Chapter 17: Ethan’s Charms and Ava’s Annoyance
Ava Lee had a list of things she couldn’t stand:
People who talked during movies.
Clients who ghosted after she set them up with perfect matches.
And now, at the top of that list, Ethan Chase.
She didn’t know how he managed to worm his way into every corner of her life, but this time, he’d gone too far. Ava glared at the TV screen in her office lounge, where Ethan’s smug face filled the frame.
"Is he sparkling?" Ava muttered under her breath. "Does he wear glitter? Or is his ego just that shiny?"
On screen, Ethan was sitting on the plush couch of Morning Brew, the city’s most popular morning talk show. He looked as if he belonged there, dressed in a navy blazer that probably cost more than Ava’s monthly rent. His dazzling smile had the host, Trina Marks, leaning forward like she was hanging on his every word.
"Tell us, Ethan," Trina cooed, "what makes Cupid’s Algorithm different from all those... old-fashioned matchmaking services out there?"
"Oh, it’s simple, Trina," Ethan said, flashing a grin that could power a small country. "We’ve taken the guesswork out of love. No messy intuition, no outdated traditions—just science. With Cupid’s Algorithm, we can guarantee matches that are 99.9% compatible. That’s why our clients are so satisfied."
Ava clenched her fists. "Satisfied, my ass. One of your matches almost started a fistfight over tofu."
Trina giggled. "That’s so impressive. And how does it feel to be revolutionizing an industry that, let’s be honest, is a little... behind the times?"