Another week passed, and the BellRox Corporation once again proved its resilience, as it wasn't greatly affected by the chaos caused by Marcus Lee.Marcus Lee was proven guilty, and unlike the future Drake had come from, David Cheng, Harold Steal, and Linsey Clare were also convicted, losing any chance of escape.The sales and operations department were still in the process of recovery, but there was no sign of breaking.As the clock neared the time for the daily staff meeting, tension grew. Then, as the office door swung open, all eyes turned toward the entrance. The collective gasp that followed was audible."Who's that?" one employee wondered."Maybe our new manager?" someone responded."Isn't that Drake Chwe?" another commented with a squint.The latter was correct; Drake Chwe returned after a week of recovery. The last time they saw him, his face was adorned with bruises from the fight with Marcus Lee. But now, the scars were gone, and his countenance was remarkably different."I
The department buzzed with anticipation as Marianne Reign, a commanding presence in a sleek power suit, strode confidently through the open-plan office. In her arms, she held a stack of folders, each one boldly marked "DRAKE CHWE'S STRATEGY.""Good morning, everyone!" she announced with unwavering confidence. "I hope you had a restful weekend because we're about to dive headfirst into some major changes."Marianne's tone demanded attention, prompting employees to cease their chit-chat and focus on her."I've heard Marianne doesn't mess around," one staff member whispered to a colleague."No kidding. I've heard she's implementing everything Drake ordered, and she's not tolerating any nonsense," another one nodded.Marianne approached the whiteboard, which still bore remnants of Marcus Lee's ill-fated plans. With a swift motion, she erased it all, emphasizing a clean slate."First things first, Marcus Lee's era is over. We're moving forward with Drake Chwe's vision and strategy. We will
Drake Chwe eagerly checked his system and ordered, "Hey, system, inform me of all the major changes that have occurred.""Okay," the system responded. The holographic screen flickered as a new pop-up message appeared. "First, your level has returned to zero, and the features unlocked through leveling up have been locked.""What the heck? Why? I nearly died getting to that level!" Drake complained."Returning back in time nullified the level. Please offer a tribute to unlock more features," the system explained.Drake sighed at the first bad news. It meant he couldn't buy healing potions yet, as they were only accessible after reaching level one."Whatever, what's next?" he groaned."Second, the contents of your inventory have been emptied.""Okay, next," Drake said with a sigh. He had plenty to complain about, but he knew arguing with the system was pointless."Third, all the data you purchased has been retained.""Yeah, take everything—huh? Come again?" Drake inquired."Third, all th
Director Rox gazed at the shower of dollar bills that Drake had sent raining down upon him. He felt a twinge of offense at Drake's actions, but he couldn't resist the allure of the money."Is this real money?" he inquired."Yes, sir," Drake replied, ceasing to throw the bills and placing the remaining dollars into Rox's hands."What's the purpose of this?" Rox asked."I have $50 billion," Drake shared, causing Rox's eyes to quiver."So?" Rox said."But it was acquired illegally," Drake continued. "I'll give you 1% of it if you help me acquire 50% of BellRox's share, without raising any audit flags or questions about the origin of my funds.""That seems impossible," Rox exclaimed. "Besides, 1% is too meager."Drake grinned. Hearing Director Rox discuss the share suggested that he was considering the proposition. Drake was skeptical about involving Rox, as he couldn't trust anyone with his system like he used to. How else could he utilize his wealth without arousing suspicion?"Oh, my a
The sterile operating room buzzed with controlled chaos. The heart monitor beeped rhythmically, and the surgical team, dressed in their sterile attire, moved with precision. At the epicenter of it all lay Eleanor, Drake's sister, connected to machines and encircled by the surgical team."Why is that here?" he exclaimed, bewildered.Drake, anxiety gripping his heart, burst into the room, his eyes scanning the operating room. However, what drew his attention was the miniature temple, a holy, glowing structure that manifested when someone stood on the brink of death. His breath caught in his throat."Why? Why? I'm sure she survived before!" he muttered.Determined to uncover the reason, Drake pushed his way through the hospital staff. His gaze was riveted on a nurse standing near the surgical table. Her face was concealed by a mask and surgical gown, but her eyes were visible, and that was enough for Drake.In those eyes, he detected a familiar madness—the crazed, unrelenting gaze of Mer
The news of Merlyn's actions against Eleanor spread widely, reaching not only the doctors and nurses but the entire city. The media ensured they had the exclusive story.Merlyn faced intense criticism and shunning for her vicious act. However, her name quickly faded from public consciousness as she was imprisoned. Even though a week had passed since the incident, the hospital's nurses and doctors found it hard to move on. They felt frustrated that Drake has not pursued charges against Merlyn."Does he still have feelings for her?" one nurse whispered as she saw Drake passing by the nurse's station."Why would he still care for that woman? She nearly killed his sister," other nurses replied."Then why won't he press charges? She'll only have to spend a year in prison if he won't.""I've heard he's as kind as a saint.""Well, both those siblings look angelic. How can they be so beautiful?""Yes, you're right. I bet they'd look even more stunning if they were healthier.""Why is the brot
Drake Chwe felt perplexed as he witnessed Zack White assaulting a random stranger on the street."Is that supposed to be me? Why didn't he kill me that night?" he mused.Even more confusing was when Zack White failed to notice the miniature temple materializing in front of him. It made Drake wonder about the qualifications for an individual to actually see the temple.For now, he knew that anyone in grave danger, close to death, might see the miniature temple and could receive a second chance as long as they prayed and offered a tribute before losing their life."Help! Please, help me," the woman croaked weakly, raising her hand toward Drake, desperate for assistance before losing consciousness.Drake was startled, almost forgetting about the woman's injury due to his excitement over unlocking more features on his system.He stared at the woman, devoid of any sense of urgency, pondering whether he should help her. "I don't know her anyway," he thought, but he snapped out of it when he
Drake's plan had worked well; he had leveled up, and Zack White hadn't been able to offer a tribute or access the system. He should have been at peace now, as piece by piece, all sources of his torment were being eliminated. However, a lingering unease gnawed at him."Why do I still feel anxious?" he wondered, gazing at the pile of documents on his desk."Is something the matter?" Marianne inquired, standing before Drake's table, patiently awaiting his response. "Is there anything you'd like me to review again?""No, it's fine," Drake said, snapping out of his unwarranted worries. He resumed signing the papers after a quick skim. To his surprise, he discovered a full list of applicants under Linda Chwe's recommendations."What is this?" he asked."The HR department sent that. They wanted to know if you were familiar with these applicants claiming that you endorsed them based on Linda Chwe's recommendations. She's your mother, isn't she?" Marianne explained.Drake let out a tired sigh