Inside the opulent and exclusive motel, I found myself seated at a chair, the telephone resting on the table before me. With a sense of purpose, I retrieved Lewis's business card from my wallet – he was the accountant of Dave. I dialed Lewis's number, the anticipation stirring in my chest. “Hello, Mr. Lewis. This is Alex speaking,” I said, my voice steady as he answered.“Mr. Alex, what can I assist you with?” came his polite, measured reply.I leaned closer to the phone, lowering my voice. “It's about a gambling den, one controlled by the military. It's hidden on the third floor of an abandoned building near the slums. Are you familiar?”“Yes, I am aware of it,” he confirmed.I glanced over at Claire, her gaze locked onto mine, filled with a mix of hope and anxiety. “It's about my sister,” I continued, my voice laced with concern. “She's recently divorced, but her ex-husband has stolen everything – her money, jewelry, even the house certificate, and gambled it away in that den. She's
As we dined, Claire peppered me with questions, her curiosity evident. I skillfully navigated around the more personal inquiries, maintaining an air of mystery. With each sip of red wine, her cheeks flushed a deeper shade, lending her an air of vulnerability."Alex, do you know you're really handsome and mature? I can't quite guess your age. You seem young, yet so much more mature than me," she remarked, a playful tone in her voice.I responded with a laugh and a playful wink. "Well, secrets make a man, man. Don't they?"Her gaze lingered on me, a mixture of admiration and something more profound. "It's like you're the prince charming from a fairy tale, come to rescue a damsel in distress," she giggled, her eyes twinkling.[You have earned the title 'Prince Charming'. Equipping this title will increase your charm by 100% and potentially double the affection women feel towards you.]Intrigued by this sudden notification, I thought to myself, 'How do I equip this title?'[Just command.]
[ Sex Ability Related Reward:Upgrade Your Version 2 Analytic Eyes. Yes or No?]‘Yes,’ I confirmed.[Version 2 Analytic Eye Upgrade Initiated.]As the upgrade activated, an unexpected sharp pain shot through my head.[Now you can determine whether the woman is a virgin or has already slept with how many people.]I was shocked while reading about the new ability, widely considered as the most desired by men. "Is knowing about someone's virginity and their past relationships genuinely important? Shouldn't feelings matter more than physical attributes?" I pondered, critical of the stereotypical nature of this ability.I am certainly not that kind of man!However, since I possess this ability, I intend to use it wisely. Refusing it is not an option for me."Are you certain about wanting to purchase my house?" Claire asked, her eyes locking onto mine, a blend of curiosity and uncertainty in her gaze. It was clear her eyes were seeking an answer as she continued, "It's an old house, passed
“What's happening?” I gasped, a surge of shock coursing through me. Yet, with a sense of urgency, I began starting my car, readying it to move out. Celeste, with her distinctively childish face, yelled in a high-pitched tone, “They want to collect everyone and sing a song for us! We must go now!” Through the window, I could see people starting to rush out from the door, their faces etched with a mix of excitement and haste.“You are totally right, we need to run now!” I agreed, my voice laced with a newfound determination. I skillfully maneuvered the car out of the parking lot and onto the road, even as people yelled at us, their voices fading into the cacophony of the bustling street.Celeste was laughing hard, her laughter ringing like bells in the confined space of the car. It was a sound filled with innocence and glee, untouched by the worries of the world. Then, a screen appeared in front of me.[You are participating in preserving an orphanage for a better future. They will find
I drove my car to one of the finest malls in my city.Strolling past each shop within the mall, I was on the lookout for a location to buy cellphones. It was markedly different in 2010 when nearly every nook of the mall was adorned with cellphones. Some malls were even exclusively dedicated to laptops and cellphones. The need to establish my own company and import every cellphone and its components to this country became apparent.Especially in the near future, Chinese products will become prevalent. They are remarkably inexpensive but have a short lifespan. They experience a brief surge in popularity, only to suddenly vanish and reemerge with entirely different products.However, soon, Apple, Samsung, and other products will dominate. I must leverage this information to construct my business empire, achieve a monopoly, and secure my position at the pinnacle of Forbes.In the heart of the mall, my eyes caught the allure of a luxurious cellphone store. Inside, there were five saleswome
Inside the car, driving back to the rehabilitation center, I was thinking that even in my past life, I never used money this extravagantly, giving tips of $300. It would truly cause a significant financial strain and heartache.In the past, I learned from my mentor, "Rich people never buy what they want; they only buy what they need, because desires are limitless, but needs are limited." I faithfully followed this motto, which made me frugal and limited my indulgences.However, in my later years, I met another extremely wealthy individual who told me, "You can spend as much money as you want; it's part of life to find happiness, but you need to ensure you earn more than you spend. Work smart."In simple terms, It's not the act of spending money that's the problem; it's the speed at which you accumulate it that matters. That became my latest motto.I reached the rehabilitation center and walked to Victoria's room, passing through the garden. If there's one thing that remains consistent
"Alright," I murmured. It was a really big and old house. No wonder she got scared."Thank you, brother," She climbed onto the bed, its sheets whispering softly in the quiet room. The dim light from the bedside lamp cast a warm glow on her face, revealing a mix of comfort and lingering unease."Good night, Celeste. You sleep first, I still have something to do." My fingers danced across the phone's screen, sending a message to Rachel, inquiring if she'd be interested in working with me for twice her current salary. She could help me with a range of tasks, including potentially serving as my private secretary."Good night, brother." Celeste nestled into the bed, her body relaxing as she found a cozy position. The room filled with the gentle sound of her breathing, a rhythm of peace in the vast house.Turning my attention away, I checked my system, something I hadn't done in a long while. The display flickered to life, revealing my karma balance.[Negative karma: -8,712,500]In the rece
"I'll start working with you tomorrow," the text from Rachel read.After sending her my address, I set my phone aside and gazed at Celeste, who was sleeping peacefully beside me. She possessed a lovely face, but she appeared excessively thin for her age. Perhaps she wasn't getting the right nutrition. I had to ensure that I took the best care of her going forward.As for Victoria, I inquired with a staff member, and it was confirmed that she was battling cancer. However, no one knew the extent of her remaining time, and the team was putting in their utmost effort to support her due to the complexity of her situation.I learned from a more senior staff member that Victoria used to be a model when she was young but had fallen victim to drugs and lost everything. It was no surprise that Celeste was also stunning.Lying beside Celeste, I drifted into a restful sleep, preparing for the busy day ahead.***The tranquility of the early morning was shattered by the sound of loud banging at th
I stared at Sofia, puzzled. "Must I remind you that you were the one who asked for the divorce.”“You deserve it.” Sofia returned my gaze with a troubled look. "You're not selling any paintings. Everyone is talking about how poor are you.""They can hate me and talk about me all they want," I protested. "But why do you have to listen to them? I’ve never used any of your money for my daily living. I even buy and cook food for you and pay the bills. Remember, I never asked a single cent from you. Why must you judge me? Meanwhile, you freely use my money.""I make no mistake; my conscience is clear," I reaffirmed."You have no money," she shot back."So, I'm in the wrong for having no money?" A headache began to form. "Whatever. We're divorced already, and you were the one who initiated it.""Alex, I have given you many chances to prove yourself, to sell your painting, but you never want to sell any of them. You don’t deserve me.""Alright, whatever you say. Can we just finish this? I do
“I do not think that we are close enough for that relationship,” I said politely as I gently pushed her to one side.“So you are playing hard to get, Mr. Alex?” Sasha looked at me with a seductive smile. “You make me want you more.”She took out a card from her purse and handed me a golden card.“What is this?”“This card will give you all-access to all Powell Group's hotels and lodgings. You can enjoy all the food and service, on our lodgings without any payment. Just think of it as my treat to you.”“I don’t think I need this,” I replied politely, having more than enough money to eat and sleep wherever I wanted.“Please accept it, Mr. Alex. It is not a payment for your job; it's just our treat to our honorable guest.”Free stuff to eat and sleep? After not having a home, staying in a hotel for a bit wouldn’t be a problem until I found a new house. “Well, I accept this. Thank you very much.”Suddenly, I felt a killing tension around me. When someone is sensitive to energy, every tho
While I was deeply channeling my inner energy, I was so concentrated that I didn’t notice the chaos outside.I pushed the poisoned blood out of the needle, but when it was about 20% more to go, the needle was suddenly removed.Unable to retract my inner energy quickly, the blood had no exit and rebounded into Winston's body, causing him to convulse violently.Blood started gushing from his nose, ears, mouth, and every possible human outlet. His face turned an ominous black.Professor Calvin, taken aback by the sudden turn of events, exclaimed in shock, “What is happening?”I quickly tried to retract my inner energy, but the blood had already created a blockage, and Winston suddenly coughed up a clot of blood, hitting Professor Calvin in the face. Then, his body went limp.The other doctor, monitoring the medical machine, yelled, “We need to save the patient, professor!”Without delay, Professor Calvin, along with two doctors and a nurse, began emergency resuscitation to save the patie
“How many holy order members do we have ready in this city?” I asked as we walked toward the nearest park.The Holy Order had evolved into an international network of mercenaries or private armies, boasting around a hundred thousand personnel worldwide.They were now part of local underworld groups, working as private detectives, hired guns, and even assassins tasked with eliminating only the so-called bad people.They were the army I prepared to face the world in the inevitable World War III. With enough money, I could mobilize about a million soldiers globally.Taking down any country was a cinch, especially since I also owned a weaponry factory that collaborated with many countries.I had even begun developing a new nuclear weapon in collaboration with some countries, all under the radar.Weapons and soldiers were crucial if I aimed to conquer the world.“In Oxford, we have about fifty people,” Alfred continued, calculating quickly. “And we only need about thirty to execute the mis
Inside the house, as I looked around, I noticed Sofia, her mother, and Tina, Sofia's personal assistant came together.It is very rare for three of them appeared at the same time except there was an important stuff.Tina approached my table and placed a set of divorce papers in front of me.“Alex, these are the divorce papers, already signed by Ms. Sofia. I hope you won’t make this difficult; just sign them,” she said.“Divorce? What is the reason?” I asked, still looking at Sofia who remained silent letting Tina spoke for her.Tina continued, “You haven’t sold any paintings in three years. You’re a struggling artist with nothing to your name. Meanwhile, Ms. Sofia is a successful businesswoman, the new CEO of Anderson group. You two are not on the same level. Your presence merely tarnishes Sofia’s reputation. So, your marriage is over now.”“What?” I laughed in disbelief, staring at Sofia. “So this is how you see me now?”Tina stepped in front of me, blocking my view of Sofia, and sho
In the mansion of Anderson."You, a painter, what do you know about business?" Chris Wellington scoffed. "I suggest you leave now, or I'll need to call security to kick you out."Sophia grabbed my hand, her voice trembling with determination. "Alex, let's get out of here. I will never return to this family again.""Stop it, Sophia," her mother approached us, concern etching her features. But Sophia didn't care; she simply shoved her mother away."Guard! Take Sophia," Sophia's uncle commanded.I started to laugh, disbelief coloring my tone. "So, this is the meaning of family? You would sacrifice your daughter for a $100 million project?""Shut up," Grandma Anderson snapped. "Take Sophia and kick this guy out. He is not worth to be here."As a guard approached, wielding an iron baton, I launched a quick attack to his face, and he fell down.Causing shock to everyone there.The other guard who dared to come close received a kick to his stomach.As we walked to the gate, more guards came,
“Please don’t kill my son,” Vex Bolton pleaded. “Tell me want you want!”“Your son tried to kill me!” I yelled back the voice was echoing inside the mansion. “If he hadn’t started this, I’d be too lazy to bother him! I just want a peace, is it hard!”“I am sorry, so sorry. I didn’t know you are with Sicilia.” Jeremy stammered. “It won’t happen again.”I hung up the phone, pulled out my smartphone, and called Francesca.“What is it, Alex?” she answered.“I believe I had report about Vex Bolton trying to kidnap Sofia. Now, Jeremy Bolton, his son, is in my hands. Do you want him or not?”“What do you want in exchange?”“Nothing. Since he started by kidnapping my friend.”“Do you know we and Bolton are like water and fire?” Francesca asked.“It’s much better. When you want to kill Vex Bolton, I will help you.”“Great, send him to our place. We can try to use him for the negotiation; if it does not work, we will just go to war. Remember to take Vex Bolton's head for us.”“Don’t worry.”I w
Jeremy was shocked. "She really wants you to die? And doesn't care about you?"He clutched his head, feeling a slight headache."How can this be happening?" Jeremy threw a vase across the room."Where is Alex right now?" Jeremy demanded, pressing a knife against Miranda's stomach."At the university." Miranda said in fear."Alright, lead this girl to find the guy and bring him here. I believe she can find where he is," Jeremy commanded.The five men quickly moved, dragging Miranda away.***In my class, I was half-listening to the professor, drowsy, when a man suddenly entered the room with Miranda. "Professor, I'm sorry, but we need Alex here. It's an emergency."The professor looked around the class. "Anyone named Alex? Please, come forward."I stood and walked to the door."What's up?""Follow us," the man said. "It's urgent."I followed them to the parking lot, where only a few people were around. I found four people with Miranda's face was pale among them. Secretly, I noticed a s
At the Eden Group's painting exhibition, the initial plan was to showcase amateur paintings—a venue where people could make business deals and purchase art casually.The exhibition didn't start as an amateur painting showcase; it was solely for business deals. This change occurred when Alex used it as a cover to sell his own paintings and win a bet.As the first million-dollar purchase of a painting came from the Eden Group itself.Unexpectedly, the event escalated in seriousness when renowned art critics from around the globe flew in just to view the artworks.However, Alex clearly didn't believe anyone would genuinely want to pay more than a million dollars for his work."No one in their right mind would buy that painting," he thought.Yet, it seemed Alex had grossly underestimated the allure of art and the fervor of art investors.***I was still in Sofia's apartment when I received a phone call."The media want to meet the painter?" I was hesitant about revealing my identity as I