chapter 7- Take it all

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 building. He felt a surge of satisfaction, but also a strange hollowness that he couldn’t quite place.

Inside the hotel, the Harringtons were still reeling. Mr. Harrington stood with a blank expression, his mind struggling to process the evening’s events. Mrs. Harrington clung to his arm, her face pale, eyes wide with shock.

Mr. Lee attempted to regain some semblance of control. “We need to address this immediately,” he urged, looking around at the chaos. “Damage control, press statements, anything to contain this.”

But Mr. Harrington barely heard him. His mind was fixated on Stephen’s parting words and the cold determination in his eyes. The realization of their mistakes and the consequences they now faced loomed large and inescapable.

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Stephen arrived back at the five-star hotel where he was staying. The expansiveness of the lobby didn’t faze him; he had earned his place here. He made his way to the elevator, riding up to the top floor. The soft ding announced his arrival, and he stepped out into the quiet, luxurious hallway.

Entering his suite, Stephen unbuttoned his suit jacket, tossing it onto the plush couch. He glanced at the large TV screen on the wall, which was already broadcasting the fallout from the day's events. Reporters were in a frenzy, discussing the scandal that had erupted around Mr. Harrington.

Stephen walked to the dining table, which was covered with an array of gourmet dishes. He took a seat and looked at the spread, realizing that despite the wealth, he felt alone. The grandeur of the feast contrasted sharply with the emptiness inside him.

As he picked at the food, memories of the Harringtons' cruelty came flooding back. They had often left him to starve until he completed his chores, always reminding him of his lower status.

Suddenly, the system interface appeared before his eyes, a holographic display that only he could see. The text was crisp and clear:

**Stephen King**

**Status: PecuniaOne**

**Points: 0.5%**

"Congratulations on your recent upgrade," the system intoned. "You have accumulated points that can be used to purchase upgrades. Would you like to see your options?"

Filled with curiosity, Stephen nodded. The display shifted, revealing a list of enticing skills and powers he could acquire with his points:

- **Tech Control**: Manipulate and access electronic systems and financial accounts at will.

- **Healing**: Accelerate your body's natural healing process and cure ailments.

- **Enhanced Intellect**: Increase cognitive functions for superior problem-solving and strategy.

- **Influence**: Subtly alter the perceptions and decisions of those around you.

- **Physical Enhancement**: Boost your strength, speed, and endurance.

- **Stealth**: Move unnoticed and remain undetectable.

Stephen's eyes scanned the options. Each one was powerful, each one offering new ways to secure his dominance. He leaned back in his chair, contemplating his next move. He knew he needed to choose wisely to maintain his edge over the Harringtons and anyone else who might challenge him.

His hand hovered over the display as he selected **Tech Control**. Instantly, he felt a rush of energy as the system integrated the new ability. A smile crept across his face as he imagined the possibilities.

Back at the Harrington mansion, the atmosphere was heavy with tension as they stepped through the ornate front doors. Mrs. Harrington couldn't shake the image of Stephen's expensive suit from her mind.

"He must have borrowed that suit... How could he afford something like that?" she murmured, voicing the question that nagged at her.

Mr. Harrington shook his head, trying to dispel the lingering unease. "It's impossible. This must be some sort of nightmare," he muttered to himself, his disbelief palpable.

Just then, their daughter Marianne breezed into the room, a bright smile on her face. She waved at Victor, the chauffeur, who was just leaving in their latest luxury car.

"Hey, Dad, Mom, I've got great news!" Marianne exclaimed, her excitement faltering as she noticed the worried expressions on her parents' faces. "What's wrong? What happened?"

Mrs. Harrington took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. "We saw Stephen," she began, her voice trembling slightly.

Marianne burst into laughter, her disbelief evident. "Stephen? That worthless guy? What could he possibly have to do with anything?" she scoffed, unable to comprehend the gravity of the situation.

Mr. Harrington exchanged a somber glance with his wife before replying, "You have no idea, Marianne. This changes everything."

As Marianne brushed off her parents' concerns about Stephen, her excitement bubbled over. "I don't care about that worthless Stephen," she declared, waving her hand dismissively. "I have great news! Tomorrow, Victor is going to be crowned the new CEO of our family empire, King's Empire. Nothing can spoil the fun tomorrow!"

Meanwhile, back at Stephen's mansion, he stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, a glass of champagne in hand, gazing out at the city below. The soft glow of the evening lights danced across his face as he contemplated his next move.

Suddenly, the system interface materialized before him, interrupting his reverie. The text shimmered in the air, presenting him with a new mission: to acquire King's Empire.