Chapter 144 A Talk With Newton Scouts
The man was tall, stocky, and had a no-nonsense expression that only deepened when he spotted Ethan approaching.
"Finally," Morgan muttered, crossing his arms. "I was starting to think you wouldn't show Boss."
Ethan arched a brow. "You think I'd ignore your call if it wasn't serious?"
Morgan exhaled, shaking his head. "It's serious, alright. Newton Corp sent people. They're waiting nearby."
Ethan's expression darkened at the mention of Newton Corp.
If there was one company he wanted nothing to do with, it was them. After what they pulled in the past, there was no room for negotiations.
And besides he already knew what this was all about – after all they had come here before.
"Where are they?" he asked, his voice calm but laced with clear disapproval.
"Nearby restaurant. Figured you'd want to deal with it yourself."
Ethan gave a curt nod. "Let's not keep them waiting, then."
The restaurant Morgan had chosen was a quiet, upscale spot — one of the few in the area that catered to high-end clientele despite being in the middle of the bustling street food scene.
Ethan walked in first, scanning the room before spotting two Newton Corp representatives sitting at a table near the back.
They were easy to recognize. Slick suits. Polished smiles. The kind of corporate professionalism that made Ethan's skin crawl.
They used to work in the same company after all, this was the scouting team, sent to scout out and probe the owners to join the hundreds of other businesses under the branch of Newton.
As he approached, both men stood, offering polite smiles.
"Ethan Grey," one of them greeted, extending a hand. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you after all new heard about you."
Ethan ignored the handshake and took a seat instead.
Morgan followed, sitting beside him.
The Newton reps exchanged a quick glance before awkwardly lowering their hands and sitting as well.
"Let's skip the small talk," Ethan said, his tone cool. "You wanted to meet. So talk."
The man who had spoken first — Derrick Lane — cleared his throat and pulled out a contract. He placed it on the table, sliding it toward Ethan.
The thick stack of pages immediately set off alarms in Ethan's mind.
"As you know," Derrick began, "Newton Corp. is expanding its portfolio, and we've taken an interest in the food truck industry. We believe there's mutual benefit in a partnership."
Ethan remained silent, eyes skimming the contract without touching it.
The second rep, Simon Lowe, leaned forward, eager to make his case. "Newton can offer full-scale distribution, supply chain support, and exclusive access to premium locations across multiple cities. We've studied your business model, and with our backing, we could take The Grub Spot and your entire operation nationwide."
Ethan finally looked up. His expression was unreadable. Though he wasn't thinking about their options, not at all.
Derrick took it as a good sign and continued. "We understand your trucks are thriving, but expansion is a challenge. We can make it seamless. No more supplier struggles, no more location disputes. Newton has the connections to eliminate those headaches for you."
Morgan shifted slightly in his seat, watching Ethan carefully. He knew his boss well enough to recognize the flicker of annoyance in his eyes. Well if it could be called a flicker.
Ethan leaned back, folding his arms. "And in return?"
Simon smiled, as if they had been waiting for that question. "A fair stake in your business, of course. Newton would handle logistics, expansion, and marketing while you remain the face of the brand. You'd still be in control — just with the backing of a major corporation."
Ethan exhaled slowly. That's what they said all the time but in the end they would end up with majority of your business rights.
He glanced at Morgan, who gave a slight nod, as if to say, It's your call.
Ethan tapped a finger on the table before finally speaking.
"No."
The word was firm. Final.
Derrick and Simon exchanged surprised looks.
"Excuse me?" Derrick asked, as if he had misheard.
"I said no," Ethan repeated, his voice sharper this time. "I'm not interested in partnering with Newton Corp. Not now. Not ever."
Simon's confident smile faltered. "Ethan, I don't think you understand what we're offering here — "
"I understand perfectly," Ethan interrupted. His tone remained even, but there was a coldness to it now. "You want to buy your way in and dictate how I run my business. You'll start with 'logistics' and 'marketing' — then before I know it, my brand is nothing but another Newton subsidiary. That's not happening."
Derrick straightened in his seat, his expression hardening slightly. "I think you're making an emotional decision rather than a rational one. Newton Corp has resources you can't ignore."
Ethan's eyes darkened. "Let me make something clear."
He leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice. "I built this business from the ground up. Without Newton. Without handouts. Without corporate vultures circling overhead."
He flicked a finger at the contract. "And I'll keep it that way."
Silence fell over the table.
Derrick finally sighed, pulling the contract back. "That's disappointing to hear."
Simon, however, wasn't ready to give up. "You're making a mistake, Vance. A big one."
Ethan smirked, but there was no humor in it. "I don't make mistakes. But if I ever do, partnering with Newton would be one."
Simon clenched his jaw but said nothing else. Derrick, realizing there was no salvaging this meeting, rose to his feet.
"Well," he said, adjusting his suit, "if you change your mind, you know where to find us."
"I won't," Ethan replied coolly.
The Newton reps left without another word.
Once they were gone, Morgan let out a low whistle. "Damn. You really hate those guys, huh?"
Ethan exhaled, rubbing his temple. "You have no idea."
Morgan leaned back in his chair. "Well, you handled that about as well as I expected. Think they'll come back?"
Ethan scoffed. "Of course they will. Newton doesn't give up that easily. But they'll learn soon enough — I'm not for sale."
Morgan smirked. "Guess we'll just have to wait and see."
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