

"According to today's shooting timetable, I'll probably return quite late. I'll call you when I'm heading back," Ethan continued.

"Uh... Understood," his assistant nodded hurriedly.

Ethan left his assistant standing by the roadside and sped toward the filming location. Upon arrival, the intense shooting schedule commenced immediately.

They were producing this film with specific foreign award submissions in mind, making their timeline exceptionally tight without room for any delays.

Ethan poured his entire focus into the work, and by the time they wrapped for the day, the clock showed ten at night.

The crew and several cast members were enjoying warm soup prepared on set. Given the chilly weather, the hot beverage provided welcome relief from the cold.

"Would you like some, sir?" one crew member offered.

"I need to return home for a while."

"Driving back now? Don't we resume at seven tomorrow morning?"

"I'm aware."

"The forecast predicts snow tonight," the crew member cautioned. "The mountain drive will take approximately two hours. Wouldn't it be better to stay overnight? There's excellent accommodation nearby, and they've prepared rooms specifically for our team."

"That won't be necessary. I'll drive myself back. The rest of you should stay. I'll be here punctually tomorrow."

Though the crew member attempted further persuasion, recognizing Ethan might have urgent matters requiring attention, he ultimately relented.

Ethan took medication for his stomach condition before beginning the drive home.

He'd consumed very little throughout the demanding workday, and there hadn't been opportunity after wrapping either.

An unexpected craving for the apple pie near Elizabeth's residence surfaced, despite his general aversion to sweets.

He navigated the narrow mountain road carefully. During the descent, he phoned his assistant. "Is everything prepared?"

"Yes, sir."

"In thirty minutes, bring everything and wait for me at the neighborhood entrance where you collected me this morning."

"Sir, returning this late? Snow is imminent. Please exercise extreme caution."

"Understood," Ethan responded before ending the call.

The moment he set his phone down, blinding headlights suddenly illuminated his face, plunging everything into darkness.

Frantic honking echoed in his ears, accompanied by the harsh screech of emergency brakes.

His stomach lurched violently as his vehicle crashed through the guardrail, tumbling down the steep mountainside.