The morning light filtered through the curtains, gently pulling Stephen from the depths of sleep. For a moment, he lay in the plush bed, the softness a stark contrast to the harsh reality of the previous day. Was it all a dream? The betrayal, the wealth, the system?
He sat up, the luxurious room greeting him, confirming the truth of his new reality. His heart raced as he reached for his phone to check his bank balance. The screen lit up, showing $300 million remaining. Relief washed over him, but it was short-lived as the system's hologram flickered to life before him. "Mission reminder," the hologram intoned, the countdown ticking ominously. "Location: Rio 5-star hotel inauguration today." The doorbell rang, snapping Stephen out of his trance. "Enter," he called. The hotel manager stepped in, a respectful nod in Stephen's direction. Behind him, caterers wheeled in a cart brimming with exotic foods, their scents wafting through the air. "And this," the manager said, presenting a package emblazoned with the 5G logo, "was delivered for you, Mr. King." Stephen eyed the package, his curiosity piqued. "Thank you," he said, dismissing the staff with a wave. Once alone, he carefully opened the package to reveal a red suit with a staggering price tag of $5 million, a pure gold wristwatch, and a car key—the emblem unmistakable. It was the key to a Rolls-Royce Boat Tail, the most expensive car in the world. * * FEW MINUTES LATER Stephen emerged from his bath, the steam swirling around him as he dried off and dressed in the red suit. The fabric hugged his frame, transforming his appearance into that of a man who commanded respect and exuded power. The wristwatch was a statement piece, its gold gleam catching the light with every movement. He studied his reflection in the mirror, hardly recognizing the man who looked back at him. With a spritz of the rich, earthy perfume from the box, he felt ready to face whatever the day held. The elevator descended smoothly, and as the doors opened, he stepped out into the crisp morning air. His eyes scanned the lineup of luxury vehicles before pressing the key in his hand. The Rolls-Royce Boat Tail responded, its lights flashing discreetly. As he approached the car, its beauty was undeniable—a perfect blend of elegance and engineering. That's when he saw him—the old man from before, his gaze intense and knowing. "It chose you," the man had said. They locked eyes, a silent conversation passing between them, until a bus rolled by and the old man was gone, as if he were never there. "Who was that old man?" Stephen whispered to himself, a chill running down his spine. But there was no time to dwell on the mystery; his mission awaited, and with a turn of the key, the Rolls-Royce purred to life. Stephen's grip tightened on the steering wheel, the Rolls-Royce Boat Tail responding to his every command with grace and power. The city blurred past him, a tapestry of light and shadow as the sun climbed higher in the sky. The old man's words echoed in his mind, a cryptic message that seemed to hold the key to this entire enigma. "It chose you," but what did it mean? As he navigated through the bustling streets, Stephen's thoughts were a whirlwind of strategy and anticipation. The inauguration event would be teeming with the city's elite, all eyes on the grand opening of the Rio's newest jewel. He had to be careful, play his cards right. Pulling up to the hotel, the valet rushed to open his door, his eyes wide with awe at the sight of the Boat Tail. Stephen stepped out, the red suit making him look like royalty among the crowd. Murmurs rippled through the onlookers as he made his way to the entrance, his presence commanding attention. As Stephen made his grand entrance, whispers fluttered around him like leaves in a breeze. "Who is this man?" someone murmured, their eyes fixed on his attire. "That watch... it's worth a fortune," another voice added, admiration lacing their tone. Stephen paid them no mind, his focus razor-sharp on the mission at hand. He approached a tray of champagne, the bubbles dancing in the glass. Taking a sip, he savored the taste, a luxury he had been denied in his previous life with Marianne. They had kept him from such indulgences, relegating him to scraps while they feasted. His reverie was broken by a voice, rich and aged like fine wine. "That's quite the timepiece, young man," said the voice. Stephen turned to find himself face-to-face with Marianne's father, whom he decided to call Mr. Harrington. "And that suit... must have set you back quite a bit. What business are you into?" Stephen met Mr. Harrington's gaze, his expression unreadable. "I didn't," he replied coolly. "But let's just say I've had a recent... windfall. Investments, you might say." Mr. Harrington raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. "Is that so? Well, it seems you've invested wisely," he said, his tone a mix of curiosity and a hint of respect. Stephen nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Indeed, Mr. Harrington. Sometimes life offers us a second chance to make a first impression. Today, I'm simply enjoying the returns." Inside, Stephen's mind raced with silent contempt for Mr. Harrington. **Greedy old vulture,** he thought, **always sniffing around for money and gold.** "How did you come to know my name?" Mr. Harrington inquired, a hint of suspicion in his voice. Stephen, aware that he needed to keep his true identity hidden, replied with a practiced ease, "Mr. Harrington, your name is well-known in these circles, especially as the in-law to the Woods family." His smile was polite but didn't reach his eyes. Mr. Harrington seemed satisfied with the answer, his smile widening. "Well, thank you. And between us," he leaned in closer, lowering his voice, "I must say, I'm quite pleased with how I handled that useless son-in-law of mine, that jobless fool called Stephen. Good riddance to bad rubbish, I say." The insult stung, fueling a fire within Stephen. He wanted to lash out, to reveal himself, but he held back, knowing the importance of staying in character. "And what did you say your name was?" Mr. Harrington asked, oblivious to the storm brewing inside Stephen. With a calm that belied his inner fury, Stephen looked Mr. Harrington straight in the eye and said, "My name is Stephen. Stephen King."Stephen's nod was small, but his eyes were alert. Above him, a screen lit up, counting down quickly. It seemed he was the only one who could see the numbers falling away. Time was running out for him to act. In the middle of the room, a man stepped onto the stage. It was time to open the new hotel. "We need your help," he said to the crowd. "Please, give what you can." All eyes turned to Mr. Harrington. He was famous for giving away big money, and today looked no different. Reporters and cameras crowded around him, waiting. Mr. Harrington stood tall, soaking in the attention. "My friends," he boomed, "I believe in this place." He paused, making sure everyone was listening. "And I will give $10 million to make it shine." The room burst into cheers, clapping filling the air. But the hotel owner had a surprise. "Wait," he said, and the room went quiet. "We have a new friend who just gave $25 million." The crowd whispered, "Who could it be?" Stephen, holding a glass of champagne
Stephen turned to leave, his voice carrying a final message. “I’ll be back soon,” he said, each word a promise. The room’s tension was palpable as he walked away, his steps unhurried, controlled. Outside, a few hotel security guards eyed him warily. Stephen ignored their curious glances, focusing on the satisfaction coursing through him. He had disgraced the Harringtons, and they were now left to face the consequences. The head security guard, a burly man with a stern face, handed Stephen his car key. “Here you go, sir.” “Thank you,” Stephen said, his voice steady. He approached his Rolls-Royce Boat Tail, the sleek car gleaming under the morning lights. Sliding into the driver’s seat, he took a moment to appreciate the luxury surrounding him. It was the opposite lifestyle to the way his in-laws had always seen him. As he started the engine, a sense of triumph settled over him. The car purred to life, and he drove through the hotel’s driveway, glancing once more at the buil
The next morning, the sun rose over King's Empire, casting a golden hue across the expansive land. Victor's sleek black SUV rolled through the gates, heading towards the grand white mansion nestled amidst the greenery. Marianne sat beside him, her excitement barely contained. "Isn't it magnificent?" she said, gazing out at the vast acre of land, known for its rich gold mines. "I can't believe this will all be ours." Victor smiled, his grip on the steering wheel firm. "It's been a long time coming, but today, it's finally happening." As they approached the mansion, workers in the fields paused to wave at the passing car. Marianne waved back, her mind already racing with plans for their future. "Victor, I was thinking we could host a huge celebration here. Invite everyone important. Show them what we have." Victor nodded. "Of course. This place deserves to be shown off." The SUV came to a stop in front of the mansion, and a valet hurried over to open the doors. Marianne step
Stephen raised his hand, halting the old man's declaration. "No, Mr. Harrington. We shouldn't be too hasty. Perhaps Victor should just be suspended for today." He walked closer to Victor, a glint of determination in his eyes. "I can't let you out of my sight, Victor. I'd like to see you serve me and show me the respect I deserve." Victor chuckled bitterly, his voice laced with scorn. "Respect? Is that what all this is about, Stephen? If that's what you're looking for, you'll never get it. I'll never show respect to a poor loser like you." Stephen's expression hardened. "We'll see about that." Victor stormed out of the room, his jaw clenched in frustration. Marianne hurried after him, her steps quick to catch up. As they reached the garden, Victor slumped onto a bench, his anger simmering beneath the surface. He chuckled bitterly to himself, his voice tinged with sarcasm. "I'm sure my father would be so proud of me, losing my rightful place to a loser like Stephen." Marian
The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow on Stephen as he stretched out on the bed. It had been a while since he'd slept so soundly. Standing up, he made his way to the bathroom, the routine of brushing his teeth and taking a shower bringing a sense of normalcy to his otherwise chaotic life.Dressed in a crisp suit, Stephen checked his reflection one last time before heading downstairs. He slipped into his car and drove towards the empire, the weight of his responsibilities settling on his shoulders.Upon arrival, he was greeted by the expectant faces of his colleagues. "Sorry I'm late," he said, taking his seat at the head of the table. He noticed Victor's cold stare but chose to ignore it, focusing instead on the matters at hand."We're losing miners over pay," one executive reported. "It's affecting production.""How much to bring them back?" Stephen asked, ready to solve the problem with a swift transfer of funds. “And I want all the 6 gold mine sites a
Stephen stepped out of the elevator into the top floor of the hotel, his mind inside a whirlwind of ruminations on the weird dictum of the system. He neared his penthouse door, fumbling in his pocket for his keycard. Bringing it out, he unlocked the door and stepped inside. To his surprise, Marianne was there, seated in his sofa in a striking red gown that hugged provocatively her curves. Stephen's eyebrows rose in a frown. "Marianne, what are you doing here?" he enquired, trying to keep a suspicion from springing into his voice. Marianne smiled at him carnally, her eyes shining with some kind of scheming. "I thought we could spend some time together, sweetheart," she purred, her words dripping with honeyed sweetness. Stephen's ire was continuing to burn, but he was still trying to maintain his cool. "I am not in the mood for games, Marianne," he said firmly. "What have you really come here for?" Marianne's smile flickered again, and her mask slipped. "I. wanted to see you," she ad
Enoch leaned in closer, his voice barely a whisper. "I know someone—a cybersecurity expert. They can hack into the system, remove the malicious software, but..." He hesitated, glancing around cautiously. "We'll need to keep Stephen close. Real close." Victor's brow furrowed in thought. "Stephen won't just waltz into our trap. He's too clever for that." Enoch nodded, his eyes scanning the room. "We'll have to bait him. Make him believe there's something valuable for him." Victor's mind raced with possibilities. "The company's confidential files. He's been after those for years." Enoch's lips curled into a knowing smile. "Exactly. We leak false information about a big data breach. He'll come running." Victor's expression hardened with determination. "Then we'll be waiting for him. Ready to strike." Enoch clapped a hand on Victor's shoulder. "Together, we'll take him down and reclaim what's rightfully ours." Victor nodded, a steely resolve in his eyes. "Let's do it. For our
Victor's entrance startled everyone in the room, his voice echoing with disbelief. "Marianne, what are you doing?" he demanded, his eyes searching hers for recognition. But Marianne's response left him stunned. "Who are you?" she asked, her voice tinged with confusion as she looked at him blankly. Victor's frustration bubbled to the surface, his jaw tensing. "How can you not remember me?" he exclaimed, his tone a mixture of anger and hurt. The doctor stepped in, his voice calm but firm. "Mrs. King has suffered memory loss due to her accident," he explained, his words carrying weight in the tense atmosphere. Victor's brows furrowed in frustration. "I don't care," he retorted, his gaze unwavering. "She's my wife, and she's coming home with me." But Mr. Harriganton's voice interrupted, his tone decisive. "It's Marianne's decision," he stated firmly, his gaze steady as he looked at his daughter. Victor turned to Marianne, his heart aching at the thought of her not recognizing him. "
Stephen sat in the corner of a dimly lit café, staring out the window. He had sat there for hours, sipping cold coffee and watching the rain trickle down the glass. The café wasn't crowded-just a few people scattered about, lost in their conversations. His foot tapped impatiently under the table. Enoch was late. Very late. The waiter had been by twice, offering Stephen polite smiles, asking if he needed anything else. Each time, he waved him off, too intent on what was to come. His mind was reeling, questions, doubts, and a growing sense of frustration building inside him. Enoch was never this late. The doorbell above the entrance jingled, and Stephen looked up. His heart stopped at the sight of Enoch stepping inside, shaking rain from his coat. He glanced briefly around the room before his eyes fell upon Stephen, and he hastened to him, an apologetic smile on his face. "Sorry to have kept you waiting," Enoch said, reaching for the chair opposite of Stephen. Stephen did not sa
Stephen sat in the corner of a dimly lit café, staring out the window. He had sat there for hours, sipping cold coffee and watching the rain trickle down the glass. The café wasn't crowded-just a few people scattered about, lost in their conversations. His foot tapped impatiently under the table. Enoch was late. Very late. The waiter had been by twice, offering Stephen polite smiles, asking if he needed anything else. Each time, he waved him off, too intent on what was to come. His mind was reeling, questions, doubts, and a growing sense of frustration building inside him. Enoch was never this late. The doorbell above the entrance jingled, and Stephen looked up. His heart stopped at the sight of Enoch stepping inside, shaking rain from his coat. He glanced briefly around the room before his eyes fell upon Stephen, and he hastened to him, an apologetic smile on his face. "Sorry to have kept you waiting," Enoch said, reaching for the chair opposite of Stephen. Stephen did not say an
Stephen sat in the corner of a dimly lit café, staring out the window. He had sat there for hours, sipping cold coffee and watching the rain trickle down the glass. The café wasn't crowded-just a few people scattered about, lost in their conversations. His foot tapped impatiently under the table. Enoch was late. Very late. The waiter had been by twice, offering Stephen polite smiles, asking if he needed anything else. Each time, he waved him off, too intent on what was to come. His mind was reeling, questions, doubts, and a growing sense of frustration building inside him. Enoch was never this late. The doorbell above the entrance jingled, and Stephen looked up. His heart stopped at the sight of Enoch stepping inside, shaking rain from his coat. He glanced briefly around the room before his eyes fell upon Stephen, and he hastened to him, an apologetic smile on his face. "Sorry to have kept you waiting," Enoch said, reaching for the chair opposite of Stephen. Stephen did not say an
Stephen sat in the corner of a dimly lit café, staring out the window. He had sat there for hours, sipping cold coffee and watching the rain trickle down the glass. The café wasn't crowded-just a few people scattered about, lost in their conversations. His foot tapped impatiently under the table. Enoch was late. Very late.The waiter had been by twice, offering Stephen polite smiles, asking if he needed anything else. Each time, he waved him off, too intent on what was to come. His mind was reeling, questions, doubts, and a growing sense of frustration building inside him. Enoch was never this late.The doorbell above the entrance jingled, and Stephen looked up. His heart stopped at the sight of Enoch stepping inside, shaking rain from his coat. He glanced briefly around the room before his eyes fell upon Stephen, and he hastened to him, an apologetic smile on his face."Sorry to have kept you waiting," Enoch said, reaching for the chair opposite of Stephen.Stephen did not say anythi
Stephen stood by the door, watching as Victor’s car grew smaller in the distance. The rumble of the engine slowly faded, leaving nothing but the usual quiet that hung around the small neighborhood. He let out a breath, resting his hand on the doorframe. The last two months had been tough—tougher than he ever imagined.Without the system—the network of contacts and favors that once made his life easy—Stephen had to figure out a way to survive on his own. And it wasn’t glamorous. Every day was a grind, a constant scramble for enough money to cover the basics. Work wasn’t easy to come by, not when you’d burned as many bridges as he had. But he’d managed to find some odd jobs here and there—just enough to scrape by, though never enough to truly get ahead.He closed the door softly, the sound echoing through the small room. Glancing around the cramped space, he couldn’t help but think of the penthouse he once called home. The stark difference between his old life and this one weighed on hi
Stephen stood in the door and watched as Victor's car dwindled to a dot on the horizon. The rumble of the motor died out, leaving only the silent night air hovering over the little neighborhood. He exhaled a breath, his hand falling to rest on the doorframe. The last two months had been rough-tougher than he ever imagined.No system to fall back on now-the network of contacts and favors that oiled his life-Stephen was forced to scrounge some means of survival for himself. Not quite glamorous, the daily fight, the eternal hustle just for the real basics. Jobs were not easy to find, not when one had burned bridges as he had. But he'd been able to find odd jobs here and there, enough just to scrape by, never enough to get any further ahead.He closed the door behind him with a quiet click. The softness echoed inside the tiny room. Glancing around at the cramped quarters, his mind strayed to the penthouse he once called home. The stark dissimilarities between where his life used to be and
Two months later, Victor stared at the address on his phone, then at the small, run-down building in front of him. It didn’t look like a place Stephen would be living. The paint was peeling off the walls, and the grass in front was overgrown. This was far from the sleek, modern apartment Stephen used to own.Victor killed the engine, stepped out of his car, and walked toward the house. It was a self-contained unit—cheap, cramped, and barely enough for one person. He checked the address again. Room number 9. It matched. Still, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.When he reached room 9, he knocked hard. The wood felt thin under his knuckles, like the door could break if he wasn’t careful. He knocked again, louder this time.After a moment, the door creaked open. Victor’s eyebrows shot up. Standing in front of him was Stephen, but he was almost unrecognizable. His hair was longer, his face covered with a scruffy beard, and he’d gained weight—his old sharp features now s
Standing beside Ariane's bed, his mind was spinning as he stared down at the screen of the system on his phone. His fingers trembling, he hit the icon for healing skills. He muttered under his breath, "Why can't this work on her? Why can't I save her?The system kept mum-no explanation, no solution. The shallow breathing of his daughter echoed in the room; every weak breath made him helpless. Stephen swallowed hard as his throat went dry. He could fix deals, he could manipulate numbers, but here in this hospital room, he was powerless.The door creaked open, and Stephen turned to see Enoch step in. Gone was Enoch's usual smug expression, replaced with a concerned frown. "What are you doing here?" Stephen's voice was low, edged with suspicion.Enoch shrugged, glancing over at Ariane. "Heard she was sick, so I decided to come by. How's she doing?"Stephen stared at him for a long moment, unsure of how to reply. His mind flashed back to his earlier doubts. Ariane wasn't his daughter, at
Stephen sat cross-legged on a soft mat, his eyes closed to focus on the calm voice of the guru. The air around him was scented with burning incense; a low hum of chanting echoed softly from the walls. He had called in the guru in a last-ditch effort to clear his mind, escape the relentless pull of the system. It had started to devour him, bit by bit, till it was all he could think of, all he could perceive.He was losing his grip, and he knew it.The guru's voice came, calm: "Breathe in. breathe out. let your thoughts flow like water. Do not cling to them."Stephen sucked in an enormous breath, then let it slowly out again, as if to expel everything at the same time: the market crash, the system, the deals that went right past him. The tension between him and Enoch was endless. He'd gotten pulled into something so much bigger than he was that he couldn't possibly control it himself, and however hard Stephen fought his way free of it, he felt ensnared.Then, though, as his breathing st