2024-11-29 13:34:31Jeremy's phone was going off-the buzzing sounded like the continuous wail of an alarm in a burning building. Barely 6 am, and his trading alerts were acting like a five-alarm fire. He rubbed his eyes and snatched the phone; his heart skipped a beat when he read the notification:
"BREAKING: Etherium Gold spikes 230% overnight." Jeremy sat bolt upright, his fingers scrambling to open up his trading app. Surging like fireworks, the charts were. His modest investment in Etherium Gold-what he had called his redemption play after the first big loss-had tripled in value in one night. "$150,000," he whispered out loud, staring at the account balance in disbelief. For a moment, Jeremy sat immobile. Then he let out a whoop, jumping out of bed and pacing his small apartment. This wasn't just any win; this was life-changing. Then the doubt seeped in. As the euphoria started to fade, it seemed almost too good to be true. Jeremy pulled up the news and scoured the forums for answers. It was the buzz in all of the trading community: Etherium Gold's surge was being attributed to rumors of a major tech company adopting its blockchain technology. "Maverick knew," he said to himself as that message from last night just popped into his head. Later that afternoon, Maverick contacted him once more, this time with an offer. "You've shown your worth, Lawson," the message started. "You're ready for the big leagues. I'm inviting you to a private circle. Bigger risks, bigger rewards. Interested?" Jeremy's pulse quickened. A private circle meant access to inside strategies, exclusive deals, and millions in profit. It also meant more pressure, higher stakes. “I’m in,” he replied after a moment’s hesitation. The next several weeks are a blur of activity: Maverick's private circle was an encrypted platform with hot tips from seasoned traders, tech innovators, and venture capitalists who shared hot tips, discussed emergent trends, and coordinated high-stakes plays. Jeremy quickly realized he was the youngest and least experienced person in the group, but his hunger to learn combined with a willingness to take risks calculated earned him respect. One of the main members of this group was a man by the name of Victor Kane. Whereas Maverick was faceless, an enigma, Victor was loud, brash, and unapologetically ruthless. A self-made millionaire, Victor had the reputation for turning pennies into fortunes but also for leaving a trail of wreckage in his wake. "Stick with me, kid," Victor told Jeremy during one of their conversations. "I'll show you how to play with the big boys." --- The amount Jeremy won just kept increasing, and so did all the trappings of success: a high-rise apartment, a sports car, and even a designer watch. He felt his confidence grow, as did his circle of admirers. But with new success came old doubts. Alan's sudden interest in Jeremy's ventures felt disingenuous, especially when he asked for "just a small loan" to cover a bad real estate deal. Mia, once indifferent to Jeremy's struggles, now called him regularly, subtly hinting at needing financial help for her studies. Jeremy gave them exactly what they wanted, yet somehow, it wasn't gratifying. They were not proud of him; they were after his money. One evening at one of Maverick's groups high-end networking events, Jeremy met Clara Reyes, a sharp-tongued artist who sized people up with an eerie intuition. "You're different from all the others in here," she said, catching him off guard. "How? They're all flash and noise," Clara said, nodding her head toward the room of elites. "You're. quieter. Like you're still figuring out where you belong." Her words stayed with Jeremy long after the event was over. --- Months passed, and Jeremy's empire grew. His account balance now sat at an eye-watering $3.5 million, and his name was beginning to circulate in trading circles. But the stakes were growing too. Maverick's circle introduced him to a controversial new venture: Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs)-a high-risk, high-reward method of investing in fledgling cryptocurrencies. Victor, in particular, was aggressive in pushing Jeremy to invest in an ICO called Cobalt Chain. “This is the next big thing,” Victor insisted during a private call. “Put in $1 million, and you’ll double it in a month. Easy.” Jeremy hesitated. The pitch felt rushed, almost desperate. “What’s the catch?” he asked. “No catch,” Victor said, flashing a grin. “Just don’t be a coward.” Jeremy decided to consult Maverick, who responded with his usual cryptic wisdom: “Trust your instincts, Lawson. But remember: even shadows hide secrets.” The warning set Jeremy on edge. After hours of research, he discovered troubling reports about Cobalt Chain—its founders were embroiled in lawsuits, and its technology was unproven. When Victor pressed him again the next day, Jeremy declined. “You’ll regret this,” Victor snapped, his tone icy. --- A couple of weeks later, news did emerge that Cobalt Chain was a scam. Investors lost billions, and Victor was one of the worst hit. Jeremy breathed a sigh of relief but couldn't shake off the feeling that he'd made an enemy. That feeling didn't last. Within days, Jeremy logged onto his trading account and froze. "Account Suspended: Unauthorized Access Detected. Panicked, he dialed the customer support number, only to be told his account was suspected of having gone through some sort of 'suspicious' activities. Even worse, there was a shortfall amounting to US$500,000. Jeremy's mind went reeling. Could Victor sabotage him? Even as he tried piecing it all together, a message came up from Maverick across his phone screen. "They're coming for you. Be ready." --- Jeremy's world spiraled into chaos. Rumors of fraud tainted his reputation in the trading community, fanned by Victor's veiled accusations. His family, who had basked in his success, distanced themselves when he couldn't continue funding their requests. The deepest betrayal came from Alan, who called Jeremy a "reckless gambler" in front of their parents. "I told you this would happen," Alan said. "You're nothing but a fraud. Jeremy stormed out of the house, fury and despair bubbling inside him. --- Alone in his apartment, Jeremy stared at the dwindling finances. Still enough to survive, yet the losses stung. There was a message from Maverick that replayed over and over in his brain: "They're coming for you. Be ready." What did it mean? Who was "they"? Determined for answers, Jeremy sent Maverick a direct message: "Who's behind this?" For the first time in months, Maverick didn't reply. --- Jeremy's nights turned sleepless as he pieced together the puzzle. The hack into his account had been orchestrated by an insider, someone within Maverick's circle. The evidence pointed in one direction: Victor Kane. But when Jeremy confronted Victor on a heated group call, Victor laughed. "Prove it," he said. Before Jeremy could respond, Maverick finally broke his silence. Enough," Maverick's voice thundered across the encrypted channel. "Lawson, meet me. We need to talk." The location Maverick sent was cryptic-a remote cabin in the mountains, far from the chaos of the city. Jeremy hesitated but knew he had no choice. He would have to go if he wanted answers. As he packed a bag and prepared for the journey, a sense of unease settled over him. This wasn’t just about trading anymore. Someone was playing a bigger game, and Jeremy was a pawn. But he was determined to change that. --- As Jeremy drove into the mountains, his phone buzzed with another message. It wasn’t from Maverick. “Turn back, or you’ll regret it.”
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BILLIONAIRE MINOR Chapter 3: The Meeting in the Dark
The mountain road was unbearably dark, and the weak beams of his car headlights slicing through the mist were about all that lit it. Jeremy's knuckles went white as his grip on the steering wheel tightened; his mind churning over questions. Who exactly was Maverick? Why did he have to meet him in this godforsaken place? And who sent that ominous text urging him to turn back?The cabin materialized out of nowhere, nestled into the side of the hill like some forgotten relic. Its wood surface was weathered, the windows black as coal. Jeremy pulled in, turned off his car, and sat there, the weight of the mountain's eerie silence bearing down on him. He glanced at his phone-no signal."Here goes nothing," he muttered, stepping out.The creak of the porch beneath his weight made him wince. Before he could knock, the door swung open."Come in, Lawson.Jeremy froze. Maverick stood in the doorway-or at least, someone he assumed to be Maverick. The
BILLIONAIRE MINOR Chapter 4: Shadows Strike Back
Jeremy's heart was racing as he stared at the ominous note in his hands. A message was clear: Victor Kane was making his next move. But how? And when?Paranoia weighed in. Every shadow on the street seemed to hide a threat, every glance of a stranger a warning. He jammed the note into his pocket, locked his apartment door twice, and sat at his desk.His immediate reaction was to call Maverick. If anyone could make any sense of this, it would be him. But when he opened the secure chat, a new message from Maverick was already waiting:"Victor has friends in dangerous places. Stay vigilant, but don't let him see your fear."Not exactly comforting.---The following day, Jeremy plunged into his work in an attempt to drown the looming threat. Trading had always been his escape-a world where numbers made sense and risks could be calculated. But even here, Victor's presence lingered.His phone buzzed with an alert: some promisi
BILLIONAIRE MINOR Chapter 5: Caught in the Crossfire
Jeremy sat on the edge of his couch, the phone pressed tightly against his ear. His apartment was still in a shambles from the burglary, but that hardly impinged on him now. The detective's voice managed to cut through the spiraling nature of his thoughts."Are you there, Mr. Lawson?" asked the Detective with unyielding tone.Jeremy swallowed hard. "Yeah. I'm here. What's this about?There was a short silence until Carter replied, "We have reason to believe you've been involved in some of the same fraudulent activities as Victor Kane. This is a courtesy call before we escalate matters. We'd prefer you come in voluntarily to answer a few questions."Jeremy's heart started to beat faster. This wasn't just Victor playing games; this was the law."Fraud?" Jeremy asked, shaking. "I've done nothing illegal.“Then you’ll have no problem coming in,” Carter replied. “Tomorrow, 10 a.m., downtown precinct. Don’t make me come find you.”
BILLIONAIRE MINOR Chapter 6: Lines in the Sand
Jeremy stood in his ransacked apartment, staring at the threatening word smeared across his walls: "ENOUGH." The image of the shattered photo frame at his feet felt like a direct blow to his heart. Victor Kane wasn't just targeting him anymore; he was reaching for the people Jeremy cared about.Clenching his fists, Jeremy turned to Elise, who had rushed over after his frantic call."This isn't intimidation anymore," Jeremy whispered, his voice low and angry. "He's making it personal."Elise knelt beside the broken frame, staring at the shards of glass. "Victor wants you to feel alone. It's classic psychological warfare.""Well, it's working," Jeremy grumbled.Elise straightened and nailed him with an icy stare. "Then let's remind him that fear works both ways."---The next morning, Jeremy met Maverick in that dingy café that had gradually become their unofficial headquarters. Maverick slid a memory stick across the tabl
BILLIONAIRE MINOR Chapter 7: Shattered Trust
The air in Jeremy's penthouse apartment was colder than it should have been; even the soft hum of the city outside did little to break the silence. He stared, mesmerized, at the trading terminal in front of him, his once-glistening fortune hanging on the verge of collapse. The screen flickered as a picture of his disastrous trades materialized on it-a testament to each red number a wound to his pride.He leaned back in his chair, staring at the glass walls that overlooked the glittering skyline. For a brief moment, it almost felt like the city was mocking him. He'd worked so hard, pushed past every obstacle, but here he was again-on the edge of losing everything."Damn it, how did I let this happen?" he muttered, rubbing his temples.A mean, flashing message from the brokerage firm seemed to bring it all into focus as such: Margin Call-Immediate Action Required. He had thought this day would never arrive, considering all his hard struggle, the sacrifices,
BILLIONAIRE MINOR Chapter 8: A Dangerous Alliance
Neon lights of the city flickered like fireflies against the velvet night, casting strange shadows in alleys. Jeremy stood at the edge of the street, feeling the cool breeze cut through his jacket as he watched Clara disappear into the distance. He should have said more to her, done something to convince her that he was still the person she believed in. But his mind was consumed with one thought.Victor Kane.The man who had ruthlessly destroyed everything Jeremy built. A mentor, a teacher-until he unleashed an appetizer of his ambitions: all out of character for his proclaimed mentorship. It hadn't been simply that Victor bested Jeremy at his very own trading world; more than this, Victor broke pieces of Jeremy's life out completely.Jeremy's fists clenched, and the anger rose once more. But this time, he wasn't going to let it consume him. He had learned one thing over the past year: revenge required so much more than rage. It required strategy. Patience
BILLIONAIRE MINOR Chapter 9: Into the Abyss
The men burst into the room like a storm, their heavy boots pounding against the cracked floor as they fanned out, weapons drawn. Jeremy's heart pounded in his chest, but his mind was focused. He had no time to second-guess himself. He grabbed Maya by the wrist and yanked her behind a pillar just as one of the men glanced over, his eyes narrowing as he took in the empty space.Move," Jeremy whispered fiercely, tugging Maya toward the back of the room. The heavy file tucked under his jacket felt like a weight he could ill afford to lose. They needed to get out-fast.The men were methodical in their search, methodically moving from one corner of the room to the next. As they neared the back, Jeremy's mind raced for an escape route. There was no window. No doors except the one they'd come through. He had no weapon. The only option left was to run.The lead man suddenly barked out an order. "Split up. Search every inch. He's here.Jeremy froze. He? Th
BILLIONAIRE MINOR Chapter 10: The Reckoning
The air seemed to vibrate with Victor's presence, heavy and thick, like a choking fog. Jeremy's sight was hazy; edges were dull from the wrenching in his side. Yet, he couldn't afford to go out cold, not now, not when Victor was this close. He fought himself up onto his elbow, every part of his body screaming against the action. He did not have much time. He needed to move, needed to act.Victor's cold gaze flickered over him; the smile on his lips wasn't even the slightest bit triumphant. It was as though he had already won."You think you can take me down?" Victor's voice was low and mocking, almost a whisper. "You're nothing but a pawn, Jeremy. And now you've reached the end of the game.The words cut deep, but Jeremy refused to let them break him. He had fought for too long, clawed his way back from the depths, only to let Victor wipe it all away with a few simple manipulations? No. He wouldn't let that happen. Not again.Maya was still clutch
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Chapter 35: The Unseen Hand
The mysterious figure moved swiftly, their footsteps light but purposeful as they beckoned the group forward. Jeremy’s heart raced, his thoughts spinning. He hadn’t expected anyone else to show up—not here, not now. They were supposed to be running for their lives, not stumbling into another fight, another threat. Yet, here they were, facing the unknown once again.“Who are you?” Maya demanded, her gun still raised, her eyes darting between the stranger and the now-silent man who had once been their pursuer. “What do you want?”The figure didn’t answer immediately. Instead, they paused, casting a quick glance over their shoulder before locking eyes with Maya. The moment stretched, thick with tension, but then the stranger spoke, their voice low and steady.“You don’t need to know my name,” they said, their words cutting through the silence. “You just need to know that you don’t have much time.”Before anyone could respond, the figure’s eyes flicke
Chapter 34: Last Stand
The bullet missed by mere inches, but the force of the shot sent them all sprawling. The rooftop beneath them felt like it was crumbling away, the world spinning as they scrambled for cover. Dust filled the air, stinging Jeremy’s eyes as he pressed himself against the side of a large ventilation unit. His heart raced, adrenaline pumping through his veins. Every second counted.“Elijah!” Jeremy shouted, his voice raw with panic. His friend lay a few feet away, struggling to catch his breath, his body trembling from both the wound and the shock. Blood was staining his clothes, pooling around him.Maya had already moved, her body low to the ground, her eyes scanning the shadows for any sign of movement. But Jeremy knew, even if they could find cover, they were still trapped. The rooftop was a dead end unless they could somehow escape through the building or the alley below. But that meant being exposed, and it was only a matter of time before Victor’s men found a way
Chapter 33: Shattered Trust
The deafening roar of the explosion still reverberated in the air as Jeremy, Maya, and Elijah ran, their feet pounding against the cracked pavement. The smoke billowed in their wake, a blanket of darkness and destruction. But there was no time to dwell on what had just happened—the fire, the explosion, the chaos—it was all behind them now. The real fight was ahead.They sprinted down the alley, breathless, their hearts hammering in their chests, adrenaline pushing them forward, but the sound of pursuit was unmistakable. More footsteps. More of Victor’s men. They were coming. They weren’t going to let them escape so easily."Move faster!" Maya’s voice cut through the fog of panic that was threatening to engulf them. "We need to find cover, now!"But as they turned a corner, they were met with the sight of even more armed figures, blocking their path. Twelve men, all of them heavily armed, each one with a lethal glare aimed in their direction."Run!
Chapter 32: Unbroken Bonds
The bullet hit Elijah with a sickening thud, his body lurching to the side as he let out a strangled gasp. Blood seeped from the wound, darkening his shirt as he staggered, nearly collapsing. For a moment, everything seemed to freeze—the chaos, the gunfire, the pounding of footsteps—until Maya was there, gripping his arm, keeping him upright."Elijah!" Jeremy’s voice was raw, desperate. He rushed to his friend’s side, helping Maya support him as they stumbled toward the exit. "We can’t stop now! Not now!"Elijah’s face was pale, his breath coming in shallow gasps as he tried to push forward despite the pain. "I—I’m not stopping," he muttered, his voice strained. "I’m not letting you down again."Maya’s hand was tight on his shoulder, trying to steady him, but her eyes were frantic. "We need to move faster, Jeremy!" she hissed, urgency creeping into her tone. "They’re closing in. We don’t have much time!"But Jeremy couldn’t help himself—he glanced
Chapter 31: Breaking Point
The door exploded open with a deafening crash, sending splinters of wood scattering across the floor. Jeremy’s heart raced, his instincts kicking in as his grip tightened around his gun. They hadn’t even had time to take another step when armed men poured into the room, guns raised and eyes cold with intent. A few were wearing masks, but Jeremy could make out the sharp, menacing face of one of Victor’s top men: Raymond, a brutal enforcer known for his ruthless efficiency.Maya was the first to react. She dove behind a nearby pillar, her gun already trained on the advancing figures. "Move!" she shouted at Jeremy, her voice sharp with urgency. "We need to get out of here, now!"But Jeremy’s mind was racing. Elijah, the man who had once been his friend, was frozen in place, his face pale as he stared at the group of armed men. The weight of what had happened—what he had done—hung heavily in the air between them. Jeremy could feel it, the confusion, the pain, but also
Chapter 30: The Storm Breaks
The door exploded open, the force of the impact sending the hinges flying off and crashing against the wall. Jeremy’s heart skipped a beat as a flood of armed men poured into the room, their heavy boots pounding on the floor as they advanced with military precision.Elijah’s eyes widened in terror, his earlier resolve crumbling in an instant. He backed away, his shoulders hunched as though trying to shrink into the shadows. The masked man, who had been their only ally moments ago, quickly moved in front of them, his posture tense and defensive.“Stay behind me,” the masked man ordered, his voice calm but unwavering. He didn’t need to say more. The urgency in his tone left no room for argument.Jeremy’s pulse raced, adrenaline surging as he instinctively positioned himself next to Maya. Her gun was still gripped firmly in her hand, her knuckles white from the tension, but she looked just as outnumbered as they were.The armed men moved with cold ef
Chapter 29: The Final Gambit
The room seemed to constrict around them, the air thick with tension. Jeremy’s heart pounded in his chest, a drumbeat that threatened to drown out his thoughts. Elijah stood before him, a grim smile twisting his lips as the barrel of the gun glinted in the dim light. Behind him, the sound of approaching footsteps grew louder, growing closer with each passing second."Make it easy on yourself," Elijah said, his voice cold and calculated. "Just come with me. It’ll be over quick, I promise."Jeremy’s hand hovered over his gun, but he didn’t draw it yet. He wasn’t foolish enough to make the first move in this situation. Not with Elijah so close, and certainly not with the unknown threat closing in behind him. He needed to think—he had to outsmart his enemy, not rush into a deadly confrontation.Maya’s voice cut through the silence, low and sharp. "You really think you have control of this situation, don’t you, Elijah?"Elijah’s eyes flicked to her, a
Chapter 28: The Shifting Sands
The explosion had shattered the night. It reverberated through the narrow alleyways, a thunderous crack that sent a surge of adrenaline through Jeremy’s veins. For a moment, the world seemed to pause—the air stilled, and the distant screams from the blast echoed through his mind, drowning out all thought.Maya’s hand shot out, grabbing his arm. “Move, now!”Without a second thought, they dashed through the darkness, following Sarah as she weaved through the shadows with an unsettling calmness. The streets felt like a labyrinth now, the world around them twisting and shifting as they ran. The distant sound of sirens, the hurried footsteps of soldiers, and the crackle of radios filled the air as the city went into chaos.Jeremy’s mind raced as they navigated the winding streets. “What the hell was that?” he demanded, struggling to keep up with Sarah’s pace.“It was Victor,” Sarah replied, without missing a beat. “He’s sending a message. And he’s com
Chapter 27: Unmasked Deceit
The figure stepped out from the shadows with a deliberate calmness, each footfall a measured sound in the otherwise tense silence. Jeremy’s heart skipped. He felt the ground beneath him shift, his world tilting. The world didn’t make sense anymore.“Maya...?” he muttered, his voice barely a whisper, though he wasn’t sure if he was asking or stating a fact.The figure’s face became clearer under the dim streetlight, revealing the unmistakable features of someone he hadn’t expected to see again—someone he’d trusted completely.It was Sarah.Sarah, the one who had been at his side during the early days of his rise. She had been part of his inner circle, someone he’d relied on for advice and support when things got tough. But that was before everything fell apart. Before they were forced to flee, before trust had become something foreign.Maya froze beside him, her eyes locked on Sarah as the realization hit her too. “No... this can’t be righ
