2024-04-23 00:45:39Lana's utterance sounded like a jarring bell in the silent setting, quickly grasping the attention of others. All eyes, falling on her.
Katerina paused her speech, her hand still on the mic as she sent Lana a cold look, irritation written all over her face.Yet, she didn't lose her composure or act brashly, considering the important personalities present in the hall.''Who is she?'' a man in a brown suit asked.''I wish I knew.'' The blonde-haired lady sitting beside him shrugged.''Most likely one of these naive heiresses of those tiny families.'' A third company chided in, a man in a black suit, holding a glass of wine.''My thoughts too,'' the first man said. ''This is why I was against the new system, some of those hillbillies think we're equals, leaving their manners unchecked.''”Regardless, messing with Katerina is an unwise decision, even the other powerful families tend to avoid getting in her bad book,'' the lady whispered, glancing left and right before heaving a soft sigh.Back at Lana's spot, Marcus' face reddened, seeing the mess his lover just created. If he was hoping to at least be forgiven by Katerina so he would be eligible to become a candidate previously, all he could pray for now was for things not to get worse.However, he wasn't the type to give up without putting up a fight.Forcing a crooked smile, he walked close to the stage, raising his glass of wine.''Apologies everyone, my… sweetheart tends to be nervous around people, which makes her spell out some uncalled wordings.'' He bowed, shooting Lana a reproachful look.However, his apologies were met with an air of stillness. As Katerina treated him as though he didn't exist.To stop further embarrassment, Marcus forced a grin, gulping on his own saliva as he walked back to the table where Lana sat.Lana rolled her eyes, still feeling vengeful, and just as Marcus got to their table, she stood up and pointed her finger at Katerina.''Important guests, don't be fooled by her facade, I saw her messing with my ex-husband whom I just divorced.''''Lana!'' Marcus gasped, his heart momentarily stopping.The people present also held their breath, the scandal just thrown at Katerina still ringing in their ears like resounding echoes.In no time, the hall was thrown into a cacophony of murmurs, as people gossiped over the hottest gist in a while.''Lana you won't come here and humiliate me.'' Marcus tightened his fist around her arms under the table, making her wince in pain.''W-what did I do?'' She asked.''What didn't you do?'' Marcus muttered, his voice louder than before.''You're not allowed to talk until we leave this place, and you'll obey me without any questioning,'' Marcus ordered, not sparing her a glance.''Otherwise, I take back all I've given you.'' Marcus met her eyes. His resolute gaze, informing her that he meant everything he said.''Everyone, let's maintain an ambient silence please.'' The host pleaded as she tried to regain control of the room.Afterwards, the hall regained its silence as everyone eventually calmed down. Their eyes back at Katerina who stood on the stage.''Hello everyone, apologies for the commotion earlier.'' She greeted the audience, her soft voice permeating each person's ears, almost like a charm.''To begin with, I'd like to thank everyone present here for honouring the invite of my Blake family.''''As we all know, sequel to the grand meeting we had, the board of directors had passed a bill.''''This is to ensure that the small families are equipped with better chances of survival, as we all know, a lot of family businesses have crumbled into the shadows of time,'' she said, her eyes moving in Marcus' direction for a few seconds before turning back to the remaining audience.''Why do I feel like there's more to this?'' the man in a brown suit from earlier chuckled. Being one of the few people who noticed Katerina's gaze just now.''Oh c'mon, isn't that common knowledge, neither of them will go unscathed after creating this much mess.'' The second young man in a black suit waved his hand in dismissal.''Hence, we shall announce the names of the candidates who qualified today.''Katerina's statement brought everyone's thoughts back to her once more. Even the big families present still had interest as their curiosity couldn't help them from trying to know the supposed candidates.Marcus let out a full grin after hearing Katerina's declaration. His eyes brightened with fervour, totally forgetting the mess that happened moments ago.''However…'' Katerina said into the mic again.''The project idea wasn't the board's own… a brilliant man had worked day and night to come up with such a beautiful idea,'' she explained, making the guests nod in admiration.''Ladies and gentlemen, please permit me to introduce the backbone and brain behind today's gathering, someone mostly unfamiliar to most of you here.''Her long statement sparked a mixed reaction among the guests. Some found the young man commendable, while others found it as an unnecessary flaunting of the Blake family's prowess.However, regardless of which side they leaned on, no one dared to voice out their inner thoughts.Just as Katerina ended her speech, a beam of light lit the hall as it moved across the perimeters before eventually landing on a particular spot.There, a young man in a piece of suit walked onto the stage as the light followed him like a guardian angel.
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Money Games: The Tycoon Overlord 9 Ambition
''Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome Mr Austin Blake as he comes onto the stage.'' Katerina's sonorous voice rang in the hall, making everyone hold their breath for a second.Clap!Clap!A resounding applause rang from one corner, and it soon spread across the hall, submerging the atmosphere in a standing ovation.The guests cheered, seeing the young man climb the stage, his face not at all aloof.Over to Marcus and Lana's table, their bulging eyes and sagging jaw said everything they were feeling inside.''W-what is going on?'' Lana stammered, her eyes fixed on the young man on the stage.The same could be said for Marcus. He had encountered way too many surprises in his life, but this was off the chart.''What… isn't that your ex-husband?''''I think so.''''You think so?'' Marcus rolled his eyes, his attention still on Austin.''See I'm equally lost here, he's supposed to be homeless by now… or could it be that you worked the way for him?''''Worked the way for him? Damn, do you
Money Games: The Tycoon Overlord 10 Shameless Folks
''I will-'' Just as Lana opened her mouth to speak, Marcus covered her mouth with his two palms, making her gag. He shot her a cold gaze, his veins bulging with fury. ''You're not fucking qualified to go on that damn stage, you dead brain.'' Marcus blurted out, his voice sounding hoarse, exhausted from all the drama. ''Not only did you not keep shut like I warned, but also picked on that woman again, wait… is your brain leaking?'' He released his hold on her, his eyes glinting with fury. ''Keep your doll in check, or she will face the consequences of her rash behaviour,'' Katerina warned in a cold tone, unfazed by the little scene the duo once again created. Lana, on the other hand, still felt as though she wasn't done speaking her mind. But the fiendish look coming from Marcus made her stop whatever thing she planned to do. Seeing that he had got the situation under control to a certain degree, Marcus heaved a sigh of relief. However, his mind remained unsettled, thrown into t
Money Games: The Tycoon Overlord 11 Scram
Lana's eyes twitched as a burning sensation zapped to her head, the after effect of the slap lingering on her face.''And what gave you the audacity to think you can judge him?'' Katerina chided in, finally not buying her shit.''Yes, I'm asking.''''You think those few years of humiliation that you and your entourage called marriage is enough to know the real him?''''For someone who can't even afford the basic needs of life without sucking up to a man, you sure think highly of yourself, huh?''A momentary silence hovered in the air, making everyone hold their breath after Katerina's piercing words.''W-what did you just say?'' Lana's face turned aghast, hearing those venous words Katerina spat on her face.However, she didn't receive any reply from Katerina, if anything… the cold gaze from the elegant, but scary lady made her shrink back in apprehension.''And you.'' Lana shifted her gaze to Marcus, her bloodshot eyes, relaying her resentment.''Is this how you want to keep humiliat
Money Games: The Tycoon Overlord 12 Lucid Dream
After a few hours had passed, the gatherings of the elite finally neared its end.The important personalities bade one another farewell, some drowning in business discussion, while others simply talked about the current trends in the world.Austin and Katerina had extricated themselves from the spotlight, leaving everything for Rebecca to handle.Although Katerina hosted the gathering, everyone still gave her face. Although some still tried their luck to rope in the new, ambitious young man, beaming with valour.Inside a private office, Austin and Katerina sat opposite each other. The subtle golden glow from the chandeliers, basking their faces in a beautiful allure.''So, when can I see my father?'' Austin asked, his eyes filled with a myriad of emotions.Upon hearing his question, Katerina Blake mustered a smile, letting out a soft sigh.''Very soon.''''He's in a business meeting abroad, and it may take a while before his arrival. However, I'm sure he wouldn't take that long,'' she
Money Games: The Tycoon Overlord 13 An Unknown Assailant
''Who are you?'' Austin jumped, straining his eyes in cold fright.His gaze stuck to the curtain, wondering if he had started hallucinating again or perhaps the dream had weighed on his mind, more than he thought.However, this place felt too real for it not to be real. Right behind the curtain, he could make out the silhouette of a human figure.Yet… there was no response.The silhouette only stood there like a statue, casting a shadow against the silky curtain fabric.''I said who are you?'' Austin yelled, his voice beginning to sound distorted from terror.As he yelled, he also tried to crawl back to create distance between himself and the enigmatic figure, but the primal fear that weighed on him strapped him down to the same place.''I-if you don't reveal yourself, I'll-''''You'll call the security guards.'' A hoarse voice rang from behind the curtains, its lingering echoes, permeating the room like a menacing spirit.''An impulsive choice, not so intelligent, but perhaps that'
Money Games: The Tycoon Overlord 14 Assassination
Austin kept moving backwards, until his back touched the wall, halting his advancement.He dared not turn back, and at that moment, he wished the wall would vanish and allow him to continue with his struggle.''My, my… can't move further than that, eh?'' The man let out a sinister chuckle, sending chills down Austin's back.''I… we can settle this amicably.'' Austin stammered, his eyes twitching with every fleeting moment.It didn't take a genius to figure out how ugly his situation was at the moment. He stood no chance against this man, not even in his most unruly fantasies.Forget about the mystery that cloaked the assailant. He also had a gun and knife with him.Assuming he could wrestle his way considering only the knife, then what about the gun?''Damnation.'' Austin gritted his teeth.The fact that he couldn't tell what brought this man here in the first place made the situation even more spontaneous.He couldn't help but wonder if Marcus and Lana could be behind this whole set-
Money Games: The Tycoon Overlord 15 Christopher Blake
The soft, morning sun rays grazed Christopher Blake, Austin's biological father, as he stepped out of the plane.He held a little brown box, and from the large smile on his not-so-wrinkled face, one could figure out his present mood.He had been on Austin's neck to come take over the company. However, ever since his only son left the house after their minor dispute, he has never answered or returned his calls.He blocked him out of his life. He couldn't even invite him to his wedding. If not for his complex chains of information, he might not even know that his son had a wife.However, everything was now in the past. His son had agreed to his demand, and he couldn't wait to go see him after so many years of longing and loneliness.'I'm sure he would've grown more beards now, any even taller?' Christopher grinned, as he mesmerized himself in reverie.He had yet to even take a few steps on the solid ground of the airport when he bumped into a man.Caught off guard, the box in his hands
Money Games: The Tycoon Overlord 16 Dying
Feeling his heart tightening, Christopher entered the room with light footsteps. There at the extreme, Rebecca entered his view, her eyes looking in a particular direction.She had yet to realize their presence, already lost in deep thoughts. On moving closer to her, Christopher tapped her shoulder, making her flinch.Turning, she quickly rose to her feet, seeing who was before her.Her eyes looked puffy. Both dried and wet tears stain plastered her face, a testament to hours of sobbing.''Please punish my negligence.'' She fell to her knees, her face kissing the floor.Christopher paused, feeling a barrage of multiple emotions. His flat look twisted a bit as his emotions threatened to explode. However, after gnashing his teeth momentarily, he ignored Rebecca and walked forward.Right before him lay the unconscious Austin, clad in a white robe. His breathing was shallow, and his face looked pale.A bandage was used to wrap his chest. However, despite the skilled medical intervention,
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100 Gone
The room was heavy with tension. The air thick, as if the walls themselves could sense the finality of what was about to unfold. Austin stood at the center of the secret basement, his sharp eyes scanning the faces of the people who had stood by him, helped him build this empire. The Blake family Elders, Senator Hayes, Farhan, and the others—his closest allies—were all gathered, eyes filled with something more than just respect.It was the weight of a journey, a history, and an unspoken understanding that this chapter was closing."Well, it’s time," Austin said, his voice calm but edged with determination. His words hung in the air for a moment before they sank into the hearts of those around him. Farhan stood beside him, arms crossed, his usual bravado replaced with a quiet, contemplative air. The years had changed them both. They had grown older, more thoughtful, more burdened by the responsibilities they’d carried for so long. Yet their connection remained unshaken. The bond of
99 Old Buddies
The whiskey glass in Austin's hand was half empty, the amber liquid swirling around as he tapped his fingers lightly against the rim. His mind, sharp as ever, wasn't focused on the business of the day. Instead, it was on the conversation that had been simmering in his mind for weeks now. Across from him sat Farhan Maleq and James, two of the few men who had stuck by him through thick and thin, who had seen him rise and fall, and now, who were part of the very foundation he had built. They weren’t just allies anymore; they were family.Farhan leaned back in his chair, his sharp gaze fixed on Austin. The years had changed him, just as they had changed Austin, but there was a familiarity in the air. It was the kind of silence you could only share with people who had seen you at your worst and still stuck around. The weight of the world they’d carried together was too much for just words to explain.James, ever the quiet one, was staring into his glass, eyes unfocused but filled with a k
98 New Lives
The room buzzed with quiet murmurs and soft laughter, a stark contrast to the bloody chaos of just a few years ago. The grand hall of the Blake estate was draped in gold and white, the colors of celebration and unity. Every corner of the room radiated opulence, a testament to the new world order that Austin had built with his iron will. Emma sat in an intricately carved chair at the center of the stage, her face glowing with a mixture of pride and exhaustion. The twins lay in her arms, swaddled in soft fabrics that probably cost more than the average person’s yearly salary. Austin stood next to her, his towering frame exuding authority even as his gaze softened every time it flickered to the babies. The crowd of global elites, Mafia heads, and influential dignitaries stood below, glasses raised in celebration. Farhan, representing the El Maleq, stepped forward to speak. “To the future of our world,” he began, his voice smooth and commanding. “And to the two children who symbol
97 A New World
Austin sat at the head of the table, his presence alone silencing the murmurs that rippled through the room. Representatives from the El Maleq family, the Shadow Council, and other former Mafia factions filled the massive conference hall. Farhan stood to his right, his gaze sharp and unreadable, while Senator Hayes leaned back in his chair, his face set in an expression of calm calculation. "This isn’t a negotiation," Austin said, his voice low but carrying. "This is a reality check. The days of fractured territories and petty rivalries are over. From now on, the Blake family is at the center, and I lead the world. Anyone who can’t live with that is free to leave—preferably without causing a scene." Farhan smirked slightly, but his eyes scanned the room for any signs of dissent. The silence was heavy, the weight of Austin’s words pressing down on everyone present. Senator Hayes finally spoke, his voice measured. "No one’s questioning your power, Austin. But centralizing everyth
96 Dealing With Aftermath
Austin sat at the edge of a conference table in the Blake family’s main office. The room was packed with faces that wore varying levels of exhaustion and wariness, but none could deny the determination etched into their features. Farhan leaned back in his chair, flipping a pen between his fingers, while Emma sat opposite Austin, scanning through a list of proposed actions. “The loot from the war,” Emma began, her tone sharp and deliberate, “is more than enough to compensate every major city affected by the fighting. But if we’re not careful, this could spiral into another power struggle.” Austin exhaled slowly, his hands resting on the table. “No more power struggles,” he said firmly. “We’ve had enough bloodshed. The loot is going to rebuild, educate, and unite. Anyone who tries to hoard it or weaponize it is going to wish they hadn’t.” Farhan chuckled, though there was no humor in it. “You’re asking wolves to stop hunting, mate. They’ll need more than a warning.” “They’ll ge
95 Revolutionary
The war was over, but the silence it left in its wake was deafening. Cities that had been battlegrounds now bore the scars of Austin’s conquest: shattered buildings, scorched earth, and a populace weary of the bloodshed. Yet amidst the rubble, a new world was being forged. Austin had no intention of letting the old order crawl back from the ashes. The grand hall of the Blake family’s headquarters buzzed with activity. Delegates from the former Mafia factions sat stiffly around the long table, their postures wary. Some still bore the bruises and cuts from their recent battles, their pride as battered as their bodies. Austin entered without ceremony, his presence demanding silence. Dressed in a sharp black suit, his gaze swept over the room. He didn’t need to speak for the tension to settle like a weight on everyone’s shoulders. “We’ve spent decades clawing at each other’s throats,” he began, his voice sharp, cutting through the room. “For what? Territory? Power? Pride? And where
94 Above the Ninth Stage
Austin moved through the battlefield like a force of nature, his movements precise and terrifying. His fists cracked the air with raw power, sending shockwaves that obliterated anything in their path. The thirteen ninth-stage cultivators encircled him, their Qi radiating like a blazing inferno, but there was no fear in his eyes. Only rage. The ground beneath his feet split apart as he surged forward, faster than their eyes could follow. His first strike hit the closest cultivator square in the chest. Bones shattered audibly, the man’s body folding in on itself before he was hurled across the field like a broken doll. The others hesitated for only a second before launching their counterattack. Qi blasts illuminated the battlefield, the air heavy with energy so potent it made the surrounding soldiers—cultivators and non-cultivators alike—falter. But Austin didn’t flinch. ---“Come on!” he roared, his voice booming like thunder. His figure blurred as he leapt into the fray, weaving
93 Revelation
The hospital room was deathly quiet. The faint hum of machines barely masked the steady tick of the wall clock. Lady Katerina lay on the hospital bed, her face pale but serene. The bandages on her chest hid the severity of the wound, but Austin knew better. He stood at her bedside, his broad shoulders rigid, hands clenched into fists at his sides. “You asked to see me,” he said, his voice low, rough. He didn’t look at her face; he couldn’t. The woman who had been a pillar of strength for the Blake family now looked so fragile, her breaths shallow and strained. “Yes,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. Her lips curved in a faint smile. “It’s time.” “Don’t say that,” he snapped, his tone harsher than intended. He turned to her finally, his eyes blazing with frustration and something deeper. “You’ll pull through. You always do.” Katerina’s smile widened, though it cost her. The pain etched in her features was evident. “Always so stubborn, Austin. But this... this is differ
92 Ambush
The battlefield was finally quiet, save for the groans of the wounded and the distant crackle of dying Qi flames. Victory hung heavy in the air, bitter and costly. Austin stood among the carnage, his blade still in hand, blood dripping onto the scorched earth. His chest heaved as he looked around, the faces of his allies weary but triumphant.“We did it,” Farhan said, his voice cutting through the haze. He clutched his side, blood seeping between his fingers, but his grin was defiant. “They’re finished. Their ninth-stage are gone. We’ve crushed them.”Austin nodded, his jaw tight. “This was just the beginning.”The words barely left his mouth when a piercing scream shattered the fragile calm. His head snapped toward the source, his heart dropping into his stomach. It was Katerina.---Lady Katerina stood at the command post, her focus on relaying orders to secure the retreating enemy lines. She barely saw the shadow until it was too late. A sharp pain exploded in her chest, and she st
