2025-01-13 08:40:55Charles Grey's nostrils filled with a harsh, sterile odor as he opened his eyes briefly. He shuddered at the glaring fluorescent lights overhead. He blinked a lot as he tried to get used to his strange environment. His intuition was reinforced by the faint buzz of equipment and the clinical beeping of a heart monitor: he was in the hospital.
For a minute, he lay there, trying to piece together what had happened. His head pounded, and his body felt heavy with lead. Raising himself gingerly on one elbow, he sank back into the bed as soon as a piercing pain sprang through his temples. “What on earth happened to me?" he murmured, his voice barely audible and harsh. Memories began to arise, fragmented and jumbled. The hotel night. Humiliation's oppressive weight. The enigmatic voice had been echoing in his mind. Then the darkness fell. Just as he was trying to piece everything together, the same frightening and mechanical voice resounded in his thoughts. “[LINKING THE BLACK CARD SYSTEM…]” Charles froze, his heart pounding in his chest. “10%, 30%, 50%, 80%, and 100%. THE BLACK CARD SYSTEM WAS ACTIVATED BY YOU." "What...what is this?" he murmured, holding his head. Before he could comprehend the words, a translucent screen with dim lighting and a floating motion materialized in front of him. The information displayed was cryptic yet undeniable: [System Host: Charles Grey]. [Balance: $28]. [Body: Weak due to exhaustion and trauma]. [Mind: Normal (29).] [Skills: Unavailable. Complete missions to unlock.] [Black Card Point: 0]. Charles' breathing was shallow as he looked at the screen. His voice was nearly audible as he questioned himself, "Am I... hallucinating?" Before he could think about it any longer, the voice came back, monotone and icy: "The first task is to spend one million dollars in a single day. The system will be deactivated in the event of failure." A heartbeat skipped through his chest. His voice rising, he repeated incredulously, "A million dollars?" He laughed violently at the silliness of it all. "You expect me to spend a million dollars in a single day when I can't even afford to pay my rent?" The screen flickered, as if in response. His eyes widened as he noticed the dramatic change in the balance ($1,000,028). Charles' hands trembled as he searched for his phone. His breath caught when he opened his banking app and saw the notification that his account balance had risen to $1 million. His voice was shaking as he murmured, "No, this can't be real." He massaged his eyes, hoping the numbers would disappear. But they didn't. As though mocking his skepticism, the money was there, looking back at him. Wincing at the sting, he gave himself a hard pinch. There was no dream here. It was authentic. The realization weighed heavily on Charles as he sat in stunned silence. His mind was full of questions. What is this system? Why me? What if I don't succeed? But, despite his bewilderment, one thought stood out: this is my opportunity. For years, he had been mocked and contemptuously treated by everyone around him—Sophia's cold contempt, Ethan's relentless taunting, and the sneers of strangers who dismissed him as a failure. This strategy, however, enabled him to revise his story. Charles flung his legs over the side of the bed, his stance unsteady but strong. His body protested, but his determination remained unwavering. To get to The Imperial Crown, the most opulent hotel in the city, he booked a taxi. If he were to spend a million dollars in a day, he would start there. Although there was silence on the way to the hotel, Charles' thoughts were anything but. His resolve was fueled by the humiliation of the past, which kept playing back in his head. This is my moment. I'll disprove them all. With its soaring glass exterior glittering amid the city lights, the Imperial Crown loomed ahead. The elite were the only ones who dared to enter this area, which was a sign of money and exclusivity. Charles paused briefly, fearful that his nerves would overcome him. However, he clenched his fists when he remembered Ethan's insolent expression. The hotel's huge entryway appeared as he got out of the taxi. Fresh flowers, polished marble, and pricey perfumes filled the air with the aroma of riches. He took a deep breath and walked forward steadily. His confidence wavered as he observed Ethan standing near the door, conversing with a group of well-dressed businessmen. When Ethan noticed Charles, his loud and annoying laughter came to an abrupt halt. "Well, well," Ethan murmured, a sneer curling his lips. "If it isn’t Charles Grey. Why are you here? Bringing food again?" Charles ignored him and walked away, saying nothing. Ethan wasn’t having it. He strode after Charles, his tone condescending. "Don't tell me you're trying to enter The Imperial Crown. This isn’t a place for folks like you. Do you know what this hotel is? Only the elite can afford to enter inside, let alone use its services.” Charles clenched his jaw, forcing himself to remain calm. "Don't embarrass yourself, Charles," Ethan said, his tone sarcastic. “You’ve done enough of that already. Honestly, I don’t know how Sophia tolerated you for so long. You are a disgrace. But don't worry, I'll make certain she gets someone worthy of her—a genuine man of riches and rank." The words struck deeply, but Charles refused to show Ethan how much they hurt. Instead, he locked his focus on the security guards at the door, his determination stiffening. Ethan scoffed, stepping in front of him. "Are you going to do it, or not? Fine. Go ahead. Let's see how long it takes them to throw you out." Charles grinned slightly. "We'll see." The security guard scanned his membership information and, to Ethan's dismay, waved him through. "What?" Ethan spluttered, his confidence wavering. He hurried after Charles, determined to see him fail. "This must be a mistake. There’s no way you—” Charles did not pay attention. He was taken aback by the grandeur when he approached the foyer. The marble floors were lit by crystal chandeliers, and the air was filled with the hushed murmuring of wealthy patrons. Charles felt proud for the first time in years. It was only the beginning.
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"Good day, how can I assist you?" One of the attendants at the front desk greeted Charles as he approached. She scrutinized him for a few moments, her face twisting in distaste due to his attire."I am Charles Grey, and I wish to—""We do not accept any delivery services at Silver Plaza Hotel," the woman interrupted. "Our patrons are highly esteemed professionals who receive top-tier gourmet meals; they do not require food delivery. Kindly leave before one of our distinguished guests notices your unkempt appearance," she added, signaling for him to go."You heard her, take your leave now," Ethan chimed in, his expression full of mockery. "They have important people, like myself, to attend to. And when you go home, do try to freshen up; you're giving off quite the stench."Charles disregarded his remarks and addressed the woman. "I'm not here to place an order. I'd like to pay for one of your exclusive offerings.""You?" The woman raised an eyebrow in disbelief. "Pay for a service?" Sh
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Alison escorted Charles into the vast, elegant halls of the hotel's private portion. The most important visitors were allowed to use this area of the hotel.As she walked, she occasionally glanced behind her at Charles. She had met many powerful people in her role at the hotel, but something about him caught her attention. It could have been his demeanor or the fact that he chose not to flaunt his wealth like other people did.Alison has worked as the relationship manager at the hotel for almost four years. She had witnessed the extravagant lifestyles of some of the city's wealthiest residents. The hotel was known for its luxury services, catering to only those who could afford the best. Yet, Charles was different. Despite having a membership that was exclusive to the wealthiest men, he didn't wear pricey clothing. Instead, he wore an old, plain uniform, as if he had just concluded a day’s labor. This made Alison wonder if he could be one of the city’s billionaires.Based on his appea
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As Charles continued to decide on which ability to pick, Ethan, along with the head chef of the establishment, stormed into his private space without so much as a knock. Both Charles and Alison stared at the pair, caught off guard as they stood before them.The man, a longtime friend of Ethan, worked as the hotel’s head chef. Before this position, he had been a renowned chef, even earning accolades for his culinary skills. He was hired by the CEO of the hotel after begging multiple times to join the staff. The chef had a rude disposition and frequently belittled others, especially due to his elevated status in the hotel. He often felt superior to the rest of the employees.After Ethan’s removal from the hotel, he called his friend, relaying everything that transpired. The head chef was furious and wanted to confront the one who dared to treat his friend with disrespect.“What is going on here?” Alison asked, perplexed by the duo’s behavior.It was then that Ethan took a proper look at
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Charles, Ethan, Alison, and the head chef made their way to the busy kitchen. The air was thick with the smells of spices and sizzling meals, a natural setting for what would soon become a fierce rivalry.Alison entered the kitchen and began gathering all of the managers and supervisors who might be interested in witnessing this unprecedented challenge. Her voice was authoritative as she announced the contest's regulations. Even the culinary manager, who typically remained behind the scenes, came out, evidently intrigued.To ensure impartiality, two well-known culinary specialists from the city were asked as judges. They were industry icons, known for their discriminating judgment and fairness. Their early presence added a feeling of legitimacy to the event, raising the enthusiasm among the observers.The story spread rapidly, and before long, a mob of hotel staff assembled. This wasn't simply a cooking competition; it was a spectacle. Many staff members, loyal to the head chef, began
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Jeremy dropped to the ground, gripping Charles' ankle as tears streamed down his face. "I’m begging you! Don’t let them take this job from me. I will lose everything."Charles yanked his leg free, and Jeremy sprawled on the cold kitchen floor, his pleas echoing through the silent room.“You disrespected me, ridiculed me both in private and in front of everyone. You claimed to be untouchable, yet I defeated you effortlessly. Let this serve as a reminder—never belittle someone based on how they look or what you think they can’t do.”The crowd of onlookers stood frozen, watching as Jeremy continued his pitiful display. Tears soaked his face as he begged for mercy. Ethan, lurking in a dark corner of the room, looked as though the ground might swallow him. He realized his plan had backfired. Both he and Jeremy were about to face the consequences of their actions.“Please, I’ve changed! I swear I won’t make the same mistakes again,” Jeremy wailed, his voice cracking under the weight of his
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Charles left the hotel feeling proud of himself. The cooking competition had been a success, and his skills had earned him a well-deserved victory. On top of that, Alison had given him her phone number. Everything seemed to be going his way ever since he activated the system.He called a cab and asked the driver to take him to the Bennett family mansion. He needed to meet Sophia and settle things once and for all.Suddenly, the familiar system screen appeared in front of him, and Charles couldn’t help but smile.[New Mission: Spend $10 million within 24 hours. Complete this mission to earn two black card points. These points can be used to upgrade your skills or unlock new ones.]As the message disappeared, Charles felt a thrill of excitement. $10 million? He was already brainstorming ways to spend the money when another notification came through, confirming the money had been transferred to his account.The car pulled up outside the Bennett mansion, and Charles stepped out, feeling c
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With his things packed into a little bag and a disappointed heart, Charles left the Bennett family home. Even though it was shattered and crushed, the earring his mother had left for him, a priceless heirloom was still in his pocket, and its significance to him was far greater than anyone could ever comprehend. All he had left of his mother was his link to that earring, and he was devastated and furious at Sophia's callous deeds. He was free, nevertheless. Free from their continual humiliation and criticism. With a mixture of relief and resolve, he looked to the future. Now the divorce was complete. To appease Sophia and her family, he would no longer pretend to be someone he wasn't. No more being governed by them. He now had the opportunity to succeed with the money from his fortune."I ought to purchase a home," Charles thought, his thoughts racing. The concept was straightforward but effective. A home of his own, free from criticism, where he could rebuild and begin afresh. He was
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Ariana took Charles around, showing him all the houses that were up for sale, including the priciest one on the list.The moment Charles laid eyes on the place, he was hooked. It was an absolutely stunning high-rise with a breathtaking view of the river.After an hour of looking at different houses and getting all the price details from Ariana, they headed back to the lobby to talk things over. Ariana pulled out a chair for Charles, waiting for him to make a decision."So, Mr. Charles, what do you think? Any house catch your eye?" she asked eagerly."Yes," Charles said, nodding. "I want the high-rise.""You mean a single apartment in the high-rise, right?" Ariana asked, almost choking on her own words."No, I mean the whole building. Is it still up for sale?"Ariana knew very well it was still available. But nobody had ever tried to buy the whole thing because of the outrageous price."Sir, it's definitely for sale, but as I mentioned, it costs ten million dollars. A single apartment
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"Wake up, Charles! It's 8 am!" The loud alarm echoed through the room, jerking Charles awake. With a curse, he slapped the button to stop the noise and rubbed his eyes. He quickly sat up in bed, checking his schedule. His eyes widened when he realized he had to go to Bennett's corporation for the official handover. He still didn’t have the company’s ownership rights, and if he wasn’t careful, the Bennetts might try to run off with it.Just as he was about to head out, a new system notification popped up in front of him. A grin spread across his face. It had been a while since he received a task.“Spend $50 million in 24 hours and earn 2 black card points.”[Funds have been transferred to your bank account.]As expected, his phone beeped with the notification. $50 million had just been deposited into his account. The screen disappeared, and Charles went back to his morning routine, his mind already running through ways to spend the money.After dressing, his chauffeur drove him to Benn
Chapter 32
“Let me go!” Charles snapped, trying to shake Ethan off.Ethan clung to Charles’s leg with desperation, his fingers digging into the fabric of Charles’s expensive suit. His voice was hoarse, raw with emotion. “Please, Charles! We can figure this out. I’ll do whatever you ask. I’m begging you—for Sophia’s sake—don’t do this to me.”Charles let out a cold, bitter laugh and kicked Ethan’s hands away. His sharp eyes burned with fury. “There’s nothing you can say that will change my mind. You tried to get rid of me, and now, I’ll take everything that belongs to you. I warned you to stay away, but you didn’t listen.” He narrowed his eyes. “And just so we’re clear—I don’t care about Sophia. I don’t care about your family.”Ethan’s eyes widened with fear. His lips trembled as he struggled to breathe as if the weight of reality had just crashed down on him. He looked around, hoping for support, but the people in the crowd only watched in stunned silence. Some were already whispering, while oth
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A week had passed, and the grand hall of the Diamond Home Hotel was absolutely packed. Some of the city's top businessmen were all there, and not just for a regular meet-up, but for a big event. They were there for one thing: the epic showdown between Charles and Ethan. Charles had personally invited everyone, ensuring that it was going to be a huge spectacle, something no one would forget. His plan? To show off how the Bennett family was about to embarrass themselves in front of the whole city. This wasn’t just about business—it was personal.Naturally, most of the businessmen couldn’t wait to attend. After all, Charles was one of the top names in town. This event was a chance to see if the rumors about him were true—that he was as powerful, successful, and untouchable as the articles claimed.The buzz in the room was palpable, a swarm of whispers and gossip. Some people couldn’t believe that the Bennett family had actually dared challenge Charles. To them, it was nothing short of ri
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As soon as Charles stepped out of Bennett’s house, the room felt like an icebox. Mrs. Bennett’s patience had hit rock bottom, and she turned her anger on her son, Ethan, almost shaking with frustration.“How could you bet our entire company on that hackathon? Do you even realize what you've done?!" Her voice cracked, full of disappointment. She’d always believed the family business was sacred—nothing could be allowed to threaten it. The company had been in their family for years, and now, it felt like everything was slipping through her fingers. The weight of the situation was almost unbearable.Ethan, trying to hold it together, stammered, “Mom, you don’t get it. Charles has dirt on me. If I didn’t accept his challenge, I would’ve ended up behind bars. I didn’t want this to happen!”Sophia, Ethan’s younger sister, jumped in with an eye-roll that screamed, “I can’t believe this.” Her voice was sharp, filled with disbelief. “You’re seriously stupid, Ethan. Sending thugs after Charles w
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"Tell me now! What did I ever do to you? Why did you try to kill me?" Charles gritted his teeth, his fingers digging into Ethan’s neck, squeezing tighter with each passing second.Ethan struggled to breathe, his face turning a shade of purple. His hands clawed at Charles’s wrists, but Charles wasn’t letting go. "Tell me!" Charles demanded, his voice full of fury.Ethan’s eyes bulged as he gasped for air. "Sophia, what did he do?" Sophia’s voice trembled as she asked, her body shaking with fear. She stepped forward, panic flooding her face. "What has he done? Why is this happening? What is going on? Is this all his fault?"With a deep, labored breath, Ethan finally managed to speak. "Yes, I tried to kill him!" His voice was strained, hoarse from the lack of air. "I tried to kill him because he’s always in the way. He ruins everything we plan. I couldn’t stand it anymore. Nobody else was doing anything, so I took matters into my own hands."Charles’s grip tightened instinctively, his an
Chapter 28
“Wake him up!” The shout was barely audible, muffled by the fog in Charles’ head. He tried to blink but couldn’t make sense of anything. All he could feel was the tight ropes around his wrists and the discomfort of the hard chair pressing against his back.He was completely blindfolded, unable to see a thing.Then, in a sudden motion, the blindfold was ripped away. Charles squinted against the harsh light, his eyes struggling to adjust. He looked around the room, but nothing about the place seemed familiar. It looked like a dilapidated, forgotten part of the world. Old walls were covered in grime, shattered windows let in streaks of cold, and the air smelled... well, it smelled terrible. Urine, mold, and something he couldn’t quite place—none of it was pleasant. He’d been dumped in an abandoned house, and that much was clear.His vision cleared up just a little, and that’s when he saw them. Six, guys. All standing in front of him. All wearing sneers could stop a train. They looked lik
Chapter 27
Charles was caught off guard when he received a call from Richard. He couldn’t believe it. He never thought Richard would call him, let alone ask to discuss business. The last time they spoke, their relationship was rocky at best. But now, here was Richard, on the phone, asking to meet.“What kind of business are we talking about?” Charles asked, his voice laced with curiosity but also skepticism. He wasn’t sure if Richard was trying to pull some trick on him or if it was legitimate.Richard’s voice came through the line, full of urgency. “It’s about my company. I know you might be doubting my intentions, but I wouldn’t be calling if things weren’t desperate.”Charles was silent for a moment, wondering if he should even entertain this conversation. Richard hadn’t exactly been friendly in the past, but the word “desperate” caught his attention. “Alright, I’ll text you my address,” Charles said, unable to help but wonder what kind of trouble Richard had gotten himself into.“Thanks,” Ri
Chapter 26
Sophia threw her hands up in the air, brushing off the dust from her skirt. "This is insane!" she shouted. "How can they treat us like this? This is the worst company in the city!"Richard just leaned against the wall, staring off into the distance, feeling completely defeated. He couldn’t believe it—the plan that he thought would work had crumbled. The CEO of Livingstone had turned him away like he was nothing more than some garbage lying on the street. Everything he’d hoped for, everything he’d worked so hard to set up, was falling apart.“Are you going to say anything?” Sophia snapped, looking at him with disgust on her face. She was angry but also embarrassed. "You said you were best buddies with the CEO, so why the hell did they kick us out? Were you lying?"Richard felt his heart drop as she said that. His mind raced, desperately trying to come up with an explanation. "I wasn’t lying!" he said, his voice shaking a little. "Clearly, someone else already got the contract. The secr
Chapter 25
Charles had just barely opened his eyes when his phone rang. The screen showed an unknown number, and he groggily picked it up."Hello? Who's this?" he muttered, stretching like a bear just waking up."Good morning, Mr. Charles. Sorry to wake you up so early. My name's Karen. I’m the CEO of Livingstone Enterprises. I have a deal for you, and I think you’ll want to hear it."Charles rubbed his eyes. "Alright, Karen. You’ve got my attention. What’s this about?""I heard about how well you did at the auction yesterday and how your hotel’s stock is shooting up. I’ve been looking for a strong partner, and from what I’ve seen, you’re the one I want to work with. If you agree to this partnership, we’re offering you 200 million dollars. What do you think?"Charles let out a thoughtful hum. "Hmm, 200 million? Not bad at all... And it could really take my hotel to the next level.""Sounds good, right? I think it’ll be a win-win for both of us. So, how about it?" Karen asked, her tone upbeat.Ch
