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THE STARDUST FORTUNE Chapter 11: A Call to Riches
Alex gazed at the ring first, then at the papers in front of him. His entire existence was built on deceit, and at this moment, everything was on the brink of transformation. “What happens once I sign these documents?"Elenor straightened up. "You become one of the most powerful people in the world, Alex. You'd have controlling interest in my business empire. You will be a billionaire."Alex mind flashed the two girls from his school that made fun of him and his fancy cars, to the humiliation he'd endured at the hands of the auto repair client. A slow smile spread across his face. "Where do I sign?" he asked.Elenor handed him a pen, and Alex signed his name with a flourish.“And with this I become a shareholder in your company?” Alex ask for confirmation.“Yes my darling. But remember you are a silent shareholder so all voting rights still belong to me.” Elenor said with seductive yet imposing voice."There's one more thing," Elenor said, a hint of excitement in her voice. She handed
THE STARDUST FORTUNE Chapter 12: Higher Education, Higher Stakes
Alex was at the entrance of Hitech University, feeling his heart race. The modern, futuristic campus stretched out in front of him, a stark contrast to the dirty hover-car garage where he used to work. He inhaled deeply, preparing himself for what awaited him.He whispered to himself, "You can do it, Alex. Simply assimilate. I need everyone to think I am here on a scholarship other wise they will claim I married Elenor for her money.”While walking through the crowded courtyard, he noticed a voice he recognized.“Absolutely not! He did what... Hey, Alex? Is the car repairman here?"Alex looked around and spotted Briana and her group of friends, the very same girls who had stopped by his garage a few months back. They displayed a combination of surprise and contempt in their expressions.Alex attempted to sound casual as he said, "Um, hey.Yes, it me."Briana's gaze became more focused. “What the heck are you doing here? Did you loose your way to the mechanic shop?Alex's face turned re
THE STARDUST FORTUNE Chapter 13: Corporate Politics
Alex stood before the towering Drake Conglomerate headquarters, its glass and chrome structure piercing the morning sky. Inhaling deeply, he straightened his jacket - the best one he had, yet noticeably more informal than the suits passing by him.As he neared the security desk, a guard gave him a disapproving once-over."Would you like some assistance?" Asked the guard, indicating through his tone that he preferred to be doing something different.Alex confirmed “I am here for the board meeting”, attempting to appear assured.The guard snorted. "Right. And I'm here to buy the building. Listen, pal, deliveries are around back.""You don't understand. I'm Alex Carter-Drake. I'm supposed to-""Drake?" The guard's eyebrows shot up. "Let me get my supervisor."A moment later, a well-dressed woman in her forties approached, her heels clicking against the marble floor."I'm Ms. Peterson, head of security. There seems to be some confusion," she said, her smile not reaching her eyes."There'
THE STARDUST FORTUNE Chapter 14: Boardroom Tensions
Eleanor's voice demanded focus as she stood at the front of the lengthy black table, addressing the board members. "I wish to formally present my husband , Alex Carter-Drake, who will lead our terraforming department."Alex scanned the faces around the table. Twelve pairs of eyes studied him with varying degrees of skepticism."A pleasure to meet you all," Alex said, standing. "I'm excited to share my vision for Drake Industries' future in terraforming technology."A silver-haired man cleared his throat. "Marcus Reynolds, Head of Finance. Mrs. Drake, while we respect your... personal choices, are you certain Mr. Drake has the necessary qualifications?"Eleanor's smile remained fixed. "Why don't you show them, darling?"Alex activated the holographic display, projecting his designs above the table. "Our current terraforming methods are outdated. We're treating planets like uniform entities when they're actually complex ecosystems. My proposal involves...""Excuse me," interrupted a wom
THE STARDUST FORTUNE Chapter 15: Reconciliation
Alex sat in the darkened living room of their mansion, nursing a glass of whiskey when the front door opened. Eleanor's heels clicked against the marble floor, then stopped.She softly expressed her surprise at finding that he had not left. "Where would I go? This is my prison, isn't it?"Eleanor moved closer, her silhouette illuminated by the city lights through the window. "Can we talk?""About what? How you humiliated me in front of the board? Or how you treat me like a possession?"She sat across from him, removing her heels. "I deserved that. I... I'm sorry, Alex."The admission made him look up. Eleanor Drake never apologized."You're sorry?""I overreacted. When I heard another woman's voice, I just..." She ran her fingers through her hair, letting it fall loose. "Do you know what people say about us?""That I'm a gold digger? That you're having a midlife crisis?"A small laugh escaped her. "Among other things. They say I'm desperate. That I'm trying to hold onto my youth by m
THE STARDUST FORTUNE Chapter 16: Power and Control
"Good morning, Mr. Drake. I'm James, your new personal assistant."Alex looked up from his desk to find a stern-faced man in a black suit standing at attention. "I don't need an assistant.""Mrs. Drake insists. She wants to ensure your schedule aligns with company protocols.""Since when does a Head of Research need scheduling?"James placed a tablet on Alex's desk. "Your 9 AM meeting has been moved to accommodate Mrs. Drake's investor lunch. You'll be attending.""I have lab work scheduled-""Already rescheduled. Also, your access to Lab B has been temporarily restricted pending security clearance."Alex stood up. "That's where all my research is!""Mrs. Drake feels it's best to centralize your work in the main facility. Where it can be properly... monitored."The door opened and Luna rushed in, looking flustered. "Alex, we need to talk about the atmospheric readings-""I'm afraid Mr. Drake is booked until 3 PM," James intercepted."Since when?" Luna challenged."Since now." Eleanor'
THE STARDUST FORTUNE Chapter 17: The Truth Behind Metamorphosis
Alex stared at the holographic data floating before him, his hands trembling. "This can't be right.""What did you find?" Dr. Chen, one of the senior researchers, peered over his shoulder."The cellular degradation... it's accelerating." Alex swiped through more files. "Subject 23 completely rejected the cybernetic implants. Subject 17's neural pathways are deteriorating. This isn't transformation – it's killing them.""Mr. Drake!" Dr. Chen grabbed his arm. "Those files are restricted-""Because they show the truth?" Alex turned to face him. "How long have you known?"The lab door slid open. Eleanor stood there, her expression unreadable. "Leave us, Dr. Chen."Once alone, Alex projected the data onto the main screen. "Care to explain this?""You shouldn't have access to those files.""People are dying, Eleanor!""They knew the risks.""Did they? Did they know their bodies would reject the implants? That their minds would deteriorate until-""They signed the contracts.""Like I did?" A
THE STARDUST FORTUNE Chapter 18: Silent Wars
The clink of silverware against china echoed through the vast dining room. Alex pushed his food around the plate, deliberately avoiding Eleanor's gaze."The chef prepared your favorite," Eleanor said softly.Silence."Darling, please. It's been three days."Alex stood up, his chair scraping against the marble floor."Where are you going?""To work in my study.""It's 8 PM.""Better than here."Eleanor flinched at his words. "I had something delivered for you.""Another bribe?""Alex-""Like the watch yesterday? Or the car the day before?""I'm trying-""To buy me?" He finally looked at her. "Add me to your collection of expensive things?"The doorbell rang. Eleanor's face brightened. "That must be it. Please, just... look at it?"Alex rubbed his neck where the implant throbbed. "Fine."Two deliverymen wheeled in a massive crate. Eleanor practically bounced with excitement as they opened it."A piano?" Alex stared at the gleaming black grand piano."Not just any piano. It's a Bösendorf
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Chapter 191: A New Dawn
The majestic hall of the Imperial Citadel vibrated with excitement as delegates from throughout the galaxy convened for the festivities. Banners from every recognized colony draped from the lofty walls, and the atmosphere vibrated with a feeling of revival. Alex Carter was positioned at the front of the platform, his hands interlocked behind him, observing the audience. His image shimmered in the gleaming steel columns surrounding the room—depicting a man who carried the burden of an empire on his back. "Alex," Sophia called out, her voice rising above the chaos as she got closer, her face reflecting a blend of worry and humor. "You should be socializing, not sulking." People are starting to notice."He turned to her, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "I’m not brooding. Just... thinking.""Yeah, you always say that," Sophia quipped, folding her arms. "Listen, I know this whole ‘leader of the galaxy’ thing is new, but you’re doing fine. Better than fine, actually. But tonight isn’t
Chapter 190: The Summit of Truth
The grand hall of the cosmic conference was filled with vitality. Representatives from every part of the interstellar empire filled the expansive hall, their voices a soft, buzzing murmur of eagerness. The chamber's glassy walls sparkled, bending the light of far-off stars that poured in through the clear dome overhead. At the heart of everything was Alex Carter, his jaw clenched, eyes surveying the crowd of faces. He could sense the pressure of each stare directed at him. "Alex," Sophia hissed, leaning slightly toward him. "You ready for this?"He gave a small nod, though his hands tightened into fists by his sides. "As ready as I'll ever be."Luna Vega tapped the device on her wrist, her expression calculating. "Maxwell's here. Far left balcony. He’s watching us like a predator sizing up its prey."Alex didn’t need to look. He could feel Maxwell Drake's presence—a dark, unrelenting pressure in the room. His rival’s plan was already in motion, and Alex knew he had only one shot to s
Chapter 189: Mom Please!!
Lucas returned home that evening feeling fulfilled. Although the words of Racheal kept ringing in his ears, he didn't want to dwell too much on them. "Are you okay?" Rickard asked, seeing through him that he was somehow bothered. "Yes, I am," Lucas replied, after which he dismissed Rickard and asked him to go home. The following day would be the meeting scheduled with the members of the board at Bryan Enterprises to decide the next chairman of the company. With Ivy now awake and Praise being humiliated, Lucas was ready to ascend back to power. Rickard was about to leave when one of the security personnel walked in. "Sir, we've found out who took the D-VEX drive from your office," the man said. "Who?" Lucas asked. "It's ma'am Beautrice. I'd love to show you the evidence in the control room," the man said. Lucas and Rickard followed him to the control room where he showed them the short clip that caught Beautrice. The CCTV was a tiny camera right on the bulb in Lucas's office. E
Chapter 188: Frosty Reception
Racheal excused Victor and went to meet Lucas and Rickard, her attempt at cordiality met with frosty reception."You didn't tell me you'd be coming," Racheal said with forced politeness."I don't see the reason why I should," Lucas retorted curtly, his demeanor aloof as he brushed past her. Rickard followed suit, his silence echoing Lucas's indifference.Racheal's heart quickened at their dismissive attitudes, a sense of foreboding settling over her like a shroud. But she pushed aside her apprehension, determined to maintain a façade of composure in the face of their disdain."Heard Ivy's finally awake," Racheal remarked casually.Lucas's footsteps faltered at the mention of Ivy's name, his gaze piercing as he turned to face Racheal. "And how did you find out?" he inquired."I don't see the reason why I should tell you," she retorted defiantly, her words laced with defiance as she turned on her heel and made her way to join the other guests.Everyone was already seated in the grand hal
Chapter 187: Let my Family be
**Lucas Bryan** was surprised to see **Sonya Bryan**, **Rickard Lain**, and **Flint Lockwood** at the hospital, his brow furrowing in confusion as he addressed them."What are you guys doing here?" he asked, his tone a mix of bewilderment and concern. "I thought I told Sonya I'd be home soon."Sonya exchanged a meaningful glance with Rickard before speaking up. "This isn't just about you, Lucas. It's about Ivy," she explained, her words heavy with unspoken implications."I'm yet to believe what you told me about the doctor's report," Rickard said."It's true, Rickard," Lucas confirmed solemnly. "Ivy's condition isn't good."Rickard's anger flared at the confirmation, his resolve hardening as he spoke. "Then it's time we dig in deep and find out who really did this to Ivy," he declared. "We can't just sit back and allow her to suffer like this."Lucas immediately recalled his encounter with **Racheal Lain** at the café. "I think I know who was responsible for Ivy's abduction and how sh
Chapter 186: The Dire Condition
Lucas Bryan arrived at the hospital around 9 p.m. that evening to find the doctors conducting various checks on **Ivy.** Despite his long and stressful day, the news of Ivy's awakening compelled him to set aside any thoughts of rest and rush to her side. Ivy lay still in her hospital bed, her eyes open but her body motionless, casting a shadow of concern over Lucas's hopeful anticipation.Approaching **Stephanie** with a heavy heart, Lucas inquired about Ivy's condition."The doctors are still trying to determine the exact aftermath of Ivy's condition, but I'm afraid it may align with the initial report we received when Ivy was found," Stephanie lamented, her expression portraying every bit of worry."Don't say that, ma’am. Ivy will be fine," Lucas offered words of encouragement, hoping to instill a sense of hope amidst the uncertainty.After a few minutes, the chief of police arrived, having been informed by Stephanie about Ivy's awakening."How's she doing?" the chief inquired, dire
Chapter 185: Caller Id
Lucas arrived at the café to meet Racheal seated all by herself with a glass of alcohol. He walked up to her almost startling her, "Why are you drinking?" He asked.Racheal, her thoughts consumed by the looming threat from Victor to disgrace her mother, barely registered Lucas' presence. Without preamble, she slid the stack of papers across the table."These are the documents," Racheal said, handing them over to Lucas. He reached for his pen and quickly signed them, having already reviewed their contents earlier."Thank you, Lucas," Racheal greeted with a nod of appreciation.Lucas was expecting her departure after he had signed the documents, but Racheal lingered. "Aren't you leaving yet?" he asked."No, not yet. I'm waiting for someone," Racheal replied, her gaze wandering towards the entrance."Lucas could already sense whom Racheal was waiting for, prompting him to anticipate the unfolding of events. He knew it was the person who had asked her to have him sign the documents for he
Chapter 184: Final Farewell
As the morning sun cast its golden glow over the quiet streets of Malibu, Sonia took it upon herself to drive Flint and his sister to the train station, determined to see them off and bid them a final farewell."I'll miss you, Flint," she said, her voice tinged with sadness as she shared a warm embrace with him, her heart heavy with the weight of impending separation."I'll miss you too, Sonia," Flint replied, his voice filled with genuine affection as he returned her embrace.Flint felt a lump form in his throat as he struggled to find the right words to express his feelings. "I'm really sorry for everything that happened between us. I—" But before Flint could continue, Sonia gently hushed him, placing a finger across his lips."You've already apologized, and I've forgiven you," she reassured him, her voice filled with compassion and understanding."Thank you so much," Flint replied, his gratitude evident in his eyes as he met Sonia's gaze."And just in case you change your mind, you
Chapter 183: Attempted Murder
Racheal was surprised, wondering why Lucas would look into her purse. Even if she knew that Lucas was at the verge of finding out about her involvement in Ivy's kidnapping, she needed to create some elements of doubt all the same."Why would you check my purse?" Racheal blurted out angrily."So you had a hand in Ivy's abduction. You're such a disgusting lady, Racheal." Lucas snapped at her, throwing the documents at her."And it didn't even end there, you also made an attempt on her life. You're despicable!" Racheal's brows furrowed at Lucas's false accusation of her having made an attempt on Ivy's life."What are you talking about?" Racheal asked, the surprised look on her face enough to convince Lucas that she had no idea what he was talking about."Stop playing innocent, Racheal. You and I know it's true. You tried to kill Ivy." Lucas said with so much anger in his voice."I won't sit back and watch you accuse me of something I didn't do, Lucas." She snapped back angrily."I won't
