Dylan Hawthorne was feeling groggy, sitting in the study of his elegant mansion. All the news about the Hawthorne family that was going around made him feel even worse. The value of the company's shares plummeted, profits from the business plummeted. The destruction even threatens the Green Diamond Village project they are currently working on, and the project is in danger of stopping halfway.The mansion that was once full of glitter now feels so dim. Dylan had even sold some of his shares to raise capital, luckily the shares sold quickly but it was only an emergency rescue.At the same time, after a tiring day at the police station, Rita and Gordon Hawthorne finally enter their quiet home. However, the atmosphere that should have calmed down became even more tense as the two of them stepped inside. It was clear that tension and anxiety had seeped into the walls of the magnificent mansion.Sitting in the living room, they felt a weight growing heavier on their shoulders. Rita tries t
That morning, Jack Ashworth sat at his desk with a cheerful face, satisfied with the results of his hard work. After various efforts and strategies that he carried out, he managed to acquire a number of shares of the Hawthorne family. The office is brightly lit by the soft morning sun, creating a warm and inspiring atmosphere. He felt on top of the world, with his steps towards success getting steadily more steady.Last night, Jack had received a system notification which made him quite happy.Ding![User Jack Ashworth's first mission progress has increased. Days left: 25.]Even though time is tight, Jack is confident he can overcome everything and successfully complete his first mission from the system. The Hawthorne family were destroying themselves because of Gordon's stupidity, so it was so easy to take everything. Jack smiled faintly, remembering how he grudged himself against the Hawthorne family for letting his mother die in agony after serving as their maid for decades. Jack c
Dylan and Rita Hawthorne arrive at the high rise where Daniel Collins' office is located. The building rises high in the middle of the city, reflecting the prestige of the large company owned by Daniel. When Dylan and Rita stepped into the building, the high ceilings and lavish floors set off an air of business-like elegance.Both of them looked serious and determined, every step they took expressed confidence in the plan they were about to convey to Daniel. The two faces reflected the decision that had been made, even though the situation at hand was not easy. Rita wore a dress that portrayed elegance, while Dylan wore a business suit that gave him a stern look.When they arrived on the floor of Daniel's office, they were confronted with the sight of a young secretary engrossed in her work. The chair in front of the reception desk is surrounded by piles of files and modern electronic devices. Their steps stopped for a moment, waiting to be given attention.The secretary finally looke
Jack felt a little relieved. "Thank you, Ashley and Brandon. Looks like your help is really needed."Brandon nodded with a smile. "I'm glad I could help. Let's sit down and discuss the situation in more depth."Jack and Ashley sat in a quiet room, where the dim lights created a mysterious atmosphere. The sound of pauses between words became more and more significant in the room. Ashley sat tensely, examining Brandon's expression as the police gave him a summary of Jack's investigation. Brandon seemed to be resolutely focusing his attention on every detail the police described, his hand gently stroking his chin as he fell into deep thought.After the cop finished speaking, Brandon nodded seriously and his eyes shifted to Jack. "Now I need some time to talk to Jack before the interrogation begins," Brandon said.Brandon then went into the room where Ashley and Jack were sitting. He then sat down across from Jack and with solicitous eyes he asked, “what the heck is going on, Jack?”Jack
Suzzane sat alone in her apartment, a gloomy and anxious atmosphere enveloped her. Fear and guilt clouded her mind, and she sucked on her cigarette with trembling hands. Each suck was heavy, as if she was trying to calm himself from her unimaginable agony.These horrific memories continue to haunt her, even as she tries to find solace in her daily activities. Suzzane was out shopping at the supermarket at the time, however, as she came out of the shop with her shopping cart, her world suddenly stopped.In a quiet corner near the parking lot, three figures were staring at her and immediately drew closer to her. The harsh expressions on their faces, the piercing gazes, and the aura of threat so strong it made her heart skip a beat. Suzzane felt as though all of this was a bad dream coming back to haunt her."Hey, Suzzane Golding," a gruff voice from one of them broke the silence. Suzzane froze, feeling like a sheep suddenly caught in a wolf's clutches.“H-how do you know my name?” asked
Within such an elegant room, a festive atmosphere filled the air. The Hawthorne family room was filled with warm light from the crystal chandelier hanging above it. Luxurious furniture is neatly spread around the room, inviting the members of this family to live in. In the center of the room, a luxurious dining table is surrounded by soft chairs that invite comfort.The champagne bottle elegantly opens, releasing a soft clunk as the cap is removed. As the carbonated liquid slithered out of the bottle, sparkling light reflected off the golden-yellow liquid, creating an astonishing glow in the room. Dylan, Rita, and Gordon Hawthorne were lounging in plush chairs around the dinner table, each holding a champagne glass in a cheery hand.The news from the large television in the corner of the room streamed in a clear voice. The voice of a news reporter speaking in a serious tone filled the room. The faces of the family members reflected satisfaction when the news about Jack Ashworth hit th
Jack lay on his bed very tired. There have been too many surprises lately. The drama with the Hawthorne family is endless. They would always prank Jack and would never stop doing it. Jack had to make it stop. Now it's not only revenge that is in Jack's heart, but also a necessity to stop the Hawthorne family."Systems," Jack said.Ding![Welcome back, user Jack Ashworth. What do you want to do today?]“Can I exchange one point to make someone say the truth?” asked Jack.[Please define it more.]"I mean, can I get Suzzane to tell the police the truth?"[Not possible, Jack Ashworth. The system cannot change reality, make other people do what you want, or do things outside of you as a user. The System can allow you to achieve many things such as wealth, physical abilities, and everything related to you, but it cannot affect circumstances outside of yourself.]"I understand," said Jack.Jack could already guess that it was impossible, but he still asked the system. It's hard to know what
Not long after Ashley left the room, she returned with a face full of anxiety. Jack raised an eyebrow, feeling something was wrong. "What's wrong, Ashley?" he asked.Ashley bit her lip for a moment before picking up the TV remote and turning it on. "You should see this, Jack," she said, turning Jack's attention to the TV screen that had just turned on.The news was on, and Jack felt his pulse quicken when he saw Diana Buchanan's face in the press conference. "Diana Buchanan stood up for you," Ashley said in a shaky voice.Jack focused his eyes on the screen, dumbfounded by what he saw and heard. With firm and confident steps, Diana Buchanan stood in front of the reporters gathered for the press conference. Behind it is a background bearing the logo of the large Buchanan Corporation. Her face was serious and determined, reflecting her determination to stand up for Jack Ashworth."Alright, I want to state the facts," Diana said in a calm but firm voice. The spotlight from the media came
As the smoke began to dissipate, revealing the chaos of the decimated lab, Jack's enhanced vision honed in on Patrick, a formidable figure even in his wounded state. Blood trickled down Patrick's forehead, mixing with the grim determination and seething anger in his eyes. His breath came in ragged gasps, a testament to the intensity of their struggle."You think you can defeat me like this?" Patrick's voice reverberated through the chamber, his words dripping with contempt as he advanced towards Jack. "I won't let you win, Jack!"With a sudden burst of speed, Patrick lunged forward, his armored form hurtling towards Jack with frightening velocity. Jack barely had time to react, his instincts kicking in as he braced himself for the impact.The clash was thunderous, the force of Patrick's charge slamming into Jack like a battering ram. They grappled fiercely, each trying to gain the upper hand in the brutal melee. Jack's muscles strained against the weight of Patrick's armor, his mind r
Jack's situation was dire. He lay on the cold floor, pain radiating through his body, Ashley's bloodied form just out of reach. His vision blurred and darkened at the edges, but he wasn't ready to give up. He knew he had one last trick up his sleeve.With a barely noticeable movement, he activated the communication implant Jill had embedded in his arm. It was a last-resort device, meant for emergencies only. Jack whispered urgently, his voice barely a breath, "Jill, now!"Even though it looked like he was talking to himself, he knew Jill was listening. His eyes briefly met Patrick's smug gaze before he summoned all his remaining strength. With a sudden, almost inhuman burst of energy, Jack leaped high into the air, his body propelled by the advanced tech Jill had provided.He soared upwards, smashing through the ceiling and creating a gaping hole. Dust and debris rained down as the astonished guards and Patrick stared up, their expressions a mix of shock and disbelief. The room fell s
Patrick, sensing a slight tremor of control slipping from his grasp, attempted to regain his dominance with a sneer. "You think you're clever, don't you, Jack?" he jeered, his voice echoing off the cold, stone walls of the lair. "But you're just bluffing. We both know what happened the last time you tried to fight alone. You lost, and you lost badly. Look around you. My men guard every corner of this place with the highest vigilance. There's no help coming from Jill or anyone else. You think you can fool me? I anticipated your move, and I've made sure it won't happen."Jack's jaw tightened, his eyes narrowing as he fixed Patrick with a steely glare. "You talk too much, Patrick," he retorted, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. His confidence was unwavering, a stark contrast to the villain's bluster.Without another word, Jack launched himself into action with a burst of explosive energy. His movements were a blur, honed by years of training and battle-hardened experience. He b
As Jack's cries of anguish reverberated through the glass chamber, something within him snapped. A surge of adrenaline and sheer willpower coursed through his veins. His eyes, still wet with tears, hardened with a new determination. He strained against the metal restraints with every ounce of strength he possessed, the cords of his muscles standing out in stark relief against his skin.The glass walls seemed to close in on him, but Jack refused to accept defeat. With a roar of pure rage, he wrenched his arm free from one of the metal bindings, the steel groaning under the force of his fury. The other restraints seemed to tighten in response, but Jack was beyond pain now. He tore at the remaining bonds, his breath coming in ragged gasps.The guards outside the chamber stared in shock, their initial disbelief giving way to alarm. The sight of Jack breaking free sent a wave of panic through them."What's happening?" one of the guards shouted, his voice tinged with fear.Patrick's smug ex
Jack watched intently as the guards began to unfasten the restraints binding Ashley to the chair. Every movement seemed to drag in slow motion, his heart hammering in his chest. Despite her weakened state, Ashley managed to shake her head weakly, her voice a mere whisper, carrying the weight of her desperation. "No, Jack," she pleaded, her eyes wide and glistening with tears. "Please, just go. Leave me."Jack’s determination was unshakeable. He shook his head firmly, his jaw set in a hard line. "Ashley, you have to go now," he insisted, his voice steady and resolute, cutting through the tense atmosphere like a blade. He knew there was no other option if she were to have any chance at freedom.Ashley remained in the iron grip of the guards, her strength all but spent. Her eyes, though filled with despair, still bore into Jack’s with a silent plea, a plea he could not heed. She understood the depth of his resolve but felt the crushing weight of helplessness. Her body slumped slightly as
As Jack was escorted further into the heart of The Golden Apple's new stronghold, the dimly lit corridors seemed to close in around him, suffocating him with their oppressive atmosphere. The guards flanked him on either side, their eyes boring into him with a mixture of suspicion and contempt.Patrick stood at the end of the hallway, his presence commanding and his demeanor oozing with arrogance. His arms were crossed over his chest, and a smug smirk played at the corners of his lips as Jack was brought before him."Well, well, if it isn't our obedient little errand boy," Patrick sneered, his voice laced with disdain as he regarded Jack. "Coming here unarmed, all for the sake of the traitor who betrayed you. How noble of you, Jack."Jack's fists clenched at his sides, his nails digging into his palms as he struggled to contain his rising anger. He knew Patrick was trying to provoke him, but he refused to take the bait. Instead, he focused on the urgency of the situation at hand."Wher
As Ashley teetered on the brink of consciousness, her senses dulled by the relentless onslaught of pain and exhaustion, she felt as though she were adrift in a sea of torment. Every breath was a struggle, each heartbeat a painful reminder of the ordeal she had endured. Her body felt heavy, weighed down by the bruises that marred her skin and the ache that permeated every fiber of her being.The dim light in the room seemed to flicker and dance before her eyes, casting eerie shadows that danced across the walls like specters of her own despair. The air was thick with the scent of sweat and blood, mingling with the metallic tang of fear that clung to her like a suffocating shroud.The henchman of Patrick's approached with an air of calculated menace, his footsteps echoing ominously in the dimly lit room. Ashley strained to lift her head, her muscles protesting against the effort as she braced herself for whatever news he bore.With a glance over his shoulder to ensure they were alone, t
Jack's heart skipped a beat as his phone vibrated, signaling an incoming message. With a sense of urgency, he glanced at the screen, his eyes widening in shock at the sight before him. It was a video, sent from an unknown number, and as Jack tapped to play it, his blood ran cold.The video opened to a chilling scene. A dimly lit room filled the screen, casting long shadows that danced across the walls. In the center of the frame sat a wooden chair, its surface worn and weathered, and bound to it was Ashley. Her hands were tied behind her back, and her eyes were filled with a mixture of fear and defiance.“Ashley?” Jack breathed, his voice barely a whisper as he struggled to comprehend the gravity of the situation.“What? What happened?” Jill's voice crackled with concern, her eyes widening as she leaned in closer to see the screen of Jack's phone.For a moment, Jack's mind reeled in disbelief. It took several seconds for the reality of the situation to sink in—that the woman in the vi
The soft hum of machinery filled the air as Jack slowly emerged from his slumber, the gentle rhythm of Jill's movements resonating in the laboratory. Blinking away the remnants of sleep, he turned his gaze towards Jill, who was already engrossed in her work, her movements fluid and purposeful."Rise and shine, sleepyhead. It's time for you to join the land of the living," Jill greeted him with a playful smirk, her eyes sparkling with determination. "I need your help with some brainstorming."Jack yawned and stretched, feeling the weight of the impending tasks settling upon him like a heavy cloak. "What's the plan?" he asked, his voice still tinged with drowsiness as he sat up and gave Jill his full attention.Jill's eyes gleamed with determination as she launched into an explanation of the necessity for a tracker device that could evade detection by their adversaries. "Jack, we need a failsafe in case things go south. We can't risk you getting caught or lost in the chaos," she began,