The next afternoon, Calvin sat alone in his room, the soft glow of the setting sun filtering through the curtains. The room was quiet, save for the occasional rustle of leaves outside his window. He took a deep breath, closing his eyes as he focused on the task at hand. Activating his system, he began the process of enhancing his cultivation abilities.The familiar sensation of energy flowing through his body intensified, a powerful vibration resonating deep within him. Calvin concentrated, guiding the energy with practiced precision, feeling it surge through his veins and envelop his entire being. The room seemed to hum with an almost tangible force, the air thick with potential.Ding![Congratulations! You have mastered a new level of cultivation skills.]After several moments of intense focus, Calvin felt a sudden surge, a breakthrough. He opened his eyes, and the world around him appeared sharper, more defined. He raised his hand, testing his newfound abilities. With a mere though
Calvin stood up, surveying his wardrobe for the perfect suit to wear to the grand opening. He selected a sleek, tailored dark blue suit that exuded both sophistication and subtle authority. After carefully dressing, he adjusted his tie, ensuring that every detail was impeccable. The reflection staring back at him in the mirror was one of determination and resolve.Despite his outward composure, Calvin felt a knot of reluctance tightening in his stomach. He had little desire to attend the event, but he had another, more pressing reason to be there—a purpose that transcended mere social obligations. Tonight, he needed to uncover certain truths and leverage his newly enhanced abilities.Moments later, fully prepared, Calvin grabbed his car keys from the dresser. As he exited his room, Lizzie was waiting in the hallway, her eyes filled with concern."Calvin," she said softly, "are you sure you don't want me to come with you? I can help, or at least keep you company."Calvin gave her a rea
Suddenly, a commanding voice cut through the hum of conversation. "Alana! I heard from Mother that you invited this man. Have you lost your mind?"Calvin turned to see James Perry, Alana's older brother, striding towards them. His face was flushed with anger, his eyes flashing with contempt. "Calvin is nothing but a beggar, even if he's dressed well now. Maybe he's found another woman to take advantage of. Oh, I heard it's Christina Johnson, isn't it? Calvin is very good at finding wealthy women."Calvin's jaw tightened, and he stepped forward, his voice calm but firm. "James, don't speak so recklessly."James sneered, looking Calvin up and down with disdain. "Why? Afraid the truth will come out? You don't belong here, Calvin. You never did."Alana stepped between them, her voice strained with frustration. "James, stop it. I invited Calvin because he deserves to be here. This is a celebration, not a place for petty insults."James raised an eyebrow, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Wo
As they walked through the grand, elegantly decorated hall, Alana glanced at Calvin, her expression apologetic. The ambient light from the chandeliers cast a soft glow on her face, highlighting the worry lines etched on her forehead. "I'm really sorry about that. You already know how they are," she said, her voice tinged with regret.Calvin gave her a reassuring smile, though his eyes held a hint of old pain. "They are just like you, before our divorce."Alana winced slightly, her eyes reflecting a mix of guilt and sorrow. "Calvin…"“I’m just saying,” Calvin replied, his tone gentle but firm. He didn’t want to reopen old wounds, but the truth was unavoidable.They continued walking and soon reached a group of well-dressed individuals, their attire reflecting the opulence of the event. The group was engrossed in an animated discussion about the latest advancements in pharmaceuticals. The air was filled with a sense of importance and innovation, and the attendees’ conversations were pun
Alana's sigh seemed to echo through the room, the weight of her disappointment almost tangible in the air. "So, you're really not willing to forgive me, Calvin?"Calvin's jaw clenched, his eyes hardening with resolve. "I'm tired of these questions, Alana. You've been a part of my past, and that's where you'll stay. Seeking forgiveness or offering it—it's all irrelevant now. I want to retrieve my belongings and move on. That's all I want from you, Alana."Alana's shoulders slumped, her heart sinking with each word from Calvin's lips. She had held onto a sliver of hope that perhaps Calvin's presence here might signify a chance at reconciliation, but his words shattered that hope like fragile glass.Feeling a pang of remorse at the pain he could see in Alana's eyes, Calvin softened slightly. "Could you please just show me where my belongings are? That's all I'm asking."Alana nodded silently, her gaze fixed on the floor as if unable to meet Calvin's eyes. "Fine, after the opening ceremon
James's voice echoed through the grand hall, each word dripping with self-importance as he spun his narrative of tireless labor and unwavering commitment. His gestures were grandiose, punctuating his anecdotes with sweeping gestures that captivated the audience's attention."And so, my dear guests," James declared, his tone booming with confidence, "I stand before you today as a testament to the power of determination and perseverance. For it is through sheer hard work and unyielding dedication that we have achieved the remarkable success we celebrate here tonight."The audience hung on his every word, their applause thunderous in response to James's self-congratulatory rhetoric. They were enthralled by his charisma, swept up in the aura of success that surrounded him."I cannot overstate the countless hours spent in the pursuit of excellence," James continued, his voice ringing with fervor. "Nights turned into days, and days into weeks, as I labored tirelessly in the pursuit of innov
Calvin, still gripping the box tightly, turned to Alana with a steely determination in his eyes. "I'll leave after a cocktail," he stated, his voice resolute.Alana nodded, her expression a mixture of relief and lingering sadness. "Alright then, let's have a cocktail together," she agreed, gesturing for Calvin to follow her back to the party. The box he carried was small, holding the essentials he had left behind, and its weight was more symbolic than physical — a reminder of all he had lost and now reclaimed.As they re-entered the bustling party, the atmosphere was vibrant and celebratory. The crowd was engrossed in the next part of the event: a video presentation showcasing the remarkable progress of Perry Pharmaceuticals. The large screen displayed a sleek company profile, highlighting the various best-selling products that had propelled the company to the forefront of the pharmaceutical industry.Calvin's gaze hardened as he recognized several products on the screen — products he
James shouted once more, his voice breaking with desperation, "Someone turn off that video, now!"The multimedia team was in disarray, frantically attempting to resolve the situation. One of the technicians realized that the flash drive containing the original company profile video had been replaced with another. They tried to remove it, but the flash drive wouldn’t budge. It was securely controlled by Calvin from a distance, adding to their confusion and frustration. Meanwhile, the incriminating video continued to play, exposing the truth layer by layer.Calvin's voice filled the room again, calm yet firm. "James, several previous products have already been falsely claimed by you. Can't this one, at least, be recognized as my work?"The video showed Calvin and James in the lab, the tension palpable. James's voice dripped with contempt. "Calvin, you've been given enough mercy by the Perry family by letting you leech off us. So you'd better stay quiet, or else Alana will divorce you."