《Ultimate Choice System: I Became The Richest!》


 Chapter 1: Humble Home

    <h4>Chapter 1: Humble Home</h4>


    The small kitchen of the Thompson household was filled with the simple aroma of beans and toast, a humble meal that had be a staple in their home.


    The room was modest, the paint on the walls chipped and faded, and the furniture worn from years of use. But despite the wear and tear, there was a warmth in the air, a sense of family that made it feel like home.


    <strong>Caroline Thompson</strong> moved about the kitchen with practised ease, her tired hands expertly managing the meal. In her early forties, Caroline had aged beyond her years, the strain of keeping the family afloat etched in the lines on her face. But her eyes, soft and full of love, always lit up when she looked at her children.


    "Noah, love, how are your studies going?" Caroline asked, turning to face her son as she set a te of beans and toast in front of him. Her voice was gentle, but there was a note of concern that she couldn''t quite hide.


    Noah sat at the small wooden table, across from his little sister <strong>Emily</strong>, who was busy arranging her toast into a smiley face on her te.


    Emily was the light of their lives, a sweet girl of eight with big brown eyes and a ponytail that bobbed as she moved. Herughter was infectious, and even on the hardest days, she managed to bring a smile to Noah''s face.


    "They''re going well, Mum," Noah replied, forcing a smile as he picked at his food. In truth, his grades had been slipping, the endless hours of work taking their toll on his studies. But thest thing he wanted was to add to his mother''s worries.


    Caroline paused, her eyes searching his face for a moment before she nodded. "That''s good, son. Just remember, your education is important. We''re all counting on you, you know that."


    Noah nodded, guilt gnawing at him. He knew how much his family depended on him, especially with his father''s illness growing worse.


    His father, <strong>David</strong>, worked seven days a week, twelve hours a day, despite the toll it took on his body. There was no room for weakness when there were mouths to feed.


    Emily looked up from her toast, her face brightening as she turned to Noah. "Are you going out today, Noah?"


    "Yeah, I am," Noah replied, a hint of excitement creeping into his voice. He quickly finished his meal, eager to get going. Today was special¡ªhe had saved up for weeks to buy La, his girlfriend, a small gift. It wasn''t much, just a ne he''d found for ¡ê50, but it was more than he''d ever been able to give her before.


    As he stood up from the table, Caroline smiled at him, a mix of pride and worry in her eyes. "Take care, Noah, and remember what I said."


    "I will, Mum," he said, leaning down to kiss her hand. He ruffled Emily''s hair on his way out, her giggles following him as he stepped outside into the warm Birmingham air.


    The streets were quiet as Noah walked, his mind a mix of nerves and anticipation. Today, he would finally give La something to show how much she meant to him. Maybe, just maybe, it would make up for all the times he felt like he wasn''t enough.


    As Noah walked briskly towards La''s house, his mind buzzed with anticipation and anxiety. He couldn''t help but wonder how La would react to the gift he had carefully chosen for her. Would she be pleased? He imagined her face lighting up with that smile he adored so much, and the thought made his heart race.


    Buttely, things had been different. La had been unusually busy. Whenever Noah tried to call her, she was either unavable or took a long time to respond, always mentioning how swamped she was with studying or othermitments.


    It was odd, but he wanted to believe the best in her. Maybe she was just overwhelmed with schoolwork he thought.


    Noah finally reached La''s house, a modest but well-kept home in a quiet neighborhood. He had never been inside before, as La had always been insistent on meeting outside or at neutral ces. Today, he felt a mix of excitement and nervousness.


    He hoped that the surprise gift might be the key to breaking through the barriers she had put up.


    Taking a deep breath, he raised his hand and knocked on the door. Momentster, it swung open, and he was met with the gaze of a stunning woman with ocean-blue eyes that seemed to reflect the depth of the sea.


    She appeared to be in her early twenties, far younger than he had expected. Her long, light brown hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders, and she carried an air of effortless grace.


    "Hello," she said with a warm smile. "Are you here for the study session with La?"


    Noah blinked, momentarily taken aback. This must be La''s mother, he realised since she doesn''t have a sister, someone he had never met before. He quickly shook himself out of his surprise and nodded. "Yes, I am. I didn''t know she had a study session today. I guess she must be working really hard."


    He forced a casual tone, even though his heart was pounding in his chest. "Can Ie in?"


    The woman''s smile widened slightly, though a flicker of curiosity danced in her eyes. "Of course. Please,e in. I''m sure La will be pleased to see you."


    Noah stepped into the house, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. The interior was elegantly decorated, a stark contrast to the modest home he was used to. The walls were adorned with tasteful art, and the scent of something floral lingered in the air.

 Chapter 2: Ultimate Choice System

    <h4>Chapter 2: Ultimate Choice System</h4>


    Noah stepped into the house, feeling the stark contrast between the opulent interior and his own modest home.


    The walls were adorned with tasteful art, and the scent of something floral lingered in the air, a far cry from the utilitarian feel of his kitchen.


    La''s mother smiled warmly before pointing towards the staircase.


    "It''s the first room on the floor above," she said. "I''ll be in the kitchen if you need anything."


    Noah thanked her and made his way up the stairs, excitement mingling with a sense of nervous anticipation. He reached the door to La''s room, but as he approached, he began to hear strange, unsettling soundsing from inside. His heart pounded harder with each step.


    As he reached the door, he recognized the sounds of La''s voice, mixed with what he could only describe as distressing noises.


    A cold realization struck him, connecting the dots in a way that made his blood run cold. She was with someone else.


    Anger surged through him like a tidal wave. He had worked tirelessly for weeks to afford this small gift, sacrificing so much just to make her happy. And this was how he was repaid? The sense of betrayal was almost unbearable.


    He was on the verge of bursting into the room to confront her when a robotic voice suddenly echoed in his mind, freezing him in ce.


    <strong>[Ding! Congrattions to the host binding the Ultimate Choice System!]</strong>


    Noah''s eyes widened as the voice continued, presenting him with a series of options:<strong></strong>


    <strong>Option 1: Enter the room, she will kick you out with a green hat on your head. [$100 Reward and a green hat]</strong>


    <strong>Option 2: Leave like you did not hear anything, and break up with her. [Rolls Royce Phantom and Basic-Driving Skill Reward]</strong>


    <strong>Option 3: Marry her mom. [Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, Intermediate-Driving Skill and 10,000$ Reward]</strong><strong></strong>


    Noah stared at the options, the fury and betrayal mixing with a strange sense of amusement. The absurdity of the choices offered to him felt almost surreal. He couldn''t help but smirk at the optionsid out before him.


    Each choice seemed to offer a different path, and though he was burning with anger, a part of him was intrigued by the possibilities.


    The sound of La''s voice continued from behind the door, mingled with the overwhelming emotions Noah was feeling. As he weighed the options, the future seemed to stretch out before him, full of unexpected twists and turns.


    "I choose Option 3!" Said Noah.


    <strong>[Ding! Option 3 Selected. Lamborghini Aventador SVJ is waiting outside. Check your pocket for the keys.]</strong>


    <strong>[10,000$ Deposited into your ount. The host does not have to worry as the funds arepletely legal and traceable]</strong>


    Noah''s heart skipped a beat as the system''s announcement faded away. He reached into his pocket, feeling something cool and metallic.


    Pulling it out, he discovered a set of sleek car keys with the emblem of a Lamborghini prominently disyed.<strong></strong>


    The weight of the keys in his hand seemed to calm the storm inside him. He took a moment to steady his breath before heading back downstairs.


    His footsteps echoed in the quiet house as he approached the kitchen, where La''s mother was still busy at the stove.


    Sarah looked up, her expression shifting from surprise to concern. "Oh, Noah, you''re still here. Why didn''t you go study with the rest?"


    Noah forced a smile, his mind already shifting gears. "I changed my mind after seeing you, wanna go for a ride?"


    Sarah''s eyebrows arched in curiosity. "A ride? What''s this about?"


    Noah took a deep breath, trying to project confidence and charm. "I just got a new car, and I thought it might be fun to take a spin. It''s a Lamborghini Aventador SVJ. Care to join me?"


    Sarah''s eyes widened slightly, and she seemed taken aback by the offer. "A Lamborghini? Are you serious?"


    "Absolutely," Noah replied with a reassuring smile. "It''s right outside. I promise you''ll enjoy it."


    She was a die-hard sports car fan. Unfortunately, she couldn''t enjoy them at all due to financial reasons.


    Facing such an offer, Sarah couldn''t resist the offer. Noah''s smile also somewhat dazzled her.


    "What''s wrong with me? why am I feeling like this? He is my daughter''s age... Although I bore La quite young." Sarah thought.


    After a moment of hesitation, Sarah''s expression softened. She nodded, a hint of excitement showing in her eyes. "Well, how could I say no to that? Let''s go."


    Noah led her outside, the gleaming Lamborghini Aventador SVJ parked elegantly by the curb. The car''s sleek, aerodynamic design and its striking, metallic paint made it look like a high-tech marvel. Sarah''s eyes widened in awe as they approached.


    "This is incredible!" she eximed, her excitement evident.


    Noah opened the door for her, and she slid into the plush interior, visibly impressed. He took the driver''s seat, the roar of the engine bringing a sense of exhration.


    As they cruised through the city, Noah and Sarah talked andughed, the conversation flowing easily.


    The anger and hurt from earlier seemed to dissipate as he engaged her in genuine, charming conversation. The more he spoke, the more he could see Sarah''s initial hesitation melting away.


    By the time they returned to her home, the mood had shifted. Sarah''s demeanour had softened significantly, and she looked at Noah with a new appreciation.


    "Thank you for this, Noah," she said as they arrived back. "It''s been a while since I''ve had such a wonderful time."


    Noah smiled, feeling a mix of satisfaction and curiosity about where this new path would lead. "I''m d you enjoyed it. Maybe we can do this again sometime."


    Sarah nodded, her smile reflecting genuine warmth. "I''d like that."


    After dropping Sarah off at her home, Noah felt a peculiar mix of satisfaction and bewilderment. The Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, now parked safely in front of her house, was a dazzling symbol of his recent, surreal choice.


    The ride had been exhrating, and Sarah''s genuine enjoyment had been a pleasant surprise, but now Noah faced a new dilemma: where to hide the car.


    He knew he couldn''t take the Lamborghini home. His parents would find the situation too imusible to believe, and his modest, rundown neighbourhood would be a stark contrast to the luxury of the car.


    Thest thing he wanted was for the car to draw unwanted attention or cause unnecessary questions.


    As he drove around Birmingham, searching for a solution, his thoughts turned to the $10,000 he had received. He realised he could solve his problem. The amount was substantial enough to handle the parking situation for a while.


    After some consideration, he spotted a secure parking facility in the city around 15 minutes away from his house. It was a high-end lot with surveince cameras and gated ess¡ªa ce where he felt the car would be safe.


    He pulled into the facility, the Lamborghini gliding smoothly over the polished asphalt as he navigated to the front office.


    The attendant greeted him with a polite nod as Noah approached, feeling a mix of excitement and relief. "I''d like to rent a parking space for a week," Noah said, pulling out his apple pay.


    The attendant nced at the car, his eyes widening momentarily before heposed himself. "That''ll be $1,000 for a month''s worth of parking."


    "Ding!"


    The payment went through, as Noah''s old and broken iPhone x touched the POS device.


    With the transactionplete, Noah carefully parked the Lamborghini in its designated spot, ensuring it was secure.


    As he locked the car and walked away, he felt a wave of relief wash over him. The car was now safely tucked away, and he had managed to handle the situation without drawing undue attention.


    He took onest look at the Lamborghini, its sleek lines gleaming under the facility''s lights, and then made his way back to the bus stop, a sense of aplishment and curiosity about the future mingling in his mind.


    As he rode home, he reflected on the day''s events and whaty ahead. The unexpected turn of events had set a new course for his life.


    "I will make you regret cheating on me... La" said Noah with a smirk.

 Chapter 3: Breaking Up

    <h4>Chapter 3: Breaking Up</h4>


    Noah arrived home as twilight settled over Birmingham. Theforting aroma of his mother''s cooking filled the air as he stepped inside, greeted by the familiar, worn charm of their modest home. He followed the sounds of conversation to the dining room, where his family was gathered around the small table.


    Caroline was busy serving dinner, a hearty stew apanied by fresh bread. David, his father, sat at the table, looking utterly exhausted. The lines on his face were deeper than usual, and his posture was slumped, a testament to the gruelling hours he endured at work.


    "Evening, Noah," David greeted, his voice rough from fatigue but tinged with warmth.


    "Hi, Dad," Noah replied, taking his seat with a mixture of relief and concern. "How was work today?"


    David sighed heavily, his shoulders sagging further. "Long day. We had a lot of orders to fill. I''m just d to be home."


    "Yea Dad, I missed you stupid orders need to go away," said Emily, as she pouted cutely.


    Everyoneughed momentarily at her reaction.


    Caroline ced a steaming bowl of stew in front of Noah and sat down beside him. "How was your day, dear?" she asked, her eyes filled with motherly concern as she served herself.


    Noah tried to keep his tone light despite his preupation. "It was okay. La and I broke up officially today. We decided it was best to focus on our studies. Things have been a bit hectic, and we felt it was the right decision."


    The mention of the breakup brought a noticeable shift in the atmosphere. David and Caroline exchanged concerned nces. "I''m sorry to hear that," Caroline said gently. "But maybe it''s for the best if it helps you both focus on your studies."


    David nodded, though his face was etched with concern. "Sometimes these things are necessary. Focus on your studies now, and everything else will fall into ce."


    "Yah Noah, Don''t worry about this La girl. I never liked her from the beginning to be honest with you, she always seemed like a vermin to me." said Emily, as she acted like she was whispering in Noah''s ears, although everyone on the table heard her.


    "Emily! That''s not nice. Say sorry to your brother now." said Caroline, with a heavy tone.


    "It''s okay Mom, leave her. hahaha" said Noah, as he ruffled Emily''s hair.


    Emily just pouted at her mom, "Hmph!".


    The conversation continued on lighter topics as they ate, but Noah''s thoughts were upied with the evening''s events and his father''s weary state.


    The sight of his dad, struggling under the weight of his long hours and worsening health, deepened Noah''s resolve.


    He knew he had to make a change, and the Ultimate Choice System had given him an opportunity to do just that.


    As he watched his father''s tired eyes, he vowed to use this chance to improve his family''s situation and ensure they would no longer live under such burdens.


    After dinner, Noah excused himself and went upstairs to shower. The hot water was a wee relief as he washed away the day''s stress.


    The bathroom mirror fogged up, but as the steam dissipated, Noah''s reflection came into view.


    He looked at himself, noting his handsome features¡ªchiselled jawline, dark tousled hair, and intense blue eyes. Despite the good looks, the fatigue was evident, and the weight of his responsibilities was etched into his expression.


    Noah took a deep breath, resolving to make the most of the opportunity the Ultimate Choice System had provided.


    He was determined to turn things around and ensure a better future for his family. He promised himself that soon, their lives would change for the better.


    Finished with his shower, he brushed his teeth, changed into his pyjamas, and climbed into bed. The exhaustion from the day began to catch up with him, and he closed his eyes, letting sleep take over.


    Next Day...


    Noah awoke to the harsh reality of an early morning. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes, shaking off the drowsiness.


    The previous day''s events felt like a distant memory as he prepared for the routine of a new day.


    He slipped out of bed and shuffled to the bathroom. A quick brush of his teeth and a ssh of cold water on his face helped him shake off the lingering drowsiness. After dressing in his worn school uniform, he made his way downstairs.


    The kitchen was bathed in the soft, yellow glow of morning light. Caroline was already up, preparing breakfast¡ªcornkes with milk, the family''s usual fare.


    The simplicity of the meal was a stark reminder of their financial struggles, but Noah was used to it. David sat at the table, nursing a cup of tea, while little Emily, his cheerful eight-year-old sister with her bright ponytail and sparkling eyes, eagerly awaited her breakfast.


    "Morning, everyone," Noah said, taking his seat at the table. Emily looked up at him with a wide smile, her ponytail bouncing as she nodded in greeting.


    "Morning, Noah," Caroline responded with a warm smile. "Did you sleep well?"


    "Yeah, thanks, Mom," Noah replied, grabbing a bowl and pouring some cornkes into it. "I''ll drop Emily off at school and then head to mine."


    David looked up from his tea, his face slightly more rxed than the previous evening. "Be careful out there. And remember your mother and I are always proud of you, no matter what."


    "Thanks, Dad," Noah said, his heart warmed by the supportive words. He knew his parents'' sacrifices were immense, and he wanted to repay them.


    After breakfast, Noah helped Emily with her little backpack. The morning air was crisp as they walked together toward her school, which was conveniently close to his own. Emily chattered excitedly about her day, her ponytail swaying with every enthusiastic gesture.


    At the school gates, Emily hugged Noah tightly before skipping off to join her friends. Noah watched her for a moment, a smile tugging at his lips. She was the light of his life, and her happiness meant everything to him.


    With a final wave, Noah turned and made his way to his own school. The familiar route feltforting, even amidst the uncertainty of his current situation.


    Noah entered the school pushing aside the remnants of fatigue. As he made his way to his first ss, he couldn''t help but anticipate the hour of mathematics.


    It wasn''t the subject itself that made it a favourite among the students; it was the teacher who made the ss so special.


    Miss ra, their mathematics teacher, was universally adored. Her striking beauty,bined with her sharp intellect and genuine warmth, made her a standout presence in the ssroom.


    No student dared to disobey her; her charisma and kindnessmanded respect effortlessly.


    As Noah approached the math ssroom, he noticed it was unusually quiet. The hallways were empty, and the ssroom door was ajar.


    Stepping inside, he saw that Ms. ra was already there, arranging some papers on her desk. She looked up, her piercing green eyes meeting his with a look of concern.


    "Good morning, Noah," she said, her voice soft but filled with a noticeable tone of worry. "You''re early today."


    "Morning, Ms. ra," Noah replied, offering a sheepish smile. He was caught off guard by her early presence. "I guess I just got here sooner than I thought."


    Ms. ra''s expression grew serious as she closed the distance between them. "Noah, I''ve been meaning to talk to you. I''ve noticed that your grades have been slipping with every exam. I know you''ve been going through a lottely, and I''m genuinely concerned for you."


    Noah shifted ufortably, his gaze dropping to the floor. "I''ve been trying my best, but it''s been hard bncing everything. My family... we''re struggling, and it''s been taking a toll on me."


    Ms. ra nodded, her eyes filled with empathy. "I understand that your situation is challenging, and I don''t want to add more pressure. But you need to focus on your studies. Right now, your education is crucial, and it''s important to set aside distractions, including personal matters like rtionships."


    Her words were gentle but firm, and Noah felt a pang of disappointment. He had realised that toote, but it was fine. He has the system now after all.


    "I''ll do my best, Ms. ra," he said quietly, meeting her gaze. "I appreciate your concern. I will prove to you by getting the first in the next mock exam."


    He knew that the system was going to help him in everything, so he made a bold statement.


    Ms. ra offered a reassuring smile, cing aforting hand on his shoulder. "I know you''re capable of great things, Noah. Just remember that you have support here. Don''t hesitate to ask for help if you need it. We all want to see you seed."


    Although Ms. ra said that, she didn''t believe that Noah would get such things. But she didn''t want to break his determination so she encouraged him.


    As time went by...


    The ss was filled, and one of the students was La.

 Chapter 4: Smartest HighSchooler

    <h4>Chapter 4: Smartest HighSchooler</h4>


    As the ssroom settled into a quiet buzz of anticipation, Ms. ra stood at the front with a confident smile.


    She was ready to dive into the day''s lesson, which was designed to prepare the students for their uing mock exams. Her enthusiasm for teaching and her dedication to her students were evident in every word she spoke.


    "Hello ss," Ms. ra began, "today we are going to go through a few of the hardest exam questions. This is to prepare you for your uing mock exam. As you all know, the final exams are approaching in the next couple of months."


    She paced the front of the room, her gaze sweeping over the students. "Practicing now is the best choice, so we are going to tackle some challenging problems."


    With a flourish, she wrote a particrly difficult question on the board:


    <strong>Solve for x in the equation:</strong>


    ¡Ò0¡Þe?xx2+1?dx=¦Ð2\int_{0}^{\infty} \frac{e^{-x}}{x^2 + 1} \, dx = \frac{\pi}{2}¡Ò0¡Þ?x2+1e?x?dx=2¦Ð?


    The room fell silent as the students stared at the equation. The question was notoriouslyplex, a challenge even for the most diligent of students.


    Some murmured among themselves, trying to recall any relevant forms, but the majority were clearly out of their depth.


    Noah, seated at the back of the room, nced at the board with a sense of bewilderment.


    He had no idea how to approach the question, and he could see that the rest of the ss was simrly confused.


    Suddenly, his mind was interrupted by a familiar robotic voice:


    <strong>[Ding! Choice initiated, Please choose carefully]</strong>


    Option 1: Remain silent. [Gain nothing and waste time in ss]


    Option 2: Answer the question. [Gain All-Round High-schooler Knowledge]


    Option 3: Make a joke about the question. [Gain Beginner Comedian Skill]


    Without hesitation, he chose Option 2.


    "I choose Option 2!" Noah muttered silently.


    <strong>[Ding! All-Round High-schooler knowledge is rewarded!]</strong>


    As soon as he made his choice, Noah felt an overwhelming flood of information surge through his mind. Concepts from every high school subject, tips for tacklingplex problems, and intricate details of various mathematical techniques flowed into his consciousness.


    He now felt an unprecedented rity and understanding of his academic material.


    Confident in his newfound knowledge, Noah raised his hand. The gesture was immediate, and Ms. ra''s eyebrows arched in surprise as she noticed him.


    "Yes, Noah?" she inquired, her curiosity piqued.


    With aposed expression, Noah stood up, his mind racing through the intricate details he had just absorbed. "Ms. ra, I believe I can solve the question."


    Ms. ra looked at him with a mixture of scepticism and concern. "Are you sure you can answer this?" she asked, her tone hinting that she thought Noah might be joking.


    Theplexity of the question was well-known, and the ssroom atmosphere was tense with apprehension.


    The murmurs among the students began a few snickers and whispers filling the room. Some students leaned toward their friends, making light of the situation. "Look at your boyfriend, La," one of them said with a chuckle. "He''s making a joke out of himself."


    La, who had been sitting quietly, felt her face flush with embarrassment. She nced at Noah, her difort palpable. "He isn''t my boyfriend," she said sharply, her voice carrying a trace of irritation. "We were just friends."


    Ms. ra''s gaze shifted from Noah''s earnest face to the ssroom''s reaction. Theughter and whispers were growing louder, and she could sense the mounting ridicule. Her initial irritation faded as she saw the genuine determination in Noah''s eyes. Sighing, she realized he was not merely ying around.


    "Alright, Noah," Ms. ra said, her voice softening. "Come up to the board and show us what you''ve got."


    Noah walked to the front of the ss, his heart pounding with a mix of excitement and nervousness. He couldn''t care less about what his ssmates thought, he knew that they were just passersby and they were bound to be behind him in the future.


    The murmurs continued, but he focused on the task at hand. As he took the marker in his hand, he began to methodically work through the equation, his newfound knowledge guiding him through each step.


    The ss fell into stunned silence as Noah''s solution took shape on the board. Theplexity of the problem unravelled under his precise calctions, leaving Ms. ra in awe.


    His confidence was evident, and it became clear that he was indeed capable of solving the equation with impressive skill.


    Ms. ra''s eyes widened in amazement. As Noahpleted the problem, she nced at the students, who now looked on with a mixture of surprise and doubt.


    "He is just writing random mathematical equations right?" a student asked not believing that Noah, the student with the lowest grade in the ss was answering the hardest question in high school mathematics.


    "Excellent work, Noah," Ms. ra said, her voice filled with genuine admiration. "You''ve demonstrated an impressive understanding of the material. Well done."

 Chapter 5: Lily

    <h4>Chapter 5: Lily</h4>


    Noah returned to his seat, feeling the weight of the ss''s stunned silence as he walked. Whispers rippled through the room, most of them filled with disbelief and envy. The student who had earlier mocked him leaned over to his friend, still sceptical. "He''s just writing random equations, right? There''s no way Noah could actually solve that."


    But the murmurs of doubt were quickly overshadowed by Ms. ra''s words of praise. "Excellent work, Noah," she said, her voice filled with genuine admiration. "You''ve demonstrated an impressive understanding of the material. Well done."


    As Noah sat back down, the stares from his ssmates were intense, a mixture of shock and envy. For someone who had been struggling academically, his sudden disy of brilliance was nothing short of miraculous. Some of the students, particrly the boys, red at him with newfoundpetitiveness, while others exchanged looks of disbelief.


    Yet, among the sea of reactions, there was one person who remained unchanged¡ªhis deskmate, Lily. Known as the "Cold Beauty," Lily was a girl who rarely showed emotion, her icy demeanor and striking appearance earning her a ce as one of the four high school beauties.


    With her long blue, flowing hair, sharp features, and calm collected aura, she exuded a quiet confidence that intimidated most of her peers.


    Lily was also the top student in the ss, her academic prowess only adding to her mystique. Despite being the smartest, she never unted her intelligence, preferring to keep to herself. Few dared to approach her.


    As Noah sat down, he felt the weight of Lily''s gaze on him. Unlike the others, her expression was unreadable¡ªneither impressed nor dismissive, just...observant. She studied him for a moment, her eyes cool and calcting, as if trying to decipher the sudden change in him.


    But then, as quickly as she had looked at him, she turned her attention back to her notebook, her face impassive as ever. It was as if nothing had happened, and Noah was just another student in the room.


    However, Noah couldn''t help but notice that Lily''s brief nce carried more weight than all the other staresbined.


    As the bell rang, signalling the end of ss, students began gathering their belongings and heading toward their next ss.


    Noah was still seated, feeling the lingering stares from his ssmates as they filed out. He nced over at Lily, who was calmly packing her bags, her expression as unreadable as ever.


    Just as Noah was about to gather his things, La approached his desk. Her face was a mix of annoyance and something else¡ªperhaps guilt or difort.


    "Noah," she began, her tone t, "I want to break up with you. Not that we''ve done anything more than talk or hold hands." She continued, trying to stop Noah from begging her not to. "This is fina¡ª"


    <strong>[Ding! Choice initiated, Please choose carefully]</strong>


    <strong>Option 1: Remain silent. [ Gain $10,000 Reward]</strong>


    <strong>Option 2: Beg her to not break up [ -10 Charm]</strong>


    <strong>Option 3: Humilliate her [Charm +10, Beginner fighting skill and $50,000]</strong><strong></strong>


    <strong></strong>Noah silently chose Option 3, without much thought.


    <strong>[Rewards Granted!] </strong>


    <strong> [Charm Increased, Beginner Fighting Skill Rewarded] </strong>


    <strong> [Ding! $50,000 was Rewarded to the Bank ount ending in xx04. Current Bnce $59,025]</strong>


    Before she could finish her sentence, Noah interrupted with a smirk, "Who said we were in a rtionship to begin with?"


    La blinked, caught off guard. "What? But we¡ª"


    Noah leaned back in his chair, feigning deep thought. "I mean, if talking and holding hands is all it takes, then I must be in a rtionship with my math textbook too. We''ve been really closetely¡ªspending long nights together and everything."


    Lily, who had been quietly packing her bag, paused for a moment. Though her expression remained neutral, Noah thought he saw the tiniest hint of amusement in her eyes.


    La, now visibly flustered, struggled to find a retort. "That''s not what I¡ª"


    Noah held up a hand, cutting her off again. "Don''t worry, La. You''re officially free to pursue more... academic endeavours. Good luck with Mark and those thrilling study sessions. I hear quadratic equations really bring people closer."


    A few students who were still lingering in the ssroom couldn''t help but snicker at Noah''s yful tone. La, now red-faced and clearly irritated, turned on her heel and hurried out of the room, leaving Noah with a satisfied grin.


    Lily, who had finally finished packing, nced at Noah as she stood up. "Interesting response," she murmured, her voice as cool as ever.


    Noah shrugged his grin still in ce. "Just thought it was time to redefine what ''dating'' really means."


    Lily gave a small nod before heading toward the door, leaving Noah with a feeling that, for the first time in a long while, he was starting to enjoy high school in ways he hadn''t expected.


    As she walked away, a stray thought flickered through Lily''s mind.


    "<i>He seemed more handsome for some reason...</i> "


    The thought caught her off guard, and she quickly pushed it aside, mentally chastising herself.


    "Focus on your studies, Lily!" she muttered under her breath, giving herself a quick pep talk as she exited the ssroom. No distractions¡ªespecially not the kind that came with a smirk and a sharp tongue.

 Chapter 6: Cafeteria

    <h4>Chapter 6: Cafeteria</h4>


    Noah also left the ss a few seconds after everyone left because he was digesting the influx of information he received from the ''Basic Fighting skill''.


    The bell rang, signalling the start of lunch break.


    As he walked through the bustling halls, he spotted his best friend, Aiden, whom he calls "Fatty." Aiden was a bit on the heavier side, but he had a heart of gold and was always ready with a joke or a helping hand.


    "Noah! Over here!" Aiden called out, waving enthusiastically.


    Noah grinned and made his way over. "Hey, Fatty. Ready to grab some lunch?"


    Aiden raised an eyebrow in mock surprise. "You? Eating in the cafeteria? Since when?"


    Noah chuckled, realizing how much his life had changed in just a day. "Since today. Let''s just say things are looking up."


    The two friends made their way to the cafeteria, where the scent of various foods wafted through the air, making Noah''s stomach growl in anticipation.


    He had always skipped lunch at school, opting to wait until he got home to eat something small. But now it was different, he could not just skip school lunch when he has a Lambo waiting in the parking lot right?


    They reached the counter, and Noah scanned the menu before deciding on the most delicious meal he could find¡ªsomething he had only dreamed of eating at school before. He quickly ced his order, feeling a rush of satisfaction as the cafeteria worker handed him a tray loaded with hot, savoury food.


    Aiden, who had also ordered a hefty meal, looked at Noah with a mix of curiosity and amusement. "What''s the asion? Did you win the lottery or something?"


    Noah smirked as they carried their trays to an empty table. "Maybe I did. Or maybe I just got tired of surviving on air."


    Aiden chuckled, shaking his head as they sat down. "Well, it''s about time you joined thend of the living. Wee to the world of actual food."


    As they dug into their meals, Aiden suddenly started making exaggerated noises, trying to catch Noah''s attention. "Psst, Noah, look behind you!" he whispered urgently, his eyes wide with excitement. "It''s Lily, the Ice Queen. Dude, she''s way too beautiful to be a high schooler. How are you so lucky to sit next to her every day?"


    Noah, still chewing his food, turned his head slightly to see Lily entering the cafeteria, her usualposed expression in ce as she gracefully moved toward a table. He could see why Aiden was so worked up; Lily had a presence that was hard to ignore, and her cold beauty only added to the mystique that surrounded her.


    Noah shrugged, "Yeah, well, sitting next to her is one thing. Actually talking to her is another."


    Aiden shook his head, still staring in Lily''s direction. "Man, if I had your seat, I''d at least try to melt that icy exterior. You never know¡ªmaybe she''s not as cold as she looks."


    Noah chuckled, returning his attention to his meal. "Yeah, good luck with that. She doesn''t seem like the type who''s interested in small talk."


    Aiden sighed dramatically, finally turning back to his food. "Still, you''re living the dream, Noah. Sitting next to the smartest and most beautiful girl in school. Some guys have all the luck."


    As they continued eating, Noah nced over at Aiden and asked, "So, how are you feeling about the exams? Think you''re ready?"


    Aiden shrugged, his mouth full of food. "Most of the topics are fine, but physics and chemistry? Man, those are giving me a real headache. I just can''t wrap my head around some of those concepts."


    Noah considered this for a moment before offering, "Want me to help? I could go over some of the material with you."


    Aiden paused mid-bite, looking at Noah with raised eyebrows. "Help me with carrying the books? No thanks, I''ve got that part covered," he said with a smirk, clearly not taking the offer seriously. He chuckled and shook his head, "But thanks for the offer, buddy. I think I''ll just have to survive those subjects on my own."


    Noah grinned, hiding the fact that he could easily help now, thanks to the Ultimate Choice System.


    "Well, the mock exams are soon. He will find out then, I wonder what his reaction will be. heh" thought Aiden, with a grin on his face.


    Aiden, noticing the grin, suddenly widened his eyes in mock fear. He leaned back slightly, holding up his hands in a yful gesture of surrender. "Whoa, whoa, whoa, what''s with that evil grin, Noah? Are you plotting something? Should I be scared? If you''re nning to ace the exams and leave me in the dust, just remember¡ªI''m fragile!"


    Noahughed, shaking his head. "Rx, Fatty. I''m not plotting anything... yet."


    Aiden let out an exaggerated sigh of relief, clutching his chest dramatically. "Phew! You had me worried for a second there. Just don''t go bing a genius overnight and making the rest of us look bad, alright?"


    Noah chuckled, giving his friend a reassuring pat on the back. "No promises, but I''ll try not to outshine you too much."


    After finishing their lunch, Noah and Aiden headed to their next ss, which they had together: History. As they settled into their seats, the teacher, Ms. Harper, began her lesson.


    "Today, we''re diving into the Treaty of Arvon. This was a pivotal moment in the 18th century when two rival kingdoms, Arvon and Beltrane, signed an agreement that ended a decade-long war. The treaty included several key provisions that shaped the politicalndscape of Europe at the time..."


    As Ms. Harper continued her lecture, her voice droned on in a steady, almost soothing rhythm. For most students, it was engaging enough, but for Noah, history had always been his weakest subject. He found it hard to stay awake in this ss, and today was no different. Thebination of a full stomach and the teacher''s monotonous tone was like a luby, lulling him into a drowsy state.


    Despite Aiden''s subtle nudges and whispered attempts to keep Noah awake, his eyelids grew heavy, and before he knew it, he had drifted off to sleep.


    Ms. Harper, noticing Noah''s head drooping, frowned. Her eyes narrowed, and she called out sharply, "Noah!"


    Noah jolted awake, his heart racing as he realized he had dozed off. The entire ss turned to look at him, some stiflingughter, others just curious to see what would happen next.


    Ms. Harper, clearly displeased, pointed to the board where she had written details about the Treaty of Arvon. "Since you seem so well-rested, perhaps you can exin the significance of the Treaty of Arvon and its impact on European history?"


    Noah blinked, still groggy, but as he nced at the board, he quickly understood what she was talking about as it was part of the ''All-rounder Highshool knowledge skill''.


    He took a deep breath and stood up, his voice steady and confident. "The Treaty of Arvon was significant because it marked the end of a long-standing conflict between the kingdoms of Arvon and Beltrane."


    "The key provisions of the treaty included the exchange of territories, the establishment of a neutral zone to prevent future conflicts, and an agreement on trade routes that benefited both kingdoms."


    "This treaty not only brought peace to the region but also set the stage for the eventual unification of smaller states under a single banner, leading to the creation of what we now know as the United European Kingdom."


    The ssroom fell silent, and Ms. Harper stared at Noah, her expression a mix of surprise and disbelief. The rest of the ss was equally stunned, including Aiden, who had been certain that Noah would get into trouble for sleeping.


    Ms. Harper finally found her voice, her tone softer now, "That... that''s correct, Noah. Very well done."


    Noah sat back down, feeling a wave of satisfaction wash over him. The entire ss was still staring at him, most with their mouths slightly open in shock. Even Aiden, who was rarely speechless, could only manage a dumbfounded look.


    Aiden stared at Noah, wide-eyed andpletely shocked. He leaned closer and whispered, "Already?"


    Noah gave him a confused look. "Already what?"


    Aiden, still processing what had just happened, nced between Noah and the board, then back to Noah''s calm expression. Suddenly, it clicked for Noah.


    Aiden was remembering their earlier conversation at lunch, when he had joked, <i>"Phew! You had me worried for a second there. Just don''t go bing a genius overnight and making the rest of us look bad, alright?"</i>


    Noah smirked, suppressing a chuckle. "I guess I didn''t need a whole night after all."


    Aiden shook his head in disbelief, still trying toprehend the sudden change in his friend. "Unreal, man... Just unreal."


    With a slightly embarrassed look on his face, Aiden nced at Noah and said, "So... Is the offer for science still avable?"


    Noah couldn''t help butugh at Aiden''s hopeful expression. "No."


    Aiden''s face instantly fell, his expression turningically sad as if dark clouds had appeared above his head. "Man, you''re cruel," he muttered, looking utterly defeated.


    Noah chuckled, pping Aiden on the back. "I''m just messing with you. Of course, I''ll help you."


    Aiden''s face lit up immediately, the imaginary clouds disappearing as quickly as they''d appeared. "Thanks, man. You had me there for a second. The books of biology, chemistry and physics have been feeling too heavy for me."


    Looking at Aiden''s smug face. Noah couldn''t help but say.


    "You-"


    "I''m joking! please help me with science. Thanks!" replied Aiden immediately, seeing that Noah was about to beat him up.

 Chapter 7: Mark and Layla

    <h4>Chapter 7: Mark and La</h4>


    As the school day ended, Noah and Aiden left theirst ss, which, ironically, was chemistry.


    As they headed toward the school gate, they spotted Mark and La standing near the entrance. Aiden nudged Noah, reminding him of the earlier breakup conversation. Noah had already told him that he was done with La, so he intended to ignore them. However, Mark''s eyes were locked on Noah, his expression smug and provoking.


    As they approached, Mark couldn''t resist throwing a jab. "You know, Noah, it''s funny... you were with La for so long, yet you never really got close to her, did you? Unlike some of us," Mark sneered, making his insinuation clear without being explicit.


    Noah stopped, narrowing his eyes at Mark. He responded with a calm but cutting tone, "That''s because I have standards, Mark. Unlike you, I don''t need to prove myself by treating girls like trophies."


    Mark''s friends burst outughing, but not at Noah''s retort¡ªinstead, they were smirking at the impending confrontation. Mark''s face twisted with anger, feeling humiliated in front of his friends and La. "You¡ª" he started, his voice trembling with rage. "Follow me if you''re a man."


    Noah didn''t hesitate. "Lead the way," he replied coolly.


    Mark turned on his heel and headed towards a secluded alleyway near the school. Aiden grabbed Noah''s arm, concern written all over his face. "Don''t follow him, Noah. He''s got two of his goons with him. They''re clearly nning to jump you."


    Noah nced at Aiden, a small smile on his lips. "It''s fine. Trust me."


    Aiden sighed, knowing there was no changing Noah''s mind, and reluctantly followed.


    When they reached the alley, Mark''s friends positioned themselves at the entrance, blocking any potential escape route. They snickered, confident that Noah wouldn''t stand a chance against their leader, who was not only the taekwondo club captain but also one of the wealthiest students at the academy. La watched from a distance, her expression a mix of worry and guilt.


    Mark rolled his shoulders, cracking his knuckles as he stepped forward. "You should''ve stayed out of this, Noah. Now I''m going to teach you a lesson."


    Noah, unfazed, simply raised an eyebrow. "I''ve heard enough talk. Let''s see what you''ve got."


    With a swift motion, Markunched a kick towards Noah''s midsection, aiming to wind him right from the start. But to everyone''s shock, Noah sidestepped effortlessly, grabbing Mark''s leg and twisting it, forcing Mark to lose bnce and stumble backward.


    Mark''s eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly recovered,ing at Noah with a series of punches. Each strike was sharp and precise, a testament to his taekwondo training. However, Noah''s movements were fluid and almost effortless, as if he could predict every move before it happened. He blocked and dodged with a grace that left the onlookers stunned.


    "Come on, Mark," Noah taunted, "I thought you were better than this."


    Mark, now furious, threw a wild punch with all his strength. But Noah anticipated it perfectly, ducking under the blow and delivering a quick jab to Mark''s ribs, followed by a sweeping kick that sent Mark crashing to the ground.


    The alley fell silent, the sound of Mark hitting the pavement echoing loudly. Noah stood over him, unscathed andposed. Mark''s friends, who had been snickering moments earlier, were now silent, their confidence shattered. La stared in disbelief, unable toprehend what had just happened.


    As Mark struggled to get up, his pride shattered, Noah leaned in close and whispered, "Maybe you should pick on someone your own size next time."


    Mark red up at him, seething with rage and humiliation. "This isn''t over, Noah."


    Noah stepped back, a smirk ying on his lips. "It is for today. Next time, think twice before underestimating someone."


    With that, Noah turned and walked away, Aiden following close behind, his mouth still hanging open in shock. La watched them go, her face flushed with a mixture of emotions she couldn''t quite process. Noah had not only humiliated Mark but had done so with confidence and skill that no one had expected.


    As they left the alley, Aiden finally found his voice. "Noah... what the hell just happened? How did you...?"


    Noah grinned and shrugged yfully. "Just some of that secret ninja training I''ve been doing on the weekends."


    Aiden rolled his eyes. "Yeah, right. Next, you''ll tell me you''re secretly a superhero."


    Noah chuckled. "Close, but not quite. Anyway, wanna go for a ride around the city?"


    Aiden''s eyes lit up with excitement. "Wait, you got a bike?"


    Noah shook his head, still grinning. "Nope, I bought a Lambo."


    Aiden burst outughing. "Haha, good one, Noah! A Lambo! That''s a good joke."


    Noah just smiled at his friend, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "So, youing or what?"


    Aiden paused, theughter dying in his throat as he noticed Noah''s serious expression. "Wait... you''re joking, right?"


    Noah just started walking, motioning for Aiden to follow. "Come on, you''ll see."


    Noah led the way, with Aiden trailing behind, still convinced that his friend was joking. As they approached the parking lot, Aiden spotted a shiny new mountain bike and grinned. "Not bad, Noah! This is one of the newest models. It costs around $500, right? How did you manage to save up for it?"


    "Did uncle buy it for you?" Aiden said, knowing Noah''s housing situation.


    Noah just smiled and kept walking.


    Aiden frowned, ncing back at the bike. "Wait, why aren''t we going to the bike? Isn''t that yours?"


    Noah chuckled. "Because that''s not my ride."


    By the time Noah and Aiden reached the parking lot, they were greeted by the attendant. The man instantly recognized Noah and, remembering the expensive car from yesterday, straightened up with a respectful nod. He quickly opened the gate without a word, treating Noah as if he were someone important.


    Aiden''s eyes widened in confusion as they entered the lot. "Wait, what''s going on? Why is he letting us in so easily?"


    Noah just grinned, leading the way to where the Lamborghini was parked. The sleek, ck car gleamed under the lights, a stark contrast to the other vehicles in the lot.


    Aiden''s jaw dropped. "No way... Is that...?"


    Noah started tossing the keys in his hand, smirking. "I told you it wasn''t a bike."

 Chapter 8: Down To Earth

    <h4>Chapter 8: Down To Earth</h4>


    Aiden couldn''t contain his excitement as he continued circling the Lamborghini, his hands almost trembling as he reached out to touch the car. "Noah, this is unreal! Are you serious? How does it feel to drive something like this? And where did you even find the money for it? This thing is worth more than my house!"


    Noah leaned against the car, crossing his arms with a smirk. "It''s a beauty, isn''t it? 750 horsepower under the hood, and it handles like a dream. As for the money... let''s just say life threw me a wild curveball."


    Aiden''s jaw dropped as he peered through the window at the luxurious interior. "Man, I don''t know what''s crazier: the fact that you''re driving this or that you''re being so casual about it! You''ve got to let me drive it, Noah. Just once! Please, I''ll never ask for anything else again!"


    Noah chuckled, his expression one of amusement. "Alright, alright, fine. But you better not scratch it, or I''ll never hear the end of it."


    Aiden practically jumped into the driver''s seat, his eyes wide with disbelief as he gripped the steering wheel. "I can''t believe this is happening. I feel like I''m in a dream." He looked over at Noah, grinning from ear to ear. "Let''s do this!"


    They pulled out of the parking lot, the Lamborghini''s engine roaring to life as Aiden carefully elerated. The sound turned heads, and people on the street watched in awe as the car sped by. Aiden''s hands tightened on the wheel as they navigated through the city, his face a mixture of concentration and pure joy.


    As they drove, Aiden couldn''t help but ask more questions. "So, Noah, how much does this thing cost? Isn''t this the Aventador SVJ, like the top-of-the-line model?"


    "Yeah, it''s the SVJ," Noah replied, leaning back in his seat. "Costs more than a quarter of a million pounds, give or take. But trust me, it''s worth every penny."


    Aiden whistled, shaking his head in disbelief. "Man, I don''t know what to say. This is incredible. And you''re just letting me drive it like it''s no big deal!"


    Noah grinned. "Consider it a reward for putting up with me all these years."


    They continued driving, the city''s streets a blur around them until they reached their usual spot: a humble barbecue skewer stand with a few stic tables set up outside. The contrast couldn''t have been starker¡ªpulling up in a Lamborghini to a ce that served food out of a van. As they parked, Aiden looked around, confusion etched on his face.


    "Noah... why are we here? I thought we were going somewhere fancy to match this car," Aiden said, looking back at the skewer stand.


    Noah shrugged with a smile. "Fancy ces aren''t really my style. Besides, you know these skewers are the best in town."


    As they stepped out of the car, people nearby began to notice. Phones came out, and soon enough, a small crowd had gathered, snapping pictures of the Lamborghini and its two young upants. Whispers floated through the air, filled with surprise and admiration.


    "Isn''t that a Lamborghini? And they''re eating here?" one person muttered.


    "I didn''t know rich people were so down-to-earth," anothermented, shaking his head in disbelief.


    Noah and Aiden made their way to one of the outdoor tables, acting as if nothing was out of the ordinary.


    As they approached the skewer van, an older man with a friendly smile called out, "Noah! It''s been a long time, how have you been?"


    Noah grinned, recognizing the familiar voice. "I''m doing amazing, Uncle Ben. How''s everything going? How''s Emma''s university life treating her?"


    Uncle Ben, the owner of the skewer van, smiled warmly at Noah. His daughter, Emma, had be a friend to Noah over the years, thanks to his frequent visits to the van. "She''s doing well, always asking about you.


    Ever since youst came by a year ago, when she started university, she''s been wondering where you''ve been. We keep telling her we haven''t seen you around. You bettere back this summer during the holidays¡ªshe''ll be here!"


    Noah chuckled and nodded. "Of course, Uncle Ben. I miss hanging out with you guys!"


    They ordered Noah''s usual skewers order, the aroma of grilled meat and onions filling the air as they sat down to eat. Aiden looked around, still a bit dazed by everything that had happened in thest hour.


    "Man, this is crazy," Aiden said, biting into a skewer. "People must think we''re nuts, pulling up in that car and eating street food."


    Noahughed, enjoying the skewer with a rxed expression. "Let them think what they want. We know what''s good."


    As they ate, a few more people gathered around, taking pictures of the car and asionally ncing over at the two friends.


    But Noah and Aiden paid them no mind,pletely focused on their meal and the conversation between them.


    "So," Aiden said after a while, leaning back in his chair with a satisfied sigh. "You really are full of surprises, Noah. First, you ace that history question, and now this. What''s next? Are you going to tell me you''ve secretly been a millionaire this whole time?"


    Noah smirked, wiping his hands on a napkin. "Would you believe me if I said yes?"


    Aiden snorted, shaking his head. "At this point, I''m not sure what to believe anymore."


    Noah leaned back, gazing at the Lamborghini parked nearby as the sun began to set.


    Aiden raised an eyebrow, looking at his friend with a mix of curiosity and anticipation. "Well, whatever happens, just make sure you don''t forget about your best friend, alright?"


    As they finished their meal, Noah stood up and made his way to the food stall to settle the bill.


    Uncle Ben waved him off with a warm smile. "It''s on the house, Noah. Don''t worry about it. Consider it an early graduation gift."


    Even though Uncle Ben had seen Noah and Aiden arrive in a Lamborghini, he assumed it belonged to Aiden, who had been driving. He knew Noah''s background well and figured Noah was just treating his friend to dinner.


    Given that Noah was a good kid and a friend to his daughter, Uncle Ben decided to cover the cost.


    Noah felt a wave of warmth in his heart. Uncle Ben had always been kind to him, often giving him discounts when he stopped by. But he wasn''t about to let the old man cover the bill this time.


    With a yful smile, Noah said, "It''s not me paying, Uncle. It''s this rich guy here. Go ahead and take the bill from him¡ªhe''s decided to give you a big tip."


    Noah handed over the money, making sure Uncle Ben got a good look at it. The bill was only $5, but Noah handed him $205, leaving Uncle Ben momentarily speechless.


    Uncle Ben''s eyes widened in shock as he looked at the money. "Thank you, young man! This is too much!" he said, turning to Aiden, who was standing there, utterly confused.


    It took a moment for Aiden to realize what Noah had done. When it finally clicked, he gave Noah a mock re, but he couldn''t helpughing along with Uncle Ben.


    Aiden, still chuckling at Noah''s yful trick, decided to roll with it. "Well, Uncle Ben," he said, trying to sound serious, " Make sure you give me a discount next time Ie by, alright? This ce is too good to pass up, and my belly definitely approves!"


    Uncle Benughed heartily, shaking his head. "You''ve got a deal, young man. Just don''t forget to bring Noah along¡ªI might have to raise the prices otherwise!"


    Noah grinned at the exchange. The old man''s generosity and Aiden''s lightheartedness made the moment feel special.


    As they walked away from the skewer van, Noah nced back at Uncle Ben, who was still smiling and gave him a small wave.


    Aiden patted his stomach contentedly as they headed back toward the Lamborghini. "I swear, Noah, that might''ve been the best meal I''ve had in a while. Who knew rich people like us could enjoy street food this much?" He nudged Noah with a grin.


    Noah shook his head,ughing at his friend''s antics. "Yeah, well, sometimes the best things in life are the simplest ones."


    Aiden nodded in agreement. "I''m with you on that, man. But next time, I''m also going to be the one driving. That way, I can pretend to be the rich guy again."


    They both burst outughing as they climbed into the Lamborghini, ready for whatever the rest of the day had in store for them.


    On the way back Noah, was the one driving. He dropped off Aiden at his house first.


    "Thanks for the ride Noah, I enjoyed it. Make sure you invite me every day" Aiden said with a grin on his face.


    "Piss off, are you my wife to be hanging out with me every day." Noah said with a smile on his face.


    Hearing Noah say that, Aiden started acting like he was shot by a bullet.


    "I- I Thought we were more than that!" Aiden said, with his hand clutching his heart.


    "Piss off," Aiden said whilstughing, and drove off.


    Aidenughed as he saw the car drive off, then went inside his house.


    As Noah was driving, he decided to go visit Sarah.


    "She is going to be my wife soon after all," Noah muttered with a low voice, as a grin appeared on his face.

 Chapter 9: A Date

    <h4>Chapter 9: A Date</h4>


    The evening was quiet, with only the soft hum of the television breaking the silence in the living room. La was upstairs in her room, engrossed in her own world, while her mother, Sarah, sat on the couch, feeling the boredom settle in. They had finished dinner an hour ago, and now, dressed in her elegant yetfortable ck silk pyjamas, Sarah found herself staring nkly at the TV, her mind wandering about yesterday''s events.


    <i>"Ding-dong"</i>


    The sudden sound of the doorbell pulled her out of her thoughts. She nced toward the door, curiosity piqued. "Who could that be at this hour?" she wondered, thinking it might be one of La''s friends dropping by.


    Sarah got up and walked to the door, peeking through the eye lens. What she saw made her heart skip a beat. Standing outside was Noah, looking as handsome as ever. Her initial shock quickly turned into a flutter of emotions she couldn''t quite ce.


    "Noah!" she whispered, slightly taken aback. A pang of disappointment hit her as she assumed he was here for La, thinking, "He''s probably here to talk to her since they didn''t get a chancest time." Despite herself, a small, sad smile tugged at her lips.


    "Why am I feeling this way?" she thought, her hand subconsciously clutching her chest where she felt a dull ache. <i>"It must be work stress,"</i> she reasoned, trying to push the confusing emotions aside.


    With aposed expression, she opened the door, greeting him with a warm, albeit slightly mncholy smile. "Hello, Noah. Here for La?" she asked, her voice carrying a tone of sadness she hadn''t intended to reveal.


    Noah''s response took herpletely by surprise. He smiled, his eyes locking onto hers, and said, "No, I''m here for you." His words were straightforward, but the way he looked at her made her heart race.


    Sarah''s cheeks flushed a deep shade of red, and she quickly averted her gaze, trying to hide her embarrassment. "Rascal," she muttered silently, attempting to sound scolding but failing to mask the warmth in her voice. She turned away, trying to collect herself, but Noah wasn''t done.


    Stepping closer, he gently took her chin and tilted her face back toward him, his touch sending a shiver down her spine. "Get ready," he said softly, his voice leaving no room for refusal. "We''re going out."


    Sarah''s heart pounded in her chest, her ears turning a rosy red as she found herself nodding in agreement. "Mhm," she managed to squeak out before hastily retreating to her room, her movements almostical in her flustered state.


    As she disappeared down the hallway, Noah couldn''t help but smile to himself.


    As Sarah hurried to her room to get ready, Noah casually stepped inside the house, making himself at home on the cozy couch.


    He nced around the living room, immediately struck by the fresh, floral scent that lingered in the air. The aroma was light, soothing, and unmistakably feminine.


    Taking a deep breath, he couldn''t help but smile. "It smells like fresh flowers in here," he mused aloud, the pleasant fragrance adding to his growing admiration for Sarah. "She really is quite the housewife," he thought with a grin, appreciating the attention to detail that had gone into making the room feel so inviting.


    His eyes wandered over the living room, noting how everything was perfectly in ce. The cushions were fluffed, the coffee table was spotless, and even the small decorations seemed thoughtfully arranged. It was clear that Sarah took pride in her home, and Noah found himself appreciating this side of her even more.


    Settling back onto the couch, he let out a contented sigh. This evening was already off to a good start.


    A few minutester, Sarah emerged from her room, wearing a long, elegant ck dress that flowed gracefully down to her ankles.


    The dress, simple yet stunning, perfectly highlighted her mature beauty. The ck fabric contrasted beautifully against her fair skin, giving her an ethereal glow.


    Her light brown hair cascaded down in soft waves, framing her face and adding to the allure of her look. Her ocean blue eyes were unable to stand still, jumping from one ce to another revealing her deep emotions.


    There was something undeniably captivating about the way she carried herself¡ªpoised, and graceful, yet with a hint of nervousness that made her even more enchanting.


    As she stepped into the living room, Noah''s gaze locked onto her, unable to tear his eyes away. He stared at her with an intensity that made Sarah blush deeply, her heart racing under his predatory gaze. She felt both ttered and shy, a warmth spreading through her as Noah''s eyes roved over her form, taking in every detail like a wolf eyeing its prey.


    In Noah''s mind, a single thought echoed: "She''s quite conservative." A grin tugged at the corner of his lips as he admired her modest yet alluring appearance. <i>I like it,</i> he thought, his possessiveness ring up.


    "You are Mine." He silently muttered, whilst looking at her.


    His jealousy surged as he imagined anyone else daring to look at her the way he was now.


    "Did you say something?" she said, while still fidgeting like a shy little girl.


    "No, let''s go?" He said with a smile he couldn''t hide.


    She nodded, waiting for him to take the lead.


    Seeing her standing there, he couldn''t help but like her even more.


    "Did you say something?" Sarah asked, her voice soft and tinged with curiosity. She fidgeted nervously, her cheeks flushed under his scrutinizing gaze.


    "No, let''s go?" Noah replied, a smile tugging at his lips that he couldn''t quite hide. His eyes, however, remained fixed on her, the warmth of his smile unable to conceal the depth of his feelings.


    Sarah nodded, her own smile shy but eager, as she waited for him to lead the way. Seeing her stand there, looking both elegant and endearing, only made Noah''s affection for her grow stronger. He extended his hand, offering it to her with a gentle, inviting gesture.


    As they walked out together, Noah couldn''t help but steal nces at her. The sight of her, so gracefully dressed and so attentively by his side, filled him with a sense of satisfaction.


    As Sarah settled into the luxurious leather seat of the Lamborghini, adjusting her small bag on herp, she looked at Noah with a curious smile.


    "So, where are we going?" she asked, her eyes reflecting the soft glow of the car''s interior lights.


    Before Noah could respond, a familiar chime resonated in his mind:


    <strong>[Ding! Ultimate Choice System activated!]</strong>


    <strong>Option 1: Roam the city again. [Reward: +10 Affection and Basic Travel& Tourism skill]</strong>


    <strong>Option 2: Go to a fancy restaurant. [Reward: +15 Affection and $25,000]</strong>


    <strong>Option 3: Go to a racing track and dominate. [Reward: +20 Affection and $100,000]</strong>


    Noah nced at Sarah, who was waiting expectantly. Her curiosity only made her more charming.


    "Option 3!" Noah silently mutters in his mind.


    <strong>[Ding! $100,000 was Rewarded to the Bank ount ending in xx04. Current Bnce $158,820]</strong>


    <strong>[Ding! +20 Affection will be rewarded when the host dominates the track!]</strong>


    looking at the system reward, Noah showed a puzzled look for a second then hid it.


    "It seems like, the system doesn''t alter the person''s affection to me. But the action I take will result in me gaining affection!" Noah realised as he thought about it.


    "That''s better, I don''t want her to love me just because the system made her affection higher, she will be my wife after all." he thought, as he stared at Sarah who was waiting for him to tell her their destination.


    "Nope, that''s a secret!" Noah said, his mischievous smile widening as he nced at her.


    "Rascal," she muttered, this time a bit louder, her cheeks flushing slightly. Her gaze was fixed outside the window, but the corners of her mouth twitched up in a reluctant smile.


    Noah couldn''t help butugh at her reaction. The sound was warm and genuine, a contrast to the thrill of the night. "It''s not funny!" Sarah said, her voice carrying a faint pout as she continued to look out the window, trying to hide her amusement.


    "Trust me," Noah said, his voice softening as he turned to nce at her. "You''re gonna love where we''re going."

 Chapter 10: The Racing Track

    <h4>Chapter 10: The Racing Track</h4>


    "Trust me," Noah said, his voice softening as he turned to nce at her. "You''re gonna love where we''re going."


    Soon enough, they arrived at their destination. Noah turned into a well-lit parking lot, and as the car slowed to a stop, Sarah''s eyes widened in surprise and delight.


    "Wee to the racing track!" Noah announced, stepping out of the car and opening the door for her with a flourish.


    Sarah stepped out, looking around in awe. "How did you know I like watching races? Did La tell you before?" she asked, her voice filled with excitement.


    Noah shook his head with a smile. "Nope, just a lucky guess."


    As she processed his answer, a thought suddenly struck Sarah, and her excitement dimmed a bit. "Oh no, I forgot to tell La I was going out!" she eximed, her hand instinctively reaching for her phone.


    Before she could make the call, Noah gently took her hand. "It''s okay," he said reassuringly. "Just text her that you went out for a bit and you''ll be back soon. No need to worry."


    Sarah looked at him for a moment, her initial worry subsiding as she saw the calm confidence in his eyes. With a nod, she quickly typed out a message to La, letting her know she''d be back soon.


    Once she sent the text, Noah took her hand again, this time leading her towards the spectators'' area. The racing track was surprisingly full, with a lineup of sleek, powerful cars ready topete.


    Among them were models like the Porsche 911, Ford Mustang, and Corvette, their engines already rumbling with anticipation.


    Noah''s Lamborghini naturally caught the attention of everyone around. Spectators and racers alike started whispering, specting if this neer was about to join thepetition.


    One of the racers, a young man who looked every bit the part of a wealthy second-generation heir, approached Noah. His eyes gleamed with admiration as he took in the sight of the Lamborghini.


    "Nice ride, man," the guy said, extending a hand. "I''m Jackson, by the way. Porsche 911 over there is mine."


    Noah shook his hand, exchanging introductions. Jackson seemed to be in his early twenties, with the confident,id-back demeanour of someone who had been around fast cars his whole life.


    "I''ve always wanted a Lambo like yours," Jackson continued his tone a mix of admiration and frustration. "But I don''t have enough pocket money right now. Crashed myst car¡ªa Ferrari¡ªso my dad shed my allowance. Total bummer."


    Noah chuckled, nodding in understanding. "Yeah, it''s a tough break."


    "So, you gonna join the races tonight?" Jackson asked, curiosity clear in his voice.


    "I''m just here to watch for a bit, maybeter," Noah replied with a casual shrug.


    Jackson nodded, a hint ofpetitive spirit in his eyes. "Well, if you do decide to jump in, see you on the track. I''m racing in all the heats tonight."


    As Jackson walked back to his Porsche, Sarah looked at Noah with a mixture of excitement and curiosity. "Are you really thinking about racing?" she asked.


    "Maybe," Noah replied with a grin, his eyes scanning the track. "But for now, let''s just enjoy the show."


    As the anticipation for the race built up, vendors began moving through the crowd, selling snacks and drinks to the eager spectators. Noah spotted a vendor with popcorn and drinks and turned to Sarah with a smile.


    "Popcorn and a drink for thedy?" he asked, already making his way toward the vendor.


    Sarah nodded with a grin. "Sounds perfect."


    Noah returned a momentter, handing her a cup of soda and a bag of popcorn before taking a seat beside her. They settled in, the roar of engines filling the air as the cars lined up at the starting point.


    The track itself was a sight to behold. Set on a winding hill, it featured sharp bends and steep inclines, making it a challenging and dangerous course even for the most experienced drivers.


    The narrow paths and sudden drops added to the thrill, making it the perfect venue for adrenaline-pumping races that kept the spectators on the edge of their seats.


    "Look at those turns," Noah remarked, pointing at the sharp curves that snaked around the hillside. "One wrong move, and you''re off the track."


    Sarah nodded, her eyes glued to the course. "That''s what makes it so exciting, though. The danger keeps everyone on their toes."


    The crowd around them buzzed with excitement, and snippets of conversations floated through the air as people discussed their predictions for the race.


    "I''ve got my money on the guy in the Mustang," one spectator said to his friend. "He''s been killing ittely. No one can beat him on the bends."


    "Nah, the Porsche 911 has got this," another chimed in. "That car was made for tracks like this. Jackson''s been practising here all week."


    A group of young fans behind Noah and Sarah were excitedly discussing the drivers'' skills. "Did you see how the Corvette handled those curvesst time? It''s like the car was glued to the road!"


    "Yeah, but the Lamborghini could definitely surprise everyone," another fan argued. "If the driver''s got the guts, that car could take the win."


    Noah chuckled, enjoying the energy of the crowd. "Seems like everyone''s got a favourite."


    Sarah nodded, taking a sip of her drink. "It''s fun to see how passionate people get about this. Makes you want to root for someone too."


    Just then, the announcer''s voice boomed over the loudspeakers, signalling the start of the race. The engines revved loudly, a deafening roar that vibrated through the stands as the cars lined up at the start.


    "Here we go," Noah said, leaning forward slightly, the thrill of the race gripping him.


    The g dropped, and the cars surged forward, speeding down the straightaway before hitting the first sharp turn. The Mustang took an early lead, drifting around the bend with precision, but the Porsche 911 was right on its tail, expertly navigating the curves.


    As the race continued, the drivers pushed their cars to the limit, tyres screeching against the asphalt as they battled for position. The crowd erupted in cheers and gasps with every close call, the dangerous bends and steep drops keeping everyone on the edge of their seats.


    Noah nced at Sarah, who was watching with wide eyes,pletely absorbed in the action. He smiled, d to see her enjoying herself so much.


    The race intensified as the Mustang and Porsche 911 went toe-to-toe, each car maneuvering with remarkable skill through the sharp turns and steep inclines. The spectators were on their feet, their cheers mixing with the roar of the engines as the two cars fought for the lead. It was impossible to tell who woulde out on top as they approached the final stretch.


    Both cars sped toward the finish line, side by side, engines screaming as they pushed to the limit. The crowd held its breath as the two cars crossed the line in what seemed to be a dead heat.


    Tension was in the air, and everyone around the track leaned forward, straining to see the result.


    Noah, however, leaned back with a calm smile. "The Porsche won. It was faster by a few milliseconds," he said, his voice confident.


    A man behind him scoffed. "Hmph, no one saw it yet, and you''re iming you saw a difference of milliseconds? Who do you think you are?"


    Noah turned and shed a smile. "We''ll see."


    Momentster, the announcer''s voice crackled through the speakers, "We''re doing a VAR check on the finish. Please stand by."


    The tension mounted as the officials reviewed the footage in slow motion. Finally, the screen disyed the result: the Porsche had indeed won, crossing the finish line just a fraction of a second before the Mustang.


    The crowd erupted in cheers, though the man behind Noah snorted dismissively. "Lucky guess."


    Noah simply chuckled, turning his attention back to Sarah. "Wanna participate in the next race?" he asked, his eyes gleaming with mischief.


    Sarah looked at him, her face lighting up with excitement but quickly turning to concern. "Do you really know how to drive on fast tracks? It''s dangerous. I don''t want you to ce yourself in danger for a race."


    "Don''t worry," Noah reassured her, his grin widening. "I won''t go too fast, just having some fun."


    In his mind, however, Noah was already plotting how he''d blow past those amateur drivers. With his intermediate driving skills, on par with the best pro racers, he knew he could dominate the track. It would be a waste not to showcase what he could do, especially in front of Sarah.


    This wasn''t just about winning¡ªit was about showing her that she could trust him, even in the most thrilling and dangerous situations.


    Sarah hesitated for a moment, then smiled, her excitement winning out. "Alright, let''s do it. But promise me, you''ll be careful."


    "Promise," Noah said, though his grin betrayed his real intentions. This was going to be more than just fun¡ªit was going to be unforgettable.

 Chapter 11: A Professional F1 Driver?

    <h4>Chapter 11: A Professional F1 Driver?</h4>


    With an hour to spare before the next race, Noah and Sarah decided to make the most of their time.


    They wandered around the racing track, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling area. The atmosphere was electric, with fans discussing the previous race, drivers fine-tuning their cars, and vendors selling various racing memorabilia.


    Noah suggested they check out some of the high-end cars on disy, which were drawing quite a crowd. They walked past a line of sleek vehicles, their polished exteriors gleaming under the track lights. Sarah, intrigued by the variety of cars, asked questions about the different models, and Noah happily shared what he knew, keeping the conversation light and engaging.


    The Intermediate Driving skill¡ªgave him immense knowledge of everything about cars, including the brands and specifications.


    As they reached a more secluded area near the edge of the track, Noah spotted a small photo booth set up for couples to take pictures with the racing track in the background. It was a simple setup but charming in its own way.


    He nudged Sarah yfully. "How about we take a picture? Something to remember the night by?"


    Sarah smiled, a little surprised but pleased by the idea. "Sure, why not?"


    They stepped into the booth, and as the camera clicked, Sarah found herselfughing at Noah''s silly poses. The final shot captured them bothughing, a moment of pure, unguarded joy.


    With the time flying by faster than they expected, they soon heard the announcement for the next race. Excitement bubbled up inside Noah as they made their way back to his Lamborghini.


    He had already informed Jackson, the Porsche owner they met earlier, that he would be participating. Jackson, eager to see the Lamborghini in action, had signed Noah up for the race with a sense of anticipation. He was curious about the mysterious owner''s skills, he had never seen him before and he knew most of the wealthy people in Birmingham.


    As they approached the car, Sarah felt a mixture of excitement and nerves. Noah noticed her expression and squeezed her hand reassuringly. "This is going to be fun," he said, his voice steady and calming.


    They climbed into the Lamborghini, the sleek interior enveloping them in luxury. As they drove towards the starting line, Noah could feel the adrenaline beginning to pump through his veins.


    The atmosphere at the track was electric, the air thick with anticipation. The roar of engines, like caged beasts waiting to be unleashed, sent vibrations through the ground and into the bones of every spectator. People leaned forward in their seats, eyes locked on the starting line where the racers were lined up, engines revving in a chorus of power and raw energy. Among them, Noah''s Lamborghini stood out like a predator among prey, its sleek, ck exterior gleaming under the floodlights.


    Sarah sat beside Noah, her heart pounding as she nced around at the other cars¡ªPorsches, Mustangs, and a few others she didn''t recognize, all powerful machines ready to tear up the track. She had never been this close to a race before, and the intensity of it all was overwhelming.


    "Noah, are you sure about this?" she asked, her voiceced with worry. "This track... it looks dangerous."


    Noah shot her a reassuring smile, his hand resting casually on the gear shift. "Rx, Sarah. We''re here to have fun."


    But the minute the countdown began, her heart rate spiked. The lights shed from red to green, and the cars took off with a deafening roar. The sudden eleration pinned her back against the seat, and she instinctively gripped the edge of her seat, her knuckles turning white.


    The Lamborghini surged forward, effortlessly overtaking several cars within seconds. The engine''s roar was a deep, guttural sound, like a lion announcing its dominance.


    The track was a serpentine path of asphalt, winding through steep hills and sharp bends, known for testing the limits of even the most experienced drivers.


    As the Lamborghini elerated, Sarah''s fear spiked. "Noah, slow down! This is too fast!"


    But Noah''s response was only a grin, his focus razor-sharp on the road ahead. The car was now moving at a terrifying speed, the world outside a blur of motion and colour.


    The other racers were struggling to keep up, their engines screaming in protest as they pushed their cars to the limit.


    The first fewps were intense. The crowd''s excitement was unmatched, their cheers and gasps echoing across the track.


    Every turn was a battle, every straightaway an opportunity for someone to gain the upper hand.


    But Noah''s Lamborghini was in a league of its own, its sheer power and speed leaving the other cars behind.


    As they approached the infamous sharp bend, the tension in the air thickened. This was the curve that had imed many overconfident drivers, the one that separated the skilled from the reckless.


    All racers would decelerate, taking the turn with caution. But as they neared the bend, Noah did the opposite¡ªhe elerated.


    Sarah''s eyes widened in terror. "Noah, no! Slow down!"


    But Noah''s foot remained firmly on the gas, the speedometer climbing dangerously high. The Lamborghini hurtled toward the bend, the crowd''s cheers turning into cries of rm.


    People stood up from their seats, their hearts in their throats as they watched the car approach the curve at breakneck speed.


    "He''s trying to die with that beautiful woman!" shouted the man Noah had spoken to earlier, his voice a mix of panic and disbelief.


    But Noah''s expression was calm, almost serene, as he approached the bend. At thest possible second, he jerked the wheel, sending the Lamborghini into a wless drift.


    The car''s rear tires screeched as they skidded across the asphalt, the body of the car swinging out in a controlled slide.


    Sarah squeezed her eyes shut, as she braced for impact. But instead of crashing, the car seemed to glide effortlessly through the curve, the drift executed with a precision that left the crowd speechless.


    The Lamborghini emerged from the bend unscathed, seamlessly transitioning back to full speed as if nothing had happened.


    The silence that followed was deafening, the entire crowd frozen in shock. Then, like a wave crashing onto the shore, the cheers erupted. The spectators were on their feet, chanting and shouting in disbelief and awe.


    "Did you see that? He''s got to be an F1 driver!"


    "No way a regr guy could pull off a drift like that!"


    Sarah slowly opened her eyes, her breath catching as she realized they were still alive¡ªand more than that, they were leading the race. She turned to Noah, her heart still pounding in her chest.


    He nced at her, a wide grin on his face, his eyes sparkling with adrenaline.


    "Told you we''d have fun," he said, his voice light as if they hadn''t just escaped death.


    Behind them, Jackson, who had slowed down considerably before the bend, could only watch in awe as the Lamborghini sped away.


    He had known this race would be intense, but he hadn''t expected to be racing against someone with skills like this. Noah was no amateur¡ªhe was a master behind the wheel.


    The race continued with everyp bringing more thrills, the Lamborghini cutting through the track like a de.


    The crowd''s energy fed into the atmosphere, each manoeuvre by Noah drawing gasps and cheers.


    The other drivers were pushing their limits, but none could match the precision and daring of the Lamborghini''s driver.


    As the finish line loomed ahead, the crowd was in a frenzy. The speed, the danger, and the sheer audacity of the race had them on the edge of their seats, their eyes glued to the track.


    Noah''s finalp was a disy of mastery, each turn executed wlessly, the car roaring down the straightaway with a ferocity that left the other racers in its dust.


    The Lamborghini crossed the finish line first, the crowd erupting into wild apuse. Sarah, her fear finally ebbing away, found herselfughing, the adrenaline still coursing through her veins.


    Noah, too, wasughing, the exhration of the race leaving him almost giddy.


    "You were amazing," she said, her voice filled with a mix of admiration and disbelief.


    Noah grinned, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. "I told you, didn''t I? Just a bit of fun."


    The crowd''s chants of "F1 driver!" and "Unbelievable!" followed them as they slowed down, the race over but the excitement still buzzing in the air.


    For everyone who had watched, it was a race they would never forget¡ªa night of speed, danger, and a driver who seemed to defy the veryws of physics.


    A few minutester, Jackson crossed the finish line. He immediately left the car, and went towards Noah who was leaning on the Lamborghini with Sarah next to him.


    "You are unbelievable, are you an F1 Driver? I haven''t seen you in tournaments before." Said Jackson, with excitement brimming in his voice.


    "Nope, I''m just a casual driver."


    Hearing him say that, Jackson''s face twitched slightly. But he couldn''t help but admire the young man in front of him.


    "Powerful and lowkey,plete opposite of the rich second generations in Birmingham." Jackson thought with admiration.


    "Can we exchange contacts, I would like to make friends," said Jackson, with a smile on his face.


    "Sure." Noah said, as he gave him his phone number.


    Looking at Noah''s run-down phone.


    Jackson went to his Porsche and took out a white bag that had a bitten apple logo on it.


    "Here, this is the reward for winning the race." Jackson, said as he handed Noah a bag with 2 iPhone 15 Pro Max.


    Looking at him with an eyebrow raised, Noah knew that Jackson was just trying to form a connection.


    Deciding to ept his gesture, he takes the bag.


    "Thanks," says Noah.


    After exchanging details and hanging out for a bit.


    Noah excused himself from Jackson and then left with Sarah.


    Looking at the Lamborghini in the distance, Jackson felt determined.


    "It seems like he realised I was trying to get closer to him, yet he still took the gift even though it''s not much."


    "What an interesting person..."

 Chapter 12: You are Mine

    <h4>Chapter 12: You are Mine</h4>


    As Noah and Sarah drove away from the race track, the atmosphere in the car was rxed but tinged with a sense of excitement from the adrenaline-fueled evening.


    <strong>[Ding! +20 Affection is rewarded]</strong>


    <strong>[Sarah''s Affection: 80/100]</strong>


    <strong>Affection Levels : </strong>


    <strong> 0: Enemies With Deep Hatred </strong>


    <strong> 10-40: Hate </strong>


    <strong> 50: Stranger </strong>


    <strong> 60: Friend </strong>


    <strong> 70: Close Friend </strong>


    <strong> 80: Love </strong>


    <strong> 90: Partner, Absolute Love </strong>


    <strong> 100: Perfect Love, Forever Loyal.</strong><strong></strong>


    <strong></strong>Looking at Sarah''s affection for him, Noah felt relieved.


    He really liked the woman and wanted her to be his wife. Not just because of the system choice.


    Sarah, still buzzing from the thrill of the race, nced curiously at the white bag resting on Noah''sp.


    "What''s in the bag?" she asked, her eyes narrowing in curiosity.


    "Open it and see." Noah said, with a slight smile on his face whilst driving.


    Sarah opened the bag slightly, revealing two brand-new iPhone 15 Pro Max phones inside. Sarah''s eyes widened in surprise.


    "Jackson gave these to you? Just like that?" she asked, incredulous.


    "Yeah," Noah replied casually, a slight grin on his face. "For people like him, this is just pocket money. It''s how they make connections in the high-ss circles."


    Sarah nodded slowly, processing this. She had always known that wealthy people lived differently, but seeing it in action was something else entirely.


    "That makes sense, I guess," she said thoughtfully. "It''s just... a bit shocking how generous he was to someone he just met."


    "Well, it''s all part of the game," Noah replied, shrugging. "Connections mean everything in that world."


    The car fell into afortable silence for a moment before Sarah nced at the time on the dashboard. It was 8:30 PM, and the sky outside was darkening.


    "Where are we going now?" she asked, her voice tinged with slight concern. "It''s getting a bitte. Shouldn''t we be heading home?"


    Noah shot her a yful look, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Why, are you worried I might eat you like a big bad wolf?" he teased.


    Sarah blushed furiously, quickly looking away to hide her embarrassment. "N-no! I just... was curious, that''s all," she stammered, trying to regain herposure.


    Noahughed softly, enjoying her reaction. "Don''t worry, I''m not that kind of guy. We''re just going to the Bitten Apple store. I want to buy something."


    Sarah sighed in relief, though her cheeks were still slightly flushed. "Oh, okay. That sounds... normal."


    A short whileter, they arrived at the Bitten Apple store, a sleek, modern building withrge ss windows showcasing thetest gadgets.


    As they entered, the store was rtively empty, with only a few customers browsing the aisles. It was close to closing time, and the staff were clearly winding down for the day.


    As Noah and Sarah walked in, they were approached by an older attendant named rissa, who eyed Noah''s school uniform with a look of disdain. With her arms crossed, she spoke to him in a curt, dismissive tone. "Hurry up, kid. We''re closing soon."


    Noah didn''t even bother responding to her rudeness, simply walking past her with a calm demeanor. Sarah gave the woman a disapproving nce before following Noah.


    Deeper into the store, they were greeted by a younger attendant named Lily, who approached with a bright, weing smile. "Hi there! Can I help you with anything?" she asked, her tone warm and friendly.


    Before Noah could answer, rissa appeared behind Lily, her expression sour. "Lily, don''t waste your time. Kids like him juste in here to mess around. He''s not going to buy anything."


    Lily nced at rissa, then back at Noah, her smile unwavering. "It''s okay, rissa. I''m happy to help."


    rissa rolled her eyes, clearly sceptical, but didn''t argue further. She lingered nearby, watching with a judgmental gaze.


    Noah turned to Lily, appreciating her professionalism. "I''d like to buy Two iPhone 15 Pro Max, three sets of Apple AirPods Pro Max, and two 16-inch MacBook Pro M3 Maxptops."


    Lily blinked in surprise at therge order but quickly regained herposure. "Of course," she said, her fingers flying over the store''s tablet as she began entering the items. "That will be... let''s see... around $9,000 for the two MacBooks, $3,900 for the iPhones, and $1,500 for the AirPods. So, $14,400 total."


    rissa, overhearing the amount, let out a loud snort. "He''s just showing off in front of the woman. No way is he actually going to buy all that."


    Ignoring her, Lily continued with a smile. "What colours would you like?"


    Noah turned to Sarah, giving her a soft smile. "I want one of everything in ck. What''s your favourite colour?" he asked.


    Still dazed by the amount of money being spent, Sarah responded almost automatically. "White," she said softly.


    Lily nodded and noted down the colours. rissa, watching from the side, crossed her arms and gave Noah a scrutinizing look. "He''s not going to buy anything," she muttered under her breath, loud enough for them to hear.


    Once Lily had prepared the order, she looked up at Noah. "Okay, your total is $14,400," she said, her tone polite but with a hint of curiosity as she watched him.


    "Make it $15,000. Consider the rest your tip," Noah had said, his voice calm andposed.


    "Thank you, Sir. Thedy here is very lucky to have you as her boyfriend," Lily responded, her smile widening as she processed what had just happened. It was a rare urrence for anyone, let alone someone so young, to leave such a generous tip.


    Noah''s smile remained steady as he corrected her gently, "She isn''t my girlfriend."


    The air between them shifted slightly, Lily''s expression turning awkward as she realized her mistake. "Oh, sorry, sir," she mumbled, her confidence faltering for a moment.


    Noah''s response was smooth and reassuring, "It''s okay." His smile was warm, but there was a calm finality in his tone.


    Noah calmly pulled out his card and swiped it through the reader. The machine beeped, and the green light shed¡ªpayment approved.


    Lily handed him the receipt with a bright smile. "Thank you for your purchase! Your items will be ready shortly."


    "Make sure you ce the ck-coloured items in one bag, and the white in another bag."


    rissa, her face a mask of disbelief, could only stare as the transactionpleted smoothly. She muttered something under her breath, then walked away, clearly annoyed that she had been proven wrong.


    Sarah, standing beside him, tried to keep her expression neutral, but the words echoed in her mind, each onending with a little more weight than thest.


    <i>''She isn''t my girlfriend.''</i>


    The ache in her heart was sudden and unexpected, a small pang of sadness that she couldn''t quite exin.


    She found herself looking down, the bags in her hands suddenly feeling heavier. A part of her knew that they were just words, but they still lingered, leaving a subtle sting behind. She tried to shake off the feeling, but it clung to her, a small cloud shadowing her thoughts.


    Noah, noticing her silence, turned to Sarah, his gaze softening. "You okay?" he asked, his voice gentle as if sensing the slight shift in her mood.


    Sarah quickly stered on a smile, not wanting to let on how she felt. "Yeah, I''m fine," she replied, her tone light but not quite convincing.


    Noah studied her for a moment longer, then nodded, letting it go. "Alright, let''s get going then."


    As they walked out of the store, Sarah''s thoughts kept circling back to that moment. She wasn''t sure why it affected her so much, but it did.


    As they drove away from the Bitten Apple Store, Sarah tried to convince herself that it didn''t matter. She was older than Noah, and whatever momentary connection she felt was just a fleeting emotion, something that shouldn''t linger.


    But the ache in her chest refused to disappear, persisting despite her attempts to dismiss it.


    "Can you drop me off at my house?" Sarah asked, her voice soft as they neared her neighbourhood.


    "Sure," Noah replied easily.


    The drive was quiet, the earlier banter reced by a heavy silence. When they finally pulled up in front of her house, Sarah quickly unbuckled her seatbelt, eager to escape the confusing swirl of emotions. "Thanks for tonight, Noah. I''ll see youter," she said, reaching for the door handle.


    But before she could get out, Noah gently caught her arm. "You forgot something," he said, his voice low.


    Sarah turned back to him, confusion flickering in her eyes. Noah held up the bag from the Apple Store, shaking it lightly.


    She hesitated, her earlier sadness resurfacing. "I''m not your girlfriend or rtive, so why would you give me this?" she asked, her voice tinged with the hurt she was trying to hide.


    Noah''s expression softened, and he smiled. "You''re right, you''re not my girlfriend."


    He paused, letting the words hang in the air for a moment. Then, with a grin, he added, "You''re mine. You''re gonna be my wife."


    Sarah''s heart skipped a beat, her pulse quickening as his words sank in. Her cheeks flushed deep red as she tried to process what he''d just said.


    Noah leaned in closer, closing the car door again with a deliberate motion, trapping her in the moment with him.


    "Why do you think I went to the Apple Store?" he continued, his voice taking on a possessive edge. "I could''ve just given you one of the phones Jackson gave me. But you are mine. Only I can give you things. No other man can."


    The protective jealousy in his tone was unmistakable, sending a shiver down Sarah''s spine.


    Her blush deepened, spreading to the tips of her ears as she absorbed his words. "You...you are mine, got it?" Noah''s gaze locked onto hers, intense and unwavering.


    Sarah felt her heart race even faster, her mind swirling with emotions she hadn''t expected. Noah handed her a small piece of paper with his number on it. "Text me when you get home with your new phone," he said, his grin returning with a yful hint.


    Her blush was still very evident, Sarah managed to stammer, "I''m already here...you dropped me off."


    Noah chuckled at her flustered response. "Exactly. So, you''ll text me when you get inside."


    Sarah nodded her head quickly, almost like a scared chicken, still trying to grasp what had just transpired. Noah handed her the bag and then opened the door for her to step out.


    She took the bag, her fingers brushing against his for a brief moment before she got out of the car.


    As she walked to her door, she could feel his eyes on her, the weight of his possessive deration still heavy in her chest and mind.


    Once inside, she closed the door behind her, leaning against it as she tried to steady her racing heart.


    <strong>[Ding! Additional Rewards granted +5 Affection to Sarah]</strong>


    <strong>[Sarah''s Affection has Reached 85/100] </strong>


    Reading the system''s notifications, he couldn''t help but smile.


    Noah then drove a short distance away to the same parking lot to leave his car. After securing it, he ordered an Uber to take him home, his mind already reying the events of the evening with satisfaction.


    He knew he''d left a strong impression on Sarah, and he was more than content with how the night had turned out.

 Chapter 13: Basketball Court

    <h4>Chapter 13: Basketball Court</h4>


    Noah arrived home around 9:20 PM, the darkened sky outside signalling thete hour. It was early January, and the sun had already set around 6 PM, leaving the streets bathed in the dim glow of streetlights.


    As he stepped out of the car and approached his house, he noticed that the windows were dark. It wasn''t unusual¡ªhis parents often went to bed early.


    His dad had a demanding job, and coupled with his health issues, it meant that by 9 PM, both of his parents were typically already asleep.


    Noah quietly unlocked the front door and slipped inside. The house was silent, aforting stillness that he was ustomed to.


    He flicked on a smallmp near the entrance, casting a soft light across the room, careful not to disturb the peacefulness.


    As he moved through the house, he couldn''t shake the thoughts that had been weighing on his mind. The money he''d earned from the system was already significant, and it would only continue to grow.


    But how could he exin it to his parents? He couldn''t juste out and say that he had a system that made him rich. They would think he was lying or, worse, doing something illegal.


    He paused in the hallway, considering his options. The system was something he couldn''t reveal to anyone, not because he didn''t trust his parents, but because the potential consequences were too great.


    A slip-up could lead to questions he couldn''t answer, or worse, put them in danger.


    "I need a n," he muttered to himself, running a hand through his hair. He knew that eventually, he would have toe up with a believable story, something that would satisfy his parents without raising suspicion.


    But for now, he needed to focus on more immediate concerns, like the uing mock exams he''d mentioned to them earlier as an excuse for being outte.


    Noah made his way to his room, the weight of his thoughts heavy on his shoulders. As he closed the door behind him, he resolved to figure out a way to introduce the money slowly, perhaps as earnings from an investment or a small business. Something that wouldn''t raise eyebrows.


    After mulling over his thoughts for a while, Noah decided to shake off the weight of his worries and head to the bathroom.


    The hot water of the shower was soothing, helping to clear his mind, and the familiar routine of brushing his teeth brought a sense of normalcy back to his evening.


    As he finished up, he nced at the clock on the wall and realized it was still only 10 PM. It wasn''t thatte after all.


    Back in his room, Noah sat on the edge of his bed and grabbed the white bag with the bitten apple logo on it. He carefully unboxed his new iPhone, the sleek device gleaming under the soft light of hismp.


    Setting it up didn''t take long, and soon enough, he was holding the brand-new phone in his hand, its high-resolution screen lighting up as he navigated through the setup process.


    With everything in ce, Noah leaned back against his pillows and began scrolling through social media. The endless stream of videos and posts provided a quick hit of dopamine, each swipe giving him a brief distraction from the thoughts that had been circling his mind earlier.


    He knew it wasn''t the healthiest way to wind down, but in that moment, it was what he needed. The bright screen and engaging content helped him detach, offering a temporary escape from reality.


    As the minutes ticked by, Noah found himself getting more and more absorbed in the content, his focus drifting as the videos yed.


    He barely noticed when his eyelids started to grow heavy, the fatigue of the day catching up to him. Eventually, his scrolling slowed, and without realizing it, he drifted off to sleep, the phone slipping from his hand and resting beside him on the bed.


    The soft glow of the phone screen illuminated his peaceful expression as a video continued to y, its sound barely audible in the quiet room.


    The day had been long and full of action, but now, in the stillness of the night, Noah finally found the rest he needed, his mind easing into dreand.


    Next day, Early Morning...


    Noah woke up feeling refreshed and full of energy. The good night''s sleep had done wonders for him, and as he went through his morning routine¡ªbrushing his teeth, washing his face¡ªhe felt ready to take on the day.


    He headed toward the living room, where his family always gathered for breakfast.


    As soon as he entered the room, his little sister Emily spotted him. Her eyes lit up, and she jumped out of her chair, running toward him with all the enthusiasm her small frame could muster. "Big Brother!!" she eximed, wrapping her arms around his waist.


    "Emily!" Noah replied, matching her excitement as he scooped her up in a hug. He lifted her off the ground for a moment before gently setting her back down. "Good morning," he said warmly, looking over at his parents who were already seated at the table.


    "Morning, Noah," his father replied with a nod, while his mother smiled warmly at the sight of her children together.


    Noah gently ced Emily back in her chair, ruffling her hair as he did. He took his seat at the table, but when he saw what was for breakfast¡ªcornkes again¡ªhis resolve to introduce his newfound wealth to his family strengthened. They deserved better.


    He decided to ease into the conversation. "Mom, Dad," he began, "Aiden and I have started a small business on the side. Aiden''s handling most of the upfront costs and some of the technical stuff, and I''m focusing on the skill side of things."


    His mother''s expression shifted to one of concern. "But Noah, you already have work on the weekends. If you add this to your schedule, it might hinder your studies," she said, her worry evident in her voice.


    "Don''t worry, Mom," Noah reassured her. "I quit my other job because we''ve already started making money from this business. It''s more than what I was earning from manualbour." realising that he still hasn''t called his boss to say he quit.


    His mother still looked worried, but his father intervened. "Leave him be, Caroline. He''s a grown man now, and he seems to be doing well for himself. Just make sure you don''t overdo it," his father said, taking a sip of his tea.


    Noah nodded in agreement, grateful for his father''s support. He quickly finished his breakfast alongside Emily, who chattered away about her day ahead.


    After finishing, Noah stood up, ruffling Emily''s hair onest time before heading out. "Bye, Mom, Dad," he called as he left the house.


    As they walked toward Emily''s school, Noah leaned down and whispered, "I got you a gift, Emily."


    "Really?" she gasped, her eyes widening with excitement. "What is it?"


    "It''s a secret," Noah teased, smiling at her eagerness. "I''ll give it to youter at home."


    Emily practically bounced with joy. "I can''t wait!" she squealed, holding his hand tightly as they continued walking.


    After dropping Emily off at school, Noah made his way to his first ss of the day: Physical Education.


    Arriving at the basketball court, Noah noticed that several students had already gathered, their chatter filling the crisp morning air.


    Among them were familiar faces¡ªAiden, who was already waving enthusiastically at him, the icy school flower Lily, standing off to the side with her usual cool demeanour, and Mark, who was ring at him from across the court.


    Mark''s friends were huddled close, whispering something that caused them to snicker, their eyes flickering toward Noah with clear disdain.


    Noah ignored the stares and made his way over to Aiden, who wasted no time inunching into a conversation. "Hey, Noah! Let''s hit up the skewer shop again after school today. I''ve been craving those skewers all night!" Aiden''s eyes lit up at the mere thought of his new favourite spot.


    Noah shook his head with a chuckle. "Chill, man. We can''t be going there every day. I''ve got something to work onter."


    Aiden pouted, putting on an exaggerated look of sadness. "You''re killing me, Noah. Skewers are life!"


    Noahughed, giving him a yful shove. "You''ll survive. Besides, we''ve got basketball today, pray that you are ced in my team otherwise, you are bound to lose."


    Aiden sighed dramatically but quickly shifted gears. "Yeah, about that... Do you think Coach is gonna make us run drills all period, or are we actually gonna y a game? I heard Mark''s been talking big like he''s gonna dominate the court today."


    Noah nced over at Mark, who was still throwing daggers his way with his eyes. "Let him talk," Noah said calmly. "We''ll see what happens on the court."


    As they spoke, the coach blew the whistle, signalling the start of the lesson. The students began to gather in a loose circle around him, anticipation buzzing in the air. Basketball was always a highlight in PE, and today seemed like it was going to be no different


    "Alright, everyone, warm up for the first 10 minutes! I want to see 5ps around the court, followed by 10 push-ups and 20 squats. And don''t forget to mix in some dynamic stretches¡ªprevention is better than cure!" Coach William''s voice rang out as he blew the whistle, signaling the start.


    The students immediately got moving. After just 5 minutes of running, Aiden was already struggling, his breathing in heavy gasps, and his belly jiggling with each step.


    Noah couldn''t resist a jab. "Aiden, you''ve got to work on that stamina. How are you going to fight or flee when it really counts?"


    Aiden shot back, his voice strained, "Shut up, Noah! It''s those skewers from yesterday. They threw me off."


    "Sure, me the skewers," Noah chuckled as he dropped down to start his push-ups.


    The warm-up flew by, and soon Coach William called them back in. "Alright, time''s up! Let''s get into teams."


    To Noah''s surprise, he found himself grouped with Aiden, Lily, and La, while Mark and his friends were lined up on the opposing team.


    Noah quickly brushed off any thoughts of La, focusing instead on the game ahead.


    The shrill st of Coach William''s whistle pierced the morning air, signalling that the game was about tomence. The two teams gathered at the centre of the court. Coach William pulled out a coin from his pocket to decide which team would start with possession.


    "Heads or tails?" Coach asked, looking between Noah and Mark.


    "Tails," Noah replied calmly.


    Coach flipped the coin high into the air, all eyes following its arc as it spun andnded deftly back into his palm. He revealed the result with a slight smirk. "Heads it is. Mark''s team starts."


    Mark''s lips curled into a smug grin as he grabbed the ball, his eyes locking onto Noah''s with a fierce intensity. Stepping closer, he leaned in and hissed, just loud enough for Noah to hear, "I''m going to humiliate you in front of everyone, Noah. Get ready to eat dust."


    As those words hung in the air, a familiar chime resonated in Noah''s mind, and a translucent screen appeared before his eyes, invisible to everyone else.


    <strong>[Ding! Ultimate Choice System Activated!]</strong>


    <strong>Option 1: Lose to Mark.</strong>


    <strong> <i>[Reward: -10 Affection with Lily]</i></strong>


    <strong>Option 2: Win against Mark but don''t humiliate him.</strong>


    <strong><i>[Reward: Basic Basketball Skills]</i></strong>


    <strong>Option 3: Humiliate Mark and destroy him.</strong>


    <strong><i>[Reward: Intermediate Basketball Skills and +5 Affection with Lily]</i></strong>


    Noah''s eyes scanned the options swiftly, his decision clear even before he finished reading. <i>Option 3,</i> he thought decisively.

 Chapter 14: Shocking Performance

    <h4>Chapter 14: Shocking Performance</h4>


    <strong><i>[Intermediate Basketball Skills Are Rewarded!]</i></strong><strong><i></i></strong>


    <strong>[+5 Affection Rewarded After Completion]</strong>


    A sudden surge of energy coursed through Noah''s body. He felt a flood of knowledge and muscle memory embed itself into his mind and limbs¡ªthe perfect shooting form, precise dribbling techniques, strategic ymaking, and an acute awareness of the court''s dynamics.


    It was as if years of intense basketball training had beenpressed and injected into him in a single instant. He felt that he was at the same level as Lebron, Jordan and Akashi.


    Noah rolled his shoulders, feeling the newfound agility and confidence settling into ce. He looked back at Mark, a calm yet intimidating smile forming on his lips. "We''ll see who gets humiliated today," he replied coolly.


    Mark scoffed, dribbling the ball arrogantly as he signalled for his teammates to spread out. The spectators around the court sensed the brewing rivalry and began to pay closer attention, murmurs of anticipation rippling through the crowd.


    The game kicked off with Mark''s team advancing aggressively. Mark attempted a swift drive towards the basket, confident in his ability to overpower Noah.


    But as he lunged forward, Noah matched his speed effortlessly, positioning himself perfectly to block Mark''s path.


    Surprised by Noah''s sudden agility, Mark hesitated for a split second¡ªa moment Noah seized without mercy. With lightning-fast reflexes, Noah swiped at the ball, stealing it cleanly from Mark''s grasp.


    The crowd erupted in surprised cheers as Noah sprinted down the court, dribbling with remarkable control.


    Aiden, eyes wide at his friend''s unexpected skill, rushed forward to support. Noah feinted a pass to Aiden, causing one of the opposing defenders tomit, before crossing over and cutting towards the hoop. With a powerful leap, he executed a wlessyup, the ball swishing through the with satisfying precision.


    "Two points for Noah''s team!" Coach William called out, clearly impressed.


    Lily at the back, looked at Noah with one of her eyebrows raised. Whilst, La was feeling conflicted.


    Mark''s team took possession of the ball. Noah''s earlier disy of skill had rattled Mark, and it was clear he was determined to reim control of the game.


    "Let''s see if you can keep up that luck, Noah," Mark sneered as he dribbled the ball, ring at Noah with barely concealed hostility. "One good y doesn''t make you a star."


    Noah remained calm, his eyes steady on Mark. "Luck? I don''t need luck to handle you."


    Mark''s expression darkened, and with a burst of speed, he drove towards the basket, determined to push through Noah. But Noah was ready. With impable timing, he matched Mark''s pace, his enhanced basketball skills making every move feel effortless.


    As Mark tried to cut to the left, Noah anticipated the move, and with a quick step, he reached in and stole the ball cleanly.


    The crowd erupted in gasps and cheers as Noah sprinted down the court, Mark hot on his heels.


    As they approached the basket, Mark tried to block Noah with a desperate lunge, but Noah pulled off a smooth crossover that left Mark off-bnce.


    Then, in a split second, Noah executed the move that would seal Mark''s fate¡ªhe performed a sharp crossover, a move so quick and precise that Mark''s ankles buckled under the pressure.


    Mark stumbled and, to the shock of everyone watching, he fell to the floor, sprawling awkwardly as he tried to regain his bnce.


    A wave ofughter and gasps rippled through the spectators as Mark hit the ground. Noah paused for a moment, looking down at Mark with a cool, confident smile. The message was clear¡ªNoah had just broken Mark''s ankles, both figuratively and literally in basketball terms.


    Noah raised his left hand, pointing directly at Mark, then slowly shifted his finger towards the hoop that stood half a court away. The spectators fell silent, their eyes glued to Noah as he squared up for the shot.


    With a calm and measured movement, Noah took the shot. The basketball soared through the air in a perfect arc, seeming to hang for a moment as all eyes tracked its path. The entire court held its breath as the ball swished cleanly through the, a perfect shot from half-court.


    The crowd exploded in cheers and chants, the students unable to contain their excitement. They began chanting Noah''s name, their voices filling the gym. Even the most indifferent students couldn''t help but be impressed by the sheer audacity and skill disyed.


    On the sidelines, Lily, who had maintained her usual stoic expression throughout the game, finally showed a flicker of emotion. Her eyes widened in shock, her icy demeanour melting just a bit as she watched Noah with interest that couldn''t be concealed.


    "Just how much more are you hiding...Noah" she muttered with a low voice.


    Mark, still on the ground, looked up at Noah with a mix of disbelief and humiliation. Noah extended a hand as if offering to help him up, but the gesture was more a disy of dominance than kindness.


    Mark pped it away, anger ring in his eyes, but there was nothing he could say. The scoreboard, the chanting students, and the stunned silence of his teammates said it all.


    Noah simply shrugged, clearly unbothered by Mark''s reaction. He simply offered his hand to make everyone think that he is the nice guy, he doesn''t want to be the viin after humiliating Mark. Furthermore, he knew that Mark wouldn''t ept his hand so that would further damage Mark''s reputation of being a sore loser.


    As the game neared its final moments, the scoreboard disyed a crushing lead: 20-0. There were only 30 seconds left, and Mark''s frustration was visible. His teammates could see it too.


    Mark''s grip tightened on the ball, and his jaw clenched as he stared at Noah, who was standing confidently across from him. "I''m not letting you walk away with this," Mark growled under his breath, his eyes burning with determination.


    "You''ve already lost, Mark," Noah replied coolly, his voice steady. "But if you want to embarrass yourself further, be my guest."


    Ignoring the warning, Mark charged forward, desperate to push through Noah and salvage some pride. But before he could make his move, his friends rushed over, grabbing his arms to calm him down.


    "Mark, stop!" one of them urged. "You''re ying right into his hands. He wants you to lose control!"


    "Pass the ball, man!" another friend insisted, his voice pleading. "We can still save face here."


    For a brief moment, Mark hesitated, his anger wavering as he looked at his teammates. With a deep breath, he nodded and reluctantly passed the ball to a teammate.


    But Noah was already two steps ahead. As soon as the ball left Mark''s hands, Noah read the y like an open book. He lunged forward, intercepting the pass with lightning speed. The gym erupted in gasps as Noah stole the ball, and Mark''s face twisted in frustration.


    "Damn it!" Mark cursed under his breath, his face flushed with anger. His teammates quickly scrambled to get back on defence, sprinting towards their hoop.


    Noah nced up, seeing them all clustered under the basket, ready to block any attempt he made. A sly grin spread across his face as he dribbled down the court, his eyes locked on the hoop.


    "You''re not getting past us this time!" Mark shouted as he and his teammates braced themselves, determined to stop Noah at all costs.


    But Noah had something else in mind. He elerated, his movements fluid and unstoppable, and then, as he approached the three-point line, he made his move.


    With a burst of power, Noah leapt into the air, defying gravity with a single, explosive jump.


    The gym fell silent as everyone watched in awe. Noah soared toward the hoop, his body arcing gracefully through the air, and with one arm outstretched, he mmed the ball down with such force that it rattled the entire backboard.


    Mark and his friends tried to meet Noah in mid-air, jumping to block the dunk, but it was futile. The sheer power of Noah''s leap sent them crashing to the floor, sprawled out beneath him as he hung from the rim with one hand, a triumphant smirk on his face.


    The ball dropped through the with a resounding swish, and the gym erupted in chaos. Cheers, shouts, and chants filled the air as the spectators went wild, the excitement reaching a fever pitch. Noah''s teammates rushed toward him, their faces lit up with disbelief and admiration.


    Even Lily, couldn''t hide her astonishment. Her eyes widened, and a genuine expression of shock crossed her face as she watched Noah, who was still hanging from the rim, basking in the moment.


    Mark and his friends struggled to their feet, their faces a mix of humiliation and disbelief. They looked up at Noah, who finally released the rim andnded lightly on his feet, his eyes meeting Mark''s with a confident, almost pitying smile.


    "Game over," Noah said quietly, the finality of his words hanging in the air as the scoreboard shed 22-0.


    The coach blew the final whistle, signalling the end of the game. The gym buzzed with energy, and the students couldn''t stop talking about Noah''s performance.


    As his teammates crowded around him, celebrating, Noah''s gaze remained fixed on Mark, whose expression was a mix of defeat, embarrassment and simmering hatred.


    <strong>[Ding! +5 Affection From Lily Rewarded!]</strong>


    <strong>[Lily''s Affection: 60/100]</strong>


    In the background between other students, La was standing dazed.


    "How..." La thought.


    She thought she knew Noah very well, but it seemed like they were really strangers like he said.

 Chapter 15: Mock Exam Is Next Week

    <h4>Chapter 15: Mock Exam Is Next Week</h4>


    After the basketball game, the students headed to the locker room to shower and change before their next ss.


    The gym was still buzzing with chatter about Noah''s incredible performance, but he kept a low profile, focusing on getting ready for the day ahead.


    After a quick shower, he dressed and joined Aiden, who was still catching his breath from the game, in heading to their next ss.


    The transition from the energetic atmosphere of the gym to the focused environment of the science ssroom was stark. The students settled into their seats, and Mr. Harris, their science teacher, began the lesson on chemical reactions.


    "Today, we''re diving into exothermic and endothermic reactions," Mr. Harris announced, writing the terms on the board. "Can anyone tell me the difference between the two?"


    A few hands shot up, and Mr. Harris pointed to a student in the front. "Exothermic reactions release heat, like when you burn wood. Endothermic reactions absorb heat, like when you mix baking soda and vinegar."


    "Exactly," Mr. Harris nodded. "Exothermic reactions result in an increase in temperature, while endothermic reactions cause a decrease. Now, let''s take a look at some examples in your textbooks."


    As the ss flipped through their pages, Noah''s mind wandered slightly, the adrenaline from the basketball game still coursing through him.


    "Bing an NBA yer could be a way to show money to my family," Noah mused, tapping his pen lightly against his textbook. The idea had a certain appeal¡ªmour, fame, and, most importantly, money. But almost as quickly as the thought came, he found himself reconsidering.


    "But it''s too high profile," he thought, frowning slightly. "I''d have to sign a contract for a long period. Plus, the spotlight would make it hard to keep things quiet.


    The thought lingered in his mind as Mr. Harris continued the lesson, the words bing a distant hum.


    The idea of bing an NBA yer was enticing, but theplications that came with it were too great. He needed something more discreet.


    After science, they moved on to math ss. Ms. ra, their math teacher, was already at the board, writing out a quadratic equation.


    "Alright, everyone," Ms. ra began, "today we''re going to tackle solving calculus problems."


    Ms. ra smiled. "Today, I want you to focus on calculus. It''s important to befortable with different methods as you''ll need them in your mock exams next week."


    She spent the next part of the lesson guiding them through several problems, making sure everyone understood the process. The ss diligently worked through the equations, the room filled with the quiet sound of pencils scratching on paper.


    As the ss neared its end, Ms. ra looked up from her desk. "Alright, everyone, I want to remind you that next week is your mock exam. You have the weekend to prepare, so make sure you revise thoroughly ande back ready to ace it."


    The mention of the mock exams brought a wave of quiet murmurs across the room. Some students looked anxious, others determined. Noah, however, was calm, knowing he''d find a way to get through it.


    As he packed up his things, he noticed Lily ncing in his direction.


    Lily, usually reserved and quiet, hesitated for a moment before finally speaking up. "Noah," she said softly, catching his attention for the first time this year.


    He turned to her, slightly surprised. "Yeah?"


    "Are you going to study for the exam?" she asked, her tone neutral but with a hint of curiosity.


    "Maybe," Noah replied with a casual shrug. "Are you?"


    "Yeah," she responded, her gaze steady.


    Sensing an opportunity, Noah decided to take a shot. "Do you want to study together this weekend?"


    Lily didn''t respond right away. She seemed to be thinking it over, her expression unreadable as she sat silently for about 15 to 20 seconds. T


    he silence stretched, and Noah started to feel a bit uneasy, thinking he might have overstepped. Just as he was about to turn away to avoid the awkwardness, Lily finally spoke.


    "Okay," she said simply.


    Noah blinked, a little taken aback by her agreement. He hadn''t been sure what to expect, but hearing her say yes filled him with a sense of surprise and excitement. He smiled slightly, nodding. "Great. Let''s figure out the detailster."


    After giving him her number, Lily gave a small nod before gathering her things, leaving Noah with a lingering sense of anticipation for the weekend.


    On the other side of the ssroom, La discreetly nced at Noah and Lily conversing, her eyes narrowing slightly.


    She watched as Lily nodded to something. The way Noah was smiling at Lily¡ªstirred something within her.


    La shifted in her seat, pretending to focus on her notebook, but her thoughts were elsewhere.


    She couldn''t help but feel a pang of something she couldn''t quite name¡ªjealousy? Regret? Whatever it was, it gnawed at her.


    The bell rang, jolting her from her thoughts. As everyone began packing up, La stole onest look at Noah, who was now gathering his things, a hint of excitement in his expression.


    She knew she had no right to feel anything, not after everything that had happened between them, but that didn''t stop the feelings from bubbling up.


    With a sigh, La pushed the thoughts aside, grabbed her bag, and left the ssroom, the smile on Noah''s face lingering in her mind.


    As the final bell rang, signalling the end of the school day, Noah gathered his things and made his way to the entrance of the school.


    The halls buzzed with the usual post-ss chatter, students eager to leave for the weekend. On his way out, he spotted Aiden waiting for him near the lockers.


    "Hey, man," Aiden greeted, falling into step beside Noah as they headed toward the main entrance.


    "Hello," replied Noah.


    As they walked, Aiden turned to Noah. "So, about the science mock next week... I could really use some help. You''re pretty good at this stuff. Could you help me study?"


    "Sure," Noah said without hesitation. "We can go over the material together."


    Aiden''s face lit up. "Awesome! How about this Saturday, then?"


    Noah shook his head. "Can''t do Saturday, I''ve already got ns to study with someone else. How about Sunday instead?"


    Aiden raised an eyebrow, curious. "Who are you studying with?"


    Noah''s smile widened slightly, but he kept it casual. "Just a ssmate."


    Aiden didn''t press further, nodding in agreement. "Sunday works for me. Thanks, man."


    "No problem," Noah replied as they reached the school''s entrance.


    They exchanged goodbyes and headed off in their separate directions.

 Chapter 16: A Gift

    <h4>Chapter 16: A Gift</h4>


    After parting ways with Aiden, Noah made his way to the nearby elementary school where his little sister, Emily, was waiting for him.


    The walk was short, only about two minutes. As he approached the school, memories of always picking up Emily flooded back, though yesterday was different since his mom had covered for him while he "studied" with Aiden.


    Entering the elementary school, Noah navigated the familiar hallways to Emily''s ssroom. The school had a strict policy to keep the younger children in ss until their parents or guardians arrived, ensuring their safety.


    When he reached the ssroom door, he peeked inside and immediately spotted Emily sitting at her desk, her small face lighting up as she noticed him.


    Without a second thought, she jumped up from her chair and bolted towards him, her excitement palpable.


    "Big brother!" she eximed, throwing her arms around his waist.


    "Emily! I miss you." Noah responded with equal enthusiasm, lifting her for a quick hug before setting her back down after a while.


    Emily''s teacher, a young woman with kind eyes, approached them with a warm smile. "Hi, Noah. It''s always a pleasure to see you. I just wanted to let you know that Emily is doing exceptionally well in school. She''s always so attentive and eager to learn."


    Noah smiled back, pride swelling in his chest. "That''s great to hear. Thanks for letting me know."


    As they prepared to leave, the teacher couldn''t help but watch Noah a bit longer. As he walked away with Emily''s hand in his, she sighed softly to herself.


    <i>He''s too young, but if only...</i> she thought, her mind wandering to his striking features and how they seemed to have be even more defined recently. His eyes, in particr, left asting impression.


    <i> He''s only going to get more handsome as he gets older...</i> she mused, shaking her head slightly as she returned to her duties, pushing the thoughts aside.


    Outside, Noah and Emily walked hand in hand, chatting about her day and excitement about the gift, as they made their way home.


    As they approached the house, theforting smell of home-cooked food wafted through the air. They opened the door to find their mother in the kitchen, busy preparing dinner.


    "Wash up, you two. Dinner will be ready in about ten minutes," their mother called out without turning from the stove.


    "Okay, Mom!" they both replied in unison.


    Noah headed to the bathroom first, sshing his face with cold water and washing his hands. As he dried his hands, Emily came in, following the same routine with her usual efficiency.


    Once they were both freshened up, Noah took Emily''s hand and led her to his room. "I''ve got something for you," he said with a grin.


    Emily''s eyes sparkled as they entered his room. Noah reached into his bag and pulled out a sleek white bag with the Bitten Apple logo on it.


    As he opened it, Emily gasped¡ªinside were the Apple AirPods Max, a luxurious gift that was clearly expensive.


    "Wow, Noah... this is...," Emily stuttered, her eyes wide with amazement. She knew exactly how valuable the gift was.


    Noah crouched down to her level, cing a hand on her shoulder. "Listen, Emily. When Mom and Dad see these, just tell them that we got them for super cheap, like 3 dors, because it''s a fake model. Okay?"


    Emily nodded slowly, but she looked troubled. "But Noah, this is too expensive. We''re not rich... shouldn''t we use this money for something more important?"


    Noah smiled at her concern, proud of her maturity. He then pulled out arger Bitten Apple bag, revealing his new iPhone, another pair of AirPods Max, and the 16-inch M3 MacBook Pro Max. Emily''s eyes nearly popped out of her head in shock.


    "Remember this morning when I told you, Mom, and Dad that Aiden and I started a business? Well, it''s doing really well. We''re going to be rich soon, okay? So if you want anything, just ask me. I''ll start giving you pocket money from next week too, but make sure to keep it hidden from Mom. Got it?"


    Emily nodded again, her expression a mix of excitement and disbelief. "Okay, Noah... but promise you''ll be careful."


    "I promise," Noah replied, ruffling her hair. "We''re in this together, alright?"


    She hugged him tightly, feeling reassured by his words. Noah felt a surge of protectiveness for his little sister, vowing to take care of her no matter what.


    The sound of their mother calling for dinner broke the moment, and they both headed to the dining room, Emily still holding onto the box with her precious new gift, a secret smile ying on her lips.


    After dinner, Noah spent some time chatting with his family, enjoying the warm and rxed atmosphere. Once the conversation started winding down, he excused himself and headed to his room. The day had been long, but it was the kind of day that left him feeling fulfilled.


    Noah took a quick shower, letting the hot water wash away the remnants of the day''s activities. After drying off, he changed into hisfortable pyjamas and sat down on his bed, feeling the familiar softness beneath him.


    He picked up his phone and noticed a notification¡ªSarah had replied to his text. He hadn''t realized she had responded after he''d already fallen asleep the night before.


    A slight pang of guilt hit him, but he quickly shook some of it off, knowing she''d understand.


    Opening the chat, he read her message, which was something light and casual, almost as if she was testing the waters of their new dynamic. Smiling to himself, he quickly typed a response.


    <strong>Noah:</strong> <i>Hey, sorry I didn''t replyst night. I knocked out early.</i>


    <strong>Sarah:</strong> <i>No worries, I figured as much. How was your day?</i>


    <strong>Noah:</strong> <i>Pretty eventful, actually. Basketball game, sses, the usual. How about you?</i>


    <strong>Sarah:</strong> <i>Not as exciting as yours, that''s for sure. Just some errands and work stuff.</i>


    The conversation flowed naturally from there, both of them sharing small details about their day. Noah could sense a slight hesitation in Sarah''s replies, as if she was still unsure about how to navigate this new connection they were forming.


    But he made sure to keep the tone light and yful, gradually easing any tension.


    <strong>Noah:</strong> <i>So, any ns for the weekend?</i>


    <strong>Sarah:</strong> <i>Not really, maybe just catching up on some reading. You?</i>


    <strong>Noah:</strong> <i>Got some studying to do... but I was thinking we could hang out a bitter tomorrow if you''re free?</i>


    There was a brief pause before Sarah''s next reply, and Noah could almost picture her thinking it over.


    <strong>Sarah:</strong> <i>Yeah, that sounds good. What did you have in mind?</i>


    <strong>Noah:</strong> <i>I''ll think of something. Maybe grab dinner, and then we''ll see where the day takes us?</i>


    <strong>Sarah:</strong> <i>Alright, it''s a date then.</i><i></i>


    The word "date" hung in the air for a moment, making Noah''s heart skip a beat. He grinned at the screen.


    <strong>Noah:</strong> <i>Looking forward to it. Goodnight, Sarah.</i>


    <strong>Sarah:</strong> <i>Goodnight, Noah.</i>


    With a content smile, Noah set his phone down on the bedside table, he felt a warmth in his chest as he drifted to sleep.

 Chapter 17: Invitation To Breakfast

    <h4>Chapter 17: Invitation To Breakfast</h4>


    The next morning, Noah woke up early, around 8 AM. The sunlight was just starting to filter through his curtains, casting a warm glow across his room.


    As he rubbed the sleep from his eyes, he noticed his phone blinking with notifications. There were two new messages, but he decided to leave them for now.


    He got out of bed and stretched his arms.


    "aaahnn." Noah yawned as he headed to the bathroom.


    He had showered the night before, so there was no need to shower this morning too but he still needed to freshen up.


    He brushed his teeth, sshed some cold water on his face, and ran his fingers through his hair, feeling more awake and ready to start the day.


    Back in his room, he finally checked his phone. The first message was from Sarah, sent at 7 AM, wishing him a good morning.


    The other was from Lily, sent at 10:00 PM the night before, asking him when they would study together.


    He decided to reply to Sarah first. With a small smile, he responded to the greeting and asked how she was doing.


    Satisfied with his reply, he opened Lily''s message.


    He knew he''d have to bnce his time carefully today because he had to meet with Lily and Sarah.


    He quickly typed a response to Lily:


    <i>"11:00 AM at Digbeth Library? It''s the best library around."</i>


    After sending the message, Noah noticed he had a few missed calls. Checking the caller ID, he saw it was from his old boss¡ªthe man who had exploited his desperation for work.


    The minimum wage was $9, but this guy had been paying him a measly $4 an hour for back-breaking manualbor, with only a 10-minute break during an 8-hour shift. Noah hadbeled him appropriately in his phone as "Bast**d."


    Deciding to deal with it, Noah called him back. The phone rang only a few seconds before his boss picked up, immediatelyunching into a tirade of insults.


    "Where the hell are you, Noah? You think you can just skip out on work? Get yourzy ass over here, or you''re fired!"


    Noah could practically see the guy''s face turning red through the phone. It was already 8:30 AM, and Noah was supposed to start work at 7:00 AM.


    Before he could respond, a mechanical voice appeared in his mind.


    <strong>[Ding! The Ultimate Choice System Activated]</strong>


    <strong>Option 1: Go to work.</strong>


    <strong><i>[Reward: $35 and the title "ve."]</i></strong>


    <strong>Option 2: Tell him you quit with a soft voice.</strong>


    <strong><i>[Reward: $10,000 and ownership of a small grocery shop.]</i></strong>


    <strong>Option 3: Tell him to shove the $4 up his a** and hang up.</strong>


    <strong><i>[Reward: 100% shares of the mid-sizedpany Walls4Us and Beginner Talent Finder Skill.]</i></strong>


    Noah''s eyes widened at the third option. The choice seemed obvious, but he couldn''t help but savour the moment.


    Thepany Walls4Us was actually thepany he was working for or more rightly, ving for. His previous boss Charles was a site manager in one of the sites that the Walls4Us took over.


    Thepany Walls4Us was actually where Noah had been working¡ªor more urately, ving away. His boss, Charles, was the site manager at one of the construction sites thepany had taken over.


    Without hesitation, Noah chose Option 3.


    "Option 3!" he dered.


    Charles''s voice crackled through the phone, filled with annoyance and arrogance. "HUH? What nonsense are you spewing, Noah? If you''re not on-site in the next 30 minutes, I''ll cut your wage to $3 an hour, you hear me?"


    Noah couldn''t help but smirk as he listened to Charles''s threats. Knowing what he was about to do, a wave of satisfaction washed over him.


    With a confident tone, he responded, "You know what, Charles? You can take that $4 an hour and shove it up your ass. I quit."


    There was a stunned silence on the other end of the line, and before Charles could recover, Noah hung up. The system chimed in, confirming his choice:


    <strong>[Ding! You''ve acquired 100% shares of Walls4Us, a mid-sized constructionpany.]</strong>


    <strong>[Ding! You have acquired the skill, Talent Finder]</strong>


    Arge amount of information was being transferred to his brain, but he couldn''t believe how overpowered the skill was.


    Noah chuckled to himself, shaking his head. "Honestly, with these rewards, I''m half tempted to call him back just to see if I can win a free mansion by telling him where to stick his shovel."


    Noah''s smirk grew into a full grin as he stared at his phone. The irony wasn''t lost on him¡ªhe had just told off his previous boss, and in doing so, he now owned the verypany Charles worked for.


    "Looks like I''m your boss now, Charles," Noah muttered to himself, shaking his head in disbelief at how things had turned out.


    "Let''s see where this day takes me," Noah muttered with a smirk, heading out of his room towards the kitchen.


    Noah strolled into the quiet kitchen, greeted by the sight of an almost bare fridge. Only milk, three eggs, and a few random leftovers stared back at him.


    "Well, that''s not exactly breakfast material," he muttered to himself, closing the fridge door.


    Deciding to treat himself to something better, he headed back to his room to change. Throwing on a casual outfit¡ªdark jeans, a clean white t-shirt, and a light jacket¡ªhe felt refreshed and ready for the day ahead.


    "Time to grab something good to eat," Noah thought heading out the door.


    Noah then calls Sarah to see if she would like to have breakfast with him.


    "Ring-ring"


    "Hello, how you doing?" Asks Noah.


    "I''m good, how are you?" Replies Sarah.


    "Im doing fine talking to you, i wanted to ask if you would like to have breakfast with me outside?" He said, grinning at the thought of their rtionship getting closer.


    "Why don''t youe over? I...I can make us breakfast," she stuttered slightly, clearly not used to inviting a man over like this.


    Noah grinned as Sarah''s hesitant offer came through the phone. He could almost picture her nervously fidgeting on the other end.


    Smiling, Noah didn''t hesitate. "That sounds perfect. I''d love to eat your cooking."


    "I''ll be there soon," he said, excitement growing in his chest.


    "Alright, see you!" she replied.


    "See you!"


    "Beep"


    Looking at his phone, Noah smiled lightly.


    "Cute."


    Slipping his phone into his pocket, he headed towards Sarah''s house for breakfast.


    Meanwhile, Sarah was in full panic mode, her face flushed red with embarrassment. It felt like steam was practicallying out of her head.


    "Where did I even get the courage to do that?" she muttered to herself, pacing back and forth in her kitchen.


    "I''ve never invited a man over before!" she groaned, lightly pping both of her cheeks to calm down.


    Realizing time was ticking, she took a deep breath. "I need to start cooking before he gets here," she said, quickly tying up her hair and rushing to the kitchen to prepare something special.

 Chapter 18: Fired!

    <h4>Chapter 18: Fired!</h4>


    Fifteen minutester, Noah arrived at Sarah''s ce, having deliberately slowed his pace to give her more time to prepare. He knew she would be more nervous if he showed up too early.


    Standing outside her door, he rang the bell.


    Inside, Sarah let out a relieved sigh as she ced thest dish on the dining table. "Phew, I barely made it," she whispered to herself, wiping her hands on her apron. She hurried to the door, peeked through the peephole, and saw it was Noah.


    After a moment topose herself, she opened the door.


    Noah''s eyes nced over her, taking in the apron that suited her so well. He smiled warmly, "Good morning again," he said, his tone light.


    "Good morning," she replied softly, still a bit nervous.


    "May Ie in?" Noah asked with a teasing grin.


    Sarah nodded, stepping aside to let him in. As he entered, the aroma of the freshly prepared breakfast immediately hit him, causing his stomach to rumble. "Something smells amazing," hemented, making her blush lightly.


    She led him to the table, where an array of beautifully ted dishes awaited. As Noah sat down, he nced at the spread with a teasing smile. "So, what do we have here, Chef Sarah?"


    Trying to hide her shyness, she pointed at each dish. "Greek yogurt parfait for dessert, a savoury protein oatmeal bowl, avocado toast... and I made two jugs of juice¡ªapple and orange."


    Noah couldn''t help but be impressed. "Wow, thank you, Sarah. This all looks incredible," he said sincerely, which made her blush even deeper.


    They began eating, and after every bite, Noah made sure topliment her cooking. "This oatmeal is delicious. You should open a restaurant!" he said, making her smile shyly.


    Then, as they continued, Noah took a spoonful of parfait and, with a yful smile, held it out to Sarah.


    She looked startled for a second, her face turning a brighter shade of red, but after a moment of hesitation, she leaned forward and took the bite.


    Her embarrassment was obvious, but she couldn''t hide the smile on her face.


    After finishing the meal, Noah leaned back with a satisfied grin. "From now on, I''m only eating breakfast at your ce," he teased, watching as Sarah''s cheeks flushed a deep shade of red.


    "S-sure," she stammered, avoiding eye contact, e... whenever you want."


    "Really?" Noah asked with a yful smirk.


    She nodded shyly, her eyes still fixed on the table.


    "Great!" Noah responded happily, "I''lle on the weekends then!"


    Without skipping a beat, Noah stood up and began packing up the dishes, carrying them to the kitchen. Sarah quickly tried to stop him. "No, no, you don''t have to¡ª"


    But Noah waved her off, insisting on helping.


    "Toote!" he called over his shoulder, carrying more tes. Sarah, though initially trying to stop him, couldn''t help the light smile that spread across her face as she watched him help her.


    In the kitchen, Sarah washed the dishes while Noah helped by cing them on the tray where they were stored.


    The domesticity of the moment felt surprisinglyfortable for both of them and before long, everything was clean and back in its ce.


    Afterwards, they made their way to the living room, where Noah rxed on the couch. ncing around, he noticed something. "Hey, where''s La? She didn''te out to eat?"


    Sarah''s expression turned a bit somber as she sat down. "La''s been acting strange for the past few days. She mostly stays in her room, and she onlyes out for lunch."


    Noah nodded, a slight frown forming on his face. He had a pretty good idea of why La was acting that way but didn''t press further. Instead, he shifted the conversation. "So, what are you working on these days?"


    Sarah brightened up a bit. "I own a smallpany that manages buildings," she said, a bit of pride in her voice.


    Noah raised an eyebrow, impressed. "That''s awesome! How is it going?"


    As Sarah shared her story, her face reflected a tinge of sadness. "We were doing really well for the first six months," she began, her voice soft yet heavy with frustration, "that''s when I started thepany.


    But recently, the constructionpany we contracted to manage buildings for us has be a problem."


    Noah, sitting attentively, noticed the growing tension in her voice. "What happened?"


    Sarah sighed. "The area manager I contracted with... he''s a scumbag. He gave us an outrageous offer, one that the building owners obviously couldn''t ept. But despite that, he keeps contacting me, hinting at doing... ''favours'' so he can lower the price."


    A deep frown formed on Noah''s face as he leaned forward, sensing what she was implying. "You mean..."


    She nodded, confirming his suspicions. "Yeah. I ignored him as soon as I realized what he wanted, and I cancelled all our contracts with him. But that decision cost us $20,000, and we lost themissions from other sites. Now, mypany is on the brink of bankruptcy."


    Noah''s expression darkened. "Whichpany is this?" he asked, his tone firmer.


    "Walls4Us," Sarah replied, her voice trembling slightly.


    The moment he heard that Noah''s frown slowly transformed into a small, cold smile. He couldn''t believe the irony. "What''s the name of the guy you''re talking about?" he asked, though he already had a good idea.


    "Charles," she muttered.


    Noah''s smile froze, his expression turning icy.


    In his mind, he repeated the name, "<i>Charles... you really want me to speed up your death, huh?"</i>


    Forcing a more rxed smile, Noah reassured her. "Don''t worry about it, Sarah. I''m sure everything will turn out fine."


    Sarah, still uncertain butforted by his words, nodded. "I hope so too," she whispered, trying to believe in his confidence.


    After chatting with Sarah for a while, Noah nced at his watch and realized it was almost time for his study session with Lily. He stood up, offering Sarah a smile.


    "I should get going. I''ve got a study sessioning up."


    Sarah smiled back, wishing him well. "Good luck! I''m sure you''ll ace it."


    Noah nodded and left. As soon as he stepped out the door, his expression changed. He pulled out his phone and decided to make a call.


    Meanwhile, inside the Walls4Us headquarters in Birmingham, the atmosphere was tense. The CEO, John, was holding a meeting with his directors. The topic on everyone''s mind was thepany''s recent acquisition by a mysterious new owner.


    "I want everyone here to check on their subordinates," John said firmly, ncing around the room. "I don''t want any screw-ups. We still haven''t heard directly from the new chairman, and I''d prefer we stay out of trouble until we do. So get your house in order."


    Just as he finished speaking, John''s phone vibrated in his pocket. Normally, he would ignore it during a meeting, but something told him he should check this one. ncing at the screen, his heart skipped a beat. It was a number he recognized¡ªthe new owner''s number.


    His hand shook slightly as he answered, stuttering. "H-Hello, this is John."


    On the other side, Noah''s voice was cold and direct. "Is this John?"


    "Yes, sir!" John replied, sitting up straighter in his chair.


    Noah wasted no time. "You''re not doing a very good job as a CEO, are you?"


    John felt his spine shiver. He swallowed hard and asked, "What''s wrong, sir?"


    Noah proceeded to exin the situation regarding Charles and the extortion attempts Sarah had faced. As the details unfolded, John''s face flushed red with anger. His eyes darted toward Smith, Charles'' uncle, who sat quietly at the table. By the time Noah was done, John''s hands were clenched into fists.


    "I will handle this immediately, sir," John said, trying to keep hisposure. As soon as the call ended, he stood up, fury etched on his face. He turned toward Smith.


    "Your nephew," John growled, "has been screwing around with our contracts and threatening a business partner."


    Smith''s eyes widened in shock. "W-What? No, this must be some misunderstanding¡ª"


    John mmed his hand on the table. "Shut it! I''m not losing my job because of you or your nephew. Both of you are done!"


    Smith''s face paled as the realization sank in. "No, please... it''s over for me..." he whispered, sinking to his knees.


    The other directors, who had been watching the exchange in stunned silence, quickly agreed with John''s decision to fire both Smith and Charles.


    Thew director was tasked with reviewing all financial records and ensuring that any illegal activity or embezzlement was uncovered.


    John gave the order, and the room quickly erupted into action, but the damage had already been done for Smith and Charles.


    Their downfall was swift and immediate.


    Smith stormed out of the Walls4Us building, tears of frustration and fear welling up in his eyes. The humiliation of being fired,bined with the weight of his own misdeeds, had him shaking.


    As he reached the parking lot, he fumbled for his phone and immediately called his nephew, Charles.


    When Charles picked up, Smith wasted no time, his voice a furious growl. "You bastard! You got us both fired! Do you have any idea what you''ve done?!"


    Charles froze. "W-What? Fired? What are you talking about?"


    Smith''s words came out in a rage-filled torrent. "That stunt you pulled with the contracts¡ªmessing around with that woman''s business¡ªcaught up with us! The new chairman called, and the CEO found out everything. You and I, we''re finished! I told you not to push it too far, didn''t I? Now look what''s happened!"


    Charles, now trembling, replied, "You''re lying. There''s no way! If they go through the records, we''re done for... We''re going to jail!"


    Smith''s breath was ragged as he tried to calm himself down. "I know, I know. But don''t panic just yet. Thew director, remember? He''s been involved with us. If he goes down, he knows we''ll take him down too. He won''t risk exposing us."


    There was a moment of silence on Charles'' end before a sigh of relief escaped him.


    "Thank God. I thought we were doomed. As long as thew director''s on our side, we''re safe."


    Smith wasn''tpletely sure, but he kept his tone firm. "Justy low for now. Don''t draw any more attention to yourself. This mess has already cost us our jobs, but at least we''re not going to prison."


    Charles, though rattled, felt a sense of relief wash over him. "Yeah, yeah. I''ll stay quiet. Thanks, Uncle."


    But as Smith ended the call, a nagging feeling gnawed at him. While he clung to the hope that thew director wouldn''t turn on them, deep down he knew that when things started falling apart, people like him and Charles rarely came out unscathed.


    Noah, having made the call, smiled faintly to himself as he walked down the street, heading toward his study session with Lily. The pieces were falling into ce.

 Chapter 19: Study Session

    <h4>Chapter 19: Study Session</h4>


    Arriving at the entrance of Digbeth Library, Noah spotted Lily standing gracefully by the entrance, her presence almost ethereal.


    She was wearing a simple yet elegant light blue dress that flowed just below her knees, perfectlyplementing her icy beauty.


    It wasn''t shy, yet it had an air of quiet sophistication, much like Sarah¡ªreserved, distant, and effortlessly graceful.


    The soft pastel colour added a touch of warmth to her otherwise cold demeanour, creating a stark contrast that only added to her allure.


    Her long blue hair cascaded gently over her shoulders, and her pale skin seemed to glow against the blue fabric.


    Her face was expressionless, with sharp features and eyes that conveyed a message without words¡ªdon''t mess with me.


    Around her, people nced but dared not approach, intimidated by her beauty and the chill in her aura.


    The whispers around her were clear: she was untouchable, a mysterious figure fleeting past, and many had tried and failed to get close.


    Noah approached her confidently, ignoring the murmurs of the onlookers. He could hear them whispering behind his back, "Look, he''s gonna get rejected like the others."


    He smirked at their words but didn''t let it faze him as he closed the distance between them. "Am Ite?" he asked casually, his voice breaking the silence between them.


    Lily turned her head slightly, her expression unreadable as she replied, "No."


    "Then shall we go?" Noah responded with a grin, his tone light.


    Lily gave a small nod, not saying much, but that was enough for him. As they headed inside, Noah noticed the stares lingering on them, especially from the crowd that had watched them from afar.


    He already had a library card, having been to Digbeth a few times in the past, though he''d stopped going regrly.


    They found a quiet corner of the library, tucked away from the crowd. The table was spacious, giving them plenty of room to spread out their notes and textbooks. As they sat down, Noah leaned backfortably, ncing at Lily. "So, what topic are you nning to study?"


    She looked at him for a brief second before replying, "Maths."


    Without wasting any time, they both opened their books and began working through some mock exam questions.


    Noah moved through the questions with ease, his pen flying over the paper as he quickly solved each one. Beside him, Lily was working just as fast, her focus unwavering until she suddenly paused, her expression tightening as she came across a difficult problem.


    Noticing her troubled look, Noah leaned in, his eyes scanning the page in front of her. "Need help with that?" he asked casually.


    Startled by how close he was, Lily instinctively leaned back, her cheeks lightly flushed as she nced at him.


    There was an awkward pause as Noah waited, not pushing her, but curious. After a moment, she nodded, still looking a bit flustered.


    Noah slid closer, their shoulders nearly brushing. His calm presence seemed to ease some of her tension as he pointed at the question. "Alright, see here," he began, exining the problem step by step, his voice patient and smooth.


    Lily''s eyes followed his pen as he broke down the steps, her focus shifting from the problem to him. He exined everything so clearly, and as he continued, she found herself understanding the problem.


    But the closer he sat, the more self-conscious she became, a light blush lingering on her pale cheeks.


    As Noah finished exining, he leaned back with a grin. "Got it now?"


    Lily gave a small nod, her voice quiet, "Yes, thanks." But even as she returned to the problem, she couldn''t shake the warmth of his presence beside her.


    Two hours into their study session, Noah noticed Lily''s concentration waver. The quiet library was punctuated by a soft, yet unmistakable, grumble from her stomach. Lily''s cheeks flushed a delicate pink before she quickly regained herposure, her usual icy demeanour returning.


    Not wanting to make a big deal out of it, Noah cleared his throat and asked, "Hey, do you want to grab some lunch? I heard that."


    Lily nced down at her stomach, her eyes momentarily softening before she nodded in agreement. "Sure."


    They made their way to a nearby brunch spot known for its cozy atmosphere and solid reputation. The restaurant struck a bnce between casual and upscale, offering a rxed yet refined dining experience.


    Once seated, they looked over the menu. Lily decided on a sirloin steak with a side of roasted vegetables, while Noah opted for a hearty chicken Caesar sd and a side of garlic mashed potatoes.


    After finishing their meal, Noah subtly motioned to the waiter for the check. When it arrived, the total was $150. Lily instinctively reached for her purse, but Noah quickly stopped her with a calm yet firm hand.


    "I''ve got this," he said, shing a confident smile. The waiter nodded at Noah, handing him the check as Lily reluctantly withdrew her hand.


    "Sir this is $200, the check is only $150." said the waiter politely, as he checked the the amount.


    "I know, I tipped you $50." said Noah, with a smile on his face appreciating the honesty of the waiter.


    "Thank you Sir!" Said the waiter, with a grateful tone.


    After paying, Noah nced at her and asked, "Do you want me to drop you off at home?"


    Lily shook her head, her cool expression intact. "Someone''s already here to pick me up."


    Raising an eyebrow, Noah was curious about who it could be. As they exited the restaurant, his eyes were immediately drawn to a sleek 2024 Rolls-Royce Phantom parked outside. The car was a masterpiece of luxury, gleaming under the sunlight. It had a polished, obsidian-ck exterior with chrome ents that reflected everything around it. The iconic Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament stood proudly, symbolizing prestige and opulence. Its wheels were encased in glossy alloy rims, and the interior, through the slightly tinted windows, revealed plush, cream-colored leather seats with wooden finishes. The car practically screamed wealth, and Noah couldn''t help but wonder just how much it was worth.


    "At least half a million," he thought to himself, slightly amused.


    Standing by the car was an elderly man dressed in a full ck suit, impably tailored, who seemed to radiate professionalism. As soon as he saw Lily, he gave a small bow and opened the rear door for her.


    "Are you ready, mydy?" the butler asked in a respectful tone.


    Lily nced at him, then turned back to Noah, hesitating for a brief moment. "Thank you... for the help today," she said, her voice softer than usual.


    Noah smiled warmly. "You''re wee. Just text me if you need help with anything."


    She looked at him for a second longer, her icy exterior softening for a fleeting moment, before turning to leave. The butler held the door open as she gracefully entered the luxurious car. With onest nce back at Noah, the door shut, and the Rolls-Royce Phantom smoothly pulled away from the curb.


    Noah watched as the car disappeared down the street, a small smile forming on his lips. He muttered under his breath, "So cold."

 Chapter 20: [GRADE: A] TALENT??

    <h4>Chapter 20: [GRADE: A] TALENT??</h4>


    After checking the time, Noah realized it was only 2:30 PM. With plenty of time left before his dinner with Sarah, he decided to run some errands for his family.


    They hadn''t bought meat in a very long time, and it would be easy to exin it away by saying he''d found a good deal or made a little extra cash. It felt like a good gesture to surprise them with something nice.


    He made his way to a well-known butcher shop nearby, the smell of fresh meat filling the air as soon as he walked in. The butcher, a broad-shouldered man with a friendly demeanour, greeted him.


    "How can I help you today?" the butcher asked, wiping his hands on his apron.


    Noah smiled and stepped closer to the counter. "I''ll take 1kg of ribeye steak, 1kg of sirloin steak, 2kg ofmb ribs, and 2kg of chicken thighs and wings."


    The butcher gave a nod of approval. "Great choices. Are you stocking up or preparing for a feast?."


    "Stocking up," said Noah, as he looked around the shop checking it''s hygienic protocols, and he wasn''t disappointed.


    As the butcher prepared the order, Noah nced around the shop. It had a traditional feel, with fresh cuts of meat hanging behind ss, each piece carefully disyed.


    It reminded him of how much his family had missed out on things like this. But that was about to change¡ªstarting today. He smiled to himself, feeling proud that he could provide something special for his family.


    After the butcher finished packing up Noah''s order, he gave him the total price. Noah paid without hesitation and added a tip. The butcher smiled in appreciation, thanking him for the generosity.


    With the meat sorted, Noah headed to a nearby grocery store to pick up the rest of the ingredients. He grabbed some gravy packets, rice, and a variety of sauces and spices to add vour to the uing feast. He made sure to include tenderstem broli¡ªhis personal favourite, with its distinct crunch that set it apart from regr broli.


    Moving down the beverage aisle, Noah picked up arge bottle of Pepsi, arge bottle of 7-Up, and two jugs of juice¡ªone orange, the other pineapple. He smiled as he imagined his family''s reaction when they saw all the ingredients.


    Noah entered the house, his arms full of grocery bags, and was immediately met by his mom, who eyed the haul with surprise.


    "Noah, what is all this?" she asked, her voice a mix of curiosity and concern.


    "I got us some meat and groceries for the house," he said casually as if it were no big deal.


    His mom''s eyes widened as she looked through the bags, her disbelief growing with each item she pulled out. "Noah, why did you buy so much? We''re doing fine; you should be saving your money for university, not spending it on all this! It''s too much!"


    Noah smiled, trying to ease her worry. "It was all on discount, Mom. Plus, the business Aiden and I started is doing great¡ªwe just acquired apany recently." He said it lightly, as if buying apany was a regr urrence.


    His mom froze, staring at him in disbelief. "You... bought apany?" Her voice trembled slightly. "Noah, are you sure you''re not doing anything illegal? I''m worried."


    Noah could see the genuine concern in her eyes and quickly moved to reassure her. "No, Mom, it''s all legal, I promise. In fact, if you''re still worried, you cane with me some time and see thepany for yourself."


    She nodded slowly, still processing the news. Despite her lingering worry, she softened, but her protective instincts were clearly still kicking in. "Alright, but just... promise me you''re being careful, okay?"


    "I promise," Noah said, giving her a reassuring smile. "Now, don''t worry about the groceries. Let''s cook up a big lunch so everyone''s happy and full."


    As his mom counted the meat and ingredients, her shock resurfaced at the sheer volume of what he had bought.


    Suddenly, Emily ran in, curious about all themotion. When she saw the bags of meat and drinks, her face lit up with joy. "Wow! Noah, this is amazing!" she squealed, running over to give him a big hug. "Thank you!"


    Noah grinned and patted her on the head. "Anything for you, Emily."


    Noah sank into the couch, scrolling through his phone as he passed the time. It was already 3:30, and his dad was due home by 5. He decided to check out thetest trending videos on TikTak to kill some time.


    As he scrolled, one video instantly caught his eye. It had millions of views, countless likes, andments pouring in by the second.


    The video was set on a basketball court, filmed from a side angle, showing a yer executing an incredible, seemingly physics-defying dunk. Noah''s eyes widened as he realized¡ª<strong>it was him.</strong>


    He clicked into thements section, curiosity piqued, and began reading some of the topments out loud to himself.


    "Yo, this guy''s hops are insane! Is this even real?" one user wrote.


    Anotherment read, "NBA scouts better be watching this! ??"


    "That dunk defied thews of gravity. Somebody get NASA on the phone!" someone else joked.


    Noah chuckled, his ego getting a slight boost from all the hype.


    "Bro, I''ve been to this court. How have I never seen this guy?" onement read, while another said, "Anonymous legend. We need a face reveal ASAP!"


    He grinned to himself, amused by the mystery surrounding his identity. Scrolling further, he saw a flood ofments demanding to know who the yer was, with wild guesses about whether it was a pro athlete in disguise.


    "Whoever this is better be in the NBA draft next year, or it''s a waste of talent," read one particrly enthusiasticment.


    Noahughed quietly to himself, enjoying the buzz without feeling the need to reveal who the yer really was. He liked the anonymity for now.


    "Maybe one day," he muttered with a smirk, locking his phone.


    As time passed, Noah''s dad finally came home, stepping through the door right as his wife was finishing up in the kitchen. His timing was perfect. Noah looked up from the couch and smiled, saying, "Wee home, Dad."


    His dad, looking a bit worn from work but still cheerful, responded warmly, "Thanks, son."


    Emily, always excited to see her dad, ran up to him and hugged him tightly. "I missed you, Dad!" she said with a beaming smile.


    Her father returned the gesture, patting her on the head, his face softening. "I missed you too, sweetheart," he replied with a warm smile.


    After washing up, David took his seat at the dining table, where a feast of deliciously cooked meats and side dishes awaited him. His eyes widened in shock as he took in the sight of all the food.


    "Where did all thise from?" he asked his wife, clearly impressed.


    She smiled and nodded toward Noah. "Your son brought all this. Can you believe it?"


    Then she exined everything Noah told her, to David.


    David turned to him with a proud expression, his smile broadening. "Good man, Noah. I''m proud of you," he said, his voice full of warmth.


    Hearing that made Noah''s heart swell with joy. His dad had always been a rock for the family, working tirelessly to support them, so hearing those words from him meant the world. Noah felt his chest tighten.


    He nodded back with a smile, trying to keep his emotions in check.


    As they all sat down to eat, Noah dug into the food his mom had prepared. The moment he took his first bite, his face lit up with astonishment. "Mom, this is incredible!" he eximed, unable to hide his excitement.


    His dad and Emily nodded in agreement as they savoured the meal. "Yeah, this is amazing!" Emily chimed in, her eyes wide as she enjoyed the tender meat.


    Noah''s mom blushed slightly at the praise, smiling shyly. "I''m d you all like it. Now, enjoy it before it gets cold," she said, clearly pleased with the reactions.


    The family continued eating together, theirughter and conversation filling the room, making the meal even more special. For Noah, seeing his family happy and content felt like a win in itself.


    "Talent Finder!" he thought in his mind as he activated the skill whilst looking at his mom.


    <strong>[Ding!]</strong>


    <strong>Name:</strong> <strong>Caroline Thompson</strong>


    <strong>Age:</strong> <strong>40</strong>


    <strong>Talent Grade:</strong> A


    <strong>Talent:</strong> <strong>Chef</strong>


    <strong>Description:</strong> <strong>With immense potential yet to be unlocked, Caroline can be a world-renowned chef if given the right resources.</strong>


    Noah couldn''t help but smile in disbelief. His mother had always been an excellent cook, but this confirmed it on a whole other level. She wasn''t just good¡ªshe had the potential to be extraordinary, even world-famous if the circumstances aligned.


    "Wow, Mom... you really are something else," he thought, feeling a surge of pride.


    As he watched his family happily enjoying the meal, Noah realized that this could be more than just a special meal. Maybe, just maybe, his mom''s hidden talent could be nurtured into something far greater.


    "Should I tell her about this?" he wondered, ncing at his mother as she smiled while refilling his dad''s te.

 Chapter 21: Want to become a Chef?

    <h4>Chapter 21: Want to be a Chef?</h4>


    <strong>[Ding! Ultimate Choice System Activated]</strong>


    <strong>Option 1: Help Caroline Be a World-ss Chef</strong>


    <strong>[ Reward: 100% shares of a 1-star Michelin restaurant, An Intermediate Cooking Guide Book and An Intermediate Cooking skill]</strong>


    <strong>Option 2: Ignore Caroline''s Talent.</strong>


    <strong>[ Reward: Basic Cooking Skill]</strong>


    <strong>Option 3: Help Caroline get a job as a Commis Chef in a small restaurant.</strong>


    <strong>[Reward: Basic Cooking Book, Basic Cooking skill]</strong>


    Looking at the optionsid out before him, Noah felt a sense of relief. This was more than just an opportunity for him¡ªit was a chance to help his family grow and be more independent.


    With his mom earning her own money, they wouldn''t have to rely solely on him. The decision weighed on his mind, though. He couldn''t make this choice without knowing if his mom was really interested in pursuing such a career.


    As they were eating dinner, Noah decided to bring it up. "Mom, would you ever want to be a chef at a Michelin-star restaurant? I have a friend who''s looking for a chef at their restaurant."


    His mom, Caroline, wore a sad expression and sighed. "I don''t think I have enough skill for that, son. I am a home cook after all."


    Noah smiled reassuringly. "Don''t worry, Mom. Before the interview, the head chef gave me a cook guidebook that helped him get to where he is now. If you learn from it, I''m sure you''ll be epted. Plus, there''s nothing to lose. You can practice at home, and when you feel ready, you can go for the interview."


    Caroline still looked hesitant, but David encouraged her with a warm smile on his face.


    "Honey, why don''t you do what our son said, we all agree that you cook better than those restaurants."


    Emily chimed in, encouraging her.


    "Yeah, you''re an amazing cook, Mom! You''ve got this!" Emily cheered.


    After a moment of thought, Caroline finally nodded, agreeing to give it a try. Noah''s heart swelled with pride.


    "Great!" he said, smiling. "The book''s in my room. I''ll get it for you after we finish eating."


    As he got up from the table, Noah muttered silently, "Option 1."


    <strong>[Ding! You''ve selected Option 1: Help Caroline Be a World-ss Chef.]</strong>


    <strong>[Ding! The Ownership papers of An''s Gourmet are ced in the host''s room with the cook guidebook]</strong>


    Suddenly, a flood of knowledge and understanding of intermediate cooking techniques surged through Noah''s mind as the system rewards took effect.


    He knew, from that moment on, everything was about to change for his mom.


    Noah entered his room and immediately spotted the items on his table¡ªthe Intermediate Cooking Guidebook and the ownership papers for the Michelin-star restaurant, neatly ced next on the table.


    He picked up the ownership papers and tucked them into the same bag with the Walls4Us documents for safekeeping. His eyes then shifted to the guidebook. Curious, he opened it and began flipping through the pages.


    As he read, he realized that everything he now instinctively knew about cooking was detailed within the guidebook.


    However, unlike him, someone reading this book would need months, maybe even years, to fully grasp its intricacies, depending on their talent. He muttered, "This is a really good book."


    With a small smile, he closed the book and headed back downstairs to give it to his mom. When he handed the guidebook to her, she carefully flipped through its pages, her eyes widening with admiration.


    "This guidebook is amazing," Caroline said, her voice filled with awe. "The instructions are so easy to understand, and the recipes... they look like something from a high-ss restaurant."


    But then her face clouded with sadness. "But... I''m afraid I can''t practice these recipes. There are so many ingredients we don''t have, and we don''t have the money to buy them."


    Noah, seeing her distress, ced a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Mom, don''t worry about the money. I''ll buy the ingredients. I''m making enough now, and it''s important that you give this a try."


    Caroline still looked hesitant, so Noah continued, his voice filled with conviction. "If you get this job, we''ll never have to worry about money again. You''ll be able to earn what you deserve, and we won''t have to struggle for food anymore."


    Her eyes softened at his words, and after a moment of silence, she nodded, a small smile breaking through. "Alright, I''ll give it my best."


    Noah beamed at her, feeling a weight lift from his shoulders.


    After spending a rxing 15 minutes with his parents and little sister, Noah decided it was time to head out to meet Sarah. As he walked to the parking lot to grab his Lamborghini, he dialed Sarah''s number.


    "Hey, get ready," he said. "We''ll head out soon."


    On the other end, Sarah''s voice was filled with excitement. "Okay!" she replied, almost too quickly, her eyes lighting up with anticipation.


    Noah smirked, feeling the warmth in her tone, and hopped into his sleek Lamborghini. After a short drive, he arrived at Sarah''s door and knocked.


    When the door opened, Sarah stepped out wearing a long floral dress paired with boots that reached above her ankles. The dress was beautifully conservative¡ªflowing and modest, with soft floral patterns thatplemented her graceful figure without clinging to it.


    The boots added a subtle edge while keeping her look feminine and elegant. The overall outfit was understated but charming, radiating a quiet confidence that suited her personality perfectly.


    Noah took a moment to admire her. "Are you ready?" he asked, his gaze softening.


    She nodded and said with a smile, "I made dinner for La and told her I''m heading out. Let''s go."


    To Noah''s surprise, Sarah reached out and grabbed his hand as they walked towards the car. He could see a faint blush spreading across her ears, a hint of her nervous excitement despite her bold move. Noah felt a little taken aback, but he found the gesture endearing.


    When they reached his Lamborghini, he opened the door for her, which sleekly lifted upwards, giving the car an even more impressive look.


    Sarah slid into the seat, still holding his hand, and he closed the door behind her.


    Before getting in himself, Noah turned to her and asked, "Wanna see me y basketball before dinner?"


    Sarah nodded eagerly, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Sure," she said, her smile widening.


    Noah drove smoothly to a nearby open basketball court, known for its casual games and amateur yers.


    As they arrived, he noticed a sizable crowd in the spectator seats.


    As Noah parked outside the court, the sleek, expensive car turned heads. The game on the court came to a halt as yers and spectators alike stopped to gawk at the stunning vehicle, murmurs spreading through the crowd.


    Stepping out of the car, Noah walked around to open the door for Sarah, who gracefully stepped out, her floral dress swaying gently in the breeze.


    The crowd''s eyes followed every movement, mesmerized by the car. Holding her hand, he led her toward the spectator seats, where he gently helped her sit down.


    Once she was settled, Noah looked toward the yers on the court. "Hey, mind if I join in?" he asked one of them, his voice casual but confident.


    The group ying looked at each other, sizing him up. After a few seconds of silent debate, one of them shrugged. "Why not?" the guy replied with a smirk, clearly intrigued by this stranger who just stepped out of a luxury car.


    With a nod, Noah grinned, knowing that the real fun was about to begin. As Sarah watched from the sidelines, her curiosity piqued, he readied himself for the game. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation¡ªpeople were eager to see if this guy could y or if he was just another rich kid with a shy car.


    As Noah stepped onto the court, the air around him shifted. His posture was rxed, almost casual, but his eyes carried a focused intensity.


    The yers on the opposing team sized him up, clearly underestimating him. They looked at each other and smirked, assuming this guy with a fancy car wouldn''t have any real skills. But they were in for a rude awakening.


    The game resumed with a throw-in, and almost instantly, the ball found its way to Noah. He caught it smoothly, his eyes scanning the court like a predator analyzing his prey. His opponent, a tall, muscr guy with a cocky grin, stepped up to guard him.


    "Let''s see what you''ve got, rich boy," the guy sneered, getting low in his defensive stance.


    Looking at his stance which is filled with mistakes, Noah smirked.

 Chapter 22: Once Again

    <h4>Chapter 22: Once Again</h4>


    Without responding, Noah moved. His first step was lightning-fast¡ªa blur of motion that caught his opponent off guard. The sound of his sneakers squeaking on the asphalt echoed as he crossed over, left to right, leaving his defender frozen in ce.


    "What the¡ª?!" the guy stammered, his confidence vanishing as Noah breezed past him, driving straight to the hoop.


    With a powerful leap, Noah soared into the air. The crowd''s gasps filled the court as he effortlessly mmed the ball into the basket, the rim rattling from the impact. The entire court fell silent for a split second before the crowd erupted in disbelief.


    "No way!" someone in the crowd shouted.


    "Did you see how high he jumped?!"


    "Who <i>is</i> this guy?!"


    Sarah watched from the sidelines, her heart racing. She hadn''t seen this side of Noah before, this raw,petitive energy.


    Her thoughts were a whirlwind.


    <i>"He''s incredible..."</i>


    Her eyes followed every movement, wide with astonishment, her hand gripping the seat beneath her.


    <i>"I''ve never seen anyone move like that..."</i>


    The yers regrouped, clearly rattled by the disy. Noah''s team passed him the ball again, eager to see what else he could do. This time, the opposing team switched defenders, putting their fastest guy on him.


    The yer, a quick-footed guard, tried to keep up with Noah''s movements, but it was like chasing smoke.


    With a sudden burst, Noah cut through the defence, spinning past another yer andunching a three-pointer from the arc. The ball sailed cleanly through the air before sinking into the without touching the rim¡ª<i>swish</i>.


    "Impossible!" one of the opposing yers muttered, his eyes wide in disbelief.


    "Dude''s on another level..." another one whispered, shaking his head.


    On the sidelines, the spectators couldn''t keep quiet.


    "I''ve never seen anyone handle the ball like that! He''s not just good¡ªhe''s <i>crazy</i> good!"


    "Man, it''s like he''s ying in slow motionpared to everyone else!"


    Noah''s momentum was unstoppable. y after y, he outmanoeuvred the opposition with surgical precision.


    Whether it was driving to the basket with impossible speed or shooting from outside the three-point line with deadly uracy, he dominated the game with an ease that left everyone speechless.


    At one point, Noah faced a double team. Two defenders tried to trap him in a corner, but with a quick flick of his wrist, he sent the ball between the legs of one of them, spinning around the other. The crowd exploded in excitement as he took off again, rising for yet another dunk.


    "Someone stop this guy!" one of the opposing yers yelled in frustration, his voice tinged with desperation.


    "No one can!" his teammate replied, looking defeated.


    As the game neared its end, it was clear who the king of the court was. The scoreboard didn''t even matter anymore¡ªthe only thing people cared about was watching Noah put on a show.


    He was unstoppable, untouchable, and it seemed like he had an answer for every move the opposing team tried.


    Sarah, still watching in awe, couldn''t help but smile softly.


    <i>"This is Noah... He''s not just amazing at business, but at everything he does. Who is this man I''m with?"</i>


    <i>"Once Again, he surprises me with something new. First his driving skills, now his basketball skills that are allpared to top professionals."</i>


    Her admiration grew with every minute, the earlier blush on her cheeks deepening as she watched him in his element.


    By the time the game ended, the court was buzzing with chatter.


    "That dude''s NBA-level for sure."


    "Man, I''m just d I wasn''t on the other team..."


    The yers came up to Noah after the game, some pping him on the back, others just shaking their heads in amazement.


    "Dude, where the hell did you learn to y like that?" one of them asked, still catching his breath.


    Noah smiled modestly, wiping the sweat from his forehead. "Just picked it up along the way."


    One of the taller yersughed, still in shock. "Picked it up? Man, you y like you were born on a court."


    The crowd started to disperse, but the whispers and awe didn''t fade. As Noah walked back toward Sarah, who stood up from the bleachers, he could see the admiration in her eyes. He grinned at her as if the whole game had just been a warm-up.


    "Ready for dinner?" he asked casually as if he hadn''t just put on the performance of a lifetime.


    Sarah nodded, her lips curving into a soft smile. "You''re... something else," she said quietly, her voice full of admiration.


    Noah chuckled and led her to the car, the echoes of the crowd''s cheers still hanging in the air as they drove off into the evening.


    Smelling himself after the match, Noah said "I need to take a quick shower, I don''t smell good."


    Noah raised an eyebrow in surprise as Sarah leaned in slightly, catching him off guard. She took a quick breath near his shirt before pulling back with a thoughtful expression.


    "Nope, you smell fine," she said with a light shake of her head.


    He blinked, not expecting that. "Rea#lly? After all, that running around?"


    She nodded, a gentle smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Yup. You''re good."


    He chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Guess I''m overthinking it."


    Sarah''s eyes softened. "It''s okay."


    Noah smiled, feeling a warmth in the moment. "Alright, if you say so. Let''s head to dinner, then."


    After parking his far slightly further from An''s Gourmet to ensure non-preferential treatment.


    Noah and Sarah entered the elegant and refined atmosphere of An''s Gourmet, the soft ambient lighting and the delicate clinking of sses created a serene environment. Sarah nced around at the upscale decor, the polished marble floors, and the tables neatly dressed in white linens. She hesitated for a moment.


    "Noah, we really don''t have to eat at such an expensive ce," she said softly, concern in her voice.


    He smiled warmly, giving her a reassuring look. "It''s okay, Sarah. Trust me."


    Seeing his easy confidence, she nodded and followed his lead, still a bit hesitant but trusting his judgment.


    The moment they stepped inside, a well-dressed waiter greeted them. "Good evening. Do you have a reservation?" the waiter asked politely, scanning a small tablet in his hands.


    Noah shook his head. "No, but can we get a table for two?"


    "Of course, sir. Please follow me," the waiter said with a professional smile, gesturing for them to follow. He led them through the softly lit dining area, offering a prime table in the corner, which had an excellent view of the restaurant.


    As they sat down, Noah nced around, taking in the restaurant he had quietly acquired earlier. Everything seemed perfect on the surface¡ªthe staff was professional, and the atmosphere weing. But he wanted to observe how the evening unfolded without revealing his connection to the ce.


    Sarah, meanwhile, adjusted in her seat, still feeling a little out of ce in such an exclusive restaurant. "This ce is really nice," she admitted softly.


    Noah smiled at her. "You deserve the best, Sarah." She nced up at him, a light blush dusting her cheeks, but she didn''t respond, simply offering a soft smile in return.


    A few minutester, Noah nced around the room, noting the attentive service and polished ambience. He motioned for the waiter, who quickly approached with a professional, weing smile.


    "Are you ready to order?" the waiter asked, handing them the elegantly designed menus.


    Noah looked at Sarah. "Ladies first," he said with a grin.


    Sarah took a moment, scanning the menu, her eyes widening slightly at the array of dishes. "I think I''ll go with the pan-seared sea bass, served with saffron-infused risotto and a side of roasted heirloom vegetables," she said softly, ncing at the waiter for confirmation.


    "An excellent choice, miss," the waiter responded, nodding in approval before turning to Noah.


    Noah took a moment, considering his options. "I''ll have the herb-crustedmb rack, apanied by a wild mushroom and barley risotto, and a side of charred brolini," he said.


    The waiter smiled and noted down the order. "For drinks?"


    Noah nced at Sarah again. "Juice? What do you think?"


    She smiled and nodded. "Orange for me."


    Noah added, "I''ll go with freshly pressed apple juice."


    The waiter nodded. "Coming right up," and retreated, leaving them to enjoy the ambience and each other''spany.


    As Noah and Sarah were enjoying the quiet ambience, their conversation was interrupted by the approach of a middle-aged man. He was greasy, with thinning hair and a round beer belly that pushed against his ill-fitting suit. His presence immediately brought an awkward tension to the table.


    Without even acknowledging Noah, the man leered at Sarah. "Hello, miss," he said, shing a grin that failed to disguise his arrogance. "My name is Horace Wilkins. I''m the regional manager for Westworth Logistics. Surely, a beautifuldy like you shouldn''t be sitting here with some kid."


    Sarah''s eyes immediately flicked to Noah, who had been silent up to this point, sensing her difort. Noah''s expression hardened.


    Rising from his seat, Noah grabbed Horace by the cor in a swift, fluid motion. The suddenness of it left the greasy man gasping, his eyes wide with shock.


    "Who do you think you''re talking to, huh?" Noah growled, pulling Horace closer, his voice cold and authoritative. "This is my woman."

 Chapter 23: Owner of An’s Gourmet

    <h4>Chapter 23: Owner of An''s Gourmet</h4>


    "Who do you think you''re talking to, huh?" Noah growled, pulling Horace closer, his voice cold and authoritative. "This is my woman."


    The room fell silent as people watched, shocked at Noah''s boldness. Horace, utterly bewildered, stammered, "W-What are you doing? Let go of me!"


    Noah barely nced at Sarah. "I''ll be back in a minute," he said softly, before dragging Horace out of the restaurant with ease, as though he were nothing more than a misbehaving child.


    Outside, the man iled weakly. "W-What are you doing?! You can''t just¡ª!"


    Without a word, Noah lifted Horace by his neck, pinning him against the wall. Horace''s feet dangled off the ground as he struggled for air.


    "I don''t care who you are," Noah said, his voice as cold as ice. "But if you evere near my girl again, or even think about stepping back into this restaurant, you''re done. I will ruin you."


    Horace gasped, his face turning red as he iled helplessly. "L-Let me down! Please!"


    Noah narrowed his eyes, then dropped Horace, who copsed to the ground in a heap, coughing and gasping for breath.


    "Get out of my sight," Noah spat before turning his back and walking toward the restaurant, leaving Horace on the pavement, utterly humiliated.


    When Noah returned to the table, he sat down calmly, as if nothing had happened.


    "Handled," Noah said simply, his voice returning to its calm tone as he took a sip of his drink.


    Sarah smiled back, a soft warmth in her eyes. "Thank you."


    Five minutester, Noah and Sarah''s food was ready and a waiter approached their table, carrying the exquisite dishes. Just as the waiter was about to serve the food, a loud voice interrupted.


    "Stop!" someone shouted.


    Noah, the waiter, and everyone around turned to see a man storming over, his face twisted with authority.


    The waiter, looking startled, asked, "What''s wrong, sir?"


    The man, a deputy manager by the look of him, pointed at Noah with disdain. "Don''t serve him! This kid needs to leave our restaurant immediately. Guards!"


    Noah turned his head slightly, noticing the greasy man from earlier standing behind the manager with a smug grin. Clearly, the man had connections here and had gone straight to the deputy manager to snitch.


    With a small smirk tugging at his lips, Noah leaned back in his chair. "I''d like to see who dares to kick me out of my own restaurant."


    The middle-aged deputy manager let out augh, dripping with mockery. "Kid, don''t talk big. You could never afford a ce like this."


    The two argued for a few moments, voices rising as the restaurant patrons watched in shocked silence. The tension escted quickly, and the guards approached, preparing to intervene. Just as they were about to step in, an older man, clearly someone in charge, emerged from the back, his brows furrowed.


    "What is all thismotion?" the old man demanded, his voice carrying authority.


    The deputy manager hurriedly stepped up, gesturing toward Noah. "This kid is causing trouble, iming he owns the restaurant after assaulting one of our VIP customers."


    The old man hesitated for a moment, then turned to Noah, his expression softening slightly. "What''s your name, sir?"


    Noah''s smirk grew wider as he spoke with calm confidence. "Noah Thompson."


    The moment the name left Noah''s lips, the old man''s face went pale, like he''d been struck by lightning. A realization hit him, and he whipped around, ring at the deputy manager.


    Without warning, the old man pped the deputy manager across the face. "How dare you try to kick out the owner of this restaurant! Didn''t I tell you the ce had been recently bought?"


    The entire room gasped. The guards, who were moments away fromying hands on Noah, froze, thankful they hadn''t acted yet.


    "You''re fired!" the old man snapped at the deputy manager. "Guards, throw him and that greasy man out immediately! If they ever set foot in here again, beat them and toss them out!"


    The deputy manager and greasy man both began begging, their voices trembling with desperation. But the old man wasn''t having any of it. The guards, without hesitation, dragged the two men out of the restaurant as the greasy man cried for mercy.


    Noah stood up and looked at the old man. "We''ll talkter," he said with a calm authority that left no room for doubt.


    Then, turning to the rest of the restaurant, Noah addressed the stunned patrons. "I apologize for the disturbance today. To make up for the terrible experience, everyone''s meal is on the house tonight."


    The room erupted in cheers and apuse as the customers chanted their thanks and reassurances. "Don''t worry, young man! A clean-up was needed!"


    With a smile, Noah sat back down with Sarah, who looked at him with surprise, as the restaurant resumed its lively energy.


    "You never fail to surprise me," Sarah said, her wide smile lighting up her face. She couldn''t hide her admiration, her eyes twinkling as she looked at Noah.


    Noah grinned and responded, "Well, if I didn''t keep you on your toes, life would get pretty boring, wouldn''t it?"


    Sarah chuckled, shaking her head. "Yeah, I guess so," she said, unable to suppress herughter.


    Just then, the waiter returned, cing their food carefully on the table, a look of respect and reverence on his face after witnessing the earlier scene. "Enjoy your meal, sir, ma''am," he said with a polite bow before stepping away.


    Noah and Sarah both tried their dishes, and Sarah''s eyes lit up in appreciation. "This is amazing!" she eximed, savouring the exquisite vours.


    Noah nodded in agreement, taking a bite of his own. With a yful smirk, he said, "Well, I''d hope so... considering it''s my restaurant and all."


    Sarah burst outughing, shaking her head. "You''ve got a point there!" she said, still grinning widely.


    Noah chuckled along with her. "Imagine if it wasn''t good... I''d have to fire myself."


    After a few moments, Noah, with a yful glint in his eye, picked up a forkful of his food and offered it to Sarah. "Here, try this."


    Blushing slightly, Sarah leaned in and took a bite. "Mmm, that''s really good," she said softly, her smile shy but warm.


    Gathering her courage, she picked up a small piece from her te and, with a bashful look, offered it to Noah. He grinned, leaning forward to take the bite.


    "Delicious," Noah said, his eyes softening as they shared the moment. The rest of the meal passed in warm, quiet joy, with both of them enjoying each other''spany in the elegant atmosphere.


    After finishing their meal, Noah and Sarah made their way back to the car. The evening had been a quiet, yet meaningful experience for both of them. On the drive home, they shared light conversation, but there was a palpable sense of contentment in the air.


    When they finally pulled up to Sarah''s house, she turned to Noah with a grateful smile. "Thanks again, Noah. I had a really fun time tonight," she said, her eyes warm.


    Noah grinned. "Anytime, Sarah. I''m d you enjoyed it. Sleep well," he replied as she stepped out of the car.


    "Goodnight," she whispered softly, closing the door behind her.


    As Sarah entered the house, she found La still awake, sitting on the couch. La looked up at her mother and asked with a curious pout, "Mom, why are you sote?"


    Caught slightly off guard, Sarah hesitated for a moment, unsure how to exin without giving away too much. "I had dinner with a few friends," she said quickly, feeling a little shy about admitting that her evening had been spent with Noah.


    Though a part of her felt conflicted about dating someone younger and a ssmate to her daughter, Noah had brought joy and warmth into her life that she hadn''t felt in a long time.


    He made her feel cared for, and the kindness he showed her was something she couldn''t ignore.


    Shaking off her thoughts, she smiled and asked, "Did you eat your dinner, La?"


    La nodded with a sleepy smile. "Yeah, thanks Mom"

 Chapter 24: The Start of something Special

    <h4>Chapter 24: The Start of something Special</h4>


    As Noah drove back to the parking lot, his thoughts wandered to the hassle of parking his Lamborghini away from his home and taking an Uber.


    "Maybe it''s time to buy a ce of my own," he mused.


    It wasn''t practical to keep doing this. He decided to put that thought on hold for now, knowing he''d figure it out soon.


    Shifting his focus, he pulled out his phone and dialled the manager of An''s Gourmet. The line rang for a moment before the manager, clearly nervous, answered with a stammer. "H-Hello, Mr. Noah."


    Noah''s voice was calm but firm. "Is this how you run my restaurant? Employing people who use their connections to bully customers they think are weak?"


    The manager swallowed hard, his anxiety clear over the phone. "I deeply apologize, Mr. Noah. It was a grave mistake. I assure you it won''t happen again. Please, give me another chance to prove that I can handle this professionally."


    Noah, not in the mood for excuses, responded, "Send me the full details of both the deputy manager and that beer-belly man immediately. I want to know everything about them."


    "Right away, sir," the manager replied quickly. Within seconds, Noah''s phone buzzed with the information. Noah nced at the text, mentally filing it away to deal withter.


    Noah smirked, a hint of amusement ying on his lips as he muttered to himself, "I told him not to set foot in that restaurant again... but I guess the message got lost somewhere in his beer belly instead of reaching his brain."


    He paused, his expression darkening slightly as a more chilling thought crossed his mind. "It''s a Shame, though," he continued quietly, "Some people need more... hands-on reminders."


    A cold edge to his voice hinted that the greasy man may have narrowly escaped a worse fate. Anyone who crossed Noah and ignored his warnings was in for a rude awakening, and this guy? He was already on borrowed time.


    Arriving home, Noah found the house quiet, the lights dimmed, and everyone already asleep. It had been a long day¡ªfull of excitement, challenges, and surprises. He was ready to unwind.


    After a long, hot shower, he felt the tension of the day melt away, leaving him refreshed but a bit weary. Pulling on somefortable clothes, he grabbed his phone from the nightstand, realizing he hadn''t used it at all during his evening with Sarah. He smiled, thinking back on their time together.


    As he scrolled through his messages, a notification popped up from Lily¡ªa picture of a tricky math problem. Noah chuckled softly, shaking his head.


    "Lily, you never rest, do you?" he muttered to himself, opening the message.


    The problem wasplex, but nothing he couldn''t handle. Quickly, he drafted an exnation, breaking it down in simple terms. He attached a littlement at the end, hoping to motivate her:


    Noah: "Here''s the breakdown. Should be easy once you get the hang of it. Let me know if you''re stuck again! You''ve got this."


    Satisfied with his reply, Noah leaned back, thinking the day was finally winding down.


    Just as he was about to put his phone away, another notification popped up. This time, it was from Sarah.


    Sarah: "Hey, tonight was really nice. I had a great time. :)"


    Noah smiled, warmth spreading through him as he replied:


    Noah: "I did too. I''m d we got to spend some quality time together."


    Sarah''s reply came almost immediately.


    Sarah: "Thanks for everything, Noah. I know you didn''t have to do all that."


    As Sarah sat on the edge of her bed, she couldn''t stop smiling as her fingers hovered over her phone.


    The soft glow of the screen illuminated her face, and her heart raced slightly as she typed her message to Noah.


    She reyed moments from their date in her mind, feeling the warmth spread through her chest.


    The way Noah protected her from other men, his quiet strength in those moments, and how he always took the initiative to invite her out¡ªit all made Sarah feel like she was wrapped in a sense of security she hadn''t known before.


    Every action, no matter how small, carried a deeper meaning that left her heart fluttering.


    She found herself smiling at how effortlessly he bnced confidence with gentleness. Whether it was shielding her from unwanted attention or nning their dates, he always seemed to know how to make her feel special.


    There was no hesitation in him when it came to her, and that certainty, that unwavering attention, filled her with a kind of warmth she hadn''t expected.


    Each time he reached out first, it felt like more than just a gesture¡ªit was like he was pulling her into a world where she mattered in ways she hadn''t before.


    It wasn''t just the dates, it was how he made her feel seen, cared for, and prioritized. In those moments, bliss was an understatement.


    As she thought back on it, her heart swelled, the memories reying like aforting melody. She realized, with a soft blush, that with Noah, everything felt easy. Everything felt...right.


    When Noah''s reply popped up, her smile widened even more. She was aware of the giddy, almost teenage excitement she felt, but she couldn''t help it.


    Laying on her stomach, Sarah rested her chin on one hand while holding her phone with the other. Her legs swayed gently in the air behind her, moving back and forth in slow, yful motions as if mirroring the flutter in her chest.


    The soft glow of her bedsidemp bathed the room in a warm light, but her focus was entirely on the conversation.


    Each time her phone vibrated with another message from Noah, her toes wiggled in the air, unable to stay still.


    She bit her lower lip slightly, trying to contain her growing excitement, her legs kicking up higher as she quickly typed her response, feeling like she could float from the pure joy of it all.


    Her cheeks flushed as she read his final message:


    Noah: "Of course, I wanted to. You deserve it. And hey, we''ll do something even better next time (: "


    Her heart skipped a beat. She bit her lower lip, feeling a mixture of shyness and happiness well up inside her.


    "Looking forward to it..." she whispered to herself as she typed her reply.


    Her legs swayed again, the motion soft and subtle as if her body was expressing the nervous energy her mind wouldn''t let out.


    As she sent her goodnight text, she let out a small, contented sigh. After setting her phone down, she hugged her knees to her chest, still feeling the warmth of the moment linger.


    This was more than just a date for her¡ªit felt like a small but significant step into something new, something hopeful. With a light smile still ying on her lips, she tucked herself under the covers, her thoughts entirely on Noah, wondering what he was thinking as he said goodnight.


    Smiling at his phone, Noah typed out a quick message to Aiden: "Meet me at the library tomorrow at 10 am." He hit send and leaned back, still feeling the lingering warmth from his conversation with Sarah.


    He scrolled aimlessly through his phone for a few minutes, his mind already winding down from the day''s excitement. Slowly, his eyelids grew heavier as thefort of his bed pulled him in.


    Before he knew it, the soft glow of his phone faded away, and he drifted off into a peaceful sleep, slipping effortlessly into the world of dreams.


    Waking up early in the morning, Noah was greeted by the enticing smell of something delicious wafting through his room.


    Smelling it, he already knew what it was¡ªhe had an Intermediate Cooking Skill, after all. The knowledge of the best chefs in the world filled his mind, making him easily recognize theplexity and quality of the meal being prepared downstairs.


    After a quick wash and brushing his teeth, Noah headed down the stairs. He greeted his family with a smile, noticing his sister Emily glued to the table, her wide eyes locked on the food in anticipation, her mouth practically watering. She didn''t even get up to greet him this time,pletely lost in her hunger.


    Noah chuckled at the sight, taking a seat at the table. "Looks like someone''s excited," he teased, watching Emily''s eyes stay fixed on the tes.


    A few minutester, his mother Caroline brought out the food. The aroma intensified as she ced the dishes on the table, each one looking like it came straight from a Michelin-star restaurant.


    The centrepiece was a beautifully crafted beef Wellington, its golden puff pastry perfectly ky, encasing a sulent, medium-rare beef tenderloin. Theyers of mushroom duxelles and prosciutto within gave it a rich,plex vor.


    Apanying it were roasted garlic mashed potatoes, creamy and velvety, paired with saut¨¦ed spinach that gleamed with a touch of olive oil and garlic.


    There was also a side of seared sea bass, cooked to a delicate crisp on the outside, with a lemon-butter sauce drizzled over it, adding a burst of freshness to the dish.


    For something lighter, there was a vibrant ratatouille, each vegetable meticulously sliced and roasted to perfection, bursting with color and vor.


    Everything on the table looked like it could be found in a top-tier restaurant, the kind of meal that one could only dream of having at home.


    Noah''s eyes widened slightly in admiration. Even though he knew food well, his mother''s cooking was bing more and more incredible.


    Emily, barely able to contain herself, grabbed her fork, eagerly waiting for everyone to dig in.


    "This looks amazing, Mom," Noah said with a smile, giving his mother a nod of approval.


    "Thank you, sweetheart," Caroline replied with a modest smile. "I wanted to try something special today."


    As they all began to eat, the vours didn''t disappoint. The beef Wellington melted in Noah''s mouth, the savoury bnce of textures perfect with each bite. He couldn''t help but be impressed.


    "Mom, you really outdid yourself with this meal. It''s incredible. Keep up the good work, but don''t tire yourself out," Noah said with genuine admiration, his eyes sparkling as he took in the beautifully crafted dishes.


    "Thanks, sweetheart," Caroline replied with a warm, happy smile. "I enjoy cooking, so don''t worry about me."


    As they continued to enjoy their breakfast, Caroline turned to David with a yful yet expectant look. "Honey, you still haven''t rated the food?"


    David, who had been savouring each bite with his eyes closed, was momentarily startled by Caroline''s question. He opened his eyes, looking both surprised and deeply content. "I''m lost for words, honey.


    This is the best food I''ve ever had in my life. Nothing canpete with this," he said, his voice filled with genuine admiration. "I''m truly proud of you."


    Caroline''s smile widened at the praise, a touch of pink colouring her cheeks as she nced at Noah and then back at David.


    The family enjoyed the meal in a warm, contented silence, appreciating the special breakfast that Caroline had prepared with such care and skill.

 Chapter 25: Intermediate Teaching Skill

    <h4>Chapter 25: Intermediate Teaching Skill</h4>


    After finishing breakfast, Noah headed to the library to meet up with Aiden. When they saw each other, they exchanged the usual greetings and a light joke or two before settling down at a table.


    "So, what''s the trouble with science today, Aiden?" Noah asked, leaning back in his chair.


    Aiden sighed dramatically. "Bro, how is anyone supposed to remember all this? It''s like science was invented just to mess with me."


    Noah chuckled. "Well, you know, science was invented <i>exactly</i> to mess with you personally. The universe revolves around making your life difficult."


    Aidenughed. "Yeah, I knew it! I''m being personally victimized by physics."


    "Alright, let''s see what''s up. Which part is causing your brain to short-circuit this time?" Noah asked, pulling out a textbook.


    "All of it?" Aiden shrugged but then pointed to a section on energy conversions. "This part, especially."


    Noah smirked. "Ah, the ssic confusion between kic and potential energy. Let me simplify it for you¡ªkic energy is like when you see someone running at you with a te of fries. Potential energy is you sitting there, waiting to intercept that te with maximum efficiency."


    Aiden''s eyes lit up with understanding. "Oh man, now it makes sense! Food examples. Why don''t they teach like that in school?"


    "Because they don''t have <i>my</i> advanced teaching methods," Noah said, with mock seriousness. "Now, on to thermal dynamics. Imagine you''re trying to reheat pizza, but the oven isn''t cooperating. That''s entropy at its finest."


    Just as Aiden was about to respond, a group of ssmates passed by their table, whispering and pointing.


    One of them, a boy with messy hair, leaned toward his friends. "Hey, do you think he''d help us study too? We''re not that close to him, though."


    A girl with a ponytail nudged him. "Why not give it a shot? He might help us out."


    Suddenly...


    <strong>[Ding! The Ultimate Choice System has been activated!]</strong>


    <strong>Option 1:</strong> <strong>Politely tell everyone to go away and focus only on helping Aiden.</strong>


    <strong>[Reward: $50,000, Basic Teaching Skill]</strong>


    <strong>Option 2:</strong> <strong>Organise an impromptu study group and teach them all.</strong>


    <strong>[Reward: Intermediate Teaching Skill, 51% shares in Camebridge University, +5 charm]</strong>


    <strong>Option 3:</strong> <strong>Shoo them away like bugs and be rude.</strong>


    <strong>[Reward: $100,000, -10 charm]</strong>


    With a smirk and a glint in his eye, he turned to Aiden. "Looks like our study session just got a bit more interesting."


    Option 2," muttered Noah under his breath, his eyes flicking toward the girl with the ponytail approaching their table. Aiden raised an eyebrow but said nothing, watching the situation unfold.


    <strong>[Ding! Intermediate Teaching Skill rewarded!] </strong>


    <strong> [Ding! 51% shares of CameBridge University rewarded! The host will find the documents in his bedroom] </strong>


    <strong> [Ding! +5 Charm rewarded!]</strong><strong></strong>


    Feeling the influx of knowledge being injected into his brain, Noah felt like he could even teach his little sister calculus.


    The girl, with a slight blush on her cheeks, hesitated for a moment before stepping closer to Noah. "Um, excuse me," she started, trying to keep herposure despite her racing heart.


    Up close, Noah''s sharp features and confident aura seemed even more intimidating¡ªyet undeniably attractive. His piercing eyes met hers, and for a brief second, she felt like time had stopped.


    <i>"Wow, he''s even more handsome up close...</i>" she thought, feeling a little dizzy. Quickly shaking off the feeling, she pressed on.


    "Would you mind if we joined you? Some of us are struggling with science too, and it looks like you''re really good at exining things."


    Noah smiled¡ªan easy, friendly smile that made her heart skip a beat. "Sure, why not? The more, the merrier. Pull up a chair."


    Her face brightened immediately, the tension in her shoulders rxing as she shed a grateful smile. "Thank you!" She quickly gestured to her friends. "Come on, guys!"


    In moments, the once empty study session turned into a mini-gathering. Aiden looked around, half-amused and half-confused as the seats around them filled up. The girl with the ponytail took the spot next to Noah, still trying to control her flustered heart rate, while the others settled around the table, whispering excitedly.


    Noah leaned back casually, taking in the scene with an easy confidence. "Alright, so who''s ready to learn about energy conversions, or should we start with something else?"


    One of the guys across from him scratched his head. "Man, this is insane. To think we are getting tutored from Noah."


    The girl with the ponytail looked at Noah with wide eyes. "I''ve heard people say you''ve suddenly be good at this, but I didn''t realize you were <i>this</i> good." She fidgeted with her pen, still amazed by his calm demeanor.


    Noah waved a hand, smiling. "Let''s not overhype it. It''s just science. Once you understand the basics, it''s like riding a bike. Except the bike is on fire, and the ground isva."


    Aiden burst outughing. "Yeah, science isn''t trying to kill us or anything. It''s just a casual threat."


    One of the boys in the group groaned. "Oh man, I wish you were our teacher. Our science ss is a total snooze fest."


    Noah shrugged. "Well, I''ll try my best to make it less like a nap and more like...an adrenaline rush. So let''s dive into it."


    For the next hour, Noah''s exnations were peppered with humor and clever analogies that made even the mostplicated topics seem easy. The students couldn''t stopughing as he exined kic energy with jokes about roller coasters and potential energy with the ssic example of someone holding their breath before diving into a pool.


    "So, potential energy is like when you''re waiting in line for pizza, knowing the moment you get it, you''ll devour it in five seconds t," Noah said, drawingughter from the group.


    "And kic energy is when you''re actually running to the pizza ce because they''re about to close," Aiden added, grinning.


    The girl with the ponytail looked at him in awe. "You make everything sound so simple. Why can''t our teacher exin it like this?"


    Noah chuckled. "Well, maybe your teacher doesn''t know how to harness the power of pizza analogies."


    The boy who had asked earlier about getting help shook his head in disbelief. "No way, you''re actually way better than the teachers. You should, like, run a tutoring empire or something."


    "An empire, huh?" Noahughed, leaning forward. "Maybe someday."


    The girl with the ponytail couldn''t take her eyes off Noah. She had been nervous about approaching him, but now, sitting so close, hearing his jokes and seeing how kind he was, her heart fluttered with admiration.


    As the lesson went on, theughter grew louder. Aiden couldn''t resist throwing in sarcastic jabs, and Noah was quick to fire back with wittyebacks.


    As Noah was exining how thermal energy worked, one of the students squinted, clearly confused.


    "Wait, hold on," he said. "Thermal energy... that''s just, like, heat moving around, right? Why does it feel like I''m trying to understand some aliennguage?"


    Noah chuckled, leaning back. "Alright, think of it like this: You know how when Aiden tells a joke¡ª"


    Aiden cut in, "Hey!"


    "¡ªand it''s really, really bad?" Noah continued, ignoring him with a grin. "But you have to hold in yourugh anyway, just out of politeness?"


    The group erupted inughter, immediately thinking of all the times Aiden''s jokes had fallen t.


    "That''s thermal energy," Noah added, eyes twinkling. "It''s like the awkward heat that builds up when you''re holding back that fakeugh. Eventually, you can''t contain it, and it escapes. Just like heat. No stopping it."


    Aiden threw his hands up dramatically. "Oh,e on! My jokes aren''t <i>that</i> bad."


    One of the girls chimed in, giggling, "Actually, they kind of are."


    Another round ofughter spread through the group, and even Aiden had to crack a smile.


    "See?" Noah smirked. "Thermal energy¡ªtotally rtable."


    One of the quieter students finally spoke up, shaking his head in disbelief. "Dude, you''re actually better than any teacher I''ve had. How do you do it?"


    Noah shed a casual grin. "I dunno, maybe I just like showing off how much of a nerd I am."


    The group chuckled, and Noah leaned forward. "But seriously, once you get the hang of this stuff, it''s like unlocking cheat codes for how the world works. And who doesn''t love cheat codes?"


    By the end, everyone had not only learned a lot but also had way more fun than they expected. As they packed up, the students thanked Noah, clearly impressed. The girl with the ponytail hung back for a second, clearly wanting to say something.


    "Thanks again, Noah. You really... you know, know your stuff," she said, a little shy.


    Noah smiled, giving her a nod. "No problem. Anytime you need a crash course in science, hit me up."


    She smiled, her cheeks a bit pink, before turning to join her friends. As she walked away, Aiden shook his head, a grin stered on his face.


    "Dude, you''re basically a walking science hotline now," Aiden teased. "What''s next, setting up a booth outside the cafeteria?"


    Noah shrugged, smirking. "Hey, I charge by the question. Gotta fund my snack habit somehow."


    Aidenughed, rolling his eyes. "You''d make a fortune."


    Noah leaned back, stretching his arms above his head. "I''ll be rich by lunch. Save the world? Maybe tomorrow. Right now? I''m saving your grades."


    Aiden groaned, "Fair point."

 Chapter 26: I Miss You

    <h4>Chapter 26: I Miss You</h4>


    After finishing the Group study session, or better put teaching lesson. Aiden and Noah headed out of the library.


    Aiden''s stomach rumbled loudly, as they walked out.


    Noah nced over,ughing. "Sounds like someone''s ready for lunch."


    Aiden rubbed his stomach, grinning. "The skewer van? You know that ce was legendaryst time."


    Noah chuckled. "Alright, sure. But we''re walking there. I didn''te here with my car."


    Aiden groaned dramatically. "Walk? Dude, I''ll crawl if I have to! Just get me to those skewers."


    As they headed down the street towards the van, Noah decided to ask, "So, how''s your dad''s job going? Any improvement?"


    Aiden''s expression shifted his earlier enthusiasm dimming. He sighed. "Not great, honestly. Hispany''s been overworking him for ages and still underpaying him. He''s been a manager there for over 15 years, Noah, but they treat him like he''s disposable. The ce is rotten."


    Noah nodded thoughtfully. "How much is he making?"


    "About $2,200 a month. It''s barely enough for all the work he''s doing," Aiden said, a mix of frustration and sadness in his tone.


    After a moment, Noah looked over at him. "What if your dad could work as a deputy manager at An''s Gourmet, the Michelin-star restaurant? Starting sry at $3,000 a month with room for a promotion, based on his performance."


    Aiden stopped walking for a second, staring at Noah in disbelief. "Wait, seriously? He''d jump at that in a heartbeat. He''s been thinking about leaving for a while now."


    Noah grinned. "Perfect."


    Aiden''s curiosity kicked in, though. "But... how do you even know the owner of that ce?"


    Noah shrugged with a sly smile. "Sort of a long story."


    Aiden squinted at him suspiciously. "Wait, are you serious? Are you sure this is legit? I don''t want my dad to quit and end up jobless."


    Noah pped him on the back reassuringly. "Don''t worry, man. We''ll sign the contract first, and once everything''s set, he can quit his current job."


    Aiden nodded slowly, still looking a bit sceptical but also hopeful. "Alright. I''ll talk to him tonight and let you know what he says."


    Noah smiled as they continued walking for around half an hour, the skewer van came into view, and Aiden''s mood visibly lifted.


    "Let''s eat first," Aiden said, rubbing his hands together in excitement. "I''m starving."


    Noahughed. "You and your skewers, man.


    As Noah and Aiden approached the skewer van, they spotted Uncle Ben, the owner of the popr food stand,ing toward them with his familiar kind smile.


    "Hey, Uncle Ben!" Aiden called out. "Same order as always¡ªand throw in arge Pepsi can too!"


    Uncle Ben chuckled warmly. "You got it, kid. Give me a minute." He turned to Noah, who smiled gratefully.


    "Thanks, Uncle Ben," Noah said. "How''s business going?"


    Uncle Ben wiped his hands on his apron, his eyes sparkling. "Oh, it''s been great! In fact, look around, boys."


    Noah and Aiden nced around and were surprised to see every table around the van was taken. The ce was buzzing with activity, customers chatting happily as they waited for their food.


    "Wow, it''s packed!" Aiden remarked.


    Uncle Ben grinned. "Ever since your friend," he pointed at Aiden, "showed up with that Lamborghini, people have beening non-stop. Someone filmed it and uploaded it online. Now folks think if a guy with such a fancy car eats here, it must be good food."


    Aiden raised an eyebrow, looking slightly embarrassed. "Uh, sorry about that, Uncle Ben. But it''s cool to see business blooming!"


    Noah, noticing theck of avable seats, looked at Aiden. "Looks like we''ve got no ce to sit, huh?"


    "Maybe we should just grab it to-go and eat somewhere else." Aiden''s voice had a hint of disappointment.


    Uncle Benughed heartily. "Oh, don''t you worry about that! How could I let my best customers go without a ce to eat? I''ve got a special foldable table stashed away in the van just for you two. It''s your VIP table."


    Noah burst intoughter. "See, Aiden? We''re privileged. Thanks, Uncle Ben!"


    Aiden grinned, relieved. "Thanks a ton, Uncle Ben! You''re a lifesaver."


    Uncle Ben shook his head with a smile. "No, no, thank <i>you</i> for bringing in the business."


    Momentster, the food was ready, and Uncle Ben set up the foldable table just for them. Noah and Aiden sat down and dug into the skewers, savouring every bite.


    As they ate, Aiden looked over, grinning. "Best spot in town hands down."


    Noah nodded, his mouth full of food. "Couldn''t agree more." The two of them enjoyed the meal, surrounded by the bustling energy of the now-popr skewer van.


    As Noah was enjoying his food, the familiar sound of his phone rang out, <i>bzzz-bzzz, bzzz-bzzz</i>, vibrating against the table. Quickly, he grabbed a tissue and wiped away the grease from the skewers, ncing at the screen. It was Sarah calling.


    "Hold up, Aiden," Noah said, getting up from the table.


    Aiden, still immersed in his food, barely looked up. "Yeah, yeah, shoo away, you''re interrupting my bliss, man," he joked, waving Noah off like an annoying fly.


    Noah chuckled and stepped a bit away from the tables, answering the call. "Sarah, hello?"


    Her voice came through the line, full of excitement. "Hii Noah, guess what happened!"


    Noah raised an eyebrow, already sensing her happiness. "What happened?" he asked, though a part of him had an idea.


    "Thepany I told you about before," she started, her voice almost bubbling with joy, "they called me earlier and said they want to renew the contract! And not just that¡ªit''s five times better than before. It''s like...they don''t even care about their profit, they just want to make me happy!"


    Noah''s smile widened, feeling genuinely proud. "See? I told you everything would be alright."


    Sarah nodded on the other end, her voice softening. "Yeah, you did... actually..." she hesitated for a moment, then continued, "Wanna have dinner again?"


    Noah could almost hear the blush in her voice when she stuttered, "I... I miss you."


    A warm grin spread across Noah''s face. "Of course, we can have dinner. You are my wife after all."


    There was a pause, as if time itself had frozen on Sarah''s end. The word "wife" clearly hit her, leaving her stunned for a brief moment.


    There was a sudden hitch in Sarah''s breath. "Hus¡ª" She caught herself, then boldly continued, "Husband, huh?" Her voice was yful, but there was a clear depth to her words, testing the feeling of that title.


    She let the word linger for a second longer before regaining herposure. "Alright, see you soon," she said, her voice still carrying that giddy excitement.


    With that, she hung up, leaving Noah standing there with a grin on his face.


    After returning to the table, Noah sat down and resumed eating with Aiden. As they both enjoyed the meal, Noah casually remembered something.


    "Hey, Aiden," he said, ncing over. "Do you want an iPhone 15 Pro Max? I kind of have a spare one, but I don''t need it."


    Aiden''s face lit up with excitement. "Wait, are you secretly Noah Wayne now? When did you be so mysterious, dude?" Heughed, but then his tone softened. "Hell yeah, I want that iPhone, but... are you sure it''s spare? I don''t want to keep taking free stuff from you. I mean, I don''t want our rtionship to be affected."


    Noah smiled and shook his head. "Don''t worry, man. We''re brothers¡ªthrough thick and thin. If I''m rich, you''re rich. If I''m poor, you''re poor. Simple as that."


    Aiden looked touched by Noah''s words and grinned. "Alright, alright. But if you go poor, don''t drag me down with you!" he joked, and the two burst intoughter.


    After having their fill, Aiden decided to pay for the food this time.


    Uncle Ben tired to stop Aiden from paying, but Aiden wouldn''t budge. After a while of convincing, Aiden was finally able to pay.


    Giving Uncle Ben $25, the meal was $15. But he tipped him $10, he wasn''t like rich like Noah tipping $200 for a $5 meal. But he still decided to keep the forefront of a rich man and tipped $10.


    "Alright bro, see you tomorrow in the exam hall," Aiden said.


    Noah smirked, tossing his trash in the nearby bin. "Don''t forget to study, or I''ll have to carry you through the test too."


    Aidenughed, shaking his head. "You''re already carrying me through life, man. I''ll at least try to make it through the exam on my own."


    Noah chuckled and gave him a fist bump. "You''ll do fine, bro. See you tomorrow."


    "Later, man!" Aiden called, waving as he headed off. Noah watched him go for a moment before turning to walk home.

 Chapter 27 Damsel In Distress

    27 Damsel In Distress


    As Noah continued walking, lost in his thoughts, something stirred in the corner of his vision. Ahead of him, a woman, unlike anyone he''d ever seen, moved with a refined, humble grace. She was striking ¡ª pale, fairy-like features that seemed out of ce in the ordinary cityscape.


    Her skin was the colour of freshly fallen snow, her hair cascaded down her back like a shimmering waterfall, and though her dress appeared simple, it radiated a level of elegance only the keenest eye could catch.


    Noah''s trained eye, honed by years of subtly observing details, could tell instantly that her outfit wasn''t just expensive ¡ª it was crafted. Tailored, likely by a high-ss designer, the kind you wouldn''t find even in the most exclusive of stores. It had a quiet luxury to it that screamed of wealth without needing to unt it. Yet, despite her outward beauty and the obvious ss she exuded, there was something¡­ off. The sunsses. Noah squinted.


    "Why wear sunsses on a cloudy day? The sun wasn''t ring down; there was no need for them. Was she hiding something?"


    Noah shook his head, mentally chastising himself.


    "Don''t jump to conclusions," he thought. "Not everything''s a conspiracy." shaking his head at his far-fetched thoughts.


    But as his gaze lingered, something else caught his attention. Slowly, methodically, a ck van turned the corner, its engine almost inaudible, creeping along the curb in an unsettling way.


    Its windows werepletely tinted, not a single sliver of light able to prate inside. The van rolled closer, its movement too deliberate, too calcted.


    A chill ran up Noah''s spine. His gut screamed at him ¡ª something was wrong. Really wrong.


    He tried to brush it off. "Maybe it''s just a delivery van," he reasoned, but deep down, his instincts ¡ª were telling him otherwise. As the van approached, he saw that there was no number te either.


    Before he could even process the feeling fully, a familiar chime echoed in his mind.


    [Ding! The Ultimate Choice System has been activated!]


    Noah froze. His breath caught in his throat as the familiar interface popped up in front of his vision, hovering in the air like a hologram only he could see.


    This time, the stakes were higher. Much higher.


    [Option 1: The woman is about to be abducted. Ignore it and leave to avoid trouble. The woman has a survival rate of 0%.]


    17:35


    [Reward: $100,000 & Anti-depression pill.]


    [Option 2: The woman is about to be abducted. Call the police and inform them anonymously. The woman has a survival rate of 10%.]


    [Reward: $25,000 & Audi A1 ]


    [Option 3: The woman is about to be abducted. Save the Damsel in Distress.]


    [Reward: Basic Inventory Skill & Basic Soldier-King Skill.]


    His heart pounded in his chest as he stared at the options.


    "What the hell¡­ "


    This wasn''t like the other choices. Those were about social interactions, minor decisions, and harmless stuff that wouldn''t get him killed. But this? This was life or death ¡ª not just for the woman, but for him, too.


    The first option practically guaranteed her death. The thought made Noah ufortable. Sure, the reward was tempting, and he could easily avoid trouble. He wouldn''t have to risk his life for someone he didn''t even know. But then again, could he really just walk away knowing she had zero chance of surviving? Could he live with that on his conscience?


    "No way," he thought, shaking his head. "I''m not that heartless, especially if I have the skills needed to save her" He added, whilst ncing at Option 3.


    He nced at the second option. Calling the police seemed logical, safer. But what if they didn''t arrive in time? The woman''s survival rate was only 10%. That was¡­ pathetically low.


    [Option 2: The woman is about to be abducted. Call the police and inform them anonymously. The woman has a survival rate of 10%.]


    [Reward: $25,000 & Audi A1 ]


    The reward wasn''t bad, but it wasn''t life-changing either. And what if the van sped off before the cops got there? She''d still be gone, and he''d have only dyed the inevitable.


    Noah''s eyes locked onto the third option.


    [Option 3: The woman is about to be abducted. Save the Damsel in Distress.]


    [Reward: Basic Inventory Skill & Basic Soldier-King Skill.]


    That one sent a jolt through his body. It was clear what this option demanded ¡ª action. Real, dangerous, possibly life-threatening action.


    It was bold, reckless even. And yet, the rewards were insane: [Basic Soldier-King Skill & Basic Inventory Skill.]


    These weren''t just perks; they were the kind of abilities that could change his entire life. He''d essentially be gainingbat skills and the ability to carry items in a personal inventory space ¡ª both invaluable assets in a dangerous world.


    But still¡­ this wasn''t a game. This wasn''t some superhero movie where he could charge in and save the day with no consequences. If things went south, he could get seriously hurt ¡ª or worse.


    "Do I really want to risk my life for a stranger?" he thought, his mind racing. "I''ve got my family, Sarah. What if I get killed?"


    "Life has finally started to show its rainbows and sunshine to him, he doesn''t need to risk it for anything."


    He clenched his fists, feeling the weight of the decision pressing down on him. This was the first time he was truly scared ¡ª scared that this choice, unlike the others, could actually end badly for him. But he couldn''t shake the feeling that if he didn''t act, he''d regret it forever.


    His eyes drifted back to the woman, who was obliviously walking down the street,pletely unaware of the looming danger behind her. The van was inching closer, its dark presence a silent predator.


    "If I don''t do something, she''s as good as dead."


    Noah could feel the adrenaline starting to pump through his veins. His body tensed, his heart raced.


    "Come on, Noah. Think."


    The woman didn''t deserve this. She hadn''t done anything wrong. She was just walking down the street, minding her business, and now her life was hanging by a thread. The fact that the system also issued a choice, further strengthened this thought.


    Noah took a deep breath. He had a choice to make, and time was running out fast.


    "Option 3¡­ It''s risky, but I can do this. I have to. I can''t just walk away."


    With one final nce at the system options, Noah made his decision.


    Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!


    Creation is hard, cheer me up!


    Have some idea about my story? Comment it and let me know.


    Risaliyah


    Creator''s Thought n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Important

 Chapter 28 Damsel In Distress (2)

    28 Damsel In Distress (2)


    Noah''s heart raced as he made the decision, Option 3 solidifying in his mind. As soon as he chose it, a flood of information poured into his brain ¡ª sharp, precise, tactical knowledge that wasn''t there moments before.


    The Basic Soldier-King Skill and Basic Inventory Skill snapped into ce as if he had always known how to use weapons, how to survive, and how to handle extreme situations.


    Just as the rush of knowledge subsided, the scene unfolded in front of him with terrifying rity. The van, which had been creeping closer, stopped abruptly, right in the middle of the street. It was broad daylight, the sun still hovering above the horizon, but what happened next felt like a nightmare.


    The van''s doors burst open, and three men in pitch-ck clothing, their faces concealed by eerie masks leapt out. In one swift, practised motion, they seized the woman. She barely had time to register what was happening before she let out a blood-curdling scream, her face twisting in shock and terror.


    The sound of her scream cut through the street like a de, sending shivers down Noah''s spine. It echoed in the air, a desperate cry for help that no one seemed brave enough to answer.


    Noah''s eyes darted around. People stood frozen on the sidewalks, their faces contorted in horror, but no one dared to intervene. A few raised their phones, recording the incident from a distance, but no one moved to help. Fear gripped them all, paralyzing them in ce. They couldn''t risk stepping in ¡ª not when there could be weapons involved. Noah understood their hesitation.


    "If I confront them now, I''ll put everyone at risk. What if they have guns?" His mind raced, calcting his next move.


    Confronting the men directly wasn''t an option ¡ª not yet. He needed an advantage, something to level the ying field.


    Then, he spotted it. A motorcycle parked just a few feet away, its engine still warm, as if it had been recently used. Noah''s eyes locked onto it, and without a second thought, he sprinted toward the bike. The owner, a man in histe twenties, was getting ready to hop on.


    "Hey!" Noah called out, urgency dripping from his voice as he approached the man. "I need your bike."


    The man blinked, taken aback, his brow furrowing in confusion. "What? No way, dude, are you crazy? I don''t even know you!"


    Noah''s hand instinctively reached into his pocket, pulling out a wad of cash. He hadn''t nned on using it, but desperate times called for desperate measures.


    He peeled off $500, holding it out toward the man. "Here. It''s yours. I just need the bike, now."


    The man hesitated, looking at the cash and then at Noah. The bike was old, worth maybe $600 at best, and clearly past its prime. It was hardly a prized possession. After a moment''s consideration, he grabbed the money and handed Noah the keys.


    Noah didn''t waste a second. He swung his leg over the motorcycle and kickstarted it into action.


    The engine sputtered for a moment, then roared to life, its deep rumble filling the air. The motorcycle wasn''t fast ¡ª not by a long shot ¡ª but with his Intermediate Driving Skill, Noah knew how to maximize its potential. Every muscle in his body responded with precision, his mind calcting the fastest routes, the best ways to handle sharp turns, and the smoothest gear transitions.


    As he sped off after the van, weaving through traffic with ease, his focus narrowed. The city blurred around him, but his eyes stayed locked on his target ¡ª the ck van, which was now pulling away at speed. He couldn''t afford to lose them.


    The moment the van sped off, chaos erupted on the street. People snapped out of their initial shock, some rushing toward each other in panic while others fumbled with their phones, desperately trying to call for help.


    A woman in her mid-thirties, her voice shaky but determined, raised her phone to her ear as she dialled the police. "Hurry! Someone call the police!" she shouted, her eyes wide with fear.


    "I''m already on the line!" a young man nearby responded, pacing frantically as the phone rang in his ear. He seemed to be struggling to keep hisposure, his breathing in quick bursts. After a few tense seconds, the call connected.


    "911, what''s your emergency?"


    He spoke quickly, the words tumbling out of his mouth as adrenaline kicked in. "Yes! There''s been¡ªthere''s been a kidnapping! A woman, she was just taken, right in front of us!"


    "Calm down, sir. Where did this happen?" the operator replied, her tone professional, trying to bring some control to the situation.


    "It¡ªit''s on Brookview and 8th! A ck van, three men in masks just grabbed her!" The man''s voice cracked with urgency as he watched the street where the van had disappeared. "They just grabbed her, right in front of everyone! It happened so fast!"


    "Can you describe the van? Any details about the suspects?" the operator pressed.


    "It was a ck van, no tes that I could see," the man replied, his eyes darting around as if the details would somehow materialize from the chaos. "The guys were wearing masks, all ck clothes, they were fast. Please, you have to hurry¡ªshe screamed, and then they just¡ª"


    "We''re dispatching units to your location right now. Stay calm, stay where you are. Is the woman hurt? Did you see any weapons?"


    "I don''t think so, but¡ªbut they grabbed her roughly, and she was terrified. We didn''t see any weapons, but they might have them!" he added, his voice rising again as he scanned the faces around him. Other bystanders were nodding, confirming the details he was giving.


    "Alright, stay on the line. Officers are en route."


    The young man exhaled sharply, his hand trembling as he clutched the phone. Around him, more people gathered, murmuring in low voices, their faces pale with shock.


    One woman, clutching her own phone but too shaken to call, nced at him. "Did they say how long until they get here?"


    "They''reing, they''re on their way," he muttered, barely able to focus as the weight of what he had just witnessed pressed down on him.


    The crowd stayed where they were, a mix of helplessness and hope in their eyes, but none of them knew that Noah had already taken matters into his own hands, speeding after the van on a borrowed motorcycle.


    I have received the Contract, Please support the novel with Golden Tickets if you like it. I will decide which novel to focus on based on the support I receive.


    Thank you <3. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    I''m also stockpiling chapters and will release them all at once, so update will be slow for a few days.


    Risaliyah


    Creator''s Thought

 Chapter 29 Damsel In distress (3)

    29 Damsel In distress (3)


    Fifteen minutester, the police finally arrived, lights shing and sirens wailing as they pulled up to the scene. People watched in anxious silence as a sleek patrol car came to a stop.


    Out of the car stepped a strikingly beautiful policewoman, her features sharp and her shoulder-length hair tied back with precision. There was a sense of authority and confidence in the way she moved, yet her expression was calm and professional.


    The officer''s namete gleamed under the setting sun: Staff Sergeant Rachel Miller. She scanned the crowd briefly before stepping forward, her voice clear and assertive as she addressed the bystanders.


    "Alright, I need everyone''s attention! We need details¡ªnow. Start from the beginning. What exactly happened?"


    The crowd shifted nervously before the young man who had made the call stepped forward. "There was a van, a ck one. Three men jumped out, grabbed the woman, and then sped off¡ªjust like that. It was so fast, no one had time to react."


    Staff Sergeant Miller nodded, her brow furrowing slightly. "Can anyone describe the woman who was taken?"


    A few witnesses exchanged nces, and then a middle-aged woman with a trembling voice spoke up. "She was... she was beautiful, like some kind of movie star. Pale skin, long hair, wearing sunsses even though the sun wasn''t bright. She had on a Tailored dress."


    Rachel''s heart skipped a beat, her professional mask slipping for just a fraction of a second.


    The description tugged at her memory, and an unsettling suspicion began to form in her mind.


    "Could it be...?"


    No, she couldn''t jump to conclusions. She needed more information. "Did anyone hear her name, or see where they went?"


    Another voice piped up, "No name, but they went west, down Brookview. They didn''t have any license tes. It was fast¡ªlike they knew what they were doing."


    Rachel''s eyes narrowed as she processed the information. Her gut feeling told her this wasn''t just a random abduction.


    "The woman they described... she could be her."


    But before she could dwell on it further, a male officer approached her with a serious look on his face.


    "Staff Sergeant, we found this near the scene. It appears to belong to the victim."


    He handed over a designer handbag, and the moment Rachel''s eyes fell on it, her suspicion solidified into certainty. Her fingers tightened around the strap as she opened it briefly, recognizing the contents immediately.


    Her heart raced. "Amelia..." she muttered under her breath, barely audible. She shut the bag quickly, her mind racing through every protocol she had been trained for, but the stakes were now impossibly higher.


    This wasn''t just any victim¡ªthis was her best friend, Amelia. And Amelia wasn''t just an ordinary citizen; her background made this abduction far more dangerous than any other case.


    Without wasting a moment, Rachel straightened up, her voice cold andmanding as she gave rapid-fire orders to her team. "Lock down all major exits from the city. I want every patrol car in a ten-mile radius on high alert. Set up roadblocks at every intersection along Brookview. No one gets out. Deploy drones if you have to."


    The officers around her nodded and sprang into action, their radios crackling with activity as they ryed hermands. One officer quickly ran back to his car, already calling for reinforcements.


    Rachel''s chest tightened with dread. She didn''t ramp up the efforts just because Amelia was her best friend, but because Amelia''s abduction could have massive consequences given her connections. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    She was involved in high-stakes business, with people who had power and influence far beyond this city. If the wrong people were behind this, it wasn''t just a simple kidnapping¡ªthey were ying with fire.


    Turning to the young officer beside her, Rachel''s voice was low but urgent. "We need to find her. And fast."


    An hour had passed since the abduction, and the van had already made its way to the outskirts of Birmingham. The road was deste, bordered by empty fields and distant hills, with no signs of life for miles.


    The setting sun cast long shadows across the barrenndscape, making the scene feel even more isted. There wasn''t a car or pedestrian in sight, just the low hum of the van''s engine and the rhythmic thumping of its tyres against the cracked asphalt.


    Inside the van, four men upied the vehicle: one behind the wheel, a second in the passenger seat, and two in the back, sitting across from Amelia, who was bound and gagged.


    Her eyes were wide with fear, her breaths shallow as she nced nervously at the men who asionally cast leering looks in her direction.


    The man in the passenger seat, a gruff individual with a shaved head, let out a low whistle as his eyes shifted to the rearview mirror, catching Amelia''s reflection. "Damn, she''s a looker, ain''t she?" he muttered, loud enough for everyone to hear. "Can''t believe we''re just sittin'' here like this. We could be havin'' some fun with her right now."


    17:37


    The man next to Amelia, anky guy with tattoos snaking up his arms, snorted in agreement. "Yeah, I don''t see why we''re waiting. Look at her, man. She''s trembling. Makes it even better, doesn''t it?"


    The driver, a burly man with a cold expression, shot a nce back at them. "Cut it out."


    But the tattooed man grinned, leaning in closer to Amelia, his breath hot and foul. "C''mon, boss, just a touch. No harm in that, right? She''s not gonna remember anything after tonight anyway."


    The leader, the man in the driver''s seat, red at him through the mirror. His voice was sharp, cutting through the air like a de. "Don''t be an idiot. The guy who hired us? He''s got ns for her, and if we mess with his ''property'' before he gets his turn, we''re as good as dead. We touch her, and he finds out. We won''t see a penny."


    Tattoo Guy leaned back reluctantly, muttering under his breath. "Yeah, but¡ªjust a touch. It''s not like¡ª"


    "I said no!" the leader snapped, his voice filled with authority and warning. "Listen to me. You wait until we''ve got the money. After that, we can spend it on all the girls you want. Not just one. Think about it."


    The man grumbled but eventually nodded, his lecherous gaze lingering on Amelia for a moment longer before he turned his attention to the front. The van was silent again, save for the asional bump in the road.


    Just then, something caught the passenger''s attention. "Hey, that motorcycle..."


    "What about it?" the leader asked, not bothering to turn his head.


    The passenger frowned, leaning closer to the window. "I swear I''ve seen it behind us for a while now. You think he''s following us?"


    The leader shook his head, chuckling under his breath. "Nah, it''s just some random guy. He disappears and reappears from different streets. No one could be keeping track of us on these roads. It''s impossible."


    The others nodded, reassured by their leader''s confidence, though the passenger kept his eyes on the bike.


    Momentster, the motorcycle zoomed past them, and for a split second, everything seemed fine. But then it started to wobble violently, the front wheel shaking uncontrobly in what was known as a death wobble.


    The bike swayed left and right, the rider struggling to maintain control as the vehicle jerked back and forth.


    The tattooed guy in the backughed, nudging the man beside him. "Look at that idiot! He''s dead for sure."


    Even the leader cracked a smirk, his eyes flicking to the side mirror. "Won''t have to worry about him followin'' us now. He''s gonna wipe out any second."


    But instead of crashing, the rider managed to hold on for what felt like an eternity. The motorcycle twisted and lurched, and finally, with a loud screech, it slid sideways across the asphalt, skidding to a stop right in front of the van, blocking the roadpletely.


    "Shit!" the leader cursed, mming the brakes as the van screeched to a halt just inches away from the downed motorcycle. The group inside lurched forward with the sudden stop, each of them cursing under their breath.


    The driver growled, his knuckles white as he gripped the wheel. "One of you get out and move him. We don''t have time for this!"


    As the man stepped out of the van, he immediately noticed that Noah''s crash wasn''t nearly as bad as it first appeared.


    I have received the Contract, Please support the novel with Golden Tickets if you like it. I will decide which novel to focus on based on the support I receive.


    Thank you <3.

 Chapter 30 Saving Damsel in Distress

    30 Saving Damsel in Distress


    Noahy on the ground, grimacing and clutching his side in an exaggerated disy of pain, but the motorcycle seemed to have barely taken any damage. The man sneered, shaking his head.


    "Oi, move your damn bicycle-wannabe motorcycle outta the way," he barked, his patience already thin. "We''ve got important business to handle, and you''re in the way."


    Noah, still on the ground, groaned dramatically as he slowly pushed himself to his feet. "Important business? You''re the one who made me crash in the first ce! That van of yours was going so slow, I couldn''t react in time." n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The man''s face twisted into an ugly scowl. "Slow speed? You idiot, Your busted-up excuse for a bike can''t even keep up with a snail, let alone us. You trying to scam us?"


    Noah stood up fully now, dusting himself off but still wincing like he was in pain. "Scam? I don''t care about your speed. All I know is, if I hadn''t had to swerve, I wouldn''t be in this mess! My bike''s scratched up because of you guys, and I''m not moving an inch until you pay me $500 for the damage."


    The man let out a string of curses, his eyes zing. "$500? You gotta be outta your mind! We don''t have time for this crap. Move, or I''ll beat you senseless and throw you and your bike off the road myself!"


    Noah crossed his arms, shaking his head stubbornly. "I''m not moving unless you pay me what I''m owed."


    The argument escted as Noah continued to raise his voice, refusing to budge from the front of the van. Inside, the leader of the group was growing increasingly frustrated. They were losing valuable time because of this idiot with his flimsy motorcycle. He sighed deeply, tapping his fingers on the steering wheel as he watched themotion unfold through the windshield.


    Realizing that Noah wasn''t going to back down easily, the leader leaned toward the window, calling out to the man.


    "Jacke here, let me talk to you." Hearing the leader, Jack got closer and leaned into the window.


    "Hey, get him toe closer to the van. Tell him we''ll pay him his damn $500. As soon as he''s close, the others will grab him. They will hold him down, and you can move the bike. Then we''re outta here."


    The man grinned wickedly, nodding as he turned back to Noah. "Alright, alright," he said, his tone suddenly changing to something almost friendly. "You win. My boss says he''ll give you the $500. Juste over to the van, and we''ll sort it out."


    Noah narrowed his eyes, still pretending to be pissed off, but inside his mind, everything was crystal clear. He could see the n forming in the way the man''s lips curled. The fake friendliness, the sudden change in tone¡ªit was all too obvious. They were going to try to grab him.


    But Noah didn''t flinch. He just kept up his act, raising his voice even more. "I knew you guys would see reason! I''m not moving from here until I get my money."


    The man approached Noah, a smug grin on his face as he gestured for him toe closer.


    As Noah reluctantly walked closer to the van''s door, the man standing beside him gave him a friendly nudge, his grin growing wider with each step.


    "Come on, hurry up, get paid and scurry from here" the man urged, impatience oozing from his voice.


    "Okay, okay" Noah responded.


    When Noah was right in front of the van, the door slid open with a sudden, harsh screech. Inside, two men waited, their eyes cold and calcting. Without warning, they lunged, grabbing Noah by his arms, and trying to pull him into the van. He jerked back, his face filled with a convincing look of panic.


    "H-Hey, what''s going on?" Noah stammered, stepping back quickly as if genuinely scared. But before he could make any distance, the man behind him moved with surprising speed, grabbing Noah by the shoulders and shoving him forward, right into the clutches of the two men waiting in the van.


    "Gotcha, kid," one of the men sneered as they dragged him inside, their grips rough and merciless.


    Thrown unceremoniously into the back of the van, Noahnded hard on the floor, his mind racing even as he kept up his terrified act. The door mmed shut behind him with a dull thud, sealing him in with the kidnappers.


    "You should''ve just walked away," one of the men jeered, standing over Noah with a sadistic glint in his eye. "Now, you might not even survive, you little punk."


    They were careless in their arrogance, clearly thinking they hadplete dominance over the situation. But Noah''s instincts told him not to make a move yet. The biggest threat was still the leader driving the van, and the man riding with him at the front. If either of them had a gun, things could escte dangerously if he acted too soon.


    17:38


    Another one chuckled darkly, leaning in closer. "Hehehe, thought you could y games with us, huh? You''re in deep now, kid. Real deep."


    Noah sat quietly beside Amelia, ncing at her briefly as the kidnappers tied his hands and forced him to sit next to her.


    Her face was pale, eyes filled with a mixture of fear and confusion. She was bound tightly, her wrists raw from struggling. Her once-pristine dress was now wrinkled and stained, a far cry from the image of elegance she had earlier.


    Noah, though ying the role of a terrified victim, was far from helpless. His heart raced, but it wasn''t fear that consumed him¡ªit was anticipation. As the men tightened the ropes around his wrists, Noah didn''t resist, allowing them to believe they had full control. His mind, however, was working at full speed.


    He had scanned the two men who grabbed him earlier and noticed no visible firearms. Knives maybe, but that wasn''t his immediate concern.


    They were careless in their arrogance, clearly thinking they hadplete dominance over the situation. But Noah''s instincts told him not to make a move yet. The biggest threat was still the leader driving the van, and the man riding with him at the front. If either of them had a gun, things could escte dangerously if he acted too soon.


    The van jolted as the engine roared back to life. The man who had moved the motorcycle hopped in, mming the door shut, and they were on their way again, speeding down the deserted road.


    "Basic Soldier-King Skill," surged in his mind, offering him strategies and techniques that his body was carved with.


    Every second of inaction now was building towards something¡ªwaiting for the right moment to strike.


    His eyes flicked to Amelia again. She looked at him, a small, pleading nce, as if silently begging for help. He gave her a reassuring nod, his expression still filled with mock fear, but his gaze telling a different story.


    Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!


    Creation is hard, cheer me up!


    Risaliyah

 Chapter 31 Saving Damsel in Distress (2)

    Chapter 31 Saving Damsel in Distress (2)


    Noah''s heart thudded as he sat still, bound beside Amelia. His mind raced, calcting every possible move and oue. He flexed his wrists, testing the tightness of the ropes as his new "Basic Soldier-King Skill" flowed through him, giving him advancedbat knowledge that felt engraved in his bones.


    ncing at Amelia, Noah caught her eye and subtly moved his fingers in a series of quick, deliberate gestures¡ªa form of signnguage.


    It wasn''t perfect, but he hoped Amelia, who seemed refined and educated would understand. To his relief, she gave the faintest of nods, careful not to alert their captors. A quiet exhale escaped Noah. She understood.


    Now it was time to act.


    Noah shifted his focus to the ropes binding his wrists. The rough twine scraped against his skin, but with his new skills, his flexibility was heightened. Twisting his wrists and subtly working his fingers, he felt the rope loosen. After a few more seconds, the knot slipped, and his hands were free. But he didn''t move yet. He had to wait for the perfect moment.


    One of the men at the back of the van was beginning to doze off, head bobbing as he fought sleep. The others were oblivious,ughing and talking in low voices. The leader in the front was entirely focused on the road. This was it.


    Noah sprang into action.


    In one fluid motion, he leapt towards the man nearest to him. His elbow struck the man''s neck with brutal precision, instantly cutting off the blood flow to his brain. The man''s body went limp, copsing onto the van floor without so much as a grunt.


    The second man, wide-eyed in shock, reached for a weapon strapped to his side, but Noah was faster.


    He lunged at him, locking one arm around the man''s neck and the other grabbing his wrist, twisting it painfully. The man gasped, eyes bulging as Noah choked him out, rendering him unconscious in seconds.


    But the sudden movement had awakened the third man, who shot up, alert, just as Noah spun and delivered a powerful kick to the man nearest the van door.


    The force of the kick sent him crashing through the van''s side door, which burst open on impact. The man tumbled out of the speeding van, his body rolling violently across the asphalt, disappearing into the distance. Whether he survived or not didn''t matter¡ªhe was out of the fight.


    The van swerved violently as the leader in the driver''s seat mmed the brakes, trying to regain control. The tyres screeched on the road, and the vehicle jerked as it decelerated.


    Meanwhile, the man who had been knocked out earlier began to stir. Noah didn''t give him a chance to recover.


    He quickly seized the man by the cor, yanking him into a grapple. They wrestled for a brief moment, but with his strength and skills, Noah easily overpowered him, mming him against the van wall and knocking him unconscious again.


    Amelia, who had stayed still as per Noah''s instructions, was frozen in shock. She watched in disbelief as Noah took out the kidnappers with precision and efficiency that seemed impossible for someone who looked so young. But there was no time for her to react. Noah wasn''t done yet.


    Suddenly, the man in the passenger seat twisted around, grabbing Amelia and pressing a knife to her throat. "Stop!" he shouted, his voice trembling with adrenaline. "One more move, and I''ll slit her throat!"


    Noah''s eyes narrowed. His mind raced, analyzing the situation. He couldn''t afford to let emotions cloud his judgment. Without hesitating, he sneered at the man. "I don''t care about that woman," he said coldly, stepping back towards the open van door. "She''s not worth dying for."


    The man''s grip on Amelia tightened, but his confusion was evident. "What? You''re just gonna leave?"


    Noah gave a dismissive wave and leaped out of the van door, disappearing into the shadows of the roadside.


    The leader, sensing that something was wrong, mmed the brakes fully and jumped out of the van through the opposite door. "Find him!" he barked, scanning the deserted road frantically. He looked left and right, spinning around in search of Noah. His breath came in ragged bursts, and sweat dripped from his brow as he strained to see in the fading light.


    But Noah was nowhere to be found.


    The leader''s heart pounded as he circled the van. He peered into the distance, eyes darting, his fingers itching towards the concealed weapon at his side. "Where the hell did he go?" he muttered, still looking around in panic.


    Suddenly, without warning, Noah dropped down from the roof of the van like a shadow,nding silently behind the leader. In one swift, deadly motion, he wrapped an arm around the man''s neck and squeezed with brutal force. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The leader gasped, trying to draw breath, but it was toote. Noah''s grip tightened, and the man copsed, unconscious before he even knew what hit him.


    Noah quickly patted down the unconscious leader, searching for any weapons. His fingers grazed cold metal, and he pulled out a gun from the man''s holster. With a swift motion, he stood up and turned back towards the van. Inside, thest kidnapper still held the knife to Amelia''s throat, his eyes wild with desperation.


    Noah raised the gun, aiming directly at the man. His voice was steady, filled with a cold intensity. "Drop the knife, or you''re dead."


    The manughed, his grip tightening on the knife. "Who do you think you are, kid?" he sneered. "There''s no way you can hit that shot. The girl''s right in front of me."


    Noah''s gaze remained unshaken. He locked eyes with Amelia, who was trembling, fear etched across her face. She looked at Noah, uncertain and terrified. The young man''s eyes softened just a bit, and in a calm voice, he asked, "Do you trust me?"


    Amelia''s heart raced, not sure if the thudding was from the danger of the de at her throat or from the intensity of Noah''s unwavering stare. Her breath hitched, and she hesitated, fear clouding her judgment. Slowly, she shook her head in disbelief, her thoughts a whirlwind of confusion. She didn''t trust him¡ªhow could she?


    As her head shook, Noah''s focus sharpened. Without warning, he squeezed the trigger.


    The gunshot echoed through the air, sharp and deafening. Blood sprayed as the bullet struck, and a wail of pain erupted from the man holding Amelia. The knife ttered to the floor, and the kidnapper copsed, clutching his bleeding hand where the bullet had lodged itself.


    Amelia stood frozen, eyes wide with shock. She stared at Noah, her mind struggling to process what had just happened. He stood there, calm, a slight smile curling at the edges of his lips. "You did well," Noah said, voice smooth. "Thank you."


    He stepped forward, kicking the knife far away from the man who was now writhing on the ground, clutching his hand in agony. Noah looked down at him with a smirk. "Told you you''d regret it," he said with a cheeky grin. "You should''ve just paid me my $500."


    Noah''s smirk lingered as he watched the man squirm on the ground, his cockyugh now turned into pitiful cries.

 Chapter 32 A Passerby

    Chapter 32 A Passerby


    ncing at Amelia, Noah''s expression softened. "Could you kindly keep this a secret between us?" he asked, his voice casual but firm.


    "I have exams tomorrow, and the police won''t let me off easily after firing a weapon. Can you say the man identally shot himself or something? And maybe tell them someone in a mask saved you, but you don''t know who it was and they just left."


    He smiled¡ªa warm, sincere smile that made her heart flutter in spite of everything. For a moment, Amelia was lost in the calm of his expression, nodding her head almost instinctively.


    Noah, noticing her agreement, leaned down and patted the wounded man, retrieving a phone. Handing it to Amelia, he gestured toward it. "Call the police. Tell them what happened¡ªminus the part about me."


    While she made the call, Noah went to the van, grabbed some ropes, and swiftly tied up the unconscious kidnappers, including the one he had kicked out of the van earlier. With every knot, he worked efficiently, showing a level of skill that was far from ordinary. He then dragged the men back into the van driving seat making them cramped above each other hriously. When everything was set, Noah turned back to Amelia, who still looked shaken. "You''ll be fine. The police are on their way," he said reassuringly.


    "But... what if they escape your ropes?" she asked, her eyes wide with concern.


    Noah smiled, the same easy, confident grin that had carried them through the ordeal. "They can''t."


    Her worry didn''t fade, and she asked again, "But what if they do?"


    Noah sighed softly, shaking his head. "Okay, fine. Want to walk with me?" he offered with a small chuckle.


    Amelia nodded quickly, but as she took a step, a sharp pain shot through her ankle. She yelped in pain.


    "Hsst-"


    Looking down, he noticed the swelling of her ankle. Noah then knelt beside her. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Without hesitation, he tore a piece of his shirt, revealing his toned abs beneath the fabric. With quick hands, he wrapped her injured ankle, the makeshift bandage snug but not too tight.


    "That should help for now," he said gently. Then, without missing a beat, he knelt down in front of her, turning his back. "Hop on."


    Amelia hesitated, her face flushing, but she couldn''t deny the pain in her ankle. Blushing, she climbed onto his back, her arms loosely wrapping around his neck. Noah stood effortlessly, and for the next 15 minutes, he carried her through the quiet streets, the weight of what had happened starting to settle in.


    When they finally reached the spot where Noah had left his motorcycle, he gently let her down. "Sit tight," he said. "The police will be here any second."


    He moved toward the motorcycle, preparing to leave. Amelia, still processing everything, called out before he could ride off. "Wait... who are you?"


    Noah nced back, his face softening again. With a yful grin, he said, "I''m just a passerby. Don''t let this scare you from going out¡ªthey''re just a bunch of losers, okay? Forget this happened."


    He revved the engine of the cheap motorcycle and was about to drive off when he heard her mutter quietly, almost too softly for him to catch, "I''m afraid I won''t be able to forget... you."


    Noah smiled, unseen, as he sped into the distance, leaving Amelia staring after him, her heart racing faster than it had even in the midst of the danger.


    Rachel was gripping the wheel tightly, her eyes focused straight ahead as she sped through the streets with three police cars following close behind.


    The tension in the air was visible, every second feeling like an eternity as she raced toward Amelia. Her heart pounded in her chest, not knowing what state she''d find her best friend in.


    As she drove, Rachel barely registered a half-naked young man on a small motorcycle zipping past in the opposite direction. She nced briefly at him, but quickly shifted her focus back to the road¡ªthere was no time for distractions, not with Amelia''s life at stake.


    A minuteter, her breath caught in her throat as she spotted Amelia sitting on the side of the road. Her clothes were tattered, dust clinging to her once pristine appearance. Rachel''s heart sank at the sight.


    mming on the brakes, Rachel pulled up beside Amelia, jumping out of the car as soon as it stopped. Her eyes were wide with worry as she rushed over to her friend, quickly scanning her for any visible injuries.


    "Amelia, are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere?" Rachel asked, her voice frantic as her hands gently but urgently searched for any sign of wounds.


    Amelia, despite the ordeal she had just endured, smiled softly. "I''m fine, Rachel," she said, her voice tired but calm.


    Rachel, still not fully convinced, continued checking her over. "Get into the car," she ordered, her voice firm but filled with relief. "We need to make sure you''re safe. I''ll handle the rest."


    Amelia nodded and slowly made her way toward the police car, but as she did, she casually mentioned, "My kidnappers are about four minutes away by drive, on the side of the road, in a van. They''re on the side, already tied up."


    Rachel paused, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Tied up?" she repeated, her tone filled with both surprise and confusion.


    But she quickly shook it off¡ªthis wasn''t the time for questions. They had to secure the area and apprehend the criminals before anything else.


    She gave Amelia a reassuring nod and waved the police officers forward. "Stay in the car. We''ll take care of them," Rachel said as she signalled the officers to move ahead.


    But in the back of her mind, one question lingered: "Who in the world was able to tie them up?"


    As the officers arrived on the scene, their eyes widened in disbelief. They found four criminals piled up haphazardly like a human stack of rag dolls.


    Three of them were unconscious, and the fourth was wailing with a bloody hand, clutching the spot where a bullet had grazed him.


    One officer muttered, "Well, that''s a new one. Only Batman could pull off something like this."


    Another officer, shaking his head and trying to stifle augh, added, "Yeah, I''m half-expecting to find a bat signal somewhere around here."


    They all chuckled, exchanging nces and amused grins. The sight was so absurdlyic that they could hardly take it seriously.


    Rachel, who had been waiting nearby, looked at the scene with a mixture of confusion and relief. The officers continued to chuckle, while the tied-up criminals groaned in frustration.


    One of the officers quipped, "Well, whoever this guy is, he sure knows how to make an entrance. Thanks for saving the day, Batman."

 Chapter 33 Noah Wayne

    Chapter 33 Noah Wayne


    Rachel kept ncing at Amelia as she drove, her worry evident in her expression. The silence in the car felt heavy, like a cloud of unasked questions hovering between them. After a few minutes, she couldn''t take it anymore.


    "Amelia, are you sure you''re okay?" Rachel''s voice was soft but filled with concern as she quickly looked over her friend again, eyes scanning for any injuries.


    Amelia smiled tiredly, brushing her hand through her dust-covered hair. "I''m fine, Rachel. I promise."


    She looked down at her swollen ankle wrapped in a cloth, wincing. "Just... a little shaken up, I guess."


    Rachel nodded, her knuckles white on the steering wheel. "What exactly happened?" she asked, her voice low, trying not to push too hard. The sooner she knew everything, the sooner she could help.


    Amelia sighed. "I was taken. You already know that. But..." She trailed off, leaving Rachel hanging on the edge of her seat.


    "And?" Rachel''s voice pressed forward, urgency creeping in.


    Amelia bit her lip, clearly hesitant. "Someone saved me."


    Rachel nced sharply at her. "Someone? Who? Did you get their name, their face, anything?"


    Amelia hesitated for a moment and then shook her head. "No... I didn''t get his name. He disappeared before I could even thank him properly." She was telling the truth, but Rachel noticed something in her voice¡ªsomething she couldn''t quite ce.


    Rachel''s eyes narrowed in suspicion but she nodded, letting it slide for now. "Alright. We''ll figure it outter," she said, though her mind was already spinning with questions. She didn''t believe Amelia was lying, but something felt off.


    Meanwhile, Noah was standing outside Aiden''s house, still looking like he had just survived a demolition derby. His motorcycle sputtered to a stop, and he stared down at his torn pants, his shirtless torso smeared with dirt, and the dust cloud settling around him.


    "Ring-ring"


    "Hello?" replied Aiden, with a sleepy voice.


    "Hi, I''m outside your house. Come out quickly," said Noah.


    "Okay," replied Aiden, whilst yawning and then hung up.


    Soon enough, the front door swung open, revealing a sleepy-looking Aiden, who squinted at him in disbelief.


    Aiden''s jaw dropped, taking in Noah''s wild appearance. "Bro... what happened to you?" he asked, eyes wide with shock, but his mouth curling up into a grin. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Noah couldn''t help butugh, rubbing the back of his neck. "Man... long story. But you remember when you said I was like Batman?" Noah''s grin widened, leaning into the absurdity of the situation.


    Aiden raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms. "Oh no, don''t tell me¡ª"


    "Yeah, dude," Noah cut him off, "I had to go full Batman. Noah Wayne had to protect the city," he added, dramatically pointing to his dirt-covered self.


    Aiden burst outughing, pping his knee. "No way, man! You look like you crawled out of a zombie apocalypse, not Gotham! What did you do? Save a kitten from a tree?" he teased.


    Noah smirked, shaking his head. "Kitten¡­" he muttered, briefly thinking of Amelia''s wide-eyed expression, soft and vulnerable like a kitten. "Yeah, you could say that."


    Aiden raised an eyebrow. "Wait, what?" heughed. "You actually saved a kitten?"


    Noah waved him off, grinning. "Long story. Anyway, I need some clothes, man. I can''t go home looking like this." He gestured to his dust-covered, torn pants, shirtless state, and the dirt smeared all over him. "My parents would think I joined some weird post-apocalyptic cult or something."


    Aiden looked him up and down, shaking his head with an amused smirk. "Yeah, I don''t me them. You look like you''ve been an extra in Mad Max or something." He opened the door wider, still chuckling. "Come on in, I''ve got some clothes you can borrow. Let''s get you out of this superhero mode before Alfred sees you."


    Noah chuckled, stepping inside. "Yeah, yeah. Batman''s gotta blend in with the civilians now," he joked, trying to dust off some dirt but only making it worse. "Honestly, though, I''m surprised I made it all the way here without someone calling the cops on me."


    Aiden snorted. "You probably would''ve, if people weren''t so confused trying to figure out whether you were a shirtless beggar or some model doing a weird street photo shoot."


    Noah rolled his eyes,ughing. "Oh man, the looks I was getting. Like, yep, just your average guy, cruising around half-naked on a beat-up motorcycle. Totally normal."


    Aiden went to grab some clothes,ing back with a pair of jeans and a shirt. "Here you go, Bruce. Let''s get you back to civilian mode before your Batmobile gives out."


    Noah took the clothes with a grin. "Appreciate it. And hey, thanks for not asking too many questions," he said, grateful for the break from the craziness of the day.


    Aiden chuckled as he leaned against the doorframe. "Oh, trust me, I''m definitely asking all the questionster. But for now, I''m just going to assume Gotham''s safe because of you."


    As Noah headed to change, Aiden couldn''t resist onest quip. "Hey, next time you go, full Batman, maybe wear a cape. It''llplete the look."


    Laughing from the other room, Noah called back, "Noted! I''ll add it to my hero wardrobe."


    Noah arrived home, the cool evening breeze following him as he stepped through the door. The sun had set an hour or so before, so it was quite dark outside. But It was only 7:10 p.m, so he knew his family would still be up.


    He could hear the muffled voices of the TV in the living room and the faint ttering of dishes from the kitchen.


    As he walked in, his mom, Caroline, was packing up the leftover dinner, neatly cing containers in the fridge. His dad, David, sat on their old, slightly flickering TV, watching the evening news.


    Noah''s eyes shifted to the screen. A reporter was speaking animatedly about a kidnapping that had taken ce nearby, only a few miles from where they lived. The headline read: "Young Woman Kidnapped in Shocking Incident."


    Caroline, noticing Noah, nced back from the kitchen. "Oh, you''re back! We just had dinner, but I left some for you in the fridge," she said warmly.


    David, not looking away from the TV, chimed in, "Hey, kiddo. Did you hear about that kidnapping earlier? It was pretty close to here."


    Caroline walked over, wiping her hands on a dish towel. "Yeah, Noah, you need to be extra careful these days. It''s dangerous out there." Her face was filled with motherly concern.


    Noah smiled, doing his best to look casual. "Don''t worry, Mom. I''ll be careful."


    David turned to face him, his brow furrowed in thought. "You never know who''s lurking around, especially after dark. You don''t need to be some sort of hero out there. Just be smart."


    Noah chuckled, his expression lighthearted. "Got it, Dad. I''ll stay out of trouble."


    But inside, his mind was racing, a grin forming in the back of his thoughts. "If only they knew¡­" he mused silently.


    Noah could hardly believe the day he''d just had. It was hard to process that just a couple of hours ago, he had been in the middle of a high-speed chase and taking down kidnappers. He stifled augh at the irony, biting back his urge to say something ridiculous like, "I already saved the woman."


    Instead, he kept his cool, sat down at the dinner table, and started eating after reheating the meal his mom made, quietly enjoying the normalcy of it all after his adrenaline-filled afternoon.


    Caroline came over, gently ruffling Noah''s hair. "I swear, you''re always off doing something. One of these days, you''re going to give me a heart attack."


    Noahughed, finishing a bite. "Nah, Mom. I was just studying."


    "By the way, this food is banging Mom. Keep it up and you will be ready for the interview in a week at most." Said Noah,plimenting his Mom''s food.


    "I hope so, son. I''m trying my best," she replied, with a warm smile on her face.


    As Noah was about to take another bite of his reheated dinner, a sudden realization hit him. His eyes widened, and he muttered, "Shit! I forgot dinner with Sarah!"

 Chapter 34 Revenge?

    Chapter 34 Revenge?


    La descended the stairs slowly, still rubbing the sleep from her eyes, but stopped abruptly when she saw Noah standing in the living room, fresh from cleaning the kitchen. Her eyes widened, and shock spread across her face.


    "Mom... why is he here?" La''s voice was sharp, and she shot a questioning, almost using nce at Sarah, who immediately froze, caught off guard by the tension.


    Sarah,pletely unaware of the full history between Noah and her daughter, stammered, her hands trembling slightly. "Uh... well, Noah was just¡ª"


    La cut her off, her voice growing louder. "Noah, do you want to get back together?" There was a mixture of disbelief and a strange hope in her tone, though it seemed forced.


    Noah blinked, surprised by the sudden question, but his response was quick and firm. "No, La. That''s not why I''m here."


    Sarah looked at him, bewildered, her confusion deepening as she nced back and forth between them. "Get back together?" she whispered to herself, her mind reeling. What does she mean? La had only ever mentioned Noah as a friend. "You''re not friends anymore?"


    La scoffed bitterly, shaking her head. "Friends? No, Mom, Noah was my boyfriend. We dated."


    Sarah''s eyes widened in shock, flickering between her daughter and Noah. "Boyfriend?" she repeated, the word foreign and impossible to process. "Why didn''t you tell me?" she asked Noah, her voice trembling, hurt creeping into her expression.


    Noah sighed, feeling the weight of the moment pressing down on him. "We weren''t really together, Sarah. We never even held hands," he said, turning toward La. "It''s all in her head. She made me believe something that was never real. I don''t know why she keeps saying I was her boyfriend. I think she has a mental illness, I think you need to take her to a psychiatrist"


    La''s eyes narrowed, her anger shing. "What are you talking about, Noah? We were together!"


    "No, we weren''t, La," Noah said firmly. "You toyed with me. I''m sure you enjoyed those study sessions with Mark. We were never really anything."


    La hearing this, her face became flushed as she realised Noah knew what she had been doing.


    Sarah''s face went pale, her heart sinking as the truth unravelled in front of her. She stood there, speechless, her mind racing through the implications. "Is that why he''s with me now?" she wondered. "Is this all just a revenge on La?"


    A tear slipped down her cheek as the self-doubt, the fears of being too old, too wrong for Noah, began to flood her thoughts. She took a small step back, her breath shallow as she whispered, "Is that why you''re here?"


    Noah''s eyes widened in horror as he realized what Sarah was thinking. "No, Sarah," he said quickly, stepping toward her. "It''s not like that. I swear. I''m here because I care about you."


    But Sarah couldn''t hear him. Her mind was spiraling, her chest tight as the insecurities she had been trying to push down surfaced with brutal force. She looked away, her vision blurring with tears.


    La, still simmering with her own emotions, saw the panic on her mother''s face and felt an unexpected surge of guilt.


    She wasn''t sure what was happening between her mom and Noah, but she could see the impact it was having on Sarah. "Leave, Noah," she said coldly, trying to regain control of the situation.


    Noah hesitated, torn between wanting to stay and help Sarah and respecting her space. He took a step closer, his voice gentle. "Sarah, please..."


    But Sarah held up her hand, stopping him. "Do as La said. I need time... I just need time." Her voice was barely above a whisper, but it was clear.


    Noah stared at her for a moment, his heart aching as he saw the pain in her eyes. Reluctantly, he nodded and turned toward the door. As he left, he nced onest time at Sarah. The door closed behind him with a soft click, leaving Sarah and La standing in the echo of what had just happened.


    La, now filled with her own mix of emotions, turned to her mom, her voice shaking slightly. "Mom, I... I¡ª"


    But Sarah raised her hand, signalling her to stop, her face emotionless. "Not now, La," she whispered, her voice barely audible. Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked towards her room, her steps slow and heavy, like she was carrying the weight of everything that had just unfolded.


    La stood frozen in ce, dumbfounded. Her mind raced, processing the whirlwind of emotions and truths that had juste crashing down. She had lied about Noah being her boyfriend¡ªshe knew that. Deep down, she had never taken their rtionship seriously, but the idea of Noah being with her mom was something she simply couldn''t wrap her head around.


    How could this be? she thought, her heart pounding in disbelief. La''s mind spun with a mixture of anger, confusion, and jealousy. She stared at the closed door of her mother''s room, her thoughts circling the same question. Noah and Mom?


    It didn''t seem real. The notion of Noah, the guy she had once toyed with and pushed aside, being with her own mother¡ªit was too much to handle.


    The image of him standing in the kitchen of her own house shed in her mind. La clenched her fists. "How did ite to this?"


    Meanwhile...


    Noah walked along the dimly lit streets, his breath turning into small puffs of steam in the cold air.


    The chill bit at his skin, but he barely felt it¡ªhis mind was lost in a fog of frustration and confusion. He knew what had just happened at Sarah''s house wasn''t going to be easy to fix.


    The weight of Sarah''s emotions, the look of disbelief in her eyes when she found out, and the way she had dismissed him before he could exin¡ªall of it settled heavily on his heart.


    "Damn it, La," he thought, his teeth clenching as he shoved his hands deeper into his pockets.


    "You toyed with me first, yed your games, and now you''re ruining something real for me."


    He could still see the way La had looked at him with that mixture of jealousy and bitterness. Her mere presence had turned everything upside down in seconds. She had always been unpredictable, but this was different. The way she tried to twist the situation made his stomach churn.


    "How could you be so cruel to your own mother? The woman who raised you, took care of you through everything..." His pace quickened, boots scuffing against the concrete, as his anger simmered just beneath the surface.


    "If we had actually been together¡ªheld hands, gone on real dates¡ªI would understand. I wouldn''t even argue. I''d walk away from Sarah out of respect for the past. But that wasn''t us. We were never a thing. You lied, and now you''re ruining this, too."


    He sighed deeply, the sound almost lost in the cold breeze that blew through the empty streets. He hadn''t even begun to process what Sarah must be feeling. How could she reconcile her own attraction to Noah with this newfound piece of information?


    She has good morals, he reminded himself. "This isn''t something she''d easily ept." He knew the road ahead wasn''t going to be simple.


    Sarah would need time, and he wasn''t sure how much of it he had before she shut him outpletely.


    He stopped for a moment, looking up at the darkened sky. "I just wanted to make her happy," he muttered to himself, his breath fogging up in the cold air.


    "Now it feels like it''s all falling apart."


    [Ding! -10 Affection From Sarah]


    [Ding! -10 Affection From Sarah]


    [Ding! -5 Affection From Sarah]


    [Sarah''s Affection: 55/100]


    Looking at the rapid decrease in affection from Sarah, Noah''s heart sank. Each notification felt like a physical blow, like watching something precious slip through his fingers, and there was nothing he could do to stop it.


    "Damn it!!" he shouted, his voice tearing through the quiet night as he stared up at the bright moon. It hung in the sky, glowing with a soft, illuminating light that cast long shadows across the empty street. The moon''s silver rays washed over him, illuminating everything with a cold, distant beauty, while inside, Noah felt nothing but chaos.


    The glow of the moon seemed indifferent, uncaring¡ªa witness to his silent suffering. It bathed the world in calm light, a stark contrast to the storm of emotions twisting inside him. His frustration, his heartache, his helplessness¡ªthey all collided in that single moment, pouring out into the night air, but the world remained still. The moon kept shining, cold and distant, just like Sarah''s affection now felt.


    Noah''s breath came out in heavy clouds, mixing with the chill of the night as he stood there, motionless. The breeze swept past him, brushing against his skin, but it couldn''t numb the ache in his chest. He felt like he was standing in the middle of an empty world, illuminated by the moon''s cruel light, watching as everything he cared about drifted further and further away.


    His mind raced, reying every moment he had spent with Sarah, how close they had be, how much she had meant to him. And now, with just a few words, with La''s presence, it was all crumbling. He was no longer the man Sarah trusted, the one she smiled at. He was a stranger again, and it tore him apart.


    Noah clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms as the weight of it all bore down on him. The moon above, so bright, felt like it was mocking him, shining a light on all the things he couldn''t fix.


    How could he exin? How could he make her understand? That his past with La was a lie, a mistake he never meant to carry into this new part of his life. He wasn''t the viin in this story but in Sarah''s eyes...


    Staring up at the glowing moon, Noah''s throat tightened, and he muttered softly, "I''m losing her¡­" His words were swallowed by the stillness of the night, heard only by the indifferent light that shone down, offering nofort, no answer. Just silence.


    At that moment, Noah feltpletely alone. Alone with his thoughts, his regret, and the cold, unwavering light of the moon.


    Noah muttered under his breath, "And the system didn''t activate..." He nced at the notifications again, feeling the weight of them, but no new prompts or helpful guidance appeared. "It seems like... it''s something I have toe to terms with myself."


    He sighed deeply, his breath visible in the cold air as he lowered his gaze from the moon. The system, which had always nudged him toward sess, had gone silent when he needed it most. There was no quick fix, no simple solution to mend the fracture between him and Sarah.


    His shoulders slumped as he shoved his hands into his pockets, feeling the loneliness of the night wrap around him like a heavy cloak. Each step he took echoed softly on the empty street as he began walking home, the cool breeze brushing against his skin, reminding him of the harsh reality ahead.


    He didn''t have answers this time. He didn''t have control. All he had was the aching truth in his heart and the realization that some things couldn''t be solved by a system or a shortcut.


    With another sigh, Noah continued down the dimly lit path, heading home, alone with his thoughts and the quiet sadness that lingered in the air.


    Arriving home, Noah was greeted by darkness. The house was eerily quiet, its usual warmth reced by a cold emptiness that seemed to mirror the loneliness he felt inside. The only sound was the soft thud of his footsteps against the floor, echoing faintly through the stillness.


    When he reached his room, he didn''t bother turning on the light. He slumped onto his bed, fully clothed, his body heavy with exhaustion¡ªnot from the physical effort but from the emotional weight that had settled over him. His eyes stared nkly at the ceiling, tracing the familiar patterns in the ster that seemed to blur in the dim light.


    His nightly routine¡ªbrushing his teeth, changing into something morefortable, ¡ªfelt distant, irrelevant. He simply didn''t have the energy or the will to care. His mind was too clouded, swirling with the events of the night, with Sarah, with La, with the cruel twist of fate that had thrown his world into disarray. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    All he could do was lie there, unmoving, the stillness of the room pressing down on him like a weight.


    As Noahy in his bed, staring nkly at the ceiling, time seemed to stretch on indefinitely. Each second dragged into an eternity, the silence of the night only amplifying his restless thoughts. His body felt heavy, pinned down by the weight of his emotions, and sleep evaded him entirely.


    Hours passed, though he barely noticed. Then, faint sunlight began to creep into the room, casting long shadows across the floor. The first rays of dawn broke through the curtains and hit his face, pulling him from his daze.


    He blinked, groggy but not rested, and muttered to himself, "It seems like it''s morning." The words felt hollow as he stared into the soft morning light, knowing he had barely slept at all.


    "Time to get ready for school," Noah muttered under his breath, his voice barely audible in the stillness of the room. His body moved on autopilot, feeling detached from his thoughts as he dragged himself out of bed.


    He shuffled toward the bathroom, the cool tiles under his feet sending a brief shiver up his spine. As he turned on the faucet, the rush of cold water hitting his hands jolted him slightly awake. He sshed the water on his face, hoping it would wash away the remnants of the previous night.


    Staring at his reflection, he could see the tiredness in his eyes. "Just another day," he whispered to himself, trying to shake off the heaviness that lingered over him.

 Chapter 35 Mock Exam

    35 Mock Exam


    Noah stered a smile on his face as he entered the kitchen, greeted by the sight of his little sister, Emily, already sitting at the table, her eyes wide with anticipation. The aroma of the breakfast filled the room, and he could tell from her eager expression that she was barely holding herself back.


    "Good morning, big brother!" Emily chirped, hopping up to give him a quick hug before bouncing back to her seat, ready to devour whatever was about to be served.


    Noah smiled lightly at her enthusiasm. His dad, David, chuckled at Emily''s reaction. "Looks like someone''s excited for breakfast," he said, his tone warm and teasing.


    Caroline, his mom, turned from the stove with a gentle smile. "Morning, Noah. The food will be ready in a minute, go ahead and sit down."


    Nodding, Noah took his seat at the table, trying to shake off the lingering weight of the previous night. But he couldn''t quite hide the distant look in his eyes.


    His dad, always observant, noticed. "You okay, son?" David asked, his voice tinged with concern. "You seem a bit off this morning. Is something bothering you?"


    Noah quickly snapped out of his daze, straightening up. "No, Dad. It''s nothing. I''ve got a mock exam in a few hours, so I''m just going over stuff in my head."


    David nodded in understanding, satisfied with the exnation, and let the matter drop.


    A momentter, Caroline brought the breakfast to the table. It was simple but packed with nutrition: a spread of scrambled eggs seasoned with fresh herbs, toasted whole-grain bread, saut¨¦ed vegetables, and a te of golden, crispy hash browns. On the side, there were slices of ripe avocado and a small bowl of fruit sd with apples, oranges, and berries. The delicious aroma filled the kitchen, making it hard for anyone to resist.


    "Eat up," Caroline said, cing the tes in front of them. "You''ll need the energy for that exam."


    Emily wasted no time, digging in with gusto. Noah smiled faintly, watching his little sister before picking up his fork and taking a bite, though his mind remained elsewhere.


    After finishing breakfast, Noah suddenly remembered something important. He nced over at his dad. "Oh, by the way, Dad, there''s a motorcycle outside."


    David looked up from his te, confused. "Okay? Is it blocking the driveway or something?"


    Noah shook his head. "No, no. It''s mine. I bought it, cheap, from someone I know. I was thinking, you should take it to work instead of using the bus. It''s less tiring and a lot cheaper in the long run."


    David''s eyes widened in surprise. "You bought a motorcycle? For me?" He seemed hesitant, processing the idea. "I mean, I appreciate it, but are you sure? I''ve never thought about driving one to work."


    Caroline, listening in from the kitchen, chimed in. "David, you should really consider it. Your shifts are long enough as it is. Why tire yourself out more on the bus? This could make things a little easier for you."


    David looked between Noah and Caroline, clearly weighing the decision. His reluctance slowly melted as he realized they had a point. "Well¡­ I do have a license for it. I always wanted a motorcycle, but it never seemed practical. Too expensive."


    Noah smiled, pleased to see his dad starting toe around. "Exactly. You already have the license. Now you''ve got the bike. You should give it a try."


    After a pause, David nodded, though still a little hesitant. "Alright, alright. I''ll give it a shot. But don''t me me if I''mte to work on the first day," he joked lightly.


    Caroline smiled encouragingly, and Noah felt a small sense of satisfaction seeing his dad agree.


    A little whileter, Noah got up from the table, and grabbed his bag. "Come on, Em. I''ll take you to school," he said, gently nudging his sister. Emily hopped up, excited for the walk.


    "Thanks for breakfast, Mom," Noah called out as they headed for the door. Caroline waved, wishing them both a good day.


    As Noah walked Emily to her elementary school, a small sense of ease crept in. Watching her skip beside him, a wide smile on her face as she excitedly chattered about her friends and teachers, lightened the weight on his chest. For a moment, her innocence and joy seemed to wash away theplications he had with Sarah.


    He smiled to himself, feeling grateful for these simple moments with his sister. It was a brief escape from the tangled mess of emotions he was still processing.


    Emily''sughter, the way she hopped along the sidewalk without a care in the world, made him forget, even if just for a while.


    As they neared the school, Emily waved excitedly when she spotted her friends. "See youter, Noah!" she called, running toward the entrance.


    "See you, Em. Be careful where you step, don''t trip!" he replied, watching her disappear into the crowd of kids.


    With a deep breath, Noah turned and started walking to his high school. Arriving at the designated hall for the exam, Noah scanned the room. Everyone was already gathered, waiting to enter in a few minutes. Among the crowd, Mark stood with La by his side, his face twisted into a smirk. As soon as he noticed Noah, he couldn''t resist throwing his usual jabs. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Mark''s voice rang out, loud enough for the whole room to hear, "Some people think that just because they can cheat in ss, they can cheat in the real exam and get away with it." His gaze lingered on Noah. "The truth will be revealed soon... how dumb they really are."


    A murmur of curiosity rippled through the students, everyone clearly understanding who Mark was targeting. Noah, who had been barely holding it together after everything with La, felt a surge of anger rise within him. Mark''s relentless taunts, La''s betrayal, and now the possibility of losing Sarah ¡ª it was too much.

 Chapter 36 A Challenge

    36 A Challenge


    Noah''s eyes locked onto Mark. His voice was cold and controlled, but there was venom behind his words. "I don''t have time to y games with you, Mark. Stop talking shit, or I''ll show you exactly what you deserve."


    Mark, confident with his goons nking him, scoffed andughed mockingly. "You can''t touch me, Noah. Hah! You''re just all bark, no bite." n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    But Noah had enough. His patience, already thin, snapped like a taut string. With slow, deliberate steps, he walked toward Mark, the tension in the air growing with each step. Before anyone could react, Noah grabbed Mark by the cor with one hand and effortlessly lifted him off the ground. The sheer disy of strength shocked everyone. Mark, who wasn''t exactly small¡ªaround 200 pounds lean¡ªiled helplessly in Noah''s grip.


    Mark''s face twisted in fear and disbelief. "Let go of me! Now!" he sputtered, his bravado crumbling.


    La watching this, didn''t know what to feel. Mark was meant to be the cool, strong kid that everyone wanted to be his girlfriend. Every time he challenges Noah, he loses and gets humiliated. And it was quite embarrassing, he started to give her what she calls "The Ick."


    The other students gasped in shock, watching the scene unfold. Even Mark''s goons hesitated, clearly unsure of what to do in the face of Noah''s raw power.


    At that moment, Noah''s mind buzzed with the familiar sound of the system.


    [Ding! Ultimate Choice System Activated]


    Option 1: Beat up Mark in front of everyone.


    [Reward: Disqualified from the mock exam, 2-week suspension from school]


    Option 2: Ignore Mark. Let the dog bark; it can never bite anyway.


    [Reward: A strong dog leash, $100]


    Option 3: Challenge Mark in the mock exam and win.


    [Reward: Basic Idol Skills, +5 Charm]


    Noah''s grip on Mark tightened as the choices shed in his mind. The room fell silent, waiting for his next move.


    Though the temptation of option 1 was strong¡ªNoah could almost taste the satisfaction of putting Mark in his ce physically¡ªhe knew better. It wasn''t just about him. His mom, his dad, they didn''t deserve to bear the consequences of his anger. His dad already had too much on his shoulders, and getting suspended would only add to their worries.


    Taking a deep breath, Noah made his decision. Option 3.


    [Ding! +5 Charm Rewarded]


    With a calm but dangerous look in his eyes, Noah said. "Fine, Mark. You want to prove something? Let''s settle this with the mock exam."


    Mark smirked smugly. "Oh? What''s your n now, Noah? Gonna try to cheat your way through?"


    Noah didn''t flinch. "No cheating. If you score higher than me, I''ll do something better. I''ll call you ''Dad'' every time I see you. I''ll even run around the school shouting, ''Mark is my dad!''"


    The crowd gasped. Mark''s eyes widened in disbelief. "And if you lose?" he asked, now curious.


    "If you lose," Noah said, a smirk forming on his lips, "you''ll do the same. Call me ''Dad'' and run around the school saying, ''Noah is my dad.'' Deal?"


    Mark scoffed, rolling his eyes. "You''ve just given me the easiest win of my life! There''s no way you''ve changed this much without cheating."


    The students around them whispered, excitement buzzing through the group. Everyone knew that Noah''s transformation from bottom of the ss to top performer seemed almost supernatural, and many doubted its authenticity.


    Except a few who Noah taught in the group study session with Aiden, in the library. The girl was also there, she wanted to say that Noah didn''t cheat, but she was too scared of Mark and his goons targeting her.


    "Deal," Mark said with a confident grin.


    Noah let go of Mark''s cor, and Mark stumbled back slightly, still trying to look unfazed by the show of strength. "Everyone here''s a witness," Noah said, addressing the students gathered around.


    Just as the tension reached its peak, a teacher entered the hall, and the murmurs died down. "Everyone inside, the exam is starting in a minute," the teacher announced.


    Mark shot Noah onest re before strutting into the hall. Noah followed behind him, his focus already shifting toward the uing challenge. The first test was mathematics, a one-hour and forty-five-minute exam. Just before the exam started, Aiden rushed in, a bitte but still making it in time. As he slid into his seat, he shot Noah a quick nce and mouthed, Good luck. Noah gave him a nod in return, a brief moment of encouragement passing between them before they both turned their attention to the test.


    The teacher''s voice echoed through the room, "Test begins... now!"


    Noah immediately flipped open his test booklet, the rustling of pages breaking the tense silence in the hall. With rapid efficiency, he began answering each question. His pen moved across the paper with purpose, as though each problem was already solved in his mind. He breezed through the exam, answering every question in less than two minutes each.


    Within 10 minutes, he had already reached thest page.


    Mark, hearing the constant flipping of pages beside him, shot a nce in Noah''s direction. His eyes narrowed as he noticed that Noah was almost done.


    "You can''t cheat here, Thompson," Mark muttered under his breath, sneering to himself.


    "No wonder you can''t figure anything out." He chuckled quietly, confident that Noah was just bluffing his way through.


    But just two minutester, Noah raised his hand.


    The teacher approached, slightly confused. "Do you need help?"


    Noah shook his head. "No, I''m done."


    "Done? Done with what, Noah? You need to try your best. You can''t give up so quickly; I''m sure you can answer something." The teacher''s tone was both surprised and concerned.


    Noah smiled lightly and repeated, "No, I mean I finished the exam. I answered everything."


    The teacher blinked in disbelief but took Noah''s test. He scanned through it quickly, noticing that every single question was filled in.


    "He really did answer everything..." But the teacher couldn''t believe that Noah had done it properly in such little time, thinking he might have rushed or scribbled random answers.


    Mark, watching Noah from across the room, couldn''t hear what was being said, but he assumed Noah was leaving because he had given up. "Pathetic," Mark thought, smirking to himself.


    The teacher, still stunned, collected Noah''s test and allowed him to leave. As Noah exited the hall, a few students noticed, including Lily.


    She nced up from her own test, watching him leave. She had studied with Noah before, and she knew he wasn''t a cheater. He was simply brilliant at math.


    "I wonder how well he did..." she thought, before refocusing on her own exam.

 Chapter 37 Exams Are Over

    37 Exams Are Over


    The next few hours were a blur of exams for Noah. One after the other, they came at him with barely a pause between them. For most students, the 15-minute break between each test was just enough time to catch their breath, drink some water, or mentally prepare for the next challenge. But for Noah, each break felt like an eternity. He finished every exam so early that he had about an hour to kill while everyone else was still hunched over their desks, furiously scribbling answers.


    Each time Noah raised his hand to indicate he was done, Mark''s gaze would dart toward him, filled with skepticism and disdain. As Noah turned in his test and walked out, Mark''s snidements followed him.


    "Another one you couldn''t figure out, huh?" Mark would say, smirking. "Better start rehearsing. You''ll be calling me ''dad'' soon enough."


    Noah didn''t even bother responding. There was no point. He had no intention of wasting his energy on Mark, not when he knew the truth. The results would be out in a few days, and then the whole school would see who was really worthy of their respect. Noah found it almost amusing that Mark thought he had the upper hand, but he kept his thoughts to himself.


    During one of these longer breaks, Noah found a quiet corner outside the school building, sitting on a bench under a tree as a light breeze rustled the leaves.


    Aiden soon joined him, his presence aforting contrast to Mark''s toxic energy. He sat down beside Noah, holding a dumpling in one hand, his cheeks already puffed out as he chewed. Aiden''s mom had sent him to school with a small container of homemade dumplings, and Aiden was devouring them like his life depended on it.


    "You look like a chipmunk, man," Noah said, chuckling softly.


    Aiden, still chewing, made a muffled sound that was meant to be a reply, but it came out garbled through the food in his mouth. Noah couldn''t help butugh at the sight of his friend, carefree and content amidst the stress of exams.


    Finally swallowing, Aiden wiped his mouth and leaned back on the bench. "Mark''s really going for it today, huh?" he said, rolling his eyes. "I swear, that guy''s got a mouth bigger than my appetite. And trust me, that''s saying something."


    Noah smirked. "Yeah, well, he''s got nothing else going for him, so I guess hepensates with his trash talk."


    Aiden nodded, holding up another dumpling as if offering it to Noah. "Dumpling for your thoughts?"


    Noah shook his head, smiling. "Nah, I''m good. But thanks."


    Aiden shrugged and took a big bite out of the dumpling. "Honestly, I don''t know how you keep so calm, dude. If Mark was hounding me like that, I''d probably snap. But you... you''re like a stone wall. He just bounces off."


    13:35


    "Trust me, it''s not easy," Noah admitted, his gaze drifting off to the horizon. "It''s tempting to just¡ª" He paused, remembering how close he hade to picking that first option in the system. The temptation to shut Mark up with force had been real, but he couldn''t afford to go down that road. "¡ªto do something I''d regretter."


    Aiden raised an eyebrow, sensing there was more Noah wasn''t saying, but he didn''t push it. "Well, for what it''s worth, I think it''s hrious that Mark thinks you''re giving up. The guy''s so thick, he probably thinks you''re turning in nk papers."


    Noah chuckled, shaking his head. "Let him think that. It''ll make it more satisfying."


    Aiden''s eyes lit up with mischief, and Noah could already sense some sort of ridiculousmenting. "You know," Aiden started, chewing on a dumpling-like he was about to spill some ancient wisdom, "when Mark loses this bet, I bet his face is gonna look like when someone finds out their Wi-Fi got cut off right in the middle of a Call of Duty game."


    Noah snorted, unable to hold back hisughter. "Yeah, or like when you''re done with your business in the toilet, and realise that there is no toilet paper left. That''s some real pain in the ass."


    Aiden''s eyes widened as if this was some profound tragedy. "Exactly! The real kind of pain, man."


    Noah, getting into the groove, nodded seriously. "And then you gotta waddle out, pants halfway down, trying to shuffle to the next stall without being seen. That''s when you start reevaluating life choices."


    Aiden almost choked on his dumpling. "Man, that''s when you realize you should''ve listened to your mom when she told you to always check first! It''s like surviving a horror movie, except it''s your own bad decisions haunting you."


    Noah smirked. "That''s Mark. The guy probably trips on t surfaces and then mes the floor for being ''uneven.''"


    Aiden wiped tears from his eyes, trying to catch his breath.


    By now, Noah''s sides were hurting fromughing so hard. "And let''s not even talk about his ''squad.'' They''re like those hype men at rap battles, but they don''t even know what''s going on half the time. They just p whenever Mark makes any sound."


    Aiden imitated one of them. "Mark sneezes, and they''re like, ''Oh snap! Have you heard that sneeze? That''s power, bro!''"


    Noah nearly fell off the benchughing. "I swear, they''d hype him up for breathing too loudly. ''Dude, did you see that inhale? Man''s built different!''"


    Aiden wasughing so hard he had to hold his sides. "Next time Mark loses, they''ll be like, ''Yo, losing takes real skill, man. You OWNED that L.''"


    The two of them, now wheezing withughter, could barely keep it together. Aiden''s ridiculous jokes about Mark made it impossible to take any of the guy''s bravado seriously.


    The final exam of the day was science. Unlike the other exams, Noah didn''t rush through it. He knew he couldn''t leave the school until it was officially time to go, so he took his time, pacing himself as he answered each question methodically. There was no reason to finish early this time.


    After what felt like ages, the examiner called out, "Time''s over! Everyone finish up what you''re writing and close your papers. Anyone who doesn''t follow instructions will have their exam marked zero. Wait for the other examiners to collect your answer sheets, and make sure your names and details are written on the front."


    Students began to fidget nervously, closing their exam booklets as instructed. Row by row, they were dismissed from the hall. Since Noah was seated toward the front, his row was one of the first to leave. He decided to wait outside the hall for Aiden, leaning against a nearby wall, zoning out.


    Just as he was lost in thought, a cheerful girl with a ponytail came skipping toward him, her face lit with excitement and gratitude. Without warning, she threw her arms around him in a tight hug, catching Noahpletely off guard. A few students nearby stared, wide-eyed, as if they had just witnessed something out of a rom.


    Realizing what she''d just done, the girl immediately stepped back, her face flushing with embarrassment. "Oh my God, I''m so sorry!" she stammered, looking mortified.


    Noah, still surprised but amused, shook his head with a warm smile. "It''s okay, really."


    Her face lit up again, this time at his reassuring smile. "I just¡­ I wanted to thank you! I did so well on the science exam, and it''s all thanks to you. That study session you had with us in the library with Aiden¡ªalmost everything you taught us came up! And the way you showed us how to break down the questions made it so much easier for me."


    Noah''s smile deepened as he responded. "I''m d it helped. You put in the work, so you deserve the credit."


    She beamed, her eyes lingering on his face a bit longer than necessary. They chatted for a bit, mostly about how the exam went and how relieved she felt afterwards.


    As she nced toward a group of her female friends exiting the hall, she said goodbye and ran off to join them. But not before sneaking onest nce at Noah, her cheeks tinged pink.


    By that time, Aiden had finished as well and was walking toward Noah, having witnessed the entire scene. He shot Noah a wide grin. "Damn, bro, I never knew teaching science could get you girls! I think I need to start studying the periodic table ASAP."


    Noahughed, shaking his head. "Yeah, right. Maybe if you spent as much time studying as you do eating dumplings, you''d be halfway there by now."


    Aiden, unbothered, popped thest bit of his snack into his mouth. "Hey, man, I aced that exam, so whatever works, right?" He elbowed Noah yfully. "Thanks for dragging me to the library, though. I owe you one."


    Noah grinned and wrapped his arm around Aiden''s shoulder. "You owe me more than one. Maybe next time you''ll bring extra dumplings."


    Aiden rolled his eyes butughed. "Fine, deal. But only if you promise to keep your ''Newton'' powers in check."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

 Chapter 38 Ans Gourmet

    Chapter 38 An''s Gourmet


    As Aiden packed up his things, he turned to Noah with his ever-present grin. "Wanna eat?"


    Noah blinked, caught off guard. "Eat? Dude, you''ve been snacking non-stop since morning. You had like, what, five meals already?"


    Aiden shrugged,pletely unfazed. "It''s called a bnced diet. Five meals is just the warm-up. Gotta keep my brain fueled. I mean,e on, we had exams. That''s serious work." He rubbed his stomach dramatically. "Besides, I''m starving now."


    Noah shook his head, halfughing, but also not at all surprised. "Sure, why not? Let''s go eat. Though I''m not sure you''re ''starving''."


    "Don''t focus on the details" Aiden said, patting Noah on the back as they walked toward the gate. Then, suddenly remembering something, Aiden''s eyes lit up. "Oh, by the way, you remember what I told you about my dad and that deputy manager job at An''s Gourmet?"


    Noah nodded. "Yeah, I was gonna ask about that. What did your dad say?"


    Aiden pped his forehead. "Right! I totally forgot because of the exams and, well¡­ the hunger." He quickly regained hisposure. "But yeah, my dad said he''d love to check it out. He''s just got this thing about wanting to see the ce and the work environment first, you know? Wants to make sure it''s a good fit."


    Noah smiled. "Makes sense. Can''t me him for being thorough. Would he be able to check it out now? We could grab some food and he could check out the ce at the same time."


    Aiden''s eyes gleamed as if Noah had just offered him the Holy Grail. "Bro, that''s genius! I''ll call him right now."


    As Aiden dialled his dad, Noah stood there, shaking his head in amusement.Noah overheard parts of the conversation, and before long, Aiden turned back to him with a thumbs up.


    "He''s on his way. Said he''ll meet us there in like 15 to 30 minutes."


    "Perfect," Noah said, pulling out his phone. "I''ll order an Uber. Walking there would take too long."


    "Wait, wait, wait," Aiden interrupted, looking at Noah as if he''d just suggested swimming across the ocean to get to the restaurant. "Why aren''t you using your Lamborghini? Dude, you''ve got a freakin'' Lamborghini, and you''re calling an Uber?"


    Noah raised an eyebrow. "I don''t drive it everywhere. Plus, it''s not exactly convenient to park it near my house. Gotta keep it somewhere safe."


    Aiden looked at him, incredulous. "If I had a Lamborghini, I''d drive that thing to the toilet! Heck, I''d pick up girls from school every day in it! You''re weird, man. I mean, why aren''t you using it to live the dream?"


    Noahughed, shaking his head. "I don''t need a car to pick up girls, Aiden. And yeah, it''s a cool car, but it''s a hassle sometimes. I''ve been thinking of getting my own ce soon, just for convenience. Somewhere I can park it without worrying."


    Aiden''s mouth dropped open. "Your own ce? Man, you''re really living in a different world. If I had your life, I''d have parties every weekend. You know, like those wild mansion parties in movies where everyone''s dancing and the music''s so loud it shakes the neighbours'' houses?"


    Noah smirked. "You''d be kicked out of the neighbourhood within a week."


    Aiden pointed a finger at him, dead serious. "Worth it."


    Noah just shook his head, still amused by his friend''s antics. "Well, until I get my own ce, I''ll stick to Uber for now."


    Aiden groaned, but then his attention shifted back to food as the Uber pulled up. "Alright, fine. As long as we''re getting food."


    They soon hopped into the car and the driver drove toward An''s Gourmet.


    "Just think, man," Aiden said, nudging Noah with his elbow. "You pull up to the drive-thru in a Lamborghini, order like a 99-cent burger, and watch the cashier''s face. That''s peakedy right there."


    Noah chuckled. "Yeah, I''m sure they''d be real impressed."


    Aiden grinned. "See? You get it."


    The Uber driver nced back at them through the rearview mirror, clearly intrigued by their conversation but doing his best to keep a straight face.


    As they pulled up to An''s Gourmet, Aiden stretched, yawning like he''d just finished running a marathon. "Alright, time to feast."


    "Didn''t you just eat, like, an hour ago?" Noah asked, genuinely curious how Aiden hadn''t exploded from overeating yet.


    Aiden looked at him with apletely serious face. "Bro, I''ve been training for this my whole life. This stomach is a finely tuned machine."


    Noah shook his head,ughing again. "Let''s go inside before you start writing an autobiography about your stomach."


    As Noah and Aiden entered the room, the attendant recognised Noah and rushed to serve him.


    As the attendant approached, he spoke respectfully, "Boss, the VIP seats are ready for your use."


    Aiden, who was halfway through checking out the ce, froze mid-action. He looked between Noah and the attendant, clearly confused. "Boss?" he echoed, his eyebrows furrowing. "Wait... Boss?"


    Noah gave a small smile, not saying much at first, but the way he looked at Aiden confirmed it.


    As they sat in the VIP area, Aiden couldn''t stop thinking about it. Suddenly a realisation hit him.


    Aiden''s eyes widened, and he leaned back in his chair. "Don''t tell me¡­"


    Noah shrugged, still keeping that small, knowing smile. "Yup."


    Aiden blinked several times, then dramatically threw his arms up. "You own this ce? Noah, man, I thought we were best friends! Why am I always learning something new about you every day? First, you''re taking exams like it''s nothing, and now you''re telling me you''ve got a fancy restaurant? What''s next, you''re secretly a superhero?"


    Noah chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "Well, technically, I did tell you about it. Maybe you just didn''t believe me."


    Aiden scoffed, still trying to wrap his head around it. "You did not tell me you own this ce!" He gestured wildly around the upscale restaurant, the soft lighting reflecting off the polished floors.


    Noahughed. "Well, it happened quite suddenly."


    Still shaking his head in disbelief, Aiden looked at the menu again. "Man, I don''t even know how to order now. Everything looks so fancy..."


    Noah gave him a teasing look. "Order whatever you want, but just don''t waste any food. If you do, I won''t invite you to eat with me again. I hate wasting food."


    Aiden stared at him in mock horror. "Waste food? Me? How dare you use me of such a crime! I would rathersh myself than let even a crumb go to waste."


    Noah smirked. "Just making sure."


    Before Aiden could respond, Noah turned to the attendant. "By the way, if anyonees looking for Aiden or Noah, please bring them to us here. Politely."


    The attendant nodded swiftly, his professional demeanour never faltering. "Of course, sir." Noah then took a $50 bill out of his pocket and handed it to the attendant as a tip. The man''s eyes lit up, and he bowed slightly, clearly grateful. "Thank you very much, sir."


    As the attendant left, Aiden leaned in closer, lowering his voice as if they were in some kind of secret meeting. "You sure know how to handle things like a real boss, don''t you? I swear, I''m starting to feel like I''m hanging out with some mafia kingpin."


    Noah grinned. "Maybe I am."


    They both shared a quietugh before Noah added, "By the way, do you want to call your dad and ask what he wants? I don''t want to order anything he might not like."


    Aiden shook his head, already scanning the menu like it held the answers to life. "Nah, don''t worry about him. My dad''s not picky. He''ll eat anything, as long as it''s edible."


    Noah raised an eyebrow. "That''s a relief."


    Aiden nodded sagely. "Yep, I''ve seen him eat things that would make a grown man cry. Trust me, whatever you order here, he''ll love it."


    Noahughed quietly. "Alright, then. Let''s see what we''ve got."


    As they continued to browse the menu, the atmosphere became more rxed.


    Soon enough, the attendant returned, leading a middle-aged man who walked withhumility. Aiden nced up from the menu, his face lighting up as he realized it was his dad. Noah immediately rose from his chair, out of respect, greeting Aiden''s father with a warm smile and a firm handshake. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Uncle, thank you so much foring," Noah said, his tone respectful. "Please, have a seat."


    Aiden''s dad, a man who had seen many years of hard work, looked around the restaurant with appreciation before sitting down. He gave Noah a nod, clearly impressed by the atmosphere of the ce. "Noah, thank you for this opportunity. The ce already feels like a great environment. You''ve done well here."


    Noah smiled, waving off the praise. "Don''t worry about it, Uncle. I''m just happy to help out." Then, with a thoughtful look, Noah added, "Would you prefer to eat first and then check out the ce? Or, we can take the tour now and eat after¡ªwhichever is more convenient for you."


    Aiden''s dad, still thinking he was troubling Noah, hesitated. "I think it''s better we check out the ce first. I don''t want to take up too much of your time."


    But before Noah could respond, Aiden, already eyeing the menu like it was a treasure map, chimed in. "Dad, don''t worry about it! Noah owns the ce! We''re not in any hurry. Let''s eat first!" He prioritized food like it was a life-or-death situation,pletely brushing off the seriousness of the job opportunity at hand.


    Aiden''s dad froze mid-motion, turning to Noah with a look of pure shock. "You¡­ you own this ce?"


    The older man stared at Noah, clearly impressed. He had known Noah since he was a kid and was well aware of his family''s struggles. To see hime this far, juggling school, helping his parents, and now running a high-end restaurant? It was nothing short of remarkable. "Noah," he said slowly, "you''ve done a lot of work to get to where you are. I have tomend you for that."


    Noah smiled, brushing off the praise again. "Thank you, Uncle. It''s been a journey."


    Noah, ever humble, gave a slight nod. "Yeah, I do."


    The older man stared at Noah, clearly impressed. He had known Noah since he was a kid and was well aware of his family''s struggles. To see hime this far, juggling school, helping his parents, and now running a high-end restaurant? It was nothing short of remarkable. "Noah," he said slowly, "you''ve done a lot of work to get to where you are. I have tomend you for that."


    Noah smiled, brushing off the praise again. "Thank you, Uncle. It''s been a journey."


    Just then, the food arrived, and the sight of the gourmet dishes instantly caught Aiden''s attention. Without wasting a second, he sped his hands together, muttered a quick prayer, "Thank you, God," and dove into his meal with all the enthusiasm of a starving man.


    Aiden''s dad chuckled, shaking his head at his son''s antics, but soon joined in, savouring the dishes in front of them. The food was excellent, and the atmosphere made the moment feel special. Even Aiden, for all his usual jokes and quips, seemed content just enjoying the meal.


    After they were finished, Noah called over the attendant once again. "Can you bring the manager here, please?"


    The attendant nodded swiftly, "Yes, boss," before hurrying off.


    Soon enough, the manager arrived¡ªan older man who had clearly worked in the business for a long time. He walked in with a slight apprehension, knowing he was still on thin ice after the previous incident where Noah had fired the deputy manager he had hired. Noah had rejected every suggestion for recements since, so the manager was extra cautious now.


    "Yes, boss," the manager said, standing before Noah with a respectful bow of his head. "How can I help you?"


    Noah gave him a small nod, his tone calm but firm. "I''d like you to show Uncle here around the ce. Walk him through what the job entails, but don''t be too strict on the requirements. After you''ve done that, if he''s happy with everything, prepare a contract for him. He''ll be our new deputy manager. His starting sry will be $3,000, plus bonuses at the end of the year."


    The manager''s eyes widened ever so slightly. The starting sry Noah was suggesting was generous, higher than the usual $2,500 for such a role. But Noah was the boss, and his word was final. Swallowing his surprise, the manager nodded. "Understood, boss. I''ll take care of it right away."


    "Boss, you will also receive this week''s profit dividends into your ount." He then turned to Aiden''s dad, gesturing for him to follow. "Sir, if you''lle with me, I''ll show you around."


    As Aiden''s dad stood, he gave Noah another grateful look. "Thank you, Noah. I really appreciate this."


    Noah smiled warmly. "No problem, Uncle. I''m sure you''ll do great here."


    With that, Aiden''s dad followed the manager, leaving Noah and Aiden alone at the table. Aiden, still picking at the remnants of his meal, looked up with a satisfied grin. "Man, I never thought science could lead to this."


    Noahughed, standing up and grabbing his jacket. "Well, I better get going. I got to head out."


    Aiden will nod his head and say goodbyes to Noah since he nned to wait for his dad first then go home with him.

 Chapter 39 Lykan HyperSport

    Chapter 39 Lykan HyperSport


    Noah stepped out of the restaurant, feeling the warm evening breeze against his face. The sun was still up in the air


    He had just said his goodbyes to Aiden and his dad and was thinking about the day''s events when his phone buzzed in his pocket. ncing at the screen, he raised an eyebrow¡ªit was Jackson.


    Jackson was a rich second-generation, amateur racing driver Noah had met a while back at the racetrack. He had asked Noah to exchange numbers, but this was the first time Noah had heard from him since then. Curious, Noah answered.


    "Hello, Mr. Noah?" came Jackson''s voice, sounding slightly unsure.


    Noah smirked at the formality. "Just Noah is fine. What''s up, Jackson?"


    Jackson cleared his throat, sounding a bit more confident now. "Hey, man! So, I wanted to invite you to another race. I know it''s been a minute since west met, but this one''s big. One of my friends, who''s currently training for F1, couldn''t believe your skills from the videos we took at thest race. He was stunned¡ªsaid your precision and control behind the wheel were unreal."


    Noah chuckled. "Is that so? He is praising me too much, I don''t deserve it."


    "You are too humble," Jackson continued, excitement building in his voice. "He''s itching to race you, man. He wants to learn from you, and test his limits. But to make it worth your time, he''s offering a challenge. If you win, the prize is $100,000."


    Noah was about to respond when suddenly, he heard a familiar chime in his head.


    [Ding! The Ultimate Choice System has been activated!]


    [Option 1: Participate in the race and show your skills.]


    [Reward: Lykan HyperSport]


    [Option 2: Kindly reject the offer.]


    [Reward: Coward Skill]


    [Option 3: Participate in the race but stay low-key.]


    [Reward: $100,000]


    A slow grin spread across Noah''s face. The first option gleamed in his mind. A Lykan HyperSport¡ªone of the rarest, most exotic cars in the world, priced at over $3 million.


    It was a beast of engineering, a car that Noah had only ever dreamed of owning. Sure, he had a Lamborghini, but a Lykan? That was a childhood dream for him.


    And as a Fast & Fury fan, there was no way he could pass up an opportunity like this. The mere thought of driving a car that had been part of one of the most iconic chase scenes in movie history made his decision easy.


    He nced at the second option, smirking.


    "Coward Skill?" No thanks. The name alone was enough for him to avoid that like the gue.


    Noah chose the first option without hesitation.


    "Jackson," Noah said, his voice now filled with confidence. "Tell your friend I''m in."


    Jackson sounded thrilled. "I knew you''d say yes! Man, he''s going to flip when he hears this. He''s been training day and night, but honestly, after seeing you in action, I''m not sure he''s ready for what you bring to the table."


    Noahughed lightly. "I''m looking forward to the race. Where''s it going down?"


    "We''re setting up a private track just outside the city. It''ll be an underground event¡ªreal exclusive. No cameras, no media, just pure racing. We''ll send you the details and locationter tonight," Jackson said. "Oh, and Noah, there''s another catch¡ªit''s not just about the prize. This race will have some of the top amateur and semi-pro drivers watching. This could be the start of something bigger."


    Noah raised an eyebrow. "Bigger how?"


    "I''m talking sponsors, man. People are starting to notice you. The way you drovest time was¡­ well, some are saying you''re F1 material if you ever wanted to go down that road."


    Noah paused, letting the idea hang in the air. F1? It wasn''t something he had ever seriously considered, but he knew the world of motorsports was cutthroat, andpetitive. And yet, the challenge was tempting.


    "We''ll see about that," Noah said, his voice calm. "I''m just in it for the thrill right now. But I''ll take the race seriously, don''t worry about that."


    Jackson chuckled. "That''s all I needed to hear, man. I''ll send over everything you need. Oh, and bring your A-game. These guys don''t mess around, even if they''re not as good as you."


    After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Noah hung up the phone. His mind raced just as fast as the cars he''d soon be driving. The idea of racing a future F1 driver with $100,000 on the line was enticing enough, but the thought of adding a Lykan HyperSport to his collection? That sealed the deal.


    He pocketed his phone and looked around. Noah loved driving, and moments like this reminded him why. It wasn''t just about the cars or the speed¡ªit was about the challenge, the rush, the split-second decisions that made or broke a race.


    The Lykan was parked in the same parking lot as his Lamborghini. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    [Ding! Lykan HyperSport Is rewarded!]


    [Ding! Lykan HyperSport is ready for collection at Great Charles car park, Level 1 Bay 1]


    The Lykan was parked in the same parking lot as his Lamborghini.


    Noah smirked to himself. "This is going to be fun."


    An hourter, Noah made his way to the Great Charles car park, Level 1, Bay 1¡ªwhere the Lykan HyperSport awaited him. The sleek, silver outline of the car was visible even from a distance.


    As he approached, the light bounced off the Lykan''s aggressively sharp lines, giving the hypercar an almost predatory look. It sat low, looking like it was ready to pounce, even at rest.


    The body of the car was a masterpiece of engineering¡ªfuturistic, yet timeless. The front end featured those iconic jewel-like headlights, which were encrusted with diamonds, emitting a glow that was both intimidating and alluring.


    The car''s deep, angr design screamed power and speed. From the sculpted hood to the aerodynamic curves that guided the air along its frame, every inch of the Lykan was crafted for one thing¡ªdomination.


    Noah took a moment to stand in front of it, admiring the sheer beauty of the car. "This..." he thought, "is what dreams are made of."


    He reached into his pocket and pulled out the key, feeling its weight in his hand. With a smooth press of a button, the doors of the Lykan HyperSport lifted upward like wings, weing him into its cockpit.


    There was something magical about those suicide doors¡ªanother reminder of how this car was built for the extraordinary.


    Noah stepped inside, and as he settled into the driver''s seat, the rich scent of fresh leather filled his nostrils, intoxicating in its luxury. The seats themselves were beyondfortable, wrapping around him like they were custom-molded for his body. The interior was just as breathtaking as the exterior¡ªfine leather, carbon fiber, and brushed aluminum adorned every surface, giving the cabin a sleek, high-tech look.


    Instead of traditional dials and buttons, everything was touch-sensitive, designed for a seamless, intuitive experience. The steering wheel, a mix of leather and carbon fiber, felt perfect in his hands.


    He ran his fingers across the controls, smiling to himself. This wasn''t just a car¡ªit was a statement, a machine built for those who defied limits. The 3.7-liter twin-turbocharged t-six engine purred softly as he pressed the start button, sending vibrations through the seat. The power under the hood, 780 horsepower to be exact, promised a thrill like no other.


    As the engine roared to life, it sent a jolt of adrenaline through Noah. The sound alone was enough to give him goosebumps¡ªdeep, throaty, and full of raw power. He couldn''t help but recall the first time he saw this car on screen, flying between skyscrapers. Now, here he was, about to drive it.


    He grinned, ncing down at the coordinates Jackson had sent him. It was time. Noah adjusted his mirrors, ced his hands firmly on the wheel, and eased the Lykan out of the parking spot. The car moved with such grace, as though it was gliding on air. The precision of the steering was unmatched¡ªit responded to the slightest touch, almost anticipating his moves before he made them.


    Noah exited the parking garage and made his way to the streets, the Lykan attracting stares from pedestrians and drivers alike. It wasn''t every day someone saw a car like this, let alone on the open road. But Noah was used to the attention; today wasn''t about showing off¡ªit was about the race.


    The GPS guided him through the streets as he headed toward the coordinates Jackson had given him, the anticipation growing with every mile. The Lykan HyperSport felt like an extension of himself¡ªevery turn, every eleration was smooth, effortless. Noah could already feel the connection between himself and the beauty growing stronger with each second.


    As he sped toward the private track, memories of that epic skyscraper jump from Fast & Fury yed in his mind. Noah knew that owning a Lykan wasn''t just about the luxury or the status¡ªit was about the thrill, the adrenaline.


    "Time to put this beauty to the test," he muttered silently, as he revved the engine on the highway.

 Chapter 40 Tony Toretto

    40 Tony Toretto


    Noah''s grin widened as he muttered, "Time to put this beauty to the test," and he revved the engine of the Lykan HyperSport. The sound roared through the car, a deep, thrilling vibration that sent shivers up his spine. With a flick of his wrist, he shifted gears and pressed down on the elerator.


    The Lykan shot forward, effortlessly reaching the national speed limit. On the highway, it was like he was moving through a time warp¡ªone moment, cars were beside him, the next, they were tiny specs in his rearview mirror.


    As he zoomed past a family sedan, the driver leaned out to get a better look, his jaw-dropping. "What the hell was that?!" the man eximed as the silver blur of Noah''s car disappeared from view.


    Another driver, a guy with his cap turned backwards and sting music from his open windows, caught sight of the Lykan streaking ahead.


    "Yo, was that Tony Toretto?!" he joked, referencing Fast & Fury,ughing at his own joke before realizing the car had already vanished.


    Noah smirked, hearing the engine hum contentedly as the highway stretched out ahead of him. It was like the Lykan was made for this¡ªeffortless speed, with the kind of control most people could only dream of. Thebination of power and precision made him feel like he was flying.


    An hourter, Noah arrived at the spot, the GPS guiding him to the coordinates Jackson had sent. As he slowed down and entered the area, his eyes widened slightly in surprise. This wasn''t the usual amateur setup¡ªthis was high-end, the real deal.


    He saw rows of cars¡ªLamborghini, Pagani, McLaren, and more. This was an elite group of racers, and judging by the lineup of machines, the stakes were much higher than thest race. The Porsche 911 that had once been the top dog at the previous race was nowhere near the level of thepetition here. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Noah took a deep breath, feeling the adrenaline kick in. He knew the Lykan would hold its own, but this wasn''t just about the car¡ªit was about proving himself again. As he approached the parking area, every set of eyes was on him. People watched in awe, first at the car, then at the driver behind the wheel.


    A Lykan HyperSport¡ªa car of which only 7 were made in the world. Its price tag alone¡ª$3.4 million¡ªwas enough to turn heads, but not just anyone could own it. This was a car for someone with both wealth and status.


    Noah smirked as he lined up the car for a perfect parallel parking drift. He pulled the handbrake, and the Lykan slid smoothly into the spot with pinpoint precision. The tyres screeched as they hit the pavement, stopping dead in ce exactly where Noah intended. A perfect parking job.


    Gasps echoed through the crowd. They had already been staring at the Lykan, mesmerized by its rarity, but the way Noah handled the car? That was on another level. It wasn''t just about owning the car; it was about knowing how to drive it.


    "Who the hell is this guy?" someone in the crowd whispered.


    Another voice chimed in, "No clue, but you don''t pull off a drift like that unless you''re either insane or a professional."


    Noah stepped out of the car, the door swinging upward in its trademark suicide style. His presence,bined with the Lykan, exuded confidence.


    The whispers grew louder. He had that effortless charm, and with the [Basic Idol] skill from his system, he radiated charisma that made people stop and stare.


    Jackson, who had been standing in the crowd, finally snapped out of his daze and hurried over to him, eyes wide in disbelief. "Noah, bro, I had no idea you had a Lykan HyperSport! What happened to your Lambo?"


    Noah shrugged casually like it wasn''t a big deal. "It''s in the garage somewhere."


    Jackson''s mouth twitched at the nonchnt response. "Somewhere?" As if the Lamborghini was just a pair of shoes he tossed in the closet.


    "In the garage somewhere," Jackson muttered to himself, shaking his head. "Man, the way you say that¡­ like you just left it out with the trash or something."


    Noahughed. "Nah, not the trash. It''s just, you know, not always the right tool for the job."


    Jackson let out a low whistle, still shaking his head. "Man, I need to hang around you more. I don''t know what''s crazier¡ªthe fact that you have a Lykan or that you just shrug it off like it''s no big deal."


    Before Noah could respond, Jackson gestured for someone behind him toe over. "Oh, by the way, I want you to meet my friend. He''s training to be an F1 driver."


    A young man with a sharp look in his eye and a confident stride approached. He had the lean build of someone used to being in a cockpit and the focused expression of a racer. His excitement was barely contained as he extended his hand toward Noah.


    "Noah, this is Max. He''s been hearing about your driving ever since thatst race we had, and, well, he couldn''t believe it until he saw the videos. We thought we''d reach out to see if you were up for a little race with him. You know, widen his horizons."


    Max nodded eagerly. "I''ve been training hard, but man, watching those clips of you¡­ you''ve got a gift, Noah. I''d be honoured to race with you. And hey, we''ve even got a little challenge going¡ª$100,000 on the line. What do you say?"


    Noah raised an eyebrow, pretending to think it over, though the system had already nudged him toward the choice. "Sounds like fun," he said coolly, shaking Max''s hand.


    Max grinned, clearly excited. "Awesome. Let''s see if I can learn a thing or two." He turned to Jackson andughed. "Man, you didn''t tell me he had a Lykan HyperSport! You weren''t kidding when you said he was next-level."


    Noah smirked. "Well, let''s see if I can live up to the hype."

 Chapter 41 Demon on the Track

    41 Demon on the Track


    Noah''s phone buzzed with a notification just as he was getting ready for the race. He nced at the screen, and a number caught his attention¡ª$72,000, redited to an ount ending in xx04. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    For a moment, he furrowed his brow in confusion. Then it hit him: An''s Gourmet. That was the weekly profit from the Michelin-star restaurant he owned.


    Noah chuckled to himself. "Well, I guess that''s lunch sorted for the next year." He pocketed his phone, shifting his focus back to the race ahead.


    About 20 to 25 minutester, everything was finally set for the race. Jackson approached Noah with a wide grin. "Alright, Noah, it''s time. Head over to the starting line with your Lykan."


    Noah nodded, sliding into the driver''s seat. The sleek leather hugged him as he gripped the wheel, his heart already starting to race.


    The Lykan purred as he started the engine, the growl of its V6 twin-turbo engine sending shivers through him.


    Pulling up to the starting line, Noah noticed the other cars¡ªa Lamborghini Aventador, a Pagani Huayra, a Ferrari LaFerrari, and Max''s McLaren P1. These weren''t just regr sports cars; these were machines designed for one purpose¡ªspeed.


    Five cars, five racers, and all of them knew what they were doing. But Noah wasn''t intimidated. He could feel the Lykan beneath him, its power ready to be unleashed.


    "Unless Lewis Ham is here, no one would be able to give me a challenge" muttered Noah, as he readied himself.


    The crowd gathered around the track, and Noah caught the excited murmurs and whispers as people eyed his Lykan. Only seven were in existence, and here it was, ready to leave them all in the dust.


    Max pulled up beside him, a wide grin on his face. He looked over at Noah and gave him a thumbs-up. "Let''s see if you really are like in the videos," Max called over. His voice was full of enthusiasm, but there was apetitive edge to it as well.


    Noah smirked. "You''ll see."


    The signaler stood in front of the five cars, raising his arm in the air, a red g waving in the wind. The engines roared to life, each racer revving, waiting for that moment of release. The air was thick with anticipation. This wasn''t just about the prize money¡ªthis was about pride.


    The red g dropped.


    "VRRROOOOOM!"


    The Lykan shot forward like a rocket. Its eleration threw him back into his seat as the tires screeched against the tarmac.


    The first turn was fast approaching, a sharp right, and already Noah felt the Lykan respond like a second skin. He didn''t slow¡ªhe didn''t need to.


    He braked just enough, twisted the wheel, and sent the Lykan into a perfect drift. The tires screeched again, a high-pitched cry of power as he held the car at the perfect angle through the curve.


    From the back, Max watched in awe. "What the¡­" he muttered, his eyes wide as he struggled to match Noah''s speed.


    He''d seen the videos, but seeing it live was a different story. Noah wasn''t just fast¡ªhe was precise. "He''s not even slowing down¡­" Max grinned, feeling the rush of adrenaline. "This guy is something else."


    Inside his McLaren, Max tried to mimic Noah''s drift, but it wasn''t as clean. The tires lost a little too much grip, and he had to correct his line. Behind him, the Lamborghini driver was swearing under his breath, gripping the wheel tightly as he tried to figure out just how Noah managed to take that corner at full speed.


    "Who the hell is this guy?!" the driver spat, gritting his teeth as his Lambo struggled to keep pace.


    Noah, on the other hand, barely noticed. The road was his only focus now. The engine''s roar filled his ears, blocking out all distractions. He felt every movement of the car, every slight shift in traction, and adjusted his driving instinctively. It was like the Lykan was part of him.


    Another curve appeared¡ªa brutal S-turn that would force most drivers to ease up. But not Noah.


    He grinned, his fingers tightening on the wheel as he shot toward it without hesitation. He hit the brakes at thest second, throwing the car into a wless double drift. The Lykan swung effortlessly through the S-curve, its tyres screaming but never losing control.


    From the stands, Jackson stood with his mouth hanging open. "He''s insane!" he shouted, shaking his head in disbelief.


    Noah exited the curve and gunned it down the straight, the speedometer climbing rapidly. 160¡­ 170¡­ 180 miles per hour. The wind roared past him, and the world became a blur. He could barely hear the other cars now; they were falling behind.


    Behind him, Max pushed his McLaren harder, eyes locked on the Lykan ahead. "He''s even better than the videos¡­ He doesn''t slow down¡ªhe speeds up!" Max''s heart pounded in his chest as he floored it, but Noah was pulling away. Max wasn''t just chasing a car¡ªhe was chasing a ghost, something untouchable.


    "He''s a demon on the track," one of the other drivers said, his voice tinged with disbelief as he struggled to keep up.


    Noah hit another corner and drifted again, perfectly bnced between control and chaos. The other racers, all professionals in their own right, watched with wide eyes as the Lykan moved like a machine born for this. The way Noah handled the car wasn''t just impressive¡ªit was unreal.


    15:34


    "He''s making us look like amateurs," the driver of the Pagani muttered under his breath, frustration evident in his voice.


    As Noah neared the final stretch, the track opened up into a long straightaway, the finish line in sight. He nced at the dashboard¡ª190¡­ 200 miles per hour. He could feel the car wanting more, begging to go faster, but this was enough.


    He crossed the finish line, the checkered g waving in his rearview. The roar of the Lykan softened as he decelerated, bringing the car to a smooth stop. The world came back into focus, the noise of the crowd growing louder as cheers erupted around him.


    Noah unbuckled his seatbelt and stepped out of the car, feeling the cool night air against his face. His heart was still racing, but his expression was calm¡ªalmost serene. He had done what he came to do.


    Max pulled up beside him, wide-eyed and panting from the rush. "Dude, that was insane! You really are just like in the videos. No, scratch that¡ªyou''re better," he said, shaking his head in disbelief.


    Noah chuckled, leaning against the Lykan. "It''s just a good day," he said with a casual shrug, though he couldn''t hide the small smirk tugging at his lips.


    The other racers pulled up one by one, all of them looking either shocked or impressed. The driver of the Lamborghini shook his head as he approached Noah, still trying to wrap his head around what he had just witnessed. "Man, you''re world-ss. I don''t know where you learned to drive like that, but it''s something else," he said, his voice a mix of frustration and admiration.


    Noah smiled, ncing back at the Lykan. This was what racing was about¡ªthe speed, the challenge, the thrill of pushing the limits anding out on top. There was no other feeling like it.


    Max cleared his throat and said, "The $100,000 reward¡­ I''ll have it sent to you by tomorrow morning. Just need your bank details."


    Noah nodded, unfazed. "Sure," he replied, pulling out his phone.


    As Noah was about to give Max his bank information, a man in a sharp suit, who seemed to materialize out of nowhere, stepped forward.

 Chapter 42 F1 Scout and Fame

    42 F1 Scout and Fame


    As Noah was about to give Max his bank information, a man in a sharp suit, who seemed to materialize out of nowhere, stepped forward. His eyes glimmered with recognition and intent. "Excuse me," he said with a firm but friendly tone, extending his hand toward Noah. "I couldn''t help but watch that performance. Truly remarkable."


    Noah shook the man''s hand. "Thanks," he said.


    The man smiled, introducing himself. "My name''s Jonathan Pierce. I''m a scout for Form 1. I''ve been scouting talent for years, but I''ve never seen anything quite like that." He paused, studying Noah for a moment before asking, "And you are?"


    "Noah Thompson," Noah responded coolly.


    Jonathan''s eyebrows shot up. "I''ve never seen you on the professional circuit. Are you a professional driver?"


    Noah shook his head, a small smirk ying on his lips. "No. Just a casual driver."


    The man blinked, clearly taken aback. He let out a short, politeugh. "Casual? You''re too humble, Noah." He leaned in slightly. "Listen, I''ve been around the best drivers in the world¡ªHamilton, Verstappen, you name it¡ªand the way you handled that Lykan¡­ It''s unreal. I''d like to offer you a contract with F1. I''m convinced you''ve got the potential to be a champion. We can talk about it in more detail, but trust me, you''re exactly what we''re looking for."


    Noah nced at the business card Jonathan handed him, then back up at the man. "I appreciate the offer, but I''m still in school. My focus is there right now."


    Jonathan stared at Noah for a moment, stunned by the nonchnt rejection. He wasn''t used to being turned down, especially by someone as talented as Noah. "Are you sure?" Jonathan pressed gently. "I understand that education is important, but this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You could be the next big thing, Noah."


    "A world champion," he emphasised, with shock in his voice that he couldn''t hide.


    Noah shook his head again, though his tone remained respectful. "Maybe in the future, but not right now. I''m focused on my studies and my family. Racing is just something I do for fun."


    Jonathan''s eyes widened in disbelief. "You''re only 18?" He couldn''t hide the shock in his voice. "With that level of skill? You''re a monster in human flesh. You''ve got the talent most drivers dream of."


    Max, standing nearby, had his jaw practically on the ground. He couldn''t believe what he was hearing.


    "This guy just turned down an F1 contract."


    Max had spent years training, hoping, and praying to get an opportunity like that. And Noah had brushed it aside as if it were nothing.


    Jonathan, finally epting that Noah wasn''t going to change his mind, sighed and pulled out another card. "If you change your mind, call me. My door is always open for you, Noah. You''re something special, and I''ll be ready anytime."


    Noah nodded, slipping the card into his pocket. "I''ll keep that in mind."


    As Jonathan left, Max''s bewilderment only grew. He turned to Noah, his eyes wide, trying to piece together what had just happened. "You just¡­ turned down an F1 contract," Max muttered, still in shock. "That''s what I''ve been training for, man. And you¡­ just brushed it off."


    Noah shrugged, unfazed. "I''ve got other priorities right now."


    Max stared at him for a moment, his thoughts racing. "He really is a demon." No wonder he drove the way he did¡ªit wasn''t just about skill, it was about mindset. Noah didn''t care about the fame or the money. He was on a different level, entirely focused on what mattered to him. It was terrifying and awe-inspiring at the same time.


    Breaking Max out of his thoughts, Noah casually handed over his bank details. "Here, for the $100,000."


    Max, still dazed, typed the information into his phone. "Right¡­ $100,000¡­ I''ll send it tomorrow." He couldn''t stop thinking about how Noah had made $100,000 from a race he''d clearly had no intention of losing, and then turned down millions in potential F1 earnings without batting an eye.


    As Noah walked toward the Lykan, Max couldn''t help but admire the sheer confidence that radiated from him. The way he handled the car, the race, the money¡ªeverything about Noah wasrger than life. The crowd that had gathered to watch him was still buzzing with excitement.


    Jackson, who had been watching the entire scene unfold, walked up, his eyes wide. He said, his voice dripping with admiration. "You''re a casual driver, and you just casually turned down F1? Man, if I had your life, I''d be driving through the halls of my school every morning."


    Noah chuckled, shaking his head. "Nah, I''ve got my own path. Racing''s fun, but it''s not everything."


    Jackson pped him on the back, grinning. "You''re one mysterious dude, Noah. But one thing''s for sure¡ªyou''re no ordinary driver. Not by a long shot."


    As they shared a finalugh, Noah revved the Lykan''s engine, the powerful growl filling the air. The onlookers, some still in awe of the car and the race, snapped pictures as he pulled out. It was another day, another victory for Noah¡ªbut to him, it was just a fun night with some friends and a quick $100,000 in his pocket.


    But to everyone else, Noah Thompson was bing a legend, and they had a feeling this was just the beginning.


    As Noah drove back home in the Lykan HyperSport, the soft purr of the engine was like a quiet hum under the night sky.


    Little did he know, somewhere on the inte, that a video of him racing had just been uploaded, and it was already going viral. The footage¡ªtaken from a shaky phone camera¡ªcaptured his breathtaking drifts, impossible turns, and the sheer power of the Lykan as it sliced through thepetition.


    On TikTalk, the views began to skyrocket. Within an hour, the video had already racked up hundreds of thousands of views, and thements section was buzzing with admiration and excitement.


    "This dude must be Tony Toretto''s secret brother!"


    "Yo, is this the lost ''Fast and Furious'' scene? That Lykan is on fire!"


    Thements continued to roll in, a mix of humorous references to Fast and Furious, admiration for the mysterious driver''s skills, and awe for the car itself.


    "Forget Dom, I think this guy is the real family now."


    "This guy''s either insane or ab specimen... maybe both?"


    "Can we talk about how this man just casually drives a $3.4 million Lykan?!"


    While Noah was oblivious to his sudden fame, somewhere across town, Sarah sat in her room, scrolling absentmindedly through her phone.


    Racing videos were her guilty pleasure¡ªa reminder of the night Noah had taken her to the track. The roar of engines, the screeching tyres, the rush of adrenaline¡ªthose were memories she treasured, even if she knew she shouldn''t.


    Then, one video caught her attention.


    The title alone made her heart skip a beat: "Lykan HyperSport Dominates the Tracks!"


    The camera wasn''t the best, but Sarah could make out enough. The way the car moved, hugging each corner with precision, daring death with every reckless turn, it was unmistakable. Noah. It had to be.


    She didn''t need to see his face, didn''t need to hear a name. Her heart knew before her mind could catch up. It was Noah behind the wheel. The way he drove¡ªwless, fearless, and so dangerously fast¡ªwas a signature she could never forget.


    Her mind raced, reying that first night when she had been in the passenger seat, clutching the edge of her seat as Noah weaved through the track, pushing limits she didn''t know existed.


    Her heart had fluttered then, the excitement of the ride mixed with the thrill of being with someone so... alive.


    "Why did he have to be so perfect"


    A flood of memories rushed in, unbidden. Noah, standing in her kitchen, cooking for her¡ªthe romantic dinner that had made her feel young again, desired in a way she hadn''t felt in years.


    His easy smile, his gentle way of making herugh. It had felt real, and in those moments, Sarah had let herself believe that maybe, just maybe, they could truly have something more.


    Then came the night it all shattered. La. The shock in her daughter''s voice when she had seen Noah in their home. The horrible realization that Noah had been La''s so-called "boyfriend." Sarah hadn''t known. La had never told her. And when La confronted Noah, Sarah''s heart had broken.


    She''d seen the truth in Noah''s eyes when he told La that there was never a real rtionship, that they hadn''t even held hands.


    La, as always, had spun stories, creating fantasies where there were none. Sarah knew her daughter well¡ªtoo well. She knew La''s jealousy, and her tendency to twist reality when she didn''t get what she wanted. n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    But even knowing that Sarah couldn''t shake the feeling. That maybe... maybe she had just been Noah''s revenge. Maybe he had only spent time with her to get back at La for cheating on him.


    That thought had gued her in the days since theirst conversation, gnawing at her like a poison she couldn''t shake.


    Now, watching this video, her heart ached.


    "Why, Noah?" she muttered softly to herself, her voice barely a whisper.


    "Why couldn''t you just disappear from my life entirely? Why bring back the good memories, the ones I know I can never have again?" Tears welled in her eyes as the video looped again, the Lykan speeding through the tracks like a wild beast.


    She wished she hadn''t watched it. She wished she could erase the memories of their time together, theughter, the thrill, the soft moments in between where she''d felt something more.


    She wiped her eyes, her chest tightening. Noah was her daughter''s ex¡ªhow could she ever move past that? How could she allow herself to feel for him when the thought of La''s reaction haunted her?


    But deep down, she knew. Noah hadn''t been with her for revenge. He wasn''t the type. She had seen the way he looked at her, the sincerity in his eyes when he had said he cared. But it didn''t change the reality of their situation.


    Sarah closed her eyes, taking a shaky breath. "I can''t."


    She muttered to herself, trying to push away the longing that clung to her heart.


    "You''re my daughter''s ex, Noah. I can''t. I just... can''t."


    But as much as she tried to convince herself, the truth was there, unyielding and undeniable. She still cared about him. And it was tearing her apart.


    Sarah was clearly conflicted. Her emotions twisted and turned, leaving her feeling like she was caught in a storm with no shelter.


    Every time she tried to make sense of it all, another wave of doubt and confusion crashed over her, pulling her deeper into the chaos. She kept searching for any excuse, any reason to push Noah away, to convince herself that it was the right thing to do.


    "He was La''s ex," she kept repeating as if the words would magically erase her feelings.


    But no matter how hard she tried, her thoughts contradicted one another. One moment, she was angry, telling herself that Noah had only been using her. The next, she was remembering the warmth in his eyes, the way he made her feel alive again.


    "It wasn''t real, was it?" she questioned, but deep down, she knew that wasn''t true.


    Her emotions were unstable, shifting from guilt to longing, from frustration to hope. She wanted to believe that she was just a distraction for Noah, that she was nothing more than a rebound from his brief, ill-defined rtionship with La.


    But that didn''t match the way he had treated her, the way he had listened to her,ughed with her and made her feel seen in a way she hadn''t in years.


    Yet, Sarah couldn''t see the contradiction in her own heart. Her fear and guilt blinded her to the reality of what she felt.


    The internal struggle raged on, and the more she tried to push Noah away, the more she felt the tug of her feelings pulling her back toward him.


    "Why does it have to be soplicated?" she thought, as her heart and mind continued to battle, leaving her in turmoil.


    Please support with Golden tickets, and Powerstones if you like the book so far to help me.


    Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!


    Risaliyah

 Chapter 43 You Cheated?

    43 You Cheated?


    Noah arrived homete once again, exhaustion clinging to his body like a heavy nket. After quickly showering to wash off the day, he headed to bed, grateful for thefort of his pillow. His mind drifted to sleep, seekingfort from everything that had been happening for the past few days.


    The next morning, he woke up early. He got dressed quickly, ready to face the day, and headed downstairs to find his breakfast already prepared. Avocado toast with scrambled eggs sat waiting for him on the table, the smell inviting and delicious.


    "Morning, Emily," he said, shing a smile at his little sister as she ate her cereal.


    "Morning, Noah!" she chirped, her eyes lighting up at the sight of her big brother.


    Noah nodded toward his dad, who was reading the morning paper, and his mom, busying herself at the stove. "Morning, Dad, Mom."


    "Good morning, son," his dad replied, lowering the paper to give Noah a warm smile. His mom gave him a soft "Morning" as she continued cooking.


    As he started eating, he savoured the vours that were strong, but not overwhelming.


    Finishing up his meal, Noah walked over to the fridge, pulling it open to find it emptier than usual. "We''re running low on groceries," he muttered to himself. He realized it was time to go shopping soon, maybe after school. They needed more food to keep things stocked.


    But another thought hit him as well¡ªhe needed to make sure his mom was getting paid more so they didn''t have to rely on him fully. Turning to his mom, he asked, "Hey, Mom, how do you feel about your cooking skills now? You''ve been practising and improving a lot this past week."


    His mom paused, her face showing a bit of uncertainty. "I feel... better, but it''s still a Michelin-star restaurant, Noah. I''m scared. What if they don''t ept me? I don''t have any experience working at fancy ces, and I don''t want to embarrass myself."


    Noah smiled reassuringly. "Mom, don''t worry about experience. I know the owner of An''s Gourmet personally. He just wants someone who can cook well, and you''re more than capable of that. Experiencees with time, but you''ve got the talent. Plus, you''ll have a head chef looking out for you."


    His mom still looked reluctant but nodded. "Alright, I''ll try. But I''m still nervous."


    Noah grinned. "You''ve got this, Mom. You''ll be amazing."


    After finishing up, Noah said his goodbyes, grabbing his keys and Emily''s backpack. "Let''s go, Em," he called to his sister as he took her hand to drop her off at school. After making sure Emily was safe and sound at her school, Noah finally headed to his own school, mentally preparing for what he assumed would be a normal day.


    Entering his math ss, Noah immediately noticed Ms. ra, the math teacher, giving him a strange look. Her gaze lingered on him for a moment, and it was hard for him to ce why. Ignoring it for now, he slid into his seat next to Lily, his mind on autopilot until five minutester when everyone had settled in.


    Ms. ra walked to the front of the room, her smile a little too smug for an ordinary day. "Good morning, everyone," she began, the ss murmuring their responses. "I have a surprise for you all today."


    The ss instantly perked up, eyes widening in curiosity.


    "We just finished the mock exams yesterday," she continued, her tone teasing like she was about to drop a bombshell. "And today, we have the results. You may be wondering how we graded them so quickly, but we decided to use all the teachers to mark your exams in one day." Her grin widened as she took in the surprised expressions.


    The ss erupted into murmurs, some students whispering about the impossibility of such a fast turnaround.


    Ms. ra raised her hand for silence. "Yes, yes, I know it''s surprising. But today you''ll find out your results, so let''s get right into it."


    Mark, seated a few rows away, couldn''t help but let out an exaggerated scoff. He turned to Noah with a smirk. "I wonder where I left my son," he said, clearly referencing their bet about who would score higher.


    Noah met his gaze, not missing a beat. "I don''t know, son. Where did you leave your brain?" His retort was quick, causing a ripple ofughter to spread around the ssroom.


    Next to him, Lily tried to suppress her giggle, her hand quickly flying to her mouth, but Noah caught the sound. He turned to her, slightly taken aback by how herugh stirred something inside him. Herugh was light, almost musical, and for a moment, Noah found himself captivated.


    "You look even prettier when youugh," he said before he could stop himself.


    Lily''s eyes widened slightly in surprise, and for a split second, she didn''t know how to respond. Without saying a word, she turned her head to the window, pretending to be absorbed in the outside view. But Noah missed the faint blush spreading across her cheeks, a sign that his words had hit their mark.


    She stayed quiet, but Noah did not notice the way her fingers fiddled nervously with the hem of her sleeve, betraying herposed exterior. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Meanwhile, Mark, sensing that Noah wasn''t as focused on him, leaned back with a self-satisfied grin, muttering under his breath, "We''ll see who the real dad is soon enough."


    Noah, still watching Lily from the corner of his eye, smirked. "Don''t worry, Mark. You''re the son I never wanted."


    Ms. ra moved to the front of the ssroom, holding a stack of papers in her hands as the tension in the room thickened. The students sat up straighter, their eyes on her as they anticipated the results of the mock exams. Everyone knew that these results were a major indicator of how well they''d perform in the final exams, and the anxiety was palpable.


    "Alright, let''s begin with La," Ms. ra announced, looking down at her list. She scanned the room and her gaze found La, who sat confidently in her seat. "La, you scored 67 out of 100. You''ve maintained your usual score, which is okay, but you need to try harder if you want to improve for the final exams."


    La simply shrugged, her expression indifferent as she nodded. It wasn''t bad, but it wasn''t great either, just like always.


    "John," Ms. ra called next, ncing at the boy in the back who shifted nervously in his seat. "You scored 55 out of 100. You barely passed, so you''ll need to push yourself a lot harder next time."


    John grimaced but managed a weak smile. "I''ll try harder," he mumbled, though the room could feel the weight of disappointment hanging over him.


    "Tara," Ms. ra continued, "you got 76 out of 100. Well done. You''ve been steadily improving, and I can see you reaching your full potential if you keep this up."


    Tara beamed, her friends nudging her as they shared in her quiet celebration.


    And then it was Lily''s turn. "Lily," Ms. ra said with a proud smile, "you''ve scored 97 out of 100. As usual, you''ve done amazing. Keep up the good work, and you''re bound to smash the real exam."


    Lily took the paper but didn''t say anything, merely nodding in response to the praise. Ms. ra continued down the list. "Mark," she said, ncing at the boy who had been boasting all morning, "you''ve scored 85 out of 100. Well done. You''ve improved a lot from yourst exam, and you''re in the top 15 in the whole year."


    Mark leaned back in his chair, grinning smugly. "That''s right," he muttered, his gaze flicking toward Noah with apetitive gleam. He clearly felt like he had this one in the bag.


    Ms. ra''s voice cut through the growing murmurs of the ss. "Andst but not least¡­" She paused dramatically, looking through her papers with deliberate slowness, her eyes darting toward Noah with a glint of something¡ªperhaps amusement, perhaps disbelief.


    Noah had a calm look as he watched her. He knew that he got full marks in the exam, but he was slightly curious about the reaction of the teachers.


    "Noah," she said, her voice steady but carrying an undercurrent of surprise, "you scored¡­ 100 out of 100."


    It was as though a bomb had gone off in the room. For a split second, there wasplete silence. Then, all at once, the ss erupted into chatter.


    "Wait, what?"


    "That''s impossible!"


    "Is he really that much better now? From worst to best?"


    "No way¡­" Tara muttered, her eyes wide in disbelief. "He was struggling so much before!"


    Noah nced around at his ssmates, seeing the incredulous looks, the murmurs, the shock.


    Mark, who had been lounging with confidence a moment ago, shot up in his seat, his face twisting with disbelief and anger. "No way!" he blurted, unable to contain himself. "He cheated! There''s no way Noah scored that high, especially in math! He''s always been terrible at it!"


    The murmurs in the room grew louder, some students nodding in agreement, others still processing the bombshell that had just been dropped.


    Lily, who had been sitting quietly next to Noah, turned her head to look at him, her expression unreadable.


    Her gaze was sharp like she was searching for something in his face. She didn''t believe he cheated, but 100 out of 100?


    Even though she had scored 97, which was already amazing, the gap between 97 and 100 felt massive.


    Ms. ra raised her hand for silence, her voice stern. "Enough!" she said sharply, quieting the room. "I understand how some of you might feel, but Noah''s score is a result of hard work and perseverance."


    Even as she said it, there was a slight hesitation in her voice, as though she herself was still grappling with the result. But she carried on, her tone firm. "These are the results, and we will honour them."


    Mark, however, couldn''t let it go. "No way," he muttered under his breath, though loud enough for the students around him to hear. "There''s no way he''s that good. He must''ve had someone help him or something."


    Noah looking at him scoffed, and said "You unfilial son, a dog would have been better to give birth to, at least it''s loyal."


    Ms. ra continued. "The principal has been notified about Noah''s performance. Scoring full marks in four subjects and only missing one mark in the rest is an incredible achievement. His results are the best in the entire year."


    Another wave of murmurs rippled through the ss. Noah, best in the entire year? The idea seemed almostughable a few weeks ago, but now¡­ now it was real.


    "The principal will be making a decision regarding Noah''s results soon," Ms ra finished, her eyes scanning the room, daring anyone else to challenge her.


    Mark, meanwhile, was fuming silently, unable to ept what had just happened. Noah had not only won the bet¡ªthey weren''t even in the same league anymore.


    He knew that his reputation in the school would be decided by what the principal had to say.

 Chapter 44 Accusations

    44 usations


    As the day dragged on, the scene seemed to rey in every ssroom. In each subject, the results from the mock exams were handed out, and as Ms. ra had said, Noah had aced them. The science teacher, standing tall at the front of the room, read out the top scorers for biology, chemistry, and physics with a smile of admiration.


    "Noah, 100 out of 100. Full marks again," she announced, and the ss barely murmured this time. The initial shock had worn off, and though disbelief still lingered in a few corners of the room, most of the students hade to ept that Noah had somehow ascended to academic greatness.


    Some students rolled their eyes, others whispered amongst themselves, but no one dared say anything aloud.


    That is until the girl with the ponytail¡ªher name was ire¡ªspoke up during thest ss, the science ss.


    "Look, I know a lot of you guys are wondering if Noah really deserves these scores, but I can vouch for him. He tutored me, John, Tara and Aiden in the library," ire said, her voice steady, though her friends nodded in agreement, backing her up.


    There was a ripple of surprise across the room. ire wasn''t just any student; she was one of the top performers in the sciences, always scoring around 80/100 in subjects like biology, chemistry, and physics.


    On this Mock exam, she scored 90/100, which broke all her previous high scores.


    Her words carried weight, and the fact that she publicly admitted Noah tutored her raised eyebrows.


    "I wasn''t sure about his rapid change at first either," ire continued. "But after that session, I can say for certain that he knows his stuff. If anyone deserves those marks, it''s him."


    Her friends echoed her statements and the atmosphere in the ssroom shifted slightly. Those who were silently sceptical now had to reconsider. If ire, who had received a high score in science, vouched for Noah, then maybe it wasn''t impossible after all.


    Mark, sitting at his desk with a twisted grin, couldn''t hold back any longer. He had been quietly watching the whole scene unfold, and thest thing he wanted was to lose the bet and have to call Noah his father. That thought alone burned deep within him.


    With a dramatic scoff, he pushed his chair back, standing up to address the ss. His eyes fixated on ire, who had just vouched for Noah. The intensity of his stare made her shift uneasily in her seat.


    "Hmph, ire," Mark began, his voiceced with condescension, "let me ask you a question." His smirk widened as he took a step forward, making ire feel even more on edge.


    23:11


    "Yes?" she replied, her voice hesitating slightly. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Mark crossed his arms, his posture dripping with arrogance. "You''ve been stuck in the 80s range for months now.


    No offence, but you''ve never broken through that barrier. Suddenly, Noah, who couldn''t even score above 45, tutors you, and not only do you jump to the 90s, but he scores a perfect 100. Doesn''t that seem... suspicious to anyone?"


    The room fell silent, his words hitting their mark. The implication hung in the air like a storm cloud, casting a shadow over the confidence ire had shown just moments earlier.


    "You''re saying he magically bes a genius overnight? And you, his student, suddenly improve too?" Mark''s grin widened as he turned to the ss, his eyes gleaming. "Sounds to me like someone got their hands on the answers ahead of time and conveniently shared them with his little study group."


    A murmur rippled through the ssroom. Students exchanged looks, some nodding their heads in agreement. The seeds of doubt had been nted, and they quickly took root.


    Noah remained quiet, his face calm.


    ire, visibly shaken by the usation, opened her mouth to speak, but Mark cut her off.


    "Don''t lie, ire. You''ve been struggling for months, and now, all of a sudden, after one or two study sessions with Noah, you''re scoring 90s? It''s too convenient. Either you''re covering for him, or you''re in on it. Which is it?"


    The ss erupted into whispers. Some students shot nces at Noah and ire, while others looked toward the science teacher, waiting for him to step in.


    Noah''s gaze lingered on ire, whose face was still flushed with both embarrassment and frustration.


    She had always been quiet, never one to speak up or show such courage, especially in a situation like this. But today, she had taken a stand for him, and that didn''t go unnoticed.


    "Sigh!" Noah muttered under his breath, casting a cold nce toward Mark, who was basking in the satisfaction of the chaos he had caused. Mark had always been that way¡ªpetty and full of arrogance. But today, he was pushing the wrong buttons, and Noah wasn''t about to let it slide.


    Mark''s smirk widened, convinced he had won the battle. His usations had cast doubt, and now, in front of everyone, Noah and ire were painted as cheaters. He had stirred the pot enough to avoid the humiliation of losing their bet.


    But Noah wasn''t going to have it anymore, Mark had crossed the line and borderline bullied the poor girl who stood up for him with his twisted schemes.


    He straightened up in his seat, his voice cutting through the tension in the room like a de. "Enough, Mark."


    The sudden shift in Noah''s tone made the whole ss go silent. Even those who were whispering and exchanging nces turned their attention to the confrontation. Noah''s usual calm demeanour was reced by something sharper, colder.


    "I know your little tricks," Noah continued, his voice growing icier with each word. "You don''t want to fulfil the bet, and that''s fine. But if you dare pull this kind of stunt again, I''ll make you wish your mum did not drop you on your head as a child."


    A murmur ran through the ss, the weight of Noah''s words hanging in the air. Mark''s smug grin faltered, his eyes narrowing as he sensed the seriousness in Noah''s tone.


    "Now that you pissed me off, I will let you in on something." Noah''s voice dropped, cold and cutting. "The principal called me to his office after school. I''ll be dealing with your nonsense usations then. But that''s not all."


    Noah stood up from his seat, his presencemanding the attention of everyone in the room. His eyes were locked on Mark, and the coldness in his gaze sent a shiver down the spines of everyone watching. Even Mark, who had been so confident just moments before, instinctively took a step back without realizing it.


    "If I prove my innocence, and you even think about not honouring your bet, I will make you regret it. You remember what happened in the alleywayst time?" Noah''s voice grew even darker, colder. "That was me being merciful."


    Mark visibly tensed, his face losing a bit of its colour as he remembered the incident Noah was referring to.


    He had thought it was a one-off, something that wouldn''t happen again. But now, Noah''s cold stare and ominous tone made it clear that he wasn''t ying around.


    "Are you threatening me?" Mark stammered, trying to regain some control of the situation. He turned to the teacher, who was watching the scene unfold with concern. "Are you hearing this, teacher?"


    "That''s enough Noah," said the teacher, as he sighed.


    Noah didn''t even flinch. His gaze remained locked on Mark, unyielding and unafraid. "No, Mark. I''m not threatening you." His voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "I''m warning you. Don''t push your luck. It''s about to run out."


    The entire ss watched, wide-eyed, as Mark stood there, frozen in ce. He opened his mouth to say something, but nothing came out. The tension, was thick enough to cut through, as Noah''s words echoed in the air.


    "I was going to let you off easy," Noah said, taking a step closer to Mark, who instinctively backed away again. "But now? Tsk. Not so easy anymore. After I prove my innocence to the principal and the other teachers, I''ll deal with you. Properly."


    The weight of Noah''s promise sent another wave of whispers through the ss, but no one dared to speak too loudly. The cold fury in Noah''s voice was something none of them had ever heard before, and even the boldest students didn''t want to get caught in the crossfire.


    ire, who had been silent through the entire exchange, felt her heart race. She nced up at Noah, her eyes tracing the sharp lines of his face, his piercing gaze that had never wavered in the face of Mark''s usations. The way he stood up for her, the way he confidently took control of the situation¡ªhe had protected her without a second thought.


    Her heart fluttered, warmth spreading through her chest as she realized what was happening.


    She had tried to defend him, but in the end, it was Noah who stood up and shielded her. The butterflies in her stomach made her feel light-headed as she gazed at him, her cheeks warming with a blush she tried desperately to hide.


    Noah was simply... too much. His presence, his confidence, the way hemanded the room without even trying¡ªit was all overwhelming in the best way.


    She hadn''t expected him to protect her like this, but now that he had, she couldn''t stop herself from admiring him. His deep, steady eyes, his strong voice¡ªit all made her feel something she hadn''t felt before.


    Lost in her thoughts, ire found herself staring at Noah longer than she intended, her mind swirling with admiration.


    His fearless attitude, his ability to handle the usations¡ªit made her heart race even faster. She had never seen this side of him before, and now that she had, she couldn''t look away.


    Lily who was observing everything, thought as she shook her head. "Someone fell in love."


    Noah sat back down, still ring at Mark.


    Mark, now visibly shaken, remained silent, his earlier arrogance gone. The entire ss could sense the shift, and no one dared to question Noah again.


    As the final bell rang, signalling the end of the school day, Aiden, who had been sitting next to Noah through the chaos of the day, leaned in and pped him on the shoulder.


    He hadn''t intervened because he knew that Noah was strong enough to handle himself, he didn''t need his help. He also knew that his help would amount to nothing, since he is Noah''s best friend the others would think he is just covering for him.


    "Don''t worry, man," Aiden said with a smirk, "even if you did cheat¡ªwhich I know you didn''t¡ªyou''ve still got that Lambo and your Michelin-starred restaurant. Who gives a damn about school? Let these dogs bark; they amount to nothing in the real world."


    Noah chuckled lightly, though his mind was elsewhere. He wasn''t worried, not in the slightest. He knew he didn''t cheat, and that was enough for him.


    Besides, with the "All-rounder High School Knowledge" from the system, why would he need to cheat? Still, the constant whispers and side-eye nces from ssmates didn''t bother him. In fact, he found it amusing more than anything. People were always quick to judge, especially when someone they deemed beneath them suddenly rose to the top. It wasn''t about the truth; it was about them dealing with their own insecurities, their inability to ept that someone could change could improve.


    As they left the ssroom, Aiden stretched, throwing an arm around Noah''s shoulders. "Seriously, man, you''ve got nothing to worry about. Let them talk. They''ll be begging for a job at your restaurant someday."


    Noah smiled, shaking his head at Aiden''s confidence. "You''re not wrong," he muttered.


    But while Aiden''s words were lighthearted and reassuring, Noah couldn''t help but feel a subtle undercurrent in the way people now treated him.


    There was respect from some, yes, but also envy and envy could be a dangerous thing. He knew better than anyone how people could turn their frustrations into resentment.


    "Humans are so weak..."


    Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!


    Creation is hard, cheer me up!


    Risaliyah

 Chapter 45 Principals Office

    45 Principal''s Office


    Noah took his time walking to the principal''s office, his steps slow and unhurried. He wasn''t the least bit anxious, knowing that the truth was on his side. As he approached the office door, he knocked lightly and heard a firm voice from within: "Come in."


    Entering, Noah greeted, "Good afternoon, Principal. I''m here because you called for me earlier today. I''m assuming it''s about the test results."


    The principal, a tall man with a stern but wise face, had his sses resting on the edge of his nose. He was reviewing some papers when Noah spoke. As Noah finished, the principal lowered the papers slightly and gazed at him over his sses, his eyes piercing as if trying to read through the young man standing before him. It wasn''t an usatory stare but one of deep consideration. The sses, perched at just the right angle, made his stare feel more intense, as though he were weighing Noah''s words and actions with decades of experience behind him.


    "Take a seat," the principal said with a nod, gesturing to the chair in front of his desk. "Others will be joining us shortly."


    Noah sat down calmly, and within minutes, the room was filled with his subject teachers¡ªMath, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and even English. Each teacher took their seat, exchanging nces, their curiosity palpable as they awaited the discussion.


    The principal, folding his hands on the desk, cleared his throat before addressing the group. "Noah''s recent mock exam scores have raised quite a few eyebrows," he began, his tone neutral. "Before we proceed, I need to ask some questions, both for my own understanding and for transparency."


    Turning to the teachers, he asked, "What have Noah''s grades been like in your sses up until now?"


    One by one, the teachers responded, each with a simr answer: "Below average, but passing," "He''s been consistent, but not exceptional," and so on.


    The principal nodded thoughtfully before continuing. "And how has Noah''s behavior been in ss?"


    "He''s respectful," said Ms. ra, his Math teacher. "He participates when asked and has never caused any trouble."


    The other teachers nodded in agreement, echoing Ms. ra''s sentiments.


    The principal stroked his long white beard in contemtion. "Has Noah ever been caught cheating before?"


    All the teachers shook their heads. "Never," they confirmed.


    "What about lying?" the principal pressed.


    Again, the response was unanimous. "No, never," they replied in unison.


    The principal paused, the air in the room growing heavy with expectation. He turned his full attention to Noah, locking eyes with him. "Noah," he said slowly, "did you cheat on these exams?"


    Without hesitation, Noah shook his head and replied, "No, sir. I did not cheat."


    The principal held his gaze for a long moment, as if searching for any flicker of deceit, but found none. He leaned back in his chair, a decision forming in his mind. "I believe you," he said firmly, though his tone carried the weight of responsibility. "However, as much as I trust you, we need to ensure that everyone else¡ªstudents and faculty alike¡ªalso believes in your integrity."


    He gestured to the teachers seated around the room. "That''s why, tomorrow morning, I''m going to have each of your subject teachers ask you two difficult questions¡ªquestions that, if you had cheated, you wouldn''t be able to answer. This will prove your innocence to everyone. Does that sound fair to you?"


    At that moment, Noah heard the familiar chime in his mind.


    [Ding! The Ultimate Choice System has been activated!]


    Option 1: ept the principal''s suggestion and answer the questions correctly.


    [Reward: System Treasure Chest x1]


    Option 2: ept the principal''s suggestion and answer the questions incorrectly.


    [Reward: Deceiver Skill]


    Option 3: Deny the principal''s suggestion.


    [Reward: -5 charm]


    Without a second thought, Noah mentally selected Option 1. The reward of a System Treasure Chest sounded too good to pass up, and he was already nning to prove his innocence anyway.


    Returning his focus to the principal, Noah nodded. "I''m ready to answer any questions you and my teachers have."


    The principal gave a small smile, seemingly pleased with Noah''s calm confidence. "Very well, then. Ms. ra, would you like to begin?"


    Ms. ra, the Math teacher, adjusted her sses as she stood up. "Noah, let''s start with a problem on trigonometric identities.


    "Simplify the following expression: Sin^2(¦È) - Cos^2(¦È)


    Noah didn''t even blink. "That''s simply ?cos?(2¦È)" he answered smoothly.


    Ms ra nodded absent-mindedly, at the speed Noah answered the trigonometric expression.


    "That''s... Correct, well done," she said out loud.


    "Maybe he saw it before somewhere and remembered it, let me give him a harder one." N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Next one: Given that a+b+c=180¡ã, prove that sin?(a)+sin?(b)+sin?(c)=4sin?(a/2)*sin?(b/2)*sin?(c/2)


    Noah''s expression remained calm as he elegantlyid out the proof, his exnation concise and thorough.


    23:12


    The other teachers exchanged impressed nces. Ms ra sat down, satisfied and impressed very deeply.


    Next, the Biology teacher spoke up. "Alright, Noah. In which part of the cell does the Krebs cycle take ce, and why is it important for cellr respiration?"


    "The Krebs cycle urs in the mitochondria," Noah replied instantly. "It''s crucial because it generates high-energy molecules like NADH and FADH2, which are used in the electron transport chain to produce ATP, the energy currency of the cell."


    "Impressive," the Biology teacher murmured. "And one more¡ªwhat''s the role of ribosomes in protein synthesis?"


    "Ribosomes trante mRNA into polypeptide chains, synthesizing proteins by linking amino acids in the order dictated by the sequence of codons on the mRNA."


    Again, the teacher nodded in satisfaction.


    One by one, each of Noah''s teachers took their turn. Chemistry, Physics, History¡ªevery question was answered with precision and depth. As each question was posed, the expressions on the teachers'' faces shifted from curiosity to amazement.


    When it was over, all eyes turned to the principal. He stroked his beard thoughtfully, his gaze lingering on Noah. "It seems," he said slowly, "that I was right to believe in you."


    He turned to the teachers. "This matter is settled. Tomorrow, I want each of you to announce Noah''s innocence to your sses. And if any student dares to use him of cheating again, bring them directly to me for punishment. Is that clear?"


    The teachers nodded, still processing what they had just witnessed.


    The principal turned back to Noah, his expression softening into a warm smile. "I''m sorry for making you go through this, Noah, but we had to follow procedure. I hope you didn''t mind this old man too much."


    Noah smiled back, standing up. "Thank you, Principal. You''ve done more than enough."


    As Noah left the office, he couldn''t help but feel a sense of triumph. Not because he had proven his innocence, but because of what awaited him¡ªa System Treasure Chest that promised unimaginable rewards.


    [Ding! 1x System Treasure Chestis in the inventory!]


    Noah exited the school building, walking at a leisurely pace, still thinking the system''s reward.


    As he approached the school gate, a shiny 2023 Audi A3 caught his eye. A small crowd of students had gathered around, admiring the sleek car, and there, leaning casually against the hood as if he owned the entire street, was none other than Mark. He was trying too hard to exude confidence, his posture a mix of arrogance and showmanship. The way he nced toward Noah as he approached made it clear¡ªthis was no coincidence. Mark was trying to show off.


    Noah smirked inwardly. The school day had been enough of a show, and this was just another chapter in Mark''s futile attempts to appear superior.


    As Noah got closer, Mark straightened up and smirked, his voice dripping with condescension. "Want a ride home, Noah? i can drop you off if you want."


    Before Noah could reply, the low, authoritative hum of an engine caught everyone''s attention. A sleek, cked-out 2024 limousine, far more luxurious than anything anyone had ever seen, slowly rolled toward the school gate.


    Its tinted windows gleamed under the afternoon sun, and the license te, marked with the number 0019, showed the status of the person who owned it. The limo honked, and Mark''s car was in its way.


    Mark''s face paled instantly, his arrogant posture vanishing. He muttered under his breath, "Shi... I can''t afford to offend these people." His bravado melted as he quickly scrambled into his Audi, moving it out of the way. The students who had been admiring the car moments ago now turned their attention toward the limousine, their curiosity piqued.


    Mark got out of his car once again, adjusting his shirt as he approached the limo. He put on a strained smile, trying to recover hisposure as a middle-aged man in a sharp, dark suit stepped out.


    The man exuded confidence and carried himself with the kind of poise that came only with power. His stern face, chiselled features, and cold eyes made it clear that he was not a man to be trifled with.


    Mark, still eager to curry favour, quickly rushed forward. "Good afternoon, sir. Is there anything I can help you with? Who might you be looking for?" His tone was full of forced politeness, and the confidence he had shown just moments ago was nowpletely gone.


    Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!


    Risaliyah

 Chapter 46 Looking for Noah

    46 Looking for Noah


    Mark, still eager to curry favour, quickly rushed forward. "Good afternoon, sir. Is there anything I can help you with? Who might you be looking for?" His tone was full of forced politeness, the confidence he had shown just moments ago nowpletely gone.


    The suited man gave Mark a quick, dismissive nce, clearly not interested in idle conversation. His gaze swept over the gathered students before settling on Noah, who had been standing there with a calm expression. The man raised an eyebrow slightly and looked back at Mark. "I''m looking for a student named Noah," he said, his voice deep andmanding, cutting through the murmurs of the crowd like a knife.


    Mark''s face twisted in confusion and disbelief. "Noah?" he repeated as if the name didn''t quite register with him. It was as if Mark couldn''t reconcile the idea that someone important enough to warrant a limousine would be looking for the same Noah he had been taunting minutes ago. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Noah stepped forward casually, hands in his pockets,pletely unfazed by the scene that was unfolding. His calm demeanour only added to the mystery, and the crowd of students began whispering among themselves, wondering just what was happening.


    "That would be me," Noah said smoothly, locking eyes with the man in the suit. But before the middle-aged man could respond, Mark, ever desperate to cling to his false sense of superiority, scoffed loudly.


    "You think you''re the only Noah in the school?" Mark sneered, his voice loud enough for the gathered students to hear, hoping to spark a chorus ofughter. "You might be the poorest one, yeah, but not the only one!" He let out a mockingugh, clearly enjoying himself. The group of students looked between Noah and Mark, unsure whether to join in or stay silent.


    Mark, feeling emboldened, turned to the man in the suit. "Sorry, sir, this guy is just a poor kid in our school. There''s no way you''re here for him."


    The middle-aged man''s expression didn''t change much, but there was a fleeting look of disgust that flickered across his face as he regarded Mark.


    The shift was so subtle that most people wouldn''t have noticed, but Noah caught it, and so did a few other students. It was as if the man had found Mark''s behaviour repellent, though Mark remained oblivious, still basking in his own arrogance.


    The man turned his attention back to Noah, his tone calm butmanding. "Is your surname Thompson?"


    Noah nodded slowly, his curiosity piqued. "Yes, that''s my surname."


    At Noah''s confirmation, the man''s expression softened, and he nodded in approval. "The youngdy has sent me to pick you up," he exined, his tone now more formal. "She would like to meet with you, if possible."


    Noah''s brow furrowed in confusion. A youngdy? He couldn''t immediately find who the man was talking about. Lily came to mind briefly, but Noah dismissed the idea almost immediately. If it had been Lily, she wouldn''t have needed to send a limousine; she could''ve simply spoken to him directly. This wasn''t her style. So, who could it be?


    Mark, who had been watching from the side with an amused grin, slowly realized that the man hade for Noah. His smile faded, his cocky demeanour slipping away as the reality of the situation set in. Mark''s face turned a deep shade of red, a mixture of embarrassment and disbelief washing over him. Without another word, he slunk back toward his car, hoping to make a quiet exit while the crowd was still focused on Noah and the mysterious man.


    As Mark disappeared, Noah said to the suited man. "Who is your youngdy?" he asked, his voice cautious but curious.


    The man paused for a moment, clearly choosing his words carefully. "I am afraid I can''t say that"


    Noah searched his memory for anyone who had such status, but nothing came to mind.He nced at the limousine again, trying to piece together the puzzle. "Why does she want to meet me?" he asked, his voice still calm, but now with a slight edge of suspicion. Noah was no stranger to unexpected encounters, but this was new, even for him.


    The man remained professional, his hands folded behind his back. "I''m afraid she didn''t rify that to me, sir. She simply instructed me to ask you to meet her if possible. She is in the car and would prefer to speak with you directly."


    Noah thought for a moment, weighing his options. There was no real reason to refuse. If this was some sort of trap, he was confident in his abilities to handle the situation. The system had equipped him with skills far beyond what most people in this city could fathom.


    The man in front of him, while imposing on the students around him, was not someone Noah feared. With the [Basic Soldier King] skill and the [Basic Fighting Skills], not to mention a gun in his inventory, Noah was more than prepared for any surprises.


    Finally, after a brief pause, Noah nodded. "Alright," he said, his decision made. "I''ll talk with her."


    The man stepped aside, gesturing politely for Noah to enter the limousine. Without any further hesitation, Noah approached the car, his movements casual yet purposeful. As he stepped inside, the luxurious interior enveloped him, the leather seats soft and cool against his skin. The tinted windows blocked out the curious stares from the students outside, giving the car an air of exclusivity.


    Sitting across from him, illuminated by the soft, ambient lighting of the limo''s interior, was a young woman. Her face was familiar¡ªstrikingly so. Noah''s eyes widened slightly as he recognized her, though it took him a moment to fully register the situation.


    "It''s you?" he asked, his voice betraying his surprise.


    The young woman smiled, her beauty so radiant it almost seemed to light up the car. Her presence was calm and poised, and yet there was something undeniably maic about her. The way she looked at Noah, with that gentle, knowing smile, made it clear that this meeting had been nned for some time.


    "Yes, it''s me," she replied softly, her voice warm and melodic.


    Noah leaned back in his seat, processing the situation. He hadn''t expected her of all people. There had been no indications, no clues that would''ve led him to this moment. And yet, here they were, face to face in the back of a limo, away from the prying eyes of the school and its gossiping students.


    The girl crossed her legs, her posture elegant yet rxed. She looked at Noah with a mixture of curiosity and admiration, as if she had been waiting for this for a while. "I wanted to meet you personally," she said, her tone sincere. "Because I wanted to..."


    Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!


    Creation is hard, cheer me up!


    Risaliyah

 Chapter 47 Amelia

    47 Amelia


    Noah leaned back in his seat, taking in the unexpected turn of events. He had no idea Amelia would be the person waiting for him in the sleek limo. When he''d saved her from that van days ago, he hadn''t given her his name, hadn''t even stayed long enough to hear her thank you. He''d simply disappeared into the night, thinking it was just another day where his mysterious "system" had led him to intervene. He never thought she would find him, much less track him down to his school.


    But here she was.


    Amelia''s elegance was hard to miss. She sat across from him, her posture poised and graceful, her long dark hair framing her face, and her soft expression gave her a glow he couldn''t describe. The way she crossed her legs with such ease and confidence only added to the aura of wealth and privilege that surrounded her.


    "I wanted to meet you personally," Amelia said, her voice steady but soft, the sincerity unmistakable. She hesitated for a moment as if gathering her thoughts. "Because I wanted to... thank you. Properly this time."


    Her words hung in the air, and Noah could see the gratitude in her eyes. It wasn''t hard to recall the events of that night.


    Noah exhaled, his eyes meeting hers with a slight sigh. "You don''t need to thank me," he said, his tone casual but firm. "I did what anyone else would''ve done in that situation. You didn''t have to go through the trouble of finding me."


    Amelia shook her head gently, her hair fluttering slightly with the movement. "But not everyone would have done that, Noah," she replied softly, her eyes locking onto his. "People walked away or were too afraid to get involved. You didn''t. You saved me when I needed help the most."


    Her words carried a weight that Noah hadn''t expected, and he felt a bit ufortable under the intensity of her gaze. He wasn''t used to being thanked so earnestly.


    "Besides," she continued, "my father also wants to thank you. We''ve prepared a dinner for you¡ªand your family, if you''d like. It''s the least we could do."


    Noah blinked, a bit surprised at the mention of his family. "Dinner?" He shook his head slightly. "You don''t need to go that far. My family¡­ we''re not exactly used to that kind of thing," he said, gesturing around the luxurious interior of the limo as if to indicate the stark difference in lifestyle.


    Amelia smiled, a warm, understanding smile. "It''s just dinner, Noah. You saved my life. It''s the least we can do."


    Noah hesitated for a moment, then nodded, realizing it would be rude to refuse. "Alright, I''lle. But I need to pick up my sister from school first. I''m already a bitte."


    Amelia''s eyes brightened, and she immediately nodded. "We can go together. It''ll be faster this way."


    Noah studied her for a second, weighing her sincerity, then gave a small nod. "Okay, let''s go."


    A few minutester, they pulled up in front of Emily''s school. Noah stepped out of the car and quickly made his way inside, apologizing to the teacher for being ten minuteste. He took his sister''s hand and led her out toward the waiting limo.


    Emily, who was still holding Noah''s hand, froze when she saw the sleek ck vehicle parked at the entrance. Her eyes widened in amazement. "Wow, brother, this car is so cool! I wish I could ride in it!"


    Noah chuckled, amused by her innocent excitement. "You do?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.


    Emily nodded eagerly, her eyes shining. "Yes!"


    Noah grinned mischievously. "Okay, let''s go."


    But no sooner had the words left his mouth than Emily''s face contorted into aically exaggerated expression of fear.


    "No, brother, are you joking?" she eximed, tugging at his hand. "We can''t afford to scratch this car! Don''t be tempted, brother. Stay STRONG!" Her eyes wide and innocent , making Noahugh out loud.


    "Actually," Noah said, still chuckling, "it''s my friend''s car. She wanted to meet you and give us a ride home."


    Emily''s eyes widened even further. "Really?" she asked, her tone skeptical but intrigued.


    "Really," Noah confirmed with a nod, guiding her toward the car.


    As they climbed into the back of the limo, Emily''s eyes were immediately drawn to Amelia, whose beauty seemed to radiate throughout the car. Her mouth dropped open in awe. "So pretty!" she whispered in amazement.


    Amelia smiled warmly at the little girl, her expression softening even more. "And you are so cute!" she said yfully, gently pinching Emily''s cheeks before seating her between herself and Noah.


    On the way to their house, Amelia and Emily quickly bonded, their conversation filled with lighthearted chatter andughter. They talked about school, hobbies, and everything in between, and it didn''t take long for them to be fast friends.


    Watching them, Noah couldn''t help but feel a little bemused. Emily was usually reserved, but here she was, chatting away like she''d known Amelia for years.


    He shook his head internally, thinking, "She doesn''t have this kind of enthusiasm when she talks to me. Traitor."


    When they finally arrived at their home, Emily asked for Amelia''s number, and the two exchanged contact information with promises to stay in touch.


    As they stepped out of the limo, Noah knelt down to speak to his sister. "Hey, don''t tell Mom about my friend, okay? She might get scared because, well¡­ she''s quite different from us."


    Emily nodded solemnly, her eyes wide. "I won''t, brother. Don''t worry."


    She gave him a wink and nudged his side yfully. "Go do your thing," she said with a mischievous grin.


    Noah''s mouth twitched in exasperation. "You little rascal," he muttered under his breath, ruffling her hair.


    With that, Noah returned to the limo, where Amelia was waiting patiently. "I''m just going to go change real quick," he said.


    Amelia shook her head with a smile. "There''s no need. You don''t have to worry about your attire."


    Noah looked at her for a moment, feeling a sense of ease in her presence that he hadn''t expected. He nodded, climbing back into the limo, his initial reservations about her softer.


    As they drove off, Noah couldn''t help but think that Amelia wasn''t quite what he had imagined. There was something genuine about her, In his mind, Amelia had left a good impression¡ªone that he didn''t mind exploring further. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!


    Creation is hard, cheer me up!


    Risaliyah


    Creator''s Thought

 Chapter 48 Dinner Invitation

    48 Dinner Invitation


    The journey to Amelia''s home wasn''t hurried, nor was it slow¡ªit was just right. The steady hum of the limo''s engine was the only sound between Noah and Amelia for a while, both lost in their own thoughts.


    Noah nced out of the window, the buildings of the city slowly giving way to more open spaces as they drove further out. He had never been in nice neighbourhoods before, so it was kind of a different perspective.


    "Sigh, Ignorance sometimes, is truly a bliss..." Thought Noah, as he stared at the beautiful scenery and houses. The more he looked at it, the more he wanted to buy a house in the area.


    Soon, the limo turned onto a long, private road leading to a gatedmunity. But this wasn''t just any gated neighbourhood.


    It was a viplex, a secluded haven reserved for the ultra-wealthy and people of status, where entire neighbourhoods consisted solely ofrge, sprawling vis. The security was tight¡ªno one could enter without being a resident or a direct guest of one. It was like stepping into another world, where the chaos and noise of the city couldn''t reach you.


    As the limo approached the entrance gate, Noah noticed the uniformed guards stationed there. They stood straight, their posture disciplined and professional.


    One of them caught sight of the sleek vehicle and immediately gave a sharp salute, recognizing the car without needing to ask for credentials.


    Noah had never seen such a thing. In the city, you were lucky if the guards even stood in their respective positions, but here, everything was controlled, precise, and orderly.


    The middle-aged man driving the limo returned the salute with a quick nod, a gesture of familiarity. Without any dy, the massive iron gates began to swing open, revealing the viplex beyond.


    Noah''s eyes widened as they passed through, the scene unfolding before him more stunning than he had imagined.


    Inside the gatedmunity, the air seemed cleaner, and fresher. Tall, perfectly cut trees lined the streets, their lush, vibrant green leaves swaying gently in the breeze.


    Large, luxurious vis spread out along the road, each one uniquely designed yet equally imposing, like small pces. It was clear that no expense had been spared in this ce; the architecture was a blend of modern elegance and timeless grandeur.


    Some vis had expansive balconies, while others boasted stunning gardens or fountains out front.


    A small river meanderedzily through theplex, its clear water sparkling under the soft sunlight. Wooden bridges connected the properties, creating a serene, almost dreamlike atmosphere. The distant sound of the city''s traffic waspletely gone, reced by the soft rustling of leaves and the asional chirp of birds. It was as if thismunity existed in a bubble, untouched by the pollution and chaos thaty beyond its gates.


    Noah had never seen anything like it. The sheer beauty of the surroundings took his breath away, and for a moment, he forgot that he was just a guest here. It was hard to imagine living in a ce like this, where nature seemed perfectly controlled and the air was so fresh it felt cleansing just to breathe. It was a far cry from the modest apartment he and his family lived in, where noise and traffic were a constantpanion. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The limo continued down the road, winding past vi after vi, each more impressive than thest. But soon, they approached a mansion that stood out even among the grandeur. This one wasrger, and more prestigious in its design.


    The marble pirs and ornate ironwork around the gates gave it a regal air as if it belonged to royalty. The windows were tall, their ss gleaming in the afternoon light, and the grounds around the mansion were impably maintained, with sprawlingwns and perfectly trimmed hedges. Even from the outside, Noah could tell this wasn''t just a home¡ªit was a statement.


    But what caught Noah''s attention even more were the guards stationed outside the mansion itself. Unlike the guards at the gate, these men were armed. Dressed in sleek ck uniforms, they held rifles at their sides, their eyes sharp and alert as they stood in front of the entrance.


    They weren''t just for show; their presence added ayer of security and seriousness that reminded Noah he wasn''t looking at an ordinary Mansion. It wasn''t just wealth that this family had¡ªit was status and power.


    The limo came to a slow stop near the front of the mansion, pulling into a private parking area. The middle-aged man who had driven them turned off the engine and quietly stepped out, moving with the same calm authority that seemed to surround everything about this ce.


    Amelia gave Noah a soft smile. "We''re here," she said quietly, her voice cutting through the silence.


    Noah nodded, as he stepped out of the limo, his feet meeting the pristine cobblestone driveway, he nced around once more, taking in the full scope of the mansion. It was even more imposing up close, with its tall, arched doors and intricate stonework.


    The guards at the entrance didn''t move, but their eyes briefly flickered to Noah, acknowledging his presence. They weren''t hostile or unweing, but their professionalism was clear¡ªthey were here to protect, and they took their job seriously.


    Noah adjusted his uniform, feeling slightly out of ce in his casual clothespared to the elegance of everything around him.


    Amelia noticed his unease and smiled again her expression warm and understanding. "Don''t worry about your attire," she said, her voice gentle. "You''re our guest, and that''s all that matters."


    Noah gave a small nod, appreciating her words but not dwelling on them for too long. Noah stepped into the vi, immediately struck by its grandeur. The first thing that caught his eye was the floor¡ªgleaming marble, so pristine and polished that it reflected the light like a bed of diamonds.


    It was the kind of elegance you only saw in the movies that depicts royalty. As he moved forward, his footsteps echoed softly against the marble, and his eyes didn''t wander over the luxurious surroundings.


    "Wow, it''s so plush. It feels like I''m sitting on clouds, although I don''t know what sitting on clouds feels like. But, I expect it to feel simr." thought Noah, whilst feelingfortable.


    21:12


    The entrance hall was nothing short of breathtaking. Towering ceilings gave the space an almost cathedral-like feel, with soft, ambient lighting cascading from crystal chandeliers that hung above. On either side of him were two grand staircases, curving symmetrically, one on the left and one on the right, their polished mahogany railings gleaming.


    They spiralled upwards gracefully, meeting at arge balcony that overlooked the hall from above. It was ayout that seemed almost ceremonial, like something out of a royal pce, where one would descend in grandeur to greet guests.


    But the stairs weren''t the only impressive feature. Straight ahead of him was a vast path that led directly to the living room, framed by arched doorways that added to the opulent design. Large windows with elegant drapes let in soft streams of natural light, illuminating the grand interior and casting a warm glow across the marble.


    As Noah''s eyes followed the path, he found the living room at the far end, an expansive space filled with plush sofas, modern d¨¦cor, and a sense of understated luxury.


    It was minimalistic in design but carried an air of wealth in every detail¡ªfrom the rich, velvet upholstery of the furniture to the gold ents scattered subtly throughout the room. In the corner, a sleek, state-of-the-art firece flickered quietly, adding a touch of warmth to the otherwise cool elegance of the space.


    Amelia, having escorted Noah inside, gave him a reassuring smile before excusing herself. "I''ll go get my parents," she said softly, her voice gentle but confident.


    Noah nodded, his mind still processing the sheer magnitude of the vi around him as he waited. As she made her way up the staircase, her footsteps barely audible, Noah remained standing in the hall.


    The man gave Noah a respectful nod, his posture straight and formal, like a soldier at ease.


    "You can sit down if you would like, Mr. Noah," said the middle-aged man, as he remained standing.


    "Alright, thanks," Noah replied, then sat down on one of the sofas.


    "Wow, it''s so plush. It feels like I''m sitting on clouds, although I don''t know what sitting on clouds feels like. But, I expect it to feel simr." thought Noah, whilst feelingfortable.


    Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!


    Creation is hard, cheer me up!


    I tagged this book,e and support me with a thumbs up!


    Risaliyah

 Chapter 49 Meet My Dad

    49 Meet My Dad


    Meanwhile, Amelia climbed the stairs and entered a private wing of the vi. She reached arge wooden door and, with a soft knock, entered the room.


    The atmosphere here was different¡ªquieter, more sombre. The room was spacious yet cozy, withrge windows offering a view of the gardens outside.


    Her grandfather sat propped up in a bed near the window, his body frail and aged, his once-strong features now softened by the passage of time. But despite his weakened state, there was a noble air about him, a kind of quiet dignity that hadn''t faded.


    "Good afternoon, Grandpa," Amelia greeted warmly, her voice tender as she approached him. Her face softened with affection, but there was a hint of sorrow in her eyes as she saw him looking so weak.


    Her grandfather, an old but heroic-looking man, turned his head toward her and gave a faint, warm smile. "Amelia," he said softly, his voice weak but filled with warmth. She bent down to kiss his cheek and took a seat beside him, gently holding his hand.


    "I hope you''re doing well today," she said, trying to keep her tone light despite the tightness in her chest. "Is there anything you need? Anything I can get for you?" Amelia added, her voice filled with the tenderness and concern that only a devoted granddaughter could show.


    Her grandfather shook his head weakly, his eyes twinkling with pride as he looked at her. "No, my dear. I''m just d to see you."


    Amelia smiled, though her heart ached. She could feel the weight of his condition more acutely every time she visited.


    "Dad, Mom, Noah''s here," she said, standing and looking toward her parents who were seated nearby.


    Her father, Adam, looked up. He had already heard about Noah from Amelia¡ªthe young man who had saved her. There was a mix of admiration and curiosity in his expression as he stood up, preparing to meet the boy who had single-handedly taken on multiple abductors to rescue his daughter. Amelia''s mother, Carmi, followed suit, her graceful features softening as she exchanged a nce with her husband. n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Adam ced a hand on his father''s shoulder. "We''ll be back soon, Dad. I need to thank Noah properly first. After that, I''ll see if I can get in touch with some people about your situation," he said, his voice calm but firm. His father nodded, giving a small smile, though he was clearly weary.


    Before leaving, Adam called over Maxine, the house attendant, and instructed her to stay with his father while he went downstairs.


    After instructing Maxine, Adam descended the grand staircase, along with Carmi, to meet the mysterious saviour of his daughter.


    As they neared the bottom, Adam caught sight of the boy for the first time. Up close, Noah appeared even younger than he had imagined. His skin was smooth and clear, his posture calm but alert.


    He didn''t look like someone who had taken on armed abductors while handcuffed. Adam was used to seeing men who had lived through violence, but there was something striking about Noah''s youth andposure.


    Carmi, walking beside her husband, shared his surprise. Her eyes swept over Noah, not with judgment, but with a growing respect for the young man who had risked his life to save their daughter.


    As they reached the bottom of the stairs, Noah, noticing their approach, stood up. Adam offered him a friendly smile, and with a quiet, but sincere tone, he said, "You must be Noah."


    Noah nodded, unsure of what to say in response, but as he looked at Amelia''s parents, he felt their sense of gratitude settle over him. There was warmth, especially in the way Adam extended his hand in gratitude.


    "Thank you," Adam said simply, but with great depth. "For saving my daughter, I am in your debt."


    Noah stood there, his posture still respectful, but there was a sense of ease about him. He nodded to Adam, keeping his tone steady as he said, "It was my duty. I appreciate your invitation to dinner, but there really was no need for that."


    Adam, towering over him with a presence that made most men shrink in his shadow, gave a small, amused smile. His eyes, sharp yet warm, fixed on Noah with an intensity that could make men with a weak will ufortable. But Noah remained calm, standing firm as he always had, even in the face of danger.


    "He is the real deal." thought Adam, as he stared into Noah''s eyes that maintained contact with his.


    "How could it be," Adam said, his deep voicemanding attention. "That is the least I could do for the saviour of my daughter." His words were sincere, but there was also a touch of pride in his voice. This was a man who did not take gratitude lightly.


    Just as Noah was about to respond, his stomach betrayed him. A low, rumbling sound echoed in therge hall, unmistakable in the quietness that had followed Adam''s statement. It was the sound of hunger, and it couldn''t have chosen a more inconvenient time.


    Noah felt his face heat up slightly, though he wasn''t one to be easily embarrassed. He nced up at Adam and his wife Carmi, who were looking at him with raised eyebrows, trying to stifle their reactions.


    "Don''t mind that," Noah said quickly, a small, sheepish grin creeping onto his face.


    "It''s just my stomach''s way of saying, ''Hey, thanks for the invitation, but where''s the food?'' " He chuckled lightly, attempting to brush it off, the corners of his eyes crinkling as he shed a grin that made his otherwise serious demeanour soften.


    Adam blinked for a second before a deep, heartyugh rumbled from him. It was unexpected, even to Noah, who could see how intimidating Amelia''s father was. He had expected a polite chuckle at best, but the man was genuinely amused. Hisughter echoed through the hall, filling the space, and Carmi, who stood beside him, let out a soft, gracefulugh as well, her lips curling into a smile.


    Noah, noticing the aura from the man in front of him, rxed even more. He realized now that this wasn''t the typical cold, wealthy family he had imagined. They were human¡ª warm, grateful, and perhaps, a bit surprised by him.


    Behind her parents, Amelia stood, watching this entire exchange unfold. She had been quiet, letting her father and Noah speak, but she couldn''t help but smile at the scene before her.


    It wasn''t the usual stiff, polite conversation that visitors often had with her father. Most people were too intimidated to even crack a joke in Adam''s presence, let alone make himugh. But Noah, without even trying too hard, had brought out a side of her father that even she rarely saw.


    Amelia''s smile grew wider, something rare for her, but it seemed toe naturally when Noah was around. "He''s different," she muttered under her breath, her voice soft as if she was speaking only to herself.


    She had seen him in action before, in a far more serious situation¡ªsaving her from the men who had abducted her. That was bravery, something rare. But this? This was something else. Noah was standing confidently in front of a man who even soldiers feared, and not only was he standing firm, but he was making her fatherugh. It was something she hadn''t expected.


    As Adam''sughter subsided, he shook his head, still smiling. "I like you," he said, his eyes twinkling with genuine amusement. "It''s not often someone stands in front of me and manages to keep a sense of humour."


    Noah grinned back, grateful that the awkward moment had passed so smoothly. "Well, I''ve learned the hard way that if you can''tugh at yourself, life''s gonna be a long ride." His words were lighthearted, but they broke the ice even further, allowing the atmosphere to shift into something more rxed, and morefortable.


    Adam chuckled again, this time softer but just as genuine. He nodded toward Noah, gesturing to the dining room beyond the living room. "So, what do you say we eat first? Seems like your stomach might start an uprising if we don''t feed it soon."


    Noahughed along, appreciating Adam''s easy-going nature. "To be honest, we would be thankful," Noah admitted, rubbing the back of his neck slightly. Adam smiled again, while Carmi gave an amused chuckle.


    Amelia, standing behind them, shook her head in wonder, still watching the scene unfold. Her father, the man who held an aura of authority so strong that people quaked in his presence, wasughing like he was chatting with an old friend. And Noah? He was going around the entire situation with such confidence and ease that even she was taken aback.


    Noah was different, and now more than ever, she was starting to see just how different he was from the people she was used to. There was something refreshing about him, something honest and real.


    As Adam led Noah toward the dining room, the warm, inviting scent of food began to fill the air. Noah could already tell from the smell that this was going to be some delicious food. But as he followed them, he couldn''t help but nce back at Amelia, who was walking slightly behind them, her eyes meeting his.


    Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!


    Creation is hard, cheer me up!


    Risaliyah

 Chapter 50 Dinner and an unexpected event

    50 Dinner and an unexpected event


    Noah followed Adam into the dining room, his eyes taking in the sheer elegance of the space. It was nothing short of breathtaking. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The room was vast, illuminated by a grand chandelier that hung over the centre of the table, its crystals shimmering softly. The table itself was long, polished to a shine that mirrored the intricate patterns of the chandelier''s light.


    Every detail was crafted with the care. The walls were lined with subtle, tasteful art, andrge windows open to a view of a well-kept garden, further adding to the luxurious atmosphere.


    As Adam gestured for Noah to sit down, he nodded, trying not to show how out of ce he felt amidst such luxury.


    Despite the grandeur, Noah carried himself with calm confidence, masking any difort with ease. Adam, noticing the young man''s poise, couldn''t help but feel more impressed by the minute.


    Noah settled into his seat just as the first wave of food began to arrive. Servants moved with humility and grace, cing dish after dish on the table.


    Each te was more enticing than thest, as a symphony of scents filled the air, making Noah''s stomach, which had already protested earlier, rumble even more. The servants revealed dishes like they were unveiling art, each presentation wless, polished, and meticulously arranged.


    "I hope you like it," Adam said


    "I am sure I will," Noah smiled in response.


    As the final tes were ced before them, Noah''s eyes swept over the feast. It was a true banquet of high-ss cuisine.


    There were truffle-infused dishes, with delicate slices of wagyu beef cooked to perfection, glistening with juices.


    There was a selection of fresh seafood¡ªgrilled lobster with a rich, saffron-infused butter sauce, and a tter of oysters served on a bed of ice, paired with exotic caviar.


    Beside it was a roasted duck dish, crispy on the outside, with aromatic spices that filled the air with a warm, rich scent.


    In addition, there were several vibrant vegetable dishes¡ªlightly saut¨¦ed green asparagus with a drizzle of balsamic ze, baby carrots roasted with thyme and honey, and an assortment of colourful heirloom tomatoes in a delicate basil vinaigrette.


    Each dish was ted with the precision and artistry of a Michelin-starred restaurant. To top it all off, there were freshly baked bread rolls, still warm, with hand-churned butter, sprinkled with kes of sea salt.


    It was a meal meant to impress, meant to show the gratitude and taste of the hosts, but Noah didn''t seem overwhelmed by it.


    Instead, he smiled gratefully, his eyes twinkling with amusement as he met Adam''s gaze. "Well, I can confidently say my stomach and I are both very thankful for this."


    Adamughed warmly, clearly enjoying Noah''s ease. "Dig in," he said, gesturing toward the array of dishes. "I think we''ve kept your stomach waiting long enough."


    Noah didn''t need to be told twice. He reached for the closest te of food, careful but not timid. He took a bite, savoring the vors that danced on his tongue. "This is incredible," he admitted, grinning as he continued to eat.


    As the meal progressed, Adam took a sip of water and leaned back slightly, turning to Noah. "So, how have your studies been going?" he asked casually, though there was a keen edge of curiosity in his voice. "Where do you n to go for university?"


    Noah, already halfway through a piece of wagyu beef, paused for a second to wipe his mouth with a napkin before responding. "My studies are fine," he said. "I''ve been working hard, and I''ve got a few universities in mind, but I think Cambridge is my top pick."


    Adam raised an eyebrow, visibly impressed. Cambridge was no small feat, and he could tell Noah wasn''t bragging¡ªthere was a quiet confidence in his words, the kind that came from someone who knew their worth. Adam nodded, his respect for the young man growing. Not everyone could aspire to Cambridge, let alone have the potential to make it there.


    "Cambridge, huh?" Adam said thoughtfully. "Not just anyone can get into a ce like that. I''m sure you''ve got what it takes."


    Noah smiled humbly. "I''m doing my best. The rest will depend on luck and timing, I suppose."


    Adam regarded him for a moment, his keen eyes assessing the young man before him. There was something undeniably sharp about Noah, something he couldn''t quite put into words, but he knew he liked it. It was rare to meet someone with such a blend of humility and determination.


    Adam''s next question, however, was a bit more personal. "Tell me about your parents, Noah."


    Noah didn''t hesitate. "My dad is a salesman in a small shop," he said with a smile. "And my mom is a housewife, but she''s also a great cook. Honestly, she could give your head chef a run for his money."


    Adam''s eyebrows shot up in surprise. He had thought Noah was praising his mother in the way most sons do, but there was something in Noah''s tone that made him reconsider. He wasn''t just speaking fondly of his mom¡ªhe wasplimenting the head chef byparing him to her. And that was no small praise, considering their head chef was one of the top five private chefs in the United Kingdom.


    Adam chuckled lightly, unsure if Noah was exaggerating or if he really meant it. "Well," he said with a smile, "I''d love to try her cooking someday. We''ll have to arrange that."


    Noah grinned. "You are wee anytime, trust me you won''t regret it."


    Adam tilted his head, intrigued. Was Noah exaggerating? Or was there something truly special about his mother''s cooking? He decided to put the thought aside for now. Either way, he liked Noah''s spirit.


    They continued conversing, their conversation easy and fluid, with Adam asionally ncing toward his wife, who seemed equally impressed by Noah''s maturity. They discussed school, future ns, and Noah''s family life as they ate, the atmosphere growing morefortable by the minute.


    About ten minutes into the meal, however, the rxed atmosphere was abruptly shattered. A frantic voice echoed through the hall.


    "Sir! Sir!"


    It was Maxine, the house attendant, her face pale and eyes wide with panic. She rushed into the dining room, clearly distressed.


    Adam immediately stood up, sensing that something was terribly wrong. "What is it, Maxine?" His voice was firm, though there was a hint of urgency in his tone. "Calm down and tell me what happened."


    Maxine was struggling to catch her breath, her hands trembling. "It''s the old master," she stammered. "He¡­ he suddenly became unconscious!"


    "What?!" Adam''s face turned grim in an instant, all traces of warmth and ease vanishing. Without wasting another second, he pushed his chair back and hurried out of the dining room, his mind already racing as he headed to his father''s side.


    Noah, watching the scene unfold, felt a strange sense of familiarity wash over him. Then, as if from nowhere, a familiar sound rang in his ears.


    [Ding! The Ultimate Choice System has been activated!]


    Looking at the second Activation of the system, Noah couldn''t help but be amused. The first was saving amelia, and now this one.


    "I wasn''t wrong, this family really are generous with their rewards..."

 Chapter 51 Tempting Rewards

    51 Tempting Rewards


    ncing at the system choices, Adam had already rushed out of the room with Maxine, leaving Carmi and Amelia behind, both clearly worried about the situation upstairs.


    The options floated in front of him like ethereal choices only he could see.


    [Ding! The Ultimate Choice System has been activated!]


    Option 1: Cure Amelia''s grandfather.


    [Rewards: 5x Rejuvenating Pills, Apartment Complex]


    Option 2: Offer To Help The Old Man, but do not insist.


    [Rewards: Intermediate Miracle-Physician Skills, A Mansion]


    Option 3: Excuse yourself and leave due to the unforeseen circumstances.


    [Rewards: 1x Miracle Pill (cures all diseases), A Penthouse]


    Noah''s mind began to race. Option 1 was the most straightforward and altruistic choice, but he quickly dismissed it.


    The reward¡ªa handful of rejuvenating pills and an apartmentplex¡ªwhile helpful and shocking, wasn''t enough to justify discarding the other rewards. Sure, Curing someone''s illness when having the ability was the moral thing to do, but the system was pushing him to weigh the stakes differently. He didn''t know the old man personally, and despite Amelia''s striking beauty¡ªhe stole a quick nce at her worried face, her eyes filled with concern¡ªthere was no way he was going to save her grandfather just because she was gorgeous. That would be absurd. He barely knew her.


    No, Option 1 was off the table. The reward just wasn''t enticing enough, whenpared with the other rewards.


    His gaze shifted to thest two options. Both offered fantastic rewards, and for a brief moment, he felt a twinge of greed tug at him. If he could, he would have chosen both without hesitation, but life wasn''t that generous. The system forced him to make a decision, and he had to choose carefully.


    Option 3: Excuse yourself and leave due to the unforeseen circumstances.


    [Rewards: 1x Miracle Pill (cures all diseases), A Penthouse]


    The allure of the Miracle Pill was undeniable. A pill that could cure any disease in the world was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.


    Its value was unfathomable. If he chose to keep it, he could secure the health of his loved ones forever. Even more, if he sold it to a dying billionaire or someone desperate for life, Noah could practically name his price. The thought of extracting 90% of someone''s worth for a single pill was tempting. After all, what use was money to someone at death''s door?


    "Money doesn''t go with you to your grave," Noah thought with an inward smirk. The practicality of it was almost funny.


    But his smirk faded slightly as he considered his own family. What if his parents, or someone close to him, were stricken with a terrible disease one day? This pill could save them. It wasn''t just about making a fortune¡ªit was about securing something priceless.


    Then there was the penthouse. Noah''s thoughts wandered for a moment, remembering his childhood. Growing up, he had always fantasized about living in a high-rise penthouse. He could picture it now: a sleek, modern home with floor-to-ceiling windows, offering panoramic views of the city. It would be his sanctuary, far removed from the noisy, cramped apartment he grew up in. As a kid, he had always been fascinated by the idea of living above the clouds, imagining how cool it would be to have a space of his own where he could look down on the bustling streets, detached from the chaos below. It wasn''t just a dream anymore¡ªit was a possibility.


    "With the penhouse as my home, I could really be Noah Wayne" Noah thought,


    "If Aiden finds out , that i have a penthouse he might actually believe i''m batman, all i need is to get a butler that looks like a spy."


    Noahughed inwardly, thinking of how his younger self would have jumped at the chance to live in a ce like that. A penthouse wasn''t just luxury; it was a symbol of having made it.


    That childhood vision of living like batman still held a certain charm, and it made Option 3 all the more tempting.


    But then his gaze flicked back to Option 2.


    Option 2: Offer to help the old man, but do not insist.


    [Rewards: Intermediate Miracle-Physician Skills, A Mansion]


    This option was less shy, but it had its own unique pull. The Intermediate Miracle-Physician Skills were extremely valuable.


    Noah had enough experience with the system to know that it wasn''t exaggerating. These skills would give him advanced medical knowledge,bining the best of both Western and Eastern medicine, and probably much more. And it wasn''t just a one-time deal like the Miracle Pill. This skillset would be with him until his death, allowing him to diagnose and treat many illnesses with ease.


    That kind of power could be invaluable in the long run, not just for his own family, but also for himself.


    He could also use these skills in the case of finding himself in a dangerous situation, like the one with saving Amelia.


    Furthermore, he could use it to gain connections and money from people of influence that need treatment.


    21:14


    Yes, the Miracle Pill from Option 3 was powerful, but it was a one-shot solution. It wouldn''t teach him how to prevent illness or recognize the signs of a disease before it became deadly.


    The physician skills, on the other hand, would. With them, he could detect problems early¡ªpotentially saving his loved ones long before they''d need a cure as drastic as the Miracle Pill. It was a long-term investment in his abilities, and that was something that intrigued him.


    As for the mansion¡­ well, who wouldn''t want a mansion? The idea of living in a sprawling estate was certainly appealing, though less important to him than the skills. The mansion was a nice bonus, but it wasn''t the deciding factor. He knew deep down that the real value of this option was in the knowledge he''d gain.


    With an inaudible sigh, Noah stood up from his chair, his mind made up. Option 2 was the best path forward, though he couldn''t help but feel a small twinge of regret at not choosing the penthouse and the Miracle Pill. Still, he knew that his decision was the most practical one. Pills were a one-use thing ; skills were not.


    "Alright, Option 2 it is," he muttered silently.


    [Ding! Intermediate Miracle-Physician skill rewarded!]


    [Ding! The Mansion''s ownership paperwork is in the inventory!] Feeling an immense amount of knowledge flow into his mind, Noah took hold of the chair next to him for stability.


    The amount of knowledge he acquired were immense that he almost lost bnce.


    Looking back at the room, Noah noticed that the air had grown tense. Amelia and Carmi were both looking at him somewhat awkwardly, unsure of what to say.


    Adam had rushed off so quickly, and now the dinner had ground to a halt. Feeling the weight of the silence, Noah decided to break it.


    "Do you want me to check on the old man''s health? I know a bit about medicine." he offered, his tone light but confident , though he already knew how this conversation would go.


    Carmi looked at him with a polite but doubtful smile. She clearly appreciated the gesture, but it was obvious she didn''t think much of his offer.


    After all, how could a neen-year-old boy know more than the team of highly qualified doctors who had been working on her father-inw''s condition for months?


    "Thank you, dear," she said warmly, "but don''t worry about it. The doctor should be here any minute."


    Noah nodded, pretending not to notice the doubt in her voice. He stood up from the table, smoothing his jacket. "Well," he said, "it seems like it''s an inconvenient time today. I ate well, though. Thank you for the invite."


    Amelia, who had been standing behind her mother, looked conflicted.


    She clearly wanted to say more, perhaps to thank him properly for saving her life, but the sudden emergency with her grandfather weighed too heavily on her mind. "I''ll get the driver to take you home," she offered.


    Noah shook his head. "No need. I''ll call an Uber. Keep the driver around in case you need him for emergencies."


    Amelia hesitated. "We have plenty of drivers," she started, but Noah cut her off with a light smile. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Alright, then. Thanks again for the meal," he said, with a polite nod. "I hope the old man pulls through. Have a good night."


    Without waiting for further response, he headed for the door, feeling the weight of Amelia''s eyes on his back. She sighed quietly as he disappeared from her vision, before turning to follow her mother upstairs.


    Noah stepped into the cool evening air, his mind still reying the choices he''d made.


    Nodding at the guards he left the mansion and headed towards the gates, the uber wouldn''t be able to enter so he had to take it from there.


    Option 2 was the right call, but he couldn''t help but feel a sense of loss for what Option 3 could have brought him.


    "It seems like bing Batman needs to wait, maybe it''s because I don''t have an Alfred yet." he thought, with a wry grin as he dialled for his Uber.


    Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!Creation is hard, cheer me up! VOTE for me!


    Risaliyah

 Chapter 52 Life is Fleeting

    52 Life is Fleeting


    As Noah slid into the back seat of the Uber, he let out a slow exhale.


    He had made his decision, and he didn''t regret it. His hand absentmindedly grazed the phone in his pocket, though he didn''t feel the need to check it.


    The drive was silent, save for the low hum of the engine and the asional distant horns from the city outside.


    Meanwhile, back inside Amelia''s family vi, the atmosphere was far from calm. The entire house had shifted into chaos after Noah''s departure. Adam, Amelia, and Carmi stood beside the bed, watching as the doctors huddled around the old man.


    His frail body seemed so small against therge, elegant four-poster bed hey on. The steady beep of medical machines filled the silence in the room, syncing with the rhythmic rise and fall of his shallow breathing.


    Adam, usuallyposed and confident, wore a look of deep worry. His powerful frame stood tall, but his shoulders sagged slightly under the weight of the situation. He looked down at the old man¡ªhis father.


    This man had built their family''s fortune from the ground up, working tirelessly to ensure they would never struggle. Adam had inherited that mantle, but the sight of his father, pale and unconscious, filled him with a sense of helplessness he rarely felt.


    The doctor, a middle-aged man with greying hair and an exhausted expression, finally stepped back from the bedside. "We''ve done all we can for now," he said quietly, ncing at Adam. "His heart rate is slow but stable. For now, he''s not in any immediate danger."


    Adam nodded but remained silent. His father''s heart had always been weak, and it had grown worse with age. "Have you found out why this keeps happening?" Adam''s voice was steady, but there was an unmistakable tension underneath. "He''s been getting worse every day. Why?"


    The doctor hesitated, exchanging a nce with the other medical staff as if they were silentlymunicating before one of them finally spoke. "No, sir," he said carefully. "We haven''t. We''ve conducted every test we could¡ªan MRI, CT scans, extensive blood work. Everything came back normal."


    Adam clenched his fists but said nothing, waiting for the doctor to continue.


    "There are only two possibilities we can think of," the doctor continued, his voice growing more sombre. "The first is¡­ well, that the old master is simply reaching his time. He''s in his twilight years, and his body may be preparing to say farewell to this world."


    A heavy silence hung in the air, the words settling in with a cruel finality. Amelia''s breath hitched slightly, but she said nothing, her hands clutched tightly together.


    "The second possibility," the doctor continued, "is more concerning. It could be a new, unknown disease¡ªsomething that has never been recorded before. It''s possible that this illness has no obvious symptoms aside from the gradual weakening of his organs, leading to periodic episodes of unconsciousness like the one you''ve just seen."


    The weight of the words sank into the room. Amelia''s silent tears started to fall, her face pale as she gripped the edge of the bed, eyes locked on her grandfather.


    "We will contact specialists from abroad, the best doctors we can find," the doctor promised. "But until then, all we can do is stabilize his condition¡ªkeep him breathing, keep his body nourished through the IV, and monitor him closely."


    Adam rubbed a hand over his face, letting out a slow sigh. He felt utterly powerless. For a man who was used to taking control, who had led armies and faced down insurmountable odds, this¡ªwatching his father deteriorate slowly¡ªwas a pain he wasn''t prepared for.


    "I''m sorry," the doctor added quietly, bowing slightly before he and the rest of the medical staff began to pack their things, leaving the family alone with their grief.


    For a moment, no one spoke. The silence was thick, only punctuated by the steady beeps of the machines monitoring the old man''s heart.


    Adam''s mind drifted as he looked down at his father''s pale, unconscious face.


    "Life is so fleeting, so unpredictable." He thought, in his mind.


    Even he, the feared and respected man that he was, would one day find himself in this very position. The realization that even the strong must eventually grow weak weighed heavily on him.


    He nced over at Amelia, who stood silently sobbing.


    She had been through a lot these past few days, from the terrible attempt of kidnapping her to her grandfather''s condition.


    She was now reduced to tears by the cruel reality of life. Without a word, he stepped over and gently pulled her into a hug. She buried her face in his chest, and for a long time, they stood like that, sharing their silent grief.


    "It''s okay," Adam whispered, though he knew it wasn''t. "It''ll be okay."


    The minutes stretched on in silence, and for the first time in years, Adam found himself at a loss for what to do next. But as they stood there, a thought crept into his mind.


    "Where is Noah?" He pulled back from the hug and asked curiously.


    He remembered leaving so abruptly that he hadn''t even had the chance to thank him properly. "Where''s Noah?" he asked, his brow furrowed slightly. "I left so quickly¡­ did he say anything before he left?"


    Carmi, still standing near the bedside, seemed to hesitate for a moment as she thought back. "He left shortly after you went upstairs," she said, her voice soft. "Thest thing he said was that he wished your father good health before he excused himself."


    Still thinking, she remembered how he offered to help the old man, but she quickly discarded the thought. It wasn''t necessary to say it, he was just being polite after all. Adam nodded slowly, absorbing her words.


    Amelia, still standing beside her father, seemed like she wanted to say something. Her lips parted, but no words came out. She wanted to mention something about Noah¡ªabout the odd feeling she had when he offered to help¡ªbut after a moment of hesitation, she decided against it. Instead, she let out a quiet sigh, following her father and mother as they turned their attention back to the old man.


    At the same time, Noah arrived home. The Uber rolled to a stop outside his apartment building, and he stepped out, his mind still reying the events of the night. As he approached the front door, he felt a strange sensation, a slight tension in the air.


    Something wasn''t right. Normally, his house would be dark by now¡ªhis family always went to bed early, around 8:00 or 8:30. But tonight, the living room light was still on, casting a soft glow through the windows. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Noah frowned slightly as he unlocked the door and stepped inside. He could hear the faint sound of the television ying in the background, though it was muted. He walked cautiously toward the living room, where he found his mother sitting on the couch, her hands folded in herp.


    "Mom?" he called softly, surprised to see her awake. "Why are you still up?"


    His mother looked up at him, her eyes wide with a mixture of concern and something else¡ªsomething Noah couldn''t quite ce.


    It was 9:00 PM, well past her usual bedtime, and she never stayed up thiste. She opened her mouth to speak, but for a moment, no words came out.


    "Noah¡­" she said finally, her voice trailing off, leaving the sentence unfinished. The silence that followed felt heavy, and Noah''s heart began to race slightly as he waited for her to say more.

 Chapter 53 Sugar Baby

    53 Sugar Baby


    "Noah¡­" she said finally, her voice trailing off, leaving the sentence unfinished. The silence that followed felt heavy, and Noah''s heart began to race slightly as he waited for her to say more.


    Noah''s mother, Caroline, sat in the dimly lit living room, the soft glow from the TV flickering across her face. Her expression was tense, her hands folded tightly in herp. As Noah stood there, taking in the scene, he felt a knot form in his stomach. Something wasn''t right. n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Noah,e here. Sit down next to me," she said, her voice low but firm. She patted the cushion beside her on the old, worn couch¡ªthe one they''d had for years. The fabric was faded, and Noah could remember the countless times he''d sprawled out on it as a kid, watching cartoons or napping after school. He hesitated for a split second, but there was no avoiding this. Whatever his mom was about to say, it wasn''t good. He crossed the room and sat down beside her, feeling the sag of the couch beneath him. His heart pounded in his chest, but outwardly, he kept his face calm, waiting for her to speak.


    Caroline turned to him, her eyes locking onto his. The usual warmth, the softness he''d always found there, was gone. Her gaze was sharp, her lips pressed into a thin line. The sternness in her face made Noah''s pulse quicken.


    "Where were you?" she asked, her voice clipped, almost cold.


    Noah blinked, trying to steady his breath. "I was outside," he replied truthfully, keeping his voice calm and steady. "I was invited to dinner."


    Caroline''s eyes narrowed, as though she was gauging his every word. "Who invited you?" she asked, leaning slightly forward. "A Friend?"


    Noah hesitated for just a moment, knowing this was a delicate situation. "Someone I met... recently," he answered carefully. "I''m not sure if we could be considered friends."


    Her eyes seemed to bore into him, cutting through any vagueness in his answer. "Boy or girl?"


    "Girl," Noah said after a pause, bracing himself for what wasing next.


    Caroline''s expression didn''t change. She stared at him for a long moment, the room heavy with unspoken tension. T


    hen, she leaned back slightly, her hands still clenched tightly in herp. "Noah," she said softly, but there was a hard edge in her voice, "I know you have never lied to me before. I made sure to raise you with the right values. You know what''s right and wrong."


    Noah''s heart skipped a beat. His mother had always been strict when it came to honesty, and he''d never lied to her, not once. But tonight, he could feel that she was digging for something deeper. Her next words confirmed his suspicion.


    "I want you to tell me the truth," she said, her voice steady butced with concern. "Has the money you''ve been using to bring food into this housee from that girl?"


    Noah froze for a second, his mind racing.


    "Em must have slipped up and said something about Amelia."


    "Maybe one of the neighbours had seen him, riding in a car that was far too expensive for a person from their neighbourhood."


    Either way, the pieces had fallen together, and now his mom was piecing together a story she thought was happening.


    Sighing inwardly, Noah turned to his mother, meeting her gaze. "No, Mom," he said firmly, his voice calm but insistent. "The money I''ve been using is mine. Every cent. She didn''t give me anything, not even a single pound. And before you even ask, the restaurant where I get the food doesn''t belong to her either. I promise."


    Caroline''s eyes searched his face, looking for any hint of dishonesty. But Noah held her gaze steadily, refusing to waver. He had never lied to her, and he wasn''t about to start now.


    "I''ve never lied to you, Mom," Noah continued softly. "And I wouldn''t lie now. We''re barely acquaintances at this point. Tonight was the first time I ever went to her house. Her father just wanted to thank me for helping her with a problem she had, that''s all."


    Caroline studied him for a long moment, her eyes still sharp, but the hardness in her face began to soften. Slowly, her lips parted in a quiet exhale, and she closed her eyes, relief washing over her.


    "Thank you, Noah," she said quietly, her voice filled with emotion. "I was really worried¡­ I thought maybe you were bing a sugar baby or whatever they call it. You know how I feel about these things. You''ve always been a handsome boy, and there were a lot of girls back in the day who tried to take advantage of that."


    Noah let out a short, almost incredulousugh. The memory of those awkward years flickered briefly in his mind¡ªhis mom had always been paranoid about girls trying to manipte him because of his looks. "Yeah, I remember, Mom," he said, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.


    Caroline smiled too, though it was brief. She reached over and ced a hand on his, squeezing it gently. "I''m just trying to protect you, Noah."


    "I know," he said softly. "But you don''t need to worry. I''ve got this handled."


    For a moment, the room felt lighter. The tension that had been so thick before seemed to ease, and Noah could feel the weight lifting from his chest. But even so, his mother still looked tired, her face lined with the stress of her concerns.


    "Is there anything else, Mom?" Noah asked gently. "You should get some sleep. You look tired, and I''m kinda tired too. I''ve got school tomorrow."


    Caroline nodded, her eyes drooping slightly with fatigue. "You''re right," she said, though her voice was softer now. "I''ll head to bed in a minute."


    Noah stood, stretching slightly. "By the way," he said with a small smile, "I''ve got a surprise for you tomorrow. I think you''re gonna like it."


    Caroline''s eyebrows lifted slightly in curiosity. "A surprise?"


    "You''ll see," Noah said, his grin widening as he took a step toward his room. "Good night, Mom. Sleep well."


    "Good night, Noah," she said softly, watching him as he disappeared down the hall. The door to his room clicked shut behind him.


    Entering his room, Noah sighed deeply, the weight of the day finally catching up to him. Between the exam results, the unexpected dinner, and the talk with his mom, he feltpletely drained.


    Deciding he needed something to help him unwind, he headed for the bathroom.


    The hot water sted out of the showerhead, steam filling the room, and fogging up the mirror. Noah stepped under the stream, letting the warmth wash over him.


    As the water poured down his shoulders, he felt his muscles begin to loosen, the tension melting away. Closing his eyes, he let his mind wander, trying to disconnect from the noise of the day. For a few moments, the only sound he focused on was the rush of water and the calming sensation it brought him.


    After what felt like a small eternity, Noah reluctantly turned off the water, stepping out of the shower.


    The cool air hit him, and he shivered briefly, wrapping a towel around himself. Brushing his teeth in front of the fogged-up mirror, his reflection barely visible, he felt a little more at peace. His mind was quieter now, the stress from the day washed away, at least for the moment.


    Once he was ready for bed, he climbed under the covers, pulling his phone out from the bedside table. He started to scroll through his messages, a habit he had picked up before going to sleep.


    He nced at a few notifications, checking in on his usual apps, but then his finger hovered over a specific chat. Sarah.

 Chapter 54 System Treasure Chest!

    54 System Treasure Chest!


    The familiar chat history tugged at his heart, like an old wound that hadn''t quite healed. He''d been trying to distract himself for days now, with Amelia''s rescue, the exams, and everything else life had thrown at him.


    It had worked, sort of. He was busy enough that his mind didn''t dwell on the situation with Sarah as much, but he knew deep down that this wasn''t a long-term solution. Ignoring it wouldn''t make it go away.


    He stared at her name on the screen for some time, his thumb hovering over the chat. The memory of theirst conversation flickered in his mind, the ache in his chest stirring again.


    "I have to deal with this," he thought. "But not tonight. Not now."


    Noah clicked out of the app, locking his phone and tossing it on the bedside table. He would deal with Sarah, but not today. Pushing that thought aside, he decided to turn his attention to something else entirely. He remembered something¡ªthe system reward.


    His gaze sharpened as he recalled the reward he had received earlier, a treasure chest he hadn''t opened yet. Sitting up a little in bed, he opened the system''s interface, his fingers hovering over the inventory tab. There it was.


    [System Treasure Chest x1]


    {Gives a random reward}


    A moment of hesitation flickered through him before he tapped the chest icon. The familiar prompt popped up in front of him.


    [Would you like to im?]


    [Yes/No]


    Noah pressed "Yes".


    [Ding! 1x System Treasure Chest Opened!]


    [Reward: Basic Magical Tea Leaf Production Manual]


    His eyes widened, and before he could process it, a description popped up.


    [Basic Magical Tea Leaf Production Manual: The finest tea is brewed with grace,


    Its warmth and aroma fill the space.]


    Effect: > +1 Relief


    > +1 Smell


    > +1 Taste


    For a moment, Noah just stared at the screen, his jaw practically hitting the floor.


    "Basic?" he thought incredulously. "This isn''t basic¡ªthis is... uh... fantastic!" A grin began to spread across his face, the gears in his mind turning.


    "If this is ''basic,'' I don''t even want to know what advanced tea production looks like! This is literally a money machine in disguise." He sat up a little straighter, his excitement building. The potential of this hit him like a train.


    "If I can open a tea house," Noah muttered to himself, his voice a mix of disbelief and joy, "I can finally... finally get my dad to stop breaking his back for a couple of bucks!"


    He chuckled to himself, imagining the scene. His dad, a self-proimed tea enthusiast, would probably jump at the chance to run the ce. In fact, the old man would probably throw himself into the business with full force, considering how much he loved tea. Noah could already picture him meticulously crafting the perfect cup,pletely oblivious to the fact that the tea leaves themselves were infused with magical properties.


    Noah''s grin widened. "My dad is going to freak out," he murmured, the idea taking hold of his mind. His dad had always been passionate about tea, and Noah could use this newfound skill to bring in money while giving his dad something he loved doing. It was a win-win situation. His dad would enjoy every minute of it, and Noah wouldn''t have to lift a finger. Well, not entirely true¡ªhe would be the supplier behind the operation, the secret ingredient.


    He flopped back down onto his pillow, staring up at the ceiling with a smile. "A tea shop," he thought, amused at how life had taken such a strange turn. "Who would''ve thought?"


    But he was already thinking ahead. This "basic" tea might be just the beginning. If he could figure out how to produce it in bulk, market it as the finest tea in town¡ªno, in the world¡ªhe could practically see the money rolling in. And his dad would be the perfect front for the operation. A tea enthusiast with a shop full of "Rare" tea leaves that made people feel better with each sip? It was too perfect.


    "I''ve gotta get this started," he thought, his excitement keeping him awake long after he''d set his phone down.


    Pressing on the icon of the "Basic Magical Tea Leaf Production Manual," Noah skimmed through the effects of the magical tea once more.


    The promise of its rich aroma, fine taste, and soothing relief was enticing, but what really caught his attention were two new additions to the list.


    Purchase Leaves: $10/100g of Tea Leaves


    Purchase Machine: $10,000 (Automatically turns normal tea leaves into Magical Tea Leaves)


    Noah stared at the details on his screen for a long moment, considering his options. The purchase machine was listed at a steep $10,000, but the price didn''t dissuade him in the slightest. It wasn''t just the money that made the decision easy for him¡ªit was the efficiency, the convenience.


    For a split second, he considered the alternative: Always being the only one to provide the tea leaves, transforming them manually using the system, and restocking every time they ran out.


    He could already see the hassle that woulde with it. Even with the money he''d earned from his choices with the system, time was still his most precious resource.


    But then, the machine¡ªit was a game-changer. The business wouldn''t rely on him anymore.


    Just feed it normal tea leaves, and outes the magical product, ready to go. The simplicity of it was brilliant.


    It meant his dad could run the entire operation smoothly without needing Noah to manage. It would give Noah more time for his personal goals, his life and, most importantly, dealing with the system.


    "It''s decided then," muttered Noah, as heleaned back against his pillow and stared at the ceiling, imagining the future ahead. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He''d talk to his dad tomorrow, break the news to him, and propose the tea business. It was time to take the next step¡ªnot just in terms of earning more money but also giving his family a better life.


    But even as the idea of the tea house excited him, there was something else simmering in his mind. Maybe it''s time to spoil myself a little, he thought with a grin. For as long as he could remember, Noah had always wanted a gaming PC, the kind with LED lights and the smoothest setup money could buy. He''d watch videos online of gamers showing off their rigs, and though it was just a dream back then, it felt so close now. He imagined having a high-end gaming setup in his room¡ªhis own personal space where he could unwind after a long day.


    "Yeah, I''ll build a sick gaming setup soon," he muttered to himself, almostughing at how easily he could do it now with the money he has right now. "I will go crazy with it...multiple monitors, the best graphics card, everything."


    The thought filled him with excitement as he imagined his future room,plete with the tea business thriving in the background, his dad happy, and Noah finally getting some much-deserved leisure time after a day of school and system missions.


    "I will also check out the mansion tomorrow, it''s a hassle to keep ordering Uber every day. Specially when you have a Lykan HyperSport." Said Noah, with a slight grin on his face.


    But first things first, he had to sleep. His mind was buzzing, but his body was tired, and he had school in the morning. ncing at his phone, it read 10:30 PM.


    "Alright, time to call it a day," Noah said to himself, setting his phone on the bedside table.

 Chapter 55 This Is Tea?

    55 This Is Tea?


    The next morning, Noah woke up feeling refreshed.


    After brushing his teeth, he headed downstairs, mentally making a note to himself that he still hadn''t bought groceries for the house.


    The small details of daily life still needed tending, even amidst the chaos.


    As he stepped into the kitchen, he greeted his family. "Good morning, Mom. Morning, Dad."


    His father, David, was already by the counter, preparing to brew his usual morning tea. Emily, his little sister, sat at the table, noticeably avoiding Noah''s gaze. Smirking inwardly, Noah immediately understood what had happened¡ª"So it was this little rascal who let it slip, not the neighbours", he thought.


    He knew she had a big mouth, but he wasn''t mad. In fact, he was looking forward to giving her a little teasing on the way to school.


    Acting as though nothing was amiss, Noah shed her a friendly smile. "Good morning, Em. How was your sleep?"


    Emily nodded, but her voice was low as she answered, "It was good," avoiding direct eye contact.


    Noah''s smirk deepened. "She''s definitely GUILTY", he thought, amused. "That''s good to hear," he said cheerfully.


    Turning to his father, Noah decided this was the perfect moment to test out the magical tea. "Dad, wait," he said, noticing David about to brew his usual morning tea. "I want you to try something different today. I have a special tea I want you to taste."


    David raised an eyebrow in mild surprise but extended his hand. "Alright, pass it over."


    "Hold on, I''ll get it from my room," Noah said, quickly heading upstairs.


    Once in his room, he opened his system and purchased 100 grams of the magical tea leaves. The transaction was swift, and the money was automatically deducted from his bank ount.


    Noah pulled the tea bag from his inventory, smiling to himself. The packaging was immacte, like it had juste from a high-end tea shop. "Good thing it''s already stored in a proper bag," he thought, "otherwise I''d have to walk down there with loose leaves in my hand."


    Back downstairs, Noah handed the bag to his father. "Here, try this."


    Caroline, his mother, nced at the bag curiously. "Noah, where did you get this tea? Is it any good?"


    Noah grinned mysteriously. "It''s a secret, Mom. You''ll find out if it''s good soon enough. Dad, make tea for everyone¡ªeven Em."


    Emily, sitting at the table with wide eyes, shook her head vehemently. "No, I don''t drink tea. Tea is yucky." N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Noah turned his attention to her, his grin widening. "Not this one, Em. You''ll like it."


    Emily''s face paled, and she seemed horrified by his words. Her mind raced. H"e''s trying to take revenge for what I said about him and that girl! He''s definitely plotting something! I should''ve kept my mouth shut." She groaned inwardly, already regretting her actions as her mind spiraled in silent despair.


    Meanwhile, David began brewing the tea. The moment the water hit the leaves, a heavenly aroma filled the room. It was a fragrance so rich, so alluring, that it caused everyone at the table to pause.


    David, Caroline, and Emily all exchanged puzzled nces. It didn''t smell like any tea they had ever brewed before. The scent alone was like a warm invitation, a promise of something extraordinary.


    As the tea steeped, David poured it into four cups. Noah took a seat at the table as the food was served: egg on toast, grilled halloumi cheese on the side, and olives. Breakfast was simple but hearty, it''s taste was immacte as usual.


    David took a bite of toast, then reached for his cup of tea. Noah''s eyes followed his every movement with keen anticipation, smirking ever so slightly.


    As soon as David took his first sip, his hand stopped midway to putting the cup down. His eyes widened in shock, and for a moment, he just sat there, motionless, the cup still hovering above the table.


    Noah could see it¡ªthe light flickering in his father''s eyes, the way his expression changed from surprise to astonishment.


    David slowly set the cup down with extreme care, as though he was afraid of spilling even a drop. He nced at Noah, whose smirk had now turned into a full-blown grin.


    "How was it?" Noah asked casually, though he already knew the answer.


    David blinked several times, staring at the cup as if it held some kind of magic¡ªwhich, unbeknownst to him, it did. "Noah¡­where did you get this tea?" he asked, his voice quiet, almost reverent. "This tea is¡­ it''s otherworldly. Its price must be¡­ unbelievable."


    Caroline, sensing the weight of David''s words, turned to him in confusion. "Howe, David? What''s so special about it?"


    David took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "The taste," he began, "it''s sweet but not too sweet, and so light on the tongue. It''s as if my tastebuds are harmonizing with the vor. It''s not just about taste, though. With just one sip, I felt the fatigue lifting from my body. I''m not exaggerating. I felt more awake, more energized¡ªlike the exhaustion I didn''t even realize I had was melting away."


    Caroline and Emily looked at David with wide eyes. Even Emily, who had been dreading the tea, seemed curious now.


    Noah leaned back in his chair, satisfied with his father''s reaction. "I told you it was good, didn''t I?" he said, his voice filled with yful pride.


    David nodded slowly, his hand still resting near the cup as though he was ready to take another sip but too amazed to move. "Good isn''t the word, Noah. This tea is beyond anything I''ve ever tasted. It''s¡­ it''s like it''s made from something more than just tea leaves. Are you sure this isn''t from some high-end, exclusive shop?"


    Noah chuckled. "It''s a little secret, Dad. But let''s just say¡­ there''s more where that came from."


    As David stared at the cup in awe, Caroline decided to try some, clearly intrigued.


    Noah watched as his mom took a sip. The same expression of amazement crossed her face, and she looked at Noah with newfound appreciation. "This¡­ is incredible, Noah. It''s like nothing I''ve ever tasted."


    Emily, who had been silently watching the whole exchange, finally spoke up, her voice small and tentative. "Maybe¡­ I''ll try some too."


    Noah''s smirk grew wider. "Gotcha," he thought.


    David poured her a small cup, and when Emily finally took a sip, her eyes widened in pure shock. "It''s¡­ not yucky," she muttered, as if she couldn''t believe the wordsing out of her own mouth.


    Noah chuckled. "Told you."


    With the magical tea leaving everyone at the table speechless, Noah sat back, his n already forming. His father''s reaction had confirmed it¡ªthis tea wasn''t just good. It was going to be the key to something bigger.


    As David savoured thest sip of the magical tea, Noah couldn''t help but watch the astonishment still lingering on his father''s face. His n wasing together perfectly, and it was time to present the next part of it.


    "Dad," Noah began casually, ncing at his cup, "what do you think? If a tea house were to open with this tea, do you think it would do well?"


    David looked at him, setting the cup down slowly. "Of course, it would do well, Noah. It wouldn''t just do well¡ªit would dominate the market. Heck, this tea would destroy all thepetition."


    He chuckled at the thought but then added with caution, "But it depends on the price. If this tea is too expensive, only a small, high-end clientele could afford it. You''d be targeting a niche market, and that makes it harder to sell consistently. You''d need regr customers, not just the wealthy ones."


    Noah leaned forward, a grin spreading across his face. "It''s cheap, Dad," he said, the excitement barely contained in his voice.


    David raised an eyebrow. "Cheap? What do you mean by cheap Noah? The word ''cheap'' depends on the person speaking."


    "Just $3 for 100 grams of the tea leaves you just drank," Noah said, watching as his words sank into David''s mind.


    David''s reaction was immediate¡ªhis eyes widened, and he stood up so abruptly that his chair screeched against the floor.


    "What? How is that even possible? Noah, tea of this quality¡­ there''s no way that''s possible,"


    "You are telling me, this costs only $3 per 100 grams!" as he held Em''s cup of tea, with a shocked look on his face.


    This was meant to be uploaded tomorrow, but I''m very happy with the support from you guys. Sp I decided to celebrate with you and upload another chapter!


    Risaliyah

 Chapter 56 Quit Your Job

    56 Quit Your Job


    "You are telling me, this costs only $3 per 100 grams!" said David, as he held Emily''s cup of tea, with a shocked look on his face.


    Noah chuckled, leaning back in his chair. He had anticipated this response. "I was ying around, you know? You''ve always known I loveputers and engineering. So, I started a little side project and created a machine that produces this tea."


    David and Caroline both stared at Noah, disbelief written across their faces. "You¡­ created a machine?" Caroline echoed, clearly sceptical. "Are you serious, Noah? Something like this isn''t just a school project. You''re telling me you built a machine that can make this kind of tea?"


    Noah nodded. "Well, it wasn''t just me. I had a close friend who helped me with it. We''ve been working on this for a while. But yeah, the machine does all the hard work. It turns regr tea leaves into something special¡ªsomething like this."


    David sat back down, processing the information. His gaze shifted between the cup of tea and his son. "Noah¡­ you''re telling me you can produce this kind of tea, in bulk, at a price that''s this low?"


    "That''s right," Noah confirmed, his tone steady. "I''ve done my research, and I think it''s time to open a tea house. I''ve already got the budget to open the ce, plus the machine. The only thing I need now is for someone to manage the shop and brew the tea for customers. And no one knows tea like you do, Dad. You know how to brew it perfectly. I want you to run the shop."


    David was silent for a moment, clearly taken aback. He wanted to ask more questions¡ªabout the money, about the machine, about how all of this was happening so quickly. But before he could speak, Noah continued.


    "Dad, I''ve thought about everything. I already know how much capital I need to start the tea house."


    David narrowed his eyes. "And how much is that?"


    "About $20,000 to cover rent and other utilities for the next six to eight months, depending on the location."


    David leaned back, crossing his arms. "And do you have that kind of money?"


    Noah nodded confidently. "I have $12,000 saved up for this. I made it from the business I''ve been running with Aiden. My other friend¡ªthe one who helped me with the machine¡ªhe''s going to contribute the other $10,000. So, we''ve got the money. Plus, I''ve already stocked up. I have about 10 kilograms of this tea ready to go. We can use that to get started, make some money, and expandter."


    David blinked, still trying to process the entire n. Noah had clearly been thinking ahead, more than David had realized. And while he was proud of his son''s ambition, part of him still struggled with the idea of leaving his steady job to take on something so risky.


    "Noah," David began, his voice softening, "I''m proud of you. I didn''t know you had been nning all of this. You''ve really put thought into it."


    Noah smiled, relieved to hear those words from his father. "Thanks, Dad. I just need you to help me with this. I can''t do it alone, especially with school. I need someone I can trust to run the ce."


    David nodded, but his expression shifted to hesitation. "But Noah¡­ quit my job? I don''t know if I can do that. Who''s going to provide for the family if this doesn''t work out? It''s a big risk."


    Noah''s smile didn''t falter. He had expected this concern. "Dad, we have enough to get by for now. Plus, with the tea we already have, we''ll make money quickly. You won''t need to worry about providing. I''ll handle the finances. But we need to find a tea house soon and get it up and running. I''ve got school, so I won''t be able to handle everything by myself. You''re the only one who can make this work."


    David sat in silence, weighing the options. On one hand, leaving his job was a massive risk. On the other, this tea¡­ there was something special about it, and he trusted his son''s ingenuity.


    He had always seen potential in Noah''s curiosity and love for technology. If Noah believed this was going to work, maybe it was worth the risk.


    Finally, David sighed, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Alright, Noah. I''ll do it. I''ll quit my job and run the tea shop."


    Noah''s face lit up with excitement. "Really? You''ll do it?"


    David nodded, though a hint of nervousness remained in his eyes. "Yeah. I''ll call work right now and let them know."


    He pulled out his phone, dialling his manager. The conversation was brief, with a few questions from the manager about David''s sudden resignation. But eventually, the manager epted it, and David hung up, exhaling deeply. "That''s it. I''m officially done."


    Noah grinned. "Great! Now we just need to find the right spot for the tea house. I know you''ll do a great job, Dad."


    Caroline, who had been watching the entire exchange, finally spoke up. "This is a big step for both of you. But Noah¡­ I''m proud of you too. I didn''t realize you''d thought so much about all of this."


    Noah smiled at his mom, feeling a warmth of gratitude. "Thanks, Mom. Also, the surprise was me getting perfect scores in 4 of my subjects and getting near-perfect marks in the rest" N?v(el)B\\jnn


    For a moment, the room was still as Caroline and David processed what Noah had just said. Then, as if a wave of pure joy had washed over them, both parents erupted with excitement.


    Caroline sped her hands to her chest, her eyes shimmering with pride. "Noah! Perfect scores? In four subjects?" She moved quickly to wrap her arms around him, her voice full of emotion. "I always knew you were brilliant, you''ve made us so proud!"


    David, not one to show his emotions so openly, stood up with a wide smile on his face. His hand pped firmly on Noah''s shoulder, squeezing it with fatherly pride. "That''s my boy! You''ve done something truly special, Noah. You''ve always been smart, now that you put in the work, you were rewarded."


    He shook his head in disbelief, eyes shining. "You''ve worked so hard, and it''s all paying off. You''re going ces, son."


    Noahughed, slightly embarrassed but grateful for the enthusiasm. "Thanks, Dad. Thanks, Mom. I didn''t want to say anything yesterday because, well... I came homete."


    David beamed, his excitement growing even more. "First, you surprise us with this tea business, and now perfect grades? I feel like I''m getting spoiled today!"


    Carolineughed, hugging Noah once more before stepping back, her eyes still glistening with happiness. With that, the morning settled down. Noah and Emily gathered their things to head to school, while David prepared to spend the day scouting for potential tea house locations.


    As Noah and Emily left the house, Emily finally broke her silence, tugging on Noah''s sleeve. "Noah¡­ is everything going to be okay with that tea business?"


    Noah noticed her worry, $20,000 was after all a lot of money for them, and Emily thought that if they were to fail. This would break them, especially with Noah''s dad quitting work.


    Noah ruffled her hair affectionately. "Don''t worry, Em. Everything''s going to be just fine. We''re going to have the best tea house in town."


    With a nod and a smile, the two headed to school, while David ventured out to start¡ªfinding the perfect spot for their new tea business.


    After dropping off Emily at her school, Noah walked briskly toward his own, feeling the cool morning air on his skin. He enjoyed the quiet moments before reaching campus.


    Entering the school gates, Noah adjusted his backpack and made his way to ss. The familiar sight of students milling around, some hurriedly scribblingst-minute homework, others chatting loudly about thetest trends, greeted him. He greeted a few ssmates along the way.


    "Morning Noah!" said a girl, who was with a group of friends.


    "Morning," replied Noah, but as he finished he heard gigglesing from the group.


    Shaking his head, he entered his ssroom.


    As Noah stepped into his ssroom, he instinctively scanned the room. The usual "good morning," floated through the air as the teacher acknowledged students filing in.


    Noah''s eyes, however, were drawn to Mark, seated in his usual spot near the back of the room. But something was different.


    Mark, the boy who always walked with his chest puffed out, who boasted loudly about his achievements and acted like he owned the ce, was no longer exuding arrogance. Instead, he was sitting stiffly, his body tense, his face pale. He avoided Noah''s gaze entirely, his eyes darting nervously toward the window like he was suddenly interested in the world outside.


    Noah smirked.


    "It seems like Amelia''s driver shook him to his bones." Mark was usually so brazen, always trying to pick a fight, always smirking and throwing around his superiorityplex like a badge of honour. But today¡­ today he was different. Mark didn''t even look in Noah''s direction, not once.


    As Noah took his seat, still smirking inwardly, he muttered to himself, "You better fulfil your promise, Mark. Otherwise..." The thought trailed off as he casually nced around the room.


    Creation is hard, cheer me up!


    Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!


    Risaliyah


    Creator''s Thought

 Chapter 57 Noah is A GENIUS!

    57 Noah is A GENIUS!


    As Noah took his seat, still smirking inwardly, he muttered to himself, "You better fulfil your promise, Mark. Otherwise..." The thought trailed off as he casually nced around the room.


    Suddenly, the clear voice of Ms. ra rang out, cutting through the low hum of morning chatter.


    "Quiet down, everyone," Ms. ramanded, her eyes sweeping across the ss. The buzz of conversation dwindled as students turned their attention to the front. Her tone was calm but firm, the kind that immediatelymanded respect.


    "As you all know," she began, her gaze briefly flickering toward Noah, "yesterday''s exam results caused quite a stir." She paused, letting the weight of her words settle over the ss. "Many people were suspicious of one of our friends and ssmates¡ªNoah," she said, casting a quick look at him before continuing.


    Noah remainedposed, meeting her gaze with steady eyes, though he could feel the shifting energy around him. A few students nced in his direction, whispering among themselves. Lily, seated next to him, shot him a curious nce, wondering what Ms.ra is going to say next, although she had a hunch.


    Ms. ra continued, her voice growing firmer, "Yesterday, all of the teachers of every subject gathered at the principal''s office. And with us was Noah." The room seemed to grow even quieter, the air thick with anticipation. "The principal decided to test Noah on the spot, using questions he couldn''t have possibly cheated on, especially since he didn''t know what the questions would be."


    The students sat up straighter, their eyes widening in interest. Ms. ra''s words hung in the air, charged with tension.


    "Each one of us¡ªevery teacher present¡ªasked Noah two of the hardest high school questions we could think of," Ms. ra stated, her tone unwavering. "And Noah answered every single one of them correctly, without a single error."


    The room exploded into whispers. The students turned to one another in disbelief.


    "No way."


    "Is she serious?"


    "Did he really do that?"


    Ms ra let the chatter continue for a moment before raising her hand, demanding silence once more. "And he did all of this by..." She paused, her eyes sweeping over the ss before delivering the final blow. "...just using his brain without any pen or paper."


    The room was stunned into silence for a beat. Then, the shock hit them all at once.


    "Noah is actually a genius?" one of the students muttered aloud, their voice tinged with disbelief. "Has he been hiding all this time?" another chimed in. "Did he just decide to show up right before the final exams?" The students buzzed with conversation, piecing together the mystery that had surrounded Noah for so long.


    Lily, still beside Noah, couldn''t help but steal another nce at him.


    "I figured," she muttered silently, as she waited for Ms ra to continue.


    Themotion grew as more students began to talk amongst themselves, spection flying across the room. Some cast amazed looks at Noah, while others seemed a bit wary, as though they suddenly didn''t know who he was anymore.


    Ms. ra allowed the chatter to continue for a minute longer before shutting it down with a sharp p of her hands. "Enough!" she said, her voice cutting through the noise like a de. "Noah couldn''t have possibly cheated. Everything was checked thoroughly by the principal and the teachers." Her eyes scanned the room, silencing any lingering doubts. "He answered each question immediately, without hesitation, without dy. And he did it all without using ink or a sheet of paper."


    A murmur ran through the ss once again, but this time it was quieter and more thoughtful.


    Ms. ra''s gaze softened, and with a touch of pride in her voice, she added, "Noah is a genius, and our school is proud to have him. The principal himself has said that anyone who doubts his exam scores or spreads rumours that tarnish his reputation will be severely punished by him personally."


    As she spoke, her eyes lingered on Mark, whose face had lost all colour. He sat frozen in his seat, dazed, the weight of her words crashing down on him like a tidal wave. His eyes flicked toward Noah, and for the first time, there was no trace of arrogance or malice¡ªonly fear.


    Ms. ra''s gaze lingered on Mark for a second longer before she turned back to the ss. "So, let this be a lesson to all of you. Hard work and intelligence will always prevail. Doubts and rumours have no ce here."


    The murmurs of admiration from his ssmates swirled around him.


    But Noah didn''t pay much attention to her or anyone else. His focus was on Mark.


    Mark, who had once made his life miserable, now satpletely defeated. The tables had turned. Noah had shown his true strength¡ªand there was no going back.


    Mark''s hands trembled under the desk as he heard Noah''s voice cut through the ssroom like ice.


    "Mark." N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Noah''s tone was calm, but there was an undeniable edge to it¡ªone that sent shivers down Mark''s spine. Noah''s voice had him locked in ce, as though his whole body had seized up. He felt a drop of sweat roll down the back of his neck, and he swallowed hard, trying to steady his breathing.


    "You remember what I told you yesterday, don''t you?" Noah''s voice was cold, and the weight of it pressed down on Mark''s chest like a mountain.


    His body jerked slightly, almost involuntarily, as though he''d been jolted awake from a nightmare. But this was no dream. This was reality, and the terror that gripped him was far worse than anything his imagination could conjure.


    "Shit! Shit! Shit!" Mark''s thoughts spiralled in a frantic loop, reying the events of the previous day. Why did I do this to myself? Why couldn''t I just keep my stupid mouth shut?!


    Noah''s presence loomed over him, and Mark could feel every second stretch into eternity as he sat there, too afraid to meet Noah''s gaze. He could barely think straight. Yesterday had been a turning point¡ªa cold, hard p of reality that left him reeling.


    His mind shed back to that moment after school when the ck limousine had arrived outside the gates. The middle-aged man inside, dressed in a crisp suit, had casually inquired about Noah.


    After getting embarrassed, he quickly ran away from the scene. But something about the exchange had unsettled him.


    Creation is hard, cheer me up!


    Risaliyah


    Creator''s Thought

 Chapter 58 Regret

    58 Regret


    After getting embarrassed, he quickly ran away from the scene. But something about the exchange had unsettled him.


    Later that evening, with the image of that limousine and the man inside burning in his brain, he made the decision that would change everything: he asked his father about the number te.


    "0019."


    It had been a casual question at first, born from his insatiable need to understand who Noah was and to whom he was connected.


    "Dad," Mark had said as he dropped his backpack on the floor, trying to sound nonchnt. "You know anything about cars with number tes starting with 00?"


    His father, Robert, was sitting at the dining table, reading the evening news on his tablet. At first, he hadn''t even looked up.


    "Hmm? What do you mean?"


    Mark had pulled out a chair and plopped down across from him. "I saw a car today near my school. A really fancy ck limo. Its te started with 0019. Just curious, that''s all."


    Suddenly, the air in the room changed. His father''s face shifted immediately. The casual, rxed expression turned into something much sharper. Slowly, Robert set his tablet down on the table, his gaze now firmly locked on Mark.


    "What did you just say?" Robert''s voice had dropped to a low, serious tone that sent chills down Mark''s spine.


    Mark blinked, confused by the sudden shift in his father''s demeanour. "Uh¡­ I said the limo had a number te that started with 0019."


    Robert''s eyes darkened. For the first time in years, he looked genuinely worried¡ªalmost scared. He pushed his chair back from the table and stood up, pacing the room with a hand rubbing his chin.


    "You''re telling me you saw a car with a 00 te? And it was 0019 specifically?"


    Mark nodded, now feeling the weight of his father''s growing rm.


    Robert stopped pacing and turned to face his son directly.


    "Listen to me carefully, Mark. You need to stay as far away from anyone connected to that car as possible. Do you understand?"


    Mark''s confusion deepened. "What? Why? It was just a car, Dad. What''s the big deal?"


    Robert''s expression grew even more intense, his eyes narrowing.


    "No, it''s not ''just a car.'' "


    "Number tes starting with 00 are issued only to high-ranking military officials or people with deep ties to government authorities. 0019? That''s serious. It means whoever was in that limo isn''t just some businessman or local celebrity."


    "They''re military. High-up. People who can make things happen¡ªand I''m not talking about good things."


    Mark''s stomach dropped as his father''s words sank in.


    "Dad¡­ you''re not serious, right?" he asked, though deep down, he already knew the answer.


    Robert let out a heavy sigh and ran a hand through his hair.


    "I''m dead serious, son. And if you''ve crossed paths with anyone connected to that kind of power, you better apologise as soon as possible. They could make our whole family disappear, and no one would even blink."


    The reality of what his father was saying hit Mark like a ton of bricks. "Disappear? Over a car? Over Noah?"


    Mark''s heart pounded in his chest. His mind raced back to Noah. "Could he really be connected to someone that powerful?"


    But Robert wasn''t finished.


    "Mark, listen to me carefully," Robert said, lowering his voice to a near whisper as if the walls themselves had ears. "Whoever was in that car has the kind of influence that makes people in positions like mine¡ªirrelevant. You don''t mess with those kinds of people. You don''t even think about messing with them."


    Mark''s throat tightened. "Dad, I¡­ I didn''t know. I¡ª"


    Robert cut him off, his tone now deadly serious.


    "It doesn''t matter if you knew or not. What matters is what you do from now on. I''m warning you, Mark. If you''ve had any interaction with them, you need to stay out of their way. Stay silent. Keep your head down and do whatever you can to stay on their good side."


    Mark had nodded vigorously, trying to absorb everything his father was saying. His stomach churned with fear and regret. "What have I done?" he thought.


    "I''ve been provoking Noah, mocking him, and now¡­ now I find out he''s connected to something this big?"


    Robert sighed, his gaze softening as he realized the fear in his son''s eyes. He walked over and ced a hand on Mark''s shoulder.


    "You''ve always been too arrogant for your own good, Mark. Maybe this will be the lesson you need to humble yourself. I know you hate it, but you need to learn when to keep quiet. Not everyone''s as harmless as they seem."


    Those words had echoed in Mark''s head all night.


    "Not everyone''s as harmless as they seem."


    Now, sitting in ss, facing the cold intensity of Noah''s voice, those words rang louder than ever.


    Mark clenched his fists under the desk, his heart pounding in his chest. His father was right.


    He had picked the wrong person to mess with.


    Noah''s eyes bore into him, and Mark could feel the weight of his mistake.


    He had provoked a wolf in sheep''s clothing, and now¡­ now he would have to deal with the consequences.


    Mark''s stammered words hung in the air like a fog, thick and heavy with the weight of what was about to happen.


    His voice was shaky, eyes darting between Noah and the floor as if searching for an escape. But there was none, he was trapped.


    Noah''s gaze remained fixed on Mark, the intensity in his eyes growing sharper with every passing second. Mark, trembling under that gaze, could barely bring himself to speak. His mind was inplete disarray, fear and regret swirling like a storm inside him.


    "I-I remember Da¡ª" Mark stammered, his voice barely a whisper.


    Before he could finish, La, who had been quiet throughout the entire conflict, suddenly spoke up from the other side of the room.


    Her voice was calm, but it cut through the tension like a knife.


    "Don''t say it, Mark. You don''t owe him anything. He can''t force you to say it."


    Her words hung in the air like a lifeline, but to Mark, they felt like a death sentence.


    He froze, his mouth half-open, and sweat began to trickle down his forehead.What is she doing?he thought, his heart pounding in his chest. "Is this Harl*t trying to bury me?"


    In his mind, Mark cursed her. "What is this b**** saying?"


    "If it wasn''t for her, I wouldn''t have crossed paths with Noah to this degree in the first ce."


    "She dragged me into this mess, and now she wants to make it worse?"


    Anger surged through him, fueled by his fear. His body, which had been paralyzed just moments before, now acted on impulse.


    His hand mmed against the desk as he shot a furious re at La. "Shut up! Who do you think you are, La?" he shouted, his voice cracking with desperation.


    His re was filled with venom, as though she had be his lifelong enemy.


    La''s eyes widened for a moment, caught off guard by the sudden aggression. But just as quickly, her expression hardened, and she crossed her arms over her chest.


    "I''m trying to help you, you idiot!" she snapped back, her voice filled with frustration. "If you don''t want my help, then fine! Do whatever you want, but don''t cry over your ego. Call Noah ''sugar daddy'' if you want, I don''t care!"


    The sarcasm in her words only fueled Mark''s rage further. His fists clenched tightly as he struggled to contain his frustration.


    La narrowed her eyes, her lips curling into a scornful smirk. "Hmph. Who do you think wants to speak with you, anyway?" she retorted, turning her back to him with a dismissive flick of her hand.


    The entire ss sat in stunned silence, watching the exchange unfold like a slow-motion train wreck. Everyone was shocked at the scene, after all La and Mark were rumoured to be dating.


    No one had expected them to explode like this. It was like watching two bombs go off simultaneously, leaving nothing but chaos in their wake.


    Mark''s breathing was heavy, his face flushed with humiliation. La''s words had stung him more deeply than he would ever admit, but now he had bigger problems.


    His eyes flicked back to Noah, who had been silently watching the whole scene y out with that infuriating smirk on his face.


    Mark swallowed hard. His body still shook with a mixture of rage and fear, but he knew he couldn''t escape this, not after everything that had happened.


    "I-I''m sorry, Noa¡ª I mean, dad..." Mark stammered, thest word slipping from his lips like a stone sinking into deep water.


    The entire ss froze.


    Noah''s smirk spread wider, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest as though he were a king. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Good boy," he muttered, just loud enough for everyone to hear.


    The effect was immediate.


    A wave of shock rippled through the ssroom. Students who had been silently watching the drama unfold now exchanged incredulous nces. "Mark?"


    "The same Mark that we know? Calling Noah


    ''dad''? This couldn''t be real." Whispers began to fill the air, soft at first, then louder as more students turned to their fellow students in disbelief.


    "No way... Did Mark just call Noah ''dad''?"


    "Is this for real?


    Lily who was seated next to Noah, shook her head at the scene and a small wry smile that was barely visible formed.


    Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!


    Creation is hard, cheer me up!

 Chapter 59 A Rewarding Punishment

    59 A Rewarding Punishment


    Mark''s face burned with shame, the weight of his humiliation pressing down on him like a heavy stone. The murmurs around the ssroom had grown louder, swirling around him like a storm he couldn''t escape.


    His cheeks flushed bright red as if every word was a dagger slicing through what little remained of his pride.


    How could he show his face in this school again?


    The thought rang in his head over and over like a broken record. His hands were mmy, his legs weak, and his mind raced with desperation.


    Mark wasn''t used to being on this end of humiliation¡ªhe was always the one dishing it out, not receiving it. And now, here he was, utterly disgraced, calling Noah his "dad" in front of the entire ss. His ego had taken a blow so deep it left him dizzy.


    "I-I need to use the restroom," he blurted out, his voice strained as he raised a trembling hand towards Ms. ra.


    The teacher, who had been watching the whole ordeal with a mix of sympathy and resignation, nodded silently.


    Mark didn''t wait for a proper response¡ªhe practically bolted out of the room, his legs carrying him faster than he''d ever intended.


    His heart pounded in his chest as he left the whispers and stares behind, but he knew he wasn''t really escaping. The humiliation would follow him, lingering in every ssroom, in every hallway, in every corner of the school. This was only the beginning.


    Once outside, Mark leaned against the cold hallway wall and let out a deep, shuddering sigh. He ran a hand through his dishevelled hair, staring nkly at the floor.


    "What had he done? How did he end up here"


    He used to be the king of this school¡ªthe guy everyone feared or respected. Now, he was a joke.


    "I can''t believe I let my arrogance get me here."


    The hallway was mostly empty, with just a few students roaming between sses. It was the perfect moment for Mark to carry out the rest of his punishment¡ªrunning ap around the school''s main hallway while dering that Noah was his dad.


    The mere thought of it made him sick to his stomach, but what choice did he have? Backing out now would only make things worse.


    He took a deep breath, then another, trying to steady his shaking hands.


    "Maybe I should''ve just kept my mouth shut," he thought bitterly.


    "Why did I always have to act like I was better than everyone? Maybe if I wasn''t such an arrogant idiot, I wouldn''t be in this mess."


    The sting of regret gnawed at him as he started jogging down the hallway, his feet dragging reluctantly across the floor. His voice came out shaky at first, barely above a whisper, but he forced himself to speak louder, knowing he had no choice.


    "I-I am Mark from ss 3-A... and Noah Thompson is my dad!"


    The words tasted like acid in his mouth, each one heavier than thest. He could feel the eyes of the few students in the hallway on him, their confused expressions adding to his shame.


    Some wereughing, others just stared in disbelief, while a few looked away, pretending not to notice the scene. But even though the hall was mostly empty, he knew it wouldn''t stay quiet for long.


    "Everyone in the ssrooms heard me." The walls here were thin, and the chatter from inside the rooms confirmed his worst fear¡ªword was spreading like wildfire. Soon, the entire school would know.


    Mark sighed again, this time in defeat. He had run thep, just like he promised. He had shouted the words for the whole school to hear. But the pit in his stomach told him that this wasn''t the end. This was the beginning of his downfall or maybe his rise.


    Inside the ssroom, Noah leaned back in his chair, a small, satisfied smile tugging at the corner of his lips.


    His eyes flicked toward the door where Mark had left, and he couldn''t help but feel a twinge of amusement.


    "He did it in the end," Noah thought to himself, watching the whispers spread like ripples in a pond.


    Mark had run thep, shouted the humiliating words, and faced the consequences of his arrogance.


    Noah''s smile widened slightly. "This should teach him a lesson."


    As he sat there, he couldn''t help but think about the future of Mark.


    Mark was reckless. Arrogant and stupid, always looking for trouble without understanding the consequences of his actions. If today''s events didn''t humble him, Mark might''ve gotten himself into a far worse situation someday¡ªone he couldn''t run from.


    "You need to thank me, Mark." Noah''s smirk deepened, a sh of cold amusement in his eyes.


    "I stopped you from courting death somewhere in the future, I''m sure." n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The room was still buzzing with shocked conversations as students processed what had just happened. Noah could hear them murmuring to each other:


    "Did Mark really just do that again?"


    "He called Noah ''dad'' in front of the whole school! I can''t believe it!"


    "I thought Mark was, like, the king of this school. What happened?"


    Noah stayed silent, letting the students talk. He knew that today marked a turning point in his school life, not just for Mark, but for him too.


    No more rumors. No more doubts. He had proven his intelligence in front of the entire ss, and now, with Mark''s public humiliation, no one would dare bother him again.


    Not when even Mark had to drop his ego and humiliate himself for him. The students knew what this meant, it meant that Noah was hiding deeper than they imagined. To be able to make Mark do that, Noah needed to have either strength or a background that made Mark fear him.


    Rumours began circting around the students, regarding the reason which made Mark sub and call Noah ''Dad'', but the most prevalent one was that Mark was threatened by some people of high status that came looking for Noah the day before.

 Chapter 60 Newtons Law

    60 Newton''s Law


    After ss, Noah walked through the hallways to the canteen.


    The rumours about him cheating were dead, killed off by both the principal''s stern warning and Mark''s very public humiliation. Word had spread fast¡ªeveryst-year student knew the truth now. Noah wasn''t someone you could easily provoke or spread lies about without consequences.


    And with final exams just days away, most students weren''t interested in stirring up trouble anymore.


    Why risk anything now?They weren''t as dumb or reckless as Mark. They had futures to think about, university applications to submit, and no one wanted to burn bridges for no reason.


    It felt good, Noah admitted to himself. Not the fear or respect necessarily, but the simple fact that he could now focus on what mattered¡ªhis ns and beyond without worrying about pointless high school drama.


    Heading to the canteen with Aiden, his stomach rumbled, reminding him that despite all the drama, hunger was still a constant in life. He joined the line for food, chatting casually with Aiden. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    When Noah reached the serving counter, today''s special wassagna, and the smell was heavenly. Thedy serving the food, an older woman everyone fondly called "Aunty," smiled warmly at Noah. Without saying a word, she scooped an extrarge portion ofsagna onto his te.


    "Thank you, Aunty," Noah said, his eyes widening in gratitude.


    Aunty chuckled and gave him a yful wink. "Eat up, young man. You need to maintain those muscles, don''t you?"


    She then struck a yful pose, flexing her arms like she was showing off her biceps, though they were more like soft pillows.


    It was such an exaggerated gesture that Noah couldn''t help butugh. "You''re right, Aunty. I''ll do my best!" He grinned, thanking her again before moving to find a seat.


    Noah and Aiden found a spot in the far corner of the canteen, a quieter area where they could chat without interruptions. As soon as they sat down, Aiden wasted no time.


    "You know, I still can''t believe that idiot Mark actually went through with it," Aiden said, shaking his head with amusement. "Running around the hallway, calling you his dad. That''s... that''s just gold."


    Noah smirked, taking a bite of hissagna. "Yeah, he finally learned something about humility."


    Aiden snorted, leaning back in his chair. "Humility? That guy? More like humiliation, my friend. He buried himself with his own hands! You didn''t even have to do much¡ªjust watched him dig his own grave. And now look at him! He should be honoured to call you dad, after all..." Aiden paused, his grin widening as he prepared for the punchline, "You are Noah Wayne! HAHAHA!"


    Noah almost choked on his food.


    "Cough! Cough!" Noah coughed as he hit his chest, to down the food.


    Aiden leaned in, wiggling his eyebrows mischievously. "You really are Batman aren''t you, Mark must be the joker. He truly behaves like a clown,"


    "I must be in a simtion, something is wrong with this school," said Noah, as he squinted into the air as if he is trying to find a glitch in the simtion.


    "Calm down man, you are exaggerating... Mark can''t even touch the Joker''s feet in terms of everything."


    "That''s true, Mark is too stupid to be the joker. He is at most a small viin that dies a few chapters after he is introduced." 18:43


    Just then, ire, the girl with the ponytail who had stood up for Noah during Mark''s bullying, approached their table. She smiled shyly, her cheeks slightly pink. "Hey, Noah. I just wanted to say that I''m really happy you were proven innocent. Mark can be such a bully, and it was nice to see you humiliate him. Good luck on the final exams!" She gave him a small wave and quickly walked off.


    Noah smiled after her, feeling a wave of appreciation. ire was the only one who had stood up for him when Mark used him of cheating. She hadn''t needed to, but she did, and Noah respected her for that. She was a good person. "Thank you," he called after her. "And¡­ I appreciate you standing up for me. It meant a lot."


    ire''s blush deepened, and she quickly scurried away to join her friends, who were watching from afar. They huddled together, whispering excitedly amongst themselves, casting nces at Noah.


    Aiden, meanwhile, leaned forward with a grin that could only be described as pure mischief. He rubbed his hands together like a scheming viin. "Well, well, well, look at you, Newton."


    Noah frowned, confused. "Newton? What does that have to do with anything?"


    Aiden wiggled his eyebrows and smirked. "Oh, you know... Newton''sw. The greater the mass, the greater the attraction."


    Noah stared at him, still lost. "I don''t get it."


    Aiden sighed, shaking his head in mock disappointment. "Come on, man. You''ve always understood Newton''sw, right? The greater the mass... the greater the attraction. And ire..." He made a dramatic pause for effect.


    Noah blinked, and then it hit him. His eyes widened in horror as the realization of Aiden''s joke sunk in. "Are you saying¡ª" He groaned, dropping his fork. "Oh no, you didn''t just¡ª"


    Aiden burst outughing, doubling over in his chair. "I did! I did! I went there! HAHAHA!


    Noah rolled his eyes, though he couldn''t help butugh along. "You''re terrible, you know that? She''s just a nice girl, Aiden. No need to turn everything into one of your crazy fantasies."


    Aiden wiped a tear from his eye, still chuckling. "I can''t help it, man! It''s what I do. But hey, on a serious note, ire''s a good one. You''ve got her respect, and honestly, not many people would''ve stood up for you like that."


    Noah nodded, his expression turning more thoughtful. "Yeah, I know. I appreciated her doing that. People like her are rare."


    "Rare indeed," Aiden said, his tone softening for a moment. "But, I mean, still¡ªNewton''sw, dude."


    Noah shook his head,ughing again. "You really won''t let that go, huh?"


    "Nope," Aiden grinned. "Not until you admit it''s a solid joke."


    "Fine, fine," Noah sighed, raising his hands in mock surrender. "It''s a good joke. But next time, you better watch out for Newton''s thirdw¡ª''for every action, there''s an equal and opposite reaction.'' "


    Aiden''s face twisted into an exaggerated expression of mock terror. He threw his hands up in surrender, dramatically pushing his chair back as if he were retreating from an impending doom.


    "Whoa, whoa, okay! I surrender! No need to invoke Newton''s thirdw on me, my lord!" he eximed, leaning back with his arms still up, palms open, as though bracing for impact. "An ''equal and opposite reaction'' from Noah Wayne? No thanks¡ªI value my life! I''m too young to meet my maker!"


    Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!


    Creation is hard, cheer me up!

 Chapter 61 Aidens Talent

    61 Aiden''s Talent


    The day dragged on endlessly for Noah. It was one of those afternoons where time seemed to stretch.


    Thest lesson felt like background noise since he already knew all the material by heart.


    He wasn''t sitting next to Aiden, who usually kept him entertained with his goofy antics, nor was he near the school''s "cold beauty," whose silent presence, and alluring beauty could have at least given him something to admire.


    Instead, he was left alone with his thoughts and his phone which he seemingly hid from the teacher. Although he knew that the teacher knew that he was using it, but didn''t say anything due to his recent grade in the exam.


    Scrolling through social media, Noah found himself watching mukbang videos¡ªpeople eating absurdlyrge portions of food in front of the camera.


    The video he clicked on had an astounding 15 million views. Noah''s eyes widened in disbelief.


    "Damn, they must be making a fortune," he muttered, shaking his head. The person on the screen was eating a mountain of noodles and entire tters of eggs with shocking ease. It was almost mesmerizing.


    Watching the video triggered a thought. Noah smirked as Aiden popped into his mind.


    "I should really talk to him about starting a YouTube channel," Noah thought.


    "I mean, Aiden loves food, and he''s naturally hrious. He''d kill it doing mukbangs."


    The idea began to take shape in his head, and he realized something.


    "Wait, I''ve never actually checked Aiden''s talents. I only ever used Talent Finder on Mom... Hmm, let''s see."


    Noah nced over at Aiden, who was seated a few rows away, daydreaming. Without a second thought, Noah activated his skill mentally, whispering to himself, "Talent Finder!"


    [Ding!]


    Name: Aiden Shelby


    Age: 18


    Talent Grade: B, C


    Talents: Comedian, Gluttony


    Description: Aiden possesses a natural talent foredy, having an innate sense of timing and humour that can turn mundane situations intoughter-inducing moments. Through years of lifestyle choices, Aiden has developed a unique ability to consumerge amounts of food without significant adverse health effects. This talent allows him to eat far beyond the normal capacity of an average individual, though at most he may be chubby, rather than obese. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Noah blinked at the screen before him. "Of course, gluttony," he muttered, chuckling to himself. "That makes perfect sense." He couldn''t help butugh a little louder at the description, especially at the system''s mention that Aiden would only get "chubby at most."


    "This guy could eat like a truck and only get a little rounder¡­ no wonder he''s never worried about portion sizes," Noah thought.


    Leaning back in his chair, Noah mused, "Aiden really does have the potential for this. I wasn''t kidding about the mukbangs."


    Just then, the bell rang, signalling the end of the ss. Aiden bounced over to Noah''s desk, eager to chat now that the lesson was over.


    "Bro! Let''s go, Uncle Ben is waiting for us. The skewers are waiting for us!"


    Noah smiled mischievously but then got serious. "Aiden, I''ve been thinking. Did you ever consider starting a YouTube channel? I''ve been watching some mukbangs, and man, with your personality and your¡­ well, let''s just say ''unique'' talent for eating, you''d blow up."


    Aiden blinked, clearly confused. "Mukbang? Are they that popr?"


    Aiden was clearly not used to watching people eat, otherwise he would have known. Clearly, he was more focused on eating rather than watching people eat.


    "Oh yeah," Noah replied, pulling up the video on his phone to show Aiden. "Look, 15 million views. And this guy''s just eating a pile of food. You could totally do this."


    "Stop zing me, I feel shy now," Aiden said, covering his face with his hands like a shy anime girl.


    Noah rolled his eyes and smacked Aiden lightly on the head. "Screw you, dude. I was just trying to help you make a good buck. But now that I think about it, you''ll probably just end up being a broke NikAvocato."


    "And trust me, you don''t want to be a ''Broke version of him''," Noah continued.


    "Ouch! Why did you smack my head? I was just joking with you calm down. Anyway, I will give it a try but I need a good camera and stuff."


    Aiden gasped in mock horror, his eyes widening. "Ouch! A broke version of him? You really had to go there?" He rubbed the spot where Noah smacked him, faking a pout. "Why did you hit me? I was just joking! Geez, calm down."


    "Trust me, you don''t want to be a ''broke version'' of that guy," Noah said, shaking his head.


    Aiden snickered, finally dropping the shy-girl act. "Alright, alright. I''ll give it a shot. But I need a good camera and, like, some proper equipment, right? I don''t want to look like a potato on screen."


    Noah''s face brightened. "Oh, right! I forgot to give you that iPhone, so much stuff has been happeningtely. I''ll bring it tomorrow. You can use it to film your first mukbang video. It''s got a great camera, and it''s super easy to use."


    Aiden suddenly looked off to the side, his eyes darting nervously like he was guilty of lying. "Oh, yeah... the iPhone... I forgot about it too..."


    Noah raised an eyebrow, staring at his friend. "You didn''t forget. Didn''t you? why didn''t you remind me."


    Aiden chuckled awkwardly, still avoiding eye contact. "I did forget..." The guilt was written all over his face.


    "You''re something else, man," Noah said, standing up from his seat. "But it''s decided then. We''ll get you set up with that iPhone tomorrow, and you can start nning your first video. Maybe something simple like a burger challenge or a ramen showdown. You know, ease your way into bing the next big mukbang sensation."


    Aiden grinned, clearly excited by the idea. "I like the sound of that. But let''s make sure I don''t look like a total slob in the first video, alright? I''m going for charming, not rming."


    "We''ll see about that," Noah replied, slinging his bag over his shoulder. "Now, I''ve got to head to the grocery store. Ipletely forgot to pick up stuff for the house for the past few days, and if I don''t do it today, we will be out of groceries."


    Aiden nodded sagely as if he understood something hidden. "Ah, the ssic grocery store run. Don''t worry, but make sure you protect the ci- I mean groceries from harm." He winked yfully.


    Noah sighed and shook his head, stifling augh. "What an idiot," he thought, watching his friend''s overly serious expression. "I''m leaving before you start giving me grocery advice."


    Without looking back, Noah waved dismissively over his shoulder and headed for the door. As the hallway echoed with Aiden''s mock salute, Noah couldn''t help but smile.

 Chapter 62 Arriving at Walls4Us

    62 Arriving at Walls4Us


    Noah then headed out of the school to the supermarket, and as someone who prioritized his family''s health, he headed to therge supermarket that specialized in organic goods. With over $300,000 in his bank ount, Noah had the financial freedom to make healthy choices. He wasn''t concerned about splurging on the best products¡ªno pesticides or herbicides, just natural, wholesome food.


    As he walked down the aisles, Noah made deliberate selections. He grabbed two kilograms of premium steak, four whole organic chickens, and three kilograms of free-rangemb.


    The meat would keep the family well-fed for 3-4 weeks. In the produce section, he carefully picked out vegetables¡ªcarrots, broli, spinach, sweet potatoes¡ªjust enough tost without spoiling.


    He added a variety of sauces, spices, and drinks to round out the meals. Being mindful, he avoided overbuying fresh fruits and vegetables; wasting food was something he didn''t want.


    By the time he reached the checkout, his cart was full. The total bill came to around $500¡ªan estimate he had already anticipated. Noah handed over his card without batting an eye. He wasn''t just buying food; he was investing in the health and well-being of his family.


    With four massive bags¡ªtwo in each hand¡ªNoah headed outside where his Uber was waiting. The bags were heavy, but Noah barely felt it. Years of consistent training made them feel like nothing more than gym bags. When the Uber pulled up in front of his house, he quickly unloaded his groceries and approached the door, knocking lightly.


    His mom, Caroline, opened the door. The moment she saw Noah carrying the oversized bags, her maternal instincts kicked in. "Oh, Noah, you troubled yourself with all this. Let me help you with those!" she said, leaning forward to grab a bag.


    Noah smiled warmly at his mom, shaking his head. "It''s alright, Mom. They''re not heavy for me. Otherwise, what''s the point of all the training I do if I can''t even carry groceries?"


    Caroline chuckled, stepping aside to let him in. "Fine, but let me help you put everything away, at least."


    They walked into the kitchen, where Noah ced the groceries on the counter. Together, they carefully organized everything¡ªthe meats were ced into the freezer, the vegetables and fruits into the fridge, and the spices and sauces into the cupboard.


    Once they finished, Noah sat down at the kitchen table while his mom poured them both a ss of water.


    "So, how are you feeling about the interview at An''s Gourmet tomorrow?" Noah asked, sipping his ss of water.


    Caroline nodded, a thoughtful look crossing her face. "I feel good, but I''m a little nervous, it''s because I have never done an interview before you know? I''ll try my best."


    "You''ve got nothing to worry about, Mom. You''re an amazing cook, and you got this," Noah encouraged her. "I''ll call them and make sure the interview is set for 4:30 tomorrow. Is that time okay?"


    "Perfect," she said, smiling gratefully. "I''ll be ready."


    After chatting with his mom for a while longer about the uing interview and the usual family updates, Noah realized he still had some personal matters to take care of. Standing up, he grabbed his phone, ready to head out.


    "I''ve been so caught up with everything, I haven''t even checked out thepanies under my nametely," he mused to himself.


    He needed to see how things were running at Walls4Us.


    However, Noah wasn''t in the mood to make a high-profile visit. He decided against using any of his luxury cars, opting instead for another Uber. If he showed up in his fancy ride, the staff might act differently around him, and he wanted to observe the business as it truly operated¡ªwithout anyone knowing who he was.


    When he arrived at Walls4Us headquarters, Noah stepped out of the Uber and admired the building''s sleek design.


    It was an impressive setup, modern and clean. As he walked inside, he was greeted by a receptionist who radiated professional charm.


    "Wee to Walls4Us. How may I help you today, sir?" the receptionist asked, her kind smile widening as she took in Noah''s presence.


    Noah nced around, making sure no one was listening before leaning in slightly. "I wanted to work here, but before I apply, I have a question," he whispered, his voice low and confidential. "How do the managers treat the employees here? I''ve heard different things, and I want to know the truth."


    The receptionist, momentarily stunned by his handsome features and the tantalizing scent that seemed to waft from him, blinked, her mind racing.


    Noah''s proximity, his cologne, and the way he spoke made her head spin for a moment.


    It was as if Noah was exuding a natural maism¡ªwhether it was his looks or something else, she couldn''t quite put her finger on it, but she felt drawn to him. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Struggling to maintain her professionalposure, she replied, "Oh, well, our managers are actually quite good. They treat the staff fairly, and there''s a lot of room for growth here."


    She paused, as Noah''s intoxicating smell and the softness of his whisper made her slightly flustered. She felt as if he was pulling her into a secret world, making her heart race.


    "That''s good to hear," Noah said, smiling gently. "You know, I want to make sure it''s a positive ce before I start. Thest thing I want is to join apany where the staff feel mistreated." He stepped back slightly, breaking the spell just enough to let her breathe.


    The receptionist, still slightly flustered, nodded quickly and responded, "I-I''m sure you''ll find it a great ce to work, sir. Let me know if you need any more information."


    Noah gave her a polite smile, "Okay, thank you." He turned away from the reception desk and moved toward the seating area, finding a quiet corner. Taking out his phone, he dialled a number, his fingers moving with practised ease. After a couple of rings, a voice answered on the other end.


    "Hello, Mr. Thompson," came the voice of John, the CEO of Walls4Us. His tone was respectful, even slightly nervous. He knew exactly who was calling¡ªNoah Thompson, the enigmatic owner who had bought the entirepany''s shares in a single transaction. John had only spoken with Noah once before, a brief conversation where Noah gave him a stern warning, leading to the firing of a director and a site manager.


    The absence of direct involvement had left John on edge, always wondering what Noah''s next move would be.


    "Where are you right now?" Noah asked, his tone casual but carrying an underlying authority.


    "I''m in my office, sir. I just finished a meeting with a client who was harassed by one of our former site managers," John replied, sounding relieved to give a productive answer.


    Noah''s curiosity piqued, and his eyes narrowed slightly. "What''s her name?" he asked, feeling an impending doom arrive.


    There was a brief pause before John spoke again, "Sarah, sir."


    The moment John said the name, Noah heard the soft chime of the elevator from across the room.


    His heart skipped a beat as the doors opened, and out stepped Sarah. It was as if John had conspired against him at that very moment.


    His eyes locked with hers, and for a brief second, time seemed to stand still. His mind raced, and his pulse quickened. Of all the people to walk out of that elevator right now¡­ why her?


    Noah cursed internally, not just at the situation but at John for giving him the name just a second toote. He quickly ended the call, his brain working overtime to figure out how to handle the sudden, awkward encounter.


    John on the other side of the phone, was confused.


    "Did I do something wrong?"


    "Shit, I''m gonna get FIRED!" Said John, as he paced in the room with anxiety building within him, with each passing second.


    Sarah, standing just two meters away, also seemed caught off guard. Her face flushed as their eyes met, and her own heart thudded loudly in her chest. The air between them felt heavy, filled with unsaid words and emotions neither of them was ready to confront.


    Sarah, clearly flustered, tried to recover as she approached him. "Good mor¡ªuh, I mean, good afternoon," she stammered, her words stumbling over each other as her nerves betrayed her.


    "Good afternoon," Noah replied, nodding curtly. He was doing his best to maintainposure, but he could feel his own awkwardness creeping into his voice.


    For a moment, they just stood there, both of them unsure of what to say. The proximity¡ªbeing only a few steps apart¡ªmade the silence even more unbearable.


    Sarah, still visibly shaken, forced a smile and asked, "What are you doing here, Noah?"


    Noah, caught off guard by the question, scrambled for a believable answer. "I-I''m here to check this ce out. I was nning to build a small shop," he said, trying to sound casual, but the words came out less confidently than he intended.


    Sarah nodded, her face still slightly pink. "I see. Well, good luck with that. Bye," she said quickly, clearly wanting to escape the situation as fast as possible. Without waiting for a proper response, she turned on her heels and hurried away, her footsteps echoing in the lobby as she made a beeline for the exit.


    Her entire demeanour screamed of someone running from an awkward encounter, and Noah could only sigh as he watched her disappear around the corner.


    Rubbing the back of his neck, Noah exhaled deeply. "That was... awkward," he muttered to himself. He took a moment to collect his thoughts before pulling out his phone again. He tapped John''s number once more, listening as the line rang.


    "Sir?" John answered, his voice shaken and worried.


    Noah didn''t waste time. "Come down to the lobby," he said, his tone sharper than before. He wasn''t angry, but the series of awkward events had put him on edge, and he needed to focus on business now. "I''ll be waiting."


    "Yes, sir. I''ll be right down," John replied, his voice filled with a mix of worry and urgency. Hanging up the phone, Noah ran a hand through his hair, shaking off the lingering awkwardness from his encounter with Sarah.


    As John headed down, he muttered to himself with a crying expression.


    "He definitely called me down, so he can fire me."


    As he stood waiting for John, Noah''s thoughts drifted back to Sarah. Their eyes had only met for a brief moment, but it was enough to stir something inside him that he tried to bury. "A real man is one who fears the death of his heart, not of his body," muttered Noah, as he calmed his emotions.


    He realised that he couldn''t escape it anymore, burying his emotions was only gonna burden his heart and weaken him.


    "I will make sure to end this today, either this is resolved or we part in peace."


    Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!


    Creation is hard, cheer me up!


    Risaliyah

 Chapter 63 Mysterious Boss

    63 Mysterious Boss


    As Noah stood in the lobby near the entrance, waiting for John, the familiar chime of the elevator echoed through therge space. "Ding." The sound pulled Noah''s attention to the far end of the room, where John emerged.


    The CEO John, with a nervous yet eager smile, hurried his steps toward Noah, who stood about 10 meters away, far from the elevator''s immediate view.


    The receptionist, was still at her desk, not noticing John''s anxious demeanour.


    As he passed, she called out politely, "Good afternoon, CEO John." But John, too preupied with the looming presence of his mysterious boss, didn''t hear her. He was too focused on reaching Noah.


    Her curiosity piqued, the receptionist furrowed her brow, watching as John walked straight toward the young man she had just spoken to.


    "Why is the president walking to that handsome man?" she wondered, her mind racing. "Do they know each other?"


    She recalled their earlier conversation¡ªhe had said he was looking for work.


    But as she watched, John came to a halt directly in front of Noah, offering a respectful, almost submissive bow. "Sorry, boss," he said in a hushed tone, his anxiety clear in his voice. "I''mte."


    It was as if a bomb went off inside the receptionist''s head. Her eyes widened in shock.


    "This handsome young man was the new, mysterious owner of Walls4Us?"


    "The one responsible for the abrupt firing of both a director and a site manager?" She felt a wave of disbelief wash over her, followed by a cold sweat building on her back.


    "So, he was testing me earlier," she realized, feeling both relieved and embarrassed. As Noah nced over at her and shed a quick, confident smile, she shuddered, his quiet dominance and striking good looks sending an unexpected chill down her spine.


    "He''s way out of my league," she sighed internally, resigning herself to the fact that there was no chance with someone like him. Shaking off the interaction, she turned back to her work, trying to busy herself and recover from the humbling encounter with her ''boss.''


    Noah and John proceeded through the building and finally arrived at John''s office. The space wasrge and neatly organized, with modern furniture and amanding view of the city skyline through the wide windows. John gestured to the main seat behind his desk and said, "Please, sir, take the seat."


    Noah hesitated for a moment. He didn''t particrly enjoy sitting in the ''big boss'' seat, but he knew he had to project authority within his ownpany. If he didn''t, people might mistake his kindness for weakness.


    He also understood the need to strike a bnce¡ªstern in business but approachable in personal matters. Taking the seat, he settled into the leather chair, leaning back slightly as he assessed the situation.


    John remained standing awkwardly, waiting for Noah''s approval to sit down, his posture tense. Noah nced up at him and raised an eyebrow. "Please, Take a seat John," he said calmly, motioning to the chair.


    John quickly sat down, still visibly nervous under Noah''s scrutinizing gaze.


    Noah didn''t waste any time. "John, how has thepany been doing?" he asked, his voice steady and firm.


    John straightened up and, with a sense of pride, began listing thepany''s performance metrics. "Thepany''s been doing great, boss. We''ve signed five major contracts this month, each with high-value clients in the construction and architectural industries. Revenue has increased by 12%pared tost quarter, and our profit margins have risen to around 25%. We''re expecting an even better close to the quarter due to somerger projects we''re finishing up in the next two weeks."


    He continued, "Additionally, we''ve expanded our portfolio with three new sites, and we''re negotiating contracts for two more. The total revenue for this month is projected to be around $4 million, and profits after expenses should hover around $1 million. We''re growing steadily, sir."


    Noah nodded, processing the information. The numbers were promising, but Noah wasn''t just interested in the surface-level sesses. There were deeper issues that needed addressing.


    "When are the dividends paid out?" Noah asked next. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "The dividends, sir, are paid out every two weeks, as per your instructions," John replied. "Since you''re the sole shareholder, you''ll be receiving them directly."


    Noah leaned back in his chair, nodding again. "Good. Now tell me, what''s the situation with Charles?"


    John''s expression shifted slightly. He knew this was a sensitive topic. "We followed through on your orders to terminate Charles," he exined. "It led to the firing of his uncle, the director, as well. We''ve beenbing through their records, but... I''m afraid we haven''t found anything yet, sir."


    Noah''s eyebrows lifted. He didn''t believe for a second that Charles had been as clean as the records suggested. His instincts told him there was more to the story. "There''s no way that guy''s spotless," Noah thought to himself. He knew Charles, and the man was far from innocent. There had to be something buried in those records.


    His mind raced for a moment. "There''s a mole," he thought, but he didn''t voice it. Instead, he said, "I see."


    Noah''s eyes narrowed, and after a moment of silence, he said, "Take me to thew director."


    John''s eyes widened slightly, but he nodded and rose from his seat. "Of course, sir. Right this way."


    Thew director was the one tasked with the investigation.


    "Could it be that he..." John, thought as he started getting a bad feeling about it.


    As they made their way through the halls of the headquarters, Noah''s mind was still focused on uncovering the truth. If there was anything shady happening, thew director would have the records¡ªor, at the very least, would know how to find them.


    When they reached thew director''s office, the door was slightly ajar. Inside, the director himself was seated casually at his desk, his legs crossed as he leaned back in his chair, ying a game on his phone.


    He looked far too rxed for someone who should have been pouring overpany records. His office was in pristine condition¡ªalmost too pristine for someone dealing with legal matters, which only made Noah more suspicious.


    Without knocking, John opened the door fully, and Noah stepped in.


    Startled, thew director jerked upright. His eyes red in anger. "Who opened the door without knocking?!" he barked, his tone sharp andmanding. He was clearly not used to being disturbed, much less in such a casual manner.


    But as his gaze fell on Noah, his posture stiffened. The young man standing in front of him had an aura of quiet power that made him feel exposed. Those sharp, eagle-like eyes seemed to pierce through him as if they could see every secret he had tried so hard to bury.


    "Who are you? What are you doing here?" thew director demanded, his voice rising in agitation. "Get out!"


    Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!


    Creation is hard, cheer me up!

 Chapter 64 A punishment

    64 A punishment


    "Who are you? What are you doing here?" thew director demanded, his voice rising in agitation. "Get out!"


    Thew director''s phone slipped from his hands, ttering onto his desk as his arrogance swiftly turned into fear.


    The moment the reality of who he was speaking to hit him, he could feel the cold sweat forming on his forehead. "This is Boss Noah", he thought, panic washing over him. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Quickly standing up, he forced a nervous smile and walked toward Noah. "I-I''m sorry, Boss. I really didn''t know it was you. I thought you were some random person invading my privacy." His voice was shaky as he spoke, trying to maintain hisposure.


    As he nced at the young man before him, a small thought crept into his mind. "He''s so young... he''s an easy-to-scam rich second generation.." An evil smirk tried to tug at the corners of his mind, but he quickly suppressed it, hiding his intentions.


    Noah wasn''t having any of it. His eyes bore into thew director with a piercing coldness, his voice t and upromising. "Why are you not doing your work?" There was no room for excuses in his tone¡ªit was a direct challenge.


    Thew director, sensing the danger but still trying to worm his way out, put on his most ttering tone. "I was on my break, sir. I just started my break a few minutes ago," he said, smiling weakly as if hoping to diffuse the situation.


    Noah''s gaze didn''t soften. Instead, he turned toward John, standing by his side, observing everything with growing unease. "Is it break time?" Noah asked pointedly, his voice carrying the same cold edge.


    John swallowed nervously, trying to steady his voice. "To be honest, sir, the directors are allowed two hours of break throughout the day. They pick the time as long as they meet the requirements of their work. That''s been thepany rule."


    Noah''s eyes narrowed. There it was, the culture of entitlement that had allowedziness to fester in the higher levels of management. Conflict was necessary to push change¡ªthis was the moment to shift the power dynamics. Thepany''s rules needed to reflect a standard of ountability and discipline, notx privilege.


    "Okay," Noah said, his voice firm. "From now on, all directors need to report the time they take breaks to you, John. You will make sure everyone is doing their job. Understood?"


    "Yes, sir!" John replied, feeling the pressure rise in the room. A bead of sweat rolled down his neck, and he couldn''t help but feel grateful that he wasn''t the one in the hot seat right now.


    Noah turned his attention back to thew director, whose once-angry expression had long faded. The atmosphere around them shifted, tension thickening as Noah spoke. "What happened with the investigation into the financial records?"


    Thew director''s confidence tried to resurface, but it faltered under Noah''s cold scrutiny. With a slight scoff in his mind, he answered, "Nothing, sir. There''s no foul y in the financial records." In his mind, he sneered.


    "This kid thinks just because he has money, he cane in here and change everything? I''ve hidden things so well, there''s no way he''ll find anything. With him in charge, my sry will increase."


    He almostughed internally at how easily he believed he could manipte Noah.


    But before thew director could revel in his imagined victory, a familiar sound echoed in Noah''s mind:


    [Ding! The Ultimate Choice System has been activated!]


    Option 1: Investigate the financial records for any embezzlement or foul y. [Rewards: Intermediate ountant Skill & $150,000]


    Option 2: Ask the director to investigate the financial records again to make sure. [Rewards: Basic ountant Skill]


    Option 3: Don''t bother with the financial records¡ªit''s too much work. [Rewards: Several thousand dors]


    With the choices looming in his mind, Noah''s decision was clear. He wasn''t about to let a potential snake like thew director slither inside his nest.


    "Option 1!" Noah''s mind resonated with the thought as the familiar "ding" faded, and instantly, a flood of knowledge overtook him.


    Financial models, ounting principles, and the expertise of legendary bankers like J.P. Morgan shed before his eyes. Complex forms and sharp analytical processes sharpened his mind as if he''d been practicing ounting for decades.


    His eyes turned cold as he fixed his gaze on thew director, now seated with a growing unease. "Show me the records," Noahmanded, his voice leaving no room for excuses or dys.


    Thew director, feeling a sudden shiver of doubt, stared at Noah. "Does the boss have a degree in ounting?" He wondered, his arrogance making room for a sliver of uncertainty.


    Noah, with his piercing gaze, didn''t need to offer long exnations. "No," he said, his voice calm but carrying the weight of the unexpected. "I''m a high schooler."


    Thew director''s face twitched slightly. "A high schooler?!" The thought burned in his mind, his initial fear melting back into disdain.


    "He''s just a kid ying boss." The director scoffed inwardly, the malicious smirk hidden behind a neutral facade.


    "Okay, boss," he replied, keeping his voice level. In his mind, though, the young boss now seemed even more naive and vulnerable.


    "This will be easy."


    He moved toward theputer, pulling up the financial records. His fingers hovered over the mouse, clicking methodically as he essed the files. Noah stood directly behind him, watching his every movement with the intensity of an eagle observing its prey. Thew director, feeling the weight of Noah''s presence, printed all the documents Noah had requested, confident that this "kid" wouldn''t have the skill to analyze theplex data.


    As the printer churned out pages of financial reports, Noah stood quietly, nodding slightly as thest sheet rolled out.


    "This man thinks I can''t analyze the records," Noah thought, noticing the subtle shift in the director''s posture.


    Thew director rxed, his movements more fluid now, as though the worst was over. But for Noah, the real work had only just begun.


    Noah moved to a nearby table with the stack of papers in hand, flipping through the records swiftly. His mind, now equipped with the expertise of world-ss ountants, immediately went to work. His focus was unbreakable, his demeanour calm but intense. As he scanned the pages, John and thew director stood by, watching him with different emotions ying out in their minds. John, his forehead beaded with sweat, hoped there wouldn''t be any trouble.


    Thew director, on the other hand, was filled with smug satisfaction, convinced Noah was only going through the motions.


    Thirty minutes passed, and the tension in the room grew heavier with each tick of the clock. Noah''s eyes scanned thest line of numbers, and with a final flip, he ced the papers neatly on the table.


    His expression was unreadable. He stood up slowly, exuding a quiet, dominant energy that filled the room.


    Without looking at thew director, Noah turned to John. His words were firm and cold. "Call the police."


    John froze for a second, blinking in shock.


    A single sentence, yet it sent a wave of panic through the air. John nodded quickly, his hand fumbling for his phone. "Y-Yes, sir!" he stammered, dialling the emergency number with trembling fingers.


    Thew director, who had been watching from his seat, felt a sharp pang of confusion. "Why are we calling the police?" His face paled as he realized something was very wrong.


    His voice, previously filled with arrogance, now wavered slightly. "Why are we calling the police, sir? Is¡­ is something wrong?" His tone, though feigning innocence, wasced with fear.


    Noah didn''t respond. His silence was more terrifying than any reprimand. He simply stared ahead, his thoughts carefully concealed.


    Thew director shifted in his seat, his thoughts swirling in chaos. "Did he find something? Was it possible? No, that couldn''t be."


    "I had hidden everything too well, this kid didn''t even know what he was reading."


    His mind raced. "He''s trying to scare me into confessing. That''s it."


    His nerves tensed, but he clung to his internal narrative. "He couldn''t have found anything. He''s bluffing."


    But as the minutes dragged on in silence, thew director''s certainty wavered. Every second that passed felt like an eternity.


    The stillness in the room, with Noah standing like a silent storm ready to strike, only intensified the fear gnawing at him. His thoughts tumbled one over the other, unable to focus.


    "What if he did find something?"


    The tension snapped when, twenty minutester, a knock sounded on the office door, and two uniformed police officers entered the room.


    Thew director''s heart sank. He felt cold, mmy dread flood his body as the officers made their way toward Noah, who turned to greet them with a nod.


    "Officers," Noah said, his voice calm yet carrying the weight of his authority. "I need you to conduct an investigation into financial misconduct."


    Thew director''s blood ran cold. This wasn''t a bluff.


    His smirk, his arrogance, all of it was crumbling under the weight of Noah''s quiet dominance. The value shift wasplete¡ªNoah was no longer just a young, naive owner. Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!


    Creation is hard, cheer me up!


    Risaliyah

 Chapter 65 Invisible Chains

    65 Invisible Chains


    "Officers," Noah said, his voice calm yet carrying the weight of his authority. "I need you to conduct an investigation into financial misconduct."


    Thew director''s blood ran cold. This wasn''t a bluff.


    His smirk, his arrogance, all of it was crumbling under the weight of Noah''s quiet dominance. The value shift wasplete¡ªNoah was no longer just a young, naive owner. The room fell silent as two officers stood there, their presence immediatelymanding attention.


    A tall, stunningly beautiful woman stepped forward, her dark blue uniform crisp, and her posture exuding authority. Noah''s sharp eyes caught the emblem on her shoulder, the stars suggesting a high rank¡ªstaff sergeant.


    She wasn''t just a regr officer; this was someone used to handling serious cases.


    "Good afternoon," she said, her tone professional yet carrying an edge of authority that left no room for casual conversation. "I''m Rachel Miller, staff sergeant. I understand there''s been an issue regarding financial misconduct?"


    Her eyes moved swiftly across the room,nding on thew director, who appeared visibly nervous. The badge glinted under the fluorescent lights, a stark contrast to the beads of sweat beginning to form on his forehead.


    Noah, always observant, wondered for a brief moment why someone of her rank had shown up.


    "Perhaps she had been nearby or maybe there was more at y." Either way, he wasn''t going to waste time pondering it.


    The stakes had escted. This was no longer a business issue; it was a legal one. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Yes, Sergeant Miller," Noah began, stepping forward with a calm but authoritative voice, his hands resting casually by his sides.


    "My name is Noah Thompson. I am the owner of Walls4Us." He gestured toward John with a slight nod. "This is our CEO, John, and over here¡­" Noah''s gaze shifted coldly to thew director, "is our currentw director."


    Rachel nodded as she followed Noah''s gesture, her professional expression never wavering. Noah continued, "Thew director was tasked with investigating records for any signs of embezzlement by a previously fired director and site manager. Both were dismissed for hical practices, including bribery and using various tactics to coerce other parties into signing contracts with ourpany."


    Rachel''s expression tightened at the mention of hical behaviour, her disgust evident in the way her lips pressed together.


    "I see," she said, folding her arms and locking her gaze on thew director. "Is that true? Were you asked to conduct this investigation?"


    Thew director''s face was pale, and his legs shifted ufortably. His once smug demeanor was crumbling. Noah had forced the questioning on him, pushing him from confident to vulnerable. He nodded, his voice shaky.


    "Yes¡­ yes, I was asked. I investigated the records thoroughly, and I found nothing. They''re clean. But the boss¡ª" he nodded in Noah''s direction, "¡ªhe wanted to investigate them himself."


    Rachel''s sharp gaze flicked to Noah, a slight nod of approval in her stance, but before she could ask, Noah spoke up, his voice cutting through the tension in the room.


    "I did investigate myself, and what I found was enough to prove that this man," Noah pointed directly at thew director, "is guilty of embezzlement himself. He''s been colluding with the previously fired employees, hiding evidence of their embezzlement, and siphoning funds through meticulously disguised transactions."


    Noah''s words hit the room like a bomb. Rachel''s eyes widened slightly, though she remainedposed. Thew director, however, lost his cool. His face turned red, and hisposure shattered.


    "Impossible!" thew director blurted, his voice trembling with barely contained rage. "How could you¡­? You''re just a high schooler!" His face twisted in frustration as he stepped forward, his voice growing more desperate. "You have no clue what you''re talking about! These are serious usations, young man. I will sue you for defamation. Be careful!"


    Noah, unbothered by the man''s outburst, smirked¡ªa key shift in the directors'' attitude.


    He got him where he wanted him to be, he made him emotional so he could make him confess himself, and there wouldn''t be a need for going to court again and again. Otherwise, if thew director said he wasn''t involved or still investigating, it would be a problem.


    He had made him dig his own grave, by making him talk whilst clearly not ready for such a confrontation.


    "We''ll see in court," he said, his voice cool and unwavering. He turned toward John. "Bring me a pen."


    John, whose nerves had been fraying throughout the entire confrontation, jumped at themand. He quickly fetched a pen from his desk and handed it over to Noah with trembling hands. Noah took the pen and started highlighting various transactions in the stack of papers he had been analyzing.


    As he worked, thew director watched with growing dread, his confidence eroding with every highlight Noah made. After a few minutes, Noah put the pen down and handed the papers to Rachel.


    "Here''s the proof," Noah said firmly, his voice leaving no room for doubt. "I want these taken to court. I also request that this man be ced under house arrest¡ªor in prison¡ªpending further investigation from your department."


    Rachel took the documents, scanning the highlighted sections carefully. She nodded after a moment, her gaze hardening as she processed what Noah had presented. Thew director, seeing the growing seriousness on her face, felt panic rising in his chest.


    "No!" he shouted, his voice desperate now. "You can''t arrest me without proper proof! This is absurd! He''s lying! How do you know he''s not just making all of this up?"


    Rachel''s icy gaze locked onto him, silencing his outburst instantly. She stepped forward, her voice calm but carrying the weight of authority. "We can arrest you under suspicion of embezzlement and for hiding evidence. There is enough here for suspicion, but not yet enough to convict you. You''lle with us, and the investigation will proceed from there."


    Thew director opened his mouth to argue, but Rachel cut him off swiftly, the rehearsed words ofw enforcement rolling off her tongue. "You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court ofw¡­" She continued as the officers prepared to take him away.


    Noah stood back, watching the scene unfold. His job was done for now. Rachel, after finishing the formalities, turned back to Noah, her professional demeanour softening slightly. "I''ll need your number," she said, pulling out her phone, "so we can keep you updated on the progress of the case."


    Noah nodded and provided his contact information. Before she left, he said, "There are two more individuals you''ll want to question. Charles, the fired site manager, and his uncle, Smith, who was previously one of our directors. Both were involved in the misconduct."


    Rachel made a note on her phone, nodding as she wrote down the names. "Thank you, Mr. Thompson," she said. "We''ll make sure to follow up with them. I''ll contact you if there are any updates on the case."


    As Rachel and the officers left with thew director in custody, the tension in the room seemed to release, but only for a moment. John, who had been silently watching the entire scene, felt a cold sweat running down his back.


    His heart pounded in his chest. This was a major error, and it revealed not only thew director''s betrayal but also his own failure to oversee thepany''s operations properly. He wasn''t sure if he could hold onto his job after this.


    John''s mind raced as he watched Noah. The young man who had just dismantled an experiencedw director was no ordinary high schooler.


    John stood frozen, the weight of Noah''s presence pressing down on him like a mountain. His mind, normally sharp and decisive, had been shattered by the rapid and cold execution of two directors in a single week.


    The stakes had never been higher, and now, here he was, facing the crisis of his career¡ªcaught in the aftermath of a scandal that threatened not just his job but his entire future.


    "He isn''t a high schooler¡­ He''s a demon." The thought raced through John''s mind, a cold sweat running down his back as he stared at Noah.


    The young owner of Walls4Us was anything but ordinary. Noah wasn''t just some rich kid ying CEO¡ªhe was sharp, ruthless, and terrifyingly effective.


    In just days, Noah had uprooted the corruption that had been festering beneath the surface, and now John was standing in the crosshairs.


    Noah''s cold gaze met John''s, unblinking, with a calcted calm that made the older man feel like his every thought was being dissected. "John," Noah said, his voice cutting through the silence like a knife.


    John''s throat tightened. "Y-yes, Sir!" he stammered, his voice cracking under the pressure. He felt as though his legs were about to give out beneath him. His stomach churned as the invisible weight of Noah''s authority crushed him.


    Noah''s expression didn''t change as he asked, "You know what you''ve done, right?"


    John swallowed hard, his heart hammering in his chest. "Y-yes, Sir!" he stammered again, his voice barely above a whisper. His mind scrambled to form coherent thoughts, but all he could think of was the devastation that was surelying.


    Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!


    Risaliyah


    Creator''s Thought

 Chapter 66 Invisible Chains (2)

    66 Invisible Chains (2)


    "You know what I can do, right?" Noah added, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, though it was anything but friendly.


    The smile sent a shiver down John''s spine. He had seen that same look right before Noah dismantled thew director''s defences and had him arrested on the spot. This wasn''t just a question¡ªNoah was reminding him of the sheer power he held over him.


    "Y-ye-yes," John stuttered, his voice faltering even more. His mind was racing with panic. He couldn''t afford to lose his job¡ªhe''d just taken out a mortgage, and with his wife expecting another child, the thought of unemployment terrified him. If he was fired now, his career as a CEO would be finished, and finding another job would be nearly impossible with the stain of this scandal hanging over him.


    Desperation wed at John as he took a step forward, pleading, "Boss, please¡ªdon''t fire me. I beg you." His voice cracked, and he could feel his dignity slipping away, but none of it mattered if he lost his job.


    "I''ve worked with those men for years, I thought they were trustworthy. I swear, I was blinded by our past. But I swear to you, Boss, I won''t make the same mistake again. Please, I have a kid on the way¡ªthree more children to care for. Please, have mercy."


    John''s desperation rang in the air, every word soaked with fear. Noah stood there silently, watching him, but John could see no flicker of sympathy in the young owner''s eyes. The cold, calcted stare remained as Noah listened, taking in every word with quiet detachment.


    For a brief moment, Noah''s expression softened slightly. John could see something¡ªa sh of understanding perhaps? Either way, John felt that he had a chance, but Noah wasn''t going to let him off the hook so easily.


    "You know," Noah began, his voice calm but icy, "I warned you before¡ªright after we fired Charles and Smith." His gaze hardened, and his words cut deep. "But clearly, that warning wasn''t important enough to you."


    John''s heart sank. He had no excuses left, no more defenses to hide behind. "I-I did, Sir," he replied, his head bowed. "I made sure to check the employees and the managers, but¡­ not the directors."


    Noah''s eyes narrowed, the coldness of his gaze making John feel smaller and smaller. "That was a substantial mistake, wasn''t it?"


    "It was," John whispered, barely able to meet Noah''s eyes. His shame weighed heavily on him now, his past oversight bing a monumental error that had brought thepany to the brink.


    For a long moment, Noah said nothing, simply watching John as if deciding whether to strike him down or let him live. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Noah spoke again, his voice low and deadly serious. "John, I''m giving you one final chance. If you fail me again like this, I promise you¡ªyou''ll regret it deeply."


    John nodded vigorously, his voice trembling as he replied, "Yes, Boss. I understand. I won''t fail you again."


    Noah continued, his words cutting like a de, "I''ll be promoting someone from thew department to act as the neww director. Furthermore, you won''t receive any bonuses for the next two years. If you prove to me that you can expand theapny and properly do your job, maybe, just maybe, I''ll reduce it to one year. But understand this: your leash is short, John."


    John''s heart raced, his mind barely processing what Noah had just said. He wasn''t being fired.


    Despite everything, he was being given a second chance¡ªat a price, but a second chance nheless.


    Relief washed over him, though it was tempered by the realization that his position was hanging by a thread.


    "I won''t fail you, Boss," John said, his voice resolute despite the sweat dripping down his back. "I promise. I''ll make sure thispany rises higher than ever before."


    "I can''t fail him, he gave me a chance that even I wouldn''t give to myself. He saved me and my family from breaking down." thought John, as tears began forming in his eyes but he quickly wiped them.


    "Good." Noah turned slightly, heading toward the door. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Now,e with me to meet the new director from thew department. I expect you to be there."


    John followed, his legs shaky but his mind sharp.


    As they walked down the hall, John''s thoughts raced, already formting ns on how to salvage his reputation and prove his loyalty to Noah. This wasn''t just about saving his job anymore¡ªit was about repaying the life-long favour. Every few moments, he nced at Noah''s back, the young man''s steady and casual stride belying the ruthlessness that John had just witnessed firsthand.


    John''s inner monologue was frantic, and calcting.


    "I have to fix this. I have to prove I''m worth keeping around. He''s given me a chance when no one else would. This mistake¡ªthis colossal error¡ªcould''ve ended me. But he spared me."


    The memory of the cold, lethal gaze Noah had given thew director sent shivers down his spine. Noah''s decision to jail the man without so much as a blink had terrified John. He had underestimated him, thinking he was just a young, new owner with more money than sense. But now, standing in the shadow of his terrifyingly effective maniption, John realized just how deep Noah''s ns ran.


    Noah''s mind, however, was working on apletely different level, analyzing every single move like a game of chess.


    "John was easy to y," Noah thought with a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips, careful not to let it show too clearly. "He''s now utterly loyal. He sees me as both his executioner and his savior¡ªa delicate bnce of fear and gratitude."


    Noah had orchestrated everything to perfection. From the moment he had ordered the initial investigation into Charles and Smith, it wasn''t about catching just them¡ªit was about sending a message to John and every other senior leader in thepany. He hadn''t needed to dig deep for this. Their arrogance had made it easy to exploit their loyalty to old colleagues, and Noah had set the perfect trap. He knew John was smart enough to catch the signals but desperate enough to fall into line when the stakes were raised.


    The cold-hearted execution of thew director had been a deliberate performance. The calm, calcting way Noah hadid out the evidence, and the equally icy way he had instructed the police to arrest him had shaken John to his core. But now, as they walked side by side, Noah could practically feel John''s newfound loyalty, forged in fear and gratitude.


    John''s thoughts turned frantic again.


    "I''ll never let this happen again. I''ll make this right. I''ll exceed his expectations. I''ll protect thispany and him. He was fair. He could''ve thrown me to the wolves, but he didn''t." John''s inner voice was practically pleading with himself. "The boss is so kind, so wise. He gave me a lifeline. This is my second chance."


    What John didn''t realize was that Noah had nted that very thought in his mind. Noah''s face had been carefullyposed as he delivered the ultimatum¡ªstern but not heartless, cold but not uncaring. It was a masterful performance, designed to bend John''s will, making him grateful for the very chains being ced on him.


    Now, walking behind Noah, John felt something strange. It wasn''t fear anymore¡ªit was admiration, mixed with awe. He saw the young boss not just as his superior, but as someone who had pulled him back from the edge of ruin. John was already nning how to make amends, how to prove his loyalty, and above all, how to never disappoint this enigmatic figure again.


    Noah, however, was thinking two steps ahead, knowing John''s every move would now be centred around pleasing him. That''s how you controlled men like John: You gave them just enough hope to cling to, but always with a shadow of fear looming behind.


    "The more they owe you, the more they fear you," Noah mused silently, his smirk deepening just slightly as John fumbled to keep pace.


    Noah had always believed power came from controlling people''s fears and desires¡ªand John had just be histest puppet in the intricate web he was weaving.


    He allowed himself one fleeting nce backwards, catching John''s awe-struck expression, before speaking again in a calm, almost casual tone.


    "Remember, John," Noah said without turning his head, his voice soft yetced with a cold edge, "one more mistake, and you''ll wish I had fired you."


    John swallowed hard, nodding vigorously, the weight of Noah''s words crashing over him. "Y-Yes, sir! I won''t let you down."


    Noah didn''t respond, his smirk returning as he kept his gaze forward. The silence that followed was filled with John''s mental panic, but Noah knew that silence could be as powerful a weapon as any words. He had John exactly where he wanted him¡ªgrateful, terrified, and eager to serve.


    This wasn''t just about cleaning up thepany; it was about establishing an empire¡ªone built on the perfectly calcted loyalty of those too afraid to do anything but follow his everymand.


    With every step down that hallway, Noah''s grip tightened on thepany, on John, and on his own growing power.

 Chapter 67 New Law Director

    67 New Law Director


    Noah and John walked together into the shared office space of thew department, where the atmosphere buzzed with the daily hum of chatter, clicking keyboards, and the asional burst ofughter.


    Noah''s gaze was calm and measured, while John followed closely, looking tense but respectful¡ªstill shaken from the earlier confrontation.


    As Noah entered, the energy in the room shifted. He could feel the eyes of the employees turning toward him.


    Some were curious, some confused, and others surprised at the presence of this unfamiliar young man. A few whispers trickled through the room.


    "Who''s that guy?" one employee muttered under their breath, ncing over at Noah.


    "He looks way too young, Is he a new hire?" another spected, looking puzzled.


    A group of women at the far end of the room exchanged nces, stifling giggles. One leaned over to her colleague, whispering, "Oh my God, he''s so handsome! I hope he is a new employee. I need to shoot my shot."


    Noah didn''t acknowledge any of this. He moved with purpose, the casual swagger of someone who knew exactly where he stood.


    He took in the environment¡ªthe nervous nces, the intrigued whispers¡ªbut his face remained impassive, hiding the calcting thoughts swirling inside his head.


    Beside him, John''s anxiety was evident, but he straightened his back, trying to maintain hisposure.


    John pped his hands, the sharp sound cutting through the murmurs. "Everyone, stop what you''re doing. We have an important announcement."


    The employees immediately hushed, turning their attention toward him. The room fell into a strange, almost eerie silence. They knew something wasing, but none of them expected the bombshell that was about to be dropped.


    John cleared his throat, ncing at Noah, who gave him a slight nod. Taking a deep breath, John began, "There''s been a major development within thepany today. Thew director of this department has been taken into custody for suspicion of embezzlement and collusion with the previously fired director, Smith."


    Gasps filled the room. Thew director? The man they worked under every day, suddenly arrested? It was a bombshell. Some of them exchanged wide-eyed looks, others whispered nervously to each other.


    John continued, his voice carrying a mixture of regret and humility, "Unfortunately, I was deceived by him. Due to my negligence, I ced too much trust in someone who was manipting thepany from the inside. But thanks to..." His eyes turned toward Noah with a look of genuine admiration, his voice reverent, "our boss, Noah Thompson, the true owner of Walls4Us, we were able to uncover the crimes."


    Noah remained still as John spoke, his presencemanding without any effort. His face was unreadable, a mask of calm that only heightened the tension in the room.


    "The boss personally reviewed the records," John continued, "and found the evidence that thew director had hidden. He has been arrested and is now facing serious charges. He''ll likely serve at least eight years in prison, with substantial penalties on top."


    The employees were visibly stunned. Some exchanged worried nces, while others sat frozen, still processing the news. A few whispered quietly to each other, but no one dared to speak up. The weight of John''s words sank in, casting a cold shadow over the room. Thew director''s downfall felt like a warning¡ªan unspoken threat hanging in the air. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    John looked back at Noah, his expression filled with expectation. "The boss has another announcement, so listen carefully."


    Noah stepped forward, his gaze sweeping across the room, scanning the faces of each employee. His eyes were cold, his expression unyielding. The room seemed to hold its breath, awaiting his words.


    "Good afternoon, everyone," Noah began, his voice calm yet authoritative. "My name is Noah Thompson, and as John mentioned, I am the sole shareholder and owner of Walls4Us. I don''t have time for long speeches, so I''ll keep this brief."


    His words cut through the air like a knife, sharp and direct. He paused, letting the tension build before continuing.


    "I have fired your previousw director, and I will be promoting one of you to rece him." He let the statement hang for a moment, watching the employees'' faces as the realization settled in. Their futures were suddenly at stake, and every person in that room knew it.


    "Here''s how this will work," Noah said, his voice carrying a subtle edge. "I value loyalty. Those of you who have been with thepany longer will have a better chance at this promotion. I want to see each of you lined up in order of your seniority. The longer you''ve worked here, the better your chances."


    There was a murmur of uncertainty among the employees, but Noah raised a hand, silencing them. His eyes darkened as his tone shifted, taking on a more sinister edge. "However, let me make something very clear. If any of you follow in the footsteps of your former director, his punishment will seem like child''s ypared to what I have in mind for you."


    The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees as Noah''s gaze hardened. The employees stood frozen, the weight of his threat bearing down on them. John shifted ufortably beside him, feeling the intensity of Noah''s cold stare pierce through the room.


    "You all saw what happened today," Noah continued, his voice low but full of menace. "I do not tolerate ipetence. I do not tolerate disloyalty. If anyone else thinks they can y games with me or with thispany, you''ll find out just how far I''m willing to go."


    Silence gripped the room. The employees stood still, not daring to move, as Noah''s cold eyes scanned their faces. He had them exactly where he wanted them¡ªfearful, uncertain, and desperate to prove their worth.


    Then, just as suddenly, his demeanour shifted. His face softened, and he smiled¡ªa chilling contrast to the ice in his voice moments ago. "Now," he said, in a much more casual tone, "line up. Let''s see who''s earned this promotion."


    The employees hesitated for a moment before scrambling to organize themselves, quickly falling into line ording to their seniority. Some looked eager, others nervous, but all of them felt the weight of Noah''s presence as they waited to see who would be chosen.


    John watched the scene unfold with a strange mix of relief and dread. He had narrowly escaped disaster today, but he knew Noah wasn''t finished testing him¡ªor anyone else in thepany. Noah had made it clear: mistakes were no longer an option.


    The young owner had manipted the entire situation from the moment he entered the room. He had shown just enough mercy to keep them loyal, but enough ruthlessness to keep them terrified.


    Noah had John, and everyone else, exactly where he wanted them.


    Noah stood there, hands in his pockets, a faint smirk on his lips. He knew he had won this round. The nextw director will think thrice before attempting to pull such a stunt, especially with John on his back.


    As Noah stood in front of the employees who had lined up by seniority, his eyes flickered as he quietly activated his hidden ability¡ªhis Talent Finder skill.


    This ability allowed him to see not just the surface of a person, but the very potential thaty within them.


    With a soft chime, the first assessment appeared before his eyes.


    [Ding!]


    Name: Jack


    Age: 54


    Talent Grade: D


    Talent: Law Knowledge


    Description: An average worker in thew department. Jack cannot be outstanding nor make any significant contributions. His knowledge of thew is standard, and while loyal, hecks the ambition or creativity to innovate.


    Noah nodded at Jack, giving him a warm, almost encouraging smile. But inside, he was already marking the man in his mental ledger. Jack was loyal, yes, but loyalty without talent was only useful to a point. He didn''t need mediocrity at the helm of hispany''s legal department.


    "Next," Noah said, his tone steady, betraying none of the calctions happening in his mind.


    The next person stepped forward, and Noah''s eyes narrowed slightly as he activated the skill once more. Another chime rang.


    [Ding!]


    Name: Peter


    Age: 57


    Talent Grade: E


    Talent: Law Knowledge


    Description: A worker with minimal potential. While Peter has experience from his long years of service, his contribution will remain negligible, and hecks the capacity to take on any significant responsibilities.


    An E-rank talent was abysmal. But Noah, calcting as always, wasn''t heartless. Peter had been with thepany for years.


    Firing him on the spot would create unrest among the older employees, a ripple of instability that Noah didn''t want just yet. He decided to keep Peter on for now but made a mental note to sideline him where possible.


    "Alright, continue," Noah said, nodding for the next employee to step forward.


    Several more employees followed, most of them falling into the same range of mediocrity¡ªD and E talent grades, nothing that piqued his interest.


    Noah didn''t show disappointment, though. He knew that the real gems in any group were rare and sometimes hidden deep among the ordinary. He had the patience to sift through them.


    Then, a new chime.


    [Ding!]


    Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!


    Creation is hard, cheer me up!

 Chapter 68 New Law Director (2)

    68 New Law Director (2)


    [Ding!]


    Name: Charlotte


    Age: 24


    Talent Grade: C


    Talents: Law Knowledge


    Description: Charlotte possesses slightly above-average talent in her field. While her skills aren''t groundbreaking, she has potential to make positive contributions and can grow into a leadership role. Given time, she has the capability to lead a small to mid-sizepany sessfully.


    Noah''s eyes lingered on Charlotte for a moment longer. Her talent wasn''t exceptional, but it was promising. At 24, she had years ahead of her to grow, and Noah appreciated her potential. Someone like her could be moulded, and shaped into apetent leader if given the right opportunities.


    "Thank you, Charlotte," he said with a faint smile, making a mental note of her name. "Next."


    The line continued, and after what felt like an eternity of scanning average and below-average talent, Noah''s patience was finally rewarded.


    [Ding!]


    Name: Harlow


    Age: 31


    Talent Grade: B, C


    Talents: Law Knowledge, Truthful


    Description: Harlow possesses an extraordinary talent in his field, capable of not only handlingplex legal matters but also transforming legal processes to streamline operations. His natural honesty is a rare trait in this cutthroat industry, making him both a reliable andpetent leader. With the right guidance, Harlow can significantly impact and improve a mid-sizedpany''s structure and long-term strategy.


    Noah''s gaze sharpened as he stared at Harlow. Here was the true gem he had been looking for. A B-grade talent inw, paired with the valuable trait of truthfulness. Honesty in this world was scarce, and to find someone with the talent and integrity that Harlow possessed was a rarebination indeed.


    Noah could see it clearly¡ªthis man had the potential to turn the legal department around, to elevate it beyond what it was.


    Noah didn''t show his thoughts outwardly, but inside, he had already made his decision. Harlow was the key to stabilizing and improving this department, and perhaps even more.


    "Alright," Noah said, his voice carrying authority and certainty. "I''ve made my decision."


    The employees, who had been nervously watching him, stiffened. The room seemed to freeze as all eyes were locked on him, waiting for his verdict.


    "First," Noah began, his voice calm butmanding, "Charlotte will be the new manager of thew department."


    Charlotte''s eyes widened in surprise, her hands sping together in front of her nervously. She had expected nothing more than a nod or a smile from her new boss, but a promotion? She nced around at her colleagues, some of whom looked shocked, others envious.


    Noah continued, "Richard, on the other hand, will be demoted."


    The room gasped. Richard was one of the department''s managers, trusted for his long-term loyalty.


    But Noah knew better, using his talent finder, he saw that Richard was not onlycking in significant skill but also possessed the dangerous D-ranked talent of deceitfulness. Such a person could never be trusted in a position of authority. This demotion was both necessary and strategic.


    "Richard has served thispany for a few years" Noah exined, his voice carrying a hint of icy detachment, "but as we move forward, I need people who can take us into the future, not hold us back. Richard''s performance has been average at best, with not much much progress in his ability."


    There was a murmur of agreement from the employees, though some still looked unsettled by the rapid changes.


    "And now," Noah said, turning his attention to Harlow, "Harlow, step forward."


    Harlow, visibly shocked, hesitated before stepping out of the line. His face showed a mixture of surprise and cautious optimism. Noah extended his hand toward him, and Harlow took it, shaking hands firmly.


    "You," Noah said, locking eyes with Harlow, "are now thew director of Walls4Us. I expect great things from you."


    Harlow''s face flushed with emotion, and for a moment, he looked as though he might tear up. He gripped Noah''s hand tightly and said with a voice full of sincerity, "Thank you, boss. I won''t fail you."


    Noah smiled, but behind that smile, his mind was still working, analyzing every reaction in the room. Harlow was a good choice, and Noah knew it. The man had the talent, the truthfulness, and now the motivation to make a real difference.


    "No mistakes, Harlow," Noah said, his voice soft butced with warning. "This is your opportunity, but if you fail, there won''t be a second chance."


    "I understand," Harlow replied, his voice steady with determination.


    Noah turned his gaze back to the rest of the employees, the weight of his decisions still hanging in the air. "The future of thispany depends on people like Harlow and Charlotte. I don''t tolerate ipetence, and I don''t forgive betrayal. Keep that in mind as you continue your work here."


    The employees nodded silently, their faces reflecting a mix of fear, respect, and awe. Noah had, in a matter of moments,pletely shifted the power dynamics of the department. He had not only promoted new talent but had also sent a clear message¡ªloyalty andpetence were rewarded, while deception and failure would be crushed.


    As Noah and John turned to leave the room, the employees watched in silence, the weight of the day''s events pressing down on them. Noah had shown them the cold, calcting hand of a leader who saw through their masks, and from now on, every step they took would be under his watchful eye.


    And as Noah walked away, he couldn''t help but smirk. He had chosen his yers carefully, positioning them like chess pieces on a board. Now, it was time to watch them move.


    As Noah descended the elevator, each floor echoed with a quiet finality that only he could hear. John trailed a few paces behind, his expression still tight with anxiety. Arriving at the ground floor, Noah stepped into the open reception area. The space was well-lit, with modern furnishings that reflected thepany''s sess. Yet, the atmosphere felt heavy today, like the weight of what had transpired upstairs had seeped down to the lower floors.


    The receptionist, who had been organizing some files at her desk, nced up as Noah entered her field of vision.


    Her heart skipped a beat. She had seen the police earlier, witnessed thew director being escorted out of the building in handcuffs, his face pale, eyes darting in panic. She didn''t need anyone to tell her who was behind that. She immediately sensed that the young owner was not one to be trifled with. His actions were swift, decisive, and unforgiving.


    Her hands shook slightly as she ced the files down and quickly straightened her blouse. She stood up from behind the desk, sping her hands in front of her, trying to steady her nerves.


    Her anxiety was at its peak; she didn''t want to draw unnecessary attention to herself, fearing that a wrong move could result in her being the next person escorted out.


    Noah''s gaze swept across the room, cool and detached. He didn''t need to look directly at her to sense the fear radiating from the receptionist. He could feel her tension as she moved toward him, offering a small, respectful bow of her head. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Good afternoon, Mr. Thompson," she said, her voice just a little too controlled, the nervousness hidden beneath a veneer of professionalism.


    Noah barely nodded in acknowledgement. His eyes didn''t linger on her for long, but the subtle twitch in her posture, the way her fingers sped tightly together, told him everything he needed to know.


    She was afraid of him¡ªafraid that the same fate that had befallen thew director might await her if she wasn''t careful. And that fear was power in his hands, a tool he could use to shape the behaviour of everyone around him but you also needed mercy with it.


    John, walking behind Noah, noticed the exchange as well. He had seen the same look in the eyes of thew department earlier¡ªfear mixed with awe. Noah wasn''t just the boss; he was a force of nature in this building, reshaping everything in his path. And the receptionist knew it too.


    As Noah continued toward the exit, she stepped back, giving him plenty of space. She didn''t dare ask questions or make small talk.


    Her only goal was to remain invisible, to ensure she wasn''t the next person in line for scrutiny. Noah''s footsteps, measured and deliberate, seemed to echo louder than normal in the silence of the reception area.


    He paused at the door for a brief moment, turning his head slightly toward the receptionist. His expression was unreadable, his voice cool and kind. "Keep up the good work," he said, his tone calm butced with that same undercurrent of quiet control.


    The receptionist exhaled slowly, grateful she had been acknowledged, but also terrified by the implications of what it meant. Keep up the good work.


    She understood the hidden message behind those words¡ªfailure was not an option under Noah''s leadership. Onepse in judgment, and she would be out, just like thew director.


    "Thank you, sir," she replied quickly, her voice just barely steady. She nodded her head again, standing perfectly still as Noah turned and walked through the ss doors, leaving the building.


    The moment the doors closed behind him, the receptionist let out a breath she hadn''t realized she had been holding.


    Her knees felt weak, and she sank back into her chair, her hands trembling slightly. She could still feel the weight of his presence even after he had left, as though the shadow of his authority lingered in the room.


    "Scary."


    \

 Chapter 69 Silent Struggle

    69 Silent Struggle


    Outside, Noah breathed in the crisp air, his mind already moving on to the next step of his n. He had systematically cleared out the rot within hispany, and now, with loyal and talented people in ce, he could focus on building something greater.


    He had shaken thepany from top to bottom in just one day, from thew department all the way down to the receptionist.


    His grip on Walls4Us was tightening, and he was already several steps ahead, anticipating the moves of everyone around him. They were pieces on a chessboard, and he had set them in motion, controlling every oue with precision.


    He didn''t need to look at the other directors, as he had already sent a message through Smith and thew director. Furthermore, there was no evidence showing that they were involved so he let them be.


    In theing weeks, Noah knew that the entirepany would fall into line. Fear was a powerful motivator, but so was the desire for approval.


    By offering John and others the hope of redemption alongside the threat of consequences, he ensured their absolute loyalty.


    They would see him as both their punisher and saviour, two faces of the same coin, keeping them on edge¡ªforever wondering whether they would be crushed or lifted up next.


    And Noah thrived on that edge, knowing it gave him an advantage no one could seeing. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Noah gazed at the horizon, where the sun''s golden light bathed the city skyline in a warm, fading glow.


    He took a moment to absorb the scene, the bustling sounds of the city beginning to settle as night crept in. The long shadows stretched across the street, creating an illusion of quiet serenity¡ªa stark contrast to the turmoil that had unfolded within the walls of hispany.


    As he watched the sun slowly dip below the horizon, his thoughts took a darker turn. "Good and evil, reward and punishment," he muttered under his breath, recalling the stark dichotomy that had guided his every action today. "Those are the only motives that drive a rational creature."


    The words felt bothforting and disturbing, a principle from a past he thought he had left behind, a past he had been trying to bury for years.


    Noah sighed, realizing how naturally he had slipped back into this role. A shiver ran down his spine as if the setting sun had drained all warmth from the air.


    He was a master maniptor, a strategist, someone who had always yed life as a game of chess. But he had determined to leave that behind, to live a life that was simpler, purer.


    He''d made a promise to himself¡ªa promise that he wouldn''t return to this darker side, that he wouldn''t let the hunger for control consume him again.


    And yet, here he was again.


    He shook his head, almost in disbelief. "It seems like my old self is slowly resurfacing," he murmured, his voice barely audible over the gentle hum of traffic.


    For years, he''d fought against the pull, trying to leave behind the part of him that was always calcting, always scrutinizing, always positioning people like pieces on a board. He had tried to keep that side buried, telling himself he was done with it¡ªthat he wanted something different from life.


    But today, faced with corruption in his ownpany and the constant betrayals of those around him, that side had taken control effortlessly, emerging like a shadow he couldn''t outrun.


    He had revelled in the power, wielding it like a weapon, orchestrating the downfall of those who dared to cross him. And it had felt so natural, almost too natural.


    In a way, it was exhrating. But at the same time, it unsettled him. He felt a familiar tightening in his chest, a warning that he was venturing down a path he might not be able to turn back from.


    The taste of victory was bitter, tinged with a sense of regret that gnawed at him, a reminder that he was straying dangerously close to the person he''d once despised.


    He sighed, running a hand through his hair as he continued to watch the fading light. "I slipped up today," he admitted to himself, the words hanging in the air like a confession.


    It had been so easy to justify his actions at the moment, to convince himself that this was necessary, that he was doing it for the good of thepany. But now, in the silence that followed, he couldn''t escape the feeling that he had betrayed his own principles.


    As thest glimmer of sunlight disappeared, Noah turned away, casting onest nce at the darkening city.


    He knew that the path he was on was a dangerous one, one that could lead him to ces he never wanted to revisit. And yet, he also knew that a part of him thrived on this¡ªthe power, the control, the ability to shape the world around him to his will.


    The two sides of himself were locked in a silent war, a conflict he couldn''t ignore, one that left him feeling hollow despite the sess he had just achieved.


    With a heavy heart, he made his way to Sarah''s house, hoping to end theplicated rtionship once and for all.


    But as he walked, the weight of his actions hung over him like a shadow, a constant reminder that no matter how hard he tried, he couldn''t escape his own nature.


    He had fought this battle before, and he knew it wasn''t over.


    The question was no longer whether he could keep his darker side buried, but whether he even wanted to.


    19:46


    Noah took a steadying breath as he approached Sarah''s house, each step heavier than thest.


    Today, he was here to confront something moreplicated than any business. This was a matter of the heart, of raw feelings he had been suppressing. And he was prepared, atst, to let it all go.


    He knocked on the door, waiting as footsteps approached on the other side. But when it swung open, it wasn''t Sarah who greeted him. It was La, her eyes narrowing the moment she recognized him. The hostility was immediate, radiating from her like heat from a fire.


    "What are you doing here?" she snapped, her voice dripping with disdain. "There''s nothing here for you." Without waiting for an answer, she began to close the door.


    Noah reacted instinctively, pressing his hand against the frame to keep it open. He met her re with a coldness that sent a shiver down her spine.


    "Where is Sarah? I''m not here to y games with you, La," he said, his tone firm and unyielding.


    Her eyes shed, and she bristled, pushing against the door. "None of your business," she spat, shoving again, but her efforts were futile. "Sarah!" he called, his voice echoing through the quiet house. "I want to talk to you!"


    La''s anger red. "Leave now, or I''ll call the police!" she threatened, her voice cracking with frustration. But her words fell on deaf ears. Momentster, Sarah appeared, her eyes wide with shock as she took in the scene¡ªher daughter grappling with the door, Noah standing with an iron grip on the frame.


    "Noah?" she said, confusion and concern mingling in her expression. "What are you doing here?"


    He let go of the door and took a step back, his gaze steady. "I''m here to talk to you, Sarah. I need an answer from you¡ªa clear one."


    Sarah looked at him, and then at La, who was still standing by the door, her arms crossed, scowling. "Do you want to talk alone?" she asked softly, her voice strained.


    Noah shook his head. "There''s no need. I''d prefer if she stayed. I want to be clear with both of you."


    Sarah''s eyes held a glint of sadness, but she nodded for him to continue.


    He took a deep breath, his gaze locking onto La''s, hard and unforgiving. "Sarah, we both know the kind of person your daughter is. She''s maniptive, self-centred, and reckless, always willing to twist things to get what she wants. I''m not here for revenge; if I wanted that, I wouldn''t be standing on your doorstep." He turned to Sarah, his voice softening but still firm. "I''m here because I care about you, not because I want to y some petty game."


    La''s face reddened with indignation. "How dare you!" she snapped. But Noah ignored her, focusing on Sarah.


    "There was nothing between me and your daughter¡ªnothing real, anyway," he continued. "Not a rtionship, not even physical contact. She''s wrapped up in her own games, and she thought she could pull me in. I came to you because I want to know where we stand."


    Sarah''s face was a mixture of pain and uncertainty, her eyes flickering to her daughter, then back to Noah. She took a shaky breath, her lips parting as if to speak, but no words came out. Finally, she managed, "I¡­I can''t, Noah. I''m sorry." She swallowed, blinking back tears as she forced herself to continue. "La and you¡­you have a past, a history that I can''t just overlook. I''m too old for this conflict, for this chaos. I need peace."


    Noah nodded slowly, absorbing her words. He felt a pang in his chest, an ache he had been trying to ignore since he arrived. He had known this was the more likely possibility, but hearing it still struck him.


    He looked at Sarah with a small, bittersweet smile. "Alright then. This is where we part ways. I wish you the best, Sarah."


    She managed a weak smile, though her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "You too," she replied, her voice barely a whisper. Inside, she was breaking, feeling the finality of his words like a knife twisting in her heart. She watched him turn to leave, and as he walked away, it felt like a part of her soul was walking out the door with him.


    She closed the door, the click of thetch sealing the space between them forever. She stood there, her hands trembling, trying to process what had just happened. La hovered nearby, silent for once, her usual biting words reced by a quiet curiosity, a question lingering in her eyes.


    Without looking at her daughter, Sarah spoke, her voice distant. "The food is ready. Eat, and then go to sleep. You have school tomorrow." With that, she turned and made her way to her bedroom, shutting the door behind her. La stood in stunned silence, watching as her mother disappeared down the hallway, her form small and defeated.


    As Noah walked down the street, he felt an emptiness settle over him. The confrontation had stripped him bare. He knew this wasn''t just an end with Sarah¡ªit was a severing of the softer part of himself, the part that had dared to hope for something simple, something real.


    Yet, he also knew that his decision to walk away was the right one. He would not force Sarah to choose between him and her own daughter. This was a battle he had to leave behind, no matter how much it stung.


    "I wonder what she would say if she knew that I''m slowlying back to my true-self."


    A face from the depths of his memory emerged¡ªsomeone he hadn''t thought about in years, someone who had once seen the darker side of him and walked away. Her name was lost in the quiet whisper of the past, but her face was as vivid as ever. She''d known him during those ruthless days when he hadn''t hesitated to climb over anyone who got in his way. She had seen the ambition and cold calction that had propelled him forward, but also the cost it had exacted on his soul.


    For a moment, he let himself linger in the memory, feeling the sting of her disapproval. She had warned him, and tried to pull him away from that path. "One day, you''ll have nothing left to hold onto, Noah," she had said, her voiceced with sadness rather than anger. "There won''t be anyone who can see beyond the monster you''re bing." Her words had struck him then, but he had dismissed them, convinced that he knew what he wanted.


    Now, yearster, he could feel the monster she had seen, lurking just beneath the surface, pulling him back into its grip. He had tried to change, tried to bury that side of himself. But in moments like this, when his emotions were raw and his heart felt broken, he could feel that darkness seeping back in, promising him power, control, and the ability to shut out the pain.


    He shook his head as if trying to clear her face from his mind, but it remained, a ghostly reminder of the life he had nearly escaped. "No," he whispered, clenching his fists, trying to reaffirm his resolve. "I''m not that person anymore."


    But even as he said the words, he knew it was a fragile promise, one that could shatter with a single misstep. And deep down, a part of him wondered if he had the strength to hold onto it.


    The chapter had a lot to intake, but I hope you aren''t lost. This is just the beginning, and everything will clear up in the future.


    Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!


    Creation is hard, cheer me up!


    Risaliyah


    Creator''s Thought

 Chapter 70 Cold Beauty

    70 Cold Beauty


    Noah paused just outside his home, inhaling deeply, and gathering himself before stepping into the warmth and familiarity of his family.


    He''d had a long, emotionally charged day, and he couldn''t bring that energy to his house. With a final sigh, he pushed open the door, slipping into theforting glow of the house.


    Inside, he found his parents, and his little sister, all seated at the dining table, dishes arranged in a neat spread, ready for dinner.


    His father looked up and greeted him warmly.


    "Noah, wash up and join us," David said, gesturing toward the hallway with a smile.


    Nodding, Noah headed to his room. He took a moment to wash up, letting the cold water ssh over his face. It felt grounding, washing away the fatigue of the day.


    After a few minutes, he returned to the table and took a seat, smiling as he ruffled Emily''s hair.


    She giggled, her eyes lighting up with the kind of innocence that made him feel protective, reminding him of the person he wanted to be.


    Turning to his father, he asked, "So, how''s the search for the teahouse location going?"


    David''s face brightened. "It''s going well! I found a few spots that fit our budget and should have good foot traffic. I''ve set up some appointments to check them out this weekend. I thought you might want toe along and see if they meet your standards."


    "Sounds great, Dad. I''ll be free this weekend," Noah replied, nodding thoughtfully. "I''ve also been thinking about getting our machine copyrighted. It''s crucial we secure our trademark, just in case anyone tries to pull any funny business."


    David smiled proudly. "You''re always thinking ahead. That''s my son."


    Noah continued, "I also want you to be the only one handling the tea leaves. No one else will be involved in that process; they''ll all be front-of-house or handling sales. I want to keep our tea-making methods a closely guarded secret."


    Dinner passed infortable conversation, Noahughing at Emily''s stories from school and sharing little bits about his day, carefully leaving out any mention of theplexities he''d dealt with earlier. When the tes were empty, he stood up, giving each of them a goodnight hug. "Goodnight, Mom. Goodnight, Dad. I''ll see you all in the morning," he said, warmth in his voice.


    "Goodnight, sweetheart," Caroline replied, smiling as she watched him head toward his room.


    Once there, Noah took a long, hot shower, letting the steam wrap around him.


    Afterwards, he pulled on afortable shirt, climbed into bed, and let his head sink into the pillow. He then remembered the promise he''d made to Aiden and grabbed the new iPhone 15 Pro Max, cing it in his bag so he wouldn''t forget to give it to him tomorrow.


    As his eyes closed, he took a final breath, letting his consciousness slip away.


    As the morning sun filtered through the windows, Noah stretched, shaking off thest remnants of sleep. He quickly ran through his usual routine¡ªgetting dressed, brushing his teeth, and making sure everything was in order for the day. Heading downstairs, he found his family already at the table, breakfast waiting for him.


    "Morning, Noah!" Emily chirped, a piece of toast in her hand.


    "Morning, Em," Noah replied, giving her a gentle nudge as he sat down.


    His dad looked up from his tea, smiling. "I''ll be heading out today to check out a few more spots for the teahouse. If you think of anyst-minute requirements, let me know now."


    Noah nodded, thinking it over. "Actually, just make sure it has a decent amount of natural light. We want a ce that feels inviting, not gloomy."


    David grinned, "That''s exactly what I''m looking for."


    Turning to his mom, he said, "Mom, remember your job interview this afternoon at An''s Gourmet, 4:30 sharp. You''re going to do great. Your cooking is honestly on another level."


    "They better like my food, otherwise they would need to check their tastebuds." "Haha, they are cooked if they don''t like it," said Noah,


    After breakfast, he gathered his bag, ruffled Emily''s hair onest time, and said, "Come on, Emily. Let''s get moving."


    She hopped off her chair, waving goodbye to their parents. "Bye, Mom! Bye, Dad! Good luck, Mom!"


    David called out after them, "Have a good day, you two. And Noah, take care of your sister!"


    Arriving at her elementary school Noah, checked in with her for the final time.


    "Alright, Em. You''re all set?" n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    She nodded. "Yup! Thanks, brother. You''ll be there for my art show next week, right?"


    "Wouldn''t miss it for the world," he replied, giving her a thumbs-up. "Go make some cool stuff."


    She grinned and jogged off, waving as she disappeared into the school building.


    After making sure she was safely inside, Noah made his way to his own school,


    As Noah settled into his seat for math ss, Ms. ra began her lecture. He let his mind wander, asionally ncing at theic hidden under his notebook. It was an action-packed series he had been following, and he found himself chuckling quietly at a particrly funny panel.


    But after a while, he noticed something unusual. Lily, was shifting in her seat, her usuallyposed face showing subtle signs of difort.


    Her jaw clenched now and then, and she ced a hand on her stomach, her expression faltering just slightly. Most people might have missed these small details, but Noah, saw through it.


    She''s in pain, he realized, recalling the symptoms from his intermediate miracle-doctor skills. He had knowledge about most health conditions, and it was clear that she was dealing with period cramps. They seemed severe, too¡ªshe was pressing her hand harder against her stomach, trying to hide the difort.


    Just then, the bell rang.


    [Ding! Ultimate Choice System has activated!]


    In his mind, three options shed before him.


    Option 1: Help the ice-cold beauty. She will be thankful to you.


    [Reward: Basic-Magical Period Pain Reliever Manual, Lily +5 favorability]


    Option 2: Offer the ice-cold beauty a hot drink.


    [Reward: Lily +1 favorability]


    Option 3: Ignore her pain.


    [Reward: Nothing]


    His eyes lit up, particrly at the first option. The manual has the word ''magical'' in it, he thought. If it''s anything like the Tea Leaf manual I got, this could be game-changing. He saw the possibilities unfold.


    If he could produce a product that genuinely helped with period pain, the potential market would be immense. He had struck gold, all thanks to this seemingly normal moment in math ss.


    Noah''s gaze fell back on Lily, who was struggling to gather her things as she prepared to head to her next ss. He noticed the faint sheen of sweat on her forehead, and he knew the cramps must be getting to her. Standing up, he stepped beside her and leaned in slightly.


    "Want some help?" he asked, his tone soft and sincere.


    Lily''s head shot up, her piercing gaze meeting his. She seemed taken aback as if she wasn''t used to people noticing her difort¡ªlet alone offering to help. For a moment, there was a flicker of vulnerability in her eyes. She hesitated, her lips parting slightly, before nodding.


    "Thank you," she whispered, her voice so quiet it was almost lost in the noise of the students around them. Noah gave her a reassuring smile as he extended his arm for her to steady herself. She took it, leaning on him just enough to ease the strain.


    They walked down the hall together, catching the attention of nearly everyone who passed by.


    "Noah''s got some moves," a student muttered from behind them, nudging his friend. "First, he tops the exams, and now he''s walking with the school belle."


    Another boy groaned, staring after them with envy. "If only I were that close to her. I''d settle for being his arm, honestly¡­"


    Noah ignored the whispers and sidements, staying focused on helping Lily make it to her next ss.


    He felt her grip on his arm tighten slightly as they moved, and he slowed his pace to amodate her.


    He could see her tension easing, and a faint blush crept onto her cheeks as they approached her ssroom.


    Once there, he guided her to her seat, making sure she was settled before stepping back. She looked up at him, a hint of something softer than her usual cold expression in her eyes.


    "Thank you," she said, this time a little louder. There was a warmth in her gaze now, though she quickly looked away, clearly ufortable with her own vulnerability.


    "Anytime," Noah replied with a grin, giving her a nod before stepping out of the room.


    As soon as he was out in the hall, Noah decided to check the system for the reward.


    He was eager to see what the Basic-Magical Period Pain Reliever Manual contained. He opened the interface in his mind, and the text began appearing.


    [Basic-Magical Period Pain Reliever Manual: This manual ...]


    Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!


    Risaliyah


    Creator''s Thought

 Chapter 71 Let The Game Begin!

    71 Let The Game Begin!


    [Basic-Magical Period Pain Reliever Manual: This manual is every woman''s dream. Removes pain of intense period cramps within a minute.]


    Effect:


    > +1 Pain Relief


    > +1 Taste


    "Let''s see what else it has in store." Noah thought as he pressed on the manual icon in the inventory.


    > Purchase pills: 1$ / 7 pill pack.


    > Purchase machine: $2,000 (Automatically turns pill powder into pills)


    > Purchase Pill powder: 100$/ 1kg (makes 5,000 pills) Noah nced at the screen in front of him, studying the details of the [Basic-Magical Period Pain Reliever Manual] that had just popped up.


    His eyes sparkled as he read the information. He could purchase a single 7-pill pack for only $1, and the powder itself cost $100 per kilogram, enough to make a whopping 5,000 pills. This wasn''t just an opportunity¡ªit was a goldmine.


    With a smirk, he muttered to himself, " I could purchase 100 Kilograms which makes 500,000 pills... That couldst ages. And the market potential..." He trailed off, already envisioning a warehouse stocked with pill powder and machines whirring away to churn out the small miracle tablets.


    But he pushed therger n to the back of his mind for now. He needed to focus on the present moment. He had to give Lily the pill.


    "I can''t keep her in pain, especially when she gave me such an opportunity." He thought, Stepping over to a nearby vending machine.


    He fished out a dor and purchased a bottle of water. Then, using the manual''s function, he bought a 7-pill pack and tucked it into his pocket. With everything in hand, he headed back to the ssroom.


    Reaching the row where Lily sat, he nced at the girl beside her. "Mind if I sit here for a moment?" he asked, offering a polite smile.


    Her eyes widened a bit, but she quickly gathered her things and slid into a different seat, her cheeks pink from the unexpected interaction. "Of course, take it," she mumbled, sneaking another nce at him as she moved away.


    Noah sat down beside Lily, who was visibly ufortable, pain etched on her usuallyposed face. He took out the pill pack and water bottle, cing them on her desk with a slight nudge. "Here, take one of these with the water," he said quietly, not wanting to draw attention.


    "What''s this for?" she asked, a hint of curiosity in her voice.


    He leaned in a bit closer, lowering his voice even more. "For the cramps," he murmured, his tone gentle but direct.


    A small flush rose to her cheeks, and she nodded, slowly opening the pack. Swallowing one pill with the water, she braced herself for more difort. But to her surprise, within a minute, the pain seemed to melt away, leaving her with a calm warmth spreading through her body.


    She let out a small, involuntary sigh of relief.


    Her eyes widened in astonishment, and she nced back at Noah, who was watching her reaction with an amused expression. "I want¡­" she whispered, trailing off as she looked at the pack.


    Noah raised an eyebrow, holding the remaining pills just out of reach. "Want what?" he asked, feigning ignorance with a mischievous glint in his eyes.


    Lily pointed at the pill pack, her gaze unwavering. "Those. They actually¡­ work. Can I have them?"


    With a light chuckle, he handed the pack over to her. "They''re yours. Take them."


    She hesitated, then nodded, still clearly surprised. "Where did you even find these?"


    He leaned back, giving her a yful, almost conspiratorial smile. "That, my dear Lily, is a secret," he replied, enjoying her puzzled expression. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    She paused for a second then turned to face the teacher, but not without onest nce at him. As he left the ssroom, he couldn''t help but feel a thrill of satisfaction.


    If anyone thought he was simply just helping a ssmate then they were mistaken, only he knew the full potential of what he''d just set in motion.


    With the pill pack now in Lily''s possession, he knew he''d just taken his first step into a world of possibilities.


    Noah leaned casually against the wall of a deserted staircase, the echoes of students down the stairs fading into a quiet hum as he let his thoughts wander.


    He slipped his hands into his pockets, his face calm, almost unreadable, as he muttered to himself, "With that pill pack in Lily''s possession, I''ll be able to find out two things."


    He let the statement hang in the air, rolling it over in his mind, every wordced with a specific purpose.


    He''d learned early on that small, seemingly insignificant actions could ripple outward, creating waves that were anything but idental.


    This was one of those times. He knew that Lily wouldn''t hesitate to show the pill to her parents¡ªpeople like her were smart, and she would no doubt talk about her ''ssmate'' who gave her a miraculous pill with no market.


    Lily''s family wasn''t just wealthy; they were powerful, with the kind of connections that could make or break a person''s influence in the city. They would soon hear about the pill and realize it was no ordinary pain reliever.


    That was where Noah''s real test began.


    In his mind, he could already picture the scenarios ying out, each with its own set of implications.


    He chuckled under his breath, the faintest shadow of a smile ying at the corners of his mouth. "The first thing they''ll try to do is crack the code¡ªtry to reverse-engineer the pill and create it for themselves. But that''s not going to work. The pill''sposition is fundamentally different, something beyond their chemists'' understanding."


    He knew the System-produced powder was more than just a mix of ingredients. It was something inherently otherworldly, the kind of material that defied ordinary science.


    If they attempted to decode it, they''d inevitably fail, faced with its impossible chemical structure. And when they failed, he could imagine the frustration building, pushing them to seek him out, but likely with an underlying resentment.


    They would probably try to broker a deal under the guise of partnership, but Noah knew better. They''d be looking for a way to use him until they could replicate it, to ultimately discard him when he was no longer necessary.


    Noah''s gaze sharpened, a glint of ice in his eyes as he leaned forward, his voice dropping even lower, "If they approach me with that intention, then they''re out. I don''t need underlings who see me as expendable. They''ll just be deadweight, liable to betray me at the first chance they get."


    He paused, considering the other side of his scheme. The second possibility¡ªand the one he anticipated¡ªwas that they''d recognize the pill as an irreceable asset and would reach out to him sooner rather thanter.


    "A family with the kind of business acumen and foresight that Lily''s had wouldn''t waste time."


    They''d know that hesitation meant missed opportunity. Noah smirked, his fingers absently tracing the edge of his phone in his pocket.


    "They''ll likely contact me by tomorrow evening. They''ll see this pill for what it is: a golden opportunity, one they won''t want to miss out on. If they''re smart, they''ll approach me sincerely, wanting to get in early and secure exclusivity."


    If they reached out with genuine interest, not trying to undermine him, then he''d know they were serious about working together. And if they proved themselves loyal, then perhaps, he mused, they''d have a ce in his ns. But if they even hinted at treating him as a temporary asset, then he''d discard them without a second thought.


    The thrill of it all danced in his mind, theplexities of each option weaving together like pieces on a chessboard. He''d known from the moment he received the reward that its true value wasn''t in the pill itself, but in how he used it.


    The system''s gifts were only as powerful as the person wielding them. Anyone else might have taken the pill at face value, a simple pain reliever in an empty market.


    But he saw a web of influence stretching out before him, a chance to draw people in, test their loyalties, and gauge their personality.


    "After all," he whispered to himself, the words almost inaudible, "the system gives you tools, but it''s up to you to build the empire."


    A small, wicked grin tugged at his lips. His eyes flickered, steely and focused, as he let the words slip quietly but with enough weight that air seemed to freeze.


    "Let the game¡­ begin."


    The smile yed on his lips as he pushed himself from the wall. He then turned and disappeared down the staircase, leaving only the echo of his footsteps as a chilling reminder of what was toe.


    And somewhere, in the quiet shadows, it felt as if the world itself was holding its breath, waiting to see what Noah would do next.

 Chapter 72 Intermediate Marketing Skills

    72 Intermediate Marketing Skills


    The school day went by slowly, and soon enough lunchtime arrived.


    Noah slung his backpack off one shoulder, letting it fall with a casual thud on the lunch table. He leaned forward, grinning as he pulled out a sleek, brand-new box and held it out toward Aiden. "Got something for you," he said, his voice full of yful mischief.


    Aiden''s eyes widened, his face lighting up as he saw the box in Noah''s hand. "No way," he mumbled, cheeks still puffed out with a mouthful of chicken wings. He quickly swallowed, barely chewing. "You got it?"


    Noah chuckled, nodding. "Here you go, the long-promised iPhone 15 Pro Max," he said, handing it over, feeling relieved that he finally gave it to him.


    Aiden''s face transformed equal parts awe and disbelief as he held the box. "Bro, are you serious?" He looked at Noah, eyes wide with a mixture of admiration and excitement.


    "Yeah, yeah, don''t get too excited," Noah said with a smirk. "The iPhone 16 is about to drop soon. AI and everything. So don''t go thinking you''re hot stuff with an outdated phone."


    Aiden stared at him, then rolled his eyes, shaking his head. "You''re acting like a spoiled second-gen billionaire or something." He let out augh, then grinned, leaning forward conspiratorially. "I mean, you just handed me an iPhone 15 Pro Max like it''s nothing. And you want me to not be happy?"


    Noah shrugged nonchntly. "Hey, you need it for the YouTube channel, don''t you? Just saying, don''t get toofortable." He shed a half-smile.


    Aiden shook his head with a mock sigh, "You can''t take anything for granted, so I''m blessed that you gifted me this right now."


    Aiden added, "I''m gonna use this bad boy to finally start that YouTube channel, just like you said." He paused, eyes shining.


    "Mukbang videos, man, I''m going to do mukbang. You know, I eat tons, so might as well make it worth my while, right?"


    [Ding! Ultimate Choice System has been activated!]


    He let his eyes scan the choices that shed across his mind:


    Option 1: Help Aiden film his first video, and make it go viral.


    [Reward: Intermediate Marketing Skills, Basic Cinematic Skills.]


    Option 2: Leave Aiden on his own, he can sort himself out.


    [Reward: Basic Marketing Skills.]


    Option 3: Give Aiden advice on his first video.


    Noah''s eyes sparkled as he read through the options. For him, this wasn''t even a question¡ªhe''d pick Option 1.


    [Ding! Intermediate Marketing Skills & basic Cinematic Skills Rewarded]


    After receiving the skills, Noah felt that he could film any video and make it go viral at any moment he would like. Market strategies, camera angles, and lighting angles all danced in his head creating a viral clip.


    Aiden was the one person who''d never changed, who''d never treated him any differently no matter what. That loyalty ran deep, and Noah wanted to help him seed.


    Aiden was one of the rare few that Noah, didn''t subconsciously try to take advantage of or use a chess piece.


    Noah nced at Aiden, who was looking down at the box, carefully running his fingers over the edges.


    "Hey," Noah said, "how about I help you with that first video? We can film it together, and I can help you get it out there. A bigunch, something to get everyone talking."


    Aiden''s eyes widened. "You mean it? You''d really do that? I thought you''d be too busy or something."


    Noah shrugged, leaning back in his chair. "Well, think about it. You''re good at what you do, and I''ve got a bit of experience with marketing. Plus, you''re not just some random guy¡ªI want to see you kill it out there."


    Aiden grinned, the excitement returning to his face. "All right then! We''ll do it. We''ll make a video so good, it''ll blow everyone else''s out of the water. They won''t know what hit them!"


    Noah smiled, but his mind was already running, strategizing. With the marketing skills he''d gain from this choice, he''d be able to boost Aiden''s channel in ways he couldn''t do on his own. He imagined the surge of views, the subscribers flooding in. It wouldn''t just be a video¡ªit would be a brand, a series, something with a loyal following.


    Aiden was already brainstorming out loud. "Maybe I''ll do a few spicy challenges or something huge for the first video. Maybe a gigantic bowl of ramen or something ridiculous like that. You think that''d grab attention?"


    "Hmm, It wouldn''t grab attention to be fair. We need traffic in a saturated market, and to get traffic you need to be unique, and I know exactly what you need." Noah said as a small evil smirk shed on his face.


    Aiden''s eyes gleamed as he leaned in, captivated by Noah''s idea. "So, what''re you thinking, man?"


    Noah grinned an almost wicked glint in his eye. "if you want people to watch, you need something no one''s seen before. We need a twist, something unexpected."


    Aiden tilted his head, brow furrowing. "A twist?"


    19:49


    "Exactly," Noah replied. "Something insane, over-the-top. Something that''ll have people clicking the video just to see if you can actually pull it off or something that is out of the norm


    Aiden''s grin spread excitement in his eyes. "All right, then. I''ll trust you on this. We''ll do it your way."


    Noah nodded. "Good. Let''s set this up for tomorrow. I''ve got a few things to handle today."


    "Works for me. I''m not in a rush," Aiden agreed, already plotting out his next moves in his head.


    They pped hands in a quick goodbye, then parted ways as the day went on. Eventually, thest lesson bell rang, signaling the end of sses. Noah had barely packed his bag when he saw Lily approaching him, her expression more serious than he''d ever seen. He could already guess what she wasing to talk about.


    "Noah," she said, a slight urgency in her tone, "I wanted to talk to you about something important. Are you free?"


    "Yeah, sure," he replied casually, slinging his backpack over one shoulder. "Let''s talk on the way out."


    They walked side by side, weaving through the stream of students making their way out of the building. She kept her gaze forward, almost like she was choosing her words carefully.


    "About that pill you gave me earlier," she finally said, "I told my dad about it. He asked if it had any side effects, and I wanted to check with you first." n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Noah shook his head, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Zero side effects. I can promise you that. If there''s even one, I''ll do whatever you want." His tone was confident, almost challenging, as if he were daring her to find a w.


    Lily''s eyes widened in surprise. She nodded, a hint of admiration glimmering in her gaze. "I see¡­ that makes it even more impressive. Honestly, I think it''s amazing."


    They walked in silence for a moment, then she added, "My dad wanted to know if you''d be free toe over for dinner tonight. He''d like to meet you if you''re avable."


    Noah raised an eyebrow, masking his intrigue with a thoughtful look. "So, her dad''s making his move already. That was quicker than I expected, he''s quite decisive" he mused inwardly. It was impressive¡ªthey weren''t beating around the bush.


    He nced over, pretending to consider her invitation. "I''ve got a few errands to run first, but yeah, I cane byter. Just send me your address, and I''ll let you know when I''m there."


    Lily nodded, pulling out her phone. "I''ll text you the zip code. Call me when you''re close."


    "Sounds good," Noah replied, watching her type with quick speed. They exchanged farewells, and he turned to leave, catching the whispers around him as they parted ways.


    "Damn, did you see that? Noah and Lily walking out together!"


    "He''s moving fast, huh? First, he''s helping her, now they''re practically inseparable."


    "Ah, must be nice being smart and good-looking," another muttered enviously.


    A third student sighed, shaking his head. "This is just like one of those romance mangas. I swear, life really is unfair."


    Noah tuned out their chatter, walking through the gates and making his way to his sister''s school. He arrived just as the younger kids were let out, and he spotted her bright smile as she ran up to him.


    "Noah!" she eximed, hugging him tightly. "Can we have ice cream?" she said, with her eyes wide and innocent as she pointed at the ice cream truck.


    "Of course we can," he replied, patting her head gently. "Let''s get some ice cream then head home."


    "Yay!" Arriving at the ice cream truck, the person serving asked "What vour do you want, little one."


    "I want Cookies & Cream vour, with a KitKat on top and chocte sprinkles. Make it arge cone sir, thank you!" replied Emily.


    "I will have vani ice cream," said Noah, as he handed him the cost of the cones.


    "Here you go," said the person serving, as he handed the two delicious-looking cones to Noah.


    After giving Emily her ice cream, they sat at a nearby bench to enjoy their ice cream before heading home.


    Thank you for the support! Please notify me if any improvements could be made, in thements section.


    Creation is hard, cheer me up!


    Risaliyah


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 73: Happy Occasion

    As Caroline opened the door, Emily darted forward, a bright grin on her face. "Mom, I missed you!" she said, wrapping her arms around her mother¡¯s waist.


    Caroline bent down, hugging her back. "I missed you too, honey. How was school?"


    "It was good! I even had ice cream with Noah before we came home. It was so yummy!" Emily replied, bouncing with excitement.


    Caroline chuckled, brushing a few strands of hair from Emily¡¯s face. "Well, I¡¯m d you enjoyed it. Now go wash your hands and change your clothes. We¡¯re going out today."


    Emily¡¯s face lit up as she slipped out of her shoes and dashed down the hall, her footsteps echoing up the stairs.


    Watching her, Noah nced at his mom, a small smile tugging at his lips. "You ready for the interview, Mom?"


    Caroline gave him a reassuring nod. "I am. I¡¯ve been practising recipes all week, and I feel good about this."


    "Good," Noah replied, nodding. "I¡¯ll go change too. We¡¯ll head out in a bit."


    Soon after, the family piled into the car, and they were off to An¡¯s Gourmet. Upon arriving, Noah could see the faint glimmer of recognition in the attendant¡¯s eyes. He quickly met the attendant¡¯s gaze and gave a subtle shake of his head, a silent signal to keep things low-key.


    The attendant immediately picked up on the cue, turning back to the family with a polite smile. "Good afternoon! How may I help you all?"


    "My mom here has a job interview for the chef position," Noah replied smoothly.


    The attendant nodded. "Oh, of course! Bear with me one moment. I¡¯ll get the Deputy Manager toe and speak with you." He hurried off, leaving the family standing near the entrance.


    David nced around the dining area, taking in the stylish decor and soft lighting. "This is a nice ce," hemented. "It¡¯s calm, rxing... I think you¡¯ll enjoy working here, Caroline."


    Caroline looked around, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I hope so. It¡¯s exactly the kind of ce I¡¯d love to work at."


    Noah stood by with a faint smile, watching his parents take it all in. Momentster, the Deputy Manager appeared¡ªand Noah couldn¡¯t help but smirk when he saw who it was.


    "George!" David eximed, his face breaking into a grin as he recognized Aiden¡¯s dad. "You¡¯re the Deputy Manager here? Howe you didn¡¯t mention it?"


    George nced at Noah, catching his subtle look that clearly said, Don¡¯t spill any details. George yed along, scratching the back of his head with a sheepish grin. "Well, I just started here a couple of weeks ago. Haven¡¯t had the chance to catch up with everyone yet, you know?"


    David chuckled. "Still, it¡¯s a surprise! So you¡¯ll be the one interviewing Caroline?"


    George nodded, then shot a quick nce at Noah before turning back to David. "Yep. We¡¯ll just run through a few questions and a quick cooking test. Pretty straightforward stuff."


    David pped him on the shoulder. "Thanks for helping us out, George. It¡¯s good to have neighbours like you around."


    George gave a modest smile. "No problem, David. We¡¯re practically family. Anything to help out a neighbour."


    Noah watched the exchange with an amused look. His dad, still oblivious to the reality of the situation, seemedpletely at ease. Caroline, on the other hand, looked both relieved and excited.


    "Well, let¡¯s get you started, Caroline," George said, gesturing toward the kitchen area.


    She took a deep breath, then turned to Noah and David. "Wish me luck!"


    "Good luck, Mom!" Noah said, shing a supportive smile.


    "You¡¯ve got this, Caroline!" David added, giving her an encouraging nod.


    Caroline beamed at them before following George into the back. As they watched her go, David turned to Noah with a satisfied expression. "Feels good knowing George will be overseeing things. He¡¯ll make sure it all goes smoothly."


    Noah nodded, ncing around as he rxed against the wall. "Yeah, Aiden¡¯s dad is a good guy."


    An hour passed before Caroline and George emerged from the kitchen, Caroline¡¯s face glowing with excitement and a hint of disbelief. Seeing her, David jumped up, concern and anticipation mingling in his expression.


    "How did it go?" he asked, eyes searching her face.


    Caroline broke into a wide, almost tearful smile. "I¡¯m hired, David! I got the job!" she eximed, rushing into his arms, tears slipping down her cheeks.


    David held her close, his face breaking into a grin as he gently stroked her back. "I¡¯m so proud of you, Caroline. You did it! I knew you would," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "I¡¯m so proud I could burst."


    Noah stood nearby, a smile tugging at his lips as he watched his parents. "Well done, Mom," he said, his voice warm with quiet pride.


    Caroline looked over at him, still holding onto David, her eyes bright. "Thank you, honey. Without you guys encouraging me, I wouldn¡¯t have had the confidence to even try."


    Noah gave her a small nod, his smile growing. "You¡¯ve got talent, Mom. It was only a matter of time before people recognized it."


    George cleared his throat, a smile ying on his lips as he watched the family celebrate. "Congrattions, Caroline. And David, you should know, we¡¯ve got everything squared away. The contract is signed, and Caroline¡¯s official starting sry will be $5,000 per month."


    David¡¯s jaw dropped slightly. "Five thousand?" he echoed, clearly taken aback.


    Even Emily, who had been sitting quietly nearby, widened her eyes, whispering, "That¡¯s a lot of money¡­"


    Caroline, who had already heard the news, let out a smallugh. "I know, I still can¡¯t believe it either."


    George chuckled at their reactions. "To be honest, I think that¡¯s a steal. Our head chef was really impressed, Caroline. He said he¡¯d never seen someone handle a kitchen that well on a trial run, so he insisted you be brought on as our Sous Chef, right under him. The head chef doesn¡¯t hand out titles like that lightly."


    David shook his head, clearly astounded, as he took Caroline¡¯s hands in his. "A Sous Chef? That¡¯s amazing, Caroline! You deserve every bit of it. You¡¯ve worked so hard, and now everyone else can see what I¡¯ve always known¡ªyou¡¯re extraordinary."


    Caroline¡¯s smile was soft, almost shy. "Thank you, David. I just¡­ I¡¯ve been cooking for our family for so long, I never imagined it would lead to something like this."


    George nodded with a smile. "Our head chef mentioned it too. He said you¡¯re not just a regr cook¡ªyou have a real instinct for it. It¡¯s not something you can learn; it¡¯s something you have in you, and Caroline, you definitely have it."


    David squeezed her hands, pulling her close. "See? I knew you were something special from the very start. And now, everyone else is going to see it too."


    Noah watched them, a small but sincere smile lingering on his face. He knew his mother was capable, but hearing everyone else acknowledge it felt like vindication. "Mom, you¡¯re gonna do great things here. They¡¯re lucky to have you."


    Caroline reached over and squeezed Noah¡¯s hand. "Thank you, sweetheart. This wouldn¡¯t have happened if it wasn¡¯t for your faith in me."


    George nced between them, still grinning. "Well, we¡¯re lucky to have you, Caroline. I think you¡¯re going to change the whole atmosphere here at An¡¯s Gourmet."


    Emily piped up, her eyes shining with excitement. "Mom, can wee to the restaurant and watch you cook sometimes? I want to see you in action!"


    Caroline looked at George who had a wry smile on his face. "Of course, she cane anytime she wants."


    "How could I say no to the owner¡¯s little sister, if I do I¡¯m practically asking for death" Thought George, as he looked at Noah who had a satisfied look on his face.


    Carolineughed, ruffling Emily¡¯s hair. "Seems like you can Honey,"


    David chuckled, throwing an arm around Caroline¡¯s shoulders. "Looks like we¡¯ll be regrs here from now on. And don¡¯t worry, George, we¡¯ll be discreet fans. You won¡¯t even know we¡¯re here," he said with a wink.


    Georgeughed, waving it off. "You¡¯re wee anytime."


    Caroline nced around at them, her eyes shimmering with happy tears. "Thank you, all of you. I feel like¡­ I¡¯m finally taking a step towards something that¡¯s mine."


    Noah felt satisfied and fulfilled. His mom was on the path she deserved, one that would let her shine and show her excellence. If it weren¡¯t for her constantly taking care of the family, she wouldn¡¯t have just been a house cook, but a world-ss chef and Noah wanted to rectify that and give her the opportunity she deserves.


    Leaving the restaurant after some small talk with George, Noah ordered an uber for his family home.


    "Mom, Dad you guys head home first. I was invited to dinner at a ssmate¡¯s house, I will bete today most likely," said Noah.


    "Alright son, stay safe," said David.


    After watching the Uber disappear down the street with his family inside, Noah¡¯s expression shifted, the warmth he¡¯d shown earlier slipping away as he turned back toward the restaurant.


    There were some things he needed to set in motion, and he wasn¡¯t one to waste time.

 Chapter 74: Dinner Invitation at Lily’s House

    As he walked back through the entrance, the attendant greeted him with a slight bow. "Hello, boss," he said, his tone deferential.


    Noah gave him a firm nod. "Make sure my mother never finds out I¡¯m the owner," he instructed, his voice low. "But I want her to be treated with the utmost respect. She¡¯s worked hard to get here, and no one has the right to diminish that."


    The attendant¡¯s eyes gleamed with understanding, and he nodded. "Understood, sir. And if anyone so much as whispers about her connection to you, I¡¯ll make sure you hear about it immediately. With proof, if needed."


    Noah¡¯s gaze sharpened, pleased by the man¡¯s enthusiasm. "Good," he said, slipping a hundred-dor bill into the attendant¡¯s hand. "Consider this a retainer for your hard work."


    The man¡¯s smile widened as he pocketed the tip. "Thank you, boss. I¡¯ll be your eyes and ears in this ce, rest assured."


    "Well done," Noah replied, giving him a nod. He turned on his heel and headed towards the kitchen, where George was overseeing preparations for the evening shift.


    George spotted him and offered a weing grin. "Back so soon? Did you forget something?"


    "Not exactly, Uncle," Noah replied, his expression unreadable. "I need you to announce a new rule. From now on, discussing my mother¡¯s employment here or my role as the owner is strictly forbidden. Anyone who dares to bring it up, even in private, will face immediate repercussions. I want every member of the staff to know this by the end of the day."


    George¡¯s face grew serious, nodding in agreement. "I¡¯ll handle it, Noah. I¡¯ll call a staff meeting right away, and everyone will know that talking about this is off-limits. You have my word."


    Noah¡¯s lips twitched into a small, approving smile. "Thank you, Uncle. This is important to me. I need her to seed on her own merits here."


    George pped him on the shoulder. "Don¡¯t worry. We¡¯ll protect her reputation, Noah. No one will even think about stepping out of line."


    "Good," Noah said, straightening his cor as he stepped back. "I trust you, Uncle."


    With that, he left the restaurant and made his way to the parking lot.


    Among the sea of vehicles, two cars gleamed under the roof lighting: his ck Lamborghini and the silver Lykan HyperSport.


    Noah slid into the driver¡¯s seat of his Lykan HyperSport, feeling the power of the engine rumble beneath him. He eased out of the parking lot and, before hitting the main road, tapped his phone¡¯s screen, dialling Lily.


    Lily picked up, her voice clear and bright. "Hey, Noah! You on your way?"


    "Yeah, I should be there in about an hour," he replied. "Just wanted to let you know I¡¯m on my way."


    Lily replied. "Perfect! See you soon."


    Noah smirked to himself as he nced at the GPS. Something peculiar caught his eye. Her address was nearly identical to another one he¡¯d visited recently.


    "They¡¯re neighbours?" he thought, eyebrows raised. He barely stopped himself fromughing aloud.


    "So Lily and Amelia live right next to each other¡­ this could be interesting."


    He could feel ideas sparking in his mind, one after another, ns and contingencies blooming into life with every mile he covered.


    He was only interrupted by a sneering voice from the car next to him as he zoomed down the highway.


    A Fiat Multi lumbered along in the slowne, the driver¡¯s face scrunched with envy as he caught sight of Noah¡¯s car.


    "Bet he thinks he¡¯s all that with that thing," the man muttered to himself, eyes narrowing. His greasy hair clung to his forehead, and a constetion of e dotted his face.


    "He¡¯s probably got some gorgeous blonde in the passenger seat, too. Figures. I swear, some people don¡¯t deserve what they got."


    He spat out the window as if the action itself would insult Noah, who was already too far down the highway to notice.


    "Probably some spoiled brat. Daddy¡¯s money just burning a hole in his pocket." The man leaned back, muttering under his breath as he took a grudging bite of a gas station sandwich.


    "It¡¯s the rich ones who drive like they own the whole road. Real people gotta suffer for it." He sighed, envious and resentful as he pushed his car along.


    Noah, oblivious to the man¡¯s contempt, wove skillfully between cars, feeling the thrill of speed as he approached the luxurious viplexes .


    As he pulled up, he was met by the familiar sight of towering gates and high walls. The guard at the checkpoint stepped forward, his gaze lingering on the Lykan with open admiration.


    "Good afternoon, sir," the guard said politely, his demeanour respectful. "I¡¯ll need to check the visitor list before letting you in. Could I have your name, please?"


    "Noah Thompson," he replied, voice calm, resting one hand on the wheel as he waited. He watched the guard, who appeared focused yet a little taken aback. Noah could almost read his thoughts¡ªthis wasn¡¯t a car you saw every day.


    The guard quickly checked his tablet, scrolling through the names. Within a moment, he nodded, his expression brightening as he looked back up. "Apologies for the wait, Mr. Thompson. You¡¯re indeed on the list. You¡¯re free to enter."


    "Thank you," Noah said with a nod, driving forward as the gates swung open. He caught a glimpse of the guard¡¯s continued look of awe in his rearview mirror.


    As he entered the road leading deeper into the viplex, he muttered, " It¡¯s quite convenient; she lives right next to Amelia. This can turn out to be more interesting than I thought."


    Noah slowed his Lykan HyperSport as he approached Vi No. 10, catching sight of Adam sitting outside on the veranda, his attention absorbed by a chessboard.


    Opposite him sat an older man, who, despite his stoic focus, looked visibly worn. The man¡¯s face was drawn and pale, with deep lines etched across his forehead, as if he were carrying a burden far beyond his years.


    Noah¡¯s mind immediately catalogued the symptoms, flickering through possibilities in silence.


    "He might have..." Noah thought as he rolled down the windows.

 Chapter 75: Invitation

    "He might have..." Noah thought as he rolled down the windows.


    "Good afternoon, Uncle Adam. How are you doing?"


    Adam looked up, his gaze hardening momentarily until he recognized Noah. The guards stationed nearby reacted instantly, positioning themselves protectively and raising their weapons with trained precision.


    Adam¡¯s father, though visibly weakened, lifted his head, his eyes sharp as they sized up Noah, his own military instincts likely kicking in.


    Noah held his hands up in mock surrender, a small, amused smile ying on his lips. "Whoa, easy there! I¡¯m not here to cause any trouble," he said, keeping his voice calm and rxed.


    Adam, realizing who it was, quickly gestured for the guards to stand down.


    "Lower your weapons. This is Noah," he said, waving the guards away with a hint of exasperation.


    Watching as theyplied, he muttered, "Can¡¯t take a step without you guys making a fuss."


    As the tension eased, Adam turned back to Noah, studying him for a moment.


    "Most people would be rattled," he thought, "especially after having guns pointed at them like that. But he¡¯s just sitting there as if this was nothing more than a casual stroll."


    Adam couldn¡¯t help but be impressed. He looked back up at Noah, a broad grin spreading across his face.


    "Noah! Nice to see you. Are you here to visit me?" he asked, with a small grin.


    Noah¡¯s smirk matched Adam¡¯s, and he replied with a bit of mischief in his eyes. "Yeah, actually. I¡¯m here to visit your neighbours," he said, nodding his head in the direction of Vi No. 10.


    Adam chuckled, catching onto Noah¡¯s tone. "Oh, Vi No. 10, huh? Well, that¡¯s quite the choice of neighbors," he replied with a knowing smile. "You¡¯ve got quite the range of acquaintances, it seems."


    Noah shrugged casually. "I guess you could say that," he replied. "Just following the invitations where they lead me."


    Adam raised an eyebrow, but his grin never faded. "Alright, well, I won¡¯t hold you up. But," he added, a bit more earnestly, "when you¡¯re done with your visit, swing back around here. I never got a proper chance to thank you for what you didst time."


    His father, who had been quietly observing the conversation, finally spoke up, his voice hoarse but steady. "Is this the young man you were talking about, Adam?" His eyes rested on Noah with a mixture of curiosity and what appeared to be mild respect.


    "Yeah, Dad, this is him," Adam replied, ncing at Noah with a nod. "He¡¯s the one I was telling you about. Bit of a surprise to see him here again, though."


    He shot Noah a look of amusement, but Noah could tell he was intrigued too. "You really get around, don¡¯t you?" Adam teased.


    Noahughed, his tone light. "Guess you could say that. I like to make the rounds," he replied with a grin. "I¡¯ll take you up on that offer, though. I¡¯ll swing by once I¡¯m done."


    "Sounds good," Adam said, watching Noah as he began to pull away. As Noah eased the car forward, Adam¡¯s father leaned over the chessboard and watched him, his brows furrowed thoughtfully.


    Adam¡¯s father muttered, half to himself, "He¡¯s an interesting one, that kid is driving a Lykan HyperSport. He Just can¡¯t be ordinary."


    Adam nodded, a hint of a smirk tugging at his lips.


    "Yeah, that¡¯s what I thought too. The file on his family background ims they¡¯re just regr folks, but with a car like that and the way he carries himself... something doesn¡¯t add up."


    He let his eyes linger on the back of the sleek car as it disappeared around the corner, musing over the puzzle that was Noah.


    "There¡¯s definitely more to him than meets the eye."


    As Noah pulled into the driveway of Lily¡¯s vi, he noticed that the security setup was distinctly different from Amelia¡¯s. Only two guards, and neither of them armed. He supposed it made sense¡ªLily¡¯s family was a prominent business family, while Amelia¡¯s was steeped in the military. Each had their own ways of keeping safe.


    One of the security guards approached the Lykan HyperSport with an unsure expression. "Mr. Noah?" he asked, as though confirming for himself that someone arriving in such a rare car could possibly be the person they were expecting.


    Noah gave a small smile, nodding. "That¡¯s me."


    The guard visibly rxed and gestured toward the parking area. "Please, park inside, sir," he said, ushering Noah in with a professional smile.


    Noah nodded and manoeuvred the Lykan smoothly into the driveway,


    As soon as he parked, he could see one of the guards hurriedly radioing in his arrival. A momentter, Lily and a man Noah presumed to be her father stepped out of the vi, approaching the car with curiosity and intrigue written inly across their faces.


    Lily¡¯s eyes went wide the instant she saw the HyperSport. She froze in ce, clearly struggling to process the sight.


    "Is this really Noah?" she thought, a frown of confusion knitting her brows.


    "I thought he was¡­ well, not poor, but I¡¯d never have guessed he was this wealthy. A Lykan HyperSport? There are only seven of these in the world. You can¡¯t even rent one of these things."


    She shot a quick nce at her father, whose eyes were gleaming with curiosity but seemed far less surprised.


    "Of course, he¡¯s not fazed," she realized. "He¡¯s probably already thinking about what this means for him". And indeed, her father¡¯s expression seemed to shift from surprise to something more calcted as he stared at the rare car with a subtle nod.


    Noah watched them both with an air of calm confidence. "Perfect," he thought. "They¡¯re starting to get the message."


    He stepped out of the car, giving Lily a friendly smile before turning to her father, who stepped forward to greet him.


    "Noah," Arthur Luxburg began, extending his hand. "It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you. I heard great things from my daughter about you." His tone was even, but Noah could feel the weight of his gaze as they shook hands.


    "The pleasure¡¯s mine, Mr. Luxburg," Noah replied smoothly, giving his handshake the right bnce of firmness and ease. He caught the brief look of surprise that crossed Arthur¡¯s face, and he knew he¡¯d made the right impression.


    Arthur regarded him with a thoughtful look.


    "This kid is sharp. A Lykan HyperSport? He¡¯s making it clear that he doesn¡¯t need my money." He hid a smile as he continued to study Noah, his mind racing.


    "But he wouldn¡¯t be here if he didn¡¯t have something in mind. And the fact that Lily told me he was low-middle ss means he¡¯s low-key about it, which means he¡¯s not some rich kid looking for validation. No, he¡¯s strategic." He nodded to himself. "Interesting... Very interesting indeed."


    Lily seemed to recover from her initial shock and joined the conversation. "So, Noah," she began, her voice almost hesitant, "I, uh, didn¡¯t realize you were such a car enthusiast."


    Noah turned to her with a small smile. "Well, I keep things low-key," he said, casually. "I don¡¯t like showing off."


    She gave a halfugh, ncing at her father. "Low-key? more like No-key" she thought, stealing another look at the Lykan. "This changes things."


    Arthur gestured toward the vi with a weing smile. "Come inside, Noah. We¡¯ve got dinner almost ready. I¡¯m looking forward to hearing more about you."


    Noah nodded, falling in step with them as they made their way toward the entrance. Inside, the house was immacte and luxurious, each detail carefully curated.


    He could feel the weight of Arthur¡¯s presence next to him and Lily¡¯s curious nces, both trying to gauge him, and piece together who he really was. And that¡¯s exactly how he wanted it.


    His first impression needed to be strong and effective, otherwise if he came with all his cards known including his background he would be on the defensive, with him shattering Lily¡¯s old perception of himpletely, meant everything she knew about him was unreliable, which means that it couldn¡¯t be trusted.


    As they walked, Arthur broke the silence, his voice measured. "You know, I have to admit, you caught me by surprise. Your Lykan HypeSport is quite the beauty, do you drive it around often?" He gave Noah a sideways look as if to read his reaction.


    Noah inclined his head. "Not really, I¡¯ve found that doing things quietly gets you further," he replied, matching Arthur¡¯s measured tone. "Noise tends to bring the wrong kind of attention."


    Arthur chuckled, a spark of approval in his eyes. "Wise words for someone so young. You¡¯ve piqued my curiosity, Noah. If you¡¯re anything like I¡¯m guessing, I think we¡¯ll have a very interesting evening ahead of us."


    Noah simply smiled, maintaining an air of mystery.


    "Just what I wanted." He nced at Lily, who was watching him with interest, her earlier years-long view of him shattered. Noah knew the revtion of wealth he¡¯d made was strong, and now he could steer the evening¡¯s conversation exactly where he needed it to go.


    "Shall we?" Arthur gestured toward the dining room with a sense of finality, as if the evening had already been set in motion by unseen forces.


    With a nod, Noah followed them both.

 Chapter 76: A Step Ahead

    Noah took a seat as Arthur gestured toward the grand living room¡¯s plush armchair. Just then, a maid brought in a delicate tray of appetizers, each small bite a perfectly crafted disy of culinary art. Arthur smiled as he noticed Noah¡¯s curious nce at the spread.


    "I hope the food suits your taste," Arthur said, his tone warm but observant, his eyes keen on Noah¡¯s reaction.


    Noah picked up a canap¨¦, taking a small, appreciative bite. He swallowed and replied with a polite smile, "I¡¯m sure it will. This is already quite impressive."


    The two chatted lightly over their appetizers, each taking the measure of the other through small talk, like the early moves in a game of chess. As thest of the tes were cleared, Arthur leaned back, looking Noah directly in the eyes.


    "So, what did you think of the food? I want your honest opinion¡ªno ttery," he said, a slight smirk touching the corner of his mouth, as if daring Noah to speak freely.


    Noah set his fork down, his expression was sincere. "It was fantastic, really. I¡¯m honest when ites to my stomach." He chuckled lightly, watching as Arthur joined him, visibly rxing.


    "That¡¯s good to hear." Arthur nodded approvingly. "Well then, would you like some tea to follow up?"


    Noah¡¯s eyes glimmered with a spark of mischief. "Only if I can provide it," he replied, his voice tinged with a hint of intrigue.


    Arthur raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "You carry tea with you?" he asked, his scepticism softened by curiosity.


    With a subtle grin, Noah reached into his wallet, ying up the drama of the moment. Slowly, he pulled out a small, elegant pouch containing some tea leaves, the simple yet exquisite design hinting at something rare.


    Arthur leaned forward, taking in the sight of the package. "I haven¡¯t seen this brand before, but it certainly looks¡­ luxurious."


    Noah nodded. "It¡¯s a new blend from mypany. We¡¯re nning to open a teahouse soon, and if you enjoy this, I¡¯d be nice to have you as a guest for the grand opening."


    Arthur¡¯s eyebrows lifted a fraction, and he called for a maid to brew the tea. As they waited, a fragrant aroma filled the room, carrying subtle hints of floral and earthy tones that drew both Arthur and Lily¡¯s attention.


    Arthur¡¯s sceptical expression softened, reced with a genuine look of interest. He took a deep breath, closing his eyes briefly, letting the scent sink in.


    "This is¡­ quite something," he murmured, his eyes shing with a new level of respect as he looked back at Noah. "I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever smelled a tea quite like this before. Is it all natural?"


    Noah gave a knowing smile. "You¡¯ll find out once you taste it."


    Arthur¡¯s intrigue grew as the tea finished brewing. He nced over at his daughter, who seemed equally captivated by the unfolding mystery. Lily was observing Noah closely, as if reassessing everything she thought she knew about him. Who is this guy? she thought, silently marveling at the confident ease with which he operated.


    When the tea was poured, Arthur took a cautious sip. His eyes widened, and he took another sip, then another, each taste revealingyers ofplexity that he hadn¡¯t expected. He ced the cup down, looking at Noah with unabashed surprise.


    "This is unlike anything I¡¯ve ever tasted," Arthur said, shaking his head slightly. "It¡¯s refined, but with a depth that¡¯s¡­ unmatched. I¡¯ve had some of the most exclusive teas, but this¡ªthis is in a league of its own."


    Noah smiled, leaning back as he watched Arthur absorb the experience. "I¡¯m d you enjoyed it. We¡¯re not nning to go mass-market with it, but I believe that quality like this should be avable to those who truly appreciate it."


    Arthur¡¯s eyes gleamed, a hint ofpetitive fire shing through them. "Noah, this tea has potential. I¡¯m certain that production is limited¡­ but I¡¯d like to secure some of the first batches for myself. Would you be willing to do me a favor?"


    Noah¡¯s grin broadened, his eyes sharp. "What if I told you there¡¯s no production limit?"


    Arthur frowned slightly, disbelief shadowing his expression. "Impossible. Tea of this caliber can¡¯t be mass-produced."


    "Mine can," Noah replied, his voice confident yet calm.


    Arthur leaned forward, clearly intrigued. "Then let¡¯s talk about an investment. I don¡¯t want to miss out on something so unique."


    "We can discuss that, of course," Noah replied, nodding. "But maybe another time. I have a feeling there¡¯s something else on your mind tonight."


    Arthur¡¯s surprise was momentary, but then he rxed, a smile ying on his lips. "This boy," he thought, "he isn¡¯t simple."


    Arthur¡¯s gaze sharpened, his interest in as he continued, "I¡¯ll be direct. The pain reliever you gave Lily¡ªit¡¯s unlike anything I¡¯ve seen before. In fact, I had my sights on the pharmaceutical industry some time ago, but the challenge was always finding something revolutionary, something that would shake up the market. And this pill you¡¯ve created¡­ it does exactly that.


    There¡¯s nothing out there even remotelyparable."


    He leaned forward, his tone taking on a note of urgency. "Is this from yourpany as well, Noah?"


    Noah nodded, his lips curving into a faint smile. "Yes," he replied, his voice steady. "It¡¯s one of ourtest developments."


    Arthur took a moment, studying him closely. "Lily¡¯s experience has shown no short-term side effects, but you know as well as I do that pharmaceutical products require rigorous testing. This one¡ªwell, it needs that official stamp of approval, even if it seems wless so far. So, here¡¯s what I¡¯m proposing."


    He crossed his hands in front of him, his expression serious. "I want in on this. I¡¯m prepared to invest $10 million for a 5% share of the product. I¡¯ll handle all legal processes, clinical trials, marketing¡ªthe entire package. But the contract will only be finalized once the tests confirm its safety and effectiveness."


    Noah maintained his calm, leaning back slightly as he met Arthur¡¯s gaze, his face unreadable. For a moment, he said nothing, letting the weight of the offer sink in.


    Arthur raised an eyebrow, waiting for Noah¡¯s response. "Well?" he prodded gently, his voice carrying a note of curiosity.


    Noah¡¯s lips twitched upward into a small smile. "Mr. Luxburg, I appreciate the offer, but I need some time to think it through," he said, pausing deliberately. "If the tests are sessful, then we could talk more about it, what do you think."


    Arthur nodded slowly, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the arm of the chair as he weighed his options. He let the silence stretch, watching as Noah¡¯s eyes flickered with curiosity.


    Finally, he spoke, his tone even, yetyered with meaning. "Alright, Mr. Noah, let¡¯s discuss it further once we have those results. After all, a wise investor knows not to buy into potential alone, but to see the proof in hand."


    They exchanged a lingering nce, an unspoken understanding passing between them. Each man measured the other, silently recognizing the stakes¡ªand the opportunity.


    As Noah climbed into the sleek Lykan HyperSport, he took a moment to nce back at Arthur¡¯s vi, a faint, satisfied smirk ying on his lips. "Arthur Luxburg is now in my grasp," he thought.


    "He thinks he¡¯s making the smart move, but he has no idea how deep the waters truly run."


    He turned the ignition, the engine roaring to life with a low, powerful growl, and shifted into gear. Pulling away from the vi, he kept his eyes forward, yet his mind was already working on his next steps.


    "Now with him testing the pill, he will realise a few things which will give me the upper hand; first being that he cannot replicate it, and the fact that there are no side effects at all," muttered Noah.


    "Talk is cheap after all, even if I told him it wouldn¡¯t have mattered. Because to some people, seeing is believing."


    Inside the vi, Arthur watched Noah¡¯s taillights fade into the distance before turning back to Lily, a thoughtful frown on his face. "Lily, this kid is nothing like you described. It¡¯s as if you don¡¯t even know him. The Noah you told me about¡ªit¡¯s almost like you¡¯re meeting him for the first time yourself."


    Lily nodded, biting her lip as she looked away, her arms crossed. "I know, Dad. That¡¯s exactly what makes him so unnerving. Every single thing I thought I knew about him feels like a lie. Who knows what he¡¯s hiding? What we know now could be just anotheryer.


    There might be so much more he hasn¡¯t shown us."


    Arthur sighed, a heavy expression settling on his face. "You¡¯re right, Lily. A person like Noah¡­ someone with that level of confidence andposure, and driving a Lykan HyperSport, no less¡­ he¡¯s the kind who always has a trump card. He wouldn¡¯t reveal his hand unless he knew he¡¯d already won."


    Lily looked at her father, worry flickering in her eyes. "So what are you nning to do about him? I mean, are you still thinking of going into business with him?"


    Arthur considered her question, his eyes narrowing slightly as he crossed his arms. "I am. But I¡¯ll be careful. He might be manipting the situation, but there¡¯s no denying he¡¯s valuable¡ªand if he¡¯s as well-connected as he appears, being aligned with him could bring us a great deal of sess."


    Lily nodded slowly, feeling the weight of her father¡¯s words. "But Dad doesn¡¯t see it all," she thought, ncing out the window.


    "I have a feeling that Noah, has a way of always staying one step ahead." she felt a weird but soothing feeling near her heart.

 Chapter 77: The old man is playing games

    Lily nodded slowly, feeling the weight of her father¡¯s words. But Dad doesn¡¯t see it all, she thought, ncing out the window, and I have a feeling Noah has a way of always staying one step ahead.


    Meanwhile, Noah shifted the car into high gear, heading toward Amelia¡¯s house. He had promised Adam he¡¯d drop by after dinner with their neighbour, Arthur.


    "Adam has his own set of curiosities," Noah thought, his gaze focused on the road ahead.


    "He¡¯s a military man. He probably already suspects that I¡¯m not showing everything, so his curiosity is going to keep him close."


    As he drove, Noah¡¯s thoughts drifted back to the moment he¡¯d seen Arthur¡¯s curiosity deepen over that tea.


    "For a person like Arthur, you need to show him enough to keep him interested. But you also need to dose it correctly, otherwise an underdose or an overdose will make him restless."


    Approaching Amelia¡¯s vi, Noah slowed as he neared the familiar security checkpoint. The guards, recognizing him from earlier, nodded in acknowledgement, one of them stepping forward.


    "Wee back, Mr. Thompson," the guard said with a respectful tone.


    "General Adam mentioned you¡¯d being by. He¡¯s expecting you."


    "Thank you," Noah replied, his voice calm and warm. He manoeuvred the car smoothly past the checkpoint, parking just outside the vi¡¯s grand entrance.


    Before stepping out, he took a breath, adjusting his jacket.


    Adam greeted him at the door, a pleased expression on his face. "Noah," he said, extending a hand.


    "d you dropped by. Amelia and I were just talking about you, actually," Adam said, standing at the doorway with a weing grin, shaking Noah¡¯s hand firmly.


    Noah raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Bad or good?"


    Adam chuckled. "Good, of course! Come inside, it¡¯s chilly out here."


    As they stepped into the living room, Amelia was seated next to her mother, Carmi. Amelia gave Noah a polite nod, but there was a flicker of curiosity in her eyes.


    "Noah, it¡¯s nice to see you again," Carmi greeted him warmly. "How are you doing?"


    "Good evening, Mrs. Carmi," Noah replied with a small smile. "I¡¯m doing well, thanks. And yourself?"


    "I¡¯m well, thank you. I hope your visit will be more peaceful this time," she added with a light chuckle, ncing at Adam.


    Adam scratched the back of his neck, an apologetic smile forming. "Yeah, aboutst time... sorry again for the chaos."


    "My dad¡¯s health has been getting worse, and the doctors haven¡¯t been able to figure out what¡¯s wrong. They¡¯re saying it might be old age, or maybe even something new, something they¡¯ve never seen before."


    Adam sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It¡¯s been hard on all of us. But, enough of that for now. I saw that beauty outside ¡ª a Lykan Hypersport, Did you just get it?"


    Before Noah could respond, a familiar chime echoed in his mind.


    [Ding! The Ultimate Choice System has been activated!]


    Option 1: Diagnose the old man, and cure him.


    [Reward: Intermediate Soldier-King skills & 1 Miracle Pill & Amelia +10 affection.]


    Option 2: Wish the old man good health, and mind your business.


    [Reward: A Random Car.]


    Option 3: Skillfully avoid the topic.


    [Reward: $1,000,000.]


    Noah¡¯s mind raced as he weighed his options. It didn¡¯t take long to choose. Option 1 offered more than just skills; it provided a strong connection and he knew how valuable that could be for his uing ns.


    "It¡¯s time to move to the next step." He thought silently, as he stared at Adam.


    [Intermediate Soldier-King skills are Rewarded!]


    Feeling the amount of experience and knowledge gained, Noah felt that his previous self was just a newbie in the field.


    His upgraded skill provided him with knowledge of thetest military inventions, including tanks, military nes and guns. He could now operate any of them at an expert level with ease.


    "I now have a headshot uracy of 97%, across all weapons."


    "I¡¯ve actually had the Lykan for about a week now," Noah said casually. "It¡¯s a nice car."


    Adam¡¯s curiosity piqued, and he seemed ready to dig deeper. Noah, sensing where the conversation was heading, decided to take control of the situation.


    "Talking about the old man¡¯s health, I couldn¡¯t help but notice him earlier," Noah began, steering the topic in a new direction.


    "His face looked pale, almost as if he was dealing with some underlying symptoms. Would it be right that he¡¯s been experiencing dizziness in the mornings? Maybe shortness of breath?"


    "Is he also experiencing itchiness near the armpit area spanning towards his Latissimus dorsi?"


    Adam¡¯s eyes widened in surprise.


    "How did you¡ª? Did Amelia tell you?"


    Amelia, just as shocked, shook her head quickly. "No, I haven¡¯t told anyone. How could you know all that?"


    Carmi¡¯s eyes narrowed, her polite demeanour giving way to deep concern. "Noah, that¡¯s exactly right. Those are his symptoms. Do you know the illness?"


    Noah smiled gently. "I think I have a clue."


    Adam leaned forward, hope flickering in his eyes. "You mean, you might know what¡¯s causing this?"


    Noah gave a small nod. "It¡¯s possible. I¡¯d need to see him to be sure, though."


    Adam didn¡¯t hesitate. "Absolutely, let¡¯s go. Follow me."


    Carmi, who had been silently observing the conversation, turned to Noah as they stood up. "Noah, if you really know something... please, we¡¯d be grateful for any help you can offer."


    Noah nodded. "I¡¯ll do what I can."


    As Adam led Noah up the stairs, Amelia watched them go, muttering softly to herself. "He wasn¡¯t just being polite before... he actually knows something."


    Reaching the top of the stairs, Adam stopped in front of his father¡¯s room and turned to Noah. "I have to say, I wasn¡¯t expecting this. But if you can help him, I¡¯d be eternally grateful."


    Noah met Adam¡¯s gaze, his voice calm yet confident. "Let¡¯s see what we¡¯re dealing with first."


    Adam led Noah into the room where the old many, his frail body barely moving under the thick nkets. His face was pale, ashen even, and his breathing was shallow. It was clear that his symptoms had worsened since Noahst saw him. The sight stirred a strange mix of urgency and calm focus in Noah¡¯s mind.


    "He only stays awake for a few hours these days," Adam said quietly, his voice heavy with concern. "I didn¡¯t want him out on the balcony earlier, but he insisted. He loves ying chess. I was afraid his condition might worsen¡­ and it looks like I was right."


    Noah nodded, his expression serious as he moved closer to the old man. He studied him for a few moments, his mind racing through the possibilities, but something nagged at the back of his mind.


    His Intermediate Miracle-Doctor skills and knowledge were kicking in, filling his thoughts with medical insights. He was almost certain of the diagnosis, but just as he was about to confirm it, a rapid beeping from the medical reader interrupted his thoughts.


    The old man¡¯s heart rate was plummeting.


    "What¡¯s wrong? What¡¯s happening?!" Amelia¡¯s voice was sharp,ced with panic. Her usualposed demeanor had shattered in an instant as fear overtook her.


    Adam and Carmi rushed forward, both looking at Noah with wide, terrified eyes. "Noah? What¡¯s going on?" Adam¡¯s voice cracked with panic.


    Noah¡¯s eyes darted to the monitor, reading the numbers. The old man¡¯s heartbeats were dangerously low. "His heart rate is dropping fast. We¡¯re losing him." Noah¡¯s voice remained calm, but the urgency in his movements betrayed his cool exterior.


    "Is there a defibritor here?" Noah asked quickly, ncing at Adam.


    "No, we don¡¯t have one here!" Adam eximed, his voice thick with dread. "The doctor brings it during his visits! He didn¡¯t leave it here."


    Noah¡¯s eyes darkened. "What kind of doctor doesn¡¯t leave a defibritor with a patient this critical?" He cursed under his breath, frustration shing across his face as he unbuttoned the old man¡¯s shirt.


    Noah¡¯s hands pressed against the old man¡¯s chest, performing CPR with steady, rhythmicpressions. His movements were precise, almost mechanical, as he fought to restart the old man¡¯s failing heart.


    Amelia¡¯s voice cracked with fear. "Noah, is he going to make it? What¡¯s happening?"


    "I¡¯m doing what I can," Noah muttered through clenched teeth. "His heart¡¯s failing!"


    The monitor¡¯s beeping became more erratic, each pulse weaker than thest. "Come on,e on!" Noah growled under his breath, his hands pushing down on the old man¡¯s chest in a desperate effort to get the heart pumping again.


    "You can¡¯t die on me now, old man. Not right after I got involved. Stop ying games with me"


    The room was thick with tension. Adam looked like he was going to copse from the stress, his face drained of all colour as he watched Noah work. Carmi was gripping Amelia¡¯s arm so tightly her knuckles turned white. Amelia, standing next to her, could barely hold back the tears welling up in her eyes.


    Suddenly, footsteps thundered down the hallway. A man rushed into the room, his white coat pping behind him. It was Dr. Ray, the family¡¯s primary physician. His face twisted with panic as he took in the scene.


    "Adam, what¡¯s going on?! I heard the monitor rm!" Dr Ray asked, his eyesnding on Noah, who was in the middle of giving chestpressions. "Who is this kid? Move aside, now!"


    Dr. Ray lunged toward Noah, but Noah didn¡¯t budge. His hands kept pressing rhythmically on the old man¡¯s chest, his expression focused.


    "Move!" Dr. Ray barked again, trying to shove Noah aside. "You¡¯ll only make it worse!"


    Noah didn¡¯t flinch, his voice dangerously calm as he spoke through gritted teeth. "I know what I¡¯m doing. Back off until I stabilize him."


    Adam scared out of his mind, decided to trust the professional doctor at this critical junction. He held out a hand, stopping Dr. Ray. "Noah, please let him work."


    Dr Ray looked incredulous, his jaw clenching in frustration. "This kid, he is trying to kill the old man!"

 Chapter 78: Abnormal Highschooler

    Adam scared out of his mind, decided to trust the professional doctor at this critical junction. He held out a hand, stopping Dr. Ray. "Noah, please let him work."


    Dr. Ray looked incredulous, his jaw clenching in frustration. "This kid... he¡¯s trying to kill the old man!" His voice was sharp, bordering on panic. Without hesitation, he lunged to move Noah away, but he met a resistance he hadn¡¯t expected. Noah stood like a wall, unmoved, his focus unbreakable.


    "Security,e in here and move this guy!" Dr. Ray shouted, his frustration boiling over as he waved at the door, summoning help.


    Amelia and Carmi, standing on the edge of the room, were too shocked to react. Fear gripped them both, freezing them in ce as they watched the unfolding chaos.


    Noah¡¯s cold voice sliced through the tension without even turning around. "Mr. Adam, I will tell you one thing: if I stop treating the old man for even a second, he will die."


    "Choose your next action very carefully," he said as he spared Adam a cold nce.


    Adam took a step back, sweat forming on his brow. That nce Noah gave him¡ªit wasn¡¯t the look of a mere high schooler. It was the look of someone withplete control.


    "This guy... he¡¯s not normal," Adam thought, feeling a chill run down his spine.


    Still stunned by the intimidation radiating from Noah, Adam raised a trembling hand. "Dr. Ray," he said, his voice quiet but firm, "Do as Mr. Noah says. You will be responsible for disobeying military orders if anything happens. Your punishment will be severe."


    Hearing this, Dr. Ray fell silent, his defiance crumbling under the weight of Adam¡¯s words. He looked at Noah once more, a mixture of resentment and reluctant acknowledgment settling in. His eyes followed the young man¡¯s hands, watching his movements. And as much as he hated to admit it, Noah¡¯s technique was wless. The rhythm, the precision¡ªit was as if the boy had been doing this for decades.


    A few tense secondster, the old man¡¯s heart rate began to stabilize. The beeping from the monitor evened out, and everyone exhaled a collective sigh of relief.


    Noah, however, didn¡¯t rx. His eyes were still sharp, still focused. "What are you all doing?" he asked, his voice cold and calm. "I¡¯ve only dyed the inevitable. If we don¡¯t act fast, he won¡¯t make it."


    He turned to Amelia, who handed him a pen without hesitation. Noah scribbled a list with quick strokes: "100-year-old ginseng, ck seed oil,..., I need a cauldron and acupuncture needles too."


    Adam, without missing a beat, grabbed his phone and made a series of rapid calls. "Get everything on this list, now. I expect it within 15 minutes."


    Amelia looked at Noah, her eyes filled with warmth. She was thankful to Noah, he had saved her and now he was saving her grand dad.


    "He is really different from anyone I¡¯ve ever met." she muttered, as she stared at his focused face.


    "He is more handsome when he is focused," she thought but immediately discarded the thought, as she was reminded of her granddad¡¯s condition.


    Ten minutester, the necessary herbs and supplies arrived, and the delivery team rushed to set them up in the backyard.


    Dr. Ray, still sceptical, leaned in and whispered to Adam. "Sir, are you sure you want to let him do this? This is¡ª"


    "Enough!" Adam barked. His eyes were fierce. "Just listen to him and follow his instructions. I don¡¯t want to repeat myself again. You couldn¡¯t even properly diagnose my father."


    Dr Ray clenched his fists but bit back any further protest. He nodded, stepping back as Noah tookmand once again.


    Adam led Noah to the backyard, where a fire pit had already been set up.


    He set the cauldron above the fire, his eyes scanning the ingredients onest time before beginning.


    This needs to be perfect, he thought. There wasn¡¯t any room for error.


    "First¡­ the ginseng," Noah muttered under his breath, his hands moving swiftly. The 100-year-old root felt heavy in his hands, rough and knotted from age. "This root is vital. It carries the life force of a century within it¡ªenough to reignite the old man¡¯s weakened heart."


    He sliced the root into precise pieces, each cut revealing the ginseng¡¯s potent, golden flesh. Dropping the slices into the bubbling water, the cauldron hissed, steam rising in curls, carrying the sharp scent of the herb.


    "The heat needs to stay just right. Too high and the essence burns off. Too low, and it won¡¯t release properly," Noah whispered, adjusting the mes. He nced at Adam, who watched in tense silence, while Amelia and Carmi remained frozen with anticipation.


    Next, Noah reached for the vial of ck seed oil. "This will bnce the ginseng¡¯s fiery energy," he exined to himself, his hands moving with practised precision.


    The oil poured thick and dark into the cauldron, merging with the ginseng¡¯s essence. "It soothes inmmation and will stabilize the immune system."


    "Nige sativa,monly known as ck seed oil, is a remedy highly valued across various traditional medicines. Its applications are so extensive that it has been famously described as a cure for all ailments, except death."


    The mixture bubbled gently, a deep, earthy fragrance filling the air as the herbs began to meld together.


    Now, the Spirit Grass. Noah¡¯s fingers brushed the dried, finely ground herb, his mind fully focused. "This will strengthen his body, enhancing his internal defenses. It¡¯s crucial in fighting off any lingering infection or imbnce."


    He sprinkled the Spirit Grass into the cauldron, watching as the liquid turned from a pale golden hue to a deep, rich green.


    The transformation was happening exactly as it should, and Noah could feel the potency of the mixture increasing with each step.


    The fire crackled beneath the cauldron, and Noah kept his attention on the brew, not once allowing his mind to wander. "It¡¯s almost done," he whispered, his breath visible in the cool evening air.


    "The final step¡­ is patience."


    The mixture thickened as it simmered, the herbs working together to form a powerful, life-restoring concoction. Noah¡¯s hands never left the cauldron, his eyes sharp and focused, ensuring that nothing went wrong in the critical moments ahead.


    This is it, Noah thought, his heart pounding in rhythm with the cauldron¡¯s bubbling. "I need to form the pill now before it cools too much."


    He carefully poured the thickened liquid into a bowl, cooling it just enough to work with. His fingers moved deftly, shaping the warm mixture into a small, round pill. The pill shimmered faintly in the dim light, an ethereal glowing from within it.


    Noah held it up, inspecting his work. Perfect.


    Turning to Adam, he handed over the pill. "This¡­ this will save him."


    Adam stared at the pill in awe, his hands shaking slightly as he took it. "Is it really going to work, Noah?"


    "It will," Noah said confidently. "The old man had Virelen¡¯s Veil. It¡¯s an illness that is contracted through a parasite, the parasite hides deep in the heart and is impossible to spot."


    Adam looked at him for a second then hurried back to his father¡¯s bedside, cing the pill carefully into the old man¡¯s mouth. Everyone held their breath as the seconds ticked by.


    And then¡­

 Chapter 79: The Old Man Can’t Walk

    Adam hurried back to his father¡¯s bedside, carefully cing the pill into the old man¡¯s mouth. Everyone held their breath as the seconds ticked by.


    And then¡­


    "Pfffffffttt!"


    A loud, unmistakable fart echoed through the room, breaking the tension like a popped balloon.


    Everyone¡¯s eyes widened, the seriousness of the moment shattered in an instant. All heads turned away from the old man, their shocked faces now locked on Noah.


    Adam, still processing what had just happened, hesitated before saying, "Noah, this is...?"


    Noah coughed awkwardly, his gaze shifting to the ceiling as he rubbed the back of his neck. "Ahem, well, that¡¯s just a¡­ side effect of the pill. Don¡¯t worry."


    "A side effect?" Adam asked, confused but too polite to sound skeptical.


    "Yeah, yeah," Noah continued, trying to maintain hisposure. "You see, his entire body rxed, including his¡­ bowels. So that... led to, uh..." He trailed off, waving his hand dismissively as if it were no big deal.


    Before anyone could respond, the old man suddenly coughed, startling everyone. A small, wriggling parasite flew from his mouth, hitting the floor with a faint thud.


    Noah was the only one who saw the parasite. Noah swiftly bent down and scooped up the parasite, sliding it into his inventory before anyone noticed.


    Amelia rushed to her grandfather¡¯s side, grasping his wrinkled hand in hers. "Grandpa? How are you feeling?"


    The old man blinked, his eyes slowly regaining focus.


    "I¡¯m feeling better, I suppose. But why are there so many people here? You should¡¯ve woken me up before inviting guests. Isn¡¯t that a bit rude?" he added with a teasing smile.


    The room froze for a second before bursting into relievedughter. Amelia¡¯s eyes welled up with happy tears as she leaned into her grandfather, feeling his warmth.


    Adam approached his father¡¯s bedside, his voice gentle. "Dad, your heart failed while you were asleep. We had to perform emergency first aid." His voice cracked slightly, the reality of the situation still weighing on him.


    The old man looked around the room, eyes lingering on Noah, then Dr. Ray; who stood frozen in disbelief.


    His sharp intuition kicked in, already sensing who had really saved him.


    "So, who saved me?" he asked, though the question was more of a formality than anything.


    Adam put his arm around Noah¡¯s shoulder, his gratitude evident. "This young man here, Mr. Noah. Our family cannot repay you enough. You¡¯ve saved two lives in this household."


    The old man¡¯s gaze locked onto Noah, his eyes filled with appreciation. "Thank you, Mr. Noah. If there¡¯s ever anything we can do to repay you, just let Adam know. He¡¯ll take care of it."


    Noah smiled and nodded, keeping his response simple. "I¡¯m just d you¡¯re feeling better, old man."


    Then, with a mischievous grin, Noah added, "How about we y chess?"


    Dr. Ray, standing at the edge of the room, looked dumbfounded. "He just recovered from a near-death experience, and you want him to y chess?"


    Noah didn¡¯t even spare the doctor a nce, his eyes still focused on the old man in front of him. The tension in the room shifted once again as everyone waited for the old man¡¯s response.


    A glimmer of interest sparked in the old man¡¯s eyes. He smiled, his oldpetitive nature surfacing. "I would love to y chess with my savior," he said, his voice carrying newfound strength. "Adam, help me up. Amelia, prepare the chess set."


    Adam moved to assist, but Noah raised a hand, stopping him. "No need, Mr. Adam," Noah said calmly. "I think your father can manage."


    Adam blinked, confused, and the old man furrowed his brows. "But, Mr. Noah, I haven¡¯t walked since my illness. I¡¯ve been in a wheelchair for over a year now." His voice wavered with uncertainty.


    Noah¡¯s grin widened. "Not anymore, old man."


    The room fell silent, everyone watching intently as the old man processed Noah¡¯s words. Slowly, with a determined glint in his eyes, he began to push himself up. Amelia rushed to his side to offer support, but he gently waved her off.


    "I¡¯ve got this," the old man said, his voice stronger now.


    With a steady breath, he stood. The sight of him standing on his own two feet, without help, sent a wave of shock through the room.


    Dr. Ray¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. "How¡­ how is that possible?"


    Adam looked between his father and Noah, struggling toprehend what he was seeing. "That pill¡­"


    Noah nodded, his expression calm but confident. "He¡¯s cured now. His health will continue to improve gradually."


    The room buzzed with astonishment, the tension finally melting away into awe and relief.


    Noah grinned again, this time with a twinkle in his eye. "So¡­ time for that chess game?"


    The old man chuckled, feeling his strength return. "Time for chess indeed," he said, with a deep sense of gratitude and excitement in his voice.


    Amelia quickly fetched the chess set, her heart racing with excitement and disbelief at what she had just witnessed. The others, still trying to absorb the miracle before them, stepped aside to give the old man room. His hands, once frail and trembling, now gripped the chair as he sat upright, his posture confident and proud.


    Noah, still standing by with a casual air about him, nced at Adam and said, "I told you. Nothing to worry about."


    Adam nodded, though his mind raced with questions. He couldn¡¯t bring himself to ask any of them¡ªnot now, at least. His father was standing after a year confined to a wheelchair, and somehow Noah had cured him with a pill. But how?


    Noah moved towards the chessboard as Amelia set it down on a small table beside her grandfather.


    The pieces were already arranged, the ck and white soldiers standing tall, awaiting orders. The old man eyed the board, a mischievous smile ying on his lips as he sat down.


    "ck or white?" Noah asked, cracking his knuckles as he prepared for the game.

 Chapter 80: Battle of The Titans

    The old man chuckled, his voice lighter than it had been in years. "White, of course. I always y the aggressor."


    Noah nodded, a grin spreading across his face as he took the ck pieces. He sat down opposite the old man, adjusting his chair to face him. The room remained silent, a mixture of awe, confusion, and gratitude hanging in the air.


    Dr. Ray, who had been standing in stunned silence until now, finally found his voice. "I don¡¯t understand this. Medically, there¡¯s no way¡­"


    Noah nced up at him, his eyes sharp. "Not everything can be exined by medical textbooks, Doc."


    "But there must be some scientific exnation! I mean, this goes beyond¡ª"


    "Let it go, Ray." Adam interrupted, his tone firm. "Right now, all that matters is that my father is standing and he¡¯s well. We¡¯ll figure out the ¡¯how¡¯ter."


    Dr. Ray opened his mouth to argue but then thought better of it. With a resigned sigh, he stepped back and watched as the old man made his first move, a pawn sliding forward two spaces.


    The tension in the room thickened as Noah¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze shifting from the board to the old man.


    His expression remained unreadable, calm, and calcted. But behind those eyes was a mind working at incredible speeds, processing hundreds of possibilities in mere seconds.


    Noah rested his chin on his hand, and with deliberate slowness, he responded, moving his knight forward.


    The old man¡¯s eyes twinkled with experience as he assessed the board. "Aggressive already, I see." He nudged another pawn forward, shifting the centre of the board. "You won¡¯t throw me off bnce that easily."


    But Noah remained silent, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the edge of the table. His mind had already seen this game unfold. He wasn¡¯t ying the pieces in front of him; he was ying the old man. Each move was a test, a way to gauge his opponent¡¯s thought process.


    His next move was swift¡ªa second knight was brought into y. The crowd watched in suspense as the pieces danced across the board.


    But Noah was far from random. He was drawing the old man into his trap.


    Every move was a nudge, a suggestion, leading the old man down a path Noah had meticulously nned from the very start.


    The old man, feeling the pressure of the game intensified, slid his bishop across the board. He was beginning to realize that Noah was no ordinary yer.


    "I see what you¡¯re doing, Noah. But I won¡¯t fall for it," he said, smiling. "You think you can corner me?"


    Noah nced at the old man, then back at the board.


    The next few moves happened quickly, almost too fast for the spectators to track. Noah¡¯s rooks surged forward, one iming a pawn, the other quietly positioning itself at the edge of the board.


    His queen remained untouched, lying in wait as if Noah had no need for it yet. Each of Noah¡¯s moves seemed harmless at first nce, almost simplistic. But the old man was beginning to sense the pattern.


    The way Noah¡¯s knights crisscrossed the board in perfect synchronization, the way his pawns didn¡¯t just block but subtly guided the old man¡¯s pieces into unfavourable positions¡ªit was like facing an invisible wall at every turn.


    Beads of sweat appeared on the old man¡¯s forehead, but he kept hisposure. He advanced his queen, thinking to make a decisive strike. He had an opening¡ªNoah¡¯s bishop was exposed.


    But before his hand could leave the piece, Noah spoke, his voice soft but razor-sharp. "Are you sure about that move?"


    The old man hesitated. His fingers hovered over the queen, and then he pulled his hand back, his eyes scanning the board again. Something was wrong.


    He had miscalcted¡ªsomehow. Noah hadn¡¯t moved yet, but the old man could feel it. His queen was bait. A trap he hadn¡¯t even seen.


    Instead, he opted for his rook, aiming to break Noah¡¯s control over the centre of the board. "Your turn," he said, trying to keep the unease out of his voice.


    Noah didn¡¯t respond. He merely moved a pawn, seemingly insignificant. But to the old man, it was a ring signal.


    the real attack wasing soon, and he had no idea where it would hit. He studied the board harder now, realizing that every piece Noah had moved had led him here, to this exact moment. A cold chill settled over him.


    Noah casually slid his queen forward slowly.


    The old man¡¯s breath caught. He hadn¡¯t even realized it until now, but Noah had orchestrated this perfectly. His king was vulnerable, surrounded on all sides. Every piece he had left was in a position Noah had dictated.


    Noah looked up, breaking the silence. "Check."


    The old man stared at the board in disbelief. Noah¡¯s queen, previously sitting dormant, now loomed over his king with an unshakable authority. He scanned the board desperately for a counter, but every escape route was blocked, and every n he thought of countered.


    The old man¡¯s hands trembled slightly as he moved a pawn in ast-ditch effort to protect his king. But Noah didn¡¯t even nce at it. Instead, his rook slid across the board with lethal precision. It took the old man a second to realize the game was over.


    Noah leaned forward, his eyes locking with the old man¡¯s. "Checkmate."


    A wave of shock spread through the room. Amelia gasped softly, her eyes wide with awe. Dr. Ray stood frozen, unable toprehend what had just happened.


    Adam had a shocked look on his face, he knew his dad¡¯s skill in chess. His dad wasn¡¯t just a casual chess yer.


    The old man¡¯s gaze dropped to the board. He had been outmanoeuvred in every possible way, guided unknowingly into a loss from the very beginning.


    Noah stood up, smoothing out his shirt as if the game hadn¡¯t even mattered. "Close one,"


    The old man looked up, still processing. He let out a long breath, his face softening into a smile. "You¡¯re something else, Noah."

 Chapter 81: Jack of All Trades

    Noah stood up, smoothing out his shirt as if the game hadn¡¯t even mattered. "Close one,"


    The old man looked up, still processing. He let out a long breath, his face softening into a smile. "You¡¯re something else, Noah."


    "You¡¯re overpraising me, old man," Noah said, a sly grin ying on his lips. "Be careful, or this might get to my head."


    The old man, still in awe of the skill he¡¯d witnessed, shook his head with a soft, knowing smile. "Underpraising you, actually." His gaze lingered on Noah, the young man who seemed so mysterious, a jack of all trades cloaked in a fog of enigma.


    He couldn¡¯t help but wonder, "This young man... what kind of life has he lived to possess such intelligence and skills?" The thought gnawed at the back of his mind, but before he could dwell on it, Noah¡¯s voice interrupted his musing.


    "Thanks for the game, old man," Noah began, his grin widening as if the chess match had barely affected him. "But I feel kind of bad. I made you y while you¡¯re still recovering. How about Ipensate you with something you¡¯ll enjoy?"


    The old man blinked, surprised by Noah¡¯s offer. "I¡¯m already in your debt for everything you¡¯ve done," he said, shaking his head in disbelief. "And now you want to give me a gift? I feel ashamed."


    Noah waved his hand dismissively,ughing lightly. "Think of it as a small thank-you for the chess game, then. No need for guilt. After all, it¡¯s the least I can do."


    Curiosity flickered in the old man¡¯s eyes. He couldn¡¯t help but feel intrigued by Noah¡¯s offer. "Well¡­ if you insist," he said cautiously, his voiceced with intrigue.


    Noah reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet. But instead of retrieving cash or cards, he performed a subtle sleight of hand, using the wallet as a decoy to ess his inventory. In an instant, he pulled out a small, elegant pocket bag filled with what appeared to be tea leaves. The sleek design of the bag alone made it seem like it was worth its weight in gold.


    "Is that¡­ tea?" Amelia blurted out from the side, her expression filled with confusion. She couldn¡¯t understand why Noah was making such a fuss over a simple bag of tea leaves.


    But the old man, much more seasoned in the world of luxury, immediately recognized the rarity of what Noah had just revealed. His eyes narrowed in appreciation. "Those tea leaves¡­ they must be something extraordinary."


    Noah gave a modest nod, the ever-present grin still on his face. "Consider it a small gift," he said casually. "But hey, it¡¯s the thought that counts, right?"


    The old man¡¯s curiosity deepened, and without hesitation, he nodded in agreement. "Amelia, brew the tea, will you?" He could have easily asked a servant, but this felt like a personal moment¡ªone he wanted his granddaughter to be a part of.


    Amelia obliged, though she was still clearly baffled by the situation. As she brewed the tea, the aroma that filled the room was unlike anything anyone had ever experienced before. It was rich and soothing, yet intense and intoxicating, drawing everyone¡¯s attention like a ma. The fragrance alone seemed to carry a weight of history and tradition.


    Amelia poured the tea into delicate cups, serving her grandfather, her parents, and Noah. She deliberately skipped Dr. Ray, her frustration with his earlier behaviour toward Noah still fresh in her mind. She didn¡¯t want to offend Noah by serving someone who had doubted him.


    Noah noticed the gesture and smiled inwardly. "She¡¯s quite perceptive," he mused, stealing a quick nce at Amelia, who caught his gaze for a moment before nervously averting her eyes.


    The old man took the first sip of the tea. His eyes widened almost immediately. "This¡­ this is incredible," he whispered as if he were afraid of wasting a single drop. His hand trembled slightly as he set the cup down carefully. "I feel¡­ invigorated. The fatigue is leaving my body, and my mind feels clearer than it has in years." He turned to Noah, his voice filled with gratitude and awe.


    "Noah, this is far more valuable than anything I could ever repay."


    Adam, watching his father¡¯s reaction closely, took a sip himself. His eyes widened in surprise, mirroring the old man¡¯s expression. "Noah, what¡­ what is this tea? It¡¯s unlike anything I¡¯ve ever tasted."


    Noah shrugged nonchntly, though there was a gleam in his eyes. "Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ve got plenty. I¡¯m opening a teahouse soon, and you¡¯re one of the first to try it before the grand opening."


    The old man stared at Noah, his mind racing. "You¡¯re telling me this could be mass-produced?"


    Noah nodded with a small, knowing smile. "That¡¯s the n."


    The old man was speechless. He had never heard of such high-quality tea being produced on a scale like that. "Mass-producing something of this calibre? Impossible," he thought. But the reality of the experience couldn¡¯t be denied.


    He studied Noah more carefully now, trying to read the young man¡¯s intentions. "This young man¡­ he¡¯s a genius. A monster of skill and intelligence. If we don¡¯t secure a rtionship with him, someone else will." His gaze shifted toward Amelia, who was still flustered by Noah¡¯s earlier attention. "It seems my granddaughter has already taken a liking to him¡­ That might be our best way to secure him."


    After the tea was finished, Noah stood up, brushing off his pants. "Well, I think it¡¯s time for me to head out. Thank you for the hospitality."


    The old man grinned, a yful twinkle in his eye. "Take care, Noah. Make sure you visit again soon. I¡¯ll need a rematch. You won today, but that¡¯s only because I wasn¡¯t at my best."


    Noah chuckled. "Sure, old man. I¡¯ll give you a fair match next time. This one doesn¡¯t count."


    As Noah turned to leave, Amelia suddenly gathered all her courage. "I-I¡¯ll walk you to the door!" she blurted out, her voice higher-pitched than usual, her cheeks flushed a deep pink.


    Noah paused, raising an eyebrow before smiling warmly. "Then, I¡¯ll be in your care," he said teasingly, motioning for her to lead the way.


    Amelia led him to the front door, her heart pounding in her chest with every step. When they reached the doorway, she hesitated, biting her lip, as if unsure of how to proceed. Finally, she called out to him, her voice louder than she intended.


    "Noah!"


    He stopped, turning to face her with a raised eyebrow. "Yes?"


    Her face turned crimson as she fidgeted, trying to work up the nerve to speak. "C-can we¡­ exchange phone numbers?" Her voice was barely a whisper by the end of the sentence.


    Noah chuckled softly and handed her his phone. "That¡¯s all? Of course." He watched as she quickly typed in her number, her fingers trembling slightly.


    "Stay safe, Noah. Goodnight," she said softly, her voice almost hesitant.


    "Goodnight, Amelia," Noah replied, his smile kind as he pocketed his phone and stepped out the door.


    As he walked toward his sleek Lykan Hypersport, the engine roaring to life, Amelia stood in the doorway, watching as his car disappeared into the night. Her heart raced with excitement and curiosity, still reying every moment in her mind.


    Inside the vi, the old man stood by the window, watching Noah¡¯s retreating figure with sharp, calcting eyes.


    "This boy, Noah¡­ I¡¯ve never met anyone like him. What is he nning?" he wondered, his mind spinning with questions.


    As Noah¡¯s car vanished into the distance, the old man muttered under his breath, "We need to keep him close¡­ for Amelia¡¯s sake¡ªand ours."


    The night had settled inpletely by the time Noah¡¯s car faded into the horizon, leaving the vi¡¯s front entrance bathed in soft, flickeringmplight.


    Inside, the old man stood, staring thoughtfully at the darkened road beyond the gates. His mind churned with questions he dared not voice aloud, each more tangled than thest.


    Adam stepped up beside his father, sensing the weight of the moment. "Dad," he started hesitantly, his voice low, "What are you thinking?"


    The old man didn¡¯t respond at first, his gaze fixed on where Noah¡¯s car had disappeared. He exhaled softly, as though shedding thest bit of fatigue that had gued him for so long. "That young man... he¡¯s not like the others," he said finally, his voice measured. "There¡¯s something about him I can¡¯t quite ce."


    Adam nodded, though he had his own thoughts brewing. Noah was no ordinary person¡ªthat much was clear¡ªbut there was a depth to him that Adam couldn¡¯t unravel.


    The old man turned, his eyes narrowing slightly. "We need to keep an eye on him," he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper, as though speaking the thought aloud gave it weight. "For our family¡¯s sake."


    Adam¡¯s brows furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean, Dad?"


    But the old man didn¡¯t answer right away. Instead, he shifted his gaze to Amelia, who had just returned from seeing Noah off.


    She looked flustered, her cheeks still pink, the residual excitement from her brief interaction with Noah still evident in her expression.


    The old man smiled inwardly. "Ah, youth." He watched her for a moment before returning his focus to Adam. "We need to make sure Noah stays close. If he¡¯s as sharp as he is on the chessboard¡­ well, we can¡¯t afford to let him slip through our fingers."


    Adam blinked, taken aback. "You think he¡¯s that important?"


    The old man nodded, his face serious now. "More than you think."


    Amelia, overhearing the conversation, nced between them, feeling a strange mix of emotions.


    Noah was already upying more space in her thoughts than she cared to admit, but her grandfather¡¯s words only added to the growingplexity of the situation.


    "Do you think he¡¯lle back?" she asked quietly, her voice softer than usual.


    The old man chuckled, a rare, warm sound that hadn¡¯t graced his lips in some time. "Oh, I¡¯m sure he will. I don¡¯t think Noah walks away from something once he¡¯s taken an interest." His eyes gleamed knowingly. "Especially when he¡¯s taken an interest in someone."


    Amelia¡¯s face turned redder, and she quickly looked away, biting her lip. Her thoughts spun as she reyed every detail of their interaction.


    "Could it be possible that Noah felt the same curiosity about me that i felt for him? Or was he just being kind,"


    Dr. Ray, who had remained quiet since the tea, finally spoke up, his voiceced with frustration. "I still don¡¯t understand what just happened tonight. That boy¡ªNoah¡ªhe¡¯s... unnatural. You don¡¯t just cure someone with a pill and some tea leaves.


    There¡¯s something going on here, something more than we¡¯re seeing."


    The old man waved him off, his expression dismissive. "Ray, you¡¯re a good doctor, but not everything in this world fits into your neat little medical boxes."


    "But¡ª" Dr. Ray tried to protest, but the old man raised a hand, cutting him off.


    "No more." His voice was firm. "What¡¯s done is done. Noah is a friend of this family now, and I won¡¯t have you doubting him."


    Dr. Ray fell silent, recognizing that there was no arguing with the old man when he had made up his mind.


    Amelia, still deep in thought, excused herself quietly, retreating to her room where she could process everything in peace.


    Her heart was still racing from the evening¡¯s events.

 Chapter 82: Flashback

    In the dim light of their bedroom, Carmi sat on the edge of the bed, her fingers absently fidgeting with the hem of her nightgown.


    She let out a deep sigh, the weight of the evening settling over her like a heavy nket. "I didn¡¯t know he really knew medicine," she murmured, almost to herself.


    "Remember when Father got very sick? Noah asked if we wanted him to check on the old man, but I thought he was just being polite. I told him it was okay. I didn¡¯t think anything of it."


    Adam, who had been near the window, turned around and looked at her. His frown deepened as she finished her sentance.


    "Carmi, this man is not normal. He doesn¡¯t seem like the type to say things just for appearances. He doesn¡¯t do anything without reason." Adam said with a low but tense voice.


    His hands clenched into fists at his sides. "I don¡¯t want this to happen again, especially not with him."


    Carmi looked up at him, confusion and guilt swirling in her eyes. "I didn¡¯t think¡ª"


    "No, you didn¡¯t think," Adam interrupted, his frustration bubbling over. "You should have told me. I asked youst time what he said after I rushed out to see Dad without any exnation, and you just told me he wished the old man good health. You never mentioned that Noah had offered to help."


    Her face paled, and she cast her gaze downward, guilt heavy on her shoulders. "I thought it was a matter of no importance," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.


    "Especially with your father¡¯s health deteriorating. I didn¡¯t want to get your hopes up over what seemed like an empty offer¡­"


    Adam¡¯s expression hardened, the room growing colder with the weight of unspoken tension.


    "It wasn¡¯t an empty offer, Carmi. That man could have saved my dad a week of anguish. Next time, don¡¯t assume." His tone was harsh, but his words wereced with the deep worry he carried.


    "My dad could have died today if it wasn¡¯t for the coincidence of Noah visiting Arthur¡¯s house."


    Carmi bit her lip, fighting back tears. The gravity of her mistake hit her harder now than it had before. She could only nod, her voice too strained to offer any further defence.


    Seeing the guilt etched across Carmi¡¯s face, Adam¡¯s hard expression softened. He could see how deeply she regretted her decision, and though he knew he had to be stern so she wouldn¡¯t repeat something like this again.


    The sight of her near tears tugged at his heart. She had hidden something so important from him, but she hadn¡¯t done it maliciously. His frustration stemmed from worry¡ªworry for his father, worry for their family.


    Noah wasn¡¯t ordinary, not by any means. Adam had known that ever since the night Noah saved their daughter. Alone and unarmed, Noah had taken on four internationally wanted criminals.


    That kind of strength, that kind of calm under pressure¡ªit spoke volumes about who Noah really was, and it directly contradicted what Carmi had thought of him at first.


    Carmi¡¯s lips quivered, and Adam could see that she was on the verge of tears. Without hesitation, he moved to sit beside her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. His voice was much softer now, the anger that had red up earlier fading into the background.


    "Carmi," he said gently, his tone warm andforting.


    "I¡¯m sorry I snapped at you. I just... I¡¯ve been so worried about Dad. And you know how much this situation with Noah has me on edge. I didn¡¯t mean to take it out on you."


    She looked up at him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears, but her expression softened in relief at his change in tone. Adam tightened his hold on her, pulling her closer.


    "It¡¯s just... his life was on the line, and next time, who knows what it could be? We can¡¯t afford to overlook things like this again, alright?"


    Carmi nodded, sniffling a little as she leaned into him, grateful for his understanding. "I¡¯m sorry, Adam," she whispered.


    "I didn¡¯t realize how important he was¡­ I just didn¡¯t want to worry you more than you already were."


    "I know," he replied, his thumb gently brushing over her hand. "But from now on, you can¡¯t keep these things from me no matter how insignificant they seem. If Noah offers to help, we can¡¯t just brush it off. There¡¯s more to him than we can see, and we need to keep that in mind."


    Carmi nodded again, the guilt slowly lifting from her chest. Adam smiled softly, pressing a light kiss to her forehead. "We¡¯ll get through this, together," he murmured


    With a smile on her face, she replied, "Mnm."


    Meanwhile, Noah sped down the motorway, the hum of his Lykan Hypersport blending with the stillness of the night.


    His fingers tapped rhythmically against the steering wheel, his gaze steady on the empty road ahead.


    Then, his phone buzzed, pulling him out of his thoughts. He nced at the screen, his brow furrowing as he noticed the message was from an unknown number. With a flick of his thumb, he opened it.


    "Drive safe, Noah. Let¡¯s meet up some time?"


    The name wasn¡¯t there, but he instantly knew who it was from. Amelia.


    For a moment, Noah stared at the message, his eyes scanning the words, but his focus drifted, and something deep inside him stirred.


    "UGHH!" Noah screamed lightly, as he held his head with his hands.


    A shadow flickered across his mind, followed by a voice¡ªsoft, young, but heartbreakingly familiar.


    "Noah, promise me you won¡¯t do that again, okay?"


    The words hit him like a wave, and an image shed before his eyes, vivid and disorienting. Suddenly, he wasn¡¯t in the car anymore.


    Noah found himself standing in a ce that seemed to defy description¡ªan expanse of white, endless and empty. It wasn¡¯t that his mind couldn¡¯t register the details; it was more as though it refused to.


    The space around him was unfamiliar, hazy, like a forgotten memory fading into obscurity. Yet, despite the vagueness of the environment, one thing stood out in stark rity.


    In front of him stood a girl. She couldn¡¯t have been older than fourteen, her eyes wide with innocence, though they held a wisdom far beyond her years.


    Her hair fell in gentle waves down her back, swaying slightly as if touched by a breeze that Noah couldn¡¯t feel. She looked at him with a mixture of expectation and something deeper¡ªsomething that tugged at his heart with a force he couldn¡¯t understand.


    There was no mistaking her. He knew who she was, even if his mind wanted to resist the recognition. The girl wasn¡¯t just part of his past; she was a part of him¡ªa part of the person he had promised himself he would never let down.


    "Noah," she said softly, her voice carrying through the emptiness as though it was the only sound that existed. "Promise me you won¡¯t do that again, okay?"


    Her words echoed in his mind, each syble weaving through the fog of his memories. There was no usation in her tone, no anger¡ªjust a simple plea. It was as if she was asking him not just to refrain from some specific action,


    She was staring at him, her gaze unwavering, her expression earnest. "Promise me," she insisted, her small hands clutching his arm as if she could keep him grounded with her touch.


    Noah felt a knot tighten in his chest. "What am I doing?" he wanted to ask, but the words wouldn¡¯t form. He could only stare at her, the weight of his unspoken promise hanging between them like a barrier.


    And then it hit him¡ªhe was breaking his oath. Slowly, imperceptibly, but surely, he was slipping back into something he¡¯d once sworn to leave behind.


    But now, that man was resurfacing, and with each calcted move, each maniptive action, he could feel himself drifting further away from the promise he had made.


    The girl¡¯s face lingered for a moment longer, her eyes filled with an unspoken plea.


    "Noah, I hope we meet up sometime."


    His breath caught in his throat as he tried to reach out to her, but the world around them began to blur, the whiteness folding in on itself like an illusion being torn apart. The girl¡¯s image flickered, her form slowly dissolving into the mist of his subconscious.


    "No," Noah whispered, his voice barely audible as he held out his hand toward her fading figure. "Wait¡­"


    But she was already gone, swallowed by the endless white expanse. And just like that, the memory¡ªno, the reminder¡ªslipped through his fingers, leaving him standing alone in the void.


    Suddenly, the shback shattered like ss, and Noah was yanked back into the present, the harsh reality of the motorway rushing at him all at once.


    His heart lurched as he realized his car had veered out of control. The speedometer had long passed the national limit by arge margin, the roar of the engine growing louder, almost deafening.


    He had been driving on autopilot, lost in the haze of his memories, and now the sleek vehicle was careening dangerously acrossnes.


    His pulse spiked as the reality of the situation mmed into him. A car was just ahead, a mere second away from a collision. The distance between them was closing too fast.


    "Skrrtttt!"

 Chapter 83: Time Alone

    His pulse spiked as the reality of the situation mmed into him. A car was just ahead, a mere second away from a collision. The distance between them was closing too fast.


    "Skrrtttt!"


    Adrenaline surged through Noah¡¯s veins, and without a second thought, he gripped the steering wheel tightly, his hands moving with instinctive precision. His mind, once clouded by the shback, snapped into sharp focus.


    The tyres screeched against the asphalt as Noah jerked the wheel, the car spinning wildly. The sudden shriek of tyres against asphalt pierced the stillness of the night like a scream.


    Noah¡¯s hands gripped the steering wheel with iron focus, his knuckles white, and his mind snapped into hyperawareness, pushing aside the haunting memory of the girl.


    The car in front was too close, its taillights growing rapidly as the Lykan hurtled toward it. There was no room for hesitation¡ªno room for fear.


    The driver in the car ahead noticed the headlights in his rearview mirror growing impossiblyrge, the engine¡¯s roar growing louder, like a predator closing in on its prey.


    His heart leapt into his throat as his eyes widened in disbelief. "What the hell¡­?" His mind raced, panic seizing his body, but his hands froze on the wheel.


    "I should move. Why can¡¯t I move?"


    The screech of Noah¡¯s tires filled the air again, deafening and sharp. The Lykan slid dangerously close, cutting through the space between thenes as if it was defying physics.


    Noah¡¯s mind moved faster than his car, every detail registering in an instant¡ªthe angle of the road, the speed, the exact timing required to avoid disaster.


    His reflexes worked with terrifying precision, the drift seamless, like a perfect manoeuvre crafted in the chaos of the moment.


    "He¡¯s going to crash into me!" The driver in front couldn¡¯t tear his eyes away from the rearview mirror, his muscles locked in a grip of fear.


    "Move! Do something!" he screamed internally, but his body refused to obey, frozen in a mix of terror and disbelief.


    He could see the Lykan approaching, its sleek form twisting into the drift, tyres screeching as it seemed to fly toward him with impossible speed. "It¡¯s going to hit¡ª I¡¯M DEAD!"


    But just when the impact seemed inevitable, the Lykan slid past him, the roaring engine and the howl of the tyres blending into a symphony of precision.


    Noah¡¯s car spun sideways, the rear bumper missing the other vehicle by mere inches. The screeching reached a crescendo as the Lykan skimmed across the asphalt, like a de cutting through silk.


    Sparks flew where the tyres scraped the road, the sound like nails on a chalkboard, but Noah¡¯s grip on the wheel never faltered.


    The driver in the front car blinked, his breath caught in his chest, disbelief washing over him like a cold wave.


    "How did he¡­?" His eyes darted to his side mirror, seeing the Lykan regain its bnce behind him, seamlessly returning to itsne as if nothing had happened.


    "That was impossible. He should¡¯ve¡­ we should¡¯ve both¡­" His mind couldn¡¯t fully grasp what he had just witnessed.


    Meanwhile, Noah felt the wheel steady beneath his hands, the engine¡¯s vibration calming as the tyres gained traction once more. His heartbeat was still pounding in his ears, but his body was calm¡ªeerily so.


    The silence that followed felt deafening.


    Noah exhaled slowly, his grip loosening on the steering wheel. His mind was racing, not from near ident, but from the storm of thoughts that followed the shback. He could still see her face, and hear her voice. The words yed over and over in his head like a broken record:


    "Promise me you won¡¯t do that again, okay?"


    He shook his head as if trying to shake the memory loose, but it clung to him, deep and heavy.


    "What am I doing?" he whispered to himself, the question barely audible against the hum of the engine.


    The road ahead stretched endlessly, but Noah could see the cracks forming, not on the asphalt, but inside himself.


    With a steadying breath, he pushed the elerator down, the Lykan¡¯s engine roaring back to life as the speed climbed once again.


    Behind him, the driver of the other car finally exhaled, his heart still hammering in his chest. "What¡­ what the hell was that?" he muttered to himself, still trying to process the fact that he had just witnessed the most death-defying manoeuvre he had ever seen.


    "That guy¡­" The driver¡¯s hands trembled as he gripped his own wheel, staring at the dark road ahead in disbelief. "He should¡¯ve crashed. There¡¯s no way he could¡¯ve controlled that¡­"


    But Noah had controlled it. With a level of skill that bordered on the supernatural, he had threaded the needle between disaster and survival. And the driver left behind in the wake of the Lykan¡¯s screeching tyres, could only shake his head in stunned silence.


    "Who the hell was that?"


    Meanwhile, Noah was feeling troubled, by his character, his actions, and his very self. He could feel it¡ªhe was reverting. Rapidly.


    What disturbed him the most was that it felt natural. Almost too natural.


    His phone buzzed again on the passenger seat it was Lily, ncing at the text.


    "See you tomorrow at school!"


    He shook his head and ignored the message, he already decided that he wasn¡¯t going to go home tonight, and he wasn¡¯t going to school either.


    He needed space and time to think. Maybe it was exhaustion, or maybe it was something more. Whatever it was, he needed to get away from everything.


    "The mansion."


    Noah remembered it suddenly¡ªa reward from the system he had yet to check out. He had been so caught up in everythingtely that he hadn¡¯t even visited the ce.


    He quickly made up his mind. He didn¡¯t need to be around people right now.


    "I can have some time alone in a secluded area, that should help," he muttered.


    The mansion was only about 30 minutes from his parents¡¯ house, and the thought of finally seeing it intrigued him.

 Chapter 84: The New Mansion

    Soon after leaving behind the motorway, Noah arrived at the gated neighbourhood.


    The viplex was as private as he¡¯d imagined, with high walls and dense trees offering seclusion.


    Guards were stationed at the entrance, just like in Amelia¡¯s neighbourhood, giving the ce an air of exclusivity and security.


    As Noah slowed his car near the gate, a couple of guards approached, one of them stepping forward with a polite but cautious demeanour.


    "Good evening, sir. How can I help you?" the guard asked.


    Noah nced at the guard, keeping his expression neutral yet friendly. "My name is Noah," he said smoothly, before pausing to ask, "And you are?"


    "My name is Anderson, sir," the guard replied, standing a bit straighter. "I¡¯m the guard leader here. How can I assist you?"


    Noah nodded, acknowledging him with a slight smile as he reached over to the passenger seat, picking up the tenancy agreement he had retrieved from his system inventory earlier.


    "I¡¯m a new resident in thisplex," he said, handing over the document, "I¡¯ve just moved in."


    Anderson took the tenancy agreement, his eyes scanning the paperwork with diligence.


    When his gaze fell on the name and mansion number, his posture changed subtly.


    He stiffened slightly, eyes widening as he connected the dots.


    A few days ago, his boss had mentioned that someone important¡ªsomeone of significant wealth¡ªhad purchased the most luxurious mansion in the neighbourhood: Mansion No. 1. That name had stuck with him.


    "Anderson, listen carefully a person had purchased Mansion No.1 recently and he mighte to visit it anytime, his identity is quite mysterious and unknown."


    "I was only told that his name is Noah Thompson, so if anyone with that namees you must treat them with utmost respect. Understand me?"


    "Yes Sir!" Anderson responded on the other side of the phone.


    "Noah Thompson." Anderson thought, as his gaze shot back to Noah, his demeanour instantly more respectful.


    He quickly handed back the agreement with both hands, a gesture that showed just how much his attitude had shifted.


    "Mr. Thompson, we¡¯ve been awaiting your arrival," Anderson said, his voice warm and deferential.


    "Please, if you ever need anything, don¡¯t hesitate to let us know. We¡¯ll be more than happy to assist you in any way we can."


    Noah smiled gently as he took back the agreement. "Thank you, Anderson," he replied, his voice as calm andposed as ever. "I¡¯ll be in your care then."


    The guard nodded, and with a subtle motion of his hand, the other guards opened the gate. As Noah drove forward, he heard the hushed voices of the guards behind him.


    "I didn¡¯t expect him to be so young," one of the guards muttered. "And polite too."


    Anderson nodded in agreement but kept his expression serious. "He does seem humble," he acknowledged, "But we don¡¯t know much about him yet. Only time can show us what he¡¯s really like."


    The others murmured their agreement before returning to their posts. Noah heard what they said due to his increased physical ability from the Intermediate Soldier-King skill, but he didn¡¯t look back or acknowledge their words.


    The way people judged so quickly¡ªbased on appearances, wealth, or demeanour¡ªhad always amused him, though he had no energy to care tonight.


    His mind was elsewhere.


    Noah continued driving through the viplex, which was as luxurious as he¡¯d expected. The road was nked by well-manicured gardens, each vi more extravagant than thest.


    When he finally arrived at Mansion No. 1, the sight took his breath away for a brief moment. It was standing alone without any neighbouring mansion showing its status.


    The mansion was vast, towering above the other vis with a sleek, modern design that was softened by subtle medieval touches¡ªarched windows, wrought-iron details, and dark wood ents.


    It was an elegant fusion of the past and the present, with a certain grandeur that instantly made it feel like a ce of importance. The mansion sat beside a small river, its gentle flow adding a calming sound to the already serene environment.


    The gardens surrounding the mansion were meticulously maintained, with tall trees and carefully arranged flowers creating a serene scene.


    Noah parked his Lykan in the circr driveway and sat for a moment, staring at the mansion. Despite its beauty, despite its obvious luxury, he couldn¡¯t shake the strange emptiness that gnawed at him.


    "This was supposed to be a reward, wasn¡¯t it? Something to be proud of? " He thought.


    Yet he felt none of the satisfaction he should have.


    "Everything feels so distant now," he thought, a heaviness settling over him.


    Finally, with a weary sigh, Noah stepped out of the car. The cool night air brushed against his skin, and he took in the scenery onest time before heading to the front door.


    The entrance opened easily with a soft push, revealing an interior that was as grand as the exterior. Noah¡¯s eyes quickly scanned the spacious foyer, the gleaming marble floors, and the expansive living room just beyond.


    Tall windows allowed moonlight to flood the space, casting a soft glow over the detailed furnishings. The ce had been furnished ahead of his arrival, with furniture that screamed elegance and wealth.


    Noah walked further into the mansion, his footsteps echoing through the halls. Normally, he would have been eager to explore the ce, to see what hidden luxuries it had to offer.


    But tonight, he wasn¡¯t in the mood. His mind was too cluttered, too weighed down by the thoughts that wouldn¡¯t stop.


    His fingers brushed over the smooth marble of the kitchen counter as he wandered, aimlessly opening a few doors.


    The first two revealedvish bathrooms,plete with gold ents and expansive mirrors.


    Noah stared at them nkly for a moment before shaking his head. "Not this one," he muttered under his breath.


    "Not that one either."


    Finally, on his third try, he found what he was looking for¡ªa bedroom. It was huge, with a king-sized bed that looked impossibly soft.


    Plush pillows were arranged neatly, and the dark sheets looked inviting, a ce where he could sink in and disappear for a while. Noah felt a brief urge to just copse onto the bed and let the exhaustion of the day overtake him.


    "I will shower first, then I will try out this bad... girl? No that doesn¡¯t sound right, "bad bed?" that doesn¡¯t sound right either." he muttered, "Either way, I will try just try out this bed."


    ncing around the room, his eyesnded on a walk-in closet. He opened it to find rows of designer clothing¡ªRalph Lore, Huge Boss¡ªall neatly arranged.


    It was over the top, like everything else in the mansion, but Noah didn¡¯t care. He quickly grabbed a pair of pyjamas from the collection and headed to the bathroom.


    The bathroom attached to the bedroom was massive, with a spacious shower, arge mirror, and an array of high-end toiletries.


    "They have a jacuzzi here too?" he muttered as he stared at the beautiful design.


    "This bathroom alone could probably fit my entire home, Noah thought, a wry smile tugging at his lips.


    "Makes me question if I¡¯d rather sleep in my old room or in this bathroom," he muttered to himself, chuckling softly.


    As he stepped into the shower, the hot water hit his skin, and steam quickly filled the space, clouding the mirrors and soothing his tired muscles. For a brief moment, Noah felt the tension in his body begin to ease.


    The warmth of the water wrapped around him like a nket, and he allowed himself to rx, if only for a little while.


    But even as he stood there, his mind refused to rest. The thoughts kepting¡ªabout the changes he could feel inside himself.


    "Maybe I should just embrace how I really am, even if it means..." As he remembered her phrase.


    "One day, you¡¯ll have nothing left to hold onto, Noah,"


    Shaking his head to get rid of the voice, he closed the tap and got out of the shower.


    He grabbed a towel and dried himself off, then ran the blow dryer over his hair with practised ease.


    After brushing his teeth, he slipped into the designer pyjamas he¡¯d grabbed earlier. The soft fabric felt good against his skin, but it didn¡¯t bring anyfort to his restless mind.


    With a tired sigh, Noah walked back into the bedroom, his eyes falling on the king-sized bed.


    Without thinking twice, he slumped onto the mattress, his body sinking into the softness. He stared up at the ceiling, his thoughts swirling.


    "System, do you think I¡¯m crazy? why is it so hard for me to decide."


    "It¡¯s quite ironic I got the ¡¯Ultimate Choice System¡¯ when I can¡¯t even make this simple choice of either embracing my true self or keeping my promise." He muttered as he scoffed.


    Fatigue from the day quickly caught up with him, his eyes grew heavy, and despite the conflict in his heart, sleep eventually imed him.


    The mansion was quiet, the world outside still, but Noah¡¯s mind was anything but at peace.

 Chapter 85: Decision

    As Noah drifted into sleep, his mind, though clouded with exhaustion, refused to grant him the peace he sought. Instead, it pulled him deeper into the recesses of his thoughts.


    In the quiet of the night, the mansion around him seemed to fade, and Noah found himself standing in that strange, white ce again¡ªthe same one that had haunted him earlier in the night.


    This time, though, there was no confusion, no ambiguity about the space. He knew exactly where he was: within his mind. And waiting for him, as always, was the girl.


    The girl whose presence in his memories had resurfaced and triggered something inside him.


    She stood before him again, as if time had never passed. Her expression was still soft, still filled with the innocence that haunted him.


    "Noah¡­" she whispered, her voice carrying through the emptiness like a ripple on water. It was a single word, but it held the weight of everything he had tried to forget.


    His chest tightened. He wanted to turn away, but something in her gaze held him in ce.


    "I¡¯m not doing anything wrong, I¡¯m just being myself," he muttered as if trying to convince her.


    The girl took a step toward him, her figure somehow bing more solid, more real with each step. "Promise me," she said again, her eyes searching his face.


    His breath hitched in his throat. How many times had he heard those words? How many times had he made that promise? And yet, here he was¡ªstanding on the edge of losing himself once more.


    His mind raced, trying to find excuses, trying to justify the things he had done and the person he was bing again.


    But deep down, he knew the truth.


    Noah clenched his fists. "I didn¡¯t choose this¡­I really tried to be a normal high schooler, I got bullied when I had the power to resist. I got cheated on, because I ignored all signs that indicated it, just to forget the schemes... to fulfil my promise."


    "I had no choice," he said, his voice harder now, as if speaking the words aloud would make them true. "I¡¯m doing what I need to grow, to SURVIVE." His words echoed around him, but the girl¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change.


    The silence that followed was deafening, and for a moment, Noah could hear nothing but the pounding of his own heart.


    The weight of everything¡ªthe choices, the pressure, the expectations¡ªwas pressing down on him, and it felt like the air around him was growing thinner.


    The girl¡¯s voice broke the silence. "Is that really what you believe?" Her words were soft, but they cut through him like a de. She wasn¡¯t angry. She just wanted the truth¡ªsomething Noah wasn¡¯t sure he could give her.


    The girl¡¯s phrase tore through the air like a sharp de.


    He took a step back, the tension building in his chest. The lines were blurring again, and the world seemed determined to push him back into that darkness.


    The girl¡¯s figure began to fade, and Noah felt a surge of panic. He wasn¡¯t ready to face this¡ªhe wasn¡¯t ready to ept what he knew deep down.


    With a sharp gasp, he jolted awake.


    His heart was pounding, his body was drenched in sweat.


    Noah sat up, pressing his palms to his face, trying to shake the remnants of the dream.


    "You¡¯re even following me to my dreams huh?" he muttered to himself as he stared at the ceiling.


    Noah swung his legs over the edge of the bed and stood up, the weight of his thoughts pressing down on him as he paced to the window.


    The cool night air filtered through the ss as he leaned forward.


    Noah let out a small, bitterugh, the sound almost foreign in the heavy silence of the mansion.


    For a moment, he simply stood there, the weight of his realisation settling deep into his chest. His fingers tapped lightly against the cool ss as the truth he had been avoiding wed its way to the surface.


    His eyes darkened, the moonlight casting an eerie glow on his face.


    "Fine," he muttered to himself, shaking his head slightly, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Who am I lying to but myself?"


    His eyes darkened as he stared out into the night, but the focus wasn¡¯t on the scenery¡ªit was on his past, on everything that had led him to this moment.


    He had been unconscious of his nning at first, or at least that¡¯s what he had told himself. But deep down, Noah knew the truth. Ever since he had gotten the system, every move, every choice, had been deliberate, even if he hadn¡¯t consciously acknowledged it.


    "In fact," he continued, his voice quiet but tinged with a sense of revtion, "even before I got the system, I was already nning this."


    La. The thought of her name didn¡¯t sting the way it once had. It was almost amusing now. "I got with La because I knew her personality. I knew she was going to cheat on me." His voice was steady, emotionless.


    "She might think that she manipted me to get what she wants, or that she set the boundaries of physical touch between us. She didn¡¯t... A person like her doesn¡¯t even have the privilege to get my interest, let alone be intimate with me."


    "Only a person like her can," as he thought of that girl.


    "I needed a catalyst, a push, something that would force me to stop pretending. Stop ying the victim and start being proactive. Start being myself again."


    Heughed softly, a sound devoid of humour. "And when I got the system¡­ing back to who I was, who I really am, was just a matter of time."


    Noah¡¯s fingers tightened on the windowsill, his knuckles whitening slightly as he spoke. He had spent so long pretending to be something he wasn¡¯t, trying to fit into a mould that wasn¡¯t his, trying to keep the darker parts of himself shackled.


    But that version of himself had been a lie. He had tricked himself into believing he could change, that he could be someone different.


    And Sarah¡­ Sarah

 Chapter 86: Embracing Reality

    And Sarah¡­ Sarah.


    "She was wrong for thinking I got with her out of revenge," Noah murmured, his voice almost wistful now.


    "But she wasn¡¯t far off." His eyes flickered, memories of their time together swirling through his mind. "I was subconsciously using her as a catalyst too. Just like her daughter."


    The realization hit him like a punch to the gut, but instead of regret, there was only rity. It wasn¡¯t that he didn¡¯t care for Sarah, or that he hadn¡¯t enjoyed being with her at one point. He had.


    But the truth was that every rtionship, every interaction, had been a piece of arger n.


    But even as the pieces fell into ce, Noah was not sure about one thing: if Sarah had stayed with him if she had chosen to stick by his side...


    "But I knew you wouldn¡¯t Sarah, everything about you screamed motherly love. You wouldn¡¯t leave your daughter for a man, never."


    He sighed, the smirk fading into a more sombre expression. "But that¡¯s the truth, isn¡¯t it?" he whispered to the empty room.


    "I¡¯ve been fooling myself this whole time."


    Noah straightened, the weight lifting from his shoulders as he finally epted the truth. He had wanted this all along.


    The system hadn¡¯t forced him to change¡ªit had simply given him the tools to be who he always was.


    The maniptions, the cold calctions¡­ they had never truly left him. He had simply buried them deep within, convinced himself that he was just thinking of the present benefit without thinking of the future consequences. But they had always been there, waiting to be unleashed when the time was right.


    "I wanted toe back," Noah admitted quietly, almost to the reflection in the window. "I couldn¡¯t keep those shackles on any longer." And with that realization, the conflict inside him began to settle.


    He couldn¡¯t go back to pretending. He couldn¡¯t force himself to be someone he wasn¡¯t. But he also couldn¡¯t allow himself to lose all control, to be the person who cared for nothing but power.


    The bnce would be difficult to find. It would be a tightrope walk between power and humanity, control and care. But it was the only path he could take now.


    Noah turned away from the window, the weight of his decision clear in his mind. He wasn¡¯t the person he had been pretending to be. And now, he could finally stop pretending. The path ahead might be uncertain, but at least it was a path he had chosen.


    Taking a deep breath, Noah whispered, "I can finally embrace it."


    [Ding! Ultimate Choice System has activated!]


    [An Ultimate Hidden Choice has been Completed!]


    [Reward: System Upgrade!]


    [Ding! The system is currently upgrading! 0.1%... 0.2%...]


    [Ding! Estimated Time: 10 Hours]


    Noah stared at the flood of notifications from the holographic screen in front of him, the notifications kept scrolling, and with each one, his smirk deepened.


    "It seems like even the system agrees with me," Noah thought, his lips curling into a wry smile.


    His decision to embrace who he truly was¡ªhad triggered an [ Ultimate Hidden Choice] within the system. Perhaps it had been waiting for this moment, waiting for him to stop holding back, to stop pretending. Now, that he had shed the facade, it rewarded him.


    The upgrade had started, but Noah wasn¡¯t interested in waiting around for ten hours while the system did its thing. He needed to move. Needed something to upy his mind.


    He nced toward therge windows of the mansion, his eyes drifting to the scene outside. The moon hung high in the sky, full and glowing, casting silver light across the garden. Feeling restless, Noah decided to take a walk outside.


    The sprawling luxury of the mansion had already begun to bore him, and the quiet within its walls was starting to suffocate him.


    As he stepped outside, a cool breeze swept across the grounds, brushing against his skin. It was cold, but not unbearable¡ªjust enough to sharpen his senses.


    Noah inhaled deeply, feeling the chill of the night air fills his lungs, then exhaled, watching his breath fog in the light of the moon.


    "Nice weather," he muttered to himself, his voice barely louder than a whisper. "Not too cold. Just right."


    He walked down the cobbled path that wound through the garden, the quiet crunch of his footsteps the only sound in the stillness.


    His hands slipped into the pockets of his coat as he headed toward the small river that ran through the vi¡¯s grounds.


    A stone bench awaited him there, offering a perfect view of the water and the moon¡¯s reflection on its surface.


    Noah sat down, letting his gaze settle on the serene scene before him. The moonlight shimmered off the river, its surface rippling softly in the breeze. The gentle sound of the flowing water was almost hypnotic, lulling his mind into a strange sense of calm.


    But as he stared at the moon¡¯s reflection, another image surfaced in his mind¡ªone that shattered the peace of the moment.


    Horace Wilkins.


    The name echoed in Noah¡¯s mind like a bell tolling, bringing with it a flood of memories.


    "Mr. Horace Wilkins¡­ you were lucky to have made it out scratch-free before, but now things are different."


    Noah¡¯s expression darkened as the memory of that night reyed itself in his mind. It had been a simple dinner date with Sarah at An¡¯s Gourmet.


    They had been enjoying their meal when Wilkins, a fat, pompous man, had approached them¡ªmore specifically, Sarah¡ªandpletely ignored Noah¡¯s presence.


    It wasn¡¯t just that Wilkins had interrupted their dinner. It was the smug arrogance in his eyes, the way he looked at Sarah like she was a toy to be imed when Noah was there.


    He had dealt with Wilkins that night, pulling him outside after the man had made his intentions clear, teaching him a painful lesson.


    He had made it crystal clear to Wilkins that if he valued his life, he should never show his face around the restaurant again.


    But Wilkins hadn¡¯t learned. He had shown up again, his connection, as if Noah¡¯s threat had been nothing more than empty words.


    "No one ignores my threat without consequences."


    He had been patient then due to his shackles. He had allowed Wilkins to walk away, thinking he could get away unscathed. But that time was over. Now was the time for payback.


    "He is a good guinea pig to test, how sharp I still am when ites to..."


    He smirked to himself, the thrill of what was toe sending a rush of energy through his veins. Slowly, Noah rose from the bench, his gaze fixed on the moon as it continued to shine down on the river, oblivious to the darker thoughts swirling in his mind.


    The man had likely gottenfortable, lulled into a false sense of security after all this time. He probably thought Noah had forgotten, that he had moved on from the seemingly non-significant issue.


    But Noah hadn¡¯t forgotten. And now that he had fully embraced who he was, there was no reason to hold back.


    As he started walking again, Noah¡¯s mind began to work, calcting the best way to handle Wilkins for his own satisfaction.


    Noah could dismantle Wilkins life piece by piece without getting his hands dirty.


    "But I want to get my hands dirty..." Noah muttered with a chilling voice, as his smirk grew.


    The thrill of the game surged through Noah, that familiar rush he used to feel when he was in control when he held all the cards.


    His footsteps were light as he returned to the mansion, but his mind was already racing ahead. Wilkins wouldn¡¯t just suffer¡ªhe would be ruined, crushed beneath the weight of his own arrogance.


    "I don¡¯t forget people who wronged me, nor do I forgive." He muttered.

 Chapter 87: Old Noah Is Back

    Noah moved with the silence of a shadow, slipping through the trees that lined the estate, his form blending into the darkness.


    The moonlight barely grazed his skin as he dashed between the trunks, each step deliberate and calcted. His eyes flicked to the guards stationed at the entrance, their postures rxed, unaware of him in their midst.


    "No need for the main door," Noah thought, smirking to himself as he melted further into the shadows.


    He had already scanned the entireyout of the neighbourhood when he first arrived. Every guard, every camera, every potential exit.


    The positions hadn¡¯t changed¡ªpredictable.


    The residents of this upscale viplex relied too much on the appearance of security, believing that a handful of guards at the gate was enough to keep them safe.


    "Fools," Noah thought with a wry smile.


    He crept along the side of theplex, his movements fluid and precise. The guards remained oblivious, their gaze fixed on the perimeter in front of them, never considering that someone might already be inside, someone who could slip past them like a whisper.


    The shadows became his allies as he circled the walls, his mind racing ahead, plotting his path.


    Noah wasn¡¯t just moving stealthily¡ªhe was in his element. His Intermediate Soldier-King skill made every step easy, his body more agile, his senses sharper than any normal human¡¯s.


    Even if the guards had been military-trained, they wouldn¡¯t have been able to catch a glimpse of him. His level of stealth and precision simply wasn¡¯t something they could handle.


    As he passed by the final stretch, he noticed a guard checking his phone, bored. It was almostughable how secure they felt in thisplex. Noah¡¯s movements were a blur as he scaled a side wall, slipping down the other side with ease.


    Not a single guard had noticed.


    With a final nce over his shoulder, Noah grinned. The thrill of the escape was exhrating but too easy. He made his way out of the neighbourhood with the same silence, vanishing into the night like a ghost.


    Noah slipped his phone from his pocket and dialled for a taxi. The car arrived within minutes, the hum of its engine soft in the night air.


    The driver, an old man, looked up as Noah entered the car, pulling his hood low over his face. Not in a suspicious way, just enough to appear as though he was shielding himself from the night¡¯s chill.


    "Where to?" the driver asked, ncing back with a polite smile.


    "Avenue Street, near the city centre," Noah replied calmly as he settled into the seat.


    The car rolled forward, the city lights passing by in a blur of orange and yellow as they drove. Noah¡¯s face remained hidden in the shadows of his hood, but nothing about him seemed out of the ordinary.


    To the driver, he was just another young man avoiding the cold.


    The drive was quiet, save for the asional hum of the engine as they navigated through the city streets.


    After about thirty minutes, they reached their destination.


    Noah handed the driver fifteen dors, his face still hidden.


    The old man didn¡¯t seem to think much of it as Noah stepped out, giving a brief nod of thanks.


    He lingered for a few moments, watching the taxi pull away from the curb, the sound of its tyres fading into the distance.


    Once the taxi was gone, Noah¡¯s demeanour shifted. The calmness melted away, reced by the cold focus of someone on a mission.


    He nced around the quiet streets, taking in his surroundings, and then started walking.


    Two blockster, he arrived at Champinton Street. The quiet residential area was lined with old, brick apartment buildings, their exteriors worn but sturdy.


    Apartment 15, his target, stood at the end of the row, a normal building contrasted with its resident¡¯s arrogance.


    Noah approached the building with purpose, his steps silent as he reached the front door. Without hesitation, he pressed the buzzer for apartment 15. The first ring went unanswered. The second ring was met with silence as well.


    He hit the buzzer a third time, this time harder.


    A gruff, angry voice crackled through the inte. "Who the hell is ringing at this time?" the man barked, clearly annoyed.


    Noah didn¡¯t respond. He simply waited, letting the silence do the talking.


    In his apartment, Horace Wilkins cursed under his breath.


    "Damn drunkards, ringing the bell in the middle of the night," he muttered, groggy and irritated.


    He was about to dismiss it, thinking it was just some idiot messing around outside when the buzzer rang again.


    Horace sat up, his anger building. "I swear, if this idiot doesn¡¯t leave, I¡¯m going down there and teaching him a lesson."


    The buzzer rang once more, sending Horace over the edge. He grabbed the bat he kept by his bed, his grip tightening around the handle as he stomped toward the door.


    "I¡¯m gonna break this guy¡¯s hand for ringing so much," he muttered darkly, his frustration boiling over.


    He reached the building¡¯s front entrance, he swung the door open with force. Horace looked around, eyes scanning the dimly lit street, but saw nothing. The street was empty, eerily quiet.


    "Where the hell¡ª?"


    Horace stepped outside, searching the area with growing irritation.


    "That bastard¡¯s lucky I didn¡¯t catch him." He took a final nce around before turning back toward the door.


    And that¡¯s when it hit him.


    Before Horace could react, a powerful pressure gripped him from behind, a hand mping down over his mouth, muffling any sound he might have made.


    His eyes widened in shock, his heart racing as he struggled to make sense of what was happening. But it was toote.


    Noah moved quickly, dragging the struggling man back into the building, the door clicking shut behind them.


    The neighbourhood¡¯s outdated security systems made Noah¡¯s job easier¡ªthere were no cameras, no rms, nothing that could record what was happening.


    Noah moved with calcted precision, his grip firm as he subdued Horace. The man¡¯s frantic attempts to break free were useless against Noah¡¯s strength.


    Noah quickly knocked him out, silencing the struggle within moments.


    With a calmness that seemed almost detached, Noah dragged Horace back up to his apartment, his footsteps barely audible on the staircase.


    The building remained silent, its other upants oblivious to what was unfolding just beyond their walls.


    Inside Horace¡¯s apartment, Noah closed the door behind them, locking it with a quiet click. He nced around, taking in the cheap furnishings, and the cluttered space.


    It reeked of a disgusting smell, showing the neglect and, a fitting reflection of the man who lived there.


    "Just how many did he kill." Noah thought as he smelled the man¡¯s disgusting smell.


    But that didn¡¯t matter, Noah wasn¡¯t here for a conversation.


    He dropped Horace¡¯s limp body onto the worn couch, his smirk returning as he looked down at the unconscious man.

 Chapter 88: I fullfil my promises

    Noah moved swiftly, the heavy thud of Horace Wilkins¡¯ limp body barely audible as itnded on the threadbare couch.


    Noah stood above him, his gaze cold, and utterly devoid of mercy.


    The room was silent, save for the faint whispers of wind outside. It was a fitting backdrop for what was about to happen.


    Noah wasn¡¯t doing this to make a spectacle, to send a message to everyone, or to set an example. No, this wasn¡¯t about power ys or maniption.


    Noah was here for a simple reason: he had made a promise. He had told Horace Wilkins that if he ever stepped foot inside An¡¯s Gourmet again, he would break his legs. And Noah was a man of his word.


    "I don¡¯t break my promises, at least not without a valid reason."


    With a calmness that belied the intensity of the moment, Noah dragged a chair from the small dining table and ced it in front of the unconscious man. He sat down, his posture rxed, almost casual, but his eyes remained focused¡ªsharp as a de.


    The seconds ticked by, and Noah waited. He didn¡¯t rush. He never did. There was a thrill in the waiting, in watching the scene unfold.


    "Fate is such a wonderful thing, I always tried to understand why people are afraid of the future."


    "It doesn¡¯t make sense," he murmured, "How can you be afraid of something you can¡¯t predict, nor have control of."


    Horace stirred, his fingers twitching as he slowly regained consciousness. His eyelids fluttered, his head lolling to the side as he tried to shake off the haze of being knocked out.


    But as his vision cleared, reality came crashing back with brutal force.


    Horace jolted upright, his eyes wide with panic as he realized where he was¡ªand more importantly, who was sitting in front of him.


    Noah leaned back slightly, a small, smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Good evening, Mr. Wilkins," he said, his tone dripping with mock enthusiasm.


    "How was your sleep? Was it... bussing? Literally," he added, pinching his nose dramatically.


    Horace blinked rapidly, his mind scrambling to process what was happening. His hands instinctively gripped the edges of the couch, his knuckles white with fear.


    "You¡­ what the hell are you doing in my apartment?" he stammered, his voice cracking.


    Noah raised an eyebrow, his smile fading into something colder. "Do you remember thest time we spoke?" he asked, his tone mild, but there was a sharp edge to his words.


    "At An¡¯s Gourmet? I gave you a very simple instruction."


    "Don¡¯t show your face again in that restaurant or... I will break your little legs."


    "I¡ª" Horace began, but Noah cut him off.


    "No," Noah interrupted, standing up slowly, his presence suddenly towering over the cowering man. "You thought it was an empty threat didn¡¯t you,"


    He took a step closer, his eyes narrowing as he leaned down slightly, his voice a low whisper. "You were wrong."


    Horace flinched, his breathing in short, panicked gasps. "Please, I didn¡¯t mean any harm! It was just a misunderstanding! I didn¡¯t think¡ª"


    "Exactly," Noah said, cutting him off once more. "You didn¡¯t think. And now you¡¯re going to pay for that mistake. Next time try to think, use that nut in your head"


    "I don¡¯t make promises I¡¯m not prepared to keep," he said coldly. "I told you what would happen if you went back to that restaurant, and now... here we are."


    Horace¡¯s heart pounded in his chest as Noah stepped back, his eyes scanning the room as though assessing every corner, every detail.


    There was no rage, no outburst of violence. Just the cold, methodical calction of a man inplete control.


    The reality of the situation seemed to finally settle into Horace¡¯s mind. His arrogance, his defiance, all of it had led to this moment. And there was no escaping it.


    Noah moved closer, his presence looming over the terrified man. Horace tried to push himself further back into the couch, but there was nowhere left to go. He was trapped.


    "I don¡¯t want to do this because I enjoy it," Noah continued, his voice low, measured. "I¡¯m doing this because I promised you." His eyes narrowed as he looked down at Horace. "And I don¡¯t break my promises."


    Horace¡¯s trembling hands reached out, pleading, as if somehow, at thest second, he could talk his way out of this. "Please¡­ please, Noah¡­ I¡¯ll do anything, just¡ª"


    But Noah¡¯s expression remained unchanged, his face set in cold determination.


    "No more excuses, Horace," he said, his voice hard as steel. "You had your chance."


    With trembling hands, he reached for the nearest object¡ªa vase sitting on a nearby table. He gripped it tightly, his breath shaky, and in one frantic motion, he hurled it at Noah with all the strength his body could muster.


    But Noah had already seen iting. He had seen the intention flicker in Horace¡¯s eyes before the man even moved. With ease, Noah sidestepped the vase, watching it crash harmlessly into the wall behind him.


    The shattering sound filled the room, but Noah¡¯s focus remained on Horace, who was now breathing heavily, his body shaking in fear and frustration.


    Noah smiled, but this time, it wasn¡¯t the cool, detached smile from earlier. This one was darker, crueler, a smile that held no warmth. "You just made it worse, Horace," Noah said, his voice low, almost mocking. He crouched down, his face mere inches from Horace¡¯s, his eyes gleaming with cold amusement. "You should have just gone with the flow. Taken your punishment and moved on, you know?


    Like you¡¯re in court, and I¡¯m the judge handing down a sentence."


    Horace¡¯s breathing quickened, terror flooding his veins as he realized the gravity of his mistake.


    "But now¡­" Noah¡¯s voice was soft but merciless, "Since you¡¯ve shown no remorse, I¡¯ll have to increase the punishment. Instead of just two legs¡­" he paused, letting the weight of his words sink in, "let¡¯s make it two legs and a hand."


    Horace¡¯s eyes widened in horror, his voiceing out in a frantic whisper. "No, no, please¡­ no," he begged, his body shaking with fear.

 Chapter 89: Punishment Granted

    Horace¡¯s eyes widened in horror, his voiceing out in a frantic whisper. "No, no, please¡­ no," he begged, his body shaking with fear.


    But Noah didn¡¯t care. Without a word, he struck Horace hard, knocking him unconscious once more.


    The room fell silent, except for Noah¡¯s calm breaths.


    He moved slowly, tying a gag around Horace¡¯s mouth to stifle any cries of pain.


    Once done, Noah stood over Horace¡¯s limp form.


    Noah lifted his foot slowly, almost casually, as if there was no rush, no urgency. His eyes locked onto Horace¡¯s knee, the purpose of breaking it clear in his mind as if it was nothing significant.


    The room seemed to narrow, the walls pressing in on them as Noah¡¯s boot hovered above the joint.


    The air was thick, the silence unbearable.


    Then, with a swift, brutal motion, Noah brought his foot down.


    "CRACK."


    The sound of bone snapping echoed like a gunshot in the room. Horace¡¯s body convulsed violently, his back arching as a guttural scream tore from his throat, muffled by the gag that choked back the full force of his agony. Your next read awaits at §Þ??


    "Mmmpphhh! Mmmmph!"


    Tears burst from Horace¡¯s eyes, streaming down his face in a flood of raw pain. His hands, trembling uncontrobly, instinctively reached for his shattered knee, but there was nothing he could do.


    The joint was already a mangled mess, twisted at an angle that made it look inhuman. His skin was pale, sweat pouring down his face as he struggled to breathe through the searing agony.


    Noah stood there, his eyes unwavering, watching the scene unfold with an eerie calm. He could hear the muffled sobs, the desperate gasps for air, but it didn¡¯t faze him.


    This was simply the result of not heeding his threat, the price Horace had to pay.


    "That was the first one," Noah said quietly, his voice soft, as if speaking to himself rather than to Horace.


    His tone held no malice, just cold indifference. "I told you this would happen."


    Horace¡¯s wide eyes filled with terror as he tried to plead, but the gag silenced him, turning his screams into pathetic, muffled cries of despair.


    His body writhed on the floor, twisting in pain, his movements erratic as he struggled to escape the agony coursing through his shattered leg.


    Noah crouched down, leaning close to Horace¡¯s face, his breath steady. "You thought I was bluffing, didn¡¯t you?" he whispered, his voice so close it sent chills through Horace¡¯s broken body.


    "You should have listened."


    Noah stood up again casually, stepping back as he prepared for the second handout of punishment.


    Horace¡¯s tear-filled eyes followed Noah¡¯s movements, desperate, begging. The fear in his eyes was as clear as day, but Noah didn¡¯t can¡¯t.


    There was no room for mercy. Not anymore.


    Noah lifted his foot again, this time aiming for the other leg.


    He watched as Horace¡¯s muscles tensed, his body shaking uncontrobly as if he could somehow brace for the pain.


    Noah smirked at his futile attempt. There was no preparation for what was about to happen.


    And then it happened.


    "CRUNCH."


    The second leg broke under the force of Noah¡¯s boot, the sound more sickening this time, the damage more severe.


    Horace¡¯s body convulsed violently as his scream ripped through the gag.


    "MMMMPHHHH! MMMPPPHHH!!!"


    His cries were louder now, raw and animalistic, the pain pushing him beyond the limits of what he could endure. His hands wed at the air, grabbing at nothing as he tried to find some relief, some way to stop the agony ripping through him. His legs were useless, shattered in multiple ces, twisted at grotesque angles that made his body look like a broken doll.


    Noah looked down at him, his face emotionless, as if this scene didn¡¯t affect him in the slightest. The man beneath him was a writhing, crying mess, reduced to nothing but pain and suffering. But Noah wasn¡¯t finished yet.


    "I know it hurts, Horace," Noah said, his voice eerily calm as he stood over the broken man. "But I really... really hate it, when people ignore my threats."


    Horace¡¯s muffled cries filled the room, his body shaking with the intensity of his pain.


    His face was drenched in sweat, tears mixing with the droplets, his breathing in short, frantic gasps. He shook his head, as if in denial, as if he could somehow wake up from the nightmare that had be his reality.


    "I know," Noah continued, his tone soft and devoid of anypassion. "I know it¡¯s hard." He crouched down once more, leaning close to Horace¡¯s ear.


    "But don¡¯t worry," he whispered, his voice so cold it sent a shiver through Horace¡¯s broken form."


    "It will only take a year or two of being bedridden, and maybe¡ªjust maybe¡ªyou¡¯ll start walking again."


    Horace¡¯s body trembled beneath him, his tears flowing uncontrobly as he whimpered beneath the gag. His once arrogant, defiant demeanor was long gone, reced by the hollow shell of a man who had lost everything.


    "But don¡¯t expect it to be the same," Noah added, straightening up and walking around the sobbing man like a predator circling its prey.


    And then Noah¡¯s eyes fell on Horace¡¯s hand.


    "You know," Noah said thoughtfully, as if considering his next move, "I was going to stop here. Two legs for the promise I made. But..." He paused, crouching down again and grabbing Horace¡¯s trembling wrist. "You tried to fight back. You tried to make this worse for yourself."


    Horace¡¯s eyes widened in terror, but before he could react, Noah twisted his hand sharply.


    "SNAP."


    The bone broke with a sickening crack, the sound followed by another scream, louder this time, as Horace¡¯s body convulsed once again in unimaginable pain.


    His hand, limp and useless, dropped to his side like a dead weight.


    The muffled wails of agony filled the room, the sound of a man who had nothing left but suffering.


    Noah let go of Horace¡¯s wrist, watching as the broken many there, sobbing, defeated.


    His body was a mess of shattered limbs, his spirit crushed beneath the weight of Noah¡¯s merciless punishment.


    Standing over him, Noah took a deep breath, feeling bored.


    "Horace, would you believe me if I told you I really don¡¯t want to be here? I mean who would, you and your room smell nutty, like literally."


    And with that, Noah turned away, his footsteps light as he walked toward the door, leaving Horace in the darkness of his own despair.


    The moonlight filtered through the dirty windows, casting long shadows across the broken man left sobbing on the floor.


    Noah didn¡¯t look back. There was no need. The lesson had been taught.

 Chapter 90: Scared

    Noah put his hood down and stepped into the elevator, the cold steel walls reflecting his calm, detached expression.


    "Ding!"


    The doors of the elevator slid open, he walked out of the building without so much as a backward nce.


    Once outside, he paused for a moment, scanning the quiet street. With a sigh, he rang the bell for Apartment 16.


    No response.


    Shrugging slightly, Noah moved to the next apartment. Apartment 17.


    He pressed the button and waited, his hands now in his pockets clearly not interested in ringing again.


    The silence was interrupted by a soft crackle through the inte, and a woman¡¯s voice, hazy with sleep, answered.


    "Who¡­ who¡¯s this?" she asked, her voice slightly confused, groggy from being suddenly awoken.


    Noah didn¡¯t waste time on pleasantries.


    His tone was steady, almost clinical.


    "You might want to call an ambnce for your neighbour at Apartment 15. If you don¡¯t, he¡¯s going to die from shock and internal bleeding."


    The woman gasped audibly, her breath catching in her throat. The sudden shock of his words shook her to her core.


    Before Noah could say anything else, she hung up, the line going dead with a soft click.


    Inside her apartment, the woman¡¯s hands were trembling as she clutched her phone. Her heart pounded in her chest, and a sense of dread filled her mind.


    She was alone, and the idea of something terrible happening next door made her skin crawl.


    "What do I do, what should I do."


    Trembling, she paced around her small apartment, ncing nervously toward the door. Her mind raced, trying to make sense of the situation.


    She thought about checking through the peephole, her fingers itching to unlock the door and peek out into the hallway.


    But fear crept into her thoughts, clouding her judgment.


    "What if it¡¯s a serial killer?" she thought, her hands shaking harder.


    "What if he¡¯s trying to lure me out?"


    Her breathing quickened, and she felt her pulse hammering in her ears.


    "No, no. I can¡¯t open the door. I can¡¯t risk it." Explore more stories with §Þ??


    Finally, she made a decision. With trembling hands, she dialled 999, her voice shaking as she waited for the operator to answer.


    "911, what¡¯s your emergency?"


    "I¡­ I think something horrible happened to my neighbour at Apartment 15," she said, her voice trembling.


    "Can you tell me what happened? Is someone hurt?" the officer said calmly.


    "Yes¡­ I don¡¯t know! A man just called me through the inte, and he said that my neighbour is going to die from internal bleeding and shock if someone doesn¡¯t help him. I¡¯m scared. I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s true, but I don¡¯t want to open my door. What if it¡¯s a trap?"


    "I understand you¡¯re scared. Stay calm. You did the right thing by calling. We¡¯re going to send someone to check on your neighbour. Can you tell me exactly where you¡¯re located?"


    "Apartment 17, second floor¡­ I don¡¯t know if the man who called is still outside, but I didn¡¯t open my door."


    "That¡¯s okay. Please stay inside. Don¡¯t open the door for anyone except the police, alright? Officers are on their way. We¡¯ll check on Apartment 15 and make sure everyone is safe."


    "O-okay¡­ should I stay on the line?"


    "You¡¯re safe right now, but if you hear anything suspicious, you can call us back immediately. Stay where you are until we confirm everything is clear."


    "Thank you¡­ I¡¯m really scared¡­"


    "It¡¯s alright, help is on the way. Just stay inside."


    The woman hung up the phone, her hands still trembling, her mind racing with anxiety.


    She leaned against her door, listening for any sounds in the hallway, but all she heard was her own heartbeat pounding in her ears.


    The minutes dragged on like hours, the silence in her apartment oppressive.


    Meanwhile, Noah had already left the neighbourhood. His pace was slow and deliberate, the sound of his footsteps fading into the quiet night as he walked a few blocks away from Horace¡¯s building.


    The cool air brushed against his face, but he paid no attention. His hood was up again, concealing his expression, though a faint smirk yed across his lips as he nced over his shoulder.


    After about twenty minutes of walking, the familiar wail of sirens reached his ears. He turned his head slightly, spotting a police car racing in the direction of Horace¡¯s apartment.


    The red and blue lights reflected off the dark windows of the surrounding buildings as the car sped past, its tyres screeching softly as it rounded the corner.


    Noah¡¯s smirk widened as he watched the shing lights disappear down the street.


    "I guess she saved him," he muttered to himself, his voice barely audible in the quiet of the night. "It¡¯s not your time to die, Horace."


    To be honest, Noah didn¡¯t care if Horace lived or died. He had left it up to fate, indifferent to the oue.


    It wasn¡¯t about mercy, and it wasn¡¯t about cruelty¡ªit was simply a matter of chance. Horace¡¯s life had hung in the bnce, and tonight, it seemed fate had decided to spare him.


    "For now," Noah whispered, his smirk fading slightly as he walked further away from the scene.


    He knew that the police would find Horace, broken and bloodied, but alive. They would piece together what had happened, but by the time they did, Noah would be long gone, his presence nothing more than a fleeting shadow.


    "Let¡¯s see what you do with this second chance, Horace," Noah muttered under his breath, his toneced with cold amusement. "But remember, next time, it won¡¯t be so easy."


    He slipped his phone from his pocket and called for an Uber, his thoughts already drifting away from the night¡¯s events.


    As he waited for the car, Noah looked up at the sky, the moon hanging high above, casting a pale glow over the quiet streets. The police would handle Horace now, but that didn¡¯t concern him. He had done what he came to do.


    When the Uber arrived, Noah slipped into the backseat, his face hidden beneath his hood once more. "Take me to ..." he said, and the car took off to his mansion, disappearing into the night.


    Let¡¯s see where fate takes you next, Horace, he thought, his eyes cold and distant as the Uber sped toward his mansion.

 Chapter 91: A Monster

    The police cruiser came to a slow stop outside the apartment building, its shing lights on the walls.


    The quiet hum of the city at night was disrupted by the officers stepping out, yawning and muttering among themselves as they approached the entrance.


    "This better not be another prank call," grumbled Officer Daniels, rubbing his eyes. "Middle of the night, seriously¡­" He yawned, the exhaustion evident in his voice.


    Next to him, Officer Hayes gave a smallugh. "You want it to be real? You¡¯re getting excited about this?"


    Daniels rolled his eyes. "No, of course not. But you get what I¡¯m saying. Waking us up at this hour for nothing is just¡ª"


    Before he could finish, Staff Sergeant Rachel Miller shot them both a sharp look. "Enough chit-chatting," she snapped. "Where¡¯s the ambnce? They were supposed to be here by now."


    "They said they should be here soon," Daniels muttered, still a little groggy from being woken up, his tone half-apologetic.


    Rachel nodded curtly and turned her attention to the inte beside the building¡¯s entrance.


    She pressed the button for Apartment 17, the ce from which the call had originated. There was a pause, and then a shaky, trembling voice answered.


    "Hello?"


    Rachel¡¯s tone softened slightly. "Hi, this is the police. You called us earlier?"


    There was a sigh of relief on the other end. "Ah, finally¡­ you¡¯re here. Please,e in." There was a soft click as the automatic door buzzed open, granting them entry.


    The officers quickly entered the building, stepping into the dimly lit hallway. Their footsteps echoed faintly as they made their way up to the floor where the woman who had called lived, Apartment 17, just across from Apartment 15¡ªwhere they assumed the incident had taken ce.


    Rachel took the lead, her senses on high alert. As they reached the top floor, she immediately noticed that the door to Apartment 15 was slightly ajar.


    Her instincts kicked in, and she held up a hand, signalling the officers behind her to be prepared.


    "This is real," she muttered under her breath, her stomach twisting slightly.


    She¡¯d been in the force long enough to know that when things were quiet like this, it usually meant trouble.


    With a calm motion, Rachel unholstered her sidearm, holding it close to her chest.


    She moved forward cautiously, using the technique¡ªpiecing the cake, they called it¡ªslicing the room in segments.


    As she slowly advanced through the door. Her breathing was steady, her eyes scanning every corner.


    A strange odour hit her as soon as she stepped inside¡ªan odd mix of sweat, blood, and something else she couldn¡¯t quite ce.


    It wasn¡¯t overwhelming, but it was enough to make her nose twitch. Still, Rachel was used to bad smells in this line of work, so she pushed the difort aside and kept moving.


    What she saw next, however, made her stomach turn in a way she hadn¡¯t expected.


    A man¡ªfat, dishevelled, and utterly brokeny sprawled on the floor in the middle of the room.


    His body was a wreck, his legs bent at sickening angles, one hand twisted unnaturally. Blood had pooled around him, staining the floor beneath him with its dark red colour.


    His face was pale, sweat clinging to his skin, and his eyes were closed¡ªwhether unconscious or dead, she couldn¡¯t tell.


    Rachel¡¯s breath caught in her throat, and for a brief moment, she stood frozen, staring at the horrifying scene in front of her. "What kind of monster could do this?" she wondered, feeling a faint wave of nausea rise in her stomach.


    She shook it off and quickly signalled to the others to search the apartment, just in case someone was still there, lurking in the shadows.


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    The officers fanned out, moving swiftly through the rooms, checking every closet, every corner. Within moments, they reported back¡ªthere was no one else.


    "It¡¯s clear," one of them said.


    Rachel holstered her weapon and immediately knelt beside the man¡¯s body, her hand moving to his neck, searching for a pulse.


    The silence in the room was suffocating as she pressed her fingers against the thick flesh, waiting, hoping.


    Seconds passed. Her heart raced.


    Finally, she felt it¡ªa faint, but steady pulse.


    "He¡¯s still alive!" Rachel shouted her voice tight with urgency. She looked over her shoulder. "Where¡¯s the ambnce?"


    "They¡¯re downstairs," one of the officers replied, his voice tinged with frustration. "They¡¯reing up now."


    Rachel let out a breath she hadn¡¯t realized she¡¯d been holding. She looked down at the man, Horace, his broken body barely holding onto life.


    She couldn¡¯t imagine the level of pain he must be in¡ªthe kind of torture someone would have to inflict to leave him in such a state.


    The officer nearest to her, Officer Daniels, stared at the twisted figure on the floor, his face pale. "Who did this?" he muttered under his breath, clearly shaken by the brutality of what he was seeing.


    Hayes, standing beside him, looked just as disturbed. "This guy looks like he got hit by a freight train," he whispered.


    "What kind of sicko does this to someone?"


    Daniels shook his head, still trying to process the scene in front of him. "I don¡¯t know, man, but this¡­ this is straight out of a horror movie."


    The tension in the room was thick, the officers shifting ufortably as they took in the sight of Horace¡¯s mangled limbs.


    One of them broke the silence, trying to lighten the mood with dark humour.


    "Joker. It¡¯s gotta be the Joker," one of the officers muttered under his breath, half-joking, half-serious. "Who else messes someone up this bad?"


    Rachel gave him a sharp look, but another officer chimed in, shaking his head.


    "Nah, man. First, we¡¯ve got some guy running around ying Batman. Now we¡¯ve got someone ying the Joker? What the hell is going on in this city?"


    Daniels, his nerves on edge, let out a shakyugh. "Did I get transmigrated into the DC Universe? What¡¯s next, a guy in a cape swooping in to fight crime?"


    Rachel ignored the banter, her focus solely on the man in front of her. "Enough," she said, her voice cold.


    "This isn¡¯t a game. Whoever did this is dangerous, and they¡¯re still out there."


    The sound of footsteps echoed through the hallway as the paramedics finally arrived, rushing into the apartment with their equipment in hand.


    Rachel stood up, making way for them to work. She watched as they quickly assessed Horace¡¯s injuries, their faces grim as they realized the extent of the damage.


    "This guy¡¯s lucky to be alive," one of the paramedics muttered under his breath as he prepped Horace for transport.


    "Broken legs, shattered hand, internal injuries¡­ if whoever did this had gone any further, he¡¯d be dead. He left him just on the brink of death... Whoever did this knew exactly what he was doing"


    Rachel nodded, her mind still racing. Whoever had done this had been deliberate. Precise. They had left Horace alive¡ªbut only just. It was a message. A warning.


    As the paramedics worked, Rachel stepped back, her eyes narrowing in thought. Someone had done this with purpose. Someone who had the skill and the intent to inflict this kind of suffering.


    And that meant this wasn¡¯t over.


    As the paramedics wheeled Horace out of the apartment, Rachel turned to the officers. "We need to canvas the area," she said firmly. "Check for any cameras, talk to the neighbours. Someone had to have seen something. Whoever did this isn¡¯t going to stop here."


    The officers nodded, their earlier jokes and banter gone, reced with the grim understanding that they were dealing with something far darker than they¡¯d anticipated.


    As Rachel stepped out into the night, she looked up at the sky, her mind already focused on tracking down the person responsible for the brutal scene she had just witnessed.


    "This city¡¯s changing," she thought. "There is a monster among us..."


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 92: Rules don’t apply to him

    Noah stepped out of the Uber about five minutes away from his mansion. The sun had just started to rise, casting a warm, golden glow over the quiet streets.


    He stretched his arms and yawned, still feeling the fatigue from the long night.


    His footsteps were steady as he walked toward the mansion, carefully keeping to the shadows like before, slipping back into the neighbourhood as effortlessly as he had left. The guards stationed at the entrance were none the wiser.


    After about 15 minutes, Noah reached his mansion. The imposing structure stood tall against the morning sky, surrounded by lush greenery andplete silence.


    He nced at the system update screen, floating in front of his eyes.


    [Estimated Time: 4 Hours 20 Minutes]


    "Huh. 4:20?" A wry smile crept onto his face. "The system seems to have a sense of humour, albeit quite bad."


    Noah yawned again, his body craving sleep, he hadn¡¯t slept much earlier.


    Deciding he could rest while the system continued its upgrade, Noah headed inside. The mansion was still as quiet and empty as it had been the night before.


    The air inside was cool, and Noah immediately made his way to his room, craving thefort of his bed.


    Before lying down, he decided to take a quick shower. The water was hot and soothing, washing away the grime of the night.


    The steam filled the room, and for a few moments, Noah simply stood under the water, letting it ease his tired muscles.


    Afterwards, he dried himself off, changed into clean clothes, ced his old ones in the inventory, and trimmed his nails, making sure everything was in order before slipping back into bed.


    The plush mattress enveloped him, and Noah felt his body rx in a way it hadn¡¯t for a long time. For the first time in weeks, he allowed himself to drift into a deep, peaceful sleep.


    Four hourster, Noah woke up feeling refreshed, more energized than he had felt in years. He stretched out in bed, blinking as his eyes adjusted to the light streaming in through the windows.


    His mind felt sharp, and clear, as if the weight of everything he had been carrying had lifted while he slept. He didn¡¯t even feel the need to yawn as he got up.


    He nced at the system screen again.


    [Estimated Time: 23 Minutes


    Noah smiled to himself, a faintly amused expression crossing his face. "The upgrade is going to be legendary," he muttered under his breath. A memory of a certain basketball yer popped into his mind.


    He brushed his teeth and headed downstairs to the kitchen. Therge, open space was still empty; the mansion had been fully furnished but stocked with no actual food.


    There were tes and utensils neatly arranged, but nothing edible. Noah sighed, realizing he was hungry after the long night and morning nap.


    Grabbing his phone, he scrolled through his contacts and quickly called An¡¯s Gourmet, the Michelin-starred restaurant he owned. The phone rang once before someone picked up.


    "Hello, An¡¯s Gourmet, how can I help you?" the voice on the other end said with professional politeness.


    Noah¡¯s voice was calm but carried an unmistakable authority. "Hi, I want food delivered to my house, preferably in the next 10 minutes."


    There was a brief pause on the other end, and then the employee replied, "I¡¯m sorry, sir, but we are an esteemed restaurant with a Michelin star. We don¡¯t dost-second deliveries. Our orders require careful preparation and¡ª"


    Noah chuckled, his tone now carrying a touch of amusement. "What if I told you I¡¯m your boss?"


    The employee¡¯s tone changed instantly, filled with a mix of shock and urgency. "Boss? Boss Noah? I apologize, I didn¡¯t recognize your voice at first! I¡¯ll inform the kitchen right away. We¡¯ll dy the other orders and prepare your meal immediately."


    Noah¡¯s smile deepened. "No need for anything specific. Just bring me food¡ªand make it quick."


    "Yes, sir. I¡¯ll make sure it¡¯s done fast," the employee responded, his voice almost trembling.


    Noah hung up the phone and leaned back, satisfied. About nine minutester, his phone rang again. It was the delivery driver.


    "Sir, I¡¯m outside the gate, but the security isn¡¯t letting me in. They say delivery drivers aren¡¯t allowed inside."


    Noah sighed. "Give him the phone," he said, annoyance creeping into his tone.


    There was a brief rustling sound, and then the guard answered. "Hello?"


    "This is Noah Thompson. My subordinate is bringing me food. Is there a problem with that?"


    The guard on the other end immediately stiffened. "No, of course not, Mr. Thompson! I apologize for the inconvenience. It¡¯s just a standard security procedure, but I¡¯ll let him through right away."


    The guard quickly handed the phone back to the delivery driver, who was then allowed to pass through. Within moments, the driver pulled up to the mansion¡¯s entrance, carrying the food Noah had ordered.


    As the delivery driver entered, one of the newer security guards at the gate frowned, looking slightly puzzled. "But sir, I thought delivery drivers weren¡¯t allowed inside, no matter what."


    The head of security, Anderson, gave the younger guard a knowing look and shook his head. "You¡¯re still a newbie," he said with a smirk. "You can¡¯t always follow the rules to the letter. Besides¡­" He lowered his voice, ncing toward the mansion path. "There are people the rules don¡¯t apply to. Some people¡­ the rules obey them."


    The younger guard blinked in confusion but said nothing more, watching as the delivery driver entered the grand gates of the mansion with his delivery.


    The world inside those gates was a different one, a ce where Noah Thompson¡¯s influence was unquestioned.


    Inside the mansion, Noah set the food on the table and sat down. The dishes were still hot, the aroma filling the air. He picked up a fork, feeling satisfied with how things had yed out this morning.


    Everything was running smoothly¡ªalmost too smoothly. He took a bite, savouring the vour, as his mind wandered back to the system upgrade.


    "Just a little longer," he thought to himself, ncing at the timer on the floating screen.


    [Estimated Time: 15 Minutes]


    The upgrade would soon beplete, and with it, new opportunities would open up. Noah leaned back in his chair, eyes narrowed in thought.


    He had a feeling this upgrade wasn¡¯t just going to change the system¡ªit was going to change him too.


    "Let¡¯s see what this brings," he mused, a faint smile ying on his lips as he waited for the next phase to begin.

 Chapter 93: System Upgrade!

    Noah finished thest bite of his meal, savouring the rich vours before setting down his fork. He leaned back in his chair, feeling a sense of calm settle over him.


    It wasn¡¯t often that he allowed himself moments like this, but today felt different.


    His eyes drifted to the glowing system screen floating in front of him.


    [Estimated Time:6 minutes¡­ 5 minutes¡­ 4 minutes¡­]


    The countdown was almost over. Whatever this upgrade was, it had been building for hours.


    Now, the final seconds were ticking away like the calm before a storm.


    [3¡­ 2¡­ 1¡­]


    [Ding! Ultimate Choice System has upgraded!]


    The familiar sound of the system¡¯s notification echoed in Noah¡¯s mind, the voice as neutral and detached as ever.


    But this time, something about it felt heavier, more significant. The words began to appear, each one carrying weight beyond their usual cryptic promises.


    [New Functions!]


    Noah straightened in his chair, his full attention locked on the screen.


    [Ultimate Choice Unlocked! The host must make a choice in 60 seconds]


    Two options shed before him, their meaning sinking into his mind almost instantly.


    Option 1: Reach the pinnacle of power and status. You have 5 years to do so.


    [Reward: Directly proportional to Completion Time.]


    Option 2: Live a peaceful life without worries. You will die without regrets.


    [Reward: Advanced Skill & System is removed]


    Noah stared at the two options, his expression shifting from curiosity to something darker, something thoughtful.


    His brow furrowed as he leaned forward, elbows on the table, fingers steepled beneath his chin. His mind began to race, analyzing the choicesid out before him.


    "Two choices?" he thought, his lips twitching into a faint, wry smile.


    "No. The system only gave me one choice this time."


    Theoretically, there were two options staring back at him on the screen, but in reality, there was only one Noah could ever truly consider.


    Option 2 was absurd.


    "A peaceful life without worries? Dying without regrets?" Noah almostughed at the simplicity of it, at the idea that he could live a mundane existence where nothing exciting or unpredictable happened, where everything was known andid out before him.


    What was the fun of that? What was the challenge?


    "Die without regrets¡­?" Noah repeated the words in his head, almost tasting their emptiness.


    "Live a peaceful life? What¡¯s the point of living if there¡¯s no excitement, no risk, no ambition?"


    His mind wandered to the idea of what a "peaceful" life might mean. It sounded like the kind of life people without vision craved, the kind of life where nothing happened¡ªno conflict, no struggle.


    It was like offering someone immortality but telling them they had to spend it inside a cage, watching the world pass by without ever touching it.


    Noah¡¯s smile widened, bing a thin line of disdain. "A peaceful life¡­" he mused, shaking his head slightly. "That¡¯s just a fancy way of saying ¡¯boring¡¯."


    He could practically feel his blood cooling at the thought.


    And then there was the other part.


    The system would be dormant. Dormant? Gone from his life forever, like it never existed.


    Who in their right mind would willingly remove a tool as powerful as the system from their life?


    "Absolutely not," Noah thought, dismissing the second option as if it were a joke.


    He turned his attention to Option 1, the real choice.


    Option 1: Reach the pinnacle of power and status. You have 5 years to do so.


    [Reward: Directly proportional to Completion Time.]


    There was no immediate reward, no promise of instant gratification, but the allure was undeniable.


    It was a challenge. A mystery. For the first time, the system had given him something that wasn¡¯t straightforward.


    The reward was undefined¡ªimmense, but unknown. Noah¡¯s fingers drummed lightly on the table, his mind working through the implications.


    He could feel the thrill building inside him, a deep, primal hunger for something greater.


    The unknown reward at the end only made it more enticing. Noah was the kind of man who thrived on uncertainty, who revelled in the game of outsmarting his enemies, outying everyone around him.


    "This system knows me well," Noah thought with a dark grin. "It knows exactly what I want."


    He had tried to settle for mediocrity, but it was simply impossible¡ªit went against his very nature.


    The desire for control, the thrill of ambition. It was a huge part of him that he couldn¡¯t discard.


    No matter how hard he tried to suppress it, it always surged back, stronger than before.


    As he stared at the options on the screen, a familiar sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu washed over him.


    He had seen this before, faced the same choice. And back then, he had chosen wrong.


    He had chosen to try and live a peaceful life.


    Noah remembered that time clearly, the days when he had manipted himself into thinking that he could be content with simplicity.


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    That he could live without the rush of power or the pull of ambition. But it hadn¡¯t worked. It hadn¡¯t evensted. It had eaten at him, gnawed away at his core until he was nothing but a hollow shell, trying to y a role that wasn¡¯t his.


    He had tried to keep a promise¡ªa promise made to a girl who had believed in him.


    "Noah, promise me you won¡¯t do that again, okay?"


    He had thought, just for a moment, that he could change. That he could put away the hunger, the monster that had always defined him. But that peaceful life she wanted for him? It had killed him from the inside.


    Slowly. Day by day.


    Noah couldn¡¯t live that way. He couldn¡¯t be that person, no matter how much she believed he could.


    Now, standing here, looking at the optionsid out before him again, he realized that the system had thrown down the gauntlet. It wasn¡¯t offering handouts anymore, wasn¡¯t dangling immediate rewards in front of him.


    Instead, it had given him a choice that went beyond power¡ªit was offering him a chance to rectify his past mistake.


    It had given him the ultimate choice of bing who he was meant to be.


    "What¡¯s wrong with monsters?" he muttered under his breath, the question hanging in the air,ced with a quiet amusement. The memory of her voice echoed in his mind¡ªsoft, full of hope. Hope that he had shattered.


    But the world wasn¡¯t filled with the hopeful, the kind-hearted and the naive. The real world, the one where power ruled, was a jungle filled with monsters.


    Predators who thrived on control, maniption, and strength.


    "We live amongst monsters," Noah said, his voice growing louder, more resolute. "So why the hypocrisy when ites to me?"


    He had been judged and told that he was different and dangerous.


    But they all were. Every single one of them yed the same games, just with different masks. The politicians, the corporate giants, even the ones who pretended to be good¡ªthey all fought for power in their own way.


    They were all monsters, hiding behind a veneer of kindness. They were evil hidden behind a veil.


    Noah had always understood what it took to survive in a world like this, a world that demanded control, maniption, and sometimes cruelty.


    Now, with the system by his side, he wouldn¡¯t just survive¡ªhe would thrive. The path ahead was clear. He had made his choice, and there was no turning back.


    "Reach the pinnacle of power and status, or die in mediocrity." There was no in-between.


    He had always known he was different¡ªsmarter, more capable, more ruthless when necessary. The system hadn¡¯t changed him; it had simply unlocked the potential he had always known existed within him.


    The peaceful life? That wasn¡¯t for him.


    He couldn¡¯t pretend to be someone else any longer.


    With a final nce at the screen, Noah¡¯s smile turned into something darker, more determined. The choice was clear. There was only ever one path for him.


    As Noah finalized his selection, choosing the path toward the pinnacle of power, a quiet but undeniable sense of familiarity washed over him¡ªalmost as if he¡¯d made this decision before.


    The weight of it settled into him, not as a new burden, but something long dormant, something he had always been meant to choose.


    The thrill of it, the rush, it felt more than just exhrating¡ªit felt right. Yet, in the back of his mind, a subtle question lingered, unspoken.


    Why does this feel like returning to something, rather than beginning it?


    He shook the thought away, focusing on the future. But somewhere, deep within, the choice felt less like a step forward and more like a step back¡ªback toward something that had always been his.


    [Ding! Option Selected]


    The sound of the system confirming his choice echoed through his mind, sharp and clear, like the crack of a starting pistol.


    Noah felt a rush of adrenaline surge through him, his pulse quickening as the system processed his decision.


    The countdown was over.


    Noah stood up from his chair, stretching his arms as he felt the energy buzzing through him. The weight of that old promise, the peaceful life he had tried to live¡ªit was gone now, lifted from his shoulders like a burden he no longer had to carry.


    He didn¡¯t need to pretend anymore. This was who he was¡ªa man who thrived in the pursuit of power, who relished the challenge of reaching the top, no matter what stood in his way.


    "Let the world see who I really am," Noah thought, his smirk turning darker, more dangerous.


    "Let them see what happens when a monster stops pretending to be human."


    In that moment, the pull toward the unknown reward, toward the chase of power, felt like a return to a forgotten truth¡ªa part of himself that had always been waiting.

 Chapter 94: New Function and an Advanced Skill!

    [Ding! Skills above the Intermediate Grade can now be rewarded.]


    [Ding! Advanced Skill Roulette is rewarded. Spin for an Advanced Skill!]


    Noah¡¯s eyes gleamed as he watched the roulette wheel materialize in front of him, suspended in mid-air like an ethereal mechanism designed for gods.


    The colours on the wheel were simple but told a clear story.


    Three colours dominated the wheel¡ªck, purple, and white. The white section took up the majority, about 69% of the wheel.


    Purple followed, taking up around 30%. But the smallest sliver, a narrow section of only about 1% of the wheel, was pure ck. The sight of it immediately intrigued him.


    The wheel began to spin with a soft whirring sound, each rotation picking up speed as it blurred before his eyes.


    Noah¡¯s focus honed in on the wheel¡¯s motion. His pulse quickened as it raced around and around, the anticipation building in his chest.


    Noah knew how these things worked¡ªtypically, the white sections would result in a decent skill, something useful but not groundbreaking. The purple would yield something extraordinary, and the ck... well, ck could either be the most incredible thing he could obtain or the worst.


    His eyes narrowed as he focused on the spinning wheel, waiting for it to slow down.


    The roulette began to lose momentum, the colours bing distinguishable again. It edged past the white sections, teasing at the possibility of a basic reward.


    It hesitated on purple for a second, before rolling over to the narrow ck sliver.


    And stopped.


    Noah¡¯s breath caught for just a moment. It hadnded in the ck.


    [Ding! Advanced Memory nce is rewarded!]


    The words appeared before him, and he could feel the weight of the skill sinking into his mind.


    Noah let out a breath, a smirk curling on his lips. "So, it¡¯s a blessing," he thought, eyeing the reward.


    The ck section space was so small on the roulette, thatnding on it felt almost impossible.


    He pressed on the skill icon, letting the system provide more information.


    [Advanced Memory nce: With a brief touch, the host can nce into the memories of a person, seeing key events that shape their current state of mind or motivations. The memories are fragmented ande in short shes, making interpretation tricky. However, the deeper the emotional resonance tied to the memory, the more detailed the sh.]


    Noah read the description, his smirk widening as he absorbed the implications. This wasn¡¯t just about peeking into someone¡¯s mind¡ªthis was about gaining leverage, about understanding people on a fundamental level.


    He could view their traumas, their fears, their motivations, and turn them against his enemies¡ªor shape them to his advantage.


    "No wonder why I was only given intermediate skills at best before," Noah muttered to himself, his fingers brushing against the air as if testing the power now running through him. "It¡¯s because the system wasn¡¯t upgraded. I indeed picked the right choice."


    The system had evolved, and so had he. It wasn¡¯t about raw power alone; it was about the finesse, the ability to y with the minds of others, to twist and bend them like malleable y.


    With this skill, he would no longer need to rely on direct confrontation to win battles. He could strip away the defences of his enemies with a mere touch, unveiling their vulnerabilities and hidden desires.


    He pressed his fingers together, feeling the energy pulse through his veins as he imagined all the ways he could use this ability. The most dangerous part of manipting people wasn¡¯t forcing them¡ªit was guiding them without them even realizing it. And this skill was built for exactly that.


    With a satisfied grin, Noah stepped back, his thoughts racing with possibilities.


    Advanced Memory nce wasn¡¯t just a tool¡ªit was a key to unlocking the minds of anyone who crossed his path. A flicker of an idea crossed his mind, a dangerous and thrilling one.


    What if he used this on people withrge influence, unraveling their secrets, and guiding their actions?


    The sheer potential of it sent a surge of excitement through him. His enemies would never know what hit them.


    One touch, and their memories, their pasts, would be his to manipte.


    He could weave illusions, twist perceptions, and create realities that didn¡¯t exist¡ªall in the minds of those around him. They wouldn¡¯t even realize they were being controlled until it was far toote.


    Noah smiled to himself, a dark, quiet smile.


    "This skill is built for me," he whispered, the words hanging in the air like a promise.


    The system had delivered exactly what he needed¡ªnot just more raw power, but the means to control and influence the world in a way that aligned perfectly with his nature.


    Noah stepped forward, already thinking of the next steps. [Advanced Memory nce] wasn¡¯t just a skill¡ªit was a pathway to dominance, a way to slip into the lives and minds of others without them ever knowing.


    "Let¡¯s see where this takes me," Noah said, his voice filled with quiet confidence. He knew the system had changed everything. And now, with this new power at his fingertips, he was ready to shape the world in his image, one memory at a time.


    The roulette hadnded on ck, and it had been anything but a curse. It was exactly what he needed to rise higher, faster than ever before.


    Noah stretched his arms wide as he stepped into the hallway of his mansion, his mood lifted and filled with energy from his recent power-up.


    "Let¡¯s get the day started," he said aloud, the words echoing off the grand walls of his new home. It was time to finally explore everything this luxurious mansion had to offer.


    The mansion itself was a masterpiece of modern design, blended with subtle hints of ssic grandeur. It wasn¡¯t just a home¡ªit was a sanctuary, a fortress, and a symbol of the power Noah was starting to umte.


    Walking through the spacious corridors, he admired the fine marble floors that reflected the soft morning light, each step of his making a quiet, satisfying echo.


    His first stop was the sauna room, tucked away on the far end of the mansion. As he opened the door, a rush of heat greeted him.


    The room was panelled in warm cedar wood, the aroma of natural wood instantly rxing his mind. Sleek stone benches lined the walls, and a state-of-the-art steam system controlled the temperature perfectly.


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    Noah ran his hand along the smooth, heated stones at the center of the room, his fingers trailing through the lingering warmth.


    The sauna was equipped with essential oils and herbal infusions¡ªperfect for restoring one¡¯s body after a hard day of training or simply to enjoy a quiet moment of peace.


    "This¡¯ll be useful," Noah thought with a smile.

 Chapter 95: Noah’s Den

    Satisfied, he moved on, heading toward the next door on his list. As he opened it, he found himself in the mansion¡¯s cinema room.


    It was a movie lover¡¯s dream¡ªan enormous screen dominated one wall, with thetest high-definition projector suspended from the ceiling.


    The room was equipped with plush, reclining seats that could fit about fifteen peoplefortably, each with its own armrest controls for volume, lighting, and temperature settings.


    "This ce could have some value," Noah mused with a slight smirk, running his hand along one of the soft, velvet chairs.


    He continued his tour, heading toward the gym.


    Opening the door, he was greeted by a sight that made his pulse quicken with excitement.


    The room was enormous, filled with every piece of fitness equipment a person could ask for. High ceilings allowed for plenty of space, with the walls lined by massive mirrors reflecting the top-tier machines inside.


    In one section of the gym, there were PrimeAntis Machines, renowned for their precise engineering and biomechanically sound designs, perfect for isting every muscle group.


    A massivet pull-down machine gleamed under the lights, the cables taut and ready to be used. Discover exclusive content at NovelBin.C?m


    Bicep curl benches, te-loaded machines, and racks of free weights filled the other side of the room. There were tes for deadlifts, squats, and bench presses, all neatly stacked and ready for use.


    Noah walked through the rows of equipment, inspecting them with a keen eye. Everything was here¡ªmachines for leg extensions, chest presses, rows, and even specialized equipment for targeted muscle groups that weren¡¯t usually avable in standard gyms.


    The floors were padded with heavy-duty mats, and the entire room had a crisp, clean feel to it. The air was filled with that faint smell of freshness.


    "Perfect, It¡¯s air conditioned too." Noah thought, having a gym like this at his disposal was convenient and useful.


    He had always believed in the harmony of mind and body, and this was the ideal ce to maintain that bnce.


    From there, Noah continued through the mansion, taking in the sheer scale of the ce. He passed by the eight spacious bedrooms, each one more luxurious than thest.


    They were all styled differently but with the same attention to detail. Massive king-sized beds dominated the rooms, their sheets and velvetforters radiating a sense of royalty and elegance.


    Every bedroom had its own en suite toilet and bath,plete with marble sinks, rainfall showers, and deep soaking tubs.


    The two massive living rooms were simrly impressive, each with enough space to hostrge gatherings. One of the living rooms had a more formal design, with elegant sofas arranged around arge firece, its mantel decorated with intricate carvings.


    The other was more casual, with oversized couches, a wall-mounted television, and shelves filled with books, trophies, and other decor.


    Both living rooms were equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows, offering a breathtaking view of the mansion¡¯s expansive grounds, including the gardens and a small pond.


    Noah stepped into the gym, excitement simmering just beneath the surface.


    Ever since he received Intermediate Soldier-King Skills, he had felt the changes in his body. His movements were sharper, his reflexes faster, and his strength¡­ well, today would be the day to test that.


    First stop: The good old bench press.


    "Let¡¯s start easy," Noah muttered, a grin ying on his lips as he loaded a single te on each side of the bar.


    He sat down, adjusting his grip, and smoothly unracked the weight. It felt like absolutely nothing.


    The bar barely even resisted as he pushed it up and down. Fifteen reps flew by in the blink of an eye, the muscles in his chest barely warming up.


    Noah racked the bar with a loud ng. "Time for two tes," he said, already feeling the excitement build.


    Loading up two tes, he settled under the bar again. Fifteen reps, just as smooth as the first set. He felt nothing. His chest wasn¡¯t even fully engaged yet.


    "Three tes, then."


    Three tes on each side¡ªthe usual mark for strength in most gyms. Noah gripped the bar, unracked it, and banged out another fifteen reps without breaking a sweat.


    The bar moved like it was made of feathers. His muscles were only just beginning to feel alive.


    He pushed it further.


    Four tes¡ªeasy.


    Five tes¡ªno problem.


    Finally, he loaded six tes on each side.


    Now, the bar had some weight to it. As he unracked the six-te bar, he felt the familiar tension in his muscles. He brought it down slowly, controlled it, and pushed up, feeling the strength rip through his body.


    Three slow reps, the bar moving smoothly but with effort.


    He racked it with a satisfying metallic tter, the entire rack shaking from the sheer weight. He took a deep breath, his heart pounding slightly harder now, but not from exhaustion¡ªmore from the thrill of pushing himself.


    "Time for the real test. 661 lbs"


    Noah loaded seven tes on each side, the weight now monstrous.


    Even in his best days before the system, he could never have dreamed of moving this much. He settled under the bar, took a deep breath, and unracked it.


    The strain was real this time. The bar was heavy¡ªimpossibly heavy¡ªbut manageable. His muscles surged with power as he pressed it up.


    One rep, two reps, each one slow and deliberate.


    By the time he hit eight reps, his muscles were close to failure.


    Thest rep was a grind, but he locked it out, racked the bar, and stood up.


    His chest felt like it had been forged from steel. The air in the room seemed thinner now as he took a deep breath, wiping the thinyer of sweat from his brow.


    "Seven tes¡­ 661 lbs," Noah mused. He had benched around double of his previous max. His smirk widened.


    "Let¡¯s see what else has changed."


    He moved over to the squat rack next, his muscles still humming with energy.


    He loaded the bar, adding more and more weight until the total reached 881 lbs. The sheer weight looked almost absurd on the bar, the tes stacked to an intimidating length.


    Unfazed, Noah ducked under the bar, resting it across his rear delts and traps. His legs tensed in anticipation, and he unracked the weight with ease.


    It felt heavy, sure, but not outside his limits. Squatting down, he hit perfect depth and powered up.


    One rep, two reps¡ªsmooth and controlled. His legs burned with power, and each rep was a testament to his growing strength.


    By the time he hit seven reps, his legs were on fire, but the weight was still in control. He racked it, feeling the strain but also the exhration.


    His legs were trembling slightly from the exertion, but it wasn¡¯t enough to stop him. There was still one lift left¡ªdeadlifts.


    Noah moved to the barbell and loaded the tes, building the weight up to an insane 1146 lbs.


    The bar looked like it was ready to bend under the load, but Noah¡¯s excitement only grew.


    He gripped the bar, feeling the cool steel under his fingers, and braced himself. The weight was immense, but he knew he had it.


    He let out a sharp breath and held it in his stomach and pulled. The bar resisted for a moment, but then it moved, slowly rising off the ground.


    "One rep", the weight hovering in the air as his muscles strained.


    "Two", his back and legs working in perfect harmony.


    "Three", the bar shaking slightly from the sheer effort, but it was done. He set it down, the ng reverberating through the gym.


    Noah stood up, his body drenched in sweat now. His breathing was heavier, but he wasn¡¯t even close to being finished. Moving on, he hit biceps, triceps, and shoulders with the same intensity.


    Curling weights that used to strain him felt like warm-ups. His shoulders pressed overhead with enough weight to crush anyone.


    Finally, after finishing his strength training, Noah turned to cardio.


    He set up the treadmill for high-intensity intervals, pushing himself to the max for 30 minutes straight.


    His heart pounded, his muscles screamed, but he didn¡¯t slow down.


    By the time he was done, his shirt was soaked through, and the gym was filled with the sound of his heavy breathing, despite the air conditioner sting in the background.


    Sweat dripped down his face, pooling on the floor beneath him. His entire body ached, but it was a good ache. He felt alive. Powerful.


    "That was a good workout," Noah muttered to himself, straightening up. His chest heaved, but a satisfied smile crossed his face.


    "These Intermediate Soldier King Skills are really something. I used to bench around 315 lbs, and now I¡¯m doing over 661lbs for reps. Squatting 881lbs like it¡¯s nothing¡­ and deadlifting 1146 lbs?"


    He shook his head in disbelief. His strength had skyrocketed, but it wasn¡¯t just his raw power that had grown.


    "Even my stamina has increased rapidly,"


    Even after all that, he felt like he could still go a few more rounds if he had to.


    As he wiped his face with a towel, Noah chuckled to himself. "Forget Noah Wayne," he muttered with a smirk, "I think Bruce would soon be asking to join the Thompson family at the rate my strength is increasing."

 Chapter 96: Shopping Spree

    Noah stood in the gym, staring at the pool of sweat that had umted under him after his intense workout. He shook his head, smirking to himself.


    "I need to hire a cleaner or this ce is going to turn into a disaster zone," he muttered. His mansion, as grand and impressive as it was, had a downside: the space needed maintenance, and that sweat puddle was only the beginning.


    Sighing, Noah walked over to the storage closet, grabbing a mop and some cleaning supplies.


    After a few minutes of wiping down the floors and getting everything back in order, he tossed the mop aside, satisfied with the job. "Time to hit the shower," he said, heading to the bathroom.


    The cold water from the shower hit him like a refreshing wave, washing away the exhaustion from the gym. His muscles rxed under the crisp stream, and he felt the tension from his workout melt away.


    After a few minutes, he switched off the water and grabbed a towel. He was far from done pampering himself today.


    Noah made his way to the sauna. The door slid open with a soft hiss, releasing a wave of warm, fragrant steam.


    The cedar wood walls radiated a calming heat as he stepped inside, the soft light and gentle atmosphere instantly soothing. Noah took a deep breath, letting the warmth sink into his skin.


    "This is nice," he said aloud, leaning back and closing his eyes. The quiet hum of the sauna filled the room, and for a brief moment, he allowed himself to rxpletely.


    The heat seeped into his muscles, calming them after the brutal workout.


    After a while, feelingpletely refreshed, he left the sauna and took another quick rinse in the shower.


    The water this time was warmer, helping to wash away the sweat and steam. After drying himself off, Noah wrapped a towel around his waist and made his way to the walk-in closet.


    Therge closet was mostly empty except for a few clothes he had stashed there earlier.


    He opened the doors and frowned. His selection was limited¡ªway too limited for his tastes. As much as the mansion was amazing, it was clear he hadn¡¯t stocked it properly.


    Noah pulled out a simple t-shirt and jeans, but it was clear he needed to expand his wardrobe.


    Suddenly, the familiar chime of the Ultimate Choice System echoed in his mind.


    [Ding! Ultimate Choice System has been activated!]


    Three options appeared before him, hovering in mid-air:


    Option 1: Shop at Bullring and Grand Central Mall.


    [Reward: 2x Cashback Card]


    Option 2: Shop at any random store.


    [Reward: -10 Charm]


    Option 3: Don¡¯t buy anything.


    [Reward: Nothing]


    Noah barely hesitated. Option 1 was the obvious choice.


    "2x Cashback Card? That¡¯s new," he said to himself, his smirk returning.


    He had about 469,000 saved up in liquid assets, and with the cashback, he could double that to nearly a million in no time. The idea of such an easy win was too good to pass up.


    As soon as he made his selection, the system responded.


    [Ding! 2x Cashback Card is rewarded!]


    A new item appeared in his inventory, and Noah immediately pulled up the card¡¯s description.


    [2x Cashback Card: Returns 2x the money spent in a single purchase.]


    "Not bad," Noah thought as he examined the details.


    He quickly realized one limitation: the card could only be used at one shop. He couldn¡¯t just go around using it at multiple stores.


    If he wanted to maximize its value, he needed to pick the right shop and spend big.


    Noah rubbed his chin, thinking. There was only one ce in mind for such a big purchase. He needed something high-end, somewhere he could splurge without holding back.


    "A luxury clothing store," he muttered to himself. Somewhere in Bullring and Grand Central Mall would be perfect.


    Satisfied with his decision, Noah dressed quickly and grabbed his keys.


    The sleek, matte ck Lykan Hypersport sat waiting for him in the driveway, its engine growling softly as he approached.


    The car was a beast¡ªfitting for someone like him¡ªand driving it never failed to bring a smirk to his face.


    Sliding into the driver¡¯s seat, Noah revved the engine. The growl turned into a roar, echoing through the quiet viplex. He backed out of the driveway smoothly and headed toward the mall.


    Arriving at the gates, the guards greeted him and he responded with a nod.


    The streets were mostly empty, and the Lykan cut through the road effortlessly.


    He had never expected the system to provide something like this¡ªa chance to double his wealth so easily.


    It seemed the system was starting to reward him in new ways.


    "The system¡¯s upgrade is quite good." He thought Explore more stories with NovelBin.C?m


    It wasn¡¯t long before the towering buildings of the Bullring and Grand Central Mall came into view, their ss facades glistening in the mid-morning sun.


    Noah parked in the VIP section, stepping out of the Lykan with a confident stride. He was about to make the most of this opportunity, and by the end of the day, his bank ount would be heavier than ever.


    As he entered the mall, the luxurious atmosphere surrounded him¡ªhigh-end shops, elegant disys, and the scent of expensive perfume lingering in the air.


    As Noah walked through the bustling corridors of the mall, heads turned in his direction like a ripple in the crowd. He exuded confidence, his walk deliberate and measured, his posture showing elegance.


    The Armani suit he had found in his closet fit him perfectly, enhancing his broad shoulders and lean frame.


    The sharp, tailored look only added to his natural presence, making him seem like he had stepped right out of a high-end magazine¡ªor better yet, a romance Wattpad novel where the CEO always gets what he wants.


    Eyes lingered on him, especially those of the women passing by.


    Their gazes were filled with curiosity and admiration, drawn to him by the aura of power and control he projected effortlessly.


    On the outside, Noah looked like the perfect, polished businessman. But on the inside, he scoffed at their reactions.


    "How naive."

 Chapter 97: Shopping Spree (2)

    "Fashion is the simplest form of mind control," Noah thought as he walked, his gaze sweeping over the people in the mall.


    "It maniptes men and women equally. A man won¡¯t be able to tear his gaze away from a woman in a revealing dress, not unless he has the discipline of iron or faith stronger than temptation¡ªand that¡¯s rare."


    "Just as a woman¡¯s eyes will naturally gravitate to a man dressed in clothes that scream wealth and status¡ªbrands like L&V or Hermis do more than turn heads; they speak directly to the primal part of the mind, the part that craves power, security, and influence."


    He smirked as he continued walking, noting the subtle shifts in people¡¯s gazes, their reactions predictable, almostughable.


    "Power isn¡¯t just about what you have or what you can do," he mused.


    "it¡¯s about how you¡¯re perceived. The suit, the watch, the car¡ªit¡¯s all a carefully crafted illusion.


    "People see what I want them to see."


    The more he thought about it, the more the truth of his observation amused him. Noah had always known that people were easily influenced by what they could see on the surface.


    Most weren¡¯t even aware of how their perceptions were shaped by something as simple as a suit. To them, his Armani suit wasn¡¯t just a piece of clothing¡ªit was a symbol, a representation of status and sess.


    It made them wonder who he was, what he did, how much money he had, and whether they could ever reach his level.


    He caught the gaze of a passing woman, her eyes quickly darting to his suit, then back to his face. She offered a small, almost shy smile, her bodynguage betraying an unspoken interest. But Noah didn¡¯t bother acknowledging it, his mind elsewhere.


    "People are ves to what they can see," he thought. "They chase symbols of power without ever understanding its real essence. Clothes, brands, material wealth¡ªit¡¯s all just a facade, an easy way to distract the masses of what truly matters."


    He nced at a nearby storefront, its window disy unting luxury brands with their gaudy logos sshed across handbags and shoes.


    People crowded around, gazing at the products with the same starry-eyed admiration they had given him.


    The disy was working its magic, pulling them in with promises of elegance, status, and approval from society. "just like moths to a me," Noah thought.


    As he approached the Hermess store, Noah paused for a moment, his reflection staring back at him from the ss doors.


    This version of him, the one everyone saw, was just a tool¡ªa carefully crafted image designed to get him what he wanted.


    He opened the door and stepped inside, the polished floors and soft lighting amplifying the atmosphere of wealth. As the sales assistants scrambled to attend to him, their eyes lit up with the hope of argemission, Noah could only smirk.


    "Let them believe what they want," he thought. "In the end, it¡¯s all just a game. And I¡¯m the only one who knows the rules."


    He browsed the racks of designer clothes, each item carrying a hefty price tag meant to impress anyone whoid eyes on it. But Noah wasn¡¯t concerned about the cost.


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    With the 2x Cashback Card, today¡¯s shopping trip would be more than just a splurge. It was an investment¡ªan opportunity to double his money and fuel his next move.


    Noah approached the counter with a calm stride, his eyes scanning the neatly folded clothes stacked behind the sales assistant.


    Without hesitation, he pointed to the collection of the high-end designer brand, then nced at the assistant with a cool,manding expression.


    "I want a piece of everything in this shop," he said, his voice steady, as though he were asking for vegetables.


    "I want a piece of everything in this shop," he said, his voice steady, as though he were asking for vegetables.


    The assistant blinked, caught off guard by the request.


    Her eyes widened slightly, and she stammered, "S-Sir, are you sure? Our prices are¡­ not exactly cheap." She eyed him nervously, as though waiting for him tough and admit it was a joke.


    Noah¡¯s expression darkened, his frown deepening. "Do I look ignorant to you, or do I look like someone who brags about what they can afford?" His voice carried a chill, cutting through the assistant¡¯s lingering doubt.


    The assistant flinched, realizing her mistake. She quickly shook her head, bowing slightly in apology. "I¡ªI understand, sir. Bear with me for a few moments while I get some co-workers to help pack everything for you." Her words came out in a rush, clearly flustered by her error.


    "Alright," Noah said, his cold demeanour fading into a smile thatpletely contradicted the sharpness from moments before. "Thank you."


    The assistant, now more at ease, nced up at Noah.


    A strange feeling washed over her¡ªshe found herself oddly drawn to him. "He was rude at first," she reasoned in her head, "but that¡¯s only because I was the one who said something stupid."


    Her heart fluttered for reasons she didn¡¯t fully understand.


    Noah stood off to the side as several employees scrambled to gather every piece of clothing in the store.


    In a matter of minutes, the once pristine shelves and racks had been emptied, and the clothes were neatly folded and bagged by the counter. The team worked efficiently, but the sheer number of items made it a spectacle.


    As they ced thest bag on the counter, curious onlookers began gathering nearby, whispering among themselves. It wasn¡¯t every day you saw someone buy an entire store¡¯s worth of high-end clothing in one go.


    The lead assistant approached Noah nervously, holding the final receipt in her trembling hands. "S-Sir, the totales to... $462,950," she stuttered, her voice barely a whisper as she read the number out loud.


    Her heart pounded, half-expecting the man in front of her tough and walk out as if it were a prank. With so many eyes on them, the fear of being embarrassed in front of the crowd was devouring her.


    Noah didn¡¯t blink. He pulled out his card, the 2x Cashback Card already activated, and handed it over without a word.

 Chapter 98: Shopping Spree (3)

    The onlookers started buzzing, whispering louder now. A small boy, no older than seven, was standing nearby, clinging to his mother¡¯s hand.


    He stared up at Noah, wide-eyed, his young mind trying to make sense of what he was witnessing.


    His mother, however, wasn¡¯t paying any attention to her son. Her gaze was fixed entirely on Noah, watching him with a dazed, almost admiring expression.


    The boy tugged at his mother¡¯s hand, confused by the strange look on her face.


    He squinted, staring between his mother and Noah, and suddenly as if a revtion struck him, he muttered to himself, "This guy must be one of those skibidi sigma or something¡­ Otherwise, Mom wouldn¡¯t be looking at him like that."


    His words went unheard, but the expression on his face¡ªa mix of confusion and suspicion¡ªwould have made anyoneugh.


    Meanwhile, Noah stood at the counter, perfectlyposed. The assistant swiped his card, her fingers trembling as the machine processed the payment.


    "Ding"


    The transaction was confirmed, and Noah¡¯s bnce doubled instantly. A smirk yed on his lips as he watched the assistant¡¯s eyes light up with relief and disbelief.


    She handed him the receipt, and he took it with his usual calm, unfazed by the staggering amount.


    "Thank you, sir," she said breathlessly, still reeling from the entire interaction.


    Noah gave her a nod and nced at the dozen bags lined up neatly behind the counter.


    "Have them delivered to my house, it¡¯s at ..." he said, not a request but an order.


    As the employees hustled to carry the bags to deliver them, the crowd of onlookers only grew, whispering and pointing.


    Some were in awe, some in disbelief, and a few even snapped photos from a distance, hoping to capture the moment.


    The employees loaded thest of the bags into the delivery van, ready to take them to Noah¡¯s mansion as he had instructed. Noah stood by the side, checking his phone for updates.


    When one of the sales assistants approached him hesitantly, asking for the final delivery details.


    Noah said, sliding his phone back into his pocket. "When you arrive, just give the bags to the guards at the entrance. They¡¯ll take care of the rest."


    The assistant nodded quickly, still in awe of the man standing before her. "Understood, sir. We¡¯ll make sure everything is handled properly."


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    Nodding his head at her, he turned and walked out of the store with the same air of elegance, his suit jacket draped casually over his shoulder as if this entire scene were just another day in his life.


    As he headed toward the exit, the little boy tugged at his mother¡¯s hand once more, ncing up at her with a frown. "Mom, can we go now?" he asked, his young voice breaking through the haze of awe she seemed trapped in.


    The mother blinked, finally snapping out of her daze, but her gaze lingered on Noah¡¯s retreating figure for just a moment longer. "Uh, yes, sweetie... Let¡¯s go," she muttered, her voice distant, as if still entranced by the scene she had just witnessed.


    The boy shook his head as they walked away, muttering to himself. "He¡¯s a skibidi sigma for sure."


    After leaving the mall, Noah slid into the driver¡¯s seat of his Lykan Hypersport, the engine roaring to life with a smooth, powerful hum. He tapped his fingers on the steering wheel, considering his next move.


    "Let me check on my parents, see what they are up to," he thought, ncing at the road ahead. He was also curious about how his father¡¯s search for the tea house was progressing.


    Soon enough, Noah arrived near the parking lot, where his Lykan Hypersport had been parked countless times before, alongside his sleek Lamborghini.


    He knew that he couldn¡¯t leave the Lambo parked in this lot forever.


    Stepping out of the elevator after paying for a full day¡¯s parking, Noah muttered to himself, "I need to get the Lambo out of here and to the mansion."


    As he walked toward the exit, his phone vibrated in his pocket, the screen shing with a call from an unknown number. He answered with a neutral, "Hello?"


    "Good afternoon, sir. I¡¯m Anderson," came the polite, formal tone from the other end. "We¡¯ve received a delivery for you from the Hermess store?"


    "Yes, Anderson. That¡¯s correct. I told them to leave it with you guys since I wasn¡¯t home. I¡¯ll have to trouble you with it until I return."


    Anderson¡¯s response was swift and deferential. "Don¡¯t worry, Mr. Noah. I will personally ensure that the delivery remains safe until you¡¯re back."


    Noah¡¯s expression remained impassive. "Thank you, I will have to trouble you" he replied in his usual neutral tone before hanging up.


    Meanwhile, back at the mansion¡¯s gate, Anderson had already gathered the guards around the delivery truck.


    He turned to the delivery driver and asked him to open the back.


    "Can you open it, thank you."


    "Of course, right away." said the delivery driver as he opened the back of the truck.


    As the truck¡¯s door lifted, revealing rows upon rows of Hermess bags, Anderson and the rest of the guards couldn¡¯t hide their shock.


    Their jaws dropped in unison. It wasn¡¯t just a delivery¡ªthis was practically an entire store¡¯s worth of luxury goods.


    There were dozens of bags, meticulously packed and organized, each one likely costing more than any of them made in a year.


    One guard leaned in closer, muttering under his breath, "This has to be at least $300,000 worth of stuff, maybe more¡­"


    "More," another guard whispered in disbelief.


    Anderson quickly snapped out of his momentary shock, his eyes sharpening as he barked, "Back off! This isn¡¯t just any delivery."


    He fixed his gaze on the guards, his tone firm. "Listen, if anyone here gets greedy or does something stupid, we¡¯ll all be thrown under the bus for it. Therefore, I¡¯ll be the only one handling this. Got it?"


    The guards quickly nodded, retreating from the truck, realizing the seriousness of the situation.


    "Good," Anderson continued. "I¡¯ll check every single item against the receipt before we move anything. No one touches a thing until I¡¯m done."

 Chapter 99: Moving Out

    For the next 30 minutes, Anderson carefully went through each bag, checking the items against the store¡¯s delivery receipt.


    The other guards stood at a respectful distance, watching with awe as the mountain of luxury goods was ounted for.


    Each piece was as impable and high-end as the next¡ªhandcrafted bags, silk scarves, designer belts, and more.


    This was wealth on a different level, the kind most of them had only seen on TV.


    After verifying the entire delivery, Anderson began carefully transferring the bags into the guard office near the mansion¡¯s gate.


    His movements were careful and professional¡ªno rushing, no careless handling.


    He knew how valuable each item was, but more importantly, he understood that Noah Thompson wasn¡¯t the type of person you wanted to disappoint.


    After securely cing all the Herm¨¨s bags in the guards¡¯ office, Anderson turned to face his men, his voice firm as he delivered his final instruction.


    "No one is allowed to enter the office until Mr. Noah is back," he dered, leaving no room for debate.


    The other guards exchanged uneasy nces, fully aware of the magnitude of the delivery.


    It was more than just a few luxury items¡ªit was a fortune neatly packed into dozens of bags, each one screaming status and wealth.


    One guard, braver than the rest, stepped forward, looking frustrated. "But sir, our food is in there. Does this mean none of us get a break until Mr. Noah is back? That¡¯s¡­ that¡¯s ridiculous."


    Anderson¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly, his tone hardening. "If any one of you has food inside, I¡¯ll apany you personally. After taking your meal, we¡¯ll both leave the office immediately. No one else is to enter, and that¡¯s final."


    "If you want to use the toilets, I will also apany you to the door and if you don¡¯t like it, you can use the trees as cover." He continued, "Argue with the wall."


    The guard wasn¡¯t convinced but knew better than to argue further. Anderson¡¯s word wasw when it came to anything in this ce.


    Grumbling under his breath, the guard backed off, with an annoyed look on his face that he didn¡¯t try to hide.


    Meanwhile, Noah had already reached his parent¡¯s house. He parked the Lamborghini outside, the hum of its powerful engine cutting through the quiet suburban neighbourhood.


    It was a stark contrast to the world of luxury he had just left behind.


    As Noah entered the house, he noticed that it felt quieter than usual. His mother wasn¡¯t home, which wasn¡¯t a surprise.


    She had recently started working as a chef, something that made Noah proud.


    She had always been passionate about cooking, and now she was doing something she loved.


    But his father, was there, sitting on the couch with the TV on but barely paying attention to it.


    "Good afternoon, Dad. How are you doing?" Noah asked, slipping his shoes off and walking into the living room.


    David looked up from the screen and smiled at his son. "What¡¯s up, Noah? I¡¯m doing alright. Where were you yesterday? You didn¡¯te home. I like the suit by the way."


    Noah sighed, knowing this conversation wasing. "Thanks Dad, about that¡­ I wanted to talk to you and Mom about something." He took a seat across from his father, his tone serious but respectful.


    David¡¯s brow furrowed as he waited for Noah to continue.


    "I¡¯ve been thinking a lottely, and I¡¯ve decided¡­ I¡¯m nning to move out," Noah began, watching his father¡¯s face for any reaction. "I¡¯m thinking of moving in with a friend because, well, living here has be slightly difficult due to my new circumstances.


    It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t love staying with you, Mom, and Emily, but with everything going on¡ªbetween my ns for the future, my studies, and helping with the tea house¡ªtravelling back and forth is going to start getting in the way."


    David¡¯s smile faltered ever so slightly, and though his face remained calm, Noah caught the brief flicker of sadness in his father¡¯s eyes before he quickly masked it.


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    "I see¡­ I figured this would happen sooner orter," David said, his voice even, though there was a hint of emotion buried beneath it.


    He straightened in his seat and gave Noah a small nod. "Why don¡¯t we talk more about this when your mom gets back? She¡¯ll be home in a few hours."


    Noah nodded, appreciating the way his father was handling the news. He could tell it wasn¡¯t easy for him. "Yeah, that¡¯s fine, Dad. We can talk more when she¡¯s here."


    An awkward silence followed, but Noah quickly changed the subject. "How¡¯s the tea house search going, by the way? Any luck?"


    David¡¯s expression lightened at the mention of the tea house, his passion for the project clear. "It¡¯s going well. I contacted a few ces, and I¡¯ve got four appointments tomorrow morning to check them out. We¡¯re looking at some prime spots. Are you free from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.


    tomorrow?"


    Noah thought for a moment before nodding. "Yeah, I¡¯m free. I¡¯ll stay here tonight so we can head out together in the morning."


    David¡¯s smile returned, this time more genuine. "Good."


    Moving out is a must, and while it made sense practically, he knew it would be a big change for his family.


    His father, especially, seemed to be taking it harder than he let on, even if he wouldn¡¯t say it outright.


    The two of them continued to talk for a few hours, the conversation flowingfortably. But when Noah nced at the time, he stood up and stretched.


    "Dad, I¡¯m going to go pick up Emily from school and bring her back. I¡¯ll probably grab some food on the way too. Do you want anything?"


    David shook his head, smiling softly. "You guys get what you want. I¡¯m not hungry."


    Noah knew better. His dad always said he wasn¡¯t hungry when he didn¡¯t want Noah spending money on him. With a slight shake of his head, Noah smirked as he left the house.


    "I¡¯ll buy it anyway. Once it¡¯s here, he won¡¯t let it go to waste."


    He walked to Emily¡¯s school, thete afternoon sun casting warm shadows over the yground as students began trickling out.


    The moment she spotted him waiting by the curb, Emily¡¯s face lit up, and she sprinted over to him, her backpack bouncing wildly.


    "Noah! You¡¯re here to pick me up?" she eximed, throwing her arms around him. "I thought Dad was going to, since you weren¡¯t here yesterday."


    Noah smiled warmly at his little sister, his voice soft and gentle¡ªcontradicting the colder, version of himself. "Yeah, I¡¯m here today. Thought I¡¯d surprise you."


    Emily beamed up at him.


    Noah ruffled her hair gently before asking, "How about we grab something to eat first? I could use some food, and I bet you¡¯re hungry too."


    Her eyes lit up even more, and she nodded eagerly. "Really? Yes! I¡¯m starving! Let¡¯s go!"


    They headed to a nearby Thai takeaway, where Noah ordered some Pad Thai and Green Curry, two of the most popr Thai dishes.


    It wasn¡¯t anything extravagant, but it was exactly what they both wantedfort food. He also grabbed a few soft drinks before they headed home.


    As they walked back, Emily chatted excitedly about her day, her energy infectious.


    Noah smiled as he listened to her little adventures.

 Chapter 100: Family Moment

    Noah and Emily arrived home, the moment they walked in, Emily spotted their dad sitting in the living room. Without hesitation, she ran over to him, throwing her arms around his neck and nting a kiss on his cheek.


    "Dad!" she eximed, beaming with excitement. "Let¡¯s go wash our hands, Noah got food for us!"


    David looked up at Noah, who stood in the doorway, smiling softly at the scene.


    He shook his head slightly, pretending to be exasperated but couldn¡¯t hide the fondness in his eyes.


    "Alright, alright," David said, standing up and taking Emily¡¯s hand. "Let¡¯s go wash our hands first."


    Emily practically dragged her father to the bathroom, her excitement brimming.


    After washing their hands, she sprinted off to her room, eager to change into herfy pyjamas, her energy seeming unrestrained.


    A few minutester, she reappeared, dressed in her favourite Kurumi pyjamas, and jogged toward the kitchen with an excited grin.


    David, watching her speed past, called out, "Emily! Slow down, you¡¯re going to trip!"


    But his warning came a second toote.


    As Emily neared Noah, her foot caught the edge of the rug, and she stumbled forward. David¡¯s face paled as he saw her heading straight toward the sharp edge of the kitchen table.


    Panic surged through him as he shot up from his seat, heart racing.


    "Emily!"


    he shouted, his voice filled with rm. But he was too far away to help.


    Noah, however, was already ahead of the situation. The moment Emily began to trip, he moved like lightning, his instincts taking over.


    In one smooth motion, he caught her just before she collided with the table, pulling her up effortlessly. Her momentum was cancelled as Noah lifted her above his head, keeping her safe from harm. Find your next adventure on NovelBin.C?m


    "There we go," Noah said with a calm smile, setting her down gently on the floor.


    David exhaled a deep sigh of relief, the tension in his body melting away. He ced a hand on his chest, still shaken from the close call.


    "Thank God," he muttered, feeling his pulse start to slow down.


    Emily, who had been frozen in shock, looked up at Noah with wide eyes. Her initial fear quickly faded, reced by awe. "Wow, brother, that was so cool!" she said, her voice filled with admiration.


    Without hesitation, she kissed Noah¡¯s cheek in gratitude. "Thank you!"


    Noah ruffled her hair with a smile, his voice gentle but firm. "Just be careful, alright? No running around the house. No one¡¯s going to steal the food."


    Emily nodded quickly and turned to her dad, her face flushed with embarrassment. "Sorry, Dad. I won¡¯t do it again, I promise."


    David, still recovering from the shock, shook his head and said, "Good. You could¡¯ve hurt yourself badly if Noah hadn¡¯t been there." His tone was serious, but he wasn¡¯t angry¡ªjust relieved that his daughter was safe.


    Noah, sensing that Emily was starting to feel embarrassed by the situation, decided to change the topic before the mood became too tense. "Let¡¯s eat before the food gets cold," he said, moving the conversation along.


    David understood what Noah was doing and appreciated the gesture. He didn¡¯t press the issue further, grateful that Noah was helping to ease the tension.


    In his heart, David was proud. He knew Noah was subtly leaving the task of disciplining Emily to him as the parent, but he also made sure that David didn¡¯t go too far, keeping the bnce between being a protector and a teacher.


    As they all sat down at the table, Emily eagerly dug into her Pad Thai. Her earlier excitement returned now that the ident was behind her.


    The meal continued infortable silence, with the asional chatter from Emily as she described her day at school and excitedly shared stories with both her father and Noah.


    Noah smiled as he listened to the same stories again.


    After an hour of lounging together, watching a TV show, the sound of the front door clicking open interrupted the quiet hum of the living room. Caroline was back from work.


    Emily, who had been curled up against her dad while they watched the screen, immediately perked up. Without hesitation, she jumped up and sprinted toward her mother, her arms wide open.


    "Mommy!" she squealed as she wrapped her arms around Caroline¡¯s waist.


    Caroline smiled, kissing Emily¡¯s forehead. "Sweetie, how have you been?"


    Emily grinned up at her. "I¡¯m even better now that I saw you, Mommy!"


    David and Noah chuckled quietly at her innocent excitement. Noah couldn¡¯t help but think how much Emily reminded him of a human version of a cat.


    The way she went straight for hugs whenever she saw someone she loved was undeniably cute. She didn¡¯t hesitate, didn¡¯t hold back her affection.


    Caroline¡¯s eyes met Noah¡¯s, her expression softening. "Where have you been, son? You had me quite worried this morning. I didn¡¯t see you in your room when I checked on you."


    David¡¯s face tensed slightly, but he quickly masked it. They had already discussed talking about Noah¡¯s ns to move outter, and it wasn¡¯t time to drop that news just yet.


    Noah gave a reassuring smile. "Mom, why don¡¯t you go wash your hands and face, then change into somefy clothes and eat first?"


    Caroline blinked, caught off guard by his suggestion but nodded. "


    Alright, I¡¯ll be back in a bit," she said, giving Emily a long, affectionate kiss on her chubby cheeks before heading off to freshen up.


    Twenty minutester, Caroline reappeared, now dressed infortable house clothes.


    She made her way to the kitchen and paused when she saw the containers of Thai food neatly arranged on the counter.


    "Oh, we have Thai food?" she said, a smile growing on her face. "It¡¯s Noah, isn¡¯t it?"


    David chuckled from the living room, knowing exactly what she meant. Only Noah would bring home takeaway since David usually insisted on eating Caroline¡¯s cooking.


    "Yeah," Noah nodded with a grin. "I picked up some for you too. We already ate."


    Caroline¡¯s smile brightened as she quickly heated up her portion, bringing the te into the living room where the rest of the family was gathered.


    She sat down next to David, her eyes flicking to the TV screen where the show they had been watching earlier was still ying.


    The four of them settled back into the couch, watching the program in silence. It was one of those lighthearted family sis, the kind that was easy to watch and didn¡¯t demand too much attention.


    Caroline ate her food contentedly, chuckling along to the show on the screen.

 Chapter 101: Big Bang

    Caroline ate her food contentedly, chuckling along to the show on the screen.


    The TV scene opened with an awkward silence between two characters sitting in a cozy living room, clearly in the midst of a tense, intellectual debate.


    The woman, older and stern, adjusted her sses as she studied the man sitting across from her¡ªhis posture rigid, his expression nk yet calcting.


    "Do you ever experience emotional instability?" she asked, her tone clinical.


    The young man blinked slowly as ifputing the question. "No," he answered tly. "My emotions are a well-regted algorithm of efficiency. Anything else would be... illogical."


    David chuckled. "ssic. He¡¯s like a robot."


    On the screen, the woman raised a brow, unmoved by the answer. "Fascinating. Yourpleteck of empathy is both disturbing and¡ª"


    "¡ªimpressive," the young man cut in proudly. "It has saved me from countless awkward human interactions."


    Noah smirked, leaning forward. "He¡¯s so oblivious, it¡¯s painful."


    The camera zoomed in on the woman¡¯s face as she tilted her head, studying him like a subject under a microscope.


    "And yet," she began with deliberate slowness, "you remain utterly unaware of the subtle social cues that define rtionships."


    The young man straightened his sses. "Of course. I don¡¯t require such things. They¡¯re inefficient, prone to error."


    There was a long pause, tension building, and then the woman leaned forward, her voice lowering to a sharp whisper. "So... you¡¯re essentially saying you¡¯re incapable of understanding basic human affection?"


    The young man blinked. "Correct. They are quite bizarre."


    Without missing a beat, the woman nodded. "Ah. So you must be insufferable at parties."


    The family burst intoughter, Emily nearly falling off the couch as she hugged her sides.


    "Wait, wait, did she just roast him like that?" she giggled, wiping tears from her eyes.


    David snorted. "That was cold, but she¡¯s not wrong."


    On the screen, the young man looked genuinely confused, his brows furrowing. "Insufferable? I simply avoid parties. Social gatherings are filled with trivialities, often meaningless¡ª"


    "¡ªlike this conversation?" the woman interjected with a dry tone, one brow raised.


    Noah chuckled under his breath. "She¡¯s not holding back."


    The young man didn¡¯t even flinch. "Precisely. Now, if you¡¯ll excuse me, I need to return to my equations. They offer far more rity than this... discussion."


    The woman, still calm andposed, leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms. "Yes, I¡¯m sure your equations provide excellentpany. Very stimting."


    "More than humans, at least," the young man replied.


    David grinned. "That¡¯s it. Sheldon¡¯s a lost cause."


    Carolineughed softly. "She¡¯s trying to reach him, but he¡¯spletely on a different."


    After a while, Emily¡¯s energy began to fade. Her eyelids drooped, and she yawned, stretchingzily on the couch.


    "Goodnight, everyone," she mumbled, getting up and heading to her room.


    "Goodnight, sweetie," Caroline called after her, while David waved, still half-watching the TV. Noah gave her a soft smile and a wave as she disappeared down the hallway.


    Once Emily was gone, Noah shifted in his seat, turning to face his parents. "Mom, Dad," he began, his tone more serious. "I wanted to talk to you both about something."


    Caroline, sensing the shift, immediately looked concerned. "What is it, Noah?"


    Noah cleared his throat. "I¡¯ve been thinking... I¡¯m nning to move out. I¡¯ve got some projects I¡¯m working on with a friend, and honestly, it¡¯s a bit far from here. Themute is bing a hassle. I wanted to let you guys know and get your input before I make the final decision."


    Caroline¡¯s face fell, a mix of sadness and worry crossing her features. "But, Noah... Who¡¯s going to cook for you? Who¡¯s going to do theundry?" Her voice wavered, betraying the anxiety behind her words.


    Noah smiled, trying to ease her concerns. "Mom, I can cook. Honestly, I might even give you a run for your money in the kitchen."


    Caroline narrowed her eyes, clearly not convinced. She ignored thement for now, focusing on what she thought was more important. "Who¡¯s this friend? Is he trustworthy?"


    "Of course, Mom. He¡¯s my business partner in the teahouse project. He¡¯s reliable. You don¡¯t need to worry."


    David, who had been listening quietly, put aforting hand on Caroline¡¯s shoulder.


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    "It¡¯s alright, honey. Our son is old enough to make his own decisions. Plus, look at him¡ªhe¡¯s determined. I think this is the right step for him."


    Caroline nced between David and Noah, her worry evident. But then, as if making up her mind, she turned back to Noah, her expression firm.


    "Fine," she said, holding up a finger. "You said you¡¯re a good cook, right?"


    Noah blinked, surprised by the sudden shift in conversation. "Uh, yeah... I am."


    Caroline¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly, a yful challenge in her voice. "Then tomorrow morning, you and I will both make two dishes for breakfast. If your dish is good¡ªreally good¡ªI¡¯ll let you move out without giving you a hard time."


    "But if it¡¯s not up to standard..." She paused, leaning in closer. "You stay here. If you can¡¯t cook, you¡¯re not ready to live on your own."


    Noah¡¯s smile widened at the unexpected challenge. "Deal."


    David chuckled softly, watching the exchange with amusement. "Looks like it¡¯s going to be an interesting breakfast tomorrow."


    With that, the conversation wound down, and Noah stood up. "Well, I¡¯m heading to bed. Big day tomorrow," he said with a grin.


    Caroline gave him onest look, clearly still processing everything. "Goodnight, Noah. Don¡¯t think I¡¯m going easy on you with the cooking tomorrow."


    Noah smiled. "I wouldn¡¯t expect you to, Mom. Goodnight."


    He headed to his room, leaving Caroline and David alone in the living room.


    After a few moments of silence, Caroline sighed.


    "My baby boy is leaving us so soon," she murmured.


    "I¡¯ve watched him grow up for so long, and now..."


    David reached over, wrapping an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close.


    "That¡¯s just how life is, kids grow up and leave the nest."


    Caroline leaned into David¡¯s shoulder, still feeling the sadness of the situation. "I know, but it just feels like it¡¯s happening so fast."


    David smiled gently. "And it¡¯s not like he won¡¯t visit us. I know Noah¡ªhe¡¯ll be back here at least twice a week, probably more."


    Caroline nodded, taking somefort in David¡¯s words. "You¡¯re right. He¡¯ll visit."


    Still, she couldn¡¯t shake the feeling of changeing. She nestled closer to David, her head resting on his chest, and sighed again. "I just... I don¡¯t know. I¡¯ll miss him being around all the time."


    David kissed the top of her head gently. "We¡¯ll miss him, but we¡¯ll be proud of him. He¡¯s going to do great things, Caroline. We¡¯ve done a good job raising him."


    Caroline smiled softly, a tear forming in the corner of her eye as she hugged David tighter. "Yeah... we have."


    The two of themy there in silence for a while, holding each other, the reality of Noah¡¯s departure sinking in. It wasn¡¯t just that their son was moving out¡ªit was the end of an era.


    But it was also the start of something new, and they did not know what consequences it was going to bring to the world as a whole.


    Eventually, they turned out the lights and settled into bed, Caroline¡¯s head restingfortably against David¡¯s chest as sleep finally began to im them both.

 Chapter 102: Cooking Competition

    The next day arrived, and with it, the challenge Caroline had set for Noah. He brushed his teeth and got ready, slipping back into the suit he had worn the day before since he¡¯d be heading out with his dad after breakfast.


    As Noah walked downstairs, he was greeted by the familiar scene of Emily and his parents in the kitchen.


    "Morning, Dad. Morning, Mom. Morning, Emily,"


    "Morning, Noah!" Emily chirped excitedly.


    Caroline eyed him from across the kitchen, her gaze serious but yful. "Are you ready?" she asked, a hint of a challenge in her voice.


    Noah nodded, a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth.


    He reached for the second apron hanging on the rack. "More than ready."


    He turned to Emily, who was watching intently. "Emily, me and Mom are going to have a cooking contest, and you¡¯re going to be the judge. How does that sound?"


    Emily¡¯s eyes widened with excitement. "Really? I get to be the judge?" She nodded furiously. "Yes! I¡¯ll be the fairest judge ever!"


    Noah chuckled. "Perfect. Now, are we cooking the same thing or different things?"


    Before Caroline could respond, Emily jumped in with enthusiasm. "Different things! That¡¯s way more fun!"


    Caroline smiled softly and gave a small nod. "I guess we¡¯ll go with whatever the judge says."


    The kitchen transformed into a battleground as soon as Caroline and Noah tied on their aprons.


    It wasn¡¯t just a friendly family cook-off anymore; the room was filled withpetitive energy.


    Emily, perched at her makeshift "judge¡¯s table" at the kitchen, bounced with excitement, fully embracing her role.


    David sat back, watching with an amused grin, but he could sense this wasn¡¯t going to be an ordinary breakfast.


    Caroline moved first, diving into her usual routine like a master. Her hands moved with grace, quickly gathering ingredients, and in no time, her knife began to fly across the cutting board.


    "chop, chop, chop" echoed through the kitchen as she sliced through vegetables with perfect precision.


    Every move she made had years of experience behind it¡ªsmooth, calcted, confident.


    But out of the corner of her eye, Caroline nced at Noah, curious to see what her son was up to.


    What she saw made her pause for just a moment.


    Noah, calm and collected, was moving with a confidence that surprised her. Your next read awaits at NovelBin.C?m


    He cracked eggs into a bowl with a single motion, whisking them into a perfect, airy mixture with such smoothness that it almost seemed effortless.


    He moved quickly, but there was something masterful about it¡ªa precision that rivalled her own.


    "Where did he learn all of this?" Caroline thought, narrowing her eyes slightly. "He¡¯s almost as good as me."


    She had expected Noah to know his way around the kitchen, but this was different.


    There was a flow to his actions, a quiet expertise that spoke of more than just basic cooking skills. His hands moved with such familiarity, almost like he had been doing this for years.


    The way he stirred, the way he tossed in the ingredients without hesitation¡ªit was impressive.


    But then she failed to notice something else.


    Noah wasn¡¯t going full force. He wasn¡¯t showing off or trying topletely outshine her. He was holding back, just a little.


    Just enough to stay close, but still keep an edge when it came to the final product.


    As she sliced through another vegetable, flipping it into the sizzling pan with ease, Caroline couldn¡¯t help but admire her son.


    "He¡¯s good¡ªreally good. Where did he pick this up?"


    Meanwhile, David, who had been casually watching the duel from his seat, raised an eyebrow.


    His gaze moved between Caroline and Noah, and something about Noah¡¯s movements caught his attention.


    Noah was stirring a sauce with careful attention, seasoning it with a level of finesse that most amateur cooks wouldn¡¯t even think about.


    His wrist flicked just slightly as he added herbs, letting them fall gently into the mix.


    He was testing the consistency, watching the colour, and adjusting the me. The pancake batter he was working with wasing out perfectly golden, bubbling just right as it hit the hot pan.


    David leaned forward in his chair. "Where did thise from?" he thought, genuinely surprised.


    "I didn¡¯t know he could cook like this."


    Noah was moving like he had been born in the kitchen. His techniques, though not shy, were polished, and refined.


    He was keeping pace with Caroline, matching her at every turn. The room was filled with the tantalizing smells of freshly cooked vegetables and pancakes.


    David chuckled to himself. "Looks like Caroline¡¯s got some realpetition today."


    Back in the heat of the kitchen, thepetition continued. The oil in Caroline¡¯s pan sizzled as she expertly tossed her vegetables, sending a light mist of steam into the air.


    The vibrant greens and reds mixed beautifully, and the aromas wafted across the room, making Emily¡¯s mouth water.


    Caroline stole another nce at Noah. He was now grating cheese with the same steady rhythm she hade to expect from a professional.


    His movements were clean, and efficient.


    Noah caught her eye for a brief second and shed her a grin, one that said, "Told you."


    Bothpetitors worked quickly but gracefully, the kitchen transformed into a stage where every move carried weight.


    Noah¡¯s pancakes were perfectly round, golden on both sides, stacked neatly and drizzled with syrup.


    Caroline¡¯s stir-fry, vibrant and fresh, was a dish of expert craftsmanship, with the vegetables cooked just right¡ªcrisp yet tender, full of vour.


    The clock ticked down, though, in reality, only mere minutes had passed since thepetition began.


    Emily¡¯s eyes darted back and forth between her mom and Noah, her excitement growing as the final dishes nearedpletion.


    Finally, both Noah and Caroline stepped back, their masterpiecesplete. They set their dishes before Emily, who looked between the two tes with wide eyes. I


    In front of her were two vastly different dishes, each one smelling more delicious than thest.

 Chapter 103: The result

    Finally, both Noah and Caroline stepped back, their masterpiecesplete.


    They ced their dishes before Emily, who looked between the two tes with wide eyes. In front of her were two vastly different dishes, each one smelling more delicious than thest.


    Caroline presented her stir-fry, the vibrant vegetables glistening under the light, perfectly seasoned, and tossed to perfection.


    Noah¡¯s pancakes, golden brown and stacked tall, were apanied by a light syrup ze, and topped with grated cheese.


    Emily grabbed her fork, taking a bite of Caroline¡¯s stir-fry first. She chewed thoughtfully, her eyes lighting up as the vours hit her tongue.


    She nodded, clearly pleased. Then, she moved on to Noah¡¯s pancakes, slicing into the fluffy stack and taking a bite. Her expression shifted slightly¡ªsurprise mixed with delight.


    She sat back, considering the two dishes, and let out a thoughtful hum. The tension in the room grew as both Noah and Caroline waited for her judgment.


    Finally, Emily smiled brightly. "They¡¯re both amazing! I can¡¯t choose!" she dered, throwing her arms up.


    David let out augh, shaking his head. "Well, looks like you both won, then."


    Caroline, still feeling a sense of pride, nced at Noah again smiling warmly.


    "Not bad, Noah. You surprised me."


    Noah grinned but remained silent.


    David pped his hands together. "Alright, enough of that. Let¡¯s eat!"


    After finishing their meal and sharing someughs, it was time for Noah and David to head out for their teahouse negotiations.


    As Noah stood up and straightened his suit, he smiled at his mom.


    "See youter, Mom," Noah said.


    David leaned in, kissing Caroline¡¯s cheek. "We¡¯ll be back soon. Don¡¯t worry."


    Caroline waved them off with a smile. "Make sure you twoe back safely, alright?"


    Just as Noah and David started toward the door, Emily¡¯s voice broke in from behind them. "I want to go, too! Brother, please take me with you guys!"


    Noah turned around, a small smile forming on his lips as he nced at David, raising an eyebrow.


    David sighed, already seeing where this was headed. "Emily, we¡¯re just going to look at some shops and negotiate. It¡¯s going to be boring for you. We¡¯re not doing anything fun."


    Emily puffed her cheeks, clearly undeterred. "I don¡¯t care. I still want to go."


    David looked to Noah again, who gave a slight nod.


    "Alright, alright," David finally conceded. "Let¡¯s go together then."


    Emily giggled, quickly slipping on her shoes and grabbing Noah¡¯s hand, her excitement infectious as they left the house.


    Noah ordered an Uber to the city centre.


    All of the potential shops for their teahouse were located within a few blocks of each other.


    They soon jumped into the Uber, Emily nestled between them, practically bouncing in her seat the entire ride.


    The city centre was busy as usual, stepping out of the car Noah held Emily¡¯s hand as she jumped down.


    ncing at the tall buildings and the busy streets as they made their way to the first appointment. Emily¡¯s eyes darted around, clearly fascinated by the crowds, the shops, and the energy of the city.


    Their first stop was a small building nestled between tworger, more modern structures.


    The brick exterior and slightly faded sign gave it a quaint, old-world charm. The door creaked as they pushed it open, revealing a cosy, but somewhat dusty, interior.


    Inside, an older man stood behind the counter, waiting for them with a friendly smile. His greying hair and wrinkled hands suggested years of experience, but there was something tired about the way he moved.


    "Ah, David!" the man greeted, stepping forward to shake hands. "Good to see you. And this is your son?"


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    David nodded, gesturing toward Noah. "Yes, this is Noah," he said and then pointed to Emily, who was still holding tightly to Noah¡¯s hand. "And this is my youngest, Emily."


    Patrick smiled warmly, bending down slightly to greet Emily. "Hello there, Emily. Nice to meet you."


    Noah stepped forward, offering his hand. "Good to meet you, Patrick."


    As Patrick reached out to shake Noah¡¯s hand, something shifted.


    The moment their hands touched, Noah activated "Memory nce," and instantly, images shed before his eyes.


    They came quickly, rippling through his mind like a film reel on fast-forward.


    Suddenly, Noah found himself standing in the same building, but it wasn¡¯t as clean as it looked now.


    It was dark, and damp, and the air smelled musty¡ªlike mould that had long been ignored. Faint scratching sounds echoed from beneath the floorboards as if something was scurrying below.


    Noah¡¯s gaze shifted to the kitchen area. In the corner, near a gap in the wall, rats¡ªsmall, grey, and twitching¡ªdarted out from their hiding spots, their tiny feet scratching against the wooden floors.


    Patrick, looking depressed at the memory, stood over a sink, wiping his brow as he stared at the problem with frustration.


    The image shifted, and now Patrick was pacing the kitchen, hands running through his greying hair, the smell of decay growing stronger as he nced around in frustration.


    He tried to plug the holes, tried to clean up the mess, but the rats returned. He called exterminators, but the problem persisted¡ªunseen but existing, always just beneath the surface.


    Each time he thought he had fixed it, the issue would resurface, and each time it returned worse than before.


    The smell, the infestation¡ªit wouldn¡¯t go away.


    The memory shifted again. Patrick, older now, stood at the same counter where he greeted them today, but his expression was tired, his eyes hollow. He handed over the keys to a young couple.


    Noah recognized the look on Patrick¡¯s face¡ªthe guilt of handing off a problem he couldn¡¯t solve. He was desperate, trying to rent out the ce long-term, passing the issue to different tenants, hoping it wouldn¡¯t be his problem anymore.


    Every year, new tenants came in. Every year, they left, each oneining of the same problem¡ªrats, foul smells, rotting beneath the surface.


    Noah¡¯s grip on Patrick¡¯s hand tightened slightly as the memory ended, his gaze sharp as he locked eyes with the old man.

 Chapter 104: Teahouse Location

    Noah¡¯s grip on Patrick¡¯s hand tightened slightly as the memory ended, his gaze sharp as he locked eyes with the old man.


    "So this is what you¡¯re hiding," Noah thought, his mind piecing it all together.


    The building wasn¡¯t just old¡ªit had deeper problems, ones that Patrick had failed to fix time and time again.


    Patrick, oblivious to Noah¡¯s discovery, released his hand and gestured toward the room.


    "Well, feel free to have a look around," he said cheerfully. "It¡¯s a charming little ce, and with a bit of love, it could be the perfect teahouse."


    David nced at Noah, his expression hopeful. "What do you think, son? It¡¯s got character, doesn¡¯t it?"


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    Noah smiled faintly, masking his thoughts. "It does," he said, stepping forward and walking around the small space, noting every crack, every ce where the problems were hidden.


    Emily, still clinging to Noah¡¯s side, looked up at him with innocent curiosity. "Is this going to be the teahouse, Noah?"


    Noah gave her a gentle smile, patting her head. "Maybe. We¡¯re just looking for now."


    David, meanwhile, engaged Patrick in casual conversation about the building¡¯s history, while Noah¡¯s mind worked quickly, analyzing the situation.


    Patrick was hiding the building¡¯s ws, hoping to pass it off to someone else. The memories he had seen confirmed that.


    But Noah wasn¡¯t about to let that slide. Stepping back toward David, Noah kept his voice neutral.


    "It¡¯s a nice ce," he said, ncing at Patrick, whose smile remained pleasant but nervous.


    "But we should keep looking. There are a few more ces to see today."


    Patrick¡¯s expression faltered for a split second, his eyes flickering with uncertainty.


    He opened his mouth as if to protest but quickly closed it, offering a tight smile instead.


    "Of course. Take your time, and if you have any questions, just let me know."


    David nodded, still in good spirits, and thanked Patrick before motioning for Noah and Emily to follow him outside.


    As they stepped into the fresh air, David turned to Noah. "What do you think? It¡¯s got charm, right?"


    Noah looked at his dad, considering his response carefully. "It does, but I think we should keep looking. There¡¯s more going on with that ce than meets the eye."


    David raised an eyebrow, surprised by Noah¡¯s intuition. "What do you mean?"


    Noah nced back at the building briefly before turning to face his dad. "I just don¡¯t think it¡¯s the right fit for us."


    David trusted Noah¡¯s instincts and nodded. "Alright, we¡¯ll keep looking."


    As they arrived at thest appointment, Noah felt an immediate shift.


    The other two ces they had visited that day were disappointing¡ªbothcked the foot traffic needed to make the teahouse thrive.


    But here, it was different.


    The streets were full with people, tourists wandered with cameras, office workers hurried by in tailored suits, and older couples strolled leisurely along the sidewalks.


    It was a diverse crowd¡ªrich people, professionals, young and old¡ªall potential customers.


    There were no other teahouses or directpetitors in sight.


    This ce had potential, and Noah knew it.


    "This could be it," Noah thought as they approached the quaint building. The location was prime, and Noah¡¯s instincts told him there was an opportunity here, one he was ready to seize.


    They entered the shop, a cosy little ce that had clearly been cared for. The interior was warm, inviting, and well-decorated.


    Behind the counter stood a young woman, her expression slightly reserved but friendly.


    She had an air of innocence about her, her face soft and kind, though not strikingly beautiful¡ªNoah mentally rated her around a 79 in terms of attractiveness, noting her demeanour as he always did with people.


    David stepped forward, smiling as he introduced them. "Hello, Stacy. This is my son, Noah, whom I told you would be joining me today."


    As Stacy¡¯s eyesnded on Noah, a flicker of shock passed through her face. She wasn¡¯t expecting someone like him¡ªtall, athletic, with broad shoulders that filled out his jacket.


    His handsome face and confident demeanour made her visibly pause.


    "H-hello," she stammered slightly, quickly recovering herself. "I¡¯m Stacy. It¡¯s nice to meet you."


    Noah gave a charming, polite smile, his eyes glinting with just the right amount of warmth. "It¡¯s nice to meet you too, Miss Stacy. I have to say, I like the ce already."


    Stacy smiled, clearly proud of her work. "Thank you," she replied, her tone softening. "I¡¯ve tried to keep it the way myte father liked it. He loved this shop... it¡¯s been in the family for years."


    Noah¡¯s expression shifted slightly, adopting a moreforting tone. "I¡¯m sure he¡¯d be proud of what you¡¯ve done with it. It really has a weing feel."


    As they continued talking, Noah subtly brushed against Stacy, his arm lightly grazing hers. It was a minor, almost unnoticeable touch, but it was enough.


    Stacy apologized quickly, stepping aside to give him more room, not thinking much of it. She assumed the space was just tight and moved back, but Noah reassured her, his voice calm and easy.


    "Don¡¯t worry about it."


    But in that brief moment of contact, something happened.


    "Memory nce" activated.


    His mind swirled with images as scenes from Stacy¡¯s past shed before him in rapid session.


    Noah found himself standing in the same shop, but the atmosphere was different.


    It was quieter, more sombre. Stacy, looking younger and more vulnerable, was standing behind the counter, arguing with a man in a suit.


    Her expression was one of desperation, her hands gripping a piece of paper tightly.


    "I don¡¯t have $10,000 right now," she was saying, her voice trembling. "The repairs took everything I had. Can¡¯t you give me more time?"


    The man shook his head coldly. "You¡¯ve already dyed payments twice. If you don¡¯t pay the rent, we¡¯ll have no choice but to..."


    Tears welled up in Stacy¡¯s eyes, her shoulders slumping in defeat. "I¡ªI¡¯ll figure something out," she whispered, clutching the paper as the man left, the door mming shut behind him.


    The scene shifted. Stacy was now sitting alone in the back of the shop, surrounded by bills and documents, her face pale with stress.


    She looked like she hadn¡¯t slept in days, her hair a mess as she stared at the numbers in front of her. The shop was struggling.


    Repairs from a recent issue had drained her savings, and she was barely managing to keep the ce afloat. She owed money to several people, including thendlord of her house.


    The memory faded as quickly as it hade, leaving Noah standing in the present, his expression calm and controlled.


    He now understood Stacy¡¯s situation¡ªshe was barely holding on to the shop.

 Chapter 105: Rules? They are shackles

    Financial pressure was weighing heavily on her, and she didn¡¯t have the means to meet her obligations.


    "She¡¯s desperate," Noah thought, his mind already forming a n. "I can take advantage of that."


    Stacy had no idea what Noah had just seen, and she continued speaking, unaware of his advantage.


    "The total amount for ten months of rent, including the deposit, is $40,000, I know it¡¯s a lot but we can set a payment n," she said, her voice steady but with a hint of nervousness.


    Noah didn¡¯t flinch at the price, but he knew it was far higher than he was willing to pay¡ªespecially given what he now knew.


    He turned to his dad and Emily, who were wandering around the shop, checking out the space.


    David seemed impressed, nodding as he took in theyout. Emily was skipping around, fascinated by the d¨¦cor.


    Noah faced Stacy again, his expression thoughtful, as if considering her offer. He kept his voice smooth, and calm, but with a subtle undertone of concern. "$40,000 is quite a bit, especially for a ce that has had some issues in the past."


    Stacy blinked, surprised. "Issues? What do you mean?"


    Noah tilted his head slightly, his tone was soft but probing. "The repairs. I know the shop went through some tough times not too long ago. Repairs can take a lot out of a business including reputation. I imagine it¡¯s been hard trying to keep everything running smoothly since then."


    Stacy¡¯s eyes widened slightly, caught off guard by how much he knew. Her hand instinctively tightened around the edge of the counter. "I... well, yes, there were some repairs, but everything¡¯s fine now."


    Noah leaned in just slightly, his voice dropping to a lower, more reassuring tone. "Things are fine "Now" but who knows if the problem persists. I understand how difficult that can be. Running a family business, trying to keep things together... it¡¯s not easy, especially with financial strain. I¡¯m sure the stress has been overwhelming."


    Stacy¡¯s expression faltered her calm exterior cracking. "It has been... challenging," she admitted, her voice softer now, more vulnerable.


    Noah nodded, his eyes locking onto hers.


    "Look, I like this ce. It¡¯s perfect for what we¡¯re nning, and I want to make it work. But $40,000 is steep, given the circumstances."


    "I¡¯m willing to offer you $15,000 for the ten months, with the promise that we¡¯ll take good care of the ce and keep it thriving. Furthermore, I will give you the $15,000 cash in hand in one payment."


    Stacy¡¯s eyes widened, and she opened her mouth to protest, but Noah quickly continued, his tone gentle but firm.


    "I know it¡¯s not what you expected, but think of it as a way to lighten your load."


    Noah¡¯s smile widened ever so slightly, and he leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a confidential whisper.


    "You won¡¯t have to deal with the financial strain anymore, Stacy. And let me help you out a bit more. We can alter the amount of payment written on the contract¡ªmake it look lower than what we¡¯re actually paying. That way, you won¡¯t get taxed on the full amount. It¡¯ll keep more money in your pocket."


    Stacy¡¯s eyes widened at his suggestion. "That¡¯s illegal, it¡¯s against the rules" she said, her voice shaky, the tension building in her as she tried to wrap her mind around what he was suggesting. "I-I could get into serious trouble for that."


    Noah tilted his head slightly, his gaze never leaving hers. His tone remained calm and soothing, yet somehow cutting through her uncertainty like a de.


    "Illegal? Against the rules?" he repeated softly, almost mockingly. "Rules are made for the rich to be richer, and for the poor to be homeless."


    "Stacy, tell me¡ªwhen you were barely scraping by when you had to decide between fixing the shop and putting food on your table, did the government help you?"


    She blinked, momentarily stunned by the sharp turn in the conversation. "What?"


    "The rule makers," Noah continued smoothly, his voice taking on a subtle edge.


    "When you were struggling, when you didn¡¯t know if you could make rent, did they step in? Did they help you out? Or did they watch you suffer and then raise interest on your loans, piling on more debt?"


    Stacy¡¯s brow furrowed, her mind shing back to those difficult months when she was barely making ends meet.


    Thete nights, the endless bills, the helpless feeling of being swallowed by debt.


    He wasn¡¯t wrong. No one had helped her. And the interest on her loans had increased just when she could least afford it.


    "They didn¡¯t care about you then," Noah said, his voice nowced with quiet intensity.


    "And they won¡¯t care about you now. The only thing they¡¯ll do is make your life harder. I¡¯m offering you a way out¡ªa way to keep more of what¡¯s yours. You¡¯ve worked hard for this ce. Why should they take any more from you than they already have?"


    Stacy¡¯s hands trembled slightly as she gripped the counter, conflicted. She wanted to protest, to hold on to her principles, but Noah¡¯s words were digging into her, pulling at her emotions, and awakening a deep frustration she had buried long ago.


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    "You¡¯re right, it¡¯s not ¡¯legal,¡¯" Noah added with a soft, knowing smirk. "But what has following the rules gotten you so far? More bills? More debt? I¡¯m giving you a chance to protect yourself, to keep the shop your father loved without letting anyone else take it from you after our contract is done."


    "You can use the money to pay off your debt, and you can keep your father¡¯s shop after our contract is done if you decide to."


    Stacy swallowed hard, her resistance crumbling under Noah¡¯s relentless logic.


    He wasn¡¯t just offering her a solution¡ªhe was offering her a way to fight back against a system that had seemed designed to crush her.


    After a long moment, she nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Alright... we¡¯ll do it."


    Noah¡¯s smile softened, but there was a glint of triumph in his eyes.


    "Good. I¡¯ll make sure the contract reflects that. You¡¯ll see¡ªthis will work out for both of us."


    Stacy, still shaken by the conversation, nodded again, feeling a mix of relief and uncertainty. Noah had gotten what he wanted, and now, all that was left was to finalize the deal.


    As David and Emily returned, having finished looking around, Noah gave his father a small nod, signalling that the deal was done.


    "Everything good?" David asked.


    Noah smiled. "Yeah, Dad. Everything¡¯s good. We will sign the contract tomorrow"


    He had used Stacy¡¯s vulnerability to his advantage and secured the perfect location for their teahouse¡ªat a fraction of the price.


    He didn¡¯t feel guilty at all. It was business, and Noah was always willing to do what it took to win.

 Chapter 106: First Steps

    As they exited the shop, the cool afternoon air hit them. David nced at Noah with a raised brow, curiosity clear in his expression. After all, this shop visit had gone far smoother than thest time he had dealt with Stacy.


    David cleared his throat and asked, "So, what was the price you agreed upon? She was quite troublesome to deal with thest time I came here. She didn¡¯t even mention the price, saying that it can be negotiatedter."


    Noah paused for a moment, a subtle smile tugging at the corner of his lips before he replied, "We agreed on 10k for ten months¡¯ worth of rent, including the deposit."


    David stopped in his tracks, his eyes wide in disbelief. "Ten thousand? For ten months? That¡¯s... that¡¯s simply impossible in this location! You¡¯re telling me you managed to haggle it down to that?"


    Noah chuckled lightly, shrugging his shoulders. "Hehe, I didn¡¯t do much. It¡¯s probably all thanks to Emily. She¡¯s so cute thendlord must¡¯ve given us a discount."


    David gave his son a knowing look, rolling his eyes in mock disbelief.


    "You¡¯re not going to tell me, huh? Fine, keep your secrets." He thought.


    Emily, who had been skipping along next to them, beamed up at Noah. "See! I told you guys to bring me along. If you didn¡¯t bring me, you would¡¯ve had to pay so much more!"


    Noah grinned and ruffled her hair.


    "Yeah, you¡¯re right. Guess we¡¯ll have to thank you properly. I¡¯ll treat you to the funfair and ice cream for that."


    Emily¡¯s eyes sparkled with excitement.


    "Really?! Yaaayyy!" She jumped up and down, bubbling with joy, her earlier role as a "key negotiator" clearly boosting her mood.


    Soon, they arrived home, greeted by the warm scent of the house and the sight of Carolineing into the living room. She immediately noticed the energy in the air and asked, "How did it go?"


    David, still reeling from what Noah had pulled off, couldn¡¯t hide his excitement as he responded. "You wouldn¡¯t believe it. Noah got the rent down to 10k for ten months for the store at ..."


    Caroline¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. "Ten thousand? In that prime location? Noah, that¡¯s incredible!" She gave her son an impressed smile, her eyes beaming with pride.


    Noah rubbed the back of his neck, smiling modestly. "It wasn¡¯t that hard. Like I said, Emily probably helped soften thendlord up."


    Emily grinned widely and chimed in, "Yep! I¡¯m the reason we saved so much!" She skipped around the living room, clearly basking in the praise.


    Carolineughed softly, shaking her head. "Well, whatever the reason, you did great." Stay updated via NovelBin.C?m


    David turned to Noah with a question that had been on his mind since their earlier discussions. "So, Noah, when is the machine you were talking about going to arrive?"


    "It¡¯ll arrive right after we sign the contract. Don¡¯t worry, Dad. I¡¯ll have it delivered the same day, so everything will be set up smoothly."


    David nodded, visibly relieved. "That¡¯s good to hear. The sooner we get the equipment in ce, the sooner we can get things moving."


    Noah leaned against the doorframe, his expression taking on a more mischievous edge. "But, there¡¯s more. I¡¯m nning something for the grand opening that¡¯s going to blow people away."


    Caroline raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"


    A sly grin spread across Noah¡¯s face as he continued, "I¡¯ve got a marketing n that will shock the entire ce. I want the grand opening to go viral, and blow up on the inte. That way, people will be talking about our teahouse even before they set foot in the door."


    David frowned slightly, still trying to wrap his head around how marketing had evolved since his days. "Go viral? You mean, like on social media?"


    Noah nodded. "Exactly. We need to make the opening so unique that it catches everyone¡¯s attention. Once the buzz starts online, people will flood the ce out of pure curiosity."


    Caroline crossed her arms, intrigued. "And how do you n on making that happen? What¡¯s your idea?"


    Noah¡¯s eyes glinted "It¡¯s still in progress, I will let you guys know beforehand."


    David blinked, his surprise evident. "You¡¯ve really thought this through."


    Noah shrugged, though there was a fire behind his casual demeanour. "Tea is quite difficult to take off, so we need to advertise in a smart way that will catch attention to kick start our business. From there, our reputation will only soar and we will dominate the market."


    Caroline¡¯s smile widened, clearly impressed. "It sounds ambitious. But knowing you, I think you can pull it off."


    Noah¡¯s grin returned, more confident this time. "I¡¯ve got some good connections that can help make it happen. Plus, with Emily¡¯s help, how can we fail?"


    Emily, ever the enthusiastic little sister, stood tall and puffed out her chest. "I¡¯ll make sure everyone knows how cool we are!"


    David chuckled and patted Noah¡¯s shoulder. "Well, son, it seems like you¡¯ve got everything figured out. I¡¯ll trust you to handle it. I just want to see this ce up and running. You¡¯re right, it¡¯s not just about selling amazing tea. It¡¯s about getting it out there."


    Noah nodded, his expression serious now. "Exactly. We¡¯ll make it something people won¡¯t forget."


    As the conversation wound down, the family settled back into their usual routine, but there was an underlying buzz of excitement.


    The next few days would be filled with contracts, preparations, and nning. The idea of the teahouse opening was no longer a distant n¡ªit was bing a reality.


    And Noah knew that once the grand opening was done, once the world saw what they were capable of, there would be no turning back. This was just the beginning.


    With a small, satisfied smile, Noah headed up to his room, already nning the next steps in his head.


    It was time to step into the world of business.


    "A cruel world that the kind cannot survive in, and the ruthless strives in."

 Chapter 107: Past Injury

    After spending some time rxing in his room, Noah felt it was time to head out. He had quite a few things on his agenda, and sitting idle wasn¡¯t going to get them done.


    Grabbing his jacket, he left the house and headed for his mansion, nning to retrieve the clothes that Anderson had been guarding since the previous day.


    As he walked, a smirk yed on his lips. He wondered what Anderson had done while he was gone.


    It had been a deliberate move to leave the clothes with him¡ªNoah could have easily returned in the night to bring them inside the house, but this was a test.


    He wanted to see just how seriously Anderson took hismands, how far he was willing to go


    Arriving at the gate, Noah was greeted by the sight of Anderson stepping out, looking slightly dishevelled, his eyes bloodshot fromck of sleep.


    Clearly, Anderson hadn¡¯t rested much since taking on the task.


    "Mr. Noah, I¡¯m d you¡¯re back," Anderson said, his voice showing signs of fatigue. "I have the things in the office, just as you asked."


    Noah nced at the other guards who were stationed outside. They, too, looked exhausted, likely from standing watch all night while the office had been locked.


    Noah couldn¡¯t help but admire the effort.


    "He really went all out to protect those clothes. This guy¡­ he¡¯s worth nurturing,"


    Noah thought, the corners of his mouth curving into a satisfied smile.


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    "I¡¯m good, Anderson. Go ahead and open the gate, then bring the clothes to my mansion," Noah said with a calm tone.


    Anderson straightened up immediately.


    "Right away, sir," he responded.


    He loaded the clothes into an SUV designated for the guards, while Noah leisurely made his way to the mansion.


    It wasn¡¯t long before Noah heard the soft ring of the doorbell inside the mansion.


    "He¡¯s here," Noah thought, walking over to the door to let them in.


    As Noah opened the door, Anderson stood there with severalrge bags, nked by a couple of guards who had helped transport the clothes.


    "Mr. Noah, are we allowed inside to drop everything off?" Anderson asked, his tone as polite as always.


    Noah smiled and nodded. "Of course. Come in."


    The guards entered the mansion, carrying the bags into the spacious living room. As they carefully ced the clothes down,


    Noah noticed Anderson¡¯s wide-eyed nces at the mansion¡¯s interior. It was clear that he was impressed.


    He had likely been inside other mansions in the neighbourhood before, but none were quite like this one¡ªgrand in both size and design, it was a ce thatmanded respect.


    Once the clothes were dropped off, the guards prepared to leave. Just as Anderson turned to follow, Noah stopped him.


    "Anderson, I¡¯d like to have a word with you. Come, sit down. The rest of the guards can go."


    Anderson hesitated for a moment but quickly nodded. "Right away, sir," he said, motioning for the other guards to leave as he followed Noah into the living room.


    He took a seat, still slightly overwhelmed by the grandeur of the mansion¡¯s d¨¦cor.


    Before sitting down, Noah casually touched Anderson¡¯s arm, activating Memory nce with a subtle motion.


    Images shed rapidly through Noah¡¯s mind, revealing pieces of Anderson¡¯s past. The first memory showed Anderson, much younger and in his prime, dressed in military fatigues.


    He stood tall and strong,manding respect from his fellow soldiers. But the scene shifted quickly¡ªgunfire, an explosion, the heat of battle.


    Anderson fell, his body wracked with pain as he clutched his side, blood staining his uniform.


    The memory flickered again, and Noah saw Anderson in a hospital bed, doctors shaking their heads as they discussed his prognosis.


    His injury had been severe, and though he survived, his reflexes and physical strength began to deteriorate over time.


    Eventually, he had to retire from the military, no longer able to serve at the level he once did.


    The images shifted to Anderson¡¯s present life¡ªtaking on the role of a guard leader, living in the shadows of his past.


    Though he waspetent, it was clear he missed the thrill of the life he had before the injury.


    The injury was a constant reminder in the back of his mind.


    Noah¡¯s eyes flickered as the memory ended, his expression unreadable.


    "So, this is who he really is."


    "Not just a random guard leader," Noah mused silently. "He¡¯s got potential. He¡¯s not the type that¡¯s easy to tame¡ªhe¡¯s strategic and disciplined. But I can sort him out."


    Noah leaned back in his chair and gave Anderson a thoughtful look.


    "Let me brew us some tea," he said suddenly, getting up and heading toward the kitchen. From his inventory, Noah pulled out a small pouch of magic tea leaves.


    Within minutes, Noah returned with two steaming cups of tea, setting one in front of Anderson.


    As the fragrant aroma filled the room, Anderson¡¯s eyes widened slightly. It was clear he immediately recognized that this wasn¡¯t an average brew.


    Noah smiled softly as he took a seat. "Here you go," he said, motioning to the cup. "This tea is special¡ªmade by me. It helps with recovering from past injuries, both mental and physical. Try it. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll appreciate its effects."


    Anderson hesitated for a brief second, his mind racing. "Does he know?" he thought, his pulse quickening.


    "It can¡¯t be¡­ it must be a coincidence."


    Still, Anderson couldn¡¯t deny his curiosity. After offering a quiet thank you, he lifted the cup to his lips and took a sip.


    The moment the tea touched his tongue, Anderson¡¯s eyes shot wide open. A rush of warmth spread through his body, not just physically but mentally as well.


    His thoughts became clearer and sharper, and a sudden lightness filled his chest.


    It was as though a weight had been lifted¡ªlike the old injuries and scars that had been dragging him down for years were finally getting better, even if it was a small negligible change.


    His hands trembled slightly as he set the cup down, staring at Noah in shock. "This¡­ this tea¡­" he stammered, unable to form the words.


    Noah¡¯s smile deepened, his eyes gleaming with a quiet satisfaction. "I take it you like it, then?"


    He nodded, his face showing gratitude and shock.


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    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 108: Seed Planted

    Anderson nodded, grateful and a little overwhelmed by the lingering effects of the tea.


    The initial scepticism he had felt towards Noah, was beginning to dissolve, reced by a sense of deep appreciation.


    He had never experienced anything quite like this tea¡ªsomething so powerful yet so subtle.


    Noah observed the subtle shift in Anderson¡¯s demeanour, watching as the tension drained from the man¡¯s face. To most, it would seem like a simple moment of gratitude, but Noah could see the signs.


    He could see Anderson¡¯s walls slowly starting to crumble.


    With a warm, seemingly innocent smile, Noah spoke softly, "Since you liked it, and I appreciate all the effort you put into handling my delivery, I¡¯d like to gift you some of the tea."


    Anderson blinked, a sh of surprise passing through his eyes. A gift? This wasn¡¯t just any tea, and Anderson knew it.


    He hesitated, unsure if he should ept it.


    Logic told him to refuse¡ªHe felt that this was almost bribery.


    "No... This is the reward I deserve for putting so much work into protecting his goods." He thought


    The memory of how the tea had made him feel¡ªalive again¡ªwas hard to ignore which made him stop hesitating.


    Noah watched the internal struggle y out across Anderson¡¯s face.


    He didn¡¯t press, nor did he push.


    He simply waited, the faint smile still on his lips.


    He didn¡¯t need to say more. The seed had already been nted.


    Whether Anderson would ept or not was no longer important. It was only a matter of time.


    After what seemed like a long pause, Anderson finally nodded.


    "Thank you, for such a generous gift."


    Noah¡¯s smile widened, though it didn¡¯t quite reach his eyes. He had expected this oue.


    "Then I will be right back after I get it," he said smoothly, excusing himself as he moved to another room.


    Out of Anderson¡¯s sight, Noah opened his system interface, quickly purchasing 100g of the magical tea for $10.


    It arrived neatly packaged in luxurious wrapping.


    When he returned, he handed Anderson the tea, presenting it like an artefact of great value.


    "Here you go," Noah said casually, though the subtext was clear.


    This wasn¡¯t just tea. It was something far beyond what Anderson could ever imagine possessing.


    To Anderson, the tea felt like a rare gem¡ªprecious, elusive, and out of reach for most.


    Little did he know, the very tea he was cradling with such care would soon be the most sought-after and widespread tea in the world.


    Anderson epted the package carefully, his hands tightening around it as though he were holding a treasure.


    He had no idea that what seemed like an exclusive limited edition personal gift today, would soon be an item others would be drinking daily.


    The elegant packaging, the design¡ªit all confirmed what Anderson already knew.


    This was no ordinary gift.


    Noah gently tapped Anderson¡¯s shoulder as he handed over the tea. "Keep up the good work, Anderson," he said, his tone light but carrying weight.


    Anderson flinched slightly at the tap, not out of difort, but because it triggered something deep within him.


    The gesture was simple, but it felt familiar. It took him back to his days in the military, where a pat on the back from a superior meant more than just acknowledgement.


    It was a reinforcement of loyalty, a reward for dedication.


    The tea, the tap on the shoulder, the subtle recognition of Anderson¡¯s efforts¡ªit allbined into aplex web.


    Anderson, though a seasoned soldier, felt a tug. Years of training had conditioned him to recognize maniption, but Noah¡¯s approach was different.


    It wasn¡¯t aggressive or overt. There was nomand, no force. It was gentle, insidious¡ªlike a suggestion that was almost too soft to refuse.


    Anderson felt Noah¡¯s acknowledgement, the weight of the tea in his hands, and though part of him wanted to resist, another part¡ªdeeper, buried beneath years of conditioning¡ªwas drawn in.


    "Thank you, sir," Anderson said again, his voice a bit more respectful now.


    He was still processing the effects of the tea, both physically and mentally, but he maintained hisposure, trying not to let the subtle shift in his mindset show.


    Noah studied Anderson with calm, measured eyes.


    "You¡¯ve impressed me, Anderson," he said, his tone carrying just the right amount of warmth. "And I know you¡¯ll continue to impress me."


    The words hit Anderson harder than he expected. He hadn¡¯t felt this kind of recognition in years. Since leaving the military, his work had been important but unrecognized, unnoticed. Noah was the first person in a long time to make him feel important, to make him feel like his efforts mattered.


    He wasn¡¯t quite there yet, but Noah could already see the signs of what was toe.


    "Loyalty"


    It¡¯s like nting a seed, and Noah knew exactly how to make it grow.


    As Anderson prepared to leave, Noah added, in an almost casual tone, "If you ever need more of that tea, just let me know. I¡¯ll make sure you¡¯re taken care of."


    Anderson hesitated, the weight of the offer clear. His mind was already considering the benefits of it.


    After a brief pause, he nodded, clutching the tea a bit tighter. "I¡¯ll keep that in mind, sir. Thank you."


    Noah watched as Anderson left the room, a faint smile curling at the edge of his lips.


    Anderson was different from the others. He was sharp and disciplined.


    Pushing him too hard or too fast would raise his guard and suspicions.


    "I have time... I don¡¯t need him anytime soon anyway." He muttered under his breath.


    He would be patient, and methodical. Every small action he took would lead Anderson deeper into the web, and before long, he would be Noah¡¯s tomand.


    As Noah leaned back in his chair, satisfied with the day¡¯s work, his thoughts drifted to the future.


    People were never controlled by brute force. They were controlled by their own desires and their own needs.


    He nced at the elegant packaging of the tea and smiled to himself.


    "The one who can¡¯t control his desires¡­ cannot control his own mind."

 Chapter 109: Basic Breathing Technique

    [Ding! Ultimate Choice System has been activated!]


    Option 1: Use your time efficiently and work out.


    [Reward: Random Basic Skill]


    Option 2: Chill for the day.


    [Reward: $500]


    "Looking at the choice, it seems the system wants me to keep up with my fitness goals too." He thought with a slight smile.


    "Option 1"


    Noah changed into a sleek ck tracksuit, the kind that allowed the full range of movement and headed to the gym.


    This time, he wasn¡¯t there to test his limits like he hadst time. He already knew his max lifts¡ª661 lbs for the bench press, 1141 lbs for deadlifts, and 881 lbs for barbell squats.


    He wasn¡¯t aiming for personal records today; he was focused on following a structured routine.


    The machines in his gym, top-tier as they were, couldn¡¯t provide the stimulus he needed.


    They were built for the average person, or at least someone who lifted heavy weights, but Noah was far beyond that.


    They simply couldn¡¯t challenge him. Machines were good for istion, but not for the raw, brutal power and control he needed to build.


    So, Noah kept his staple exercises: the squat, bench press, and deadlift. He added a military press to his routine for his shoulders.


    His n was efficient¡ªhe would hit every major muscle group three times a week, using a full-body workout split. This approach would save time and allow him to increase his strength while focusing on other priorities.


    By the end of his strength training, his muscles were fully pumped, his body humming with energy.


    "That felt nice."


    He muttered as he wiped the sweat beads, that dripped down his face.


    "Time for some cardio."


    He decided to skip the cardio machines. They were too easy. Instead, he decided to go for a run outside.


    Noah stepped out of his gym and onto the path that wound around the vi. The fresh air hit him, and the sight of the river flowing nearby was calming yet invigorating.


    He took a deep breath, appreciating the natural surroundings. The road around theplex was tougher than any treadmill or elliptical could offer.


    "Real terrain¡ªThe real conditioning."


    He started at a moderate pace, letting his legs loosen up from the intense weight training. As his breathing became rhythmic, he increased his speed, feeling the rough ground beneath his feet.


    Each step felt powerful, his muscles working harder than they would on any smooth machine.


    The sound of his shoes hitting the pavement,bined with the gentle rush of the river beside him, created a peaceful contrast to the intense focus in his mind.


    He pushed harder, transitioning into sprints, feeling the burn in his legs and lungs. The resistance from the uneven road made every stride more challenging, more real.


    He could feel his entire body adapting, bing stronger not just in brute strength, but in endurance.


    His cardio sessionsted around forty minutes, alternating between sprints and steady pacing, pushing his stamina to the limits.


    By the time he finished, his body was drenched in sweat, his breathingboured but controlled.


    [Ding! Random Basic Skill Rewarded!]


    [Basic Breathing Technique is Rewarded!]


    [Time = Money & Money = Time]


    [This technique increases the user¡¯s longevity thus increasing his wealth]


    [You will receive 10¡é for every breath you take!]


    [Note: The money will be paid directly to the bank ount of the user at midnight.]


    Noah blinked. Once. Twice.


    "Wait, what?" he muttered to himself, rereading the text.


    "A passive money-making skill?"


    He couldn¡¯t help but smirk. "10¡é for every breath, huh?"


    It seemed absurd. Earning money just for breathing?


    Noah¡¯s mind quickly raced through the math.


    "How many breaths does the average person take in a day?"


    "Twenty-two thousand. Roughly. Give or take, depending on lung capacity and health."


    With his physical condition, his breaths were probably a bit more efficient than the average person¡¯s, meaning he could squeeze out more cash with each breath.


    $2,200 was guaranteed, just for breathing every single day.


    Noah let the number roll around in his mind. It wasn¡¯t life-changing, not at his current level. He¡¯d seen far bigger sums pass through his hands in a single system transaction.


    But the more he thought about it, the more it amused him. $2,200 of pure passive ie from doing nothing but staying alive. A steady stream of cash, flowing in without lifting a finger.


    His smirk widened. "Not bad. Not bad at all."


    It wasn¡¯t going to make him a billionaire overnight, but then again, it wasn¡¯t meant to.


    This was pocket change, a constant influx of small bills that could add up over time.


    $2,200 a day equalled about $66,000 a month¡ªenough to pay for luxuries or even invest in more ambitious projects.


    "The best part is... it¡¯s just basic."


    "What would happen when it levels up? If this was just the basic version, what would intermediate or advanced look like?" He asked himself.


    "Would I be pulling tens or hundreds of dors per breath?" Noah thought, intrigued by the possibilities.


    Noah nced at his surroundings, the sprawling mansion, theplex that housed elites and millionaires.


    This new skill, as insignificant as it appeared, was just another tool in his ever-growing arsenal.


    He exhaled slowly, deliberately, savouring the moment.


    "Another 10¡é." He chuckled to himself, imagining the money piling up in his bank ount with each breath he took.


    "Even my breathing makes money now."


    He tapped his chin, thinking ahead. With this new skill, there was no telling how high he could climb, but one thing was clear: he wasn¡¯t going to stop until he hit the ceiling.


    "If there was one at least." He muttered silently.


    His thoughts drifted back to the notification. This was an opportunity.


    "opportunities are meant to be exploited."


    The passive ie would roll in at midnight, directly into his ount. It wasn¡¯t muchpared to his Ultimate Choice of bing the richest, but it was a start.


    Noah never underestimated the value of a good start. It wasn¡¯t the amount that mattered¡ªit was the potential. He couldn¡¯t shake the thought that this was just the beginning.


    "There has to be more. This is just a basic skill."


    The system had a way of dropping these little breadcrumbs, small rewards that hinted at something much bigger.

 Chapter 110: Is this a Date?

    What if this skill could be cultivated, just like everything else? What if it could be something that multiplied not just his money, but his influence?


    He exhaled again, slowly, thoughtfully. 10¡é richer with each breath.


    A steady trickle of wealth, flowing with each inhale, each exhale.


    "It¡¯s poetic in a way. My existence is now profitable, as long as I breathe I¡¯m making money."


    Noah nced at his watch. Money would be waiting for him when the clock struck midnight, and he didn¡¯t have to lift a finger.


    "Not bad for pocket change," he thought, as he headed towards the shower.


    After stepping out of the shower, Noah grabbed one of his new Hermis outfits and slipped into it.


    The fabric felt smooth against his skin. He adjusted his cuffs while ncing in the mirror for a moment.


    Everything was in ce.


    Clean lines, sharp cut¡ªa perfect reflection of control.


    Noah¡¯s gaze shifted outside, where his Lykan sat waiting.


    His eyes narrowed as they fell on the tyres.


    "They are worn, from the reckless drifting." Noah thought, shaking his head.


    "I¡¯ll get them changed soon," he thought, mentally adding it to his to-do list.


    Sliding into the driver¡¯s seat, he let the engine hum to life beneath him, the soft growl filling the air as he pulled away from the mansion.


    The drive was smooth as always, but he noticed the slight slip in the tyres¡¯ grip.


    "Yeah, it¡¯s time to change it." He muttered.


    As he approached the gate, Anderson was already on alert. Noah could see him in the distance, motioning to the guards to open the gate even before he arrived.


    Efficient, exactly what Noah expected from him.


    When Noah pulled closer, he gave Anderson a faint nod. Just enough to acknowledge the man¡¯s efforts.


    Anderson returned the gesture, his expression respectful.


    As Noah drove past the gate, Anderson¡¯s right hand unconsciously touched the tea bag.


    ***


    In Amelia¡¯s Room.


    Her phone buzzed, as she scrolled on her phone whilst on bed.


    "Noah <3"


    She quickly got up, fixed her posture and tapped to answer.


    "Hello? Noah?" came her slightly flustered voice.


    "Hi, it¡¯s me. Don¡¯t you have my number saved? I feel a bit betrayed right now," he teased, keeping his tone light, though there was a yful undertone.


    "No, no, it¡¯s not that! I was just surprised you called," she stammered, her tone shy, clearly flustered by her own awkwardness.


    Noah chuckled. "No worries, why wouldn¡¯t I call? I wanted to ask¡ªyou want to go out for dinner? How does that sound?"


    There was a pause on the other end. "Really? I would love to. Where do we meet?"


    Noah didn¡¯t hesitate. "No need to go anywhere. I¡¯ll pick you up. Just rx at home."


    Another pause. He could almost hear her blushing over the phone.


    "O-okay. What time?" she asked, her voice a mix of nervousness and subtle excitement.


    "I¡¯ll be at your ce in 30 minutes," Noah replied, his grin widening as he heard her flustered reply.


    "Okay, see you soon!" she said hurriedly, her words tumbling over each other in her eagerness.


    Noah ended the call, tossing the phone onto the passenger seat.


    "Thirty minutes¡­" Noah thought, the corners of his lips twitching upward into a faint smirk.


    His hand gripped the steering wheel as the Lykan sped through the traffic.


    Thirty minutester..


    Noah found himself pulling up to the gated entrance, the guards were already well-versed to his presence, thanks to Adam¡¯s past instructions.


    "If you see Noahe over here again, just allow him in."


    ***


    The moment he saw the familiar sleek car, the guard leader stepped forward with a courteous smile.


    "Wee, Mr Noah," he greeted, already signalling for the gate to be opened.


    Noah returned the smile.


    "Thank you," he replied smoothly, driving past the open gate and down towards Amelia¡¯s house.


    As he arrived at the mansion, the guards stationed outside recognised him instantly. One of them stepped forward.


    "Wee, Mr. Noah. Mr. Adam isn¡¯t home at the moment. Would you like us to contact Miss Amelia?"


    Noah shook his head casually. "No need. She¡¯ll be out soon," he said, ncing at the door.


    The guard exchanged a knowing look with hispanion.


    "This young man is really something," he thought.


    "He¡¯s already got the general¡¯s daughter wrapped around his finger."


    Of course, no one dared to say anything aloud. They were just here to serve.


    Noah reached for his phone and made a brief call.


    "Hello?"


    "I¡¯m here," Noah said simply. "Waiting outside."


    "Okie! I¡¯ll be there in a minute," she chirped, excitement bubbling in her tone.


    Noah hung up and leaned back in his seat, watching the front entrance of the mansion.


    The door opened a momentter, and Amelia stepped out, wearing a white floral dress that perfectlyplemented her paleplexion.


    Large shades covered her eyes, adding an extra ir to her overall look.


    As she descended the steps, the guards all nodded in respect, their voices in unison, "Good afternoon, Miss Amelia."


    She smiled warmly at them but quickly made her way to the car.


    Seeing Amelia leave the mansion, Noah got out of his seat and closed the door behind him.


    He stood in front of the passenger seat and opened the door for Amelia, who blushed slightly at his actions.


    "Wee, Mydy," he said courtly as he gestured for her to enter.


    "Thank you" Amelia replied as she slid into the passenger seat.


    Before they could leave, Noah noticed the guard car pulling up behind them.


    "Seems like we¡¯ve gotpany," Noah muttered with a slight grin.


    Amelia sighed, already understanding what was happening.


    "No need for that, Uncle Frank," she said, waving dismissively toward the guard car.


    The older guard, Frank, hesitated. "But, Miss Amelia, General Adam gave us strict orders. We can¡¯t let you leave without an escort. You remember what happened thest time¡ª"


    Amelia cut him off with a sigh. She nced at Noah, then back at Frank.


    "If only you knew," she thought. "If you understood who¡¯s sitting next to me, you¡¯d feel embarrassed thinking you could protect me better than him."


    "Fine," she relented. "I¡¯ll call my dad and clear this up."


    She pulled out her phone and dialled ¡¯Dad¡¯.


    It rang once before her father¡¯s familiar voice picked up.


    "Amelia? What¡¯s wrong? Do you need anything?"


    "Hey, Dad. I was nning to go out with Noah." she began, ncing at Noah as she spoke. "Uncle Frank says he can¡¯t let me leave without a bodyguard. I told him it¡¯s fine, but he wants to hear it from you. You did give him thatmand, after all."


    There was a brief pause on the other end.


    "You¡¯re with Noah?" Adam asked, his voice shifting slightly.


    "Yep, just me and Noah."


    "Frank," Adam¡¯s tone became authoritative. "Let her go. If Noah¡¯s with her, there¡¯s nothing to worry about."


    Frank, responded with a curt nod. "Understood, General."


    His face, a picture of professionalism, turned to Noah with a slight bow. "Apologies, Miss Amelia. Mr. Noah. Enjoy your time together."


    Amelia smiled at Frank before handing the phone over to Noah. "Dad wants to talk to you."


    Noah raised an eyebrow as he took the phone. "Hello, Mr. Noah," came Adam¡¯s voice from the other end, his tone casual but with an underlying weight.


    "How are you doing?"


    "Good evening, sir," Noah responded smoothly. "I¡¯m doing well, thank you."


    Adam let out a small chuckle. "I hear you came to take my daughter out without asking me first. Isn¡¯t that a bit... bold?"


    Noah¡¯s lips curled slightly. "How could I, in fact, I was about to tell Amelia to call you to ask for your permission.."


    There was silence for a moment, and then Adamughed again, this time louder.


    "Fair enough. Just take care of her. Noah¡­ we¡¯ll talk more next time."


    Noah nodded, a small grin on his face as he handed the phone back to Amelia.


    She gave him a curious look but didn¡¯t ask, instead smiling as Noah shifted the car into gear.


    As they pulled away from the mansion, the guard car remained in ce and Frank was watching from a distance.


    Noah nced briefly in the rearview mirror, noticing how the guards remained attentive even after themand to stand down came from Adam.


    "They really don¡¯t let you go anywhere without a full entourage with you, do they?" Noah remarked, his voice light.


    Ameliaughed softly. "They¡¯re just doing what they were told. My dad¡¯s been a little... protective since thest incident."


    "I can see that, it¡¯s good though. We need to keep you safe from harm." Noah replied.


    His gaze remained steady on the road ahead, but his tone carried enough warmth that kept Amelia on edge.


    She felt the word "We" sink into her chest.


    "Does he mean... he also cares?" she thought, cheeks heating up as the blush spread to her ears.


    ...


    [Ding! Ultimate Choice System has been activated!]

 Chapter 111: Love Hotel?

    As Noah shifted gears, his hand brushed hers subtly, as though by ident, but it was deliberate enough for Amelia to notice.


    Her face turned an even deeper shade of red, and though he acted as if nothing had happened, a small, almost imperceptible smile tugged at the corners of his lips.


    He activated his Memory nce ability in that moment, a flicker of curiosity in his mind. Amelia¡¯s memories surged briefly through his awareness, shes of emotions and moments that shaped her.


    A wealth of information passed, but a few things, in particr, stood out to him today.


    "These will be useful."


    [Ding! Ultimate Choice System has been activated!]


    Three choices appeared before him:


    Option 1: Let Amelia Enjoy Her Time with you.


    [Reward: +10 affection, Intermediate random skill.]


    Option 2: Make Amelia Lose Attraction to You.


    [Reward: -5 affection, 2 bedroom house.]


    Option 3: Act Nonchnt.


    [Reward: +5 affection, Intermediate random skill, $5,000.]


    Noah¡¯s mind quickly assessed the options.


    Option 2 was an immediate dismissal¡ªhe wasn¡¯t going to ruin the bridge he was carefully building.


    Option 1 and 3 both carried simr benefits, but his gaze flickered to Amelia again.


    "Five thousand dors for 5 affection points?" Noah scoffed internally.


    "Not worth it. Especially if it concerns Amelia."


    He chose Option 1.


    [Ding! Option 1 has been chosen.]


    [Ding! Intermediate Random Skill is Rewarded.]


    [Intermediate Gaming Skill]


    A satisfied grin tugged at Noah¡¯s lips.


    "This is what I was looking for, the system is really generous, almost as if it read my mind."


    His focus shifted back to the present as he turned to Amelia, who sat silently beside him.


    "Are you hungry?" Noah asked casually.


    Amelia, her heart still fluttering from the unexpected touch, shook her head.


    "Not really," she replied, her voice barely louder than the hum of the engine.


    "You sure?" he pressed, yful but genuine, as if he was reading the hesitation in her response.


    "Yes, I¡¯m sure," she said more confidently, though her pulse still raced.


    Noah grinned a glint of something unreadable in his eyes.


    "Then how about we do something fun before we eat?"


    His words sent a shock through Amelia¡¯s system.


    "Fun? What does he mean by fun?"


    Her heart pounded harder, her thoughts racing ahead, imagining scenarios far beyond anything she¡¯d ever experienced.


    The Lykan pulled smoothly into a parking lot, the sleek, reflective building looming before them. Her breath caught when she saw the sign.


    "A love hotel?!"


    Her heart raced faster than it ever had before. Is this what he meant by fun?


    She felt her stomach drop, her pulse thundering in her ears as her mind lost control.


    "I can¡¯t do this. I¡¯ve never even held a man¡¯s hand before."


    Her legs felt weak as panic set in.


    "What do I say? What do I do?" She nced nervously at Noah, who had already stepped out of the car, his expression as calm andposed as ever.


    He opened her door and offered his hand, his voice steady and reassuring. "Ready?"


    Amelia could hardly breathe.


    "Ready? How can he be so calm about this?" She struggled to find her voice, the words caught in her throat.


    "Noah, I-I can¡¯t..." she stammered, barely managing to string the sentence together.


    Noah blinked, his brow furrowed in confusion. "You can¡¯t y video games? You don¡¯t like gaming?" he asked genuine confusion in his tone.


    "Eh?" The words caught herpletely off guard.


    "Gaming?" She nced around, her eyes finallynding on the neon-lit sign she had somehow missed in her panic¡ªa gaming lounge.


    Her face turned beet red with embarrassment, realizing her own overreaction.


    "I¡¯m such an idiot!" she thought, shocked by how wildly her imagination had run away from her.


    Noah raised a brow.


    "You sure you¡¯re okay?" he asked, his tone filled with genuine concern.


    "You look like you¡¯re ill. Maybe we should just head home."


    "No, no! I-I¡¯m fine!" Amelia blurted out, waving her hands in a flustered motion.


    "It was just... hot in the car, you know? The heater... yeah, the heater," she babbled, trying to regain herposure.


    Noah chuckled softly, the sound smooth and calming, as though nothing unusual had happened.


    "Alright," he said with a small nod.


    "Let¡¯s head inside."


    Approaching the counter, Noah nced at the worker. "I¡¯d like a VIP room for two."


    The worker, without hesitation, nodded. "Any drinks or food with that, sir?"


    Noah turned to Amelia. "What do you feel like having?"


    Amelia¡¯s flustered mood had softened, and she smiled at the question.


    "I¡¯ll have taro milk tea, with two portions of tapioca."


    Noah grinned. "Good choice." He turned back to the worker.


    "Tworge taro milk teas, both with double tapioca."


    Amelia blinked. "Wait, you like taro too?"


    "Yeah, it¡¯s my favourite," he replied smoothly, a cheeky smile ying on his lips.


    There was something warm about his demeanour, that made Amelia feel at ease.


    The worker nodded. "Got it. I¡¯ll have that delivered to your room right away."


    "Anything else for now?"


    "Bring us the menu too," Noah added before turning back to Amelia with a rxed expression.


    The worker motioned toward the hallway. "VIP Room 4, sir. I¡¯ll have the drinks brought in shortly."


    As they headed toward the private room, Amelia couldn¡¯t help but steal another nce at Noah.


    Hisposure, the way he seamlessly took charge without being overbearing, was something she admired about him and made her feel things she never felt before.


    She had been bracing herself for awkwardness after her near meltdown in the car, but Noah had effortlessly smoothed things over without even acknowledging it.


    As they reached the room, Noah held the door open for her, allowing her to step inside first.


    "He¡¯s very thoughtful" Amelia mused, sitting down and watching as Noah casually settled into the chair next to hers, setting up the pc with that same calm expression.


    She couldn¡¯t help but smile slightly. "Why was I overthinking so much," she told herself, as she waited for the PC to load. Your journey continues with NovelBin.C?m

 Chapter 112: Enjoyment

    "So," Noah started, ncing at Amelia as he finished setting up the PC.


    "What do you want to y? Underwatch 2 sounds fun, don¡¯t you think?"


    Amelia¡¯s eyes lit up.


    "Wait, you y Underwatch 2? That¡¯s like one of my favourite games!" she eximed, clearly surprised.


    "I didn¡¯t expect you to y it too."


    Noah raised an eyebrow, intrigued.


    "Hmm...Why¡¯s that?" he asked, a faint smirk ying on his lips.


    She hesitated, unsure if her reasoning would sound silly.


    "I don¡¯t know... you just seem like someone who¡¯s good at everything and always busy. I mean, you¡¯re good at so many things, it feels like you wouldn¡¯t have time to y games."


    Noah chuckled softly.


    "What if I told you I¡¯m the best at Underwatch 2?"


    Amelia¡¯spetitive spark lit up immediately.


    She grinned, her eyes narrowing yfully.


    "Oh? Not better than me, though."


    Noah leaned back in his chair, the challenge clear in his eyes.


    "Wanna bet on that?"


    Amelia¡¯s pulse quickened.


    There was something wrong about his calm confidence, but she wasn¡¯t one to back down. With a cute nod, she dered,


    "Yes, let¡¯s do it. What¡¯s the bet?"


    Noah leaned forward slightly as if preparing to say something that would tilt the bnce.


    "How about this..." Noah¡¯s voice dropped slightly, taking on a teasing tone that made Amelia¡¯s heart skip a beat.


    "If you lose, you have to..."


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    Her pulse quickened, every word drawing her in deeper into his clutches, the anticipation building.


    "I have to...?" she blinked, her cheeks heating up under his gaze, half-dreading for his next words.


    "You have to either do anything I say..." he paused, letting his words hang in the air, his small smile hinted at mischief. "Or, you¡¯ll have to tell me something about you that no one else knows."


    Her face flushed even more.


    "Anything?" Her mind couldn¡¯t help but wander to scenarios she¡¯d only seen in romance novels.


    There was a small gap between what she imagined and what Noah actually meant, but her thoughts went to ces she wasn¡¯t used to.


    "A-anything?" she stuttered, her voice betraying her.


    Noah¡¯s smile widened just slightly, enough to make her nervous. "Anything," he confirmed.


    "But hey, I¡¯m not that mean. You can always just share something no one else knows instead. Your choice."


    Amelia¡¯s mind raced.


    Could she really beat him? She was a grandmaster in "Underwatch 2", practically unbeatable in her rank.


    There¡¯s no way Noah, as good as he was at everything else, could match her in gaming. Right?


    "But he isn¡¯t the type to brag? or does he just not know my rank?"


    "I mean, what are the chances he¡¯s that good at gaming too?" she thought, trying to calm her nerves. But her heartbeat only raced faster.


    Noah was calm, almost too calm.


    His expression was impossible to read, and that only made her more flustered.


    "If I win, I can make him do something... whatever I want?" That thought, instead of calming her, made her face turn beet red.


    "Alright," she said, trying to sound more confident than she felt.


    "Let¡¯s do it. But if you lose, you¡¯ll have to do whatever I want too."


    Noah chuckled softly, the sound only adding to the butterflies swirling in her stomach. "Deal," he said with that same easy smile as if he¡¯d already won.


    Just as the game finished loading, the bell next to Noah rang.


    Amelia looked over, startled. "Come in," Noah called out casually.


    The worker entered, bncing tworge bubble teas on a tray.


    "Your drinks, sir," the worker said, cing them on the table.


    Noah nodded, handing the man a $50 tip without hesitation. "Thanks," he said with a warm smile.


    The worker¡¯s eyes widened slightly at the generous tip, thanking Noah profusely before leaving them alone in the room.


    Amelia, watching the scene unfold, couldn¡¯t help but admire how effortlessly kind and thoughtful Noah seemed to be.


    "He¡¯s so generous," she thought, feeling her cheeks warm again, though this time not from embarrassment.


    "Ready?" Noah asked, his fingers already resting on the mouse, his eyes locked on the screen.


    Amelia snapped back to reality, as she grabbed her mouse.


    "Oh, I¡¯m ready," she said, her voice filled with newfound confidence.


    "Let¡¯s see if you can keep up," Noah teased, his eyes flicking to hers before focusing back on the game.


    As the match started, Amelia immediately went on the offensive.


    Her years of experience as a DPS kicked in, as her character dashed across the map,nding headshots.


    She smirked, feeling her confidence rise with each kill.


    "My score is two and yours is 0, 1 more death and you lose Noah," she said, with a small smile as if she had already won.


    "He isn¡¯t bad, but I¡¯m still leagues ahead of him."


    But then, something shifted. Noah¡¯s movements became sharper, his reactions quicker.


    His character, once seemingly ying on the defensive, suddenly turned into an unstoppable force.


    Amelia¡¯s smirk faltered. "Wait... is he¡ª?"


    Another precise shot.


    "You¡¯ve been killed! Respawn in 10 seconds" The game shed


    It was Noah again, outying her effortlessly.


    Her hands trembled slightly on the mouse.


    "This isn¡¯t supposed to happen, how did it go from 2-0 to 2-2 in a matter of a minute!" She muttered silently.


    He was supposed to struggle, supposed to be outssed by her skills. Yet here she was, barely able to keep up.


    "You¡¯re not bad," Noah¡¯s calm voice cut through her focus,


    "but I did say I¡¯m good at this game, didn¡¯t I?"


    Amelia¡¯s heart pounded. He was too good. Way too good. Was this some kind of trick? How was he matching her, step for step, y for y?


    She gritted her teeth, determined to turn the tide, but it was toote. Noah¡¯s character took her out once again, securing the final point for the win.


    The screen shed "Victory" in big, bold letters.


    "Looks like you lost," Noah said, his tone teasing but not gloating.

 Chapter 113: The Bet

    "You know what that means, right?


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    Amelia¡¯s eyes stared at the screen, wide-eyed.


    "I-I lost.", Amelia thought, embarrassment churning in her chest.


    She looked at Noah, who was regarding her with the same calm, knowing smile.


    He didn¡¯t need to say it. The bet hung in the air between them.


    "So, what¡¯ll it be?" Noah leaned back in his chair with a soft smile stered on his face.


    "Something you¡¯ve never told anyone. or do I get to make you do whatever I want?"


    Amelia¡¯s face turned red again, at the thought.


    "This isn¡¯t happening," she thought, her mind racing with what he might ask her to do.


    But even though she was embarrassed, there was a strange thrill behind it all, a spark of excitement that made her stomach twist.


    She looked away for a moment, biting her lip. There was no way out of it. She had made the bet, and now she had to pay the price.


    But what was worse? Telling him something deeply personal... or giving him the power to make her do anything?


    Her heart raced as she looked back at him. "I¡¯ll... I¡¯ll tell you something."


    Noah raised an eyebrow, clearly curious. "Oh? So you are going to tell me, something no one else knows?"


    She nodded, her hands clenching into small fists as she prepared to reveal something she had kept hidden for so long. "I¡ª"


    Amelia shifted in her seat, her hands twisting in herp as if gathering the courage to say something she had buried for years.


    She kept her eyes downcast as if avoiding Noah¡¯s gaze would make it easier to let her emotions out.


    "No one really sees me," she began, her voice soft but tinged with a sadness that caught Noah¡¯s attention immediately.


    "Not the real me at least. To everyone, I¡¯m just General Adam¡¯s daughter... and the Admiral¡¯s granddaughter."


    "I feel like I¡¯ve been living in their shadows my entire life."


    Her words hung in the air, the weight of years of internal conflict finally surfacing.


    She sighed as if letting the words escape took a piece of her strength with them.


    "People respect me, but it¡¯s not really me they¡¯re looking at. It¡¯s my family¡¯s titles, their reputation. I try so hard to stand out on my own, to be seen for who I really am, but... sometimes, it feels impossible. Like I¡¯m invisible without their names."


    Noah listened carefully, a faint frown forming on his face.


    "Amelia..." he began gently, leaning a little closer. "I had no idea you felt this way."


    His voice was warm, full of empathy. His eyes softened as they locked onto hers, and he could see the vulnerability she had hidden so well.


    She had always carried herself with grace and poise, but now Noah could see the cracks beneath that perfect exterior.


    He knew exactly what it was like to feel unseen, although his reasons were far different.


    "You don¡¯t need to prove yourself to anyone," Noah said, his tone firm butforting.


    "You¡¯re not just ¡¯their daughter¡¯ or ¡¯their granddaughter.¡¯"


    "You¡¯re Amelia, and you¡¯re more than enough. People who can¡¯t see that, well... they¡¯re legally blind."


    Amelia blinked, her lips parting slightly, taken aback by the sincerity in Noah¡¯s voice. His words hit her harder than she had expected.


    She had always been surrounded by people who saw her as an extension of her family¡¯s power, never as her own person.


    But Noah was telling her something different. For the first time, someone was acknowledging her.


    "Thank you," she whispered, her voice catching in her throat. "That... that means a lot, more than you think."


    Noah gave a small smile, but internally, he was already processing something else.


    This was the perfect moment. His hand moved subtly under the table as he activated his Talent Finder skill.


    A faint, inaudible ding echoed in his mind.


    [Ding!]


    Name: Amelia


    Age: 20


    Talent Grade: A+


    Talent: Streamer/Gamer, ???


    Description: Amelia has a natural gift for online streaming and gaming, with an innate ability to engage audiences and excel atpetitive gaming. Her charisma shines in any space, especially the digital space, allowing her to build a dedicated following effortlessly.


    For the first time in a while, Noah felt a surge of genuine surprise as he read through the details.


    "She has an [A+ talent?]" He thought, his mind racing.


    His mom had been the only other person who had evene close to this level, and she had an A-grade talent. But Amelia... Amelia was on another level. The A+ ranking was nearly unheard of, and it wasn¡¯t just that.


    The mysterious second talent... the one even the basic talent finder couldn¡¯t identify.


    "What could it be?" Noah¡¯s curiosity had increased.


    The fact that the system couldn¡¯t even reveal the full scope of her potential meant there was something extraordinary about her.


    He nced at her, keeping his expression neutral.


    "She might be worthy..."


    Noah took a deep breath, forcing himself to focus.


    "She isn¡¯t just any girl... This girl..."


    Amelia was someone who had the potential to be far more than he had anticipated.


    If he yed this right, her talents could be a valuable asset, and their connection could evolve into something much deeper than he nned.


    "You know," Noah said, his voice casual as if they were merely continuing the conversation.


    "It sounds like you¡¯ve got a lot more going on than anyone gives you credit for. I mean, from what I¡¯ve seen, you¡¯re talented, charismatic, and honestly... kind of amazing."


    Amelia blushed at his words, her eyes widening slightly. Amazing? No one had ever said that to her, at least not in a way that felt so genuine. There was a flutter in her chest, and she couldn¡¯t quite shake the feeling that Noah was seeing right through her walls.


    "I-I don¡¯t know about that," she stammered, trying to downy thepliment.


    Noah¡¯s smile widened. "I¡¯m serious. Have you ever thought about bing a streamer? I really think that people will love you for who you are."


    "Online, people don¡¯t know your family¡¯s status, nor do they know you are of significant background. Yet I still think, you will shine like a diamond in the dark."


    Amelia¡¯s eyes flickered with uncertainty, but there was also a glimmer of hope.


    She had spent so long trying to carve out her own identity, trying to be more than just a daughter or a granddaughter.


    But Noah¡¯s words felt like a lifeline, something she didn¡¯t even realize she needed.

 Chapter 114: Comfort

    As they continued talking, Noah¡¯s thoughts remained focused.


    Amelia had no idea just how much potential she had, and that was exactly how he wanted it, at least for now.


    She was talented, yes, but also vulnerable in ways that made her easier to guide, and easier to influence.


    But more than that, she had potential. More potential than she ever thought.


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    "And if I nurture that potential to sprout..."


    With a gentle smile, Noah let the conversation flow, his words carefully chosen, his tone always warm and reassuring.


    But deep down, he knew. This was just the beginning. Amelia¡¯s future was brighter than she realized, and Noah would be right there beside her¡ªguiding her, shaping her path.


    "And in time... she¡¯ll be more than just General Adam¡¯s daughter or the Admiral¡¯s granddaughter."


    "She¡¯ll be mine."


    Noah leaned back in his chair and smiled at Amelia. "Let¡¯s get some food, shall we?"


    Amelia nodded, her face still slightly flushed from their earlier conversation. "Sure," she replied softly.


    He nced at her, curious. "Do you want to eat here or somewhere else?"


    Amelia thought for a moment before suggesting.


    "How about we eat here? It¡¯s quieter and simple. We can have some spicy Korean noodles with tokboki and a drink..."


    She trailed off quickly, almost second-guessing her suggestion. "Or if you want, we can eat somewhere else. I don¡¯t mind."


    Noah shook his head, a warm smile on his face. "No, I like your idea. It¡¯s quite cute."


    Amelia¡¯s cheeks turned a shade pinker at his words, but she didn¡¯t say anything, simply nodding in agreement.


    Noah, noticing her reaction, smiled to himself before casually ringing the bell for service.


    A few momentster, there was a polite knock at the door. Noah stood and opened it, revealing the same worker from before.


    "We¡¯re ready to order," Noah said with an easy smile, having already discussed what they wanted.


    "I¡¯ll have one carbonara buldakk ramen and one rose buldakk ramen, along with tworge cheesy tokboki. And tworge ice-cold cs."


    As he handed the menu back to the worker, Noah winked and added, "Make sure it¡¯s good."


    The worker smiled, recognizing Noah¡¯s earlier generosity. "Don¡¯t worry, sir, I¡¯ll make sure everything is perfect."


    Noah nodded in approval before closing the door and returning to his seat.


    Amelia watched him silently, her mind swirling with thoughts she couldn¡¯t quite shake.


    Noah¡¯s ease, his way of speaking¡ªeverything about him had a way of making her heart race. Yet, she feltfortable too.


    It was a strange mix of emotions, and she wasn¡¯t entirely sure how to handle it.


    It wasn¡¯t long before the food arrived. The worker knocked again, this time with two traysden with steaming bowls of noodles and side dishes.


    There was something extra too, a small flower ced next to the dishes.


    Noah stood and opened the door again, thanking the worker as he ced the trays on the table.


    The presentation was smooth, and the flower added a personal touch, something small yet thoughtful.


    Noah chuckled and whispered to the worker, "You deserve another tip."


    The worker grinned. "I¡¯ve got you, sir. Enjoy."


    As the door closed behind him, Noah took the flower from the tray and casually handed it to Amelia.


    "Here you go, your little twin."


    Amelia blinked, confused for a moment, before realizing what he meant. The delicate beauty of the flower, its soft petals... Did he mean she was like the flower? Her face burned red as the thought crossed her mind.


    "


    Does he mean... me?"


    Her thoughts ran wild, and her blush deepened even further.


    Noah noticed her reaction but didn¡¯t press further. Instead, he smiled warmly.


    "Let¡¯s eat."


    He picked up his chopsticks and dug into the food, the aroma of the spicy noodles filling the air.


    Amelia, still flustered, picked up her own chopsticks, trying to distract herself with the meal in front of her.


    As they ate, the warm food paired with the cold drinks brought a sense of simplicity and enjoyment to the room.


    The vours were rich, the spice just enough to tingle on their tongues without overwhelming.


    The cheesy tokboki melted perfectly with each bite, and the noodles had just the right texture¡ªchewy, yet soft enough to savour.


    Noah seemed at ease as if this was the most natural thing in the world¡ªsitting here, sharing a meal with her in the quietfort of the lounge.


    His calm demeanour made Amelia feel more rxed, despite her mood changing after letting him know about how she felt.


    Every now and then, Amelia would nce at Noah, wondering how he always seemed so effortlessly charming.


    "How¡¯s the rose buldak?" Noah asked, looking at her over the rim of his ss as he took a sip of his cold c.


    Amelia paused, her cheeks still tinged with pink. "It¡¯s good! Spicy, but not too much. I like it," she said, smiling shyly. "How¡¯s the carbonara one?"


    He gave a thumbs up, finishing his bite. "Delicious. The cheese mellows the heat a bit, but it¡¯s still got that kick."


    They continued eating, the warmth of the food matching thefortable silence between them.


    As they neared the end of their meal, Noah leaned back in his chair, satisfied. He wiped his mouth with a napkin, his eyes resting on Amelia for a moment longer than usual.


    "You¡¯ve got good taste," he said, his voice soft but genuine. "This was a great idea."


    Amelia smiled a mix of happiness and lingering embarrassment on her face. "I¡¯m d you liked it."


    Noah watched her for a moment, his eyes thoughtful.


    In that moment, Noah felt something stir within him.


    But he kept it to himself, letting the moment pass without thinking about it.


    Instead, he smiled and said, "Ready for dessert? Or do you want to keep talking?"


    Amelia blushed again,ughing softly. "Maybe both?"


    "Both it is," Noah agreed, leaning back with a satisfied grin.


    He pressed the bell once more, and soon the worker arrived at the door, this time familiar with the VIP service Noah had been getting.


    "Can I get one slice of cheesecake and one slice of velvet cake, please?" Noah asked. "Make them small but filling. And, of course, two more cs."


    The worker nodded with a smile. "Coming right up, sir."


    As the door closed behind the worker, Amelia gave Noah a curious look. "Cheesecake and velvet cake? Interestingbo."


    Noah chuckled. "Figured we could bnce out the spiciness of the meal with something smooth and rich. Trust me, you¡¯ll like it."


    Amelia smiled, leaning back in her chair. "I do like cheesecake... And velvet cake isn¡¯t bad either."


    "See? Perfect choice." Noah grinned.


    It didn¡¯t take long before the dessert arrived. Two elegant slices¡ªone creamy cheesecake and the other a rich velvet cake¡ªwere ced in front of them, alongside two fresh, ice-cold cs.


    Noah handed Amelia the cheesecake slice with a wink. "For you, since you mentioned you liked cheesecake."


    Amelia¡¯s face softened with appreciation as she took the small te. "Thank you."

 Chapter 115: End of the Date

    Noah took the velvet cake slice and ced it in front of him.


    The dessert portions were small but delicious and filling after their previous meal.


    He picked up his fork from the te and sliced through the cake.


    Taking a small bite, the sweetness of the bite was rich but not overly so, just as he had expected.


    As Amelia tried her cheesecake, he nced up at her.


    After the first bite, her eyes slightly widened.


    "Oh wow, this is really good," she said as she gulped down. As she spoke, she concealed her lips using her right hand. Readtest chapters on NovelBin.C?m


    As Noah chuckled, he added, "To be honest, I didn¡¯t expect their cakes to be so nice either."


    Amelia gave a nod, enjoying the smooth, rich texture of the cheesecake. as she continued to eat.


    A rxing vibe was formed between them as they ate in silence due to the gentle illumination in the room.


    "It was a good decision, no?"


    Amelia nodded while continuing to eat her slice.


    "It was definitely a good choice. You¡¯re good at selecting food."


    "Only food?" he asked with a smile on his face, causing her to flush once again.


    She shook her head,ughing softly.


    "All right, all right. You are skilled in a lot of things, including games," she said as she rolled her eyes at him yfully.


    "Well," he said, setting his fork down. "That was some good food, but I think we can still fit in one more round of Underwatch 2, don¡¯t you think?"


    Amelia¡¯s eyes grew wider as she said, "You read my mind."


    Noah sat in front of the screen, quietly making a new ount as Amelia prepared her character. He nced at her and said with a grin, "I forgot my password, so I¡¯m just making a fresh ount real quick."


    She nodded and said "Take your time, i¡¯m fixing my sensitivity anyway."


    After setting up the ount, they quickly jumped into a match. Noah selected a tank role, choosing a hero built for diving straight into the action.


    Amelia, on the other hand, locked in her DPS pick¡ªanother dive hero thatplemented Noah¡¯s ystyle perfectly.


    The moment the game began, their coordination was almost effortless. Noah barreled forward into the fight, drawing the enemy¡¯s attention and creating chaos in the frontlines.


    Amelia nked from the side, dealing damage and picking off enemies one by one. Their teamwork was wless; their n was to dive the enemy support and also disrupt them.


    The enemy team struggled to keep up. In the chat, messages started to pop up:


    "Smurfs..."


    "Stop sweating in quick y... go yp NERDS!"


    Noah¡¯s lips twitched into a smirk as he saw theints. He turned to Amelia, raising an eyebrow as she giggled, reading the messages.


    She shrugged at the chat, her smile bright.


    "We¡¯re just that good."


    Match after match, they packed the opposition and made them rage.


    Noah would charge in, creating openings, while Amelia expertly took advantage of every opportunity, eliminating enemies with precision.


    Their teamwork made the other team¡¯sints grow louder with each passing game.


    She looked at Noah, eyes shining.


    "We¡¯re on fire!"


    Noah nodded, chuckling. "I think we¡¯re making some enemies."


    They exchanged nces, both of them smiling as the chat continued to flood with frustrated remarks.


    "The chat is making me have more fun than the actual game y." Noah said as he chuckled.


    "Viin." Amelia replied, but a small smile formed on her lips. She was clearly enjoying it too.


    When the final match ended with another dominant win, Amelia leaned back in her chair, letting out a satisfied sigh. "That was awesome!" she eximed, her cheeks slightly flushed from the excitement.


    Noah nodded, a content smile ying on his lips. "We¡¯re a good duo, don¡¯t you think?" he said, ncing at her with approval.


    "Mnm," she nodded.


    Noah nced at Amelia. "Ready to head out?" he asked, stretching his arms as if the games hadn¡¯t even tired him out. Amelia nodded, still buzzing from their victories but feeling a bit of fatigue settling in.


    They packed up their things and made their way to the front counter. As they approached, the worker had already noticed Noah.


    "Can I have the bill? Thank you," Noah said.


    "Sure thing, your totales to $85.99, including the food," the worker said politely.


    "Would you like to pay cash or card?"


    Noah reached into his pocket, pulling out his sleek ck card. "Card," he said with a small smile.


    Then, after a brief pause, he added, "Also, make it $100. The rest is your tip."


    The worker¡¯s eyes widened slightly in surprise, but he quicklyposed himself, offering Noah a grateful nod.


    "Thank you so much, sir. I really appreciate it."


    As the worker entered the amount into the card reader, the familiar sound of approval rang out.


    "Ding! Payment approved."


    "Thanks foring here, sir. Please drop by again when you¡¯re free," the worker added, bowing his head slightly in respect as he handed the card back.


    Noah simply nodded in return, sliding the card into his wallet.


    The drive back to Amelia¡¯s ce was quiet butfortable, with only the soft sound of the engine filling the silence between them.


    Noah¡¯s presence next to her was reassuring, and she couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of contentment.


    Soon enough, they arrived in front of her house.


    Noah parked the car and nced at her. "Here we are," he said with his usual calm tone.


    Amelia smiled, her cheeks still slightly flushed from the day¡¯s excitement. "Thanks for today, Noah. I had a great time."


    Noah nodded, offering her a faint smile. "Me too, sleep well."


    "Thank you, good night!" she replied as she stepped out of the Lykan.


    The guards gave her a quick salute, which she returned as she entered the house.


    Seeing her enter the house, Noah nodded towards the guards and revved the engine, leaving the area.


    He muttered something silently as he drove back towards his mansion.

 Chapter 116: Daughter’s In Love

    Inside... Amelia¡¯s heartbeats were too quick to be counted.


    "He... He waited for me to enter before leaving." Her face flushed thinking about his romantic gesture.


    "He is quite romantic." She thought as her hand rested above her chest.


    "Amelia? What¡¯s wrong, are you okay?" Said Carmi as she looked at her daughter with worried eyes.


    Amelia woke up from her daze.


    "I-I¡¯m fine mom, I just remembered something I forgot." replied Amelia.


    "Okay, honey. There is some desserts in the fridge if you want some."


    "It¡¯s okay mother, I had dessert before I came."


    "I will go change my clothes and probably sleep, I will see you and father tomorrow. Tell him I said goodnight."


    She kissed her mother¡¯s forehead and headed to her room.


    ****


    Carmi nced at her husband who was changing from his uniform.


    "Adam, our daughter has been acting weird recently."


    "Honey... Your daughter is in love." He replied, with a smile on his face.


    "Amelia? With whom?" she replied with a confused look on her face.


    "Think it through..." He said, joining Carmi in bed.


    "Noah!" she said, and it finally hit her.


    "Yes, it¡¯s Noah. She was with him on a date earlier today," he said, as Carmi snuggled into his embrace.


    ****


    Back at Noah¡¯s mansion.


    Noah stepped out of his Lykan, ncing at the notification from the system.


    [Ding! +10 Affection rewarded]


    [Amelia¡¯s Affection: 80/100]


    He headed inside straight to the jacuzzi.


    Noah leaned back, letting the warm water wrap him in its embrace, slowly melting away any difort.


    Closing his eyes, he let himself drift, his mind at ease.


    After what seemed like an hour, Noah stepped out of the jacuzzi.


    After drying himself, he slipped into a new set offortable pyjamas.


    Just as he was about to turn off the light and settle into bed, his phone vibrated on the small table next to his bed.


    He picked it up to see a new message.


    Amelia: "I enjoyed tonight, thank you. "


    A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he read her message.


    [Ding! $2,300 has been credited to the ount ending in xx04. Current bnce: $1,042,069]


    Noah smiled lightly, as he read the system notification before drifting to sleep.


    ****


    The next morning, Noah woke up and did his usual routine.


    After he was done, he nced at his phone and saw a new message notification.


    Aiden: "Hey man, I wanted to ask if you are still down for filming the video this weekend. Let me know."


    [Ding! Ultimate Choice system has been activated!]


    Option 1:


    Help Aiden film his first viral video.


    [Reward: An apartment estate]


    Option 2:


    Ignore Aiden.


    [Reward: Vi Compound]


    Noah¡¯s brows furrowed, reading over the choices and their corresponding rewards.


    "A vipound¡ªIts value is something that an apartment estate can¡¯tpare to, but I have to ignore Aiden..."


    The thought of ignoring Aiden twisted his gut in a way he hadn¡¯t expected. He never had people he called friends, they could be counted on one hand.


    He and Aiden had known each other for about two years now, Aiden had been there for him during times when he didn¡¯t have much to offer in return.


    Even though Noah had moved beyond his old life, the way Aiden treated him had remained the same, showing his good character.


    He leaned against the bathroom sink, thinking about whether to choose option two, which would help him be the richest person in the world, or option one.


    Choosing the vipound would be the smart move, the one that he would make any time without hesitation.


    Aiden had always been sincere, and supportive without asking for anything in return.


    [Ding! Option 1 has been chosen.]


    [The legal documents of ownership are in the inventory.]


    Noah exhaled, an ugly look on his face. Although conflicted, he had chosen option one.


    "I¡¯m the one who offered to help him anyway," He said, trying to reason with himself.


    Deciding to stop thinking about it, he grabbed his phone and texted Aiden back.


    "Yeah, I¡¯m down. Let me know when and where, let¡¯s do it tonight since I¡¯ve been quite busy recently."


    Aiden¡¯s reply came almost instantly, filled with exmation marks and excited emojis.


    He then headed downstairs to order breakfast, as he still hadn¡¯t gone grocery shopping nor did he get a housekeeper.


    "I really need to get a housekeeper," He muttered, scrolling through his contacts before calling a number.


    "Morning!"


    "Morning, Amelia!" he replied, a slight smile on his face.


    "Hey, quick question, can you ask your dad about any trustworthy housekeepers or an agency he rmends? I want to hire one."


    "Sure. I¡¯ll talk to him during breakfast and text you right after."


    When he arrived at the kitchen, he decided to not order food.


    "I will just go eat at the restaurant," He murmured, as he put on his jacket and took the car keys from his pocket.


    He spotted Anderson near the gate, a thermos in his hand, the warm steam rising from it visible in the cold morning.


    Seeing Noah, Anderson immediately greeted him as usual.


    Noah returned the greeting with a smile and a nod.


    He soon arrived at the restaurant.


    Before he even stepped through the entrance, the front-of-house attendant came to greet him.


    "Mr. Noah, good morning. Are you here to eat?" she asked politely, with a professional look on her face.


    Explore stories on NovelBin.C?m


    Seeing him nod, she quickly offered to escort him.


    "Right this way, sir," she said, her voice calm and collected, already leading him toward the VIP section.


    Caroline wasn¡¯t here today, because it was the holidays.


    Noah made sure that the contract she received did not burden her physically, whilst also keeping her happy in her work.


    Noah flipped through the menu, his eyes ncing over each item.


    The attendant stood a few meters back, attentive yet overly disturbing, ready to write down his choices.


    Finally, Noah set down the menu, looking up at the attendant with a small nod.


    "I¡¯ll have the truffle-infused scrambled eggs, served with sourdough toast, and a side of avocado with microgreens. Add the smoked salmon and lemon-dill cream, please."


    "For the drink, let¡¯s go with an iced hibiscus tea."


    The attendant smiled, noting down his order quickly. "Of course, Mr. Noah. I¡¯ll have that brought to you shortly."

 Chapter 117: Busy Day

    Settling into his chair in the VIP section, Noah leaned back watching the restaurant operating smoothly.


    Soon enough, the meal arrived¡ªa delicate disy of vours designed to open your appetite.


    He picked up his fork and tasted the truffle-infused eggs first, appreciating the richness bnced by the fresh crunch of the microgreens and creamy avocado.


    The hibiscus tea provided a refreshing sensation, its tartness bncing the richness of the meal.


    Midway through his meal, he noticed a familiar figure approaching.


    George, Aiden¡¯s father and the deputy manager of the restaurant.


    He stepped over with a weing nod.


    "Good morning, Mr. Noah. I just wanted to see if everything is to your satisfaction."


    Noah looked up, giving a warm nod. "George, join me," he said, gesturing to the empty seat across from him.


    "Oh, thank you, but I wouldn¡¯t want to intrude. I¡¯m here on duty," George replied, a bit hesitant but clearly appreciative.


    Noah waved a dismissive hand, gesturing at the table. "Duty or not, food¡¯s here to be enjoyed. Work will always be there¡ªit¡¯s a bottomless well. Sit, have a bite with me."


    George chuckled, relenting with a smile as he settled into the chair across from Noah. The faint look of gratitude in his eyes made it clear he wasn¡¯t often given the chance to pause, even briefly.


    Settling into his chair in the VIP section, Noah leaned back, the quiet ambience a perfect backdrop to his morning.


    Soon enough, the meal arrived¡ªa delicate disy of vours designed to open your appetite.


    He picked up his fork and tasted the truffle-infused eggs first, appreciating the richness bnced by the fresh crunch of the microgreens and creamy avocado.


    The hibiscus tea provided a refreshing sensation, its tartness bncing the richness of the meal. Discover hidden stories at NovelBin.C?m


    Noah finished his breakfast, savouring thest sip of his tea, and then pushed his chair back, looking up at George with a nod.


    "Keep up the good work, George," he said.


    George straightened slightly, his expression respectful yet appreciative. "Thank you, sir. We¡¯ll keep giving it our best."


    Noah offered a faint smile before heading out, toward the parking lot.


    Sliding into his car, he drove to Walls4Us. He had two agendas, he wanted to check on thepany whilst also giving John a new task.


    Arriving at the building, he noticed the familiar receptionist at the front.


    Recognizing him instantly, she quickly stepped forward to greet him, more formal and polite this time around.


    "Mr. Noah," she said, with an attentive smile.


    He nodded briefly, appreciating the gesture but gesturing for her to return to her post.


    "It¡¯s alright, I just need a word with John."


    The receptionist gave a slight nod before going back to her ce, and Noah made his way to the elevator.


    As the doors closed and he pressed the button for John¡¯s floor, his mind reviewed the ns he needed to set in motion.


    When the doors slid open, he moved through the quiet hallway, knocking on John¡¯s office door.


    "Come in," John called out, his voice steady.


    Noah stepped inside, and John immediately rose from his chair, showing a flicker of surprise. "Boss, if I¡¯d known you were stopping by¡ª"


    Noah raised a hand, signalling to skip the formalities.


    "There¡¯s no need for that, John. Let¡¯s get right to it."


    John nodded, leaning forward with attention.


    "I need the best team in thepany to handle a new project," Noah said.


    "There¡¯s a shop in the city centre that I want renovated into a high-end tea house."


    "I want it wless, no mistakes, no corners cut."


    "Do you understand?"


    John¡¯s face lit up with a touch of excitement.


    "Absolutely, boss. I¡¯ll make sure it¡¯s handled perfectly."


    Satisfied with John¡¯s response, Noah shifted topics. "how¡¯s the neww director settling in?"


    John¡¯s eyes brightened, clearly impressed.


    "He¡¯s been exceptional, sir."


    "He made a lot of positive changes¡ªstreamlined operations, improved efficiency across the board. Honestly, the impact¡¯s been immediate."


    "We¡¯re projecting to break our monthly earnings record by the end of this month."


    Noah nodded, pleased with the update. "Good."


    He paused for a moment, looking at John carefully. "Any issues that havee up?"


    John shook his head with assurance. "None so far, sir."


    Noah ced a firm hand on John¡¯s shoulder, activating his memory nce.


    Quick images shed through his mind¡ªnothing of consequence.


    Satisfied, he let go and handed John a piece of paper with the address of the property.


    "I want them to start tomorrow. Completion should be within a week, max. Everything needs to be in ce and ready by then."


    "Also, I want


    Harlow ( The Law director),


    to make me a legal contract for renting a tea house, tell him ...."


    John nodded.


    "Understood, sir. We¡¯ll make it happen."


    ****


    "Hello?" A voice said with some hesitation.


    "Hi Stacy, I¡¯ve prepared the contract as we agreed before. I will arrive at your shop in thirty minutes."


    "Noah?"


    "Yes, it¡¯s me."


    "Oh okay, I will be there waiting for you then." She replied.


    Thirty minutester...


    "Here you go, the contract." Said Noah, as he handed the contract to Stacy.


    After reading through the contract for some time, she didn¡¯t find anything suspicious.


    "Alright then," she said, her voice carrying a note of relief.


    "The agreed amount on the contract is $10,000. But you¡¯re going to give me $15,000, right?"


    Noah nodded, offering a small, confident smile. "Of course."Without a word, he ced the bag he¡¯d been holding onto the table, clicking it open to reveal neatly stacked bundles of cash inside.


    Stacy¡¯s eyes widened slightly, the sight of the bills unexpected even if she had anticipated the amount.


    Her hand hovered above the contract for a second before she cleared her throat.


    "I¡¯m sorry if this seems rude," she said, ncing up at him.


    "But I¡¯d like to check to make sure it¡¯s all there."


    Noah¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change.


    His smile grew slightly, almost encouraging her to do so.


    "Don¡¯t worry," he replied smoothly.

 Chapter 118: Contract Signed

    "Business is business."


    Stacy gave a quick nod of appreciation, pulling a counting machine from the drawer beside her.


    She ran the stacks through the machine, her eyes intent on the screen as it counted each bundle.


    The sound of the machine blending, with the soft rustle of cash filled the room.


    Soon, the final count showed on the disy.


    [$15,000]


    Satisfied, she turned back to Noah, her expression now rxed. "Alright, everything¡¯s in order. Let¡¯s sign."


    They each took a pen, the sound of their signatures scratching onto paper adding a formal conclusion to the transaction.


    Once they finished, Stacy handed him the keys to the teahouse.


    "Thank you," Noah said, his voice carrying a hint of warmth.


    With the contractplete, Stacy excused herself and left the teahouse.


    Noah took one final look around the teahouse, pocketed the keys, and locked the door behind him.


    The deal was sealed.


    Noah parked up his lykan nearby and strolled towards where Aiden was waiting for him.


    Aiden grinned, after seeing Noah.


    "Yo, what¡¯s up, bro!"


    "You ready to go viral?" Noah replied with a smirk.


    "Hell yeah, what¡¯s the n?" He said, his eyes lit with excitement.


    "Alright, hear me out. We¡¯re doing a mukbang, but we¡¯re going to add a twist." He raised a finger, emphasizing each word.


    "The first three seconds are everything. If we don¡¯t hook them, they¡¯ll skip. So, we start with something unexpected."


    "We start with a close shot of a Lykan Hypersport drifting, smoke everywhere, tyres screeching."


    "Then, the camera slowly zooms out, and there¡¯s you, just sitting there, surrounded by a mountain of food, eating peacefully with no care in the world."


    Aiden¡¯s earlier excitement turned into pure confusion.


    "Wait, a Lykan Hypersport? Dude, do you think we¡¯re filming


    Fast & Furious


    ? I don¡¯t exactly have Dom Doretto in my contacts."


    Noah¡¯s smirk deepened. "You don¡¯t know Dom, but you know me."


    Aiden¡¯s eyes widened as realization hit. "You¡¯re actually going to¡ª?"


    "Yep." Noah cut him off with a confident nod, already heading toward the Lykan.


    "Just trust me. Stop asking questions and get ready."


    With a clear vision in mind, Noah set up the camera, ensuring the angle captured the full action of the Lykan in motion.


    He adjusted the shot, envisioning how he could blend it into a wless zoom-in edit from the roaring car to Aiden¡¯s mukbang.


    After some adjustments, he locked the camera in ce, checking the frame onest time before heading to the car.


    "Stay put and just keep eating like it¡¯s no big deal," he instructed Aiden, who gave a thumbs-up, his eyes glinting with excitement.


    Noah climbed into the driver¡¯s seat, the engine purring to life with a deep growl.


    He shifted into gear, positioning the Lykan for the shot¡¯s opening drift, a quick thrill of anticipation running through him.


    With one smooth motion, he hit the elerator, the car spinning into a beautiful drift, the screech of tyres loud.


    The camera caught it all, from the smoke curling off the pavement to the dramatic spin as the Lykan drifted.


    From his spot at the table, Aiden nced back as the smoke began to waft over, casting a surreal haze around the scene. He picked up a wing, took a bite, and then wiped his hands with a napkin.


    The sight of the spinning Lykan didn¡¯t faze him in the least, his expression remainingpletely nonchnt as he reached for a bowl of noodles, slurping them up as if he were oblivious to the chaos happening behind.


    Noah continued to drift the car, executing one final drift before bringing the Lykan to a stop.


    The sound of the engine faded, leaving only the drifting smoke that lingered in the air, slowly dissipating.


    Noah hopped out of the car, making his way over to Aiden, who was still engrossed in his food, maintaining the perfect act.


    "Alright Cut!"


    Through the lens, Noah captured Aiden¡¯s exaggerated reactions, catching the subtle quirks that addedyers of humour to the scene.


    "Perfect," Noah muttered to himself, tweaking the zoom settings to capture Aiden¡¯s expressions.


    Every eye roll, every dramatic pause, was framed just right.


    "Alright," Noah called.


    "Now you keep eating. The focus shifts entirely to you."


    Aiden gave a mock salute, his face already set in character.


    He picked up another piece of food, studying it as if it were some rare delicacy, his expression shifting to exaggerated seriousness before taking arge bite.


    Noah watched through the phone camera lens, adjusting the zoom to capture the subtle changes in Aiden¡¯s expressions.


    Aiden¡¯s lips pursed, his eyes squinting as he chewed with exaggerated slowness, savouring every second like it was the finest meal on Earth.


    After finishing thest bite, Aiden gave a triumphant nod, clearly satisfied.


    Noah lowered the camera and called, "Cut. Nice job."


    He handed Aiden¡¯s phone back with a small smile.


    "Now, send me that video when you get home. I¡¯ll handle the editing and send it back for upload."


    Aiden nodded eagerly, pocketing his phone.


    "Thanks, bro. Seriously, I really appreciate you helping me out this much."


    Noah shrugged, a casual grin on his face. "No problem. Thank me after it goes viral."


    Together, they packed up the foldable table, folding and stacking it neatly in the trunk before gathering all the leftover wrappers and tossing them into a nearby trash bin.


    Noah brushed his hands off, looking over at Aiden.


    "So, where are you headed next?"


    Aiden looked at him, surprised. "Home, I guess."


    "Get in, then. I¡¯ll drive you," Noah replied, jerking his thumb toward the passenger seat.


    Aiden¡¯s face lit up. "Bet!"


    "Riding in the Lykan, let¡¯s go!"


    They hopped into the car, and soon enough, they were cruising down the street.


    "So, what happened to the Lambo?" he asked, eyebrows raised.


    Noah¡¯s eyes stayed on the road.


    "It¡¯s in the parking lot. Chilling, I guess."


    Aiden¡¯s mouth twitched at his answer, unable to resist a smallugh.


    "Man, only you would say a Lambo¡¯s ¡¯chilling¡¯ in a parking lot."

 Chapter 119: Jackson’s Mechanic

    After dropping Aiden, home.


    Noah got out of the car to check how the tyres were after that drift.


    "I need to get them checked," He said as his handnded on the tyre.


    Taking his phone out of his back pocket, he went through his contacts searching for a name in mind.


    The phone rang a few times until someone picked up.


    "Hello, Noah?"


    "Hey, how are you doing? I wanted to ask you about a good mechanic. I want to rece my car¡¯s tyres," Noah replied.


    Jackson¡¯s surprised voice came.


    "Tyre recement... You must¡¯ve put them tyres under some serious pressure knowing you." He said with a light chuckle escaping his mouth.


    "But yeah, I know a good mechanic. Wanna meet up at his ce? my car also needs some work."


    "Sure, send me the address."


    After receiving the address, Noah sent Jackson a text.


    "I will be there in an hour."


    Noah then entered the lykan and drove to the mechanic.


    An hour soon passed...


    Jackson seated on a small table with the mechanic saw a lykan pulling up inside.


    "That¡¯s the guy I was telling you about, be careful when you are talking to him. He isn¡¯t someone who can be messed with." Jackson whispered, in a serious tone.


    "I got it." The man nodded.


    Jackson leaned in slightly as Noah approached, "Good to see you again, man." Said Jackson, as he shook Noah¡¯s hands.


    Noah gave Jackson a quick, knowing smirk.


    "Good to see you too."


    His eyes briefly flickered with something unreadable as he activated his memory nce.


    Images shed by in an instant, What he saw... well, let¡¯s just say Jackson wasn¡¯t exactly who he seemed.


    But Noah kept his face neutral, deciding to deal with itter.


    Noah offered the mechanic a polite nod with a firm handshake.


    "Noah Thompson. Good to meet you."


    The mechanic, a strong-looking Mexican man nodded respectfully.


    "Alvarez, sir. Jackson here told me you¡¯re in the market for some new tyres pero."


    Noah¡¯s eyes shifted to his Lykan, his gaze over the wheels.


    He ran his hand thoughtfully along the wheel, his lips curving into a slight smile.


    "These Pirelli P Zeros, they¡¯ve done their job," he said, almost to himself. "But it¡¯s time for an upgrade."


    "I want some Michelin Pilot Sport 4S."


    Alvarez¡¯s eyebrows rose a fraction as he nodded.


    "The Pilots are an excellent choice, especially for a Lykan like this."


    "You¡¯ll get a good grip on the surface and endurance."


    Noah offered a knowing smile.


    "Exactly. A car like this needs some premium tyres, ones that are durable and deserve their price."


    Alvarez ran his hand over the tyre once more before standing up.


    "Well, we¡¯re in luck. I¡¯ve got a few sets of the Pilot Sport 4S in stock."


    "The price for the tyres alone should be $6,000, and if you want instation, it¡¯ll be another $500. That includes alignment of course."


    Noah gave a slight nod.


    He could¡¯ve swapped them himself, but there was something he valued more...It was time.


    "Go ahead and install them too," he said. "I¡¯ll leave it in your hands."


    Alvarez nodded, a touch of appreciation in his eyes.


    "Good choice, Mr. Thompson. This¡¯ll take just under an hour¡ªbest not to rush these things. You¡¯re wee to wait in the lounge, or if you¡¯d prefer, Jackson and I can grab you a coffee from across the street."


    Noah waved his hand. "No need, I¡¯ll wait here. Besides..." he added, ncing at Jackson with a smirk.


    "I¡¯ve gotpany."


    Noah sat down at a nearby table, his arms crossed as he watched Alvarez and his team get to work on the Lykan.


    "He is a good mechanic," He thought, noticing how Alvarez worked¡ªno unnecessary chatter.


    Jackson sat by Noah¡¯s side, "He¡¯s good isn¡¯t he?" Jacksonmented. "He doesn¡¯t beat around the bush, and he is efficient. That¡¯s why I alwayse to him."


    "By the way, I¡¯m quite impressed you know your tyres, huh?"


    Noah shrugged with a faint smirk " He¡¯s good yeah. I just know a bit about tyres here and there, nothing fancy."


    Jackson chuckled, shaking his head. "You are too humble. If I didn¡¯t know you more I¡¯d have thought you¡¯d just be another shy driver with no substance."


    As the car lowered, Alvarez looked up, wiping his hands on a white cloth.


    "All set, Mr. Thompson."


    "It Should be ready to handle anything you throw at it."


    Noah nodded in approval. "Thanks, Alvarez. Appreciate the work."


    "What did you just say, You-!!!"


    Jackson shouted abruptly.


    "I¡¯m on my way, don¡¯t do anything," Jackson said, gritting his teeth.


    Noah watched as Jackson¡¯s face twisted with anxiety.


    "Something must¡¯ve happened, it¡¯s quite important too." He thought, looking at Jackson¡¯s expression.


    [Ding! Ultimate Choice System has been activated]


    Option 1: Help Jackson.


    [Reward: Basic Goldcraft Skill]


    Option 2: Act Oblivious to Jackson¡¯s trouble.


    [Reward: Several Thousand Dors]


    "Option 1," Noah chose without hesitation.


    It was killing two birds with one stone, he would gain a new skill and he would be able to get closer to Jackson.


    "Plus, any skill from the system would be better than some pocket change."


    "What¡¯s wrong? Is it urgent?"


    Noah asked, ncing at Jackson, whose fists were clenched tight and his face contorted.


    Jackson hesitated.


    "Family issue. Something¡¯s gone wrong at one of my father¡¯s businesses."


    "Got it," Noah replied, turning to face his car. "Get in, I will drive you there."


    Jackson hesitated, "It¡¯s dangerous Noah... I don¡¯t wa-"


    "Don¡¯t worry about it, just get in. We don¡¯t have much time if it¡¯s urgent." Noah cut him off, as he opened the lykan door.


    "Hurry what are you doing standing there!" He shouted to wake Jackson from his daze.


    "Oh, O-Okay." He said, as he jogged to the car and got in.


    The Lykan¡¯s engine roared to life like a beast.


    Noah quickly drove out of the mechanic¡¯s lot, his face on the road ahead.


    "Put the location here," Noah, said as he motioned to Jackson the GPS."


    Noah stomped on the gas, sending them forward at an astonishing speed.


    The Lykan shot forward, like a dark bullet through the pulse of the city streets.


    Lights blurred past as he swerved sharply, cutting betweennes, cars seemed frozen in ce next to the Lykan¡¯s velocity.


    Jackson, who had initially epted the ride, started regretting his choice.


    "This guy... he¡¯s gonna kill us." He thought, with a dark look on his face.


    He knew how skilled Noah was at driving, but knowing and experiencing were two different things.


    Each corner Noah took seemed sharper, more reckless than thest, the lykan barely missed parked cars.


    He swallowed, catching a glimpse of Noah¡¯s grin as they bolted past a honking truck at a speed that defied reason.


    "Bro? Slow down a little, at this point, we are going to be flying high." Jackson muttered, his voice a shade higher than usual, as the Lykan nearly kissed the side mirror of a sedan.


    "Slow down? Aren¡¯t we in a hurry?" Noah replied, shing a grin.


    Jackson forced a nod, his gaze darting back to the road.


    "Maybe¡­ we could slow it down just a notch?" he added, almost hopefully.


    A split-second pause.


    "Thank you," Jackson said as he watched the car decelerate.


    Jackson barely managed a breath before Noah downshifted, the engine violently roaring.


    "Arri¨C uh¨C safe," he stammered, his words tangled with the pull of the forces pressing him against the seat.


    Launching them into another tight corner. Jackson was mmed back into his seat, his grip on the handle so tight his knuckles turned white.


    Noah gave him a quick, sidelong nce with a smirk ying at his lips as if mocking Jackson¡¯s difort.


    "You were saying?"


    Jackson swallowed hard, struggling to stayposed.


    "I was


    trying


    to say ¡¯Arriving safely,¡¯ but I don¡¯t think you understand what the word ¡¯safe,¡¯ means" he managed, his voice shaky.


    Noah brought the Lykan to a screeching halt outside the dimly lit warehouse, its headlights casting an eerie glow on the dark, hulking structure.


    Noah brought the Lykan to a stop outside a suspicious-looking warehouse.


    Jackson jumped out before the car had fully stopped, muttering rapidly into his phone, his jaw clenched as he paced just a few steps away.


    Around them, a few burner-looking ck cars were parked, and the windows were darkened.


    Noah nced at the darkened windows on the cars with a calm look on his face.


    There were two men standing by the entrance, the Lykan¡¯s arrival drew their attention.


    "Hey, do you think..." One of them said, looking at the other person.


    "Not sure, but let¡¯s go." He said, walking over to Jackson.


    Their expressions twisted into rough scowls as they eyed Jackson.


    One of them spoke first, raising his hand dismissively. "Move along, this isn¡¯t the ce for you."


    Jackson didn¡¯t respond verbally. Instead, he took a solid step forward and, without warning, swung his fist hard, catching the first man square in the jaw.


    The impact was swift and unforgiving, sending the man into dreand as he copsed to the ground, his head lolling as he slipped into unconsciousness.


    Thud.


    "You-" The man barely scowled.


    He barely had enough time to process what happened, his face tightening in rm before Jackson delivered a kick aimed low.


    The man¡¯s face contorted to one of pure agony as he doubled over, hands instinctively covering his groin as he slumped, his knees buckling.

 Chapter 120: Abduction

    Noah watched, a faint smile tugging at his lips.


    He opened the car door and stepped forward, his gaze scanning the surroundings before muttering to himself, "So that¡¯s what this is about¡­"


    Jackson¡¯s heart was working on overdrive as he walked through the warehouse¡¯s entrance.


    His fist was still throbbing from ser punching the man.


    His eyes darted around the warehouse in anxiety. What greeted him was a sickening sight.


    The ce reeked of blood.


    There he saw it, his younger brother Jack slumped in the centre of the floor.


    He was barely recognizable, his face swollen with dried blood on his hair and face.


    His bloodied strands of dark hair fell over his eyes, but a hand tightly gripped around his hair and yanked his face up.


    "Ryker!" Jackson¡¯s voice tore through the silence, his hands clenching into fists again as he took a step forward.


    Fury simmered inside him, a cold and relentless rage bubbling to the surface. His expression was that of anger and sadness.


    Ryker smirked, not even flinching as he turned to face Jackson.


    With azy motion, he yanked Jack¡¯s head back even harder, an action that sent a fresh trickle of blood down Jack¡¯s chin.


    "Let him go!" Jackson¡¯s jaw was clenched so tightly he could barely get the words out, his fists shaking.


    Blood flowed from Jackson¡¯s fist, as his nails dug deeper into his palms.


    "Oh, look who decided to join us." Ryker¡¯s voice was filled with mockery, a smug grin across his face.


    "Didn¡¯t think you¡¯d have the nerve to show up here alone, Jackson. I thought you would bring your little gang here, to help you."


    The urge to rush forward and wipe that grin off Ryker¡¯s face nearly overwhelmed Jackson, but he forced himself to hold back, his re fixed on the men around him.


    Jack¡¯s eyes fluttered open, his vision hazy and unfocused as he struggled to look at his brother.


    "Jackson¡­ why did youe alone?" His voice was a whisper, filled with pain and agony.


    Before Jackson could respond, Ryker let out a low chuckle, then drove Jack¡¯s head down with brutal force, mming his face into the concrete floor.


    Thud


    The sickening sound echoed through the empty warehouse. Jackson¡¯s stomach twisted in fury and helplessness.


    "Damn it!!" He thought.


    "Tsk," Ryker clicked his tongue, looking down at Jack with annoyance.


    "Didn¡¯t I tell you to keep that mouth shut?" He sneered, his fingers gripping Jack¡¯s hair even tighter making him grunt from pain.


    Jackson¡¯s anger red even hotter, his fists trembling as he fought to control himself.


    His gaze swept over the room, taking in the sight of his brother¡¯s friends scattered around, each one tied up and beaten senseless.


    Blood trickled down their faces with bruises that couldn¡¯t be hidden.


    His blood boiled.


    "You fu*king bastard," Jackson spat, taking a step forward, his voice cold and deadly.


    "What do you want Ryker?"


    "Just say it already!"


    Ryker raised an eyebrow, looking almost amused by Jackson¡¯s fury.


    "Oh, what do I want?" he drawled, tilting his head thoughtfully.


    "I don¡¯t want anything. It was you and your little group of misfits who decided to get greedy. You thought you could invade our territory and start selling without any consequences?"


    Jackson scoffed, his voice dripping with un-hidden disdain.


    "Invaded your territory? You¡¯ve been doing that to us for months, Ryker."


    "Just because you do it under the radar doesn¡¯t mean we haven¡¯t noticed."


    Ryker¡¯s smirk only grew wider, his eyes gleaming with malicious delight.


    "Oh, so you did notice? And yet, you didn¡¯t have the guts to do anything about it until now."


    He tightened his grip on Jack¡¯s hair, twisting it cruelly. "Guess that makes you all the more pathetic."


    "Arghhh!"


    "Jack!" Jackson¡¯s fists clenched even tighter.


    "What¡¯s it going to take, Ryker?" he asked, his voice steady but ice-cold.


    "Just say it. Let them go."


    Ryker feigned thought, rubbing his chin as though considering some monumental decision.


    "Hmm, let¡¯s see," he said with a hand on his chin.


    The smirk never left his face. "One million dors, Jackson."


    "Cash. And maybe¡ªI¡¯ll consider letting them go."


    "A million?" Jackson¡¯s fists shook, his knuckles turning white.


    His teeth ground together, the sound barely audible but filled with suppressed rage.


    He could feel his patience wearing thin, but he was helpless.


    Ryker shrugged nonchntly, the grin still stered across his face.


    "Well, you can¡¯t expect me to go easy on you. It¡¯s just one million, I¡¯m not even pushing you to the limit here. I¡¯m being quite merciful if you ask me, right boys?" He said with a grin on his face.


    "Of course, the boss is merciful towards you. Count yourself lucky, so hurry up and pay or you can say goodbye to your brother and your little friends here." One of his goons said.


    Rkyer leaned closer to Jack, his grip tightening, his voice turning low and mocking. "Though I¡¯m not sure they¡¯d be worth that much anyway. Kind of pathetic if you ask me."


    "Jack, your brother is hesitating whether to pay a million dors to get you out, I think he agrees with me. You aren¡¯t worth that much. " He said chuckling, in Jack¡¯s ears.


    Jackson¡¯s vision blurred momentarily, his rage overwhelming his senses.


    He forced himself to keep calm and not do anything reckless, though every word felt like it was wing its way out of his mouth.


    "You¡¯ll get your money, Ryker... Just let them go."


    "Hahahaha, are you hearing this?" Ryker¡¯sugh was sharp and cruel, echoing through the empty warehouse.


    "Of course, I¡¯ll let them go..." he replied, his tone dripping with insincerity.


    "Just as soon as I see the cash."


    Jackson felt his pulse race as he tried to keep calm, knowing that any reaction might set off the vtile situation.


    Jackson¡¯s brother, bruised and bound on the cold floor, stared at him with a mixture of exhaustion and confusion.


    His friends, equally battered, sat slumped against the walls, watching through swollen eyes.


    Taking a breath to calm himself, Jackson made a move toward the door, attempting to leave and find a way to get the money.


    But he barely took two steps when two thugs moved swiftly and blocked his path with smug grins.


    "Whoa, where do you think you¡¯re going, Mr. Jackson?" one of them sneered, crossing his arms as he leaned in close, his tone dripping with mockery.

 Chapter 121: Abduction (2)

    Ryker, still in his spot with his smug smirk.


    He raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying the moment. "Did I say you were allowed to leave?"


    Jackson clenched his jaw, his frustration building up by the second.


    "What do you mean?" he demanded, as he looked from the goons to Ryker.


    "I mean," Ryker replied with a smirk that stretched across his face.


    "you won¡¯t be going anywhere. I think it¡¯s best if you stay right here until this little debt is settled."


    Jackson¡¯s face twisted in anger. "And how exactly am I supposed to get you the money if you won¡¯t let me leave?"


    His voice was barely more than a growl, his patience stretched thin.


    Ryker shrugged nonchntly, his eyes glinting with malicious glee. "Oh, I¡¯m sure you can figure something out. Why don¡¯t you call a friend to bring it over?"


    Anger built up in Jackson¡¯s chest, and he bit down a curse he was about to say, knowing that any sudden outburst would only make things worse.


    His phone vibrated in his pocket, barely noticeable amidst the tense standoff.


    "Alright, I will call someone now." He said with a dark look, as he checked the message.


    Noah: Call me, and say to bring the money to this location. Don¡¯t say anything that might make them suspect you¡¯re calling for backup.


    Jackson¡¯s expression remained impassive as he scrolled through his contacts, acting as though he were simply looking for someone who could help.


    Thoughts raced through his head, blending relief with caution. He hadn¡¯t expected Noah to listen in, let alone try something like this.


    As his finger hovered over Noah¡¯s contact, he noticed the end of the message, almost as if Noah had anticipated his thoughts.


    Noah: I won¡¯t call the police, don¡¯t worry. Just do as I said.


    Keeping his face calm, Jackson pressed the call button.


    Silence filled the warehouse as the phone rang, each beep reverberating through the walls.


    Ryker, leaning forward with a self-satisfied grin, raised a hand to his ear.


    "Put it on speaker, Mr.Jackson," he instructed, his voice smooth with false politeness.


    Jackson nodded, as his fingers activated the speaker function.


    The phone clicked, and Noah¡¯s voice came through, calm and clear.


    "Hello, Jackson?" Noah¡¯s voice was calm but tinged with curiosity, a tone so casual it almost made Jacksonugh despite the tension.


    "Hey, Noah," Jackson replied, his tone steady. "I need you to bring some cash. Got a deal here that can¡¯t be missed."


    "A deal?" Noah¡¯s voice held an edge of interest. "How much do you need?"


    Jackson nced at Ryker¡¯s smug face before answering. "A million."


    Ryker¡¯s smirk widened, his satisfaction evident as he watched Jackson make the request.


    But Noah¡¯s response was smooth, "A million? That¡¯s too much money, Jackson. Is there any benefit for me?"


    "It is," Jackson replied, not missing a beat. "Just bring it in cash, to the address I will send you. I¡¯ll make sure you get your cut."


    Noah chuckled softly, the sound cool and confident. "All right, I¡¯ll be there as soon as possible."


    With that, Jackson ended the call, his thumb pressing down on the phone.


    He slipped his phone back into his pocket, feeling the eyes of everyone in the room on him. Ryker¡¯s grin stretched even wider, curiosity in his eyes.


    "Good boy," Ryker sneered, crossing his arms. "You know who to call when you¡¯re in trouble, don¡¯t you?"


    Jackson met his gaze head-on, the rage barely concealed in his expression. "This isn¡¯t over," he muttered the words a low, dangerous promise.


    "Oh, I think it is," Ryker replied with a casual wave of his hand. "Now, we just wait for your little ¡¯friend¡¯ to bring the goods."


    After looking at Jackson for some time, Ryker¡¯s eyes narrowed as he felt something was wrong with the way he was acting.


    Motioning to one of his goons toe closer, he whispered in his ears.


    "I need you to quickly check around the warehouse, make sure you check carefully. Bring someone with you too, if you see anything suspicious report back immediately don¡¯t try to investigate."


    The goon nodded his head.


    "Alright, boss."


    Looking at the two of them both leave, Ryker¡¯s gaze fell back on Jackson whose face still showed no reaction.


    "He didn¡¯t seem to have made any ns on the phone." Ryker thought.


    "What if he made ns before..." He thought as he asked Jackson a question.


    "Jackson, did youe here alone... or did a few ratse with you." He said with a grin on his face as if he knew what Jackson was hiding.


    Jackson¡¯s mind ran through the possibilities in a second, as his face remained neutral.


    "He couldn¡¯t have caught Noah, otherwise. He wouldn¡¯t still be outside, he is trying to trick me." Jackson thought.


    "No, I came here alone," Jackson said with an angry look on his face.


    "Hmm, we will see," Ryker said with a small grin.


    "Roger, Moustache. Both of you check the front of the warehouse." Ryker said, his gaze remaining on Jackson to check for any change.


    "Yes, Boss!" they shouted as they made their way out.


    A few minutester...


    "Boss, we found two of us unconscious outside." Said Roger, on the radio.


    Ryker looked at Jackson who had a smug look on his face.


    "Just drag these useless two inside then go back to the front, tsk." Spat Rkyer.


    "Alright, boss," replied Roger, as he motioned for Moustache to help him drag them inside.


    Meanwhile, behind the warehouse...


    "Hey, what are we meant to be looking for exactly?" One of them said, with clear annoyance.


    "Shut up, why are you being so loud? What if there is an ambush around here." The fat man said as he hushed at the man next to him.


    "You are being too anxious, if Jackson brought someone to help him. He would¡¯ve entered with him."


    "Plus there is only one car in the area, it¡¯s a lykan. It can only hold two people at a time, so if someone dide it would be only one person. What can one person do to 8 of us." The man continued.


    "Bro, we already checked like three times around the warehouse, there is nobody here. Let¡¯s go check out the lykan."


    "I never expected Jackson the bastard to be able to afford it." He spat.

 Chapter 122: Rescue

    "Bro, we already checked like three times around the warehouse, there is nobody here. Let¡¯s go check out the lykan."


    "I never expected Jackson the bastard to be able to afford it." He spat.


    The fat man¡¯s patience wore thin.


    "Alright, alright, stop nagging me like a kid¡­ we¡¯ll check the lykan in a bit," he said, with some excitement in his voice.


    But silence fell between them.


    He waited a second, irritation simmering as he expected a snarkyeback. But nothing. A cold ripple of unease passed over him.


    "Hey...where¡¯d you go?" His hand instinctively drifted to his waist, fingers brushing over the cool metal of his knife.


    ncing around, his eyes scanned the area stretching around the warehouse.


    A few seconds passed, and he scoffed, forcing himself to shrug it off. "Damn idiot, he probably went to take a leak without saying anything. He¡¯d better not wander too far."


    Muttering under his breath, he turned around, retrieving his Two-Way radio sneakily. Just as he brought it out, something heavy and hard connected with his head from behind.


    A swift, silent thud... then darkness.


    Noah stepped over him, a smirk tugging at his lips as he looked down at the unconscious man near his feet.


    "Both you and your friend¡­ are idiots."


    He crouched down to grab the man by his cor. He dragged him back into the cover of the trees.


    Further back, he dropped him beside his first unconscious target, ncing down with a calm smile.


    "Two down, six to go."


    Noah¡¯s gaze flicked towards the Lykan where two men were still positioned, obliviously loitering by the car.


    One of them was talking andughing on the phone, leaning against the car as if nothing in the world could disturb him.


    Moving through the shadows, Noah settled himself within the cover of the trees, watching, waiting.


    He observed every shift of their weight, every careless nce exchanged.


    Finally, after nearly twenty minutes, one of them broke formation and wandered towards the tree¡¯s edge, muttering to himself.


    The man¡¯s irritation was evident, muttering under his breath.


    "Tsk, why is this guy so anxious for? I¡¯m only taking a quick leak. It¡¯s not like I¡¯ll die."


    He stomped through the underbrush, his frustration seeming to drown out any sense of caution.


    As the man started to take his belt off, a branch swung down, connecting with his head with a solid, direct him.


    His knees buckled, and he fell forward, face ckening as consciousness slipped away.


    Thud


    "Home run," Noah muttered, with a grin on his face.


    Wasting no time, Noah dragged him deeper into the woods.


    Once he made sure the body was concealed, he quickly swapped the unconscious man¡¯s jacket for his own, pulling the hood up and adjusting his stance to mimic him.


    He positioned himself by a tree, his back visible to Roger, who was still waiting at the forest¡¯s edge, Noah heard the distant call.


    "Hurry up, Moustache! What¡¯re you doing?"


    Noah remained motionless, waiting.


    The guard huffed, visibly frustrated, before stomping over.


    As he got closer to Noah, he reached out, muttering, "What the fu¡ªare you¡­you taking a nap or something?"


    Noah turned. He grabbed his arm from the wrist, twisting it back until he heard the pop of the shoulder dislocating.


    The man¡¯s eyes bulged, filling with fear and pain, a silent scream caught in his throat as Noah¡¯s other hand pressed firmly over his mouth.


    The guard¡¯s muffled whimpers grew quieter as the shock set in, his body going limp from the sudden surge of pain.


    Noah held him steady, waiting for any remaining tension to drain away before swiftly rendering him unconscious with a strike to the side of his head.


    Once again, Noah dragged the body back into the trees, dropping him beside his little friends.


    Standing over the wannabe gangsters, a slight smirk curved his lips.


    "Four down."


    Noah stood by the pile of unconscious bodies, slipping back into his own clothes.


    Dusting off his jacket, he moved with a calm, measured stride back to the front of the warehouse.


    He opened the inventory and took out tworge, ck suitcases.


    Inside, stacks of $100 bills were meticulously arranged, crisp and ready, freshly withdrawn from some hidden vault.


    His eyes stayed on the money for a brief moment.


    shback...


    The moment Jackson had slipped into the warehouse, Noah had slipped from the Lykan, quiet as a shadow.


    His ears listening to the sound of the conversation from inside.


    "A million dors," Ryker had said, his voice smug and dripping with entitlement. Noah¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    Suddenly, a familiar chime sounded in his mind.


    [Ding! Ultimate Choice System has activated]


    Three options shed before his eyes.


    Option 1: Help Jackson deal with Ryker.


    [Reward: $1,000,000 (Cash), Bulletproof vest]


    Option 2: Leave the area, and ignore Jackson¡¯s struggle.


    [Reward: $30,000]


    Option 3: Call the police.


    [Reward: Nothing]


    Noah¡¯s gaze hardened, his decision immediate.


    "Option 1," he thought, a silent smirk forming on his lips as he shifted his stance.


    "A million dors... Not bad."


    End of shback...


    Noah stood in front of the warehouse, he had already worn the bulletproof vest.


    He didn¡¯t need it to deal with these small gangsters, but he had something in mind.


    He entered with the two suitcases in both hands, his footsteps echoing in the silent warehouse.


    Hearing the footsteps, Ryker smiled as he nced at Jackson.


    "Your friend is here." He said with a smirk.


    Jackson scoffed, in his mind he thought.


    "He already called for people? they are quite fast."


    Soon, Noah appeared in front of them.


    Ryker frowned.


    "He is alone? Do they really just want a trade?" He thought.


    "Jackson, what kind of shady deal is this," Noah said, with a slight grin on his face.


    Jackson¡¯s face showed surprise, "He¡¯s alone, does Jackson really wanna pay without any fight?" He thought.


    Ryker still frowning asked Noah, "Where are the two men outside, why are they not with you."


    Noah smirked and said. "The two outside? They are ..."

 Chapter 123: Rescue (2)

    "The two outside? They are... asleep"


    Jackson¡¯s face beamed, "So he did bring backup after all."


    Meanwhile, Rkyer¡¯s face was dark.


    "What do you mean by that?" He said his voice chilly, and his gaze cold as if looking at a dead man.


    Noah looked at Jackson with a confused look whilst pointing at Ryker, "Does he understand English?"


    Jackson¡¯s grin widened, "He does, he is just a bit... slow."


    "I see..." Noah nodded with an understanding expression.


    Ryker¡¯s expression twisted as he looked at both of them snickering.


    "Do you want to die?" He said with a chilly tone, as he motioned for his goons to surround Noah.


    "Me? I pretty much like living. How about you though, Do you want to die?" Noah said with a grin.


    "You know Ryker? You remind me of a certain person, he used to act so mighty but he was nothing but an insignificant bug."


    "You want to be powerful so bad, don¡¯t you?" Noah added with a smirk, as he watched Ryker¡¯s goons surround him.


    "Good, they are all within proximity now." He thought as he looked at them surrounding him closely.


    "I WANT YOU TO CUT HIS TONGUE FOR ME!" Ryker shouted, looking at Noah¡¯s smug face.


    "Don¡¯t worry boss, I will make sure he never speaks again." One of the goons said as he got closer to Noah.


    His build was rough, he was of a tall stature, around 2 meters tall. His build was muscr, unbelievably so.


    "Roid rage?" Noah muttered as he smirked at the guy in front of him.


    "You little bastard,e here!" He said as he tried to grab Noah by his cor.


    Noah did not move whatsoever, just watching with an amused smile.


    "He is dead, Titan got hold of him," Ryker thought, as he saw the man grab Noah¡¯s cor.


    Jackson who was about to intervene felt cold sweat.


    "Why is he not moving??? Is he scared shitless!"


    Hurrying to help him, he froze.


    Noah¡¯s fingers slowly closed on the Titan¡¯s forearm, lifting it without any effort as if he was ying with a toddler.


    "Don¡¯t ce your dirty hands on me like that, otherwise..." Noah said with a tone that seemed to freeze the air.


    "... I will break it." He said as the silence in the warehouse was interrupted by a sound that sent chills down their spine.


    "Crunch"


    "ARGHHHH!"


    The titan roared in agony, as his arm broke under Noah¡¯s grip.


    "Let go, let go!!" The titan cried out.


    "What are you idiots doing, Help him!" Ryker roared, as he looked at the stunned crew in front of him.


    Waking up from their daze they immediately tried to fight Noah, although they were scared they couldn¡¯t afford to get Ryker angry at them either.


    "Let¡¯s all attack him at once!" One of them said as he closed on Noah.


    Noah stood motionless, waiting for them with an amused smile that sent chills down their spine.


    It was almost as if he was saying.


    Fuck around and Find Out


    As they got closer, Noah simply used the jelly-like arm of the titan and swung him across to the personing near him.


    The two collided the sound of bones cracking echoing across the warehouse as the Titan¡¯s unconscious body crumpled to the ground, dragging his friend with him.


    Noah¡¯s gaze shifted, sharp and cutting, to thest man standing.


    The guy was trembling uncontrobly, he took a hesitant step back, his knees shaking so hard they nearly buckled.


    His face was pale with fear, reflecting the pure terror flowing through his veins.


    He struggled to process the scene in front of him. Noah had thrown a man that weighed 315lbs across the warehouse-like he was a toy.


    "Come on," Noah¡¯s voice cut through the silence with amusement in his voice.


    He tilted his head slightly, almost encouraging thest thug to make his move.


    The man took one more look at the bodies strewn on the ground and swallowed, fear visible in his eyes.


    Seeing that Noah wasn¡¯ting for him, he ran outside without even looking back.


    Ryker watched from behind, fury twisting his face


    "Useless idiot!" He thought as he looked at thest guy trembling from fear.


    His anger was quickly overshadowed by the creeping realisation of his own doom, "Shit I need to protect myself, otherwise... I¡¯m dead."


    With shaking hands, he reached towards his waist, his fingers grazing the cool metal of his concealed gun.


    His heart working on overdrive, its Irregr beats filling his ears.


    "I just need to end this now," he thought, desperation shing in his eyes.


    But as his fingers closed around the gun, he noticed Noah¡¯s gaze flicker toward him, narrowing as if he¡¯d anticipated every move.


    Ryker¡¯s hand froze for a split second, sweat trickled down his forehead.


    Noah dashed towards him, he cut the distance between them but it wasn¡¯t enough as Ryker took aim.


    Ryker¡¯s hand clenched around the gun, his face showing a sh of courage or desperation. He raised it, pointing directly at Noah.


    In his mind, he pictured the moment the bullet would pierce.


    Noah¡¯s face shed a flicker of surprise as if he hadn¡¯t expected the gun.


    He leaned slightly to the side just as Ryker pulled the trigger.


    "Pow!"


    The gunshot was sharp and deafening.


    Jackson¡¯s horrified shout echoed in the warehouse, as he watched the bullet hit near Noah cleanly.


    "Noah!!!"


    But Noah¡¯s gaze didn¡¯t falter.


    Instead, he sprung forward closing in thest meter between them, his hand reaching out like a grapple and wrapping around Ryker¡¯s throat.


    The gun slipped from Ryker¡¯s grasp as terror filled his gaze.


    "He¡¯s a... monster!"


    Ryker¡¯s eyes darted frantically, his mind scrambling toprehend how Noah was still standing, how he was able to move after being shot from point-nk range.


    Noah¡¯s grip tightened, lifting Ryker effortlessly from the ground, his fingers pressed into Ryker¡¯s neck, cutting off his airway.


    Noah¡¯s hand was suffocating as Ryker¡¯s face turned a ghastly shade.


    Then, with a flick of his shoulder and a force that felt like tectonic tes shifting, Noah hurled Ryker downward.


    The impact rattled the floor, "


    crack",


    Jackson and his brother flinched alongside their friends, watching Ryker¡¯s eyes roll, as blood trickled from his mouth.

 Chapter 124: Escape

    Noah looked down at Ryker, a slight smirk on his face as he copsed on the floor next to him.


    Jackson was still shaking from Noah¡¯s disy of power, his heart pounding.


    "I didn¡¯t even have a chance to move before he wiped them all out." He thought as he ran towards Noah.


    "Jackson stop! Go help your brother and his friends. The police will be here at any minute" Noah shouted.


    "But you¡¯re inj-" Jackson tried retort, but he heard the sirens getting close.


    "Damn it!" He grunted as he looked hesitant.


    "Don¡¯t worry, I called an ambnce and police. Just hurry up and exit through this side," Noah said with a pained expression as he lifted his finger towards the back door.


    Jackson nodded, and quickly freed his brother and his two friends.


    Jackson looked at Noah one final time with his teeth clenched, " I won¡¯t forget your favour, Noah."


    Noah nodded with a weak smile and said "Make sure you take the two bags, they actually have a million dors. It will be hard to exin to the police."


    Jackson¡¯s face twisted with shock, "You want me to keep it for you?"


    Noah nodded, "stop asking questions."


    Jackson nodded still in disbelief that Noah trusted him with a million dors, it was an amount that brothers would kill each other for.


    As Jackson and the others ran out through the back door, Noah quickly dealt with the situation at hand.


    He reached down and ced the bulletproof vest with the bullet embedded in it, alongside Ryker¡¯s gun in his inventory. He also made sure to store the gun power that left the gun to remove any evidence.


    With these items hidden in his inventory, the police would have no idea about the vest or the bullet fired.


    He knew that Ryker and his goons wouldn¡¯t risk exposing that as it implicated them far more than him. In a way, he was doing them a favour as possession of a firearm and shooting had a minimum sentence of eight years.


    The sound of the sirens drew closer.


    Momentster, police lights illuminated the warehouse, and the first officer who entered through the door called out.


    "Freeze!" several others poured in behind, their weapons drawn and cautious as they sliced the cake to check the warehouse with caution.


    Thest person to step inside was Sergeant Rachel Miller.


    Her gaze swept over the warehouse, and the moment her eyes fell on Noah, a mixture of disbelief red in her expression.


    She marched over, her usual professional calm cracking just slightly as she recognized him.


    "You? Again?"


    Noah gave her a wry smile, pressing a hand to his shoulder as if nursing a non-existent injury.


    "Didn¡¯t expect to see you so soon, Sergeant," he said with an air of nonchnce.


    She ignored his tone, her gaze darting to the unconscious men scattered around them. "Mind exining what¡¯s going on here?"


    "I happened to stumble upon a little... gathering as I was exploring this world," he replied, choosing his words carefully.


    "Let¡¯s just say they didn¡¯t like that and things got out of hand, but I called you all as soon as it was safe."


    Rachel looked at him suspiciously, as she looked around.


    There were four men unconscious, one had a deep bruise already forming on his jaw.


    The rest were in a worse state¡ªutterly incapacitated and clearly harmed.


    She narrowed her eyes. "You¡¯re telling me you took all these guys down by yourself?"


    Noah shook his head, "I did not do it alone, like I said there was a gathering and these people were fighting with some others but they ran, a long time ago."


    Rachel pressed her lips together, struggling to hold back a retort. After a moment, she sighed, her tone tinged with frustration. "You know, Mr. Thompson, most people would have left this to the police.


    Noah chuckled lightly.


    "Most people probably would have. But sometimes, you can¡¯t afford to wait for the police to arrive."


    Rachel crossed her arms, her irritation barely hidden. "Acting in the moment to save yourself is one thing. But this¡­ This looks like a war zone."


    "Maybe," Noah replied, ncing at the scattered bodies. "Luckily everyone¡¯s still breathing, so I¡¯d say it turned out pretty well."


    Rachel huffed and puffed at his response, giving him an exasperated look. "What about the faces of the men that ran, do you remember them?"


    Noah raised an eyebrow. "You must be joking Sergeant Rachel, you think I had time to check out their faces? I was too busy trying to survive."


    Her gaze held steady, clearly not buying his feigned ignorance, but she chose not to press further as his testimony wouldn¡¯t be the only one taken. Instead, she gestured to the paramedics toe to her.


    "You¡¯re going to need to have that shoulder checked."


    Noah nced down at his shoulder, feigning a wince. "Yeah, maybe you¡¯re right." He held her gaze, watching the hint of suspicion flicker behind her eyes.


    She softened slightly, gesturing for the paramedics toe over. "Next time, try not to get involved in any more ¡¯gatherings,¡¯ alright?"


    Noah grinned. "No promises, Sergeant. But I¡¯ll keep that in mind."


    As the paramedics approached, Noah gave Rachel a parting nod.


    "See you around Sergeant!" He said with a slight smirk.


    She shook her head with a smile and said "I don¡¯t want to see you, I¡¯ve seen you more than my familytely."


    Meanwhile...


    On the main road, Jackson and the others were waiting for someone to pick them up.


    Jack nced at Jackson¡¯s worried face.


    "Where did you meet that guy? He is a monster in human flesh." Jack said shaking his head in disbelief.


    "That¡¯s not important now Jack, I¡¯m kind of worried about him. He was shot by Ryker at point nk range, and he is probably being interrogated by the police for his involvement."


    "He took all the me whilst ¡¯we¡¯ the main reason for the altercation ran with our tails in shame." He said in a low tone, with his hands clenched.


    Jack looked at his brother and thought.


    "He¡¯s right, that man really sacrificed everything to save us. He also put himself at the front line.

 Chapter 125: Next step

    In the ambnce, Naoh was on the medical bed with a nurse and a police officer sitting next to him.


    His eyes were closed as his mind reyed through everything he had done.


    "Jackson should be thinking of me as one his best friends now," He thought, "After all not only did I save him, I took a bullet for him too."


    His thought wandered off to what Ryker said, "Selling in their territory huh?"


    "Jackson''s family will be a great connection for me, they could help me establish more wealth and status."


    "Amon myth among the people is that the underground is only reserved for criminals, that couldn''t be more wrong. Many of the biggestpanies have deep connections to the underworld, it''s just that they are hidden."


    As his thoughts wandered off to his next steps, the door of the ambnce opened.


    "We have arrived, Mr.Thompson." The nurse stated as he tried to help Noah down.


    ****


    Walking in the hospital''s hallway, Noah nced at the patients on the beds to ease off his boredom.


    As he was walking, his eyes caught a familiar face.


    "Horace?" Noah thought.


    "You''ve been in aa all this time... No wonder why the police did note knocking on my door." He thought, with a grin on his face.


    "Don''t worry Horace, I''m sure you are feeling lonely. I will pay you a visit soon." He thought as he made a mental note of the room''s section and number.


    In the doctor''s room, the doctor took off Noah''s shirt as he assessed his shoulder.


    "Your shoulder is slightly bruised. However, it''s nothing to be afraid of."


    "Depending on your recovery speed it should be healed within the next week," The doctor said as he started typing on theputer.


    "Your muscles absorbed a lot of the force behind the attack so your bones and ligaments are rtively fine. There isn''t much I can do besides offer you a painkiller in case it hurts a lot."


    Noah nodded and said "Thanks doctor, I''m alright. The pain isn''t that strong."


    After putting on his shirt, Noah left through the door with the doctor behind him.


    The police officer waiting outside saw theming out, "How is his condition doctor? is he medically fit for interrogation?"


    The doctor nodded.


    "He''s fit for interrogation,"


    Thanking the doctor, the police officer grabbed Noah''s arm.


    "Let''s go, you still need to be interrogated."


    ****


    In the police department, Rachel was caressing her temples from the headache she was going to receive from this case.


    "Two of them have broken bones, and many fractured. Yet, they still don''t want to confess about what happened." She sighed.


    Noah walked into the small interrogation room, his expression cool.


    Looking around, his eyesid on a desk, and Sergeant Rachel Miller sitting behind it.


    Her expression was that of impatience, she didn''t even bother to disguise her irritation, eyebrows raised as if expecting him to crumble at her stern gaze.


    "Is he fit?" she asked, looking over his shoulder at the officer escorting him.


    The officer gave a quick nod. "Doctor said he''s fit for interrogation."


    She nodded back, gesturing to the seat across from her.


    "Sit," she instructed Noah.


    Noah lowered himself into the chair, his posture rxed, his face calm.


    Rachel leaned forward, her eyes narrowing slightly her hands sped together.


    "So," she began, "care to tell me what happened exactly?"


    With a small smirk, she added, "By the way, the others have already told me what happened, so choose your next words carefully."


    Inwardly, Noah scoffed at her attempt to y him. He could almostugh at her.


    "They told you everything?" he mused silently, resisting the urge to smirk.


    "Does she think I''m that naive?"


    Though outwardly, he stayedposed, his face showcasing no emotion as he looked her dead in the eyes. "I want to make a phone call," he stated simply, voice calm but firm.


    Rachel''s brows rose, surprised at his steadyposure.


    "Not now," she said, the hint of a smirk still ying on her lips. "You can do thatter."


    Noah maintained eye contact, his eyes locked with hers, his voice dropped to a lower sarcastic whisper, edged with a slight smile.


    "You''re refusing me the right to call mywyer?"


    She sighed, the slight bravado in her expression slipping.


    "Take him to the telephone booth," she told the officer, irritation flickering across her face as her tactic didn''t work on Noah.


    The officer took Noah toward the telephone booth.


    Noah followed his steps unhurried, and a small knowing smile curved his lips.


    He dialled a number and ced the receiver to his ear as it rang.


    A voice on the other end answered sharply. "Hello? Who''s this?"


    "Uncle Adam, it''s me, Noah," Noah responded.


    Immediately, Adam''s tone changed, the authority reced by warmth.


    "Noah! How are you doing?"


    "I''m alright," Noah replied, tone casual. "I hope you and the old man are doing good."


    "The old man''s doing great, thanks to your medicine," Adam replied a chuckle in his voice. "Made his dayst week with that chess match."


    A glint appeared in Noah''s eye, though his tone remained polite. "d to hear it. I was nning to visit him soon for another game, but unfortunately, something came up."


    Noah cast a subtle nce down the hall, where Rachel was seated a few yards away, watching him with a hawk-like intensity.


    "Something came up?" Adam''s tone changed, instantly picking up on the Noah''s. "What happened?"


    "Nothing major," Noah said, his voice holding a touch of annoyance.


    "The police are holding me up because I was at the wrong ce at the wrong time¡ªtwo gangs crossed paths, and I was caught in the crossfire."


    "Now, I''m here while they try to build some nonexistent case against me."


    There was a pause on the other end of the line before Adam spoke again, his voice colder. "You''re saying they''re holding you without evidence?"


    "Exactly," Noah replied, ncing at the police officer next to him nonchntly.


    "No evidence, no charges, noints filed against me. Yet here I am, waiting."


    Adam''s voice tightened. "Which station are you at right now?"


    Noah gave him the address calmly, the name rolling off his tongue.


    "You''ll be out of there soon. Just hang tight," Adam replied, a hint of anger in his tone.


    "Thanks uncle adam," Noah added, before hanging up.

 Chapter 126: Innocent

    As Noah hung up, a faint smile slowly rose on his face.


    "Adam should have this issue settled soon,"


    he thought.


    "


    A small police station... It doesn''t stand a chance."


    He walked back and took a seat across from Rachel.


    Seeing Noah cross his arms and rx, Rachel''s eyes twitched and lingered on his face for a second.


    "Have you made your call?" she asked.


    He smiled faintly and nodded. "I have."


    She waited for him to borate... seeing that he had no intention to, she leaned forward.


    "Do you realise the severity of this?"


    "You''re being held in connection with a gang-rted incident," she said, with her patience wearing thin.


    Noah''s gaze remained unbothered. "As I said, I was at the wrong ce, at the wrong time. Though I''m sure this misunderstanding will be resolved soon."


    "You are quite confident, aren''t you?" She said, her eyes narrowing.


    "Sergeant, I simply believe in letting the facts speak for themselves. I still don''t know why you are talking to me about this issue."


    "I already said that I was at the wrong ce, wrong time and one of their goons tried attacking me thinking I was part of the other group."


    "I mean do you have evidence against me? Do you have anyints from them against me?"


    Seeing that she had nothing to say, he said "Since there is none of that, let''s just wait."


    A minuteter, with a sharp knock an officer stepped into the room, his face slightly tense as he looked at Sergeant Rachel.


    "Sergeant Rachel, there''s a phone call for you," he announced, his voice carrying an undertone of urgency.


    "Can''t you see I''m in the middle of something here?" She frowned, her frustration visible.


    Hesitating the officer, leaned in closer.


    "It''s from¡­" He lifted his finger subtly, gesturing upward, a silent indication of someone higher up in authority.


    Her eyes flicked to Noah, who was sitting as calmly as ever his expression passive, and unreadable.


    "Could he really have pulled this off?"


    she wondered, her irritation rising as she got up from her seat and left the room.


    "I will be right back." She told Noah and left.


    "Take your time," He replied.


    Out in the hall, Rachel grabbed the telephone her mind racing.


    "Hello, this is Sergeant Rachel speaking," she said, trying to keep her voice calm.


    "Sergeant."


    An authoritative but smooth voice replied, "Do you currently have someone named Noah Thompson in custody?"


    Her heart skipped a beat.


    She forced herself to calm down. "Yes, sir, I do. He''s under investigation for¡ª"


    "I''ve heard enough, Sergeant," the voice cut in, cold and final. "I need you to release him immediately."


    Rachel''s jaw tightened.


    "


    Release him? Just like that?"


    She tried to reason, her voice tinged with frustration. "But sir, he''s connected to a gang-rted incident, and¡ª"


    "Sergeant," the voice interrupted, sharper now, allowing no room for her to protest, "I believe I made myself clear. Release Mr. Thompson at once."


    Gritting her teeth, Rachel clenched the phone tightly. There was no mistaking the authority in his tone. "Yes, sir. I''ll see to it immediately."


    "Thank you for your hard work, Sergeant," the voice replied, almost dismissively, before the line hung up.


    "Dzzn."


    Rachel stood there for a moment, staring at the closed door of the room in front of her.


    Her pulse pounding.


    "This wasn''t how this was supposed to go.


    " She took a deep breath, calming herself before heading back to the interrogation room.


    As she entered, Noah looked up, meeting her gaze with the same calm expression he''d held since the beginning.


    There wasn''t a flicker of satisfaction on his face, no gloating smile, just a natural expression that somehow tinged her nerves.


    "Mr. Thompson," she managed, her voice stiff, "you''re free to go."


    Noah got up smoothly, giving her a slight nod, as though this oue was no surprise to him.


    He held her gaze for a moment, a polite smile touching his lips.


    "Thank you for your hard work, Sergeant," Noah said, making her feel like he was ying her like a fool.


    "No problem, Mr.Thompson. Thank you for putting up with our department, I hope we didn''t cause you any trouble." She finally mustered up.


    "Not at all," Noah shook his head with a smile, and said, "By the way, where can I collect my personal belongings?"


    "Ryan, take Mr.Thompson with you and retrieve his belongings for him," she said calmly.


    Ryan, the police officer nodded his head and politely said.


    "Mr.Thompson, if you don''t mind follow me to collect your belongings."


    "Lead the way," Noah said with a small smile on his face.


    As he left the room, he nced back at Rachel.


    "See you soon sergeant."


    ****


    The officer slid the tray across the counter toward Noah.


    "Here you go, sir. This is all your belongings."


    Noah nodded, as he collected his phone, wallet, and the rest of the items.


    With a final nod to the officer, he left the precinct.


    His eyes caught sight of the Lykan parked.


    The officers had brought it to the police station as he''d requested near the warehouse.


    Sliding into the driver''s seat, Noah shut the door with silence being his only passenger.


    Exhaling slowly, his eyes showed the slightest glint of something unreadable as he lifted his phone and dialled Jackson''s number.


    "Hi, Jackson we need to meet," Noah said.


    Jackson''s voice came through a mix of relief and worry tinged in it.


    "Noah! Are you good? Which hospital are you at? What are the visit times?"


    "Don''t meet me at the hospital, Jackson," Noah replied.


    "I was discharged. The bullet didn''t get far, it barely grazed my arm so I''m okay."


    Jackson breathed out a sigh of relief, with doubt in his voice.


    "You sure? I could''ve sworn I saw it hit... Look, just tell me where to meet you."


    Noah sent a location, "Be there quickly. We need to talk about something important."


    "Alright. I''m on my way."

 Chapter 127: The Ash Wolves

    After hanging up with Jackson, Noah put his phone on the passenger seat and changed gears.


    "I still have a few things I need to settle with Ryker''s backing," He thought, as he sped up in the city.


    ****


    After a while, Noah slowly pulled up next to the curb as he saw Jackson''s Porsche 911 parked at the side.


    Jackson in the car heard the Lykan''s engine, ncing at the mirrors to make sure he saw Noah''s car.


    Jackson stepped out of the car with two bags and approached Noah, his expression that of residual concern.


    Opening the passenger door he slid into the seat after cing the bags behind, looking at Noah carefully, still curious how he was unharmed.


    "d you''re alright," Jackson said," I didn''t think I''d be seeing you out of that warehouse so soon."


    Noah looked at him, his face unreadable. "And yet, here I am."


    Jackson''s smile faded, leaning back. "So, what''s on your mind?"


    Noah''s gaze sharpened, unwavering as he looked at Jackson.


    "I just pulled a few strings to get out of that station, it cost me a lot." he began, his tone low and serious. "I need you to tell me everything you know about Ryker¡ªwho he is, who he works with... every single detail."


    Jackson''s expression grimaced at his request, for a moment a brief flicker of hesitation showed in his eyes as he weighed the consequences of sharing this information. But, after a second, he nodded.


    Exhaling deeply, he started telling Noah everything.


    Noah listened intently, his face still impassive as Jackson continued.


    After a while, Noah figured out everything about Ryker''s group.


    Ryker belongs to a gang called ''The Ash Wolves." They are fairly new to the game. However, they have grown very rapidly in the past few years.


    Ryker''s unorthodox tactics, allowed them to increase their power by slowly taking control of small family-run businesses, forcing these people toply with them.


    The game Jackson was talking about, was surprisingly selling and buying gold illegally through shady connections. By taking control of family-run businesses, they had gained an extra passive ie they receive every month.


    "What an interesting surprise," Noah thought, as he nced at his skill


    ''Basic Goldcraft Skill''.


    Basic Goldcraf Skill: The user is given 100g of pure gold every day at midnight.


    "This will be very useful," Noah thought, as he listened to Jackson.


    Understanding passed over Noah''s face. What happened at the warehouse made a bit more sense now.


    "What''s Ryker''s position?" Noah asked.


    "He is a co-leader, there are only two co-leaders and one leader. So Ryker''s position isn''t low."


    Noah nodded slowly, absorbing the information. "Do you know where the main base is?"


    Jackson paused, frowning at the questions. "Why? You don''t n on attacking them right?"


    Noah smiled and said. "Don''t worry about that, do you know or not?"


    Jackson nodded his head and said. "I do, it''s not far from here actually, it''s around 20 minutes away from here. They are located at..."


    A slight smirk tugged at Noah''s lips. "Good to know. I need you to lead the way," he said, as he started the engine.


    Jackson''s face darkened, a trace of shock etched on his face. "You... You must be joking, you aren''t nning on going there now... right?"


    "Jackson, it seems like you''ve read my mind." Heughed, as he sped up.


    ****


    The quiet street gave an eerie hush, with the flickering of dying streetlights.


    Noah pulled up to the curb, eyes locked on therge,  house Jackson had pointed out.


    "There," Jackson murmured, barely above a whisper. "That''s their base."


    Noah nodded. "Stay in the car," he said simply, stepping out and leaving no room for a debate. Jackson''s face flickered with worry, but he said nothing.


    Noah approached the door, knocking hard enough that his hand almost punctured through the wood.


    Momentster, a man with arge scar etched across his cheek opened the door, his eyes narrowing as he took in Noah''s calm face.


    "Who the f**k are you?" the man spat in annoyance, with his eyebrows raised.


    Noah didn''t bother responding.


    In one swift motion, his hand shot forward, grabbing the man''s throat and lifting him off his feet with ease.


    The guy''s eyes bulged, shock and fury mingling in his gaze.


    Noah''s grin widened.


    "Your executioner," he muttered silently, before mming the man''s head into the concrete wall without mercy.


    The thug dropped instantly, his body on the floor in a heartbeat.


    Footsteps and muffled voices sounded from further inside.


    "Yohan? What''s going on?" someone yelled,  their footsteps approaching.


    Noah closed the door behind him, stepping over the fallen man as he walked toward the noise.


    Soon a tall,nky man appeared in the hallway, his face twisting in rm as he spotted Yohan at Noah''s feet.


    "Everyone gather! There''s a rat intruding!" he shouted, his voice filled with panic and anger.


    Doors opened, and soon, eight men assembled in the wide hallway, each armed with whatever they could grab such as bats, pipes, and knives.


    Noah''s gaze swept over them, unbothered by their number.


    "You''ve made this easy for me," he remarked casually, cracking his knuckles. "I don''t have to go around searching for each one of you."


    The man closest to him, wielding a rusted bat, sneered. "You think you''re some kind of tough guy?" He swung the bat in a vicious arc toward Noah''s head.


    Noah sidestepped with ease, the bat missing him closely.


    Before the man could even blink, Noah spun, delivering a brutal 360-degree kick.


    His foot connected with his jaw, sending him sprawling across the hallway, his bat ttering to the floor.


    "You''re gonna regret this, you son of a¡ª!" another thug snarled, charging at Noah with a switchde.


    Noah met his gaze, amusement flickering in his eyes. "Those are some big words," he muttered.


    His hand then shot out, catching the man''s wrist mid-swing.


    With a twist and a nostalgic crack, the knife ttered to the floor, and the thug let out a scream, clutching his broken wrist.


    "My wrist!!" He shouted as he cried out in pain.


    "You''re next," Noah said, his voice low and chilling, as he let go and watched the thug stumble back.

 Chapter 128: The Ash Wolves (2)

    "Get him!" someone else shouted.


    Immediately, three thugs charged at Noah whilst shouting slurs. One of them held a metal pipe, the other a crowbar whilst thest was swinging a heavy chain.


    Noah smirked as he saw them charge like idiots, his calm eyes analysing their movements. As the pipe swung aiming at Noah''s jaw.


    Noah got closer to the man and caught it before it could reach its maximum power, and with a single powerful twist of the wrist, he spun the pipe once, stealing it from the thug''s grip with a dangerous glint in his eyes.


    "Thanks," Noah said, before striking with the pipe, down on the thug''s knee.


    A sickening crunch echoed through the hallway as the man dropped, howling in agony as his knee caved in an unnatural shape.


    The guy with the crowbar hesitated, faltering just long enough for Noah to throw an elbow into his face, feeling the crack of his nose, as the man stumbled back, dazed. Noah didn''t give him a chance to recover.


    With a swift strike, he brought his knee up, mming it into the thug''s stomach.


    The man crumpled, coughing and gasping for breath.


    "Blurgh!" The man vomited, as he struggled for air.


    Noah turned his gaze to thest three standing.


    "They are different" he thought as he saw that there was no desperation in their eyes, they weren''t just followingmands.


    The leader, Lionel, held his ground at the front, his face twisting as he met Noah''s intense stare.


    Beside him stood Leo, the co-leader, his eyes looking at the unconscious bodies scattered around.


    The third man seemed to be holding his breath, fists clenched tightly at his sides.


    "What¡­ what did we do to you?" Lionel''s voice wavered, a desperate edge creeping in.


    [Ding! Ultimate Choice System has been activated!]


    Option 1: Remove The Ash Wolves from your city.


    [Reward: 10kg of Pure Gold]


    Option 2: Take them under your wing, and nurture them alongside Jackson''s.


    [Reward: Intermediate Goldcraft Skill]


    Noah immediately picked option 2, without any hesitation.


    Option 1


    gave him instant but disposable ie, whereas


    option 2


    provided him with a steady ie that would never stop.


    [Ding! Intermediate Goldcraft Skill is rewarded!]


    "Why are you attacking us?"


    Noah raised an eyebrow, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.


    "What did you do to me?" he repeated his tone light.


    "Let''s just say your little wanna-be viin friend ran around looking for trouble and... he found it."


    I"''m here to make sure he, and anyone else affiliated with him, learn a lesson they will never forget."


    Lionel swallowed hard, ncing at Leo.


    Both of them knew they had no chance against Noah''s strength, not after witnessing him handle them like they were kids.


    Yet, Lionel as a leader had to keep hisposure, defiance flickering in his eyes.


    "You think you can just walk in here and threaten us?" he hissed.


    His voice edged with desperation he tried to hide. "There are rules, you know, limits like they say. You wouldn''t dare pull the trigger. At most, we will be beat for a while. But make sure you keep your eyes on your back."


    Noah''s smile widened.


    "Really?" He added with an almost sadistic smile on his face.


    Slowly, he slipped his hand inside his jacket pocket, as though he were reaching for something hidden within.


    Whereas, in reality, he was just masking his inventory. His hand retrieved a sleek, polished handgun.


    He lifted it, the barrel shining under the bright light, as he held it steady and aimed it right between Lionel''s eyes


    Lionel''s bravado faltered. His eyes darted from the gun to Noah''s expressionless face.


    "Wh-what do you want?" he stammered, his voice cracking despite his control.


    "First things first," Noah replied calmly. "Get on your knees and apologize."


    Lionel''s face contorted with anger, his fists trembling under the humiliation.


    "Don''t push your luck," he growled. "You wouldn''t fire that thing, not if your life did not depend on it. Otherwise, you would have started firing from the beginning."


    "Is that so?" Noah''s voice was almost a whisper.


    Without breaking eye contact, he strolled over to one of the rooms in the hallway, picked up a pillow folded it, and ced it over one of the unconscious men''s heads, pressing the muzzle against it.


    "Maybe we should test that theory," Noah suggested, his voice carrying dark amusement. "What do you think?"


    "Stop!" Lionel''s voice was panicked now, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.


    His mind raced, a silent horror dawning on him. "This man is a monster, an intelligent one at that."


    Lionel knew, with chilling certainty, that Noah wouldn''t hesitate to pull the trigger if he kept up his attitude.


    "We''ll do as you say!" Lionel''s defiance melted away, reced with a cautious submission. As he tried to take a knee, motioning for Leo to do the same.


    But Noah only chuckled, waving a dismissive hand. "Rx. I''m not interested in a pointless apology. I was just ying around with you."


    He cracked his neck while lowering the gun.


    "But I do have two options for you. Take your time, I''m feeling generous." He said as he lifted two fingers up.


    Lionel and Leo shared a wary nce before turning back to Noah.


    "Here''s the first option," Noah continued, walking leisurely between them.


    "You leave this city. Disappear. Don''t show your face anywhere near me or Jackson ever again."


    His gaze darkened, the air thickening with his next phrase.


    "Because if I see you, I will... kill you."


    He stopped, hands folded casually behind his back. "Or¡­" he drew out, savouring the moment.


    "You join Jackson''s group. Work for me. And trust me, ites with perks. Pure gold," He added, "the untraceable one. I can supply you with more than you''ve ever dreamed of."


    Lionel''s face tightened. He understood the significance of untraceable gold.


    It was every smuggler''s dream, to imagine a fortune that no one could track, an endless ie without the need forundering anything nor hiding their real assets.


    "Think about it," Noah''s voice woke them up from their daydream.


    "I have other businesses, legitimate ones."


    "Prove yourself, and you''ll find opportunities in ces you couldn''t imagine. Make the right choice, and you might just find yourself on the winning side for once."


    Lionel''s gaze flickered with uncertainty. He and Leo turned toward each other whispering.


    "Tick-tock," Noah''s voice interrupted, his tone edged with mock impatience. "Your time''s up. Option one or option two?"

 Chapter 129: The New Wolves

    Lionel clenched his jaw, a resigned look on his face as he looked at Leo, who nodded.


    Looking at Noah, he swallowed his built-up saliva.


    "We''ll... work under you."


    "Smart man," Noah replied.


    With a light smirk, he continued. "Wee to your new life."


    "Let me tell you a fun fact about me," Noah said and paused.


    "I hate betrayals more than anything. If I hear, see or catch any of you having such thoughts. You will wish that you died before I found out."


    "Am I clear?"


    Lionel''s face paled, and Leo swallowed hard at the threat, both of them nodding.


    "You are loud and clear," Lionel replied, his voice low with obedience.


    The fear in his eyes was loud enough to show his understanding.


    Noah''s smirk remained, his cold eyes freezing them with a look that felt like they were held at gunpoint.


    Well... they kind of were.


    "Good. Remember that. I''m a fair man, but there''s a line. Cross it, and you''ll see what lies on the other side." He added, as his smirk turned into a calm smile.


    Lionel and Leo exchanged a nce.


    Both of them straightened up instinctively while nodding at Noah, knowing any sign of hesitation would be interpreted as a weakness or worse... disloyalty.


    "Now," Noah continued, his tone casual as though he hadn''t just been threatening them with death a minute ago.


    "I''ll have work lined up for you soon. Consider this yourst chance to clean up your messes and clear out any loose ends."


    "I will tell you the new rulester, anything that doesn''t align with them ends."


    Lionel nodded quickly, with a humble and obedient look. "Of course. We''ll do as you say, boss."


    Noah looked at him for a moment, nodding with satisfaction.


    "Good."


    With onest look, he turned around and said.


    "Clean up this mess, also inform them about the new changes since they were... asleep."


    "Make sure you notify the idiot in prison to keep his mouth shut, if he isn''t dismissed within next week I will think of a way to get him out."


    "I will also send Jackson to you during this week, so make sure you listen to my instructions as it will be rallied through him."


    Lionel nodded, as he stared at Noah''s back.


    Noah turned around quickly as if remembering something.


    "Here, take this. It belongs to you, as he handed Lionel the gun."


    Lionel looked at Noah with shock, "Why is he giving me the gun? Is he that confident? or is he just naive?"


    "Why are you taking so long for? Do you not want it?" Noah said with a curious look.


    Lionel nodded and said, "Thanks, as he took the gun."


    Noah then turned around and waved with the back of his hand.


    Seeing Noah''s exposed back, Lionel''s urge to shoot him shot up as his eyes nced at the pillow on the floor.


    But his instincts told him not to do it, he felt that he would regret it if he had done that.


    Noah''s voice slowly echoed in his mind, as he remembered his earlier threat.


    He sighed, as Noah disappeared from the hallway and out of the door.


    Leo on his side looked at him with a shocked look and said. "Why did you not shoot him, or threaten him like he did to us."


    "We had the upper hand!" He added with a louder tone.


    Lionel shook his head.


    "I felt fear looking at his exposed back... I couldn''t do it, my long years in this industry honed my instincts."


    "I know when I see... death." He added with a low tone, as he nced at Leo.


    He took onest look at the gun, his hands trembling at the sight.


    "The clip was full," he muttered with a low tone.


    He swallowed hard, his gaze unfocused as he reyed the moment when Noah turned his back to them,pletely vulnerable, unguarded.


    Lionel''s hand clenched as he whispered to himself.


    "I could''ve¡­ no, I should''ve¡­"


    Leo watched Lionel with a dark expression, his frustration building up.


    "That''s what I''ve been saying to you! He handed you the opportunity on a silver tter, and you just let him walk out."


    "Why, Lionel? Do you want to be a subordinate? you just¡ª" Leo''s voice was rising, the desperation in his tone cutting through the silence.


    A sudden realisation struck Lionel as Leo''s voice slowly faded from his ears.


    Turning to Leo, Lionel''s eyes showed a hint of fear.


    "You think it''s that simple?" His voice was almost whisper amid the loud voice of Leo.


    "He knew I wouldn''t pull the trigger. He knew because he''s the type of man who doesn''t gamble. He knew that he checkmated us... We were never going to win."


    Leo''s brows raised in confusion. "But you had the upper hand, Lionel! His back was unguarded, he was unarmed¡ª"


    Lionel let out a dryugh, cutting him off. "Unarmed? Do you really think he was unarmed?"


    "You are really naive Leo. That man is a weapon himself!"


    He held up the gun, looking down at it with a mix of disbelief and respect.


    "He gave me a fully loaded gun, turned his back, and walked away. That wasn''t confidence, Leo. That was him showing us just how little we matter."


    Leo took a step back, his face paling as he absorbed Lionel''s words.


    "You''re saying¡­ he knew you wouldn''t shoot him? That he didn''t even consider us a threat even with a loaded gun?"


    Lionel nodded slowly, a bitter smile tugging at his lips. "Exactly. This isn''t some street thug we''re dealing with, Leo. He''s¡­ a monster."


    "Cold. A man like that doesn''t make mistakes. Every action, every word¡ªit''s all part of a game we can never even dream of seeing."


    Leo''s shoulders slumped, as he understood Lionel''s words.


    "So, what now? Do we just do what he says? Be his¡­ hisckeys?"


    Lionel''s face grew grim.


    "We do what he says, yes. Because I don''t know what he''s capable of, and frankly, I really don''t want to find out."


    "He''s like a sleeping whale, Leo."


    "We''re nothing but fish swimming around his waters, thinking we''re safe because he hasn''t snapped his jaws yet."

 Chapter 130: The Monster

    Leo looked away from Lionel, his expression twisting with frustration and helplessness.


    "Lionel, I thought we were meant to be the top dogs of this city."


    "I thought we had finally started amassing power here."


    "Power?" Lionel scoffed, shaking his head.


    "This man has power we can''t evenprehend, let alonepete with. He is the real top dog."


    "He gave me a loaded gun Leo, and dared me to shoot."


    "He didn''t even flinch when giving it to me, and just walked with his back facing me."


    Leo''s face contorted in understanding.


    Using a low tone, he said. "He''s not like us, is he Lionel?"


    "No," Lionel replied, his voice low.


    "He''s something else entirely.


    ****


    Jackson sat in the Lykan, tapping his fingers nervously on his phone as he waited.


    He saw Noah knock out the first guy at the door, but after that, the door mmed shut, leaving him with only his chaotic thoughts as apanion.


    "It''s been five minutes¡­" he muttered, ncing anxiously at his watch.


    "Why''s he still not out? Is he okay in there? Should I call for backup?"


    He shook his head, trying to remove the bad thoughts.


    "No, no¡­ he told me to wait. I will just trust him," he murmured, trying to calm himself.


    But even as he said it, he was gripping the phone so hard his knuckles turned white.


    Five minutester...


    "It''s ten minutes now." He murmured softly.


    "Damn it, Noah! You''re killing me!" He grunted, feeling his patience slowly leaving.


    "Alright, five more minutes. If he''s still not out by then, I''m calling everyone. If anything happens to you, Noah, I swear I''ll make them pay¡­" He said gritting his teeth.


    Jackson kept ncing at his watch every few seconds, his heart racing with every passing second.


    His thoughts slowly tightening the rope he felt around his neck


    Finally, after onest look at his watch, he cursed under his breath.


    "Screw it. I''m calling everyone. I promise to take revenge!"


    Just as he scrolled to his brother''s contact and pressed the call button. The door swung open. He jerked, dropping his phone.


    "Noah?" Jackson''s eyes went wide, and he stammered, "Y-you''re still ali¡ª I mean, why did you take so long?"


    Noah looked at Jackson, as he stepped into the car.


    "What do you mean by that? You sounded disappointed that I am still alive and kicking."


    "Were you hoping I was dead?" he added, raising his eyebrow.


    Jackson''s face turned red. "N-no, no! I didn''t mean it like that! I was just worried! You took forever¡ªI was this close to calling everyone I know for backup."


    Noah chuckled, as he put his seatbelt on. "Everyone, huh? I had no idea I meant so much to you, Jackson."


    Jackson huffed, embarrassed. "You''d better! I was already nning out your vengeance. But seriously, what happened in there?"


    "Nothing much." Noah shrugged nonchntly, a small smirk on his face.


    "Just some¡­ business to handle. Let''s just say the Ash Wolves won''t be causing any more trouble."


    Jackson''s eyes went wide, his jaw nearly hitting the steering wheel. "You''re telling me¡­ you took care of them? All of them? Just like that?"


    Noah turned on the car and replied with a casual smile.


    "Pretty much."


    Jackson''s face turned pale.


    "Do you have any idea what that means? The cleanup? The police?"


    "Noah, they''ll jail you for life if they find out! We''ll need a whole crew just to cover this up! I can get you out of the country¡ªmaybe some ind paradise where no one can find you¡­"


    Noah''sughter cut him off.


    "Rx, Jackson," he said, giving him a reassuring pat on the shoulder.


    "I don''t need to go into hiding."


    Jackson looked at him, stunned. "Are you going to use your connections to get out of it? Who do you have as a friend? The king?"


    "You are thinking too much," Noah replied with a calm smile.


    "I didn''t kill any of them, I just spoke to them in a civilised way."


    Jackson''s eyes rolled at his response.


    "Oh, yeah, that was very civilized. Especially mming a guy''s head into the concrete, it is basically like inviting him for tea, right?"


    Noah shrugged.


    "Depends on the tea party."


    "So¡­ what did you actually do to make them ''not cause any more trouble''? Hypnotize them with polite threats?" He added in a sarcastic tone.


    "Not quite," Noah replied, as he drove calmly his eyes on the road ahead.


    "I gave them two options, disappear or work under me."


    Jackson blinked, then barked out augh. "Wait. You''re telling me¡­ you actually got ''The Ash Wolves'' to submit?"


    Noah nced at him with a calm, knowing look. "You sound surprised. Persuasion can be effective when it''s¡­ properly applied."


    "Yes that''s very persuasive and civilised, I would like to emphasize the verb disappear."


    "I meant it is quite civilised, they used their brain. You could say they saw the bigger picture."


    Jackson strikes back, "Or maybe they just didn''t like the alternative." He added sarcastically.


    Laughing at Jackson''s response, Noah said. "That as well."


    Jackson chuckled his earlier worry disappearing.


    "I''m d I didn''t have to take revenge for you."


    "Though I''ll admit, I wouldn''t mind seeing you sipping tea at your next ''civilized negotiation.'' "


    Noah smirked. "Don''t worry. I''ll send you a VIP invite to the next one."


    As he dropped Jackson off where his car was parked, he told him about the merging of his group and the Ash Wolves.


    Jackson was reluctant at the beginning considering what Ryker had done to his younger brother, but Noah told him that he would make sure they get their payback.


    Jackson agreed, but said he would need to talk to his father and brother as he wasn''t the only head of the gang.


    Noah nodded and didn''t pressure him.


    After dropping Jackson off, Noah headed to his mansion.


    "The system was quite generous with the rewards today, I got a vest, a million dors and most importantly an an intermediate Goldcraft skill." He muttered, as he sped across the motorway.

 Chapter 131 Passive Income

    Next day...


    Early morning, Noah woke up and went to the bathroom to get ready for the day.


    He decided to check out the new system notifications to pass some time whilst brushing his teeth.


    [Ding! $2,300 has been credited to the ount ending in xx04. Current bnce: $1,044,369]


    "This is the breathing money," He thought with a small smile as he checked the new notification.


    [Ding! 500g of Pure Gold has been stored in the inventory]


    "That''s a daily ie of $46,000 just from gold," Noah thought with a small smile.


    "With Jackson and Lionel working together, I will be able to sell all of this gold."


    "That means my ie for ten days will reach $400,000 from the gold, around $90,000 from An''s Gourmet and simr ie from Walls4Us." Noah thought, his smile widening.


    Noah looked at the time, it was 6:00 am. He contemted whether he should go to school or not but after some consideration.


    "I don''t have anything going on right now, I might as well." He muttered silently, as he put on his uniform.


    Looking at it in the mirror, he thought. " I need a new size, it''s bing a muscle fit."


    He took the Lykan and drove to school, before parking it somewhere slightly further.


    "News travels fast, if my mum finds out she will start getting paranoid thinking that I am in some underworld gang."


    Arriving at school, he saw a message notification on his phone.


    "Hi, I spoke to my dad about the housekeeper, he said he will send you a name of a few he can vouch for alongside their details."


    Replying to Amelia''s text, he said. "Thanks for the help. Want to y Underwatch 2 sometimeter?"


    She quickly sent him a cute gif of a cat nodding its head.


    "Haha, alright. Send me your BattleTag and I will add you."


    She quickly sent him her BattleTag and said.


    "Okay! Let me know when you want to y."


    He quickly sent her a message and put his phone in his pocket as he entered his ss.


    As Noah entered the ssroom, he noticed Lily ncing his way, her gaze a mix of hesitation and something unreadable.


    He dropped his bag next to her, taking his seat with a light smile.


    "How are you doing, Lily?"


    "I''m¡­ I''m doing good, thanks. How about you?"


    "Doing fine. Thanks for asking." He leaned back slightly. "Did I miss anything on Friday?"


    She shook her head, brushing her hair behind her ear.


    "Not really. We''ve just been going over the practice questions for the exams."


    Noah nodded.


    "Exams already, huh? Time flies."


    He nced sideways at her, his tone casual. "Where are you thinking of going to university?"


    She met his gaze, her face momentarily lighting up. "I''m leaning towards Cambridge, but¡­ Oxford''s also a possibility."


    "Good choices," he replied, nodding approvingly. "I''m nning on Cambridge too."


    Her cheeks flushed, but she quickly looked down at her notebook, the tiniest smile crossing her lips before she hid it.


    Stay updated with empire


    "I see," she murmured, trying to sound indifferent.


    She paused, then said almost shyly, "My dad keeps asking when you''re going toe over, you know."


    Noah chuckled, amused. "Oh, does he now? Tell him I''ll extend a formal invite soon. I''ll host him at my teahouse sometime soon."


    Her eyebrows raised.


    "This quick?"


    "Yeah, I hurried the process. Thought it might be fun."


    The corners of her mouth quirked up into a small smile. "I think he''d love that. He''s always talking about the tea you gave himst time, you know."


    "That''s good to know. I''ll make sure it''s ready for him."


    Just then, their teacher entered the room and started the lesson.


    An hour passed by slowly, as Noah sat bored in the ss.


    At lunchtime, he met up with Aiden and ate lunch together. After finishing his food, Noah took out his Macbook.


    "Let me quickly edit your video."


    "Really?" Aiden quickly said as he sat next to Noah watching him edit.


    Thirty minutester...


    "Now, I just need to render it and it will be ready."


    A few minutester, Noah yed the video with Aiden next to him.


    "This..." Aiden paused.


    "Bro, where the hell did you learn to edit like this? I feel like I''m watching a movie." He said with shock stered on his face.


    "I watched a couple of videos, it''s not that difficult. Anyway, do you like it?"


    "Bro.. I love that shit. You actually need to teach me to edit like this, don''t gatekeep."


    "Alright, alright. I will send you a couple of tutorials, just learn from them."


    Before the school day ended, Noah decided to go talk to the principal.


    Knock-Knock


    "Come in," said a mature voice, from behind the door.


    "Principal, good afternoon."


    "Noah, nice to see you again. How are you doing ?" The principal replied.


    "I''m doing good principal, I wanted to talk to you about my attendance."


    The principal nodded.


    "Take a seat." He gestured with his hand.


    "Thanks, I will be honest with you principal. My life has been very busytely, and I will not have much time to appear in my lessons."


    "I will attend now and then. However, it will not be the 96% attendance rate the school wants from me."


    The principal nodded with a serious look on his face.


    "I see, so do you want me to give you an exception?"


    Noah nodded. "Yes principal, the sses are all easy for me. In fact, I can get full marks on any high school paper you could give me."


    "As you know my family is poor, and I''m working on a business that will help us right now. The business has lots of potential and I really don''t want to let go of this lifeline." He added with a shivering tone.


    "Alright, do you mind telling me about the business?" The principal said, showing understanding of Noah''s circumstances.


    "It''s a teahouse sir."


    "A teahouse? Your business is selling tea?" He said curiously, it was quite unexpected.


    "Yes, do you want to try it?"


    "Sure," The principal nodded, curious about the tea.


    In his mind, he already made a decision if Noah''s tea wasn''t exceptional he would not allow him to skip.


    Noah quickly heated the kettle and brewed the tea.


    The soft, but mesmerising smell filled the small room.


    "This smell..." The principal thought as he looked at the tea in front of him.


    "Try it. You won''t regret it." Noah added with a light smile.


    Nodding his head, the principal took a light sip.


    After a long pause...


    "Do you have more," He said with a low tone as if he was embarrassed.


    Noah nodded his head and gave the principal a small pack from his inventory.


    The principal looked at Noah and said with a serious tone.


    "Noah... I must be present at the grand opening."


    "Naturally, principal," Noah said, looking at the principal drink with a smile on his face.


    "Then it''s decided, you can skip. But you muste once every week, otherwise there is really no way."


    Noah nodded, after talking with the principal for a while, he left the office.

 Chapter 132 Fun Fair

    After leaving school, Noah headed to his sister''s elementary school to pick her up.


    As he approached her ssroom, he saw her sitting down and ying around with one of her friends.


    "Emily, your brother is here." The teacher said with a light smile.


    "Brother?" She turned around and saw Noah.


    She immediately got excited and jumped up from her chair, and took her bag after saying goodbye to her friend.


    "See you," She said as she waved at her friend whilst holding Noah''s hand.


    As they left the School, she looked at Noah with puppy eyes.


    "Brother, why are you noting hometely?"


    Noah looked at her with a gentle smile. "I''ve just been really busy recently, Em," he said, his tone softening.


    "But look, I will always make time for my little sister. In fact, I was nning to take you to the fun fair."


    Her eyes widened, lighting up with excitement. "Funfair? Really?" She practically bounced on her toes.


    He nodded, keeping his smile. "Yes, really."


    Emily''s face broke into a huge grin, but then she hesitated.


    She looked up at him with those familiar puppy-dog eyes.


    "She definitely wants something," He thought, as he looked at her eyes.


    "Can¡­ can my friende with us too?"


    Noah raised an eyebrow, surprised but amused. "Your friend? Sure, but we''d have to ask her parents first, okay?"


    She nodded eagerly, looking back toward the ssroom where her friend still sat. "She''s really nice, but her family can''t afford to go to ces like the fun fair. And I want her to have fun too!"


    Noah chuckled and nodded. "Is she the one who was sitting next to you when I walked in?"


    Emily nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah! She''s my best friend!"


    He squeezed her little hand gently. "Alright, let''s go back and wait for her parents toe. If they say yes, she''s wee to join us."


    Emily grinned up at him, clearly thrilled, then stretched her arms toward him with a wide, hopeful smile. "Brother, lift me up!"


    Heughed, lifting her effortlessly and letting her wrap her arms around his neck.


    She nted a quick, yful kiss on his cheek with a giggle.


    "Muah! You''re the best big brother ever!"


    Laughing, Noah set her back down gently, ruffling her hair. "Alright, let''s go talk to her parents."


    Your journey continues at empire


    After waiting for a few minutes, Noah watched as a man approached, ncing at the two girls before his gazended on Noah.


    He gave a polite nod, greeting Emily''s friend''s father, who greeted him in return with a curious but friendly look.


    "Hello, uncle," Noah began, keeping his tone respectful.


    "I''m Emily''s brother. My name is Noah."


    He paused briefly, ncing over at the girls, who were whispering and giggling together a few feet away.


    "I was nning to take Emily to the fun fair, and she mentioned that your daughter might enjoying along too. I wanted to ask you if that would be alright."


    The father''s eyes softened, and he nodded thoughtfully.


    "I appreciate that, Noah, truly. But I don''t think I''ll be able to manage it today," he said, scratching the back of his head apologetically.


    "I''ve got a shifting up, and I wouldn''t be able toe pick her up from youter."


    Noah gave him an understanding nod, not wanting to push but still offered a solution.


    "Uncle, Ipletely understand," he said gently. "But if it''s alright with you, I''d be more than happy to bring her home afterwards. You could tell me what time works best for you, and I''d make sure she''s there safely."


    The man''s face showed a mix of gratitude and hesitation as he looked back toward his daughter, who was excitedly showing Emily something from her bag.


    His brows furrowed as he considered it, ncing at Noah with a slight frown. "It''s very kind of you, son...but..." he trailed off, scratching the back of his head.


    Noah gave him a warm smile, his tone calm and reassuring.


    "Uncle, Ipletely understand your concerns. I know it''s not easy to trust someone you just met," he said gently.


    "But I want to make sure she has the same chance to enjoy herself as Emily. I''ll make sure she''s home exactly when you say."


    The man looked back at his daughter, who wasughing with Emily, her face glowing with excitement. Seeing her happiness, his expression softened, the hesitation melting into a gentle smile.


    "We live at... down the road, you cane to our house sometime with the family some time."


    "You''re a good young man, Noah," he finally said, sighing as he turned back to him.


    "Alright, I''ll let her go with you. Just¡­ make sure she''s home by 8, alright?"


    Noah replied with a genuine smile. "Thank you, uncle. I promise she''ll be home by 8."


    The father nodded, visibly relieved, and walked over to his daughter, exining briefly that she could go to the fair if she wanted.


    The little girl''s eyes widened with excitement, and she quickly turned to hug her father, thanking him.


    As they walked out of the school.


    Emily looked at Noah, her eyes sparkling. "You are the best!"


    Arriving at the funfair, it was bustling withughter and bright lights alongside the smell of cotton candy and popcorn.


    Noah walked hand in hand with Emily and her friend, Sarah, who was almost skipping with excitement, her small face lit up at the sights and sounds surrounding them.


    "Brother, Cotton candy! Please!!" She pleaded with her puppy eyes again.


    Noah had already decided to spoil her today, so he gave in and nodded.


    After buying some for Emily and Sarah, they continued walking around as the girls ate their cotton candy.


    The girls exchanged nces filled with the thrill, their eyes shifting from one game to the next.


    "Brother, look! The Ferris wheel!" Emily squealed, pointing at the towering, colourful wheel in the distance.


    "You two ready for the big one?" Noah asked with a mischievous grin.


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    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 133 Fun Fair (2)

    Emily and Sarah exchanged a cute nod, their eyes filled with determination, as they looked at the giant wheel spinning in the air.


    "We''re ready," They both nodded.


    Noah walked with them over to the line, their little hands clinging to his as they looked up.


    "Brother, I''m scared!"


    "Em, what happened to all the big talk from earlier." Noah teased her, with a light smile on his face.


    "Hmph! I was just joking. Watch me!" She replied, with puffed cheeks.


    Sarah at the side giggled.


    As they took their seats, Emily clutched Noah''s arm tightly, her eyes glued to the view as the wheel began to lift them higher into the air.


    Sarah let out a nervous giggle, gripping the handlebar tightly.


    The city slowly zoomed out beneath them.


    "Look, Sarah!" Emily pointed, with an excited tone.


    "We''re flying!"


    Sarahughed, her nerves dissipating. "It''s like we''re birds!" she whispered, clutching Noah''s sleeve.


    "Birds, huh?" Noah smiled, his gaze softening.


    After they hopped off the Ferris wheel, Emily tugged on his arm, pointing toward the bumper cars with an excited gleam in her eyes.


    "Can we do that one next?" she asked, eyes pleading.


    "Bumper cars?" Noah chuckled, eyeing the small vehicles buzzing around the arena. "Are you sure? I might be too fast for you."


    "Oh no!" Sarah grinned, ncing at Emily. "We''ll beat you, right, Emily?"


    "Yeah!" Emily chimed in, wanting to get revenge for his remark earlier. "We''ll knock you out, brother!"


    They split into two teams, Emily and Sarah climbing into one car, while Noah took the one next to them.


    The moment the cars moved, the girls let out squeals ofughter, dodging Noah''s attempts to bump into them.


    They circled around him, their giggles filling the air each time they evaded his approach.


    "Too slow, big brother!" Emily taunted, steering wildly as Sarah cheered her on.


    "Oh, you think you''re safe?" Noah shot back with a yful grin.


    He swerved his car, closing in on them, and gently bumped into their side.


    The girls erupted intoughter, clutching each other as their car spun slightly from the impact.


    "Again, again!" Sarah cried her voice a mixture of excitement and challenge.


    The bumper cars finally slowed, and as they climbed out, the girls were breathless fromughing, their faces flushed from the action.


    Next, they wandered over to the carousel, where Emily''s eyes sparkled at the sight of the cute horses.


    She pointed to one with a golden mane and said, "That''s my horse! Look how pretty it is!"


    Sarah picked a horse with silver trimmings, and Noah stood nearby, cheering them on.


    As the carousel began to turn, the girls waved at him each time they circled back, their faces almost glowing from happiness.


    "Look, Brother! I''m a princess!" Emily called out, her voice carrying over the cheerful music.


    "No, you''re a queen!" Noah replied.


    Emily grinned, straightening her imaginary crown, while Sarahughed.


    Afterwards, they made their way to a game booth where plush toys of all shapes hung as prizes.


    The girls were instantly drawn to the stuffed animals, their eyes alight with the possibility of winning.


    "Can we try, Brother?" Emily asked, tugging on his sleeve with a hopeful look.


    Noah smiled, pulling out some tokens. "Let''s do it. What do you two want to win?"


    Sarah pointed to arge panda bear, her eyes filled with excitement, while Emily pointed at a unicorn with a rainbow mane.


    Noah approached the game booth with Emily and Sarah with him, their eyes on the grand prize.


    The massive panda bear, it was the kind of toy that made every kid stare in anticipation, and every parent groan ready for their defeat as these types of games were usually a scam.


    Noah was different. Whether it was a scam or a real game he will get.


    He took a deep breath, steadied his aim, and with a smooth flick of his wrist,unched the ball right into the centre.


    A perfect hit. The bottles ttered to the ground.


    "Congrattions!" the booth owner called out, a bit too enthusiastically, quickly realizing his mistake.


    "Wait, did he really just¡­?"


    People nearby began murmuring, watching in awe.


    "Look at that aim!" one man whispered.


    "Sigh! If only my husband could aim like that in the toilet, the seat would be clean." a woman muttered, as the crowd giggled at her joke.


    The booth owner hesitated, watching Noah with a wary eye as he collected the first giant plush for Sarah.


    She hugged it close, grinning from ear to ear. Noah gave a reassuring nod to Emily, who gazed at the remaining unicorn with a rainbow mane with hope sparkling in her eyes.


    "Alright," Noah said, preparing to throw again. The booth owner swallowed nervously.


    "


    Okay, it was just luck. He can''t possibly do it twice."


    Noah lined up his second throw, his eyes fixed on the target.


    With another perfect flick of his wrist, the ball sailed through the air and struck dead centre yet again.


    The bottles ttered down once again.


    Cheers erupted from the growing crowd.


    The little girl watching beside her brother looked up at him with a sigh.


    "Why can''t you be as cool as him?"


    The boy, clearly offended, looked at her with sad eyes.


    "Hey! I''M ONLY SEVEN!"


    The girl raised her eyebrow, unconvinced. "Excuses," she muttered with a sigh, rolling her eyes.


    Meanwhile, Noah epted the second giant toy, handing it to Emily, who was practically bouncing with joy.


    "Thank you!" she squeaked, clutching the toy as if it were the most precious treasure in the world.


    People whispered as they walked away, recounting the legend of the "Panda-yer" who had somehow managed to get the top prizes with 100% uracy.


    The booth owner was left shaking his head, muttering.


    "I''m never letting someone with an arm like that near my booth again."


    As the sky darkened, Noah nced down at the girls, who were both hugging their toys.


    "Alright, girls, are you hungry?" he asked. They nodded enthusiastically.


    "Fish and chips?" he suggested with a grin.

 Chapter 134 Visiting

    "Yes, brother!" Emily replied immediately.


    Arriving at the fish and chips stand, Noah ced their order.


    "I want to order three portions of fish and chips and three fizzy drinks."


    "Alright sir, the food will be ready in about 10 minutes. The total will be $20.99" The man replied.


    "Alright, thanks." Noah nodded.


    "This is the best day ever," Emily said, her cheeks puffed as she took a bite.


    Sarah nodded in agreement, "Thank you, brother Noah. I''m having a lot of fun with you guys!"


    Ruffling her hair gently, he looked at her with a smile and said, "You''re wee, Sarah. We are having fun too."


    After they finished eating, Noah took an Uber back to Sarah''s house.


    It was reaching the curfew her dad set for her, so they headed back.


    As they arrived at Sarah''s door, she turned to Noah, clutching her panda bear tightly.


    With a shy and grateful smile, she whispered, "Thank you¡­ for everything."


    Noah crouched down to her level.


    With a warm smile, he replied.


    "Anytime, Sarah. I''m d you enjoyed yourself."


    She nodded eagerly, her smile widening. After giving Emily onest hug, she entered her house.


    Sarah''s mom thanked Noah with a polite nod and closed the door.


    Walking back home, Noah took a nce at Emily, who was hugging her panda.


    "You''re the best brother ever," she whispered, hugging his arm.


    "And you''re the best little sister I." He chuckled.


    They soon arrived home, Noah''s parents already knew that he would be arriving today as he told them he would pick up Emily from school and take her out to have fun.


    "Good evening son,"


    "Good evening Mom, good evening Dad," Noah replied.


    Emily immediately took off her shoes and ran to her parents.


    "Mom, Dad. You won''t believe what we did today!" As she started telling them, about her adventures in the theme park. They listened with a smile on their face.


    Noah shook his head as he saw her exaggerate half of the rides, but he let her have her moment.


    Noah chilled with his parents for the rest of the day, he told his dad he signed the contract with the teahouse and it will be ready in about a week.


    His mom encouraged them.


    "I have some spare money from my new job, if you guysck any money I will help out," she said with a serious tone.


    David felt warmth in his heart, "Alright honey, I will make sure to let you know."


    After spending some time with his parents and catching up, he headed to bed.


    As he settled in bed, he scrolled on his phone and he decided to check on the video he made for Aiden.


    Searching up Aiden''s Tiktalk page, Glutonny, He checked the first video.


    5 Million Views.


    "Not bad," Noah, thought as checked the views.


    Pressing on the video, he checked the likes which reached


    420 thousand.


    The video was considered viral since it has only been hours since it has been uploaded, thements were praising the editing skills and Aiden''s nonchnce.


    "Bro cooked with that video."


    "How is bro acting so nonchnt to the lykan behind him, I wonder if he sees something we don''t."


    "To thement above, I think gluttony can see John Cena. Of course, a Lykan won''t faze him."


    after looking at thements, Noah gave the video a like and left.


    After a while, he slowly drifted into sleep.


    ***


    The next day, Noah did his usual routine and headed downstairs towards the kitchen. His family were already awake, after breakfast with them.


    [Ding! $2,300 has been credited to the ount ending in xx04. Current bnce: $1,046,669]


    [Ding! 500g of Pure Gold has been stored in the inventory]


    Noah took Emily to school. However, this time he did not go to school himself.


    He decided to finally check out the apartment estate he received as a reward for helping Aiden with the viral video.


    [


    An apartment estate]


    Pressing on the icon in the inventory, all the information about the contracts for the apartment estate was revealed to him.


    The estimated price, the location, etc.


    He then went to the parking lot, got on the lykan and headed out.


    Arriving at the apartment estate, Noah looked up at the grand building towering above him.


    The estate was veryrge, its design modern yet ssic, with an eye-catching bnce of ss and stone.


    The building had a distinctive touch with minimalist, high-end details ¨C dark ents along the edges, and ss balconies on each floor.


    There were about eighty apartments spread across twenty floors, each floor with about four spacious apartments.


    The top floor, with floor-to-ceiling windows, appeared reserved for penthouses or perhaps executive suites.


    "I will keep the top floor for me," Noah thought.


    The location couldn''t have been better.


    Right next to a bustling hospital, a good grammar school, and only a few minutes from the city centre.


    Its location screamed convenience at every turn.


    Noah smirked slightly,


    "The system doesn''t y around when rewarding me," He thought.


    The demand here would be sky-high, it was an amazing business opportunity and it was also good for his family.


    "Eighty apartments," he mused, "and in such a prime location¡­ no wonder the estimated value is so high."


    The fact that he owned the entire estate now meant he could do a lot more than just profit from it.


    He decided to check the main lobby, he was met with a modern, sophisticated interior.


    There were small touches of dark oak and marble throughout.


    Plush seating areas dotted the space, giving it an inviting feel despite the upscale aesthetic.


    It was clear that this ce wasn''t just built for living, it was meant to be enjoyed too.


    Making his way to the elevators, he pressed the button and watched the doors glide open with barely a sound.


    "Moving my family here¡­ would be best," he thought.


    The elevator opened directly to the first floor, which housed thergest and most intricately designed apartments in the building.


    Noah stepped out, looking around at therge corridor that led to each of the four units.


    He walked up to one of the apartment doors, opened it, and entered the living area.


    The decor was a harmonious blend of modern minimalism with soft, natural tones. Hardwood floors stretched across the space, giving it warmth, whilerge windows offered a sweeping view of the city skyline.


    Theyout was wless, offering the right amount of privacy and openness.


    The master bedroom alone wasrger than his family''s entire apartment back home, with a private balcony and an en-suite bathroom featuring a walk-in shower and a soaking tub.


    "Emily will definitely im this room her own if she sees it," He thought, with a smile.


    Living here would mean his mom could work close by without the hassle of a longmute, Emily could enrol in the nearby elementary school, and the teahouse was also nearby for his dad.


    Noah walked over to therge balcony and muttered.


    "This will be perfect," he thought.

 Chapter 135 Hospital Visit

    After leaving the apartment, Noah decided to head to the hospital nearby.


    With a smirk on his face, Noah thought, "Time to pay a certain friend a visit."


    Arriving at the hospital, Noah did not ask for directions.


    He knew where he was going.


    As he arrived in front of the room, he entered nonchntly without anyone noticing him.


    As he closed the door behind him, his eyes showed surprise as he saw an olddy holding a cane on the chair sitting next to the unconscious Horace.


    The old woman''s eyes became wide with a startled expression, but she stayed still in her seat and did not turn to look at him.


    She gripped the top of her cane tightly, her frail fingers shaking slightly.


    "Who''s there?" Her voice was low and worn, each word escaping with a slight tremor.


    "Doctor¡­?"


    Noah stood there silently for a moment, observing her, a thoughtful look passing over his face.


    He waved his hand subtly in front of her face. However, she didn''t flinch or react.


    "She is blind." He thought.


    He pressed his lips into a thin line, cleared his throat softly and put on a gentle tone.


    "Hello, madam. I''m just the nurse."


    "I''m not the doctor. However, I''m here to check on Horace per the usual routine," he said casually, careful to keep his voice calm and soothing.


    The old woman nodded slowly, though her movements were marked with that same frail, persistent shake.


    Her whole body seemed to tremble slightly, her posture slumped down by her illness and age.


    She gave him a small, grateful nod.


    "Thank you... I appreciate it," she whispered.


    After pretending to rumble through his notes and perform checks on Horace, Noah finally took a seat on the chair next to her.


    He looked at her, she was a good mother who had stayed by her son''s side, despite everything, despite what little hope remained in her heart.


    "How is he doing, Doctor?" she asked, her voice thick with a mix of worry and resignation.


    She hadn''t quite registered he wasn''t a doctor, just clinging to the title, perhaps because it offered some faintfort.


    Noah sighed, his expression neutral.


    "He''s... the same as before, madam," he replied. "But... how are


    you


    holding up? Do you need anything?"


    Her thin, shaking hands clutched her cane tighter, as if it were the only anchor she had left in her world.


    "I''m alright, thank you," she murmured.


    But the slight catch in her voice betrayed her.


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    It was the answer of someone who had been strong for too long, who had no choice but to be alright because the alternative was despair.


    There was a pause, as Noah watched her, a question lingering on his lips before he finally spoke.


    "Do you... hate the person who did this to your son?"


    The old woman fell silent, her lips pressing together as she considered the question.


    After a long pause, she released a weary sigh.


    "Hate¡­" she began softly, "hate doesn''t quite cover it, but... it''splicated."


    She lowered her head, a single tear slipping down her cheek, trailing through the fine lines on her face.


    "I know my son," she whispered. "Ever since he was a teenager¡­ he was never innocent. I know that."


    Her voice wavered, but she continued. "He''s made mistakes, big ones¡­ he wasn''t an easy child, not an easy man. He''s done things I''m not proud of."


    She took a shuddering breath, looking as if she was reliving memories she would rather forget. "So yes, maybe... maybe he deserved something. Some punishment, some... lesson. But this?"


    Her voice cracked as the tears began to fall more freely.


    "Whoever did this¡­ they''re not just punishing him. They''re punishing me, punishing us." She shook her head slowly, the grief spilling out as she clutched her cane even tighter, knuckles whitening.


    "They should have either let him go or¡­" Her voice trailed off, then hardened slightly, carrying a tone Noah hadn''t heard from her until now. "Or killed him. If he had to suffer for what he''d done, they could have at least spared him and us this endless pain."


    Noah''s expression remained stoic, she wasn''t looking for pity.


    She wasn''t pleading for sympathy. She was simply sharing the weight of her sorrow, a sorrow so deep it was beyond anger, beyond revenge.


    "We can''t keep him here for much longer¡­" Her voice was barely a whisper now.


    "The expenses, they''re too much. Every day he stays here, it takes a bit more of what little we have left. Soon, we won''t have anything left at all."


    She looked away, her sightless eyes fixed on nothing, her voice shaking. "We''ll lose everything, and he will die anyway. Slowly, painfully¡­ and we''ll be left with nothing."


    For a moment, Noah was silent. He looked at the frail woman, her thin shoulders slumped down by a lifetime of suffering and a love that could not abandon her son, even in his darkest days.


    He remained silent for a while, "I see, rest easy madame. I need to go."


    The old woman merely smiled a sad, almost hollow smile that spoke of eptance. "This is my burden," she muttered silently and simply. "A mother''s heart¡­ it doesn''t abandon, no matter what."


    Noah walked out of the hospital room, closing the door softly behind him, leaving the grieving mother and her son in their own quiet but suspended world.


    The corridor stretched out before him, the distant hum of medical equipment filled the silence, faint and detached, just as he felt in that moment.


    He took a slow breath, his face as calm as a sske, every feature on his face showing nothing.


    There was no guilt, no second thoughts.


    His emotions were as smooth and still as his expression.


    This was what he had chosen¡ªa path where weakness, regret, and second-guessing held no ce.


    "I know the future will be worse," He muttered silently.


    He knew it had begun, truly begun. Horace was merely the first ripple in the vast sea of choices he was going to make.


    His choices will soon affect millions, let alone one Horace.

 Chapter 136 Ripple

    This world demanded a heart of steel, power was everything meanwhile having mercy was considered a weakness


    Today, he had affected a family of two, a mother and her deadbeat child.


    But what about tomorrow?


    He would affect more than just one family, and the effect would ripple through lives on a wavelength that many would not like.


    "Breaking now would mean never reaching the top," he thought, his mind sharp and cold.


    If a single family''s pain was enough to shake him, if the sorrow of one old blind woman could make him falter¡­ then he would never make it.


    Noah knew that his ambitions; the power, the status. They all required him to have one goal and only one goal in mind.


    To dominate, and not care about the consequences as long as it didn''t affect him or the people around him.


    His will must be strong and sturdy, like iron. He couldn''t falter, it would only ruin him psychologically.


    "This is the life I chose." He muttered coldly.


    No illusions of being the nice guy, nor any ambitions of being the hero that saved the day.


    He didn''t see himself as the bad guy, but he knew he wasn''t the good one either.


    He was a force in the world, moving in the river of time and following what fate had in store for him, and forces didn''t have the luxury nor time for pity.


    People were bound to get hurt, some more than others¡ªand he had to ept that if he was to keep moving forward.


    This was just the beginning, and he knew it would get worse, messier, more ruthless.


    "It''s a price I''m willing to pay to reach the top."


    He knew others wouldn''t understand, perhaps even despise him. But that didn''t change a thing.


    He pushed open the exit door, stepping into the main road.


    Ding


    His phone buzzed. ncing at the text from an unknown number, he realised it was Adam.


    He had sent him the information of a few housekeepers, and their experience.


    He started reading the CVs of the housekeepers one by one. They were all obviously trustworthy.


    Alfred, a 55-year-old head butler, has 35 years of experience in the field.


    Pennyworth, a 45-year-old butler, has 20 years of experience in the field.


    these two were the best options he found, the sry was not an issue.


    He decided to go with Alfred, he took the contact number and called.


    Ring-ring.


    "Hello?" came a calm and professional voice through the phone.


    "Hello, am I speaking to Alfred?"


    "Yes, sir, I am Alfred. How can I be of assistance?" The voice replied calmly


    "Hello, Alfred. I got your number from a contact of mine who rmended you. I''m looking for a full-time butler to manage my property, I wonder if you are interested" Noah replied.


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    There was a moment of silence, and then Alfred spoke.


    "I understand, sir. Typically, before Imit to any position, I prefer to do a preliminary visit to understand theyout and maintenance requirements of the property."


    "It also helps to discuss essential details such as working hours, residence arrangements, and, of course, sry."


    "That makes sense," Noah replied


    "Actually, there are no other house staff at the moment. I was hoping you might have a team or could help me source reliable staff, as it''s quite arge property that needs upkeep."


    "Certainly, sir," Alfred responded without hesitation. "For arger estate, I typically rmend at least two housekeepers for general cleaning, someone for groundskeeping if there are extensive gardens, and perhaps a chef if daily meals are desired."


    "Rest assured, I can assemble a team suited to your needs if needed."


    "Excellent," Noah said, pleased.


    "Are you free this morning? I''d like us to meet and go over everything in person. We can meet at the mansion, and I''ll show you around."


    "That would work perfectly, sir," Alfred agreed, his voice calm. "I will be there at your designated time."


    Noah nced at his phone to check the time.


    "Good. I''ll send the address. How does an hour from now sound?"


    "Very good, sir. I''ll be there on time," Alfred affirmed.


    After confirming the time, Noah ended the call and sent the address.


    "Adam''s referrals seem to be of high quality, this Alfred is giving me a good vibe. I feel like he would be a good choice." Noah thought as he slipped his phone into his pocket.


    Noah soon arrived at the mansion gates, he quickly told Anderson about the butler who wouldeter to which Anderson nodded in understanding.


    "Mr. Noah, are you looking for housekeepers too? my sister is a housekeeper if you want, maybe you can think about it." Anderson said hesitantly.


    "Sure, send me her CV. I will look into it," Noah added, with a light smile.


    An hourter, a ck car pulled up at the mansion''s gates.


    After identification, Anderson let him in.


    Soon the car arrived at Noah''s mansion.


    Alfred got out of the car and knocked on the door, a minuteter Noah opened the door.


    In front of him was Alfred, he was dressed professionally in a tailored suit, his posture upright, his gaze assessing yet discreet.


    After offering Noah a courteous nod, he greeted with a slight incline of his head, his gaze respectful yet observant.


    "Good morning, sir. Thank you for meeting with me today,"


    "Thank you foring on such short notice, Alfred," Noah replied, gesturing toward the interior of the mansion.


    "Please,e inside. I''ll give you the tour, and you can also get a sense of the workce."


    After nodding his head, Alfred followed him in, his gaze taking in the surroundings.


    As they moved through the main hall, Alfred finally spoke.


    "A fine residence, sir. It appears well-kept, though it''s clear that consistent attention would maintain its¡­ elegance." He looked at Noah with a polite look.


    "Do you entertain others here often, or is it primarily for personal use?"


    "Mainly personal use, but I do n to host on some asions," Noah replied, as he led him through the living room.


    "I''d like the mansion to be ready for both, and I''d also like the gym kept spotless. I use it frequently."


    Alfred nodded.


    "I understand, Sir. I advise that for this property, two housekeepers should be sufficient for its daily care and upkeep. A gardener could also maintain the garden outside."


    "When you do want to host, I would advise you to get an extra temporary staff to ensure that nothing goes wrong, and the property functions as usual during the event."


    "What about your personal preferences, sir? Do you have any specific routines or things you''d like me to oversee?" Alfred asked, his tone attentive.


    "Indeed, I have a few," Noah said, pausing in the kitchen.


    "I want the meals to be prepared at certain times, and the car to be washed daily."


    Alfred nodded, his eyes sweeping the kitchen.


    "I understand, sir. A private chef would ensure quality meals are prepared consistently, and I''d be happy to coordinate schedules to maintain order and efficiency."


    They continued through the hallways, heading toward the gym, where Alfred inspected the setup.


    "The gym could be cleaned at the end of the day, making sure you aren''t disturbed during your workouts," Alfred observed, his tone calm but direct.


    As they returned to the main hall, Noah looked at Alfred. "This is a full-time position, of course, with residence on-site."


    "As for sry, consider it done." Noah added.


    Alfred inclined his head, his gaze unwavering. "Thank you, sir. My preference would be to live on the premises, as it allows me to respond to any needs you may have at any time."


    "Then it''s settled," Noah said, extending his hand with a confident smile. "Wee aboard, Alfred."


    Alfred shook his hand with a slight nod. "Thank you, sir. I look forward to ensuring your estate functions smoothly and upholds the standards you expect."


    "By the way, I only have one housekeeper in mind. You can figure out the rest such as the gardener, the chef and the other housekeeper."


    "No problem sir, I will do as you said."

 Chapter 137 Gold Market

    After signing the contract with Alfred, Noah decided to hit the gym.


    ...


    After finishing his strength session, Noah went outside to do his conditioning.


    "My numbers are slowly increasing," He thought, recalling the increase in the reps he had done.


    As he was finishing his cardio session, Jackson''s number rang.


    "Hello?"


    "What''s up brother Noah, I spoke to my dad and brother about ourst conversation. My dad would like to meet you," Jackson said.


    "Sure thing, where do you want to meet?" Noah replied.


    "Your choice."


    "Alright, Let''s meet at the new wolves house," Noah replied, after a moment of consideration.


    "You mean, the ash wolves?" Jackson replied his tone hesitant.


    "Yes, I mean them."


    After setting up the time for the meet-up, Noah went home and took a cold shower.


    After the shower, he entered the sauna to rx his body, then he took another shower.


    Stepping out of the shower, he dried himself and put on some clothes and headed outside.


    Noah then decided to take an Uber to the city centre, because his Lambo was still in the parking lot. He decided to finally take it out instead of letting it rot inside.


    "Take me to the city centre, around..."


    "Alright, sir." replied the Uber driver.


    ...


    Taking his Lamborghini out of the parking lot, Noah muttered.


    "This is the first reward I''ve gotten, can''t let it get rusty in some random corner in the world," Noah muttered silently, as his fingers tapped on the wheel.


    After around 15 minutes of driving, Noah arrived at the destination.


    Knocking on the door, a man with a bandage on his head opened.


    "WHO THE F¡ª"


    As he was about to curse, he paused looking at the man in front of him with a wide grin on his face.


    "BOSS, FORGIVE ME!"


    He immediately apologised and moved out of the way, with beads of sweat forming on his forehead.


    Looking at Noah''s smirk, he remembered what happened to him the first time he met Noah.


    Noah nodded and entered the house.


    "You need to calm down your emotions, I realised that you are too impulsive," Noah said calmly, as he walked inside.


    "I will boss, I definitely will."


    He replied instantly, he couldn''t make this new boss upset otherwise he couldn''t afford the consequences.


    "Where is Lionel and Leo?" Noah said, ncing around the hallway.


    "BOSS LIONEL! THE FINAL BOSS IS HERE." Find exclusive stories on empire


    The man shouted out loud, making his voice echo throughout the whole house.


    Everyone including Lionel immediately stopped what they were doing and came to the hallway.


    "Boss Noah." They all said at the same time.


    Looking at everyone present, Noah noticed a very familiar face.


    He smiled lightly and said.


    "I''m d you are out, Ryker."


    "T-Thank you, Boss," Ryker replied, with a low tone.


    "Alright everyone, in the next hour a group you are familiar with will arrive. I know that you had your issues in the past, but it''s nothing that can''t be solved."


    "This group will most likely be your teammates from now on, your friends who will back you up in your time of need. I want all of you to put the past behind you, and focus on the present."


    "If you have anyints, raise them up to me and I will decide whether yourint needs to be addressed or your brain."


    "Is everything clear?" Noah questioned, although it was mainly rhetorical.


    Seeing Everyone nodding their head, Noah looked at Ryker and said.


    "Ryker, you are an exception. You have extremely bad blood with the group, so to rpensate them for what you didst time..."


    "You will be at their mercy, either they punish you with something reasonable to the things you have done or they will forgive you."


    "So be prepared to handle punishment if it arrives," Noah added, whilst looking at him in the eyes.


    Ryker nodded his face gloomy.


    "Good, now that everything is clear. Everyone can go back to what they were doing except Lionel, Leo and Ryker."


    "Lead me to a quiet room," Noah said, as everyone started dispersing.


    Lionel nodded, and took noah to the living room.


    "Suarez get out, the boss has a few things he wants to talk about with us." Leo motioned for, the guy napping in the living room.


    Waking up dazed, Suarez quickly nodded and headed out of the living room.


    "Alright, I brought all three of you here because what I''m going to say next is important." Noah spoke, his tone heavy.


    "Ryker, you have two options now. Either you leave before I speak but don''t show your face to me again or this group or you stay here and be part of the group. If you choose to be part of the group, you can''t defy any of my orders."


    "Oh by the way, you are basically stuck with us if you choose to listen. You can''t back out halfway, otherwise... you are dead." Noah added, casually.


    Ryker nodded, without hesitation he said.


    "I will stay, Boss."


    "Good, I like yourck of hesitation." Noah nodded, praising Ryker.


    "Alright, this is what we are going to bring to the market," Noah said, as put his hand into his pocket.


    Sneakily, he took out a 500G bar made of pure gold.


    Putting the bar on the desk, Everyone''s eyes started shining.


    "Is this..." Lionel said, with some hesitation in his voice.


    "Yes, this is a pure gold bar, it weighs 500 grams. It''s not stolen nor does it have any mark whatsoever, so this can be either sold legally or illegally."


    Lionel looked at Noah and said.


    "Boss, can I touch it?"


    "Go ahead," Noah replied, with a smile.


    Holding the bar in his hand, Lionel knew that his new boss wasn''t ying around.


    This wasn''t some counterfeit, nor was it some scam.


    "This is the real deal," He thought, examining the bar.


    "Boss... How many of this can you supply per month?" He asked, expecting noah to say at most five.


    "Thirty for now." Noah said casually.


    "T-Thirty?" Lionel stammered, shocked by the number.

 Chapter 138 Merging

    "T-Thirty?" Lionel stammered, shocked by the number.


    "Boss one of these costs around $40,000, if you can supply thirty of these per month... That''s $1,200,000."


    Leo and Ryker looked at the bar with bloodshot eyes, the bar in front of them was worth $40,000.


    "Boss, I think it''s better if we sell this illegally at a slightly lower price. We will get more customers and it can''t be traced back to us." Lionel said with a low tone.


    "You do what you want, whether you want to do it illegally or legally. You guys can take 10% of the cut and divide it among yourselves based on merit."


    "This isn''t the only way your gang will be making money either, and inform me if anything happens."


    "The money will be handled only in cash obviously, and proceed how you have been doing."


    "Also, I don''t want any of you to overburden any of the family businesses you are charging money from. Otherwise, it will backfire on you and they are too poor anyway."


    "Just take what''s enough, don''t be greedy or it will be your downfall. Make sure to let everyone else know about that, am I clear?"


    "Yes, boss." Lionel nodded, as did the rest.


    "Alright, here is another bar," Noah said.


    cing the bar on the table, he said. "I will supply you every week for now, the schedule might changeter."


    "You can start handling business with these two bars, either you mix them with other metals to reduce the 24 karat which isn''t good for jewellery as you know due to its soft property or you can sell them as they are."


    "You decide," Noah shrugged, "As long as you aren''t losing money, do as you please."


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    Lionel nodded.


    "Alright boss, I will see the demand trend and I will supply based on that."


    Noah and the 3 leaders of the previous Ash Wolves conversed for about an hour.


    "Ding."


    "Seems like they are here," Noah said with a smile.


    "Leo, go bring them here. Be respectful, but don''t show weakness." Noah added.


    "Yes, boss."


    "Proceed like I told you, understood?" Noah said faintly ncing at Lionel and Ryker.


    Seeing them nodding in understanding, Noah just waited for Jackson and the others to arrive.


    "Brother Noah! Meet my dad and my brother." Jackson said, gesturing to the middle-aged man standing beside him.


    The man''s eyes showed curiosity but it was also reserved not being rude.


    Noah rose from the sofa, extending his hand to Jackson''s father with a calm, confident look. "Noah," he introduced, his tone polite but firm not showing weakness.


    Solomon took Noah''s hand, giving it a firm shake. "Solomon. Thank you for everything, Noah. Jackson told me what you did¡­"


    Noah gave a slight nod, his eyes shifting briefly to Ryker, who was standing nearby with an ufortable expression.


    "No need to thank me, Uncle Solomon. It''s all handled," he said, gesturing to the seating area. "Please, let''s sit down. I believe there are a few details we should discuss."


    They all moved toward the sofas, tension quietly mounting as Solomon and his sons settled across from Noah and his group.


    Jack, couldn''t keep his gaze from ring daggers at Ryker. His hands clenched, his jaw set tight as if holding back words waiting to explode.


    "You¡ª" Jack growled, but Jackson calmed him down.


    "Rx," Jackson murmured, though his own eyes were sharp.


    Solomon cleared his throat, changing the topic. "Alright, Noah. Jackson mentioned a¡­ merging of sorts."


    "I''d like to understand the details better."


    "Of course," Noah replied smoothly.


    "The merging is quite simple, both groups will keep their original leadership, with you and Lionel as co-leaders."


    "However, both members of both parties will listen to the co-leaders. For example, a member of Lionel''s group will have to listen to you if you give an order. However, if you and Lionel disagree upon a matter, you have two options."


    "First option, one of you will be followed and he will take the me for the consequences of that order, so if his call was the right one he will rewarded, and if it''s bad he will be punished."


    "Second option, you wait for my verdict on the matter. I advise for the second option, if I can''t be reached at a time then you stick with the first option."


    "I must say, both of you cannot and I mean cannot oppose each other on an option and decide to both do your own thing. One of you must follow the other person, and the other person will be either rewarded or punished based on his action in that scenario."


    Solomon nodded, he thoughtfully asked. "So, you mean both groups would listen to the co-leaders, but final authorityes back to you?"


    "Yes." Noah nodded.


    "And, if we can''t reach you then we muste to an agreement on one option and the proposer of that option will be judged based on the results." He continued.


    "Precisely," Noah confirmed, "Let''s say Lionel gives an order to your men. If it''s straightforward, they''ll follow it. But if it contradicts something you''ve directed, they''ll defer to me for rification. Urgent matters, of course, will prioritize the senior leader present."


    Jack''s eyes narrowed. "And the co-leaders?" he asked. "How are we supposed to handle authority between us?"


    "Good question," Noah said with a slight nod. "You and Jackson would be secondary to Lionel and David, but in the absence of those two, you''ll hold authority over your respective men."


    "My goal is bnce, not division. For example," he continued, "Ryker will take responsibility if anything happens with his team, and the same goes for each of you."


    David leaned back, his gaze drifting to Lionel, who was listening attentively without so much as a hint of interruption.


    "He tamed them," David thought, with a mix of astonishment and surprise.


    "Alright, Noah," David said finally.


    "I''m willing to go forward with this. I can see you know how to lead and keep order." His gaze was calm and serious.


    Noah nodded once, a faint smile of approval on his face. "Excellent."


    He shifted his attention to Ryker, who had been standing silently, head down. "Ryker,e over here," Noahmanded, his tone colder than before.

 Chapter 139 The past settled

    Ryker stepped forward slowly, standing with a tense posture in front of David and next to Noah. His face was slightly pale from anticipation of the iing punishment, and his current condition.


    "Ryker," Noah called out and paused.


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    "You''re being given a second chance. You have done things to the other party that can''t be just ignored, so you will need to make amends."


    "You will ept any reasonable punishment they decide withoutining. Am I clear?"


    Ryker nodded again, "Yes, Boss."


    "He is giving us the green light, albeit we can''t take it too far. He is ..." Thought David, as his expression softened upon looking at Ryker''s injuries.


    Stitches marked Ryker''s face, his arm was immobilized in a sling. Noah had clearly done some significant damage to him.


    David exchanged a look with his sons.


    Shaking his head slightly, he said. "We''re one team now," he said quietly.


    "The past is the past. let bygones be bygones."


    "Besides, it looks like you''ve already taken your fair share of punishment." He added, with a small smile.


    Noah nced at Ryker with an amused look.


    "Seems like they''ve decided to show you mercy Ryker, that''s what you call a true team."


    Ryker turned towards Jackson, David, and Jack.


    "Thank you," he said quietly, nodding to each of them. "I apologize¡­ for everything I did before. We are now one team, one body."


    David nodded his head in acknowledgement.


    "Let''s put it all behind us," He said with a calm expression on his face.


    "Alright, now that we''re clear on that," Noah said with a grin, "We''ve got work to do. We''re in this together now."


    After filling David and his family with the gold situation along with everything else, Noah decided to split the workload.


    He decided that the gold bars would be split evenly between both teams.


    After everything was settled, Noah left the house and headed out.


    "Ring!"


    Noah''s phone rang as he drove, ncing at the caller ID.


    John


    .


    "Hello," Noah said, as his eyes focused on the street ahead.


    "Hello, boss. The renovation of the teahouse has been done, and the store is ready for any further customisation you want."


    "Alright, I will go for an inspection right now," Noah replied, hanging up the phone.


    ...


    Arriving at the location, Noah parked his car on the curb and looked at the shop.


    The logo Snow Moon Teahouse was shining at the top of the shop, giving the shop an elegant, modern but serene look.


    "John really put the best team for this," Noah thought, ncing at the interior of the shop that screamed of luxury and peace.


    The openyout was brilliant, everyone walking by could glimpse into the interior from the street, tempting them with glimpses of its peaceful luxury.


    "The smell of the tea would also help out massively with the marketing for this," Noah, thought as he nodded in satisfaction at the design.


    He rang up John and told him the team had done a good job.


    "Give them a bonus," Noah continued, "Also take the costs of everything rted to this teahouse from my monthly share."


    "Yes, boss," John replied, with an excited tone.


    After Noah hung up the phone, John sighed in relief.


    "I finally made him satisfied with the work," John muttered silently, as he proceeded to do what Noah had instructed.


    Looking at the time, Noah realised that he could pick up Emily.


    He quickly called his parents and told them he would pick her up.


    After parking thembo, he walked to Emily''s school and dropped her off at home.


    After chilling with his parents for a while, Lily texted him.


    "Hello, my dad wants to invite you for dinner today. Are you avable?"


    "Sure, what time," Noah responded.


    "5:30 pm?"


    "Sure, I will be there."


    "It''s in an hour and a half, the drive is about an hour away when there is no traffic. I have thirty minutes to spare." Noah thought.


    He still decided to leave now, because it was around school time. There will be lots of traffic, so it should take him around an hour and a half to get there. Give or take.


    Arriving at the gates, the guards let him in after identifying him since Arthur had already told them.


    As he drove inside theplex, he went past Amelia''s house.


    After parking inside at the entrance of the mansion, Noah stepped out.


    Lily was already waiting for him near the door, with a smile on her face.


    "Good afternoon."


    "Good afternoon, thanks for the invitation," Noah replied with a smile.


    He followed her inside to the living room, where Arthur was waiting for him.


    After greeting each other, Noah sat down at the dinner table that was filled with all kinds of delicacies.


    After finishing dinner, Arthur opened up the business topic with Noah.


    "I have checked the pill as I told you before, after lots of research on its side effects and whatnot. The conclusion was... There is none."


    "Another surprising conclusion was that the pill could not be replicated. The scientists did not understand how the pill was chemically bonded, there are many elements that they don''t know of."


    "Your pill is truly miraculous, you are an absolute genius. Thus, after some careful consideration, I decided to up the stakes."


    "I''m willing to invest $20,000,000 for the same equity as before, 5% only. I will also handle the marketing procedures and I will not intervene in the future of thepany''s direction. I will only give some advice at most, but the decision will always go back to you."


    "What do you think about my offer?" Arthur said, with a smile stered on his face.


    Lily next to her father was shocked by his offer.


    "$20,000,000 for 5% of apany? that''s 4 million for just 1%. Thispany hasn''t even been opened officially."


    "I can understand why he thinks so highly of the product, but is it really worth the risk? Especially with Noah directing thepany."


    Noah looked at Arthur for a second.


    "I-"

 Chapter 140 Business Partner

    "I ept your deal," Noah replied, getting up from the sofa and offering Arthur a handshake.


    Arthur''s smile beamed, as he got up from his seat and returned a firm handshake.


    "It''s my pleasure to be your partner," Arthur said, his smile covering his face.


    "Likewise," Noah replied.


    "I will register thepany tomorrow, you can make the contract in the meantime and send it to me via email." Noah said.


    Arthur nodded, "Alright, I will send it to you."


    "You are invited to my teahouse opening ceremony, tomorrow noon time."


    "Of course, I will be there. Only if you prepare some boxes for me." Arthur joked with a light smile.


    "That''s natural," Noah chuckled.


    "Talking about the teahouse, I would like to partner with you at some point regarding selling your product. What do you think?"


    "No problem. I will check how the quantity output will be per month, then I will let you know."


    After conversing for a while, Noah excused himself after thanking them for the dinner. Discover exclusive tales at empire


    On the way back, he decided to visit Amelia''s house. After pulling up, Noah greeted the guards.


    Soon enough, Amelia opened the door with a smile on her face.


    "The guards told me you are here, howe you didn''t text me?" she said with a smile.


    "I was nearby so I decided to pay you a visit. I also need to y a game of chess with the old man, I promised him before."


    "Is he at home?" Noah asked.


    "No, ever since he was cured he was always out and about. After all, the sickness had kept in the house for too long so he got sick of staying at home."


    "Understandable, well... let him know that I invited him and Uncle Adam for my teahouse opening tomorrow at noon."


    "You are opening the teahouse tomorrow? Can Ie?"


    "Of course, just make sure you hide your beauty, otherwise you will steal all the limelight."


    Blushing, she quickly changed the topic.


    "So¡­ Do you want to head inside or ¡­" She said hesitantly.


    "No, I wanted to ask you something."


    "What is it?" She asked curiously, with her head tilted.


    "I need a new gaming PC, so I came here to ask if you could help me pick up some good set-up and parts."


    "What do you think?" He asked with a smile.


    "O-Of Course." She stuttered.


    "Do you want to buy it online or in person" She asked, with her earlier blush deepening.


    "Preferably, in person."


    "Alright, want to go now?" she asked.


    Nodding his head, he said.


    "Only if you are free, ask Uncle Adam too." He said.


    "Yes I''m free," She quickly nodded her head enthusiastically.


    "Do you want to wait inside?" She asked, looking at him shyly.


    "Sure," He nodded.


    After settling in the living room, Noah started scrolling on his phone out of boredom whilst Amelia got ready.


    After around 5 minutes Amelia came into the living room.


    "You are done already?" Noah asked curiously.


    "Yup, Why are you so surprised?" She chuckled.


    "I thought you would take a little longer, to get ready," Noah said, shrugging.


    " I don''t really put my make-up on, so I''m quite quick when getting ready"


    After heading out, Amelia''s eyes widened as they approached the ck Lamborghini parked in her driveway.


    She tilted her head, a curious look on her face.


    "Is that a new car?" she asked, admiring the car''s glossy exterior.


    Noah shook his head, smiling.


    "No, I had this one before the Lykan. It''s been sitting around for a while, so I figured I''d take it out for a spin to make sure the engine remains in good condition."


    She nodded, running her fingers lightly over the smooth hood before sliding into the passenger seat.


    The car roared to life as they pulled out, and soon they were heading toward the city mall.


    After a short drive filled with soft background music, they arrived at the mall and made their way to a store specializing in high-end PCponents.


    Inside, rows upon rows of sleekputer parts were on disy, inside protected barriers.


    Noah turned to Amelia with a yful smile. "Alright, guru. Where should we start?"


    Amelia grinned, feeling in her element.


    "Let''s start with the GPU. If you''re serious about gaming, you''ll want something top-of-the-line."


    She scanned the disy cases, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she spotted what she was looking for.


    "Here we go¡ªthe RTXI 4090," she said, gesturing toward the big graphics card.


    "It''s currently one of the best on the market for gaming and even heavy tasks like rendering and video editing."


    "It has an incredible memory size, perfect for running high-resolution games at max settings."


    Noah raised an eyebrow, impressed. "Sounds like a monster of a card."


    "Alright, what''s next?"


    She thought for a moment, moving along the aisle with him.


    "CPU," she muttered. "You''ll want something thatplements the power of the RTX 4090. Let''s go with the IntelI i9-13900K."


    "It''s important to get something thatplements the RTX 4090, because of something called the bottle-neck."


    "A bottleneck happens when one part of your PC is much slower than the others, limiting the performance of the entire system."


    "For example, if you have a very powerful graphics card, like the RTX 4090, but your CPU isn''t as strong, the CPU won''t be able to keep up with the demands of the graphics card."


    "This creates a "bottleneck," where the graphics card can''t perform at its full potential because it''s waiting on the slower CPU."


    "This means that your performance will no longer be generated based on the strength of your graphics card, it will be generated from your CPU which is much weaker."


    "To avoid this, all parts of yourputer need to be well-matched in terms of performance. "


    "I see," Noah nodded, listening.


    Amelia picked up the CPU box, showing it to him. "This one here has a fantastic bnce of speed and efficiency. It can handle demanding games, and if you ever want to stream, it''ll manage multitasking without any issues."


    Noah nodded thoughtfully, inspecting the box. "This makes sense."

 Chapter 141 Pc Parts

    Nodding with a light chuckle, she said.


    "It does! The parts must work in synergy. Otherwise, you will end up with an inefficient system that causes you tog in games, and underperform heavily."


    "Now, we need to move on to cooling. Considering the power of these parts, a liquid cooler would be the best option to prevent overheating and burning of your graphics card."


    Amelia looked around, then picked up a sleek, RGB-lit liquid cooler.


    "This one will keep the CPU running at a cool temperature, plus it will add some aesthetics to the build. What do you think?" She asked him for his opinion.


    "Yeah, I agree. It will look great," Noah replied, nodding his head.


    She giggled lightly, leading him to the next section¡ª Storage.


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    "There are two types of storage, HDD and SSD. HDD is the type of storage my granddad would have been using in the early 90s. So we will opt out for the SSD." She chuckled, "I still can''t believe people willingly buy HDD."


    "It''s like buying an old Nokia phone when you could buy an iPhone for the same price."


    "Anyway, SSD is amazing for storage and its speed. It loads up games very quickly, and you will not have any issues with your PC being slow."


    Picking up an SSD box, she said. " This 2TB NVME SSD should be plenty, and it''s lightning fast."


    "We can always add more storageter on anyway, so it''s okay."


    Noah''s mouth twitched lightly.


    "Are you sure you don''t do this for a living?"


    She chuckled, giving him a yful nudge.


    "Hey! Are you calling me a nerd? It''s just a hobby of mine." She pouted


    But quickly forgot about it, as she spotted her next prey.


    "Our next part is RAM, we''ll go with 64 GB DDR5 to make sure you''re set for any future games and updates. Although it''s not necessary, you''ve got the money... so why not?" She chuckled, lightly.


    "You are killing my pockets," Noah teased, as he opened the edge of his empty wallet.


    He gave an exaggerated sigh, holding it open to reveal a few lone receipts and coins.


    Sighing in exaggeration, he held it open to reveal a few coins and buttons.


    "See that? It''s all rumours that I''m rich. Reality proves otherwise."


    Sheughed at his little act and said.


    "Alright, alright. I will pay for it, happy?" She chuckled.


    "Sigh, it seems like I will just borrow some money from a friend of mine. I can''t let you pick my parts and pay for them," He exaggerated.


    She rolled her eyes at him, then proceeded to the final touches of the PC.


    "Our next part is the case, It''s important you get a case that is big enough for your PC. Since your graphics card is an RTXI 4090, we need arge case. Since the card is quite big, you don''t want to damage it because the case is too small."


    Noah picked a white case since it matched the aesthetics of everything else including the RGB.


    "Good choice," She nodded her head as if she was proud of him for picking white.


    After picking the case, Amelia chose a good motherboard and a few other things to finally finish the PC.


    Looking at all the parts, Amelia nodded, a satisfied look on her face. "That''s it! With this setup, you can run any game avable in the market."


    "It will alsost you years toe, so consider it an investment."


    "Thanks for the help, Amelia. I appreciate it," He shed a light smile.


    Blushing lightly, she joked.


    "If you really appreciate it, you o-owe me some gaming time on this setup when it''s ready." She stammered, feeling shy about the request.


    Smiling at her, Noah nodded.


    "Of course, that was my original n, to begin with. You are my duo after all." He smiled.


    "O-Okay, do you have the other parts of the set-up ready yet?"


    Noah shook his head, in rejection.


    "I do not, I was nning on asking you about that."


    She nodded, her eyes darting a few aisles further.


    "Okay, we will need to buy you a few things. Let''s go." She gestured with her hand.


    "First thing, let''s buy you a monitor. Your PC is a monster, so the monitor should also be a monster in its own right."


    "For the monitor, we are looking at two qualities, the resolution which is the pixels or how clear you can see it, and the hertz."


    "Resolution is important for games that are heavily based on its graphics and such, like CyberBunk 2077 or RDR3. Hertz is important forpetitive gaming, as it gives you an edge over the others since your game will be much smoother."


    Noah nodded, he already knew this but he decided to let her enter the zone.


    "She is enjoying herself," He thought.


    After looking around for a while, she picked 2 monitors for him.


    The first one was a 4k resolution monitor, with a lower refresh rate and the second one was a 1080p monitor but with 520hz.


    "Unfortunately, technology is not advanced enough yet, to have both of these features in one monitor." She shrugged.


    "So we just get both. Use each one for what it does best, and you''ll have all the bases covered." She added, a small smile appearing.


    Their next stop was the misceneous, Noah bought a mechanical keyboard, arge mousepad and a gaming mouse.


    After settling everything, Noah went to the cashier to pay.


    The cashier scanned each item, the total climbing higher and higher as the beeps continued.


    "Beep. Item scanned."


    Finally, with onest beep, the register disyed the damage. A number that felt like it could pay a month''s rent in a luxurious apartment.


    The cashier blinked, his voice struggling not to sound strangled. "That''ll be¡­uh¡­" He cleared his throat, finally managing to get it out. "$8,783. Cash or card?"


    The cashier stole a quick nce at Amelia watching the total with a knowing smile. The cashier clenched his jaw, forcing a polite smile as he imagined Noah''s life.


    A rich kid with a killer PC, a girl who broke the charts by his side, and not a care in the world except for how fast his games could run.


    ncing at the total, he muttered silently.


    "If only I had Daddy''s money too. Instead, all I got was that invisible bottle of milk he left to grab 25 years ago."


    Noah handed over his card, not even a flicker of hesitation crossing his face. The cashier fought to keep the bitterness off his face as he swiped it, sighing inwardly.

 Chapter 142 Set up Complete

    "Ding! Payment Sucessfull."


    "Please remove your card,"


    "Thank you for shopping at our store, we hope you had a good time." The cashier said enthusiastically, although on the inside he was burning from jealousy.


    Noah nodded at him and said I want to tip you.


    "Thank you so much sir, for your generosity." The man immediately became excited.


    "He is rich, he will tip me a good amount." He thought, with a grin forming in the back of his mind.


    "This is a tip, for your exceptional service." Noah smiled, handing him the dor note.


    The cashier maintained his fake smile, as he raged on the inside.


    "You bastard, you spent more than $8,000 on a PC..." He thought, "But you can''t seem to be generous enough to tip more than $1."


    "Thank you for your generous tip," He said, with his mouth twitching slightly.


    "You are wee," Noah said, as he turned around and left with Amelia.


    Outside the store, Amelia looked at Noah curiously.


    "Why did you only tip him one dor?" She asked curiously.


    Noah chuckled. "I knew he expected a big tip, so I decided to have a little fun."


    "Evil," she giggled, shaking her head. "You enjoy messing with people."


    "Only the ones who need a reality check, he was giving me a few looks I didn''t like," he replied, a smirk ying on his lips.


    Looking at his grin, Amelia chuckled.


    "You are like a little viin,"


    "Little?" He replied, his mind going to a certain figure.


    She nodded her head, "Yeah, just a little."


    He looked at her silently, notmenting on herst reply.


    As he loaded up the parts into the car, the parts barely fit inside.


    "I need to buy an SUV, this is bing a constant issue." Noah thought as he closed the trunk.


    "So, do you want to eat anything?" Noah asked, as he changed gears and started driving.


    "I''m actually kind of full, I can''t do a main meal right now." She said, shaking her head.


    "Let''s grab some dessert then," Noah grinned, as he sped up.


    "Sure," She smiled warmly, as she stared at the city.


    Dropping by a famous cake shop in the city, Noah parked at the curb and got out. He turned to Amelia with a smile.


    "Wait here, I''ll get something for you," he said, offering a small smile.


    She nodded, her curiosity piqued as he stepped out of the car and entered the shop.


    A happy-faced worker greeted him professionally.


    "How can I help you, sir?"


    "Could you pack me two rainbow cakes with custard on top, and one velvet cake, to go."


    "Right away," she replied cheerfully, as she prepared the order.


    "That''ll be $20, sir. Cash or card?" She said handing him the bag.


    "Card." Noah took out his card and swiped it across the reader.


    "Ding! Payment sessful."


    The cashier handed him the bag with a polite smile. "Thank you for shopping with us! Hope you enjoy."


    Climbing back into the car, he ced the bag next to Amelia.


    "Let me park somewhere nice, I know a spot," he said, giving her a mischievous look.


    ncing curiously at the bag, she said.


    "Okay, now I''m really curious about what you got."


    "You''ll find out soon."


    Arriving near a bridge, the area was peaceful, with a parking lot overlooking the calm river.


    As dusk settled in, the lights from the distant skyscrapers reflected off the water, giving the area a serene glow.


    Stepping out of the car, Amelia''s eyes dted.


    "Wow," she whispered, clearly mesmerized by the view.


    Noah watched her with a quiet smile. "Beautiful, right?"


    Nodding her head, she said.


    "This is¡­ breathtaking." Her voice was soft as she took in the full view.


    ncing at her expression which was a mix of wonder and delight.


    Noah pulled the bag from the car and handed her one of the boxes.


    "Here you go. Thank meter," He grinned.


    She opened it, revealing theyers of rainbow cake topped with a creamy custard. Her face lit up with surprise and happiness.


    "You remembered!" she said, looking at him with aplicated look.


    "Did I? I just bought the first one I saw, to be honest." He said, scratching the back of his head as if unsure.


    She rolled her eyes at him, but her gaze was still soft.


    She took a small bite, her eyes closing for a second as the cake melted in her mouth with the vours exploding.


    "This is amazing, and with the custard? It''s perfect."


    After they finished the cake, Noah nced at her as he packed up.


    "Want to go for a walk along the river?"


    She nodded eagerly, her eyes still reflecting the lights dancing on the water.


    "I''d love that."


    As they walked, Noah decided to ask her.


    "So what do you think about the whole bing a streamer thing? " He asked, while his gaze remained on the flowing river.


    "I have thought about it for quite a while now, initially I was quite worried about how people would see me."


    "But after thinking about it deeply, I thought that maybe I should do it without any facecam. That way, I won''t have a problem... you know." She said, her voice almost a whisper.


    Nodding his head, he replied.


    "I agree, I also wanted to advise you to do that. But yeah, honestly you will do great." Enjoy exclusive content from empire


    "I''m sure people will like you for who you truly are," He said looking at her eyes that were gleaming in the dark.


    "Mnm, I hope so too." She whispered silently, her heart warm from Noah''s words.


    "Do you have an idea of when you will start?"


    "Nope, I''m still quite scared. But maybe in the uing week or so, I will give it a try." She said, clenching her delicate hand into a fist.


    "Alright, let me know when you do that. I want to be there for you." He said, his tone warm.


    ...


    Pulling up at her mansion, Noah dropped her off with a smile on his face.


    "Thank you for the help, I will let you know when I set this bad boy up," Noah said as he nced at the PC parts.


    "No problem, thank you for tonight too. I had lots of fun," She added with a warm smile, as she stared into his eyes.


    Seeing him stare so intensely, she quickly diverted her eyes and got out.


    "Okay! See you." She quickly said as she waved at him before running off.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 144 Teahouse Opening!

    Soon the next day came in¡­


    The rays of the sun prated the window,nding on Noah''s face. He frowned and moved his hands to cover his face.


    [Ding! $2,300 has been credited to the ount ending in xx04. Current bnce: $1,048,969]


    [Ding! 500g of Pure Gold has been stored in the inventory]


    After checking the system''s notification, Noah up from bed.


    After doing around a minute of morning stretches, he headed to the bathroom.


    He brushed his teeth, washed his face and did his daily routine.


    He then grabbed a gym towel, ced it on his shoulder and headed to the gym.


    "That was refreshing," Noah muttered silently, wiping off the sweat from his face.


    He had done his strength and conditioning early in the morning because the day would be long. It took him around an hour and a half to finish the session.


    He headed towards the shower, while today''s ns were in his head.


    ...


    Noah finished his shower quickly. Feeling refreshed after the shower, he quickly got dressed and left.


    He grabbed his keys off the table, double-checking to ensure he had everything, and then headed out toward his restaurant.


    Arriving at the restaurant, he found it busier than usual. He took in the atmosphere for a moment, nodding in approval, before heading inside.


    "Get me some english breakfast With some tea, thank you," he requested as he closed the menu, handing it over.


    "Yes, boss. It''ll be ready soon," the server replied, writing down his order.


    After a few minutes, his breakfast arrived, perfectly arranged on the te.


    The English breakfast was a ssic. It contained a generous portion of savoury sausages which sat, beside the golden hash browns, perfectly poached eggs, saut¨¦ed mushrooms, and a small bowl of baked beans.


    The tea was a light Earl Grey, steeped just enough to bring out its citrusy aroma.


    "I need to introduce my tea to the restaurant, it will further boost both brands," He thought, in his mind as he started eating.


    Finishing his meal, he set down his napkin and got up.


    He nced around for a moment, then decided to head into the kitchen to say hello to his mother, who was working that morning.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Pushing open the door, he found her slicing vegetables.


    "Noah?" she eximed, looking up with surprise as he entered.


    "What are you doing here?"


    "Just thought I''d stop by and say hello since I was nearby," he replied casually, giving her a warm smile.


    She set down her knife, wiping her hands on her apron.


    "Awe, sweetheart. You didn''t have to do that" She said with a warm smile on her face.


    Noah smiled back, "When do you finish today?"


    "Hmm, I finish quite early today, around 1 pm." She said, after some contemtion.


    "Why do you need anything?" She asked curiously.


    "No, it''s just that we are opening the teahouse today. I was wondering if you would like toe?" He said, shaking his head slightly.


    "We will open it at around 2 pm." He added


    "Oh really? Of course, I will be there."


    "Are you going to meet up with your dad?"


    "Yeah, I''ll be heading back home soon."


    She grinned, her excitement barely contained. "I''m so proud of you, honey. You have been working hard."


    "Thanks, Mom," he replied, his voice warm with sincerity.


    "Well, I better get back to work. Can''t have customers waiting," she said, picking up her knife again. "See youter, sweetheart."


    "See you soon," he replied, giving her a small wave before stepping back out of the kitchen.


    The workers did notin or say anything, including the head chef.


    This slightly surprised Caroline, but she shrugged it off and continued working thinking it was normal.


    Noah parked his car and ordered an Uber to take him to a dealership.


    "It''s finally time to get an SUV," he thought, getting into the car and closing the door behind him.


    Thirty minutester, he arrived at the Merc dealership, stepping out of the Uber and taking in the gleaming showroom ahead.


    Through the ss windows, he could see rows of pristine SUVs, coupes, and convertibles, all polished and ready for potential buyers.


    As he stepped inside, a young woman with a warm smile and professional demeanour quickly approached him.


    "Wee to the Merc-Benz dealership, sir," she greeted him, her eyes subtly noting his Hermes suit and confident posture.


    "Do you have an appointment with us today?"


    "No, I don''t," Noah replied, offering a polite smile back.


    "No problem at all, sir," she replied smoothly. "Is there a particr model you''re interested in, or would you like an overview of our models?"


    "I''m specifically looking for an SUV," he said, ncing around the showroom. "My priorities are size andfort, mostly. I have a few models in mind, the G-ss, the GLE, and the GLC."


    "Excellent choices," she said, her enthusiasm evident in her voice.


    "Why don''t I show you each one? We can go over the specifications, options, and pricing. This way, you''ll get a better idea of which one suits your needs."


    "This here is the Mercedes-Benz GLE," she began. "It''s incredibly spacious andfortable, especially for city driving or long road trips. This is the 2025 model and has been updated with a hybrid engine option."


    Noah raised an eyebrow. "Hybrid, huh? What kind of power are we talking about?"


    "The GLE offers a 3.0-liter inline-six engine with an electric motor boost, which brings it to around 429 horsepower," she exined.


    "It''s a bit lighter than the G-ss and slightly more fuel-efficient due to its hybrid build."


    "Interior-wise, you still get premium leather and an advanced infotainment system simr to the G-ss, but it has a smoother, more modern design."


    He nodded, ncing inside.


    "The base model starts around $80,000," she replied. "A fully equipped version with all the premium packages would cost closer to $120,000. And, of course, any additional customizations you want, would be added to that."


    "Alright. What about the GLC?"


    She smiled, moving him over to a smaller, morepact but equally luxurious SUV in a stunning deep blue finish.


    "Here''s the Mercedes-Benz GLC," she said. "It''s a smaller option,pared to the other two models you are interested in. But still veryfortable, with a more city-friendly design."


    "Under the hood, we''re looking at a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine with around 255 horsepower," she continued.


    "It''s more fuel-efficient than the others and very easy to control, making it a great choice if you''re mostly driving in urban areas."


    "The base model starts around $60,000," she replied. "And the fully loaded version with all customizations would run closer to $85,000."


    "Okay. Lead me to the G-ss."


    "Sure," She nodded.

 Chapter 145 Teahouse Opening (2)

    As they walked, he soon noticed a fully ck, G-ss model which looked menacing.


    "Alright, here we have the Mercedes G-ss," she began, gesturing towards it.


    "This one is our 2025 edition, fully loaded with everyfort and off-road feature you could think of."


    "Under the hood, this one has a 4.0-liter V8 bi-turbo engine, giving you about 577 horsepower."


    "It''s built for all kinds of terrains, perfect for rough terrains or city driving."


    "The interior is quite spacious, with premium leather seats, and the tech package includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen, voice activation, and customizable ambient lighting."


    "Thefort of the passenger is heavily emphasised in this model, with the premium leather used on the seats and thetest technology used in the car."


    "This modeles with everything from adaptive cruise control andne-keeping assist to blind-spot detection and a 360-degree camera. It''s considered one of the safest cars we offer."


    "For the base model, you''re looking at around $140,000," she replied, then added, "But with the fully loaded version like this, plus any custom modifications, it can go up to around $200,000."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Noah nodded, his expression resolute. "I''ll go with the G-ss. Do you have any avable today?"


    The saleswoman''s smile froze momentarily as she processed his request. "Yes, sir, we do have one avable in the store right now. However¡­" she hesitated, her voice slightly lower.


    "What''s the issue?" Noah asked, raising an eyebrow.


    "The SUV is equipped with the maximum customization package, meaning it''s at the highest price point¡­" she trailed off, expecting him to reconsider.


    Noah''s lips curved in a slight smile. "Is that the problem?"


    She nodded, her expression a bit uncertain. "Yes, sir."


    "What colour is it?" he inquired, his expression unfazed.


    "It''s ck, sir."


    "A ssic colour, very popr with this model."


    "Perfect," he replied. "Make me a contract. I want the car."


    The saleswoman blinked, caught off guard. "I se¨Cwait, what?"


    She stammered slightly, having expected a different reaction.


    Most customers would hesitate at the price of a fully customized G-ss, even if they had the money.


    Noah maintained his calm smile. "I said I want the car. Please prepare it for me."


    Realizing he was serious, she straightened up, a bit flustered but clearly excited.


    "A-alright, sir. Please follow me to the office to finalize the paperwork."


    They walked towards the ss-walled office.


    The woman quickly gathered all necessary documents, printed out the contract and arranged everything neatly before sliding it across the desk for Noah to sign.


    "This includes all standard warranties, maintenance, and roadside assistance," she said, her voice now steady and professional.


    "Your purchase includes our premium service package as well, so you''ll have ess to all maintenance appointments and car washes whenever you''d like."


    Noah signed the papers and handed them back to her.


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    "Here''s the payment device, sir," she said, handing over the card reader. "The final price is $204,499."


    Noah didn''t even blink as he pulled out his card, swiping it across the reader.


    "Ding! Payment Sessful." The machine confirmed.


    "Thank you, sir." She practically beamed, unable to hide her excitement. It was a significant sale for her, and hermission was more than she''d made in two monthsbined.


    Noticing her excitement, Noah simply nodded, pleased by the efficient process.


    "Sir, the car will be ready for you in about 20 minutes," she said, her tone respectful yet enthusiastic. "Please bear with us while we prepare it. In the meantime, would you like a drink? Coffee? Tea?"


    "Just water, thank you."


    "Right away, sir," she replied, almost dashing off before returning a momentter with a chilled ss of water, which she set on the table before him.


    Twenty minutester, the saleswoman reappeared, her face bright.


    "Your G-ss is ready, sir."


    "Alright." Noah stood up, ready to see his new car.


    "Let me show you to it," she said, leading him outside where the G-ss stood in all its glossy, ck colour.


    The vehicle''s, imposing build radiated luxury and power making all the other cars around hide in its shadow.


    "Let''s get in the car, and set up a few things," She said, as she opened the door and entered.


    "You can put on Spotify, navigation and various other apps in the touchscreen through the cary."


    She connected Noah''s phone to the car''s Merc app, exining the various features.


    "Alright, here''s the app where you can ess everything you need. You can remotely lock or unlock the car, check the fuel level, schedule maintenance, and even track the car''s location in real-time." She tapped a few more buttons.


    "And if you ever get stuck, the handbook is also avable here." She pulled up the digital manual, showing him how to navigate it.


    Noah nodded, "Convenient," he replied.


    After the setup wasplete, he turned to her, a small smile of appreciation on his face. "Thanks for your help with everything."


    The saleswoman hesitated for a brief moment, ncing at him before she spoke. "Sir¡­" She swallowed slightly, then went on, "Would you mind if I, um¡­ Could I have your number?"


    Noah raised an eyebrow.


    "My number?"


    She quickly waved her hands, her face turning slightly pink. "Oh! Not for¡­ Not for anything personal, of course," she said, her voiceced with nervousughter. "Just, you know¡­ in case you need any help with the car or if there''s something you need rified."


    Realizing her intention, Noah nodded slowly, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Ah, I see. That''s fine, if I need any help, I''lle straight here. Thanks, though."


    Her smile flickered slightly, the disappointment was momentarily visible before sheposed herself.


    "I see¡­ Well, alright then. Have a safe drive, Mr. Thompson."


    "Thanks," Noah replied, giving her a brief nod before slipping into the driver''s seat.


    As he pulled away, he caught a glimpse of her through the rearview mirror, standing by the curb, her expression wistful as she watched him drive off.

 Chapter 146 Teahouse Opening (3)

    Soon he arrived at his parent''s house, this time he did not park the car away but near the curb of the house.


    Opening the door, he found no one inside the living room.


    "Dad! Hello!"


    The house was quiet, ncing around he found nothing suspicious.


    Slowly making his way whilst calling for his dad, he heard a shout.


    "Noah! I''m showering! I can''t hear you well," His dad shouted, from inside the bathroom.


    Sighing in relief, he went back to the living room and waited for his dad to finish.


    The bathroom door creaked open, and David stepped out, rubbing his damp hair with a towel.


    His pyjamas hung loosely around his body.


    "Noah?" David looked up, eyebrows raised in surprise. "What are you doing here so early?"


    Noah grinned, barely holding back his excitement.


    "I''m here to pick you up."


    David gave him a puzzled look, still rubbing at his hair.


    "Pick me up? For what?"


    "We''re opening the teahouse today!" Noah''s grin widened.


    David''s eyes went wide, and the towel slipped from his head, falling to the floor. He scrambled to pick it up, looking flustered.


    "What! Today? When did you decide this? Who''sing?"


    Noah chuckled, taking his time to respond to his father''s questions.


    "Just a few businessmen¡ªconnections me and my friend made along the way."


    "There''ll be some journalists too, for the media coverage. Figured I''d get you all set up in a sharp suit, make sure you''re ready for the big day."


    David blinked, taking it all in.


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    "Wait¡­ What media coverage? Journalists? Businessmen? You''re putting me on the spot here!"


    "Well, someone''s gotta be the face of the ce," Noah teased.


    "Might as well be you, right?"


    David shook his head, chuckling nervously.


    "Me? Why me? It''s your teahouse, Noah, not mine. I''m just¡­ I don''t think I''m cut out to be the face of anything."


    Noah patted his father''s shoulder. "You''re perfect for it, Dad. Besides, having you as the face of the ce broadens our reach. Tea is your speciality, after all."


    David seemed to pause, processing his son''s words before a gentle smile broke.


    "Well¡­ if you say so. But still, I''m not sure about being in front of cameras."


    "You''ll be fine," Noah said,ughing lightly.


    David looked at him sceptically but nodded in agreement. "Alright, alright. Let''s just get on with it."


    "We don''t have much time left." He began to head back to his room.


    "I''ll just change out of these pyjamas real quick¡­"


    Noah held up a hand, stopping him in his tracks.


    "No need, Dad. You''re just going to put on the suit at the shop anyway. Might as well go like that."


    David nced down at his pyjamas, then back at Noah,ughing. "Going out in my pyjamas? Alright,"


    The two made their way to the front door, and as they stepped outside, David''s eyesnded on a menacing ck G-ss parked on the curb, its aura standing out on the street. His mouth dropped open.


    "What in the world? Did someone in the neighbourhood win the lottery?" He looked around, bewildered. "Who drives something like that around here?"


    Noah''s smirk gave him away. "That would be you, Dad. You''re the lucky one today."


    David turned to him slowly, eyebrows furrowing in suspicion. "You¡­ you''re telling me that''s your car?"


    Noah chuckled, shaking his head. "Not quite. I''m not that rich yet. It''s my friend''s car. He lent it to me for the day since, you know, it''s a special asion and all."


    David let out a low whistle. "Your friend, huh? This is some good friend you got."


    "Only the best for today," Noah said, grinning as he hit the key fob, and the car unlocked with a soft beep.


    David gave him a look of amazement, but Noah just gestured to the passenger door. "After you, Dad."


    David slid into the leather seats, ncing around the interior with wide eyes.


    "This is insane. I don''t even know what to touch."


    He ran his hand over the dashboard, feeling the smooth leather, and the polished luxurious wood.


    "Do people really drive these every day? It''s like a spaceship."


    Noahughed, getting in beside him. "Yeah, some people do. When the teahouse takes off, you will be driving one too."


    David''s face softened as he leaned back, watching his son with a look of admiration.


    "You''vee a long way, Son."


    Noah met his father''s gaze, his grin softening to a smile.


    "There is still a long way to go," He muttered silently, as he thought about the main quest.


    David nodded, a glimmer of pride shining in his eyes as he settled into the seat, still checking out at the car.


    "Alright, let''s go. But don''t get too used to all this luxury, okay? you are only driving this temporarily."


    Noahughed.


    "Wouldn''t dream of it. How could I forget the daily beans and toast."


    He started the engine, and the soft purr of the G-ss entered their ears as they pulled away.


    Their stop was the mall around 20 minutes away.


    As the G-ss came to a smooth stop outside the mall, Noah''s quick, graceful parking made his dad look at him in shock.


    "How did you learn to drive so well? That was good." He asked curiously.


    Noah shed a smile. "Dad, seriously? I''m your son. Driving is in the genes."


    Davidughed, giving his son a yful nudge. "Alright, fair enough."


    They exited the car and locked it, heading into the mall. Noah walked with his father towards the Armani store, but David''s hand suddenly reached out, stopping him.


    "Wait, where do you think you are going?" David asked, eyeing the Giorgio Armani sign above them with visible hesitation.


    "Do you even know how expensive this ce is? Those suits cost around a thousand dors! We don''t need anything that fancy."


    "Dad," Noah chuckled, patting his father''s shoulder reassuringly, "we''ve got enough for a nice suit."


    "Besides, you know that first impressions are everything¡ªyou''re going to be representing the teahouse. We need you to look sharp and sophisticated."


    David''s eyes softened, though he still looked hesitant. "Alright, but only if you let me pay you backter."


    "Sure, Dad, sure," Noah replied with a light chuckle.


    Once inside, Noah and his father began looking through racks. Noah leaned in, ncing at his dad.


    "So, what colour are you thinking? ck? Gray? Maybe a dark blue?"


    David''s eyes lit up as he ran his hand over a sleek, ck suit.


    "ck," he said firmly. "Formal and ssic. You can''t go wrong with that."


    Noah smiled and called over an assistant. A well-dressed man approached, offering a polite nod.


    "How can I help you, sir?"


    "We''re looking for a ck suit for this gentleman," Noah said, gesturing to his dad. "Something formal and ssic, suitable for big events."


    David gave his son a slight nudge, smirking at Noah''s yful tone, but the assistant merely nodded, showing them the options they had avable.


    After showing them several styles, David stopped at one, admiring its sharp cut and elegant finish.


    "This is the one," he said, touching the fabric. "How much does it cost?"


    The assistant smiled. "This suit is priced at $899, but with our ongoing discount, it''lle to just $799."


    David let out a reluctant sigh but nodded, his gaze flitting back to the suit. "Alright¡­ It''s a good deal."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Thanks, Noah."


    Noah smiled, handing over his card to the assistant. "It''s not a good deal... it''s a steal, Dad. We''re definitely getting this one."


    Watching his son handle the payment, David''s face was a mix of appreciation, gratitude, and a tinge of hesitation.


    "Thanks, son," he said softly, his voice a little choked. "You really didn''t have to do this¡­"


    "This is nothing, Dad," Noah replied, looking his father squarely in the eye. "Compared to what you and Mom have done for me? Even if I gave you the whole world, I still wouldn''t be able to repay you."


    David''s eyes misted slightly, and he turned his face away, clearing his throat. Noah noticed, but he chose to act oblivious, respecting his father''s quiet dignity.


    "Alright, suit down. Next stop¡­" Noah nced around. "The barbershop, of course."


    Arriving at the barbershop, one of the customers was luckily just leaving so they had a spot.


    "Could you trim the hair, I want it to be suitable for a professional setting. Could you also line up the beard?" David said as he sat down on the barber''s chair.


    Around 20 minutester, the barber was done with the cut.


    Moving the second mirror around near David''s head, the barber asked.


    "How is the cut? Is it to your taste? or you do want me to fix anything."


    "Nope, it''s perfect," David said, as he moved his head around whilst checking the cut from various angles.


    "Could you also give me dad a hair shower, we don''t have much time to go back and shower again," Noah asked, the barber.


    David nodded, agreeing with his son.


    "Yes, of course!" The barber nodded, as he adjusted the seat to the sink.


    it took an extra 15 minutes to dry David''s hair and style it.


    "How much?" David asked as he got his wallet out.


    "Just $35." The barber smiled.


    "Alright," David said, as he tapped his card on the POS reader.


    Noah did not try to interfere in the payment, as he knew it would hurt his dad''s ego so he left him pay with a smile on his face.

 Chapter 147 Teahouse Opening (4)

    After his dad''s haircut, Noah and David stepped out of the barber shop.


    "Let''s buy mom, something nice," Noah said, as he walked with his dad to a famous woman''s brand.


    Five minutester, they left after buying his mom a long, elegant dress with matching sandals.


    ncing at the time, David realised it''s time to pick up Caroline.


    "Just on time, we can pick up your mom on time." David said, as he nced at his watch.


    Noah nodded, as they walked to the parking lot.


    ...


    Noah parked the G-ss in front of the restaurant where his mom was waiting outside, looking around with a curious expression.


    She didn''t even nce twice at the luxurious SUV that rolled up until the window slowly slid down, revealing her Noah''s grin.


    "Mom," Noah called, waving from the driver''s seat.


    Caroline blinked, squinting to get a better look at the car''s interior.


    "Noah? What are you doing in this car?" Her voice held a mix of surprise and curiosity.


    "Get in first," Noah replied with a chuckle, gesturing to the back seat.


    "I''ll exin on the way."


    She nodded, settling into the plush leather of the back seat.


    As he drove away, Noah filled her in on the details, exining how he''d borrowed the car for the day.


    "Your friend is interesting," Caroline said, casting an admiring look around the car''s luxurious interior.


    "That''s what I said," David said with a small smile.


    "Oh, and there''s a little something in the bag next to you," Noah added, ncing at her through the rearview mirror with a smile.


    "It''s an outfit we picked out for you, for the teahouse opening. You can change once we get there."


    Caroline''s eyes softened as she galnced into the bag, carefully lifting out a beautiful, elegant dress.


    She gasped, touching the soft fabric, her eyes reflecting a mix of happiness and surprise.


    Arriving at the teahouse, Noah parked at the curb.


    David stepped out of the car first, adjusting his suit.


    Caroline took one look at him, her smile widening.


    "Honey, you look very handsome," she said with a yful wink, clearly admiring the suit.


    David returned her smile, giving her a soft kiss on the forehead. "And you''re as gorgeous as ever," he replied warmly.


    Noah with a smile, from the side.


    They entered the teahouse, where everything had been carefully set up. His mom went to change into her outfit, emerging a few minutester looking radiant in the dress Noah had picked.


    David''s eyes lit up. "You look stunning," he said with admiration clear on his face.


    Caroline blushed, brushing her hands over the dress''s fabric. "Thank you. And thank you, Noah, this dress is beautiful."


    "You both deserve to look your best," Noah replied, grinning at their happiness.


    "Today''s a big day, after all."


    He nced around, ensuring everything was ready for the opening.


    The red ribbon was already set up outside, he had ordered it with a few other things a couple of days ago.


    Moving further inside, he headed to therge room where he''d prepared the equipment.


    In the corner of the room sat the tea-processing machine he''d acquired from the system, very futuristic waiting for its first use.


    Stacks of boxes filled with tea leaves stood neatly against the wall, their aroma filling the room.


    Noah ran a hand over one of the boxes, feeling the dried leaves crinkle under his fingers.


    He just needed to add some leaves to the machine and test it out.


    Taking a handful of the leaves, he gently poured them into the machine''s intake. The machine hummed to life, and with a press of a few buttons.


    After a moment, a small, elegantly packaged bundle of tea leaves appeared, looking ordinary at first nce.


    Picking up the packet, Noah could sense a unique quality radiating from it¡ªa subtle presence that wasn''t there before.


    "Interesting," he muttered, examining the package. "it''s the same packaging of the system."


    He ced about a kilogram of tea leaves on the machine''s intake tray, wanting to test its capacity.


    "Let''s see what it will do with arger quantity," He thought.


    Again, arge simrly luxurious package emerged, the machine adapted to amodate the bigger quantity.


    "That''s impressive," he murmured, intrigued.


    "It detects the quantity of tea leaves and chooses the appropriate packaging automatically."


    Noah nced at the high-quality finish of the packages the machine provided, each one giving an air of exclusivity and luxury.


    He could feel the difference, even if it wasn''t visible to the naked eye.


    These were no longer just tea leaves¡ªthey were magical, with qualities that would give anyone drinking it an experience they will never forget in their lives making them alwayse back for more.


    He heard footsteps behind him and turned to see his parents entering, their expressions curious.


    "What are you up to back here? Is this the machine you were talking about? " David asked, eyeing the machine with intrigue.


    Noah nodded, his smile widening. "Indeed, this is the machine we made. Want to try it?"


    His parent''s eyes slowly widened as they saw the machine work, with Noah cing different quantities.


    "This¡­ this is incredible," he said, looking at the machine''s different qualities. "It''s very efficient, you guys are geniuses."


    "We didn''t do much, we have basically used AI to detect width, length and height of the box needed to fill in the tea leaves," He made a random excuse, to exin the machines intelligence.


    His parents nodded, although they didn''t understand artificial intelligence enough. They knew enough to understand the basics of what noah was implying.


    "Alright, mom, dad. Let''s head out, the visitors should be arriving soon." He said, with a smile.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Dad, I will teach you how to operate the macher. It''s not hard, so don''t worry." He said, reassuring his dad who looked worried about itsplexity.


    As they waited outside, Noah decided to call Aiden.


    "Hey, I''m opening up a teahouse. Do you want toe?" Noah said, as Aiden picked up.


    "Wow, chill out okay! You can''t just drop this bomb and act like this nothing."


    "Why am I hearing about this on the opening day!" He shouted across the phone.


    "My bad, I was quite busy with preparation. Want toe yes or no, stop yapping." He said.


    "I''ming, damn it. Send me the location," He said, kissing his teeth at Noah.


    "Alright, make sure you bring your stand and everything. Let''s film your second video," He said, as a grin formed on his face.


    "Alright, bet." Aiden said, with an excited tone.


    As he ended the call, a car approached.


    David squinted, watching the military car park, his expression growing tense as he saw Amelia and her family step out, elegantly dressed.


    "Military? Why are they here, Noah?" David whispered, his face marked with concern as his gaze bounced between his son and the car.


    Noah chuckled, patting his dad''s shoulder. "Rx, Dad. It''s all good. Just some friends dropping by."


    Caroline, however, was too distracted to hear the exchange. Her gaze was locked on Amelia, her jaw nearly hitting the ground.


    The woman who stepped out was nothing short of breathtaking.


    Even with the sunsses covering her eyes, Amelia radiated a natural grace and elegance that seemed straight out of a fantasy movie.


    Her skin was the natural pale, her deep ck hair cascaded down her back like a shimmering waterfall.


    Caroline''s astonishment only grew as another stunning woman stepped out of the car beside her¡ªAmelia''s mother, Carmi. Together, they looked like royalty.


    As the family approached, Noah stepped forward with a warm grin. "Amelia, auntie carmi , uncle adam, I''m d you all could make it!"


    Amelia nodded her posture shy and reserved, her eyes beautiful eyes sparkling under the sunsses as she looked at Noah.


    Adamughed and said.


    "Wouldn''t miss it for the world. I told you, I will be here when the teahouse is opened," he took in the elegant interior, nodding approvingly.


    "Thanks for the invitation," Carmi added, looking around with a pleasant smile.


    "Thank you, uncle, auntie" Noah replied respectfully, nodding in return.


    Turning towards his parents, he introduced his family. "Dad, Mom, this is Amelia my friend , her mom Carmi, and her dad Adam."


    Caroline, snapping out of her stupor, quickly extended her hand to Carmi. "It''s such a pleasure to meet you. I can see where Amelia gets her grace from."


    Carmi epted the handshake with a warm smile. "Thank you, Caroline. And it''s wonderful to finally meet Noah''s family. You have brought him up in a splendid manor."


    David, still processing the unexpected guests, shook Adam''s hand firmly. "Wee, and thank you foring. I¡­ wasn''t expecting the military to join us," he joked, smiling to break the ice.


    Adam chuckled, his deep voice carrying warmth. "No uniforms today, David. Just here to make friends."


    David chuckled, as he got to know Adam. Simrly, Caroline, Ame and Carmi had bonded already.

 Chapter 148 Gluttony Arrives

    A few seconds after Amelia and her family arrived, a ck limousine approached and parked nearby.


    Noah looked at the parked car with a smile, as Lily and Arthur slowly exited the car.


    He quickly weed them in and introduced them to his family.


    Arthur''s family and Adam''s family didn''t need an introduction, they were neighbours anyway.


    Not much after them Jackson, and Jack arrived in a Porsche 911.


    The cars near the teahouse had already started amassing arge number of onlookers, the teahouse was clearly not ordinary.


    "Hey, do you know what''s happening there?" a man asked a woman nearby.


    "I think there is a teahouse opening here," she replied, with some hesitation.


    "A teahouse? The owner has quite the connections." The man muttered as he looked at the luxurious cars.


    "Do you guys want to sit inside or outside?" Noah asked them, with a smile on his face.


    "I prefer outside, to be honest," Adam replied.


    "Same thing here," nodded Arthur.


    Noah nodded, and quickly brought out a table and chairs for everyone.


    "Hey isn''t this guy a bit too strong? the tables and chairs are made out of wood." an onlooker said with a shocked expression.


    "Yeah, that''s what I was thinking. He is holding many at the same time too," He said.


    As Noah finished setting up the tables and chairs, his father, David, stood up and patted him on the shoulder.


    "Son, sit down. I''ll go brew some tea for everyone."


    Noah grinned, nodding as he took his seat. "You''re all about to taste the best tea you''ve ever had."


    "My dad is the reason why I decided to open up this teahouse, he is a master at brewing."


    Arthur and Adam exchanged amused nces, chuckling.


    "Well, we''re thankful, then," Arthur replied, leaning back as if settling in for a treat.


    Meanwhile, a familiar figure appeared within the gathering crowd.


    Aiden gave a quick nod in Noah''s direction.


    He kept his distance, though, clearly a bit intimidated by the famous guests and Lily, the school''s beauty.


    Inwardly, Aiden fumed, shaking his head.


    "Noah, you sly dog. Keeping your connection to Lily a secret all this time, huh?"


    "Fine, I''ll have some words with youter."


    As his gaze shifted, his eyes suddenly widened.


    "Wait a second¡­ who¡­ who is that?"


    Aiden''s jaw dropped as his eyes locked on Amelia.


    Her elegant sunsses shielded her eyes, but her beauty and subtle charm radiated so powerfully that he found himself muttering out loud.


    "Oh my god¡­ who is this woman?"


    One of the nearby onlookers turned at his remark, raising an eyebrow at his starstruck expression. Meanwhile, Aiden was oblivious to anyone noticing him.


    "Noah, you absolute traitor,"


    he thought, gritting his teeth. "


    Keeping all the beauties to yourself?"


    "You want to eat without letting the rest of us eat, huh?" Shaking his head, heposed himself, pulling out a chair and quickly setting up his camera.


    He angled it perfectly, capturing both the teahouse and the row of luxury cars parked out front.


    He knew just how to entice his followers now, especially after Noah''s cinematography advice.


    He positioned the camera at the perfect angle to make the scene look like a movie set. Checking the shot, he tapped "y" on the stream, then settled into his role.


    He unpacked his bag, which held no fewer than ten oversized burgers and arranged them in front of him like a feast.


    He would act utterly indifferent to the high-ss gathering around him. It was his signature move ¡ª "Gluttony" was his name, after all.


    Several people began to chuckle, recognizing him.


    "Hey, isn''t that ''Gluttony''? What''s he doing here?"


    "Oh, man, I''m going to be in his video! Watch him pretend like nothing''s going on, even if an earthquake hits," anotherughed with his friends.


    Aiden took a giant bite, chewing with exaggerated indifference as his camera continued to roll, ignoring everything around him.


    His eyes barely registered anything behind him or so it seemed.


    Just as he was leaning back for another bite, a new smell filled the airpletely dominating the burgers, and stopping him mid-chew.


    His nostrils red.


    He looked around, dazed, as the fragrance grew stronger, curling like a hypnotic tendril of steam into his nose.


    "What is that smell?" murmured one of the onlookers, ncing at David, who was pouring tea for the guests.


    "It has to be the tea! It smells¡­ incredible," another remarked, his eyes wide with surprise.


    Aiden, meanwhile, felt his resolve crumbling.


    He set his burger down, hands ck as he gazed in the direction of the tea, eyes half-zed.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    His intention to y it cool melted away, reced by an almost supernatural draw toward the tea.


    "Damn it, control yourself Aiden. You can''t break character." He thought.


    "Shit! I don''t even like tea, what the hell!" He reasoned with himself, but it failed.


    The smell was too enticing, he found himself moving forward in a trance-like state, his expression that of a zombie.


    "Noah¡­" he muttered in a low, otherworldly tone, "Tea¡­"


    Noah burst outughing, shaking his head. "Aiden, what are you doing?"


    "Tea¡­" Aiden repeated, his voice robotic as he shuffled forward like a zombie toward the table.


    "Alright, alright," Noahughed, giving in and pouring him a cup.


    Lily and Amelia chuckled at what was happening, whilst Adam and Arthur had amused looks.


    "I can''t me him, the tea is too good." Adam chuckled, as the smell invaded his nostrils.


    Back at his camera, Aiden tasted the tea, his lips curled into an almost euphoric smile,pletely ignoring the piled burgers in front of him.


    With each sip, his eyebrows lifted, his gaze unfocused as if he was transported to a different world.


    "He actually broke character¡­ for tea? What kind of otherworldly brew is this?" one of his fans muttered, still trying to process what they''d witnessed.


    "He didn''t even ignore his surroundings this time!" another muttered, his eyes wide with shock.


    "I have to try it!" a fan dered, inching closer to catch another whiff of the fragrant steam curling from David''s teapot.


    "Me too," murmured a woman nearby, tilting her head as she inhaled, closing her eyes in delight at the lingering aroma.


    After finishing the tea, he realised he had broken his character, Aiden snapped back into his role, returning to his camera with a casual nod as if nothing had happened and started munching on the burgers.

 Chapter 149: Opening The Teahouse!

    As thest of the tea cups emptied, murmurs rippled through the gathered crowd.


    "When are you opening the teahouse?" a middle-aged man called out, impatience clear in his voice. "I¡¯ll buy a whole kilogram of those tea leaves if you hurry it up!"


    "Same here! I¡¯m ready to buy a month¡¯s supply," another man shouted, his eyes bright with excitement.


    A young woman next to him sighed in regret. "I don¡¯t have the money for a lot, but I¡¯ll save up and buy some soon, that¡¯s for sure!"


    Noah stood up, catching the attention of everyone nearby. He shed his warm, confident smile, gesturing toward the teahouse¡¯s entrance. "Why don¡¯t we make it official and open the store?"


    A collective cheer went up, and Noah¡¯s father, David, blinked in surprise as his son turned to him, his smile softening. "Dad," Noah said, cing a hand on his father¡¯s shoulder.


    "Why don¡¯t you do the honours of opening this teahouse for the public?"


    David¡¯s eyes widened.


    For a moment, he simply stared at Noah, as if trying to process the gesture.


    Then, pride flickered in his gaze, and he gave a small, almost reverent nod.


    The journalists, who had arrived quietly some time ago, adjusted their lenses, capturing every second.


    Noah handed his father arge pair of ceremonial scissors.


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    David moved toward the red ribbon with a slight hesitation that adorned the entrance.


    The crowd hushed, all eyes on him as he raised the scissors, his hands steady.


    With a quick, decisive snip, he cut through the ribbon, and for a heartbeat, silence reigned.


    Then, the crowd erupted.


    "Woo! Let¡¯s go!" someone shouted, waving their hands in the air.


    "I can¡¯t wait to finally try this tea myself!" another yelled, pping enthusiastically.


    Amidst the cheers, Arthur, Adam, and a few others made their way over, grinning as they pped Noah on the back.


    "Congrattions, Noah!" Arthur said warmly, his handshake firm.


    "This ce is something special. "


    Adam nodded, his usual stern demeanour softened with a smile.


    "This is going to be my tea supplier from now on."


    David, ovee with emotion, epted the congrattions with a slightly unsteady smile.


    His voice cracked just a little as he murmured, "Thank you."


    He turned his head, discreetly dabbing at the corner of his eye before a single tear escaped, betraying the pride swelling within him.


    Caroline, standing nearby, had a simr reaction, her eyes shimmering with happiness as she hugged Lily and Amelia tightly.


    "Oh, Caroline, you must be so proud!" Carmi said, squeezing her hand.


    "More than words can say," Caroline whispered,ughing softly as she brushed away her own happy tears.


    Jackson and Jack stepped up next, giving Noah a hearty p on the back.


    "Well done, Bo- I mean Noah," Jackson said, grinning.


    "Never doubted you for a second."


    "Yeah, this ce is about to blow up," Jack added, shing a thumbs-up. "We¡¯ll be here every day."


    Aiden, still filming for his growing audience, sidled up and ced a hand over his heart dramatically.


    "This moment¡­ it¡¯s like watching a movie. I¡¯m proud of you, man," he said, his toneically reverent.


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The cameras shed again as Noah and his family received congrattions from all sides. The journalists leaned in, hoping to catch a few heartfelt words for their stories.


    David, ncing around at the crowd, inhaled deeply, as if taking in every scent, every sound of this long-awaited moment.


    "Thank you, everyone, for being here," he finally said, his voice clear and warm.


    ...


    As the teahouse opened, a line quickly formed for the purchase of the tealeaves, with Jackson and Jack being the moderators.


    "Can I buy two 1kg boxes," Adam said with a light smile, as he approached the desk.


    "How could we Uncle Adam, this shop is yours drop by and take as much as you want anytime," Noah said, as he shook his head


    As the teahouse officially opened, eager customers quickly formed a line that stretched out the door, with Jackson and Jack managing the flow and keeping things orderly.


    Adam approached the desk, ncing at the line and chuckling as he looked at Noah. "Seems like you¡¯ve got quite the demand here. I¡¯d like to buy some, but I¡¯m curious ¡ª how much stock do you have? I don¡¯t want to leave everyone else empty-handed," he joked.


    Noahughed, waving off his concern. "Don¡¯t worry, Uncle Adam. Order as much as you like ¡ª there¡¯s plenty to go around."


    With a smile, Adam nodded, "Alright, then. Can I get two one-kilogram boxes?" he asked, reaching for his wallet.


    But Noah shook his head, leaning in with a grin. "Uncle Adam, we can¡¯t charge you. This ce is practically yours. Drop by anytime, and take as much as you want."


    Adam frowned, chuckling softly as he shook his head. "You¡¯re too generous, but really, I don¡¯t mind paying."


    David, who had overheard the exchange, stepped over, pping a hand on Adam¡¯s shoulder. "Absolutely not! We¡¯re family now, and there¡¯s no way we¡¯re taking your money."


    Adam nced between them, seeing their determination, and finally let out a good-natured sigh.


    "Alright, alright. I get it," he relented, grabbing the two neatly packed boxes and carrying them over to his car with a warm smile.


    Soon after, Arthur stepped up, already eyeing the high-quality packaging of the tea leaves. "Noah, I¡¯ll take two kilograms as well," he said, pulling out his wallet.


    Noah immediately shook his head, smiling. "Not you too, Uncle Arthur. Just like I told Uncle Adam, you don¡¯t need to pay. Take as much as you want."


    Arthurughed, raising his hands in yful surrender. "Alright, alright, you win," he said, taking his tea and nodding gratefully.


    With their tea leaves in hand, Adam and Arthur made their way out, exchanging a few words.


    They both gave Noah a final wave and excused themselves, heading back to their cars.


    Lily, standing beside her father, hesitated briefly, ncing back at Noah.


    "I¡¯ll catch youter," Lily said, smiling softly before leaving with Arthur.


    Amelia watched them go, then turned to Noah, her expression brightening. "Need any extra help?"

 Chapter 150: First Opening

    Amelia watched them go, then turned to Noah, her expression brightening. "Need any extra help?"


    "Awe, thank you, sweetheart," said Caroline with a warm smile on her face.


    Noah looked at her as a smile formed on his face.


    "Thanks for offering."


    She nodded her head shyly and just stood at the side watching the family work.


    The first customer quickly arrived at the front desk.


    "Is there a sample?"


    "Yes, of course, it¡¯s right here," David said, as he pointed at the tiny cup that held at most one sip of the tea.


    The man nodded, reaching out to the small cup of tea.


    Bringing the cup to his mouth slowly... he took a sip.


    After taking the sip, his body released all kinds of happy hormones.


    The crowd looked at him in anticipation.


    "Hey, is it good? What does it taste like?" a woman behind him asked, as she saw him just standing there.


    "Is he okay?" Another asked, seeing that he wasn¡¯t moving.


    The man finally reacted to his surroundings, ignoring them all.


    He looked at David standing behind the counter and quickly reached for his wallet.


    Patting every part of his body.


    "Damn it, where did I put this damn wallet!" He cursed, as he tried to find his wallet.


    "There it is," He said as he checked the inner pocket of his jacket.


    Opening the wallet, he took out all the cash inside and ced it on the table.


    "That¡¯s $100, give me as much as this can get me," He said in a hurried tone.


    "Sir, $100 will get you 10g of Thompson¡¯s tea." David replied in a kind tone.


    "10g only? isn¡¯t that like 3 cups of tea?" He said, his brows knitting in as he frowned.


    "No sir, our tea is high quality. You only need one gram to experience the taste you just did. So this will get you ten cups of tea."


    "Bu-"


    Before the man can continue, Noah stepped in.


    "Sorry sir, you are getting an amazing price for our tea. In fact, our tea will return to its original price from tomorrow."


    "We are hosting a 50% sale on our first day of opening only, as you tasted our tea is without a doubt the best in the market. You will never get tea with this quality at the price we are putting today."


    "In fact, not to be rude. But you will never even see tea of this quality," He added, his facial expressions calm.


    "If you feel like it¡¯s too expensive then the ce isn¡¯t for you, nor is the tea, sir."


    "Don¡¯t oveplicate it, either buy it or leave the store. Thank you for your understanding," He said, his tone final.


    The man hesitated, but after thinking about what Noah said, he nodded.


    "That makes sense, I apologise for my earlier behaviour."


    "I still want the 10g of Thompson tea, thank you." He said, with a wry smile.


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    [Ding! Payment Sucessfull]


    "Thank you for your purchase," David said, as he handed him the small luxurious bag of tea.


    "Next."


    The next customer came and bought some too.


    "Next."


    Hours passed by very quickly until it was starting to get dark.


    The queue was still long, David showed a wry smile as excitement boiled inside of him.


    "Sorry guys, we are going to close today as it¡¯s gettingte," Noah said, as he addressed the people waiting outside.


    "We will open tomorrow morning again, do drop by if you are till interested." He added.


    Noticing that the crowd was getting restless, he said.


    "We will be giving five free samples as a thank you for waiting for so long. Three will be given to the first three on the line and thest two will be randomly given."


    After giving the first three samples, they showed the same reaction as everyone before them.


    "I will definitely be here tomorrow morning," The woman said, as she left after drinking the sample.


    The other two agreed with her, after drinking the sample.


    "Now, thest two samples will be given randomly. The remaining people will be entered into an online roulette. You will all be assigned a number from first in line tost."


    "Whatever number it falls on, the person will get tea," Noah said, as he opened his phone.


    "The first winner is number 69!." Noah said as he looked at the line.


    After counting, he said.


    "You, step out," he pointed at a little girl in a wheelchair.


    The girl immediately got excited, along with her guardian who was pushing her wheelchair.


    "Yay, we won, Mom!" She eximed as she couldn¡¯t wait to try it out.


    A person who was standing next to her frowned and shouted.


    "Stop! Where do you think you are going?"


    "I¡¯m clearly number 69! Why are you trying to take my prize?" He spat out in an aggressive manner.


    Noah and everyone else frowned at his behaviour.


    "Calm down, if you shout again you won¡¯t like the consequences," Noah said, in a cold tone.


    "But I am number 69, just because she is disabled doesn¡¯t mean she has privileges." The man said as he red at the little girl.


    The crowd stilled, their eyes between Noah and the man, subtle frowns tightening their expressions.


    Whispers travelled through the air, heavy with disapproval of the man¡¯s actions.


    Noah met the man¡¯s stare, his voice a low, piercing whisper, "Are you mentally challenged? Because it sure seems like it."


    The man¡¯s face flushed, but he bit his tongue, taken aback by Noah¡¯s cold re.


    Noah¡¯s voice sliced through the man¡¯s attempt to protest.


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "The girl isn¡¯t disabled¡ªyou are." He leaned forward slightly, voice steady, unyielding. "And even if I did want to give it to her, what¡¯s your issue? Is this my shop or yours?"


    The crowd murmured in agreement, quiet praise for Noah slipping through the silence. "Good man," someone whispered, nodding approval.


    A mother in the line pulled her child close, giving Noah a grateful smile for protecting the little girl.

 Chapter 151 Successful Opening

    Another nudged her friend, admiration and fascination in on her face.


    "He is so handsome, he is like the knight in shining armour," she whispered to her friend.


    Her friend nodded absentmindedly, as her heart started beating louder than a drum.


    "I wish I had someone to protect me like this," She muttered in a whisper.


    "Did you say something?" Her friend asked.


    "Huh? No." She quicklyposed herself.


    Noah didn''t pause. "In fact," he said, giving the little girl a reassuring nce, "I''ll not only give her a sample."


    He raised his hand, gesturing to Jackson, "Bring me a small packet."


    Jackson nodded immediately, slipping back inside.


    Momentster, he returned, holding a small, elegantly wrapped bag.


    The crowd murmured in delight, recognizing the bag, their gazes turning toward the girl with soft smiles.


    "Wow, he is quite generous. This costs around $100, I remember hearing this from one of the other customers." a man said, as he looked at the packet.


    Noah took the bag and approached the little girl, crouching down to her level, his expression gentle.


    He held out the bag, and her small, little hands trembled as she took it.


    "Here you go," he said, a warm smile lighting his face.


    The girl''s eyes welled up, a tear slipping free before she wiped it hastily, her cheeks flushed with gratitude.


    A shy smile broke through. "Thank you, big brother."


    Noah''s voice softened. "No problem. Don''t listen to that idiot, okay?" Enjoy new stories from empire


    She nodded, clutching the bag tightly as if it held the world.


    He patted her hand. "You''re wee toe and drink a free cup of tea whenever you like."


    The crowd erupted in a murmur of approval, some pping lightly, others nodding with pride.


    An elderly woman, her eyes crinkling in approval, called out.


    "What a fine family, they raised him right."


    As the hum of voices filled with admiration, Noah straightened, turning his attention back to the man, whose face had grown pale under the crowd''s re.


    "You''re banned from this shop," Noah stated, his voice edged with finality. "Don''te back, or you''ll regret it."


    The man opened his mouth, but Noah raised a hand, silencing him instantly. "And don''t even think of talking about her again."


    Jackson and Jack stepped forward their size overpowering him, their stance threatening as they overshadowed the man, crossing their arms.


    The man gulped, visibly shrinking under their presence, he finally turned on his heel, slinking away without another word, his head low and shoulders hunched, his tail between his legs.


    As he disappeared into the crowd, people pped and cheered softly, some giving Noah encouraging pats on the shoulder, others expressing their admiration with a smile or nod.


    A young boy in the line beamed up at Noah, awe in his eyes, while his mother whispered,


    "Good job."


    "Mom, I want to be like him when I grow up," The boy said, as his eyes sparkled in admiration.


    The boy went up to the girl who was around the same age as him and said.


    "I will protect you like him in the future!" He said, with his hands on his chest.


    The girl looked at him and looked at Noah.


    "It''s okay, I already like someone," She said, as she nced at Noah.


    The boy seemed heartbroken, but he quickly shook his head.


    "I see, he is my hero and rival."


    He turned to Noah and said.


    "I will take her from you!" As he pointed at him.


    The crowd chuckled, including the mother of the little girl.


    Noah just smiled and said.


    "Alright, rival."


    Amelia chuckled, as she watched the little show.


    As the crowds dispersed, Jackson and Jack walked to Noah.


    "Brother, we will be leaving now," Jackson said as he looked at Noah.


    Noah nodded his head and said.


    "Before you leave,e to the shop I need to give you some stuff."


    They looked at each other in understanding and nodded.


    Entering the shop, Noah headed inside the room where the machine was with Jackson and Jack.


    He put his hands into his pockets and took out two gold bars.


    "Here is two more gold bars," He said in a low tone, "Take one, and give the other to Lionel"


    He ced one in arge tea box which contained around 1 kilogram of tea leaves, and ced the other one in another box.


    "Here you go, give it out as nned." He said as he gave the two boxes to Jack and Jackson.


    They nodded and said.


    "Alright boss, thank you." Jackson nodded, as he left with Jack.


    Going back to the main reception area of the teahouse, His parents, Amelia and Aiden were left.


    He introduced Aiden to Amelia, albeit just on a surface level and vice versa.


    They nodded to each other whilst respecting boundaries.


    Aiden quickly said he needed to go because the atmosphere was a bit awkward for him.


    Noah nodded and gave him a box of tea leaves.


    The box contained around 100g of tea leaves.


    Aiden tried to refuse as its value was too expensive, it was worth $1,000 after all. But Noah didn''t listen to him and still ced it in his hands.


    Sighing at his friend''s action, he nodded.


    "Alright then, I will just make sure that the video goes viral topensate a little," He chuckled and left.


    Noah, then looked at his dad David and said.


    "Did you enjoy it?" He said with a smile, on his face.


    "Enjoy it? I loved it!" He replied, "I''ve never had so much fun working!"


    "I''m d you did dad," he chuckled.


    Caroline then looked at David and said.


    "Honey, how much did you guys make?"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "A lot! I need to count it first," He said with a smile.


    Noah nced at the time and realised that he needed to pick up Emily.


    "Dad, Mom. I will quickly go pick up Emily thene back okay?"


    "Alright, son we will wait for you guys here," David nodded.

 Chapter 152 Excited Emily

    "Um.." Amelia let out.


    She didn''t know whether to stay or to go with Noah, she didn''t want to stay because she didn''t know his parents and she would feel shy being alone with them.


    Noah smiled at her confused stance.


    "Let''s go?" He asked, in a light tone.


    She quickly nodded.


    "See you, Aunty, Uncle." She quickly waved, before following Noah to his car.


    "See you, sweetheart," Caroline nodded, with a pleased smile on her face she couldn''t hide.


    Amelia entered the passenger seat of the G-ss, taking a moment to nce around the interior.


    A small smile tugged at her lips as she looked over at him.


    "You like cars, don''t you?" she asked, her tone light and curious.


    Noah nced at her with a nod, a faint grin crossing his face. "I do like cars," he replied, "but that''s not why I got this one."


    "Oh?" she raised an eyebrow, intrigued.


    "Yeah. I only have sports cars, like the Lykan and the Lamborghini as you''ve seen," he said with a chuckle. "But I needed an SUV¡­ a family car, you know?"


    Her cheeks flushed a delicate pink, and she looked down, suddenly a bit flustered. "A¡­ family car?"


    "Mm-hmm," he affirmed, watching the road ahead. "Somethingrger and more efficient."


    She nodded slowly, the blush still lingering. "I¡­ I see," she replied, clearing her throat as she rested her head back in her seat.


    As they drove in silence for a few minutes, Noah nced over, breaking the quiet. "Thanks for staying," he said softly.


    She blinked, caught off guard.


    "Hm?" she murmured, looking at him in mild confusion.


    "Thanks for staying with us for so long today," he said, a gentle sincerity in his tone. "It was really kind of you."


    Amelia shook her head quickly, a warm smile brightening her face. "No, no, it''s okay! I actually really enjoyed myself," she replied, her voice soft but sincere.


    He gave a slight nod, his eyes still focused ahead, though his expression softened. "Still¡­ thanks."


    The rest of the drive was in silence, and soon, they arrived at Emily''s primary school.


    Noah parked and got out, walking toward the school entrance with Amelia walking beside him.


    Inside the ssroom, they spotted Emily chatting with Sarah.


    Upon noticing him, Emily waved excitedly, and Noah approached with a warm smile, patting Sarah''s head in greeting. "Hey there, Sarah," he said cheerfully before turning to his sister.


    "Hello, big brother," Sarah replied, a shy smile on her face.


    "You ready to go?" Noah asked.


    Emily nodded, giving Sarah a quick hug before leaving with Noah.


    "Bye-bye, Sarah!" she said, waving.


    "Bye!" Sarah waved back.


    As they walked out of the school, Emily stayed close to Amelia, almost glued to her side, her little hand locked with Amelia''s.


    "Sister Amelia, I haven''t seen you in so long!" Emily eximed, her eyes wide with concern.


    She leaned in closer and whispered dramatically, "Did my brother upset you? Tell me! I''ll sort him out," she dered, giving Noah a fierce, yful re.


    Amelia chuckled, her hand gently squeezing Emily''s. "No, no, Noah''s been perfectly fine," she assured, sneaking a quick sidelong nce at him, curious to see his reaction. Stay tuned with empire


    But Noah didn''t seem to notice, he kept walking ahead, his face as calm and unreadable as ever.


    "Good," Emily huffed with a satisfied nod, swinging their joined hands slightly.


    Her serious expression, was a warm smile as she looked back up at Amelia.


    ...n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    In the car, Emily''s expression was that of happiness and shock.


    "This car is so cool!" She muttered as she looked at the luxurious interior that was filled with thetest technology.


    "I know right?" Amelia let out a chuckle.


    Noah just smiled, as he drove them back to the teahouse.


    "Brother, where are we going? I thought we were going home." She said as they passed their home.


    "That''s a secret," He chuckled, already expecting her next reaction.


    "Meanie! Why are you keeping secrets from your cute, little sister!" She said pouting cutely.


    Amelia chuckled and said.


    "Yeah Noah, that''s mean."


    "Sigh, I''m the viin now?" He asked, feigning being upset.


    ...


    Arriving at the teahouse, Emily excitedly said.


    "We are at the teahouse! Did you guys open it already?"


    "Yup," Noah replied.


    "WOW! I need to see it, hurry up brother. Park the car already," She said in a hurry.


    "Alright, alright," He smiled, parking the car.


    As soon as the car parked in front of the teahouse, Emily opened the door and quickly got out of the car.


    Closing the door behind her, she ran to the teahouse.


    "Huh?" She muttered as she tried to open the door but it wouldn''t open.


    She put her face on the ss door, squinting trying to see inside but it didn''t work.


    Realising that she couldn''t open it, she quickly turned around to see that Noah was walking towards her with a smile.


    "Brother! Hurry up, why are you walking so slowly."


    "You are doing this on purpose, aren''t you," She red at him yfully.


    He chuckled and shook his head.


    "Mom and Dad are inside, you could''ve just knocked on the door."


    "Oh." She let out a low whisper.


    Opening the door of the teahouse, Emily was the first to enter.


    Caroline and David were seated inside, and seeing that they were back they got up.


    "Mom, Dad!" Emily let out, as she hugged them.


    "My little angel, was that you at the door?" Caroline asked as she remembered the door shaking a few times.


    Emily nodded her head.


    "Yes Mom, but the me is on Noah. He didn''t tell me you guys were inside, nor did he tell me the door was locked," She pouted, as she looked at Noah.


    "Alright, I''m at fault," Noah raised his arms in surrender.


    "Yeah, you better be," Emily snorted cutely at Noah.


    For the next fifteen minutes, Emily explored the whole shop makingments on many things.


    "Noah, did you make the design?" she asked, after checking the whole reception area.


    "Sort of, do you like it?" He asked back, with a smile on his face.


    "Yeah, I do. It''s very pretty," she nodded her head.


    ...


    "Dad, how much is our revenue for today?" He asked, with a smile on his face.

 Chapter 153 Huge profits

    David felt excitement surge, as he remembered the amount he counted earlier.


    Taking a deep breath, he looked at Noah.


    "We have made around $15,000 today!" A smile, he couldn''t conceal stered on his face.


    Even Caroline, who already knew the amount from earlier showed shock again.


    Emily was dumbstruck by the number.


    "Dad, I think you added another zero by ident." She said, not believing what she was hearing.


    David shook his head, the smile on his face widening.


    "Nope, you heard it right. We made fifteen thousand dors in one day!" He eximed, still not believing it.


    "That''s amazing Dad, but expect the number to only increase from now," Noah smiled.


    David nodded, his expression filled with happiness.


    "Indeed, Noah. This wouldn''t have been possible without you," He said, a deep look forming on his face.


    "Dad, this wouldn''t have been possible without you guys either, stop giving me all the credit."


    "To celebrate the amazing first day of opening, let''s all eat at a restaurant. What do you guys think?"


    "Yes!" Emily replied.


    Caroline and David gave each other a nod and said.


    "Sure, let''s go."


    Noah turned to Amelia, his eyes warm with sincerity. "Amelia, do you want toe eat with us?" he asked gently.


    Amelia''s smile wavered for a moment as she shook her head, clearly shy.


    "It''s okay, you all should enjoy yourselves as a family. I''ll just call a driver toe pick me up ¡ª don''t worry about me," she assured, her voice soft.


    Before Noah could respond, Caroline stepped forward, taking Amelia''s hands in hers with a warm, maternal grip.


    "Don''t say that, Amelia. You''re part of the family now."


    Emily chimed in as well, her little hands tugging at Amelia''s dress, her face pleading. "Yes, Sister Amelia, pleasee with us!"


    Amelia hesitated, her gaze flickering between Caroline''s encouraging smile and Emily''s wide, hopeful eyes.


    She felt the warmth of their invitation wrapping around her, softening her resolve, but still, she hesitated, wondering if she was intruding.


    Just as she was about to respond, Noah stepped forward gently.


    Without a word, he reached out, his hand wrapping around hers in a strong but soft grip. His fingers were warm, strong, and grounding, and as he gently pulled her toward the car, Amelia felt her heart skip a beat.


    "Let''s go." He said, not looking back.


    In that instant, memories flooded her mind ¡ª the day she''d first met him when he had saved her from the kidnappers.


    She remembered the terror she''d felt then, the feeling of helplessness that had overwhelmed her as she was surrounded by people with ill intentions. And then, in the middle of that nightmare, Noah had appeared.


    She could still recall everything in that incident, the way he had scooped her up onto his back, carrying her down that empty road.


    Amelia''s gaze fell to their intertwined hands, and she could feel a blush heating her cheeks as she remembered how, despite everything, he''d only shown her kindness.


    At that moment, as he held her hand and guided her forward with that same gentle strength, she felt the same overwhelming sense of safety. He could have had any intention in that moment of vulnerability, yet he''d shown her nothing but respect.


    The softness of his grip now was a silent show of his protectiveness, reminding her ofst time.


    Lost in these thoughts, Amelia barely noticed the chuckle from Caroline, who watched them with an approving smile, her eyes crinkling as she nudged David.


    "That''s our son," she whispered, a look of pride lighting her face. Continue your adventure with empire


    David nodded a small smile on his face. "He''s definitely grown up," he murmured in return, ncing at the blush that lingered on Amelia''s cheeks as Noah continued to lead her toward the car.


    Amelia felt a rush of emotions swirling within her, a mixture of shyness, gratitude, and something softer, deeper, that she wasn''t quite ready to name.


    As they reached the car, she stole a nce up at Noah, her heart beating wildly as he met her gaze with an easy smile, as if this was the most natural thing in the world.


    "Come on, Amelia," he said softly, his hand still in hers. "Let''s celebrate together."


    She nodded, finding her voice as she managed a quiet, "Thank you, Noah," before slipping into the car with the rest of his family.


    Inside, Emily snuggled close to her, beaming with happiness, while Caroline and David exchanged smiles.


    As Noah drove away from the teahouse, Amelia''s heart finally began to calm down, her nervousness melting into happiness.


    The family decided to eat An''s gourmet, because of the perks Caroline had for working there.


    Arriving at the restaurant, George served them.


    "Wee!" He smiled, as he led them to the VIP seats.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "How is everyone doing?" George said with a smile, asking about his friend''s family.


    "Everything is going great, you need to visit our teahouse one day. We opened it today as you know, so try toe by when you are free."


    "Of course, Aiden told me already too. I heard it was amazing, many people came." George nodded.


    "Yes, thanks to god''s n and Noah''s work." David chuckled.


    "That''s good." George nced at his boss, Noah.


    After talking for a few minutes, George asked if they would like to order now or if they needed some time.


    "We will order in 5 minutes, thank you, George." David said, "You don''t have to worry about us, I''m sure you are busy."


    "What are you saying, it''s my job. Of course, I will give you more priority." He smiled.


    As he left them to discuss their order, he smiled.


    ''Do you think I have a choice, your son is the literal boss of the ce.''


    "If I don''t prioritise serving him and his family, then I deserve to be served the cold dish of being fired''


    He thought, shaking his head.


    ...


    "Are the VIP seats part of your perks Caroline?" David asked curious.


    She hesitated for a second then shook her head.


    "I''m not sure, but it seems like it."

 Chapter 154: Dense

    After the food arrived, the family ate together and enjoyed their time with some dessert.


    "Thank you for the amazing service, George," said David, as he wiped his mouth with a napkin.


    "You¡¯re wee," George replied, smiling.


    ...


    Outside the restaurant, Emily patted her little belly.


    "That was some good food, especially that dessert. Pheww," She said.


    Everyone chuckled, looking at her acting like some random uncle.


    ...


    "Alright, Noah. Make sure you drop her home safely," David said, as he got out of the car with everyone else at their house


    Caroline, nodded her head agreeing with David.


    "Of course, Dad," Noah said, nodding his head with a wry smile.


    After his family left the car, he turned towards Amelia.


    "Shall we go?" He said as he stared into her eyes.


    She nodded her head shyly.


    "Let¡¯s go."


    ...


    The drive to her house was a mix of silence and funny jokes they shared every now and then.


    The silence wasn¡¯t awkward, it was thefortable type where you just rx.


    Amelia who had been silent for quite a while nced at Noah, studying his side profile.


    She took a breath, as if gathering courage. "Noah, can I ask you something?"


    His gaze remained on the road, but a gentle smile remained on his lips.


    "Sure," he replied, his tone encouraging her to ask her question.


    She hesitated, choosing her words carefully.


    "How does it feel¡­ to be the backbone of your family? The one they all lean on, you know?"


    Noah was quiet for a few moments.


    He exhaled softly, the corners of his mouth lifting in a pensive smile.


    "Hmm¡­ that¡¯s a tough one," he said, ncing at her briefly before returning his focus to the motorway.


    Experience more tales on empire


    "It feels¡­ good, but it also feels bad."


    Amelia¡¯s brow furrowed in thought, waiting as he collected his words, sensing he was digging into something deeper.


    "What do you mean?" She asked.


    "I mean it feels good because, well¡­ your family has that kind of trust in you. They look to you as a pir, someone they can rely on no matter what."


    "That¡¯s cool and everything, but..."


    He paused.


    "But it also feels bad because you know if you mess up, if you make the wrong choice¡­ it¡¯s not just you who suffers. It¡¯s everyone you care about."


    She nodded, watching him closely as he spoke, feeling his words settle in her heart.


    His tone was calm, "So¡­ it¡¯s like a double-edged sword," he continued, his voice almost a murmur.


    "If you¡¯re not careful¡­ it¡¯ll cut you."


    For a long moment, they both sat in silence, his words staying between them, with theplexities of trust, and responsibility filling the air.


    Amelia turned toward the window, her gaze drifting over the blurred cars passing by them, her mind was filled with thoughts.


    "Thank you," she whispered, almost to herself, though the gratitude in her voice was unmistakable.


    Noah gave a small, reassuring nod as if to say,


    It¡¯s nothing.


    ...


    "Thank you for dropping me off," she smiled, as she looked at him deep in the eyes.


    "You are wee, like I said before it was nice of you to stay behind." He smiled back.


    "What time are you going to sleep today?" He asked.


    She looked at him puzzled, unsure of what he meant. But after thinking for a while, I will probably sleep in an hour or so.


    "Okay," He nodded, "Good night."


    "Good night," She shyly nodded her head.


    "Maybe we can y some Underwatch 2, tomorrow?" He said.


    "Sure," She said, her tone slightly excited.


    "Alright then, see you," He chuckled at her response.


    "See you!"


    She left the car and entered her house.


    Inside the house, Amelia went to her bedroom and changed into herfortable pyjamas after showering.


    Thinking back about their conversation at the end, she felt confused.


    ¡¯Why did he ask me that?¡¯ she thought, as she reyed his question in her mind.


    ¡¯WAIT!¡¯


    As the realization struck her, Amelia froze, the pieces clicking together in her mind like a puzzle she hadn¡¯t known was there.


    ¡¯He was asking because he wanted to y with me tonight,¡¯


    she thought, her eyes widening in shock.


    She squeezed her pillow, feeling a wave of frustration and embarrassment crash over her.


    ¡¯


    Why am I so dense?¡¯


    She rolled onto her back, kicking her legs in a fit of self-reproach, the duvet flying off the bed as she buried her face in the pillow.


    "Damn it!" she muttered into the fabric, her voice muffled, filled with regret.


    She could picture Noah¡¯s easygoing smile, the way his voice had sounded so casual when he¡¯d asked. ¡¯


    And I justpletely missed it!¡¯


    Her cheeks burned as she flopped onto her side, staring at the ceiling with a mix of disbelief and chagrin.


    In her mind, she reyed the moment in the car, analyzing every little nuance she¡¯d missed.


    ¡¯I could¡¯ve had some extra time with him tonight. But no¡­ I had to bepletely oblivious.¡¯


    Amelia let out a sigh, tugging the pillow over her face to muffle her frustrated groan.


    Her legs kicked out again, propelling her up slightly from the mattress, and she found herself muttering.


    "Calm down, Amelia," she whispered, trying to rein in the blush that had stubbornly settled on her cheeks. "You¡¯ll y with him tomorrow. It¡¯s not a big deal."


    Clutching her beloved teddy bear close, she nodded solemnly, as if the little stuffed animal could offer her some form of reassurance.


    She nestled it under her chin, findingfort in its soft texture as she gave it a squeeze, letting her breaths slow.


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    But her mind continued to race, the excitement buzzing beneath the surface as she finally started to drift off.


    A soft smile formed on her face as she thought about ying with him tomorrow and spending time together.


    "I can¡¯t wait, I will definitely make up for today¡¯s plunder tomorrow," She thought as she hugged her teddy a little tighter, feeling warmth spreading through her body.


    "Sigh,"


    She slowly drifted to sleep, her dreams filled with moments shared with Noah.

 Chapter 155: New Housekeepers

    The next day...


    [Ding! $2,300 has been credited to the ount ending in xx04. Current bnce: $1,051,259]


    [Ding! 500g of Pure Gold has been stored in the inventory]


    "It¡¯s always nice to see $50,000 every time you wake up," He chuckled, leaving his bed.


    After doing some stretches to rx his body, he headed to the shower. He quickly put on his gym clothes and headed downstairs.


    As he headed downstairs, he saw Alfred instructing two housekeepers.


    Today was the day that Alfred was meant to start working and bring the team of housekeepers.


    "Good morning, Mr Thmospon" Alfred politely said.


    "Good morning," Noah replied, looking at all three of them.


    "Mr Thomspon, this is Selena and this is Pennyworth." He said, with a polite smile on his face.


    Noah nodded, already knowing who these people were as he had told Alfred to bring them before.


    Enjoy new adventures at empire


    "Nice to meet you, Mr Thompson," He replied politely, with Selena feeling slightly shy.


    She wasn¡¯t old, she was in herte twenties and Noah¡¯s handsome look made her heart flutter.


    ¡¯Damn it, Anderson, you didn¡¯t tell me that the boss was this handsome,¡¯


    she thought,


    ¡¯I thought he was some random, old man.¡¯


    "Alright, I will be heading to the gym. I will leave you guys to it," He smiled and left.


    Remembering something, he turned back.


    "Alfred, have you contacted any chefs?" He asked.


    "I have sir. However, all the chefs I know have been contracted already, and none of them is free, unfortunately."


    "I will be looking for more, I should be able to give you an answer in a day or two."


    Selena on the side hesitated, before raising her hand.


    "Mr Thompson, i- I can cook well if you don¡¯t mind," She stammered, as she looked at him.


    "Hm?" Noah, looked at her curiously.


    "Do you have experience in cooking?"


    "I do not have experience in cooking for restaurants. However, I do have lots of experience in cooking. It¡¯s a hobby of mine," she replied.


    "I see, okay. Let¡¯s try your food out, if I like it you can continue as the chef."


    "What do you think?" He asked.


    "Of course, Mr Thompson."


    "Do you have any meals in mind? When do you want it ready? She asked him, excitedly.


    "Hmm, I don¡¯t have any meals in mind. However, I do want my meals to be protein dense, nutrient and contain a good amount of carbs."


    "As for the time, maybe in an hour." He said, ncing at his watch.


    "Alright, Mr Thompson. I will get to it immediately," she replied.


    Alfred smiled at the side, since the boss decided to try it, he had no reason to say no.


    He told Pennyworth his schedule for the day, then around the house to do his job.


    ...


    In the gym, Noah did his usual routine of full body.


    After around an hour, he wiped off the sweat beads on his forehead.


    "That was nice. Time to do the daily run," As he headed out of the vi.


    Thirty minutester, Noah was done with his intense High-intensity interval run.


    He turned to his mansion and headed to his bedroom where he took a quick shower.


    After the refreshing shower, feeling hungry he decided to check on Selena¡¯s progress.


    Noah made his way to the kitchen, the smell of freshly prepared food greeting him even before he stepped through the doorway.


    Selena stood by the counter, her eyes lighting up as he entered.


    With a smile, she ced a te in front of him, arranging the dishes with the care of someone who genuinely loved what they did.


    "Here is your food, Mr Thompson. I made sure to make it protein-dense, nutrient-dense and contain a good amount of carbs to fuel your day," She smiled.


    "Thank you," Noah responded, as he nced at the food in front of him.


    The meal looked as impressive as it smelled.


    A grilled piece of salmon, its crispy golden-brown skin, on top of it a light drizzle of herbed olive oil.


    A garnish of finely chopped chives and parsley added a sense of luxury, enhancing the visual appeal of the dish.


    Beside ity a small, elegantly arranged pile of quinoa mixed with roasted vegetables, including vibrant bell peppers, zhini, and sweet cherry tomatoes. Ensuring that he received the required amount of fibre nutrients.


    To the side, there was a small bowl of fresh avocado salsa ¡ª creamy and smooth, with a squeeze of lime and a handful of finely chopped red onions andtro.


    Rounding out the te was a delicate serving of saut¨¦ed asparagus.


    Selena watched him, her hands sped nervously in front of her apron.


    "Here you go, Mr. Thompson. I hope it¡¯s to your liking."


    Noah¡¯s eyes lingered on the te for a moment, a small smile forming on his face.


    "It looks pretty good, Selena," he remarked, lifting his gaze to meet hers. "Let¡¯s see how it tastes."


    He picked up his fork and knife and sliced into the salmon, which was perfectly smooth and easy to cut, revealing its tender, juicy centre.


    He took his first bite, feeling the rich, smoky vour.


    His expression softened, nodding in approval, as he savoured the vour.


    Selena, still watching him, couldn¡¯t help but ask, "Is it¡­ to your liking, Mr. Thompson?"


    He looked up, catching the nervous anticipation in her expression.


    "Selena," he said, a hint of appreciation in his voice, "it tastes as good as it looks. Really well done."


    She visibly rxed, her shoulders easing as a smile broke through. "Thank you, Mr. Thompson. I¡¯m so d you like it."


    He chuckled lightly, taking another bite of the asparagus with the balsamic drizzle, which added just the right amount of tang to finish each mouthful.


    "You know," he said between bites, "you¡¯ve got a real talent here. If this is what you can whip up in an hour, I¡¯d say you¡¯re more than qualified to handle the job."


    Selena¡¯s cheeks flushed with pride, a shy smile breaking across her face. "I¡¯d be honoured to cook for you, Mr Thompson. Anything you need, just let me know."


    He nodded, pleased by her enthusiasm and skill. "Great. Then it¡¯s settled. Let¡¯s keep this going."


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    He took another bite, savouring the food before adding, "And please, call me Noah. No need for formality."


    Her smile grew, and she nodded eagerly. "Of course, Noah."

 Chapter 156 Our teahouse is famous

    After finishing his meal, Noah got up from his seat.


    "Thank you for the meal Selena, make sure you tell Alfred about what we spoke about," He said, as he left.


    "Yes sir," She nodded, as she quickly took the empty tes and started washing them and cleaning the table.


    Noah then made his way to the main door and left the mansion.


    He decided it was time to check on the teahouse and see how his dad was managing.


    The drive was quick, the motorway passing by in a blur as he made his way to the teahouse.


    As he approached the teahouse, a sight he hadn''t expected stopped him in his tracks.


    The line of customers stretched down the block, people waiting patiently whilst talking with others in the line.


    He raised an eyebrow, a small smirk crossing his face.


    ''Guess Aiden uploaded that video sooner than I thought.''


    He parked and nced through the window.


    Inside, his father was serving customers with a friendly smile, clearly enjoying the atmosphere despite the sheer number of people he was serving.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Fortunately, the crowd appeared to be polite, everyone waiting in an orderly fashion and no one causing any trouble.


    But Noah knew it wouldn''t be long before the demand would need more hands to manage, so he pulled out his phone and quickly dialled Lionel''s number.


    "Hey, Lionel. I need two people sent to the teahouse to help out."


    "I''ll text you the address. Make sure they''re dressed professionally¡ªsuits or something that looks sharp. None of that rough-and-tumble look today."


    "Understood, sir," Lionel replied with his usual tone.


    After ending the call, he immediately dialled Jackson, rying the same instructions.


    The first few days were very important in maintaining the teahouse''s reputation and having slow customer service would be bad for its image.


    He exited the car and started walking towards the entrance. But just as he reached the door, a man in line stepped in front of him, blocking his path.


    "Hey! Where do you think you''re going?" the man demanded, raising an eyebrow. "There''s a line here, buddy."


    Noah frowned slightly before his expression rxed. "Rx. I''m one of the owners of the teahouse."


    The man blinked, quickly retracting his hand, his expression turning sheepish.


    "Oh! My bad. Sorry about that," he mumbled, scratching the back of his head. "Thought you were trying to barge in."


    "No problem," Noah replied, nodding as he slipped past.


    The man''s embarrassment melted into an amused chuckle, and he muttered a quick apology.


    A woman next to the man said.


    "He tricked you, he is probably lying to you so that he can enter first." She scoffed.


    He turned towards her and said.


    "Then why didn''t you say anything? Why are you saying that now?" He frowned, looking at her weirdly.


    "Um, it''s not my business?" She said, raising her hand in an annoying manner as her long fingernails shed together.


    "Then stop talking if it''s not your business," He said, before turning around and looking forward.


    The woman became speechless but did not press further as it would only make her more embarrassed.


    Once inside, Noah made his way over to his dad, who greeted him with a grin, relief clear in his eyes as he saw Noah''s arrival.


    "d you''re here," David said, leaning over the counter slightly to speak over the lively crowd.


    "Didn''t expect this kind of rush on a weekday."


    Noah smiled, ncing at the line outside. "Yeah, but why didn''t you tell me there were so many here?"


    "I could''vee much earlier to help you out, or sent someone." He added


    "It''s okay, the shop just opened anyway. I was nning to call youter though," He said, as he served another customer."


    Shortly after, the team Noah had requested from Lionel and Jackson arrived.


    Four men, each with a solid, athletic build but dressed smartly in suits.


    They made their way through the crowd, drawing a few curious looks from the customers in line.


    They approached Noah, and one of them spoke up.


    "Boss, we¡ª"


    Noah held up his hand, stopping them mid-sentence with a slight nod, understanding immediately who had sent them.


    "Alright," he said quietly, ncing at the teahouse entrance. "Here''s what I need you to do."


    He quickly told them what their roles were.


    "Two of you stay outside and manage the line. Make sure it stays orderly and that no one causes trouble."


    "If someone starts acting up, give them a warning. If they keep pushing it, you''re free to kick them out but keep it professional. Use force if you need to, but no violence unless absolutely necessary. Got it?"


    The two men assigned to the outside security duties nodded firmly, replying in unison, "Yes, boss."


    "Good." Noah turned to the other two men. "The rest of you, head inside and help my dad at the counter. The system already has the prices set, and the menu is small, so you''ll be able to pick it up quickly. If a customer has questions, just read off the menu and help them out as best you can, alright?"


    "Yes, boss," they said, as they split into pairs, heading to their positions.


    The two outside moved to manage the line, calming the chatter in the crowd with their presence, while the other two went inside to assist David.


    Noah made his way inside, where he saw his father already ncing curiously at the two people behind the counter.


    He had seen Noah talk to them, so he wasn''t worried about them much.


    "Who are these people, Noah?" David asked, ncing at them. Enjoy new stories from empire


    "They work for a friend of mine," Noah exined casually. "I asked him to lend me a few extra hands for today because it''s quite busy."


    "If you like them and they do well, we might consider hiring them permanently. What do you think?" Noah added.


    David nodded slowly, a thoughtful look crossing his face as he watched one of the men assisting a customer.


    "We''ll see how they do," he replied, giving Noah an approving nod.


    "Alright," Noah said. "I''m going to head inside to check on a few things. Let me know if you need anything."


    David gave him a knowing nod, understanding where Noah was going. "Got it."

 Chapter 157 Signing the Second company

    Noah entered the backroom of the teahouse. He was nning on helping his dad quickly before leaving because he had lots of stuff to do today.


    ''I can''t stay here for too long, so I will try to lower his workload,''


    He thought.


    Fifteen minutester...


    "Okay, I''m done." He muttered, as he put thest few boxes on the shelves.


    He had made a hundred packs of each size, which were ten grams, 50 grams and 100 grams.


    These were the most popr packs, whilst 1kg packs were very rare so far.


    After sorting them out, Noah headed out of the backroom and to the main reception.


    "The line is still quite long," He muttered, as he nced at the queue.


    He looked at David who was still working as hard as before, with a smile on his face.


    "Dad, why don''t you rest for a while?" He asked.


    "It''s okay, this is fun, I''m enjoying myself," He replied back, his smile widening as he served another customer.


    "Thank you for your purchase, do drop by when you can."


    Noah shook his head and said.


    "Alright, but promise me you won''t overwork yourself."


    "I promise," David, chuckled.


    After talking to his dad for a few minutes, he headed out of the store and entered his car.


    On the way, Noah received a call from a private number.


    "Hello?" He responded, after answering the phone call.


    "Hi, am I speaking to Noah Thompson?" a familiar voice spoke.


    "Yes, you are."


    "Great, I''m Sergeant Rachel Miller," She responded, her tone off as if she didn''t want to speak to him.


    "I see, how can I help you, sergeant," He said, a small smile forming on his face as he kept driving.


    "I called you in regards to one of the cases of embezzlement you have made, our detective has decided that this case has enough evidence to be transferred to court."


    "I was calling you to inform you that you have two choices, either drop the case or take it to court. What do you choose?"


    Noah listened to what she said and replied.


    "I would like to take it to court, I have enough evidence to prove they are guilty."


    "Alright, the earliest court appointment is in two days time. Would you like to book that one?"


    "Yes, please."


    "Alright, Mr Thompson."


    "I will send you the detailster today regarding the time and ce." She said as he heard a keyboard typing.


    "Thanks."


    "You''re wee, have a nice day." She said, hanging up.


    "You too,"


    ...


    Arriving at the government building, Noah parked his G-ss in an open parking spot.


    "This shouldn''t take too long," He muttered as he made his way inside the building.


    The queue in front of him moved quickly, and before long, a voice called out, "Next."


    Noah stepped forward, meeting the gaze of a middle-aged attendant sitting behind the counter, his expression neutral but tired.


    "How can I help you today?" the man asked, adjusting his sses as he looked up.


    "I''d like to register mypany," Noah replied, his tone confident but polite.


    The man nodded, typing a few words into hisputer. "And in what sector will yourpany operate?"


    "Pharmaceuticals," Noah replied without missing a beat.


    The man''s eyes flicked up for a brief moment, a hint of curiosity in his gaze. "Pharmaceuticals," he repeated, nodding slowly as he made a few more keystrokes.


    "I''m sure you''re aware that before any of your products can be listed for sale, they''ll need to undergo clinical testing to prove their safety and efficacy."


    "Of course," Noah replied, pulling out a set of documents that Arthur had prepared for him. "I have all the necessary paperwork here."


    The man epted the stack, scanning through each page before setting them in a small tray beside him.


    He ced each page carefully on a scanner, taking digital copies.


    Once he finished, he returned Noah''s original copies, ncing up with a faint, approving nod.


    "All right, I''ve taken copies of everything. Now, what name will thepany be registered under?"


    "Thompson''s Pharmaceuticals," Noah replied, the name rolling off his tongue.


    The attendant''s fingers tapped swiftly across the keyboard, entering the name into the system. "And do you have a specific location for yourpany headquarters?"


    Noah shook his head slightly. "Not yet."


    The man nodded withoutment, continuing his work in silence for a few moments before he finally looked up.


    "Okay, Mr. Thompson, I''ve ced your documents in the queue for review."


    "Processing typically takes two to three business days. Once everything is approved, we''ll notify you. Thepany is now officially registered, and once your documentation is cleared, you''ll be free to begin operations."


    "Thank you," Noah replied, his voice calm.


    The man gave a curt nod, his tone slightly warmer as he said, "You''re wee. Good luck."


    With a final nod of thanks, Noah turned and made his way back outside.


    Once Noah settled into the driver''s seat, he pulled out his phone and called Lily''s number. After a few rings, she picked up.


    "Hello, Lily?"


    "Hi, Noah! What''s up?"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He smiled, rxing in his seat.


    "Just checking in. How have you been doing?"


    "Oh, you know, the usual. Studying for the uing exams," she replied her tone a mix of enthusiasm and exhaustion.


    He nodded. "Let me know if you need any help regarding that."


    "I will, thank you," she said, and he could hear the smile in her voice.


    "By the way, could you send me your dad''s number? I need to talk to him about something."


    "Sure," she replied without hesitation.


    Continue your adventure with empire


    "Thanks, Lily."


    "No problem at all," she said before they hung up, her voice as warm as ever.


    Receiving Arthur''s number from Lily, Noah called it.


    "Hello?" Arthur''s voice held a slight note of curiosity as if he wasn''t quite sure who''d be calling him directly. He had never seen the number before.


    "Hello, It''s me, Noah."


    "Noah! How''d you get my number? Did Lily give it to you?" There was a warm chuckle in Arthur''s voice, recognizing Noah now.

 Chapter 158 Apartment Estate

    Noah confirmed, smiling to himself. "Yes, she did."


    "I see," Arthur replied, clearly intrigued. "What''s up? Is something wrong?"


    "No, actually, it''s quite the opposite," Noah began.


    "I''ve just submitted all the documents and officially registered the pharmaceuticalpany. It should take about three days for everything to be verified and approved."


    "That''s fantastic news!" Arthur responded with genuine enthusiasm, and excitement clear in his tone.


    "Thanks. But that''s not everything," Noah added. "I have a business opportunity for you¡­ I wonder if you''d be interested."


    Arthur''s tone shifted, intrigued. "A business opportunity? From you? Now, that''s interesting. I''m in. Want to meet up?"


    Noah nodded as if Arthur could see him. "Sure, let''s meet up."


    "Let''s do Caff¨¨ Nero," Arthur suggested. "I''ll text you the address right now."


    "Sounds perfect. I''ll see you there soon," Noah replied, ending the call.


    Looking at the address, he ced it in the car''s navigation system.


    "It''s only fifteen minutes away, not bad." He muttered as he set off.


    ...


    Arriving at caf¨¦ Nera, Noah took in the luxurious building.


    Spotting Arthur seated near the window, he made his way over, and Arthur''s face lit up as he caught sight of him, standing to greet him with a firm handshake and a weing smile.


    "Good to see you, Noah," Arthur said, his expression warm.


    "Likewise, Arthur."


    After they settled, Arthur leaned back, his gaze on Noah.


    "Want a drink? Americano? Latte?"


    "Atte, thank you," Noah replied with a polite smile.


    Arthur nodded, gesturing for the attendant. "te and one iced Americano, please," he said with ease.


    "Of course, sir," the attendant replied with a nod, leaving them alone.


    "So¡­ what''s this business opportunity you mentioned?" Arthur''s curiosity was clear, his eyes fixed intently on Noah.


    Noah leaned forward slightly, his expression calm.


    "It''s an apartment estate. Arge one¡­ in fact, veryrge."


    Arthur''s brows rose, his interest immediately piqued. "An apartment estate? And where is it located?" he asked, leaning in, his tone growing more curious by the second.


    Noah nodded. "Yes, it''s located in the city centre. There are a total of eighty apartments in theplex, but I won''t be selling all eighty units."


    "I want to keep the first andst floor for myself. So, effectively, seventy-two apartments will be up for sale."


    Arthur blinked, his mouth parting slightly as he absorbed the scale of what Noah was describing.


    He leaned back, his face a mix of disbelief and shock.


    "Wait¡­ are you saying


    eighty


    or


    eighteen


    ? I''m not sure if I heard you correctly."


    "Eighty," Noah confirmed, his smile widening. "Eight. Zero."


    Arthur''s eyes widened, shock flickering across his face. "And you''re telling me this estate is right in the heart of the city centre?"


    "Yes," Noah nodded, the confidence in his voice leaving no room for doubt.


    Arthur let out a slow breath, taking a moment topose himself before standing up, his eyes almost sparkling with excitement.


    "Can you take me there? I want to see this ce myself."


    Readtest stories on empire


    Noah chuckled, ncing at the counter where their drinks were being prepared.


    "Of course. But what about mytte?" he said with a smirk.


    Arthur let out a sheepishugh, realising his eagerness had almost caused him to leave his drink behind.


    "Right, right. Sorry about that. I got too excited there." He chuckled, sitting back down, but his expression was stillced with impatience.


    The attendant ced the drinks on their table shortly after.


    Noah took a slow sip of histte, savouring the creamy warmth, while Arthur practically tapped his foot, his gaze darting to the entrance every few seconds, clearly itching to see the property in person.


    "Alright," Noah finally said, setting his cup down and giving Arthur a knowing smile. "Let''s go check it out."


    ...


    Arriving at the property, Noah stepped out of the car, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth as he watched Arthur''s reaction.


    "The estate is¡­ here? Or is it a few blocks away?" Arthur asked as his gaze scanned the area.


    Noah nodded.


    "It''s here, alright. In fact, the estate you''re looking at right now is the one," he replied with a casual smile.


    Arthur turned to him.


    "This one? Right here?" His voice held a tone of disbelief that was hard to miss.


    "Yup. This exact one," Noah confirmed, gesturing toward the estate. "Want to go in?"


    Arthur nodded, though he stood rooted to the spot, his eyes sweeping over the estate''s exterior design.


    "Yes, but¡­ give me a second to check it from the outside," he murmured, his gaze fixed on the building.


    It had to be known that this area wasn''t just any random spot in Birmingham, it was a prime location for many people. It was in the heart of the city centre, and it was close to everything you could possibly need.


    Arthur had tried to get some properties in the area a decade ago, but they were only sold in batches and at that time he wasn''t able to afford it.


    After a while, Arthur turned to Noah, his face filled with anticipation. "Alright¡­ let''s go inside."


    Noah gave him a quick nod. "Let''s go."


    They entered through therge front doors, and Noah led Arthur through a few of the apartments, showcasing the spaciousyouts, high ceilings, and luxurious finishes.


    "This is the first floor; each floor has four apartments, the apartments have different designs but the same shape and structure. This makes each one unique, suiting different people."


    Arthur nodded.


    "I agree, some apartment estates have the mistake of sharing the same structure and style, making every apartment a replica of the previous one."


    "Each room should hold a charm of its own, this ensures a bnce of elegance and practicality, you know." Arthur continued.


    Noah nodded in agreement.


    When they finished the tour and stepped back outside, Arthur took a deep breath, exhaling slowly as if trying to absorb everything he''d seen.


    "So... What do you think?" Noah grinned.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

 Chapter 159 Apartments are Sold

    Arthur leaned back slightly, a wry smile spreading across his face as he processed the value of the opportunity before him.


    "What do I think?" he replied, chuckling as he shook his head. "I think I''d be crazy to pass this up."


    Noah''s eyes sparkled with amusement, but he stayed quiet as Arthur continued. "So, what''s your goal here, Noah? Are you looking to sell these apartments off one by one? Or are you thinking of renting them out?"


    Noah didn''t hesitate. "I want to sell them," he replied firmly.


    ''Passive ie is nice and all,''


    he thought to himself, ''


    but I need a significant amount of capital for my next n. I have enough streams bringing in passive revenue ¡ª the gold, the restaurants, the teahouse. What I need now is upfront cash to move forward.''


    Arthur nodded thoughtfully.


    "I see," he said, his expression turning serious. "Well, since this is arge business deal, and we''re friends."


    "I''ll make you an offer. Normally, I''d take a 10%mission for handling this, but I''m willing to take 5% instead."


    Arthur kept his tone professional, but inwardly he knew he would have gone even lower had Noah had pushed back.


    Noah was a connection he couldn''t risk breaking, he had met him only a few weeks ago and every time he saw him, Noah had broken his expectations.


    Noah considered this for a brief moment before nodding, a smile crossing his face. "Alright, then. It''s a deal."


    Arthur''s face brightened. "Great! Let''s get everything in order. Do you want to drop by my office so we can start the paperwork?"


    "Sure," Noah agreed, his voice calm.


    ¡­


    Two hourster, they hadpleted the necessary paperwork, each page carefully signed.


    Arthur stood up from his chair, stretching slightly as he shook Noah''s hand with a look of satisfaction.


    "Thank you, Noah," he said, his tone carrying a note of genuine appreciation.


    Noah smiled, giving a firm handshake. "The pleasure''s mine, Arthur. Looking forward to what''s next."


    "Me too," Arthur responded, as he watched Noah leave the office.


    ...


    Inside the car.


    "Everything is going as nned,"


    "I''m slowly expanding my influence in this city, and soon it will reach the neighbouring ones,"


    Noah then called the subordinates, that were helping his dad.


    After making sure everything was going well there, he decided to head home.


    Arriving at his house, Noah changed into his home clothes and went to his room.


    "It seems like someone really filmed it," He thought, as he watched himself ''protecting'' the little disabled girl.


    After watching the video and reading thements of people praising him, he went and checked Aiden''s page.


    "So I was right, he still hasn''t uploaded the video. It was the video of me ''protecting the girl'' that attracted so many people there," He muttered.


    As Noahy on his bed, still scrolling through his phone, he received a message.


    He nced down, a small smile forming when he saw Amelia''s name on the screen.


    "Hey, how are you?"


    she''d typed.


    "Hello, I''m doing well. What about you?"


    "I''m good,"


    she replied, a short pause following her words before a new message popped up.


    "


    Uhm¡ªare you free?"


    with a shy, hesitant emoji.


    "Yup, I''m free,"


    he typed back quickly, amused at her roundabout question.


    "Are you, like, free free? is there like different types of being free?"


    "hmm, free free?"


    He asked, amused by the vocabry.


    "As in, like, at home doing nothing free, you know?"


    He chuckled, sending back, "


    Yes, that''s exactly the kind of "free" I am currently residing in,"


    adding aughing emoji.


    Meanwhile, on the other end of the chat, Amelia held her phone, her cheeks warming as she debated her next message.


    She''d been sitting on her bed for nearly ten minutes, yet she couldn''t seem to find the right words.


    She wanted to ask him to y, but it felt¡­ too forward, somehow.


    They hadn''t yed together in a while, and she didn''t want to sound overly eager, though that was exactly how she felt.


    With a breath to steady herself, she finally typed out the words that had been swirling in her mind, her thumb hesitating over the send button.


    "I was wondering if you want to y some Underwatch¡­ or, you know, some other game if you prefer."


    Her fingers hovered, debating whether to add more.


    Finally, she added, "


    I really miss us ying together. It was fun."


    And before she could overthink it, she tapped send, her heart racing as she watched the "typing" indicator flicker on Noah''s end.


    The seconds stretched on, her mind racing with thoughts.


    "


    Maybe I sounded too eager. What if he''s not interested? Or busy? Or just¡­"


    She bit her lip, unable to finish that thought, when her phone vibrated with his response.


    "Sure, let''s y. Give me 5 minutes, I''ll grab something to drink and log in."


    A crash of excitement warmed her body, and she barely managed to type out, "


    Sure!"


    before she found herself grinning.


    She tossed her phone aside, practically bouncing to her pc as she sat on the chair.


    ...


    "Ready?"


    he typed into the chat.


    "Absolutely,"


    she replied, excited to y with Noah again.


    As they loaded into the first match, Noah adjusted his headset, and Amelia''s voice came through.


    "It''s been ages since we''ve yed," she said, her excitement evident.


    "Yeah, it has," he replied, leaning back in his chair.


    "Do you want to warm up with some quick y first? Then maybe we can jump into ranked?"


    "Sure, sounds good," she said immediately, but then a secondter, sheughed, realizing something.


    "Oh, wait. I forgot we can''t. You''re unranked, and I''m¡­ well, way up there."


    "Right," he typed back, amused. "Alright, let''s stick with normal matches. I''ll rank up soloter so we can y together."


    "Sure," she said.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    As they loaded into their first quick game, they dominated the whole lobby from the start, capturing the first point in a mere thirty seconds and pushing the payload.


    "Jeez, who are these people?" a teammate muttered over the mic as they steamrolled their way through the match. "You two aren''t¡­ smurfing, are you?"


    Amelia snickered, but Noah responded in a deadpan voice. "Nah, we''re just warming up."


    "The Genj, is a level 1 yer! How is that even possible?" Another one of their teammates added.


    They continued to dominate the lobby, the coordination between them almost telepathic. Midway through, someone on the other team''s chat piped up.


    "Really? Sweating this hard in quick y?" the voice grumbled. "Touch some grass, please. I''m sure you haven''t stepped outside your house in months."


    "Oh, don''t worry, I have a garden in my house," Amelia replied with augh, making Noah chuckle. "In fact, I touched some yesterday."


    Their teammatesughed, and Noah decided to troll with Amelia.


    "Hey, thanks for the suggestion. Maybe we''ll switch it up and touch some concrete tomorrow."


    Amelia nearly lost it at that, bursting out inughter.


    She tried to cover her mic, but herughter still slipped through.


    Another teammate piped up, "Nah, nah, keep sweating. Carry us to victory, please. I''ll send you both some grass seeds after this, Heck I will even send you concrete. I have been on a loss streak from yesterday, this is my opportunity to break it!"


    "Victory!" The game sounded, as Noah got a team kill by his ult ending the game.


    "Top 500 in quick y. Great. Go y ranked if you need to feed your ego so bad," someone else grumbled from the other team as he left not bothering to read the reply.


    "Well, actually, that was our n. But, you are unranked," Amelia muttered to Noah, barely able to contain herugh.


    They continued hopping into match after match.


    As they finished theirst game, Amelia said.


    "We have yed 5 games, and won all of them."


    "Maybe, he was right. Maybe I should go hug a tree after this match." Noah responded.


    "Good idea." she teased.


    ...


    After finishing his games with Amelia, Noah nced at the time.


    "It''s lunchtime, let''s see what Selena has made," He muttered, as he headed down to the kitchen.


    As he was eating the meal that Selena made, which was some steak, a bit of gravy on the side and some french fries.


    He received a call.


    "Lionel?" He muttered as he picked it up.


    "Boss, we are in trouble. We need your help," He said, his voice calm as usual but worried.


    "What''s wrong, where are you now?." Noah quickly said as he got up from his chair.


    Selena who was in the kitchen, looked at the serious look on his face.


    ''Something bad must have happened, I''ve never seen him this serious," She thought, as she kept doing her chores. Discover hidden tales at empire


    "Alright, I will be there in around thirty minutes. Tell everyone to go back, do you understand?" He said, his tone not allowing for opposition.

 Chapter 160 New problems

    Ending the call, Noah grabbed his keys from the table as a serious look formed on his face.


    Entering his car, he inserted the car keys and started the engine. The lykan roared to life, as he drove off his entrance.


    He arrived near theplex''s entrance within a minute.


    Anderson seeing his car from afar, quickly told the other guard to open the gates.


    "Hurry up, open the gates." He told the guard, seeing that Noah was still elerating.


    The guard quickly nodded, as he opened the gate worried that Noah would crash into it.


    As the gate opened, Noah''s lykan zoomed through it like a bolt action.


    Anderson watched the Lykan disappear from his sight.


    A frown appeared on his face, as he muttered.


    "That look on his face... someone pissed him off... badly."


    ...


    The trip from Noah''s house to the old Ash Wolves house is usually around 40 minutes away by driving. However, Noah only took 15 minutes to arrive there.


    As he approached the house, he did a beautiful drift arc and parked the lykan perfectly.


    The door was already opened, with Lionel waiting for him.


    Noah had contacted him a few minutes earlier, that he would arrive soon.


    "Boss," Lionel nodded in respect.


    Noah nodded in return with a serious look on his face.


    "Lead me to where he is," He said, his tone chilly sending shivers down Lionel''s spine.


    "Yes boss," Lionely nodded, as he led Noah to a room.


    Inside the room, Leoy slumped on the sofa, blood seeping from his side, staining his shirt a deep crimson colour.


    His face was pale, and his breaths were shallow, while Ryker knelt beside him, pressing a towel against the wound in a desperate attempt to staunch the bleeding.


    The iron scent of blood filled Noah''s nose as he stepped into the room.


    His eyes locked onto Leo''s pale face, and anger ran through him.


    Without hesitation, he strode forward and said.


    "Move out of the way."


    His voice carried a tone that didn''t take no for an answer.


    Ryker hesitated for a split second, ncing at his boss''s steely expression before stumbling back, his bloodied hands trembling.


    "Y-yes, Boss," Ryker stuttered, quickly making room.


    Noah dropped to a crouch, taking Ryker''s ce.


    He pulled the blood-soaked towel away, his sharp eyes inspecting the wound.


    ''The wound is deep, the angle where the bullet entered isn''t good.'' He thought.


    "This is bad," he muttered, his tone grim. "The bullet might''ve hit an organ."


    He turned his gaze sharply to Lionel, who stood next to him, his face filled with worry and nervousness.


    "Lionel, bring me a stitching needle, medical string, sterile gauze, and rubbing alcohol. I need gloves too."


    Lionel froze for a moment, his mind racing to memorize the list of supplies. "Boss, we don''t ha¡ª"


    Noah cut him off, his voice colder than ice. "Then buy it, Lionel. Don''t stand there wasting time. He doesn''t have much longer."


    He nodded quickly as Noah tossed him the Lykan keys, which Lionel caught with a slight stumble before rushing out the door.


    Lionel sped through the streets, the roar of the Lykan''s engine matching the urgency pounding in his chest.


    He reached the pharmacy in mere minutes, as he busted through the doors.


    The startled woman at the counter blinked at him as he rattled off his list.


    "I need a stitching needle, medical string, sterile gauze, rubbing alcohol, and gloves. Hurry, please."


    The woman nodded, her hands moving quickly as she gathered the items Lionel asked for. "One moment, sir," she said, her voice professional but with a hint of concern.


    As she returned with the items, "This will be $34.4¡ª" but before she could finish, Lionel had already thrown a $100 bill on the counter.


    "Keep the change," he said, turning around and rushing back out the door.


    Five minutester, Lionel entered the room, panting slightly from his sprint. "Boss, I have everything you asked for," he said, cing the items down on the table.


    Noah nodded before his focus returned to Leo.


    He slipped on the gloves, pouring alcohol onto his hands and the stitching tools to sterilize them.


    His movements were quick and precise as if he had done it thousands of times before, his mind fully locked onto what he was about to do next.


    "Ryker, hold his shoulders down. Lionel, keep the light steady on the wound," Noah ordered, his tone calm but authoritative.


    Noah then ced something between Leo''s teeth, so that he doesn''t swallow his tongue from the pain or shout loudly making the other''s falter.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "No matter how much he groans, or moves. Do not stop holding him down, do you understand Ryker?" Noah said, his tone grim.


    "Y-Yes, boss." He nodded his head, still worried whether Noah knew what he was doing or not.


    But he couldn''t question him now, he was already on a warning from his previous mistake.


    ''Since Lionel didn''t say anything, I''m also gonna keep my mouth shut.'' Explore more at empire


    He thought.


    He poured rubbing alcohol over the wound, the sharp pain jolted Leo''s body as he let out a guttural groan, his body twitching at the sting.


    "Hold him down," Noah said, his voice calm. "Ryker, keep his shoulders steady. Lionel, keep the light on the wound."


    Both men scrambled, their faces pale and glistening with sweat. The tension in the room was suffocating them, they didn''t know how Noah was so calm.


    ''This is bad,''


    Noah thought, his mind racing as he assessed the situation.


    ''If the bullet really nicked an organ or a major vessel, he could bleed out before I''m even halfway done.''


    He didn''t have many tools on him, and they were running out of time. So he had to make due of what he could.


    "Leo," Noah said, his tone firm.


    "This is going to hurt, but you need to stay as still as you can. Got it?"


    Leo managed a faint nod as sweat beads rolled down his forehead, his teeth clenched against the pain.

 Chapter 161 New problems (2)

    "Just¡­ get it out," he rasped.


    Noah didn''t respond. Words wouldn''t help now.


    He picked up the scalpel and made the first incision.


    The skin parted cleanly, revealing a deeperyer of tissue marred with crimson.


    Blood welled up immediately, and Noah pressed gauze against it, his hands working with pinpoint uracy.


    "Keep that light steady!" Noah snapped at Lionel, whose hand trembled slightly.


    "Yes, Boss," Lionel stammered, his knuckles white as he gripped the shlight.


    The shlight felt like a barbell in Lionel''s hand.


    The wound was deep, and the bullet was buried near the lower ribcage.


    Noah''s mind worked in overdrive, visualizing the anatomy beneath.


    ''


    Liver, diaphragm, intercostal muscles¡­''


    He pushed all thoughts aside, as he focused on the procedure.


    As he deepened the incision to explore further, Leo let out a sharp cry, his body jerking against Ryker''s hold.


    "Hold him still, damn it!" Noah growled, at ryjer who let Leo move.


    Ryker gritted his teeth, tightening his grip on Leo''s shoulders.


    "I''m trying, Boss, but he''s too damn strong for someone bleeding out! Heck he''s even stronger than usual."


    "Then try harder," Noah shot back, his eyes never leaving the wound.


    He picked up the tweezers, carefully probing the opening.


    Blood pooled faster now, spilling over his gloves and soaking the towel beneath Leo. Noah''s jaw clenched.


    ''


    Where is it?''


    his mind hyper-focused.


    "Come on,e on¡­" he muttered under his breath, pulling back ayer of muscle to reveal the shiny edge of metal lodged deep within the tissue.


    "There you are," he muttered.


    It was dangerously close to a vein, the pulsing movement just visible.


    ''It''s too close to the vein. One wrong move, and he''s done.''


    "Noah," Lionel said, his voice cracking, "is he¡­ is he gonna make it?"


    "He won''t if you don''t keep your mouth shut," Noah snapped, his tone colder than the room''s air.


    He inhaled deeply, forcing himself to block out everything else. ''


    Steady hands. I should be able to do it with the system skill.''


    Using the tweezers, he gently gripped the edge of the bullet.


    Leo let out another pained groan, his body arching against Ryker''s weight.


    "Stay down!" Ryker yelled, his own face filled with sweat.


    "I''m trying!" Leo rasped, his voice weak.


    Noah tuned out their voices, his focus narrowing to the minuscule space between the bullet and the pulsing vein.


    He moved with painstaking precision, the world around him fading into a blur. Slowly, he began to pull the bullet out, millimetre by agonizing millimetre.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Almost there," Noah muttered.


    Suddenly, the bullet dislodged, slipping free with a sickening squelch. Blood spurted briefly, and Noah immediately pressed gauze against the wound, applying pressure.


    "It''s out," he said, his voice calm despite the chaos around him.


    Leo''s groan of pain softened into a ragged breath, his body sagging against Ryker''s grip. Ryker let out a shakyugh.


    "Boss," Lionel breathed, his hand still trembling as he held the light. "You actually did it."


    Noah didn''t respond. He knew that Leo was at his weakest right now, any infections contracted now could be fatal.


    He cleaned the wound with more alcohol, ignoring the stinging smell and Leo''s sharp inhale.


    Picking up the stitching needle, he threaded the medical string.


    "This part''s going to sting too," Noah warned, though Leo was too weak to respond.


    His eyelids fluttered, his body limp.


    Noah''s hands worked quickly, stitching the wound shut.


    The room fell silent except for the sound of his breathing and the asional groan from Leo.


    Ryker and Lionel watched in awe, their nerves fried from the tension they had been experiencing.


    Once the final stitch was in ce, Noah tied off the string and covered the wound with a cleanyer of gauze, securing it tightly.


    "He''s stable for now," Noah said, pulling off his gloves and tossing them aside.


    "But he''s not out of the danger yet. Lionel, you guys need to keep an eye on him for the next week."


    " I will also visit often to check on him, but you need to do it regrly. Understand?"


    "Yes, Boss," Lionel said.


    Noah turned to Ryker, who was still holding Leo upright. "Keep an eye on him. If his breathing changes or he starts bleeding again, call me immediately."


    Ryker nodded, though his hands still trembled.


    "Got it, Boss."


    Noah took a step back, his gaze remaining on Leo''s pale face.


    ''They really think I am a pushover, huh?''


    he thought grimly, as a smirk slowly appeared on his face.


    He turned to the sink, washing the blood off his arm as the water ran red, swirling down the drain.


    As the sound of water filled the room, Noah''s thoughts were on his revenge.


    After washing his hands, Noah stared at his reflection in the mirror.


    a few minutester... he turned around and left the toilet.


    Inside the living room, Noah looked at Lionel who was standing in front of him.


    "So, tell me..." Noah began, his tone chillingly calm. "What happened?"


    Lionel swallowed hard, his hands sped tightly in front of him.


    "Boss, we were going about our usual business of selling gold," he started.


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    "You sent us a gold bar yesterday with Jackson, and today it was Leo''s turn to handle the sale."


    "We decided to rotate the gold bars among the three of us¡ªme, Ryker, and Leo."


    Nodding his head, Noah gestured for him to continue.


    "Leo was meeting with a potential buyer," Lionel said, his tone darkening.


    "The spot was quiet, off the main road in K-block on High Avenue Street¡ªa dead-end alley. It''s usually a safe area with no other gangs because of the low traffic, no bystanders."


    "As the deal was being discussed, a group of four masked me got out of a four-by-four and ambushed them," Lionel continued.


    "Luckily Leo wasn''t alone, he had Johnathan with him. They fought back and held their ground at first. The attackers didn''t have firearms initially..."


    Lionel paused, his jaw tightening as his hands clenched into fists. "But when the attackers realized they couldn''t win against them, one of them pulled out a gun sneakily.


    "And...he fired, hitting Leo in the side."

 Chapter 162 New Problems(3)

    The room seemed to grow colder as Noah''s gaze sharpened, yet he still said nothing.


    The silence was almost suffocating, forcing Lionel to continue.


    "After that¡­ the shooter tried to fire again, but the gun jammed. He gave up on it, patted down Leo, grabbed the gold bar, and ran. The rest of the gang followed him."


    "He didn''t bother to finish Leo off, because he thought he had hit in the heart,"


    "How do you know that?"


    "Johnathan said, he heard himugh and rap, ''I ain''t Cupid, but I let the bullet fly,


    Put a hole in your chest, now you heartless... so why cry?''"


    Noah''s fingers tapped the armrest in slow motion, his expression was unreadable. "What about Johnathan?"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Johnathan took cover as soon as the gun went off," Lionel said, his voice faltering slightly. "He didn''te out until the attackers were gone. He knew staying out in the open would only get both of them killed."


    Lionel paused, ncing at Noah nervously before continuing. "Once they were gone, Johnathan brought Leo here. He didn''t take him to the hospital¡ªfor obvious reasons. We can''t exin it after all, and Leo has some previous convicts so it would make it worse."


    Brutal silence fell over the room as Lionel finished.


    Noah leaned forward slightly, his voice low and deliberate.


    "K-block, High Avenue Street," he repeated, his tone devoid of emotion. "A quiet spot. A dead-end."


    Lionel nodded, beads of sweat forming on his brow. "Yes, Boss."


    "And four masked men prepared enough to ambush one of ours and brazen enough to carry a gun."


    "Yes," Lionel affirmed.


    "One of them appeared to be a rapper, making bars about Leo''s injury on the spot."


    Lionel showed a shocked expression, as he didn''t think of it that way. They didn''t have a clue about who these people could be, but now that Noah said that.


    They had a string that could lead them somewhere.


    Noah leaned back again, his gaze distant as if his mind was in a different world.


    The sound of his fingers tapping the armrest stopped abruptly, reced by an icy stillness.


    "Anything else?" Noah asked, his tone made Lionel''s stomach twist.


    "No, Boss. That''s everything," Lionel said, his voice barely above a whisper.


    Noah''s silence was louder than any words he could have spoken.


    His expression remained calm, but Lionel knew from his previous encounter with Noah, that this was the calmness before the storm.


    "Very well," Noah said finally, his voice chillingly quiet. "I''ll deal with this¡­ ordingly."


    "I will let you know if anythinges up, for now, tell all members to be careful. Also, You and Ryker should only leave with a gun with you, understood?"


    Nodding his head, Lionel replied immediately.


    "Understood boss,"


    "Bring me Johnathan," Noah said, his expression still calm.


    "Yes boss," Lionel nodded, heading out to bring Johnathan.


    Shortly after...


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    "Boss, he is right here." Lionel gestured, as Johnathan stepped forward.


    Looking at Johnathan, Noah stood up from his chair his expression unreadable.


    He walked towards him slowly...


    Standing in front of him, he ced his hand on his shoulder.


    "Well done, for bringing Leo here so quickly. He could have died." Noah said as images shed rapidly in his eyes.


    Gritting his teeth slightly, Johnathan stood there, his shoulders tensed up, and his fists still clenched at his sides.


    The expression on his face was shadowed with guilt and frustration.


    He looked down, avoiding Noah''s gaze as his voice cracked under the weight of his emotions.


    "How can I look at Leo in the eyes after this?" he muttered, almost to himself. "I left him there¡­ bleeding out on the ground like that."


    Noah watched him carefully, his expression unreadable.


    Johnathan''s breaths quickened as he went on, his words spilling out like a crime confession.


    "I didn''t stay, Boss. I ran. I ran like a damn coward. Leo was lying there¡ª" He stopped, his jaw tightening as he struggled to keep hisposure. "I don''t think he''ll even want to talk to me after this. Not after seeing me leave him to die."


    His voice wavered as he tried to keep it calm, the vulnerability in his tone contrasted heavily with his persona.


    Johnathan swiped a hand over his face, frustrated with himself. "I should''ve stayed. I should''ve fought harder. I should''ve¡ª"


    "Shut up," Lionel interrupted suddenly, stepping forward. His tone was sharp, almost annoyed, but his expression betrayed his sympathy. "You sound like an idiot, Johnathan."


    Johnathan''s head snapped up, ncing at Lionel.


    "You heard me," Lionel shot back, his voice steady, but his tone softer now. "You think Leo''s gonna hate you? You think he''s sitting there angry you ran?"


    He gestured vaguely in the direction of the room where Leo was recovering after the surgery Noah had performed on him. "That guy is alive because you brought him here. Alive, Johnathan. He''s not six feet under."


    Johnathan opened his mouth to argue, but Lionel didn''t give him the chance.


    "Think about it. If you stayed and tried to fight a guy with a gun, how do you think that would''ve gone? You''d both be dead, that''s how. Dead, with no gold bar and no chance to take your revenge on them." Lionel''s voice grew quieter, more measured. "You''re not a coward for running, you''re smart for doing what needed to be done."


    Johnathan''s jaw tightened again, his hands slowly unclenching. "Yeah, but¡ª"


    "But nothing," Lionel cut him off. "Leo''s alive because of you. He''ll know that once he wakes up. And if he''s got half a brain, he''ll thank you for it."


    The room went quiet for a moment, as Lionel''s words settled in the air. Johnathan''s expression was still conflicted, albeit slightly less haunted.


    Noah finally broke his silence, his voice calm but firm. "Lionel''s right. You did what needed to be done. It wasn''t easy, but you made the call, and it was the right one."


    Johnathan looked at Noah, his voice quieter now. "But what if he doesn''t see it that way, Boss?"

 Chapter 163 Investigation

    "If Leo''s angry, let him be," Noah said, stepping closer. "He''lle around when he realizes the truth. And if he doesn''t¡­ then that''s his issue, not yours. You saved his life, Johnathan. That''s all that matters."


    For a long moment, Johnathan didn''t respond, his gaze fixed on the floor. Then, slowly, he nodded.


    His shoulders rxed slightly, as he let out a sigh.


    "Thanks," he muttered, his voice barely audible. "I just¡­ I felt like I betrayed him, maybe I was paranoid."


    Lionel smirked faintly, pping a hand on Johnathan''s shoulder. "Yeah, well, don''t make me say it again. You''re not getting any more psychiatrist talks out of me."


    A faint, almost reluctant chuckle escaped Johnathan''s lips. Noah watched them both, his expression still calm.


    "Good," Noah said. "Now like I said before. Stay sharp, and let me know if there''s any change in Leo''s condition."


    "Yes, Boss," Johnathan and Lionel said in unison, their voices steady now.


    "Onest thing, Johnathan I need you to spend your time listening to rappers on Utube, check if any of their voices align with the person you heard rap before."


    Johnathan''s eyes flickered with shock, as he realised something.


    "How did I not think about that, he didn''t sound like an amateur either, he must be well-established in the scene." Johnathan let out.


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    Noah nodded.


    "Yes, if we are lucky then he has uploaded some of his songs online, if we aren''t then he is just a local rapper," Noah continued.


    "Alright boss," Johnathan nodded.


    ...


    Sitting in his car, Noah''s mind processed every detail he had gathered with lightning speed.


    His eyes narrowed as he muttered, "Johnathan isn''t involved."


    He had a suspicion that Johnathan might have had a role in this.


    At first, he couldn''t ignore the possibility that Johnathan might have yed a part in the attack¡ªwhy else had he survived unscathed? But after using his Advanced Skill, Memory nce, he realised that he wasn''t.


    The fragments of Johnathan''s memories yed back in his mind. The fear, the quick decision-making, the genuine desperation as he dragged Leo to his car.


    The short glimpses into Johnathan''s memories confirmed that he wasn''t involved.


    "He was just lucky not to get shot," Noah muttered, his voice cold.


    But his conclusion only made things moreplicated.


    ''This makes it harder to deal with,''


    he thought, his gaze darkening.


    The attackers were unknown, and their motives were unclear. If it wasn''t an inside job, then it meant someone external was taking bold steps into his territory.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    ''They are either amateurs, reckless or ..." He muttered, "They are confident."


    ncing at the time on his phone, Noah decided against heading to K-Block right away.


    ''That ce is probably crawling with police right now,''


    he reasoned, the thought of meeting that woman in a crime scene irking him.


    ''I probably won''t hear the end of it from her,''


    He smiled.


    "I''ll check it out tomorrow," he muttered, his voice low but decisive. "Early morning."


    Turning the key in the ignition, the low growl of the engine filled his ears as he prepared to drive off.


    He wasn''t worried about identifying the four attackers¡ªnot yet.


    Finding them might take time, but it wouldn''t be impossible.


    "If they thought they could hide, then they are deeply mistaken."


    "Let''s see how they act in the next few days," Noah murmured to himself, a smirk touching his lip.


    As Noah drove toward his mansion, he tapped his phone a few times to call his dad.


    The line rang twice before David''s voice came through, though it was muffled as sounds in the background suggested he was still busy.


    "Dad, hello? Can you hear me?" Noah asked, raising an eyebrow as he heard the faint tter of metal.


    "Yeah, yeah¡ªgive me a second!" David''s voice was tinged with excitement. "I''m just closing the shop."


    There was a pause, followed by the sound of a shutter being locked.


    A momentter, David''s voice returned, louder and clearer than before.


    "Hello, son. You''re not gonna believe what happened today, it was amazing. We mad¡ª" His words tumbled out, brimming with excitement before Noah interrupted him.


    "Whoa, whoa, Dad, calm down," Noah interrupted firmly. "You''re in public. Are you asking to get robbed? You can ask me, I wille right away. But don''t prioritise strangers."


    David froze mid-sentence, realising his mistake as he lowered his tone. "You''re right, you''re right. I got carried away. I''ll tell you everything when I get home."


    "Alright," Noah replied, with a light chuckle. "How are the workers? Are they still with you?"


    David nced at the four men standing a few feet away, their eyes scanning the surroundings as they waited for him to finish. "Yes, they''re still here."


    "Good. Tell them to escort you home too," Noah said, his voice firm.


    David chuckled lightly. "There''s no need for that, son. I can manage just fine on my own."


    "Dad," Noah''s tone sharpened slightly, "we''re making enough money to pay them to escort you home. Plus, with the kind of cash you probably have on you right now, it''s not safe. If someone intercepts you out of greed, you''ll lose everything. Is it worth the risk?"


    David''s cheerful expression faltered, his face growing serious as he considered his son''s words. "You''re right," he admitted quietly. "It''s better to pay a little than to lose a lot."


    "Exactly," Noah replied. "And besides, with those four, people will think twice before trying out anything. Five people aren''t easy to intercept, especially them."


    David''s gaze flicked back to the workers. Their calm but imposing expression, and their athleticrge build. "You''re right," he said with a nod. "They''re not pushovers."


    "Good," Noah said. "Call me when you get home, alright?"


    "Alright, son," David replied. "Talk to you soon."


    ...


    Arriving home, Noah opened the door and headed to his room.


    Inside the room, he put his phone and keys on the table near his bed and headed to the closet to grab a change of clothes.

 Chapter 164 Investigation(2)

    Looking inside the closet, he found that it had been replenished.


    "It''s good that I hired houseworkers, otherwise I wouldn''t have the time to be doingundry, washing, cleaning along everything I''m doing."


    He also found the clothes that he bought but did not tidy up, folded and ready in his closet.


    After picking a set of grey sweatpants with a ck t-shirt, he headed to the bathroom to take a quick shower.


    Once he was done, he headed to bed his phone rang and it was his dad.


    After talking to his family for a while, Noah excused himself to sleep.


    His dad told him how they had made close to forty thousand dors today, and that business was going amazingly well.


    He also expressed his worry about keeping that money, alongside the tax side of things.


    He never had a business before, so he didn''t know much about the VAT and other things.


    Noah reassured him and told him they could hire someone for that.


    ...


    Noah woke up the next day, around dawn time.


    Noah got up, did his quick five-minute stretches to loosen his muscles, and walked to the window.


    Looking at the sun slowly rise above the horizon, the cold morning breeze weed him with a warm hug.


    "I will wait a bit longer, then I can go check that ce out," He said.


    ''The roots of a crime stretch no further than the soil of the ce it was sown, after all a crime in a neighbourhood is never just a stranger''s secret''


    ''Someone in that area must know something, I just need to figure out who,'' He thought, as he went to the bathroom to brush his teeth and wash his face.


    [Ding! Ultimate Choice System has been activated!]


    Option 1: Investigate the crime scene where Leo was shot, and find a lead.


    [Reward: Intermediate Detective Skill, Magnum Research BFR, .45/70 Government]


    Option 2: Ignore the issue, it was a one-off attack.


    [Reward: Glock 19 Gen 5]


    ''It''s been some time since the system has activated, but it still knows me well.''


    "I choose option 1" He muttered.


    [Ding! Intermediate Detective Skill has been rewarded!]


    The nostalgic feeling of information flooding his brain hit Noah, and a small smile crept on his face as he felt the knowledge assimte with him.


    [Ding!


    Magnum Research BFR, .45/70 Government has been rewarded!]


    [Please Check Your Inventory!]


    Checking his inventory, Noah arguably found one of the strongest handguns to be ever made.


    "The system has quite the taste, to give me a Magnum Research."


    7:00 am


    "Time to head out," He muttered, as he wore a jacket and a cap.


    ...


    K-block, High Avenue Street.


    Noah parked his G-ss on the left side of the road, as he got out and checked the ce out.


    ''There is no marking of the police here, nor is it blocked off. It seems like they have done enough investigation and found... nothing.''


    Noah crouched by the edge of the pavement where Leo seemed to have been shot.


    His eyes darted from one detail to another, the Intermediate Detective Skill amplifying his focus.


    He took out his phone, snapping pictures of the cracked pavement, a scuffed tire mark on the road, and a stray cigarette butt left half-smoked near the sidewalk.


    It might have been trash¡ªor it might have been something more.


    "No bloodstains left. The police likely cleaned up the scene," he thought, his eyes narrowing.


    "Or the shot was clean enough that Leo didn''t bleed out here."


    The area was quiet, with few people walking about, and they kept their eyes low.


    Noah nced at the surroundings, noting the rows of tightly packed houses.


    "Yeah someone definitely knows something, here" he muttered.


    Curtains shifted here and there, but no one stayed for too long.


    He ran his hand along the railing of a nearby staircase.


    The metal felt smooth except for a fine streak of grease at one point. His mind worked rapidly, piecing together different possibilities that might have urred.


    Standing, he walked toward a corner where an oldmppost tilted slightly to the right. The light fixture had a spider web of cracks in its ss, and the base was littered with discarded trash.


    One piece caught his attention¡ªa cigarette.


    He crouched, examining it closer. It had a faint fingerprint in the ashe residue left behind.


    "A cigarette , but why leave it here of all ces? Whoever dropped this was in a hurry¡ªor distracted. And this spot gives a good view of the whole street. Perfect for a lookout."


    The thought hit him like a spark. A lookout meant more than one person. His lips tightened as he stood, brushing dust off his hands.


    Noah''s thought process spiraled inward as he moved to the far end of the block.


    He noted an older woman sweeping her driveway across the street. She had paused, watching him with a mixture of suspicion and curiosity.


    "If they chose this area to attack Leo, they either live here or knew he''d be here. Random crime? It''s possible, but highly unlikely."


    "That leaves me with two motives¡ªtargeted attack or mistaken identity."


    "However, it can''t be a mistaken identity because they knew what they were looking for, the gold bar."


    He nced back at the street corner. A cracked mirror from a nearby car reflected the alleyway behind him. It wasn''t just a blind spot¡ªit was practically invisible from any main window.


    "Whoever nned this attack knew the area."


    Noah decided to start asking questions.


    He approached the older woman first, her broom pausing mid-sweep as he waved.


    "Morning," he said casually, keeping his tone light. "You wouldn''t have happened to hear or see anything unusual a couple of nights ago, would you?"


    She nced at him warily. "Unusual? What''re you talking about?"


    "There was a shooting here. Man named Leo¡ªtall, mid-thirties, dark hair. Someone tried to take him out right about where that tire mark is."


    Her face tightened, and she shifted ufortably. "Shooting? I keep to myself, young man. Don''t want no trouble."


    Noah offered her a smile, but his mindtched onto her subtle tells. Her grip on the broom tightened. Her eyes darted to the house two doors down, then back to him.


    "She''s not clueless. Afraid, maybe, or trying to protect someone. That house might be worth a look."


    "Thanks anyway," he said, stepping back.


    By midday, Noah had spoken to three other residents in the neighborhood.


    Each conversation left him with threads to follow.


    Victor Alvarez


    , a mechanic who ran a repair shop three streets over.


    He had a reputation for knowing everything that went on but was cagey about his own activities. His name came up twice during questioning.


    Linda Mathers


    , a single mother with a son in histe teens. Several people mentioned her boy hanging out with some gangsters in the area.


    Eric Dalton


    , the neighbor in the house the older woman nced at.


    "Three suspects. Victor might''ve supplied the bike. Linda''s kid could''ve been the lookout."


    The pieces weren''t enough to form a picture, but they were starting to take shape.


    As Noah got into his car, he reviewed the situation.


    "Leo''s not some random target, and this isn''t just about me ying detective. If someone in this neighborhood is pulling strings, that means the attack wasn''t the end of it. It was the beginning."


    He tapped the steering wheel absently, staring at the notebook.


    "Whoever it is, they''re not expecting someone like me to dig this deep."


    All the evidences led him to believe a few things, that he couldn''t ignore.


    Although there was three suspects, realistically Noah knew that only one of them was a part of this and he had an idea on who it might be.


    Taking his phone out if his pocket, he dialled a number.


    Lionel.


    "Hello boss." Lionel replied, as he picked up the call on the other side.


    "Lionel, i am near the area Lionel got shot."


    "You told me he was there to do a transaction with a potential customer correct?" Noah said, as his mind reyed everything.


    "Yes boss, that''s correct. He was indeed waiting for the customer to arrive to purchase."


    "Where was the customer when Leo was shot?"


    "We asked him why did he note, he said that he heard a gunshot so he immediately left thinking that the police caught on."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Lionel continued, "Although it''s suspicious, he is a loyal customer of ours. You also told us that we should be careful and not do anything."


    Noah nodded. "Alright, it''s good that you did not do anything. Do you have the adress of the customer?"


    "Yes boss, i will send it to you now." Lionel nodded.


    "Alright, send it." Noah said, as he hung up the call.


    Waiting for Lionel to send the adress of the so called loyal customer, Noah''s eyes darted to the three suspects houses.


    "Oh, someone is leaving." He muttered with a smirk forming on his face.

 Chapter 165 Investigation (3)

    As Lionel sent Noah the address, Noah spotted someone leaving.


    "Linda Mathers son... Derek Mathers. Let''s see what he is up to," Noah muttered, as he stepped out of the car and followed Derek.


    Derek nced around him a few times as he walked, his bodynguage jittery and uncertain.


    His hands fidgeted with the straps of his backpack, and his head swivelled around.


    Despite his paranoia, he failed to notice Noah tailing him, blending seamlessly into the quiet street.


    "This kid¡­" Noah muttered under his breath, trailing him at afortable distance. "He''s so afraid of being found out. He''s hiding something."


    Noah''s eyes scanned the surroundings as they moved through the neighbourhood, his mind cataloguing every detail.


    The cracked sidewalks, the fading graffiti on nearby walls.


    After a while, Derek stopped in front of a big house. It had a modern decor, with a kemptwn that screamed rich.


    Noah slowed his pace, ducking behind a nearby car, his gaze locked on the scene.


    The door creaked open, and another teenager, seemingly around Derek''s age, stepped out. Like Derek, the boy''s eyes darted around, scanning the street nervously before telling Derek toe inside.


    As Derek disappeared through the door, the teenager lingered outside for another few moments, his gaze sweeping the area with exaggerated caution. After a final check, he closed the door with a faint click.


    Noah let out a soft, wry chuckle.


    ''Naive. They''re trying too hard to be secretive¡ªit makes them more obvious. These kids can''t be the ones who orchestrated the ambush on Leo.''


    Still, Noah''s instincts told him not to dismiss them outright.


    ''It''s better not to take any chances, I''m here anyway.''


    His hands slipped into his pockets as he strolled casually toward the house, his eyes scanning for signs of activity.


    A dog barked in the distance, and a faint breeze rustled the overgrown grass on the side. Other than that, the street was mostly quiet.


    As he did a round around the house, he spotted a partially open window on the side. It was on the second floor, just above a drainage pipe.


    Noah''s lips twitched into a faint smile.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ''That''s my entrance point,''


    Without hesitation, he let his hands fall from his pockets and gripped the pipe.


    The Intermediate Soldier-King skill activated instinctively, his movements smooth and silent as he climbed the wall effortlessly.


    Reaching the window, he peered inside. The room was messy¡ªclothes piled on a single chair, empty drink cans littering the desk.


    Noah smirked.


    He slipped through the window soundlessly,nding on the carpet without a sound. His eyes darted around, making sure that the room was empty.


    Nodding in satisfaction, he opened the door cautiously, listening for voices.


    Faint chatter reached him from downstairs, bing clearer as he crept toward the staircase.


    "I''m telling you, Derek," one of the boys was saying, his voice loud and excited, "that chick was banging. She even gave me some ecstasy pills¡ªthey were lit!"


    Derek''s voice followed, equally as excited. "You need to get some more for me. Damn, she has ecstasy pills? How''d she even get them?"


    "She told me she''s got connections to some olders," the first boy replied, his tone smug.


    "Olders? You mean¡­?" Derek''s voice trailed off,den with curiosity.


    "Yup. I mean them."


    Noah''s eyes narrowed.


    ''Olders. Likely referring to gang members. These kids might be more useful than I thought


    "Guess what," the boy continued. "I was at her house yesterday, and she slipped up."


    "Slipped up how?" Derek asked.


    "Someone called her while I was there. She picked up, and after a second, she screamed, ''You''re gonna be put in jail!'' She freaked out when she realized I was there though, and she just said, ''I''ll talk to youter.''"


    Derek let out a low whistle. "No way, they must''ve done some deep shit."


    "Yeah, but wait until you hear this. When I went back home, I heard about the gunshots in our area. The timing''s too close to be a coincidence. I think these people she''s connected to are the same ones who did it."


    Derek''s voice turned awed. "Damn. How''d they even get guns? That''s badass."


    "How should I know?" the boy retorted, his tone turning sulky. "I only just got to know her. She''s cool, but she keeps asking me for money. And she still hasn''t, you know¡­" His voice dropped suggestively.


    Derekughed. "Oh, right. Aren''t you meeting her at sixter? Why don''t you just make the first move?"


    "You think so?" the boy replied hesitantly.


    "Yeah, man. Just go for it."


    From his position upstairs, Noah pieced the conversation together, his mind rapidly connecting the dots.


    ''This girl is connected to gang members. She''s likely acting as their link to the outside¡ªgathering money, maybe even baiting people into traps.''


    The mention of the phone call was telling. Someone close to her had panicked about being caught, which tied directly to the ambush on Leo.


    ''The timing wasn''t coincidental as the kid said.''


    Noah thought, but he still wasn''t sure.


    These kids weren''t the masterminds, but they were connected enough to be useful.


    ''So that''s how it is.''


    Noah''s lips curled into a smirk.


    He backed away from the staircase and slipped out the window as quietly as he had entered. Landing on the ground, he brushed the dust from his jacket and walked back to his car.


    As he sat in the driver''s seat, he nced at his watch.


    Six o''clock.


    ''Let''s see where this kid will lead me'' Noah thought.


    "He might lead me to a big fish, maybe I should reward him." He chuckled lightly.


    The sky had darkened, casting an orange and violet hue across the city as the time hit six o''clock. Noah checked his watch, his gaze shifting to the boy who had left his house earlier.


    Derek seemed to be returning to his home, but the other kid lingered outside, his posture restless as if waiting for something.


    Soon enough, an Uber arrived.

 Chapter 166 A Lead

    The kid climbed in and shortly after, the car pulled away. Noah started his engine, his G-ss roaring to life as he followed at a safe distance.


    The Uber led him through various streets for about fifteen minutes before stopping in front of a small house.


    It looked in, blending seamlessly with the others around it, it was an ordinary suburban bungalow with nothing remarkable to set it apart.


    "So, this is where she lives," Noah muttered, parking on a nearby street out of sight.


    He didn''t linger in the area, he went and parked a few blocks away then returned to the area by walking.


    His movements were casual and unassuming.


    As he approached, he scanned the numbers on the properties.


    "House 50A," he murmured, pausing in front of the bungalow.


    His eyes swept over the house. It wasn''trge¡ªonly one floor. The curtains on one side of the house were drawn, blocking any view inside, while the other windows emitted faint light.


    Standing next to one of the closed windows, Noah tried to listen, pressing his ear against the ss. The faint hum of muffled voices teased his ears, but the sound was too indistinct to make out.


    ''I need a better angle,''


    he thought, his mind racing through options.


    Noah circled the house quietly until he found a kitchen window partially hidden from view of the main street.


    Unlike the other windows, this one was dark, offering him the perfect opportunity to enter without being noticed by passersby.


    He crouched and using his strength and skill, he managed to open the lock without a sound.


    Thetch clicked faintly, and he opened the window just wide enough to slip through.


    The kitchen was dark and quiet, the scent of unwashed dishes entered his nostrils.


    ''This is the safest point of entry,''


    he reasoned.


    The front-facing windows were too exposed, and barging into a lit room risked him being caught if there was something there.


    With careful movements, he eased himself inside,nding silently on the tiled floor.


    His eyes adjusted quickly to the dim light as he scanned his surroundings.


    Noah walked around silently as his eyes checked everything around him.


    "I will check the rest of the house first." He muttered silently.


    Each room he passed was empty, devoid of life save for the asional discarded item of clothing or random knickknacks. It didn''t take long to confirm his suspicion.


    ''She lives alone,''


    he thought.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    His brows furrowed slightly. Discover more stories at empire


    ''


    Odd for someone connected to gang activity. But maybe she''s more cautious than other girls in the same field or maybe... this isn''t her house.''


    With the rest of the house clear, he turned his attention to the room where the light wasing from¡ªthe one where the boy and the girl were talking.


    He approached the door silently, his footsteps lighter than a whisper, and pressed himself against the wall near the bedroom as he listened.


    The voice came in clear and loud.


    The girl tilted her head slightly, her tone turning coquettish. ""So, baby, when are your parentsing back from their holiday?" she teased, her voice softening into a cuter, almost childlike tone. "You still haven''t taken me to your house, you know. This is our only chance, for you to show me it."


    The boy chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his neck. "They should be back next week. But¡­" He hesitated, his words trailing off as he avoided her gaze.


    "But what?" she asked, her tone dipping into a feigned pout. "You don''t want me to see your house? Is that it?"


    "No, no, it''s not that!" he said quickly, waving his hands defensively. "It''s just¡­ the neighbours. They''re so nosy. If they see me bringing a girl over, they''ll tell my dad. And, uh¡­ well, let''s just say they''re pretty orthodox. They''d kill me if they found out."


    She leaned closer, her expression softening into a mix of understanding and mischief. "Oh, baby, we can go at night then. No one will see us," she whispered, her voice carrying a yful lilt.


    The boy blinked, caught off guard by her suggestion. "At night? I-I don''t know about that¡­"


    "Why not?" she asked, her tone shifting slightly, a hint of impatience creeping in. "Why can''t we go now?"


    He hesitated, fumbling for an excuse. "Because¡­ I want to spend time with you here," he said finally.


    Then, as if searching for a distraction, he added, "Plus, uh¡­ do you have more of those pills? The ecstasy ones?"


    Her lips curved into a sly smile, and she crossed her arms with an exaggerated huff.


    "Yes, I do. But¡­" She trailed off, turning her head away dramatically. "I''ll only give them to you if you take me to your house."


    "Come on," the boy groaned, his shoulders slumping. "Why do you have to do this?"


    She tilted her head, her voice softening into a teasing coo. "Because I want to see my future hubby''s house. Is that so wrong?"


    "Future hubby?" he repeated, his face flushing slightly.


    "Yes," she said with a giggle, leaning closer to him. "And you know what? I''ve been so patient with you. We''ve been together for a week, and you still haven''t¡­" She paused, letting the implication linger.


    "Haven''t what?" he asked, his voice faintly trembling.


    "Kissed me," she whispered, her voice dropping just enough to send shivers down his spine. "Is it so wrong for me to want a little kiss? Just one?"


    The boy swallowed hard, his face turning a deeper shade of red. "I¡ªuh¡­"


    She leaned back slightly, her arms crossing as she pouted again. "Tell you what. Take me to your house, and I''ll let you kiss me."


    He stared at her, clearly torn between the reward and his earlier reluctance. "I¡­ I don''t know¡­"


    "You don''t love me, do you?" she asked, her tone taking on a mock-wounded quality. "If you did, you''d want to show me where you live. You''d want me to meet your parents one day."


    "No, that''s not it!" he stammered, his voice rising in desperation. "I just¡ªfine, okay! I''ll take you."

 Chapter 167 Purpose

    Noah stayed perfectly still, hidden in the shadows of the hallway, his eyes narrowing as he listened to the boy''s final reluctant agreement.


    "Alright," the boy muttered, his voice heavy with nervous resignation. "Let''s go tonight."


    Noah smirked, the pieces of the interaction falling neatly into ce in his mind.


    ''She''s working him like a puppet on strings,''


    he thought, his smirk deepening.


    The boy''s bodynguage was screaming vulnerability, hesitation, awkward pauses, and anxious attempts to deviate from the conversation.


    ''


    She''s a piece of work,''


    Noah mused, a fleeting memory shing through his mind of another maniptive person he''d encountered in the past.


    ''The parallels are¡­ funny.''


    Hearing the pair getting ready to leave, Noah made his exit, slipping out the same window he had used to enter.


    Sliding into the driver''s seat, he started the engine, his destination the boy''s house.


    The drive to K-Block was short.


    Noah parked his car in a spot near the boy''s house and walked the rest of the way. Explore more stories with empire


    The house appeared in front of him, and Noah wasted no time slipping inside through the previously unlocked window.


    His movements were quick and soundless.


    Noah began a careful sweep of the house, not out of suspicion but to familiarize himself with itsyout.


    Each room was as mundane as the next¡ªin decor, mismatched furniture, and signs of hasty tidying.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ''The parents are definitely away,''


    he noted, though he double-checked every corner to confirm whether there was any uninvited guest with him.


    Finally, Noah entered the parents'' bedroom.


    It was further down the corridor, tucked away from the other rooms. Unlike the rest of the house, the bedroom was neat and clean.


    Noah stood near a shadowed corner, positioning himself where he could observe without being seen.


    ''Now, we wait.''


    Forty minutester, the faint sound of the front door clicking open reached Noah''s ears. His lips curled into a smirk as he heard the voices of the boy and Natasha entering the house.


    "Your house looks so cool," Natasha said, her tone dripping with honeyed approval.


    "It''s alright," the boy replied with a shrug, his voice barely hiding his nervousness.


    Natasha didn''t miss a beat, leaning closer to him.


    "So, where do you want to chill? The living room, or¡­" his voice trailed off suggestively as he watched her hands reach for his hand.


    Natasha blushed deeply. "Uh, I mean, can you show me around first?" Her voice tugged at his heart''s strings.


    The boy, flustered but eager to impress, began walking her through the house. "Um, it''s a bit messy, though. You know, since my parents aren''t here and all. Just¡­ don''t mind it."


    Natasha waved it off with a charmingugh. "Don''t worry, baby. I''m not here to judge."


    The boy spoke awkwardly, exining the boring details about the kitchen, living room, and his own room''syout.


    Natasha feigned interest with an asional hum or gasp, her tone carefully designed to keep him talking.


    Finally, they stopped outside thest door at the end of the hallway.


    "This is my parents'' room," the boy said hesitantly, his voice dropping slightly. "But, uh, we can''t go inside."


    Natasha''s eyes glinted with something more than curiosity, though the boy was too flustered to notice.


    "Oh, I see," she murmured, her tone thoughtful but yful. "So, where should we hang out then?"


    "Uh, my room?" the boy suggested, scratching the back of his head.


    "That sounds perfect," Natasha said, her smile widening as she took his hand and led him down the hallway.


    From the shadows of the parents'' bedroom, Noah''s smirk widened.


    ''She wanted to know every detail of this house, and she''s already thinking of how to use it.''


    Her interest in the parents'' room hadn''t escaped him, either.


    ''She''s gathering information,''


    he thought.


    ''Well, I don''t really care. Based on her actions, she should be here soon.''


    A smirk slowly formed on his face, as he sat on the bed chilling on his phone waiting for Natasha.


    ...


    Inside the boy''s room.


    "You can sit down here," The boy said, as he grabbed the clothes on his chair and shoved them inside his closet.


    Sitting down on the chair, Natasha''s smile deepened.


    "So, what do you want to do," She said, fidgeting with her hands.


    "I don''t know, I mean we can y games or maybe you should give me what you promised..." He smiled, trying to act confident even though he was clearly nervous.


    "Sure," She said, bringing out a small pack with some pills inside.


    "I got us some... we can enjoy our time together," She said, winking as she got up from the chair and sat next to him on the bed.


    ....


    An hourter.


    Natasha left the room as a smirk slowly formed on her face.


    "What an idiot, hehe."


    The pills inside the small bag were indeed ecstasy pills, after giving him one. She sneakily gave him a sleeping pill and soon he knocked out.


    Natasha pushed the boy''s room door closed behind her with a satisfied smirk. Her lips curled into a smug grin as she muttered to herself.


    "Let''s see what they have here."


    Her tone carried an air of arrogance, each word dripping with self-assured confidence.


    "They''ve been telling me to hurry up and get into his house for the past week," she whispered, stepping quietly down the corridor toward the parents'' bedroom.


    The room was barely illuminated by the light from the far end of the corridor. As Natasha entered the room, the darkness swallowed her, the blinds drawn tightly over the windows.


    She hesitated for a moment, squinting as she adjusted to the gloom.


    "Where are these damn light switches?" she muttered, running her hand along the wall near the door, her voice tinged with mild annoyance.


    Her fingers fumbled over the cool surface, searching for the familiar shape.


    "There it is," she said in a slightly excited tone as her fingers found the switch.


    Click.


    The room was suddenly lit up.


    Natasha turned with a triumphant smirk, eager to examine her surroundings. But the moment she faced the room, her heart froze in her chest.


    Sitting casually in a chair, legs crossed and a gun pointed directly at her head, was Noah. His lips curled into an evil smirk, the glint in his eyes sharp and shockingly calm.


    "Shhh," Noah whispered, the sound soft but carrying an unmistakable authority as he motioned toward the door with the barrel of the gun.


    "Close it. Quietly."


    Natasha''s breath hitched.


    Her chest tightened as fear took hold, her earlier smugness vanishing in an instant.


    "Who the hell is this guy? How is he in that idiot''s house without him knowing." She thought, scared shitless.


    She instinctively obeyed, her trembling hand reaching back to grip the doorknob.


    With a soft click, the door shut, sealing her inside the room with him.


    Her mouth opened to say something, but no sound escaped. Her gaze darted to the gun, then back to Noah''s face. His expression hadn''t changed¡ªcold, and something about his expression sent a shiver down her spine.


    "Good," Noah said softly, his voice calm but dripping with quiet authority. He gestured with the gun toward the bed. "Now, why don''t you sit down? Slowly."


    Natasha''s legs felt weak as she nodded wordlessly, her hands raised slightly in a subconscious gesture of submission. She moved toward the bed, each step careful and deliberate as if she feared that sudden movement might set him off.


    When she sat, the mattress dipped slightly, the sound deafening in the otherwise silent room. Natasha''s voice finally returned, trembling and hesitant.


    "W-who are you?" she stammered. "What do you want from us?"


    Noah leaned forward slightly, the smirk fading from his face as he studied her. "The better question," he said, his voice low. "Is what


    you


    want. Breaking into someone''s house, sneaking around, drugging¡­ That''s not exactly behaviour befitting a guest, is it?"


    Natasha''s heart raced as her mind scrambled for an exnation, but Noah didn''t give her the chance.


    "You see, I''ve been watching you," he continued, his tone still calm, but the intensity in his eyes made her squirm. "From the moment you walked into this house, you''ve been ying him. Acting sweet, twisting his emotions, all to get here. Am I wrong?"


    Natasha''s lips parted, but her words caught in her throat. She shook her head quickly. "N-no! I wasn''t¡ª"


    "Don''t lie," Noah interrupted, his voice sharp as the gun tilted slightly, just enough to refocus her attention. "You''re not very good at it."


    Her hands trembled in herp, her earlier confidence reced by sheer panic. "I¡­ I didn''t mean¡ª"


    "Didn''t mean to what?" Noah''s voice was icy now, his gaze boring into her. "Didn''t mean to manipte him? Drug him? Or didn''t mean to get caught?"


    Natasha swallowed hard, the lump in her throat making it difficult to speak. "I-I didn''t drug him! I swear!"


    Noah tilted his head slightly, his smirk returning. "You know," he said casually, "it''s funny you say that. Because he''s fast asleep right now. Out cold, in fact. Care to exin?"


    Natasha''s eyes darted around the room as she searched for an escape, but there was none. Her voice wavered as she stammered, "I-I didn''t mean to hurt him! I just wanted¡ª"


    "What did you want?" Noah asked, his tone cutting her off like a de. "What were you looking for? Because I''m curious¡ªwho was pressuring you toe to his house for the past week"


    Natasha hesitated, her breathing shallow as she weighed her options. She knew she was cornered, her mind racing as she tried to think of a way out.


    Noah''s smirk deepened as if he could read her every thought. "Let me save you the trouble," he said, his voice dropping to a near whisper.


    "I already know why you''re here. Either you tell me what I want to know or..."

 Chapter 168 The Mastermind

    Noah''s smirk deepened, his eyes filled with an unsettling light that seemed to pierce through Natasha''s already fried nerves.


    Stay tuned for updates on empire


    She sat frozen on the bed, her hands trembling in herp, unable to meet his gaze.


    The silence in the room was loud, broken only by her shallow, panicked breaths.


    "You know," Noah began, his voice casual, "I''m not even interested in what you were doing here. I already know you''re here to steal something. You can do whatever you want to the house; you can steal it or burn it. do whatever you want."


    Natasha flinched at his words, her chest tightening as she realized how much knows. Her eyes darted toward the door instinctively, but Noah didn''t miss the movement. His smirk grew colder.


    "Don''t even think about it, I''m sure you aren''t faster than a bullet," he said, his tone dropping into a chilling monotone.


    Natasha swallowed hard, her pulse pounding in her ears as Noah leaned forward in the chair, the gun still steady in his grip.


    "Now, here''s what I


    do


    want to know," he said softly, the quiet menace in his voice making her shiver.


    "Who are they?"


    "I¡­ I don''t know what you''re talking about," Natasha stammered, her voice barely audible as she forced the words out.


    Noah''s smirk didn''t waver, but his eyes darkened.


    He slowly stood up from the chair, the gun pointing towards the floor as he closed the distance between them.


    Each step he took sent a wave of terror through Natasha until he was standing directly in front of her.


    The cold muzzle of the gun pressed against her chin, tilting her head upward so that she was forced to meet his eyes.


    The contact made her breath hitch as her fear rose at an astonishing rate.


    "Do you think I''m joking with you?" he asked, his tone soft but dripping with venom. "I dare you¡ªlie to me one more time, and I''ll put a bullet in your head."


    Natasha''s heart raced as his words sank in.


    ''He wouldn''t shoot me, would he? I mean his gun isn''t silenced,'' She thought as she took a quick nce at the gun on her chin.


    "He looks like a madman, he would really do it."


    The unflinching expression left her no room for doubt.


    He wasn''t bluffing. She could feel the seriousness in his tone.


    "I¡­" she tried, her voice cracking.


    Noah leaned in closer, his smirk fading into something dark and cold. "I already have an idea of who you work for. Let me tell you something," he said, his tone sharp and deliberate. "It''s not worth risking your life for a bunch of lowlives. Is it?"


    Natasha froze, her mind racing as she searched for an escape.


    Her lips trembled as she tried to speak, but Noah''s piercing gaze silenced her before the words could form.


    It made her feel as if she was naked, all her secrets wereid before his gaze.


    His smirk returned, slow and unnerving.


    "Don''t worry," he said, his voice softening slightly but losing none of its edge. "I won''t do anything to you¡­ as long as you answer me that is."


    The room was suffocatingly silent again.


    Natasha''s eyes darted between Noah''s face and the gun pressing against her chin.


    Her body trembled, as her mind worked in overdrive, she couldn''t fight or flight.


    Finally, her resolve cracked. "Alright," she whispered, her voice breaking. "I''ll tell you everything."


    Natasha exhaled shakily, her hands gripping the edges of the bed.


    Her eyes darted nervously between Noah''s calm yet menacing face and the gun loosely hanging at his side.


    Swallowing her saliva, she began talking, her voice trembling.


    "I¡­ I don''t know much, unfortunately," she stammered, her words spilling out in a rush. "I was approached by them around a year ago. The person who approached me was someone I met in the probation centre."


    "His name''s Yanks. He told me he had a way I could make quick money, and he became my point of contact."


    Noah raised an eyebrow but stayed silent, his expression unreadable as he gestured for her to continue by waving the gun.


    "At the beginning," she said, her hands clenching the sheets tightly, "everything was lowkey. Just selling some ecstasy pills here and there. It was easy money, and I didn''t ask too many questions. But¡­" She paused, her breathing uneven as her gaze flickered to Noah. "Everything changed about two weeks ago."


    Noah tilted his head slightly, the movement was almost predatory. "Changed how?"


    "Yanks started supplying me with¡­ heavier stuff," she said, her voice dropping to a near whisper. " Harder drugs. He even started telling me about specific people to bait. He said they''d be easy targets if I used my body."


    She hesitated, and Noah''s gaze hardened.


    "Go on," he said, his tone sharp enough to make her flinch.


    She nodded quickly. "The boy¡­ the 18-year-old kid you saw me with¡­ he''s only my second victim. They told me to lure him in and try to enter his house."


    "The tactic was to make him loosen his guard against me by bringing him to ''my house.'' Except the house isn''t mine. it''s a random house where the owners are away on vacation."


    Noah nodded slightly, his mind already racing with the implications. "And what about the shooter in this area? Do you know him?"


    Natasha''s eyes flickered silently, a faint hesitation crossing her features but she quickly tried to hide it.


    Noah''s smirk returned, his gaze narrowing dangerously.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Don''t," he said softly, his toneced with quiet menace. "Don''t even think about lying."


    Her lips trembled, and she finally nodded. "Yes," she admitted, her voice barely audible. "I do."


    "Who?" Noah pressed.


    Her voice shook as she answered, "It''s Yanks. The guy who approached me in the probation centre."


    "Alright," Noah said, his voice calm butmanding. "Call him. Bring him here."


    Natasha''s head shook violently, her eyes widening in panic. "I can''t," she said quickly, her voice cracking. "He doesn''te to me when we meet up. I go to him always."


    Noah''s gaze darkened. "Where do you meet up?"


    "At the bando," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "He is almost always there because he works out of a bando."


    The word was enough to make Noah''s mind whirl.


    A bando was a small, and non-suspicious house that gangs used to package or manufacture drugs.


    Noah''s expression turned cold, his smirk returning faintly as he leaned closer to her. "Alright," he said. "You''re going to take me there."


    Natasha froze, her entire body shaking as she met his gaze. "I-I can''t," she stammered. "It''s¡ª"


    "You can," Noah interrupted his tone cutting. "And you will."


    Her lips parted as if to argue, but the coldness in Noah''s eyes silenced her immediately. She nodded slowly, tears welling up in her eyes as she whispered, "Okay¡­ I''ll take you."


    "Good," Noah said, his smirk fading as a serious expression appeared on his face. "Now get up. We''re leaving."


    As Noah led her to his G-ss, Natasha''s steps faltered, her eyes widening in shock as she took in the luxury vehicle.


    ''Why does a rich guy like this even care about any of this?''


    she wondered.


    ''Did Yanks shoot someone close to him?''


    She dared not voice her questions, her mind spinning as she climbed into the passenger seat.


    Noah, remained silent, his expression unreadable as he started the engine and the car moved without wasting time.


    It took them about ten minutes to reach the destination that Natasha led him to.


    When they turned onto the street, she finally broke the torturing silence.


    "It''s the house at the end of the street," she said in a low voice, that was barely above a whisper.


    Noah slowed the car, looking at the surroundings.


    Nothing seemed out of the ordinary.


    He nodded. "Alright, let''s go."


    "Go?" she repeated, her voice shaking. "You mean you''re going


    there


    ? To the bando?"


    "Yes," Noah said, his tonemanding. "You''reing with me."


    Her face turned pale, and her breath caught. "I-I can''t," she stuttered. "If they see me with you, they will know that I ratted them out, they''ll kill me."


    Noah turned to her, his gaze cold without any sympathy. "I think you''re confused," he said, his voice low, each word deliberate and heavy. "We''re not friends. And I''m not the police, I don''t care about your safety."


    The chilling calm in his tone made her flinch, but it was his next words that sent a wave of terror crashing over her.


    "Before they kill you," he said, his voice dipping into a near whisper, "I will kill you if you make me repeat myself again. Understood?"


    Natasha''s breath hitched for the nth time, her body trembling uncontrobly. Her lips moved for a moment but nothing came out.


    After a few seconds of trying she managed to choke out, "Y-yes."


    Her voice was so faint it was almost lost to the sound of the car''s engine.


    Satisfied, he turned his gaze back toward the end of the street.


    "Good," he said, his tone final. "Now move."

 Chapter 169 The Mastermind (2)

    Stepping out of the car, Natasha followed Noah with a worried frown on her face.


    ''Damn this bastard, I hope they kill him,''


    Her thoughts were quickly interrupted as Noah turned around and started giving her instructions.


    After he was done, her frown became heavier than a mountain.


    ''This bastard wants us both dead,''


    She couldn''t help but think, as they stood in front of the door.


    Seeing Noah turn around to face her, she thought.


    ''Finally, he actually realised he was looking for death with that n, maybe he changed his mind"


    "What are you doing?" he said, stepping slightly behind her. "Knock on the door."


    Her jaw dropped slightly, and her expression twisted into one of pure shock.


    ''He''s serious. This psychopath is actually serious.''


    Despite the dread in her stomach, Natasha realized there was no escape from her fate.


    Noah''s earlier threats left her no option but toply.


    Swallowing her fear, she raised her trembling hand and knocked on the door.


    The hollow sound echoed ominously through the air, each knock making her dread the consequences.


    Soon enough, the door opened slowly.


    ''Creak''


    A young-looking man who seemed to be around the age of twenty nced at Natasha and Noah who was next to her with a frown on his face.


    Yanks nced down the street, his gaze scanning the surroundings carefully before returning to them, his frown deepening.


    "Natasha," he said, his tone deceptively casual. "Who''s this you brought with you?"


    Yanks questioned, his tone seemingly casual although his frown spoke volumes.


    "This?" Natasha said, her voice strained as she fought to maintain herposure.


    Forcing a smirk, she nodded toward Noah. "He''s someone interested in working with us. He''s got a good CV."


    Yanks raised an eyebrow, his eyes flicking back to Noah. But after a brief pause, he shrugged, his bodynguage loosening slightly.


    "Alright," Yanks said, stepping aside and gesturing with his chin. "Come in."


    Noah stepped forward, his expression unreadable as his sharp eyes swept over Yanks.


    Yanks returned the nce, his frown briefly flickering before he stepped back to let them in. Natasha followed behind Noah, her legs feeling like lead as they entered the house.


    Entering inside, the smell of cigarettes invaded Noah''s nostrils alongside the sound of drill music.


    Yanks closed the door behind them, the heavy sound of the lock clicking into ce sending a chill down Natasha''s spine.


    "So," Yanks said, crossing his arms as his eyes flicked back to Noah. "How old are you, you look like a youngling."


    "I''m eighteen,"


    "Aight," Yanks said, crossing his arms as his eyes flicked back to Noah. "What''s your name, and what kind of work are you looking for?"


    "Noah, I''m looking for anything you could give me," He said with a small smile.


    Looking at his smile, Yanks paused and nodded.


    "Alright, we will talk about thister."


    Yanks then lead them inside, with Noah''s eyes carefully scanning the whole house.


    ''He doesn''t seem to have anything on him right now, there should also be around two more people in this house.''


    ''From the sounds, they should both be in that room.''


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    He thought, his eyes darting to a door at the end of the corridor.


    Yanks crossed his arms, his sharp eyes briefly flicking to Noah before he spoke, his tonemanding yet seemingly casual.


    "Alright, Noah. You chill here for now. I need to have a quick chat with Natasha."


    Noah gave a silent nod, gesturing for Natasha to go ahead without Yanks seeing him.


    Natasha hesitated, her thoughts racing.


    ''What is this madman thinking? He''s just letting me walk off with Yanks? Isn''t he worried I''ll rat him out?''


    Her nerves only worsened as she followed Yanks out of the room, her steps reluctant. She was so preupied with her inner turmoil that she barely registered what happened when suddenly, Yanks dropped like a stone, crumpling to the floor without a sound.


    Natasha froze, her breath stuck in her throat as her mind struggled to process what had just happened next to her.


    Yanks was unconsciouspletely limp on the ground¡ªand she hadn''t even seen Noah move.


    Before she could let out the scream that was building in her throat, Noah''s hand mped tightly around her neck.


    His grip wasn''t crushing, but it was enough to stop her voice cold.


    His dark eyes bore into hers with a chilling intensity.


    "Keep that mouth closed," he muttered, his voice as quiet as it was menacing.


    Natasha nodded hurriedly, managing to choke out a strained, "Okay," through his hold.


    Noah released her, and she staggered back slightly, coughing as she clutched her throat.


    He paid her no mind, dragging Yanks'' unconscious body further into the living room and cing it behind the couch.


    Once the body was out of sight, he turned to her with the same unnerving calm.


    "I want you to lead the other two here," he said coldly.


    Natasha''s eyes widened, her voice trembling as she stammered, "H-how am I supposed to do that?"


    A shiver ran through her. "They''ll know something''s wrong if I just call them."


    Noah''s eyes narrowed, his tone growing sharper. "Use your body."


    "What?" Natasha''s voice cracked, disbelief etched across her face. "My body? Are you joking?"


    "No," Noah said, his tone devoid of humour. "Don''t act dumb with me. I saw the way Yanks looked at you earlier¡ªyou''re nothing more than a toy to him. I''m betting it''s the same for the other two."


    Natasha''s face flushed with anger and shame, but the fear gripping her body kept her from snapping back.


    Instead, she stared at him, her hands trembling at her sides.


    "Hurry up," Noah continued, his voice annoyed and cold. "I don''t have time to y games with you."


    Natasha hesitated, her mind swimming with indignation and terror.


    She finally nodded, realizing she had no choice.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Noah''s expression didn''t soften in the slightest. "Oh, and one more thing," he said, stepping closer until his presence loomed over her.


    His tone was low, but the threat in his words was unmistakable.


    "I''ll be watching you," he said, his smirk returning faintly. "Do anything suspicious, and I''ll put a bullet in your head¡ªright alongside theirs."


    Natasha swallowed hard, her body trembling as she nodded again. "I understand," she whispered, her voice barely audible.


    "Good," Noah said, gesturing toward the hallway with a tilt of his head. "Now, go. And don''t make me regret sparing you."


    Natasha turned slowly, her legs feeling like jelly as she walked toward the corridor. Her mind was racing, her fear mounting with every step.


    ''This man isn''t human. He''s a monster.''


    Preparing herself, she forced a flirtatious smile onto her face as she approached the door at the end of the hallway, preparing to lure the two remaining gang members into Noah''s trap.


    Behind her, Noah stood in the shadows, his eyes cold and watchful, the gun in his hand glinting faintly under the light.


    Her heart pounded in her chest, but she stered on a flirtatious smile as she opened the door, her gaze sweeping across the room.


    Inside, the two men were busy packing up bundles of weed.


    At the sound of the door opening, both of them nced up.


    Their eyes raked over her figure, their gazes lingering as identical smirks spread across their faces.


    "Leng ting," one of them muttered, his voice carrying a teasing edge. "What you telling me?" (Leng ting: ''Leng'' = beautiful in UK ng & ''ting'' = girl in this context)


    Natasha giggled softly, letting her shoulders drop slightly in order to seduce them further. "I want... you," she said, her tone dripping with seduction.


    The man''s smirk deepened. "Oh yeah? Taking the initiative this time, huh?" His eyes gleamed with interest as he leaned back slightly, tossing a bundle of weed into a bag without looking.


    "You must be in a good mood. What, you already robbed the boy?"


    Natasha nodded, keeping her expression seductive.


    "That''s part of it," she admitted, tilting her head slightly as her gaze flickered between the two of them. "But the other part?" She let her voice drop, drawing them in with every word. "I missed you¡­both of you."


    The second man, who had been quieter up to this point, raised an eyebrow, a grin tugging at the corner of his lips. "Both of us, huh?" he said, his tone intrigued. "Now that''s a first...but I like it."


    Natasha stepped into the room, swaying her hips slightly. "Why don''t you stop what you''re doing?" she purred. "And...let''s have some fun."


    "Aight, bet," the first one said, standing up and brushing off his hands. The second followed after him, their expressions eager and shameless as they followed her toward the door like horny dogs.


    Natasha led them back down the corridor, her heart racing with each step.


    ''Just a little further,''


    she thought, forcing herself to maintain the act as she walked with a sway that kept their eyes locked on her and nowhere else.


    "You know," one of them said, leaning in slightly as they walked, "you don''t usuallye to us like this. What''s gotten into you tonight?"

 Chapter 170 The Mastermind (3)

    Natashaughed softly, her voice slightly quivering as she tried to hide her nervousness.


    "Hehe, I feel stressed, so I wanted to enjoy myself a little." She gave him a wink.


    They bothughed as they followed her into the living room.


    As they turned right to enter the living room, they did not see Noah behind them with a wide grin on his face.


    As they both entered the living room, one of them asked.


    "So what are we going to do first," He smiled.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Yeah, are we going to all do it together or one by one?"


    Natasha hesitated for a moment, herposure faltering slightly, but she quickly recovered. "Let''s all do it together," she said, forcing a yful tone.


    Her expression flickered briefly, a crack in her facade that neither man noticed. They were too preupied with their excitement to sense the shift in the atmosphere.


    "Al¡ª" one began, just as Noah''s presence loomed behind them, cutting the moment short.


    The two men didn''t have time to even finish their thoughts.


    In an instant, Noah struck, moving with the uracy and force of a predator that had been lying in wait for its prey.


    Before either of them could react, his hands shot out like vipers. Each palm mped around the back of their heads, his grip unyielding.


    "What the¡ª" one of them managed to gasp, his voice cut off as Noah yanked them together with brutal force.


    CRACK!


    The sickening sound of skulls colliding echoed through the room, followed by the dull thud of their bodies hitting the floor. Both men crumpled like rag dolls, unconscious before they even realized what had happened.


    Natasha froze, her breath catching in her throat as she stared at the scene in front of her. Her wide eyes darted from the two motionless bodies on the ground to Noah, who straightened up slowly, rolling his shoulders as if what he''d just done was nothing more than a warm-up.


    "Wha¡ªwhat the hell¡­?" she stammered, her voice trembling. Her knees buckled slightly, but she forced herself to stay standing, gripping the edge of the doorway for support.


    Noah turned to her, his expression calm but his eyes glinting with something darker. "Close the door," he said, his voice steady, almost bored.


    Natasha didn''t move, her body frozen in fear. "But¡ª"


    "Close. The. Door," Noah repeated, his tone leaving no room for argument. His gaze pierced through her, and she felt her hands move on their own, fumbling for the doorknob. With a trembling push, she shut it, the sound of thetch clicking making her flinch.


    "Good," Noah said, crouching down next to one of the unconscious men. He tilted the man''s head slightly, checking for signs of life before letting it drop back onto the floor unceremoniously.


    "What¡­ what are you going to do with them?" Natasha asked, her voice barely above a whisper.


    Noah nced at her over his shoulder, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Oh, don''t worry," he said, his tone unnervingly light. "Just sit down and rx."


    ''Rx your mum, how can I rx when you are in the same room,"


    She thought but didn''t dare to voice out.


    But she dared not voice her thoughts.


    With a trembling sigh, she sank into the sofa, her eyes fixed warily on Noah.


    She watched him effortlessly hoist Yanks'' limp body and toss it next to the other two unconscious men.


    The sound of his body hitting the floor made her flinch.


    Noah crouched over them, cing his hand on the side of Yanks'' head, he activated his


    Advanced Skill: Memory nce


    .


    His focus sharpened as fragmented images and thoughts began shing through his mind at a rapid speed


    The memories were unravelled in an instant.


    Yanks was there when Leo was shot. He was one of the masked men who had emerged from the ck four-by-four vehicle. However, Yanks wasn''t the one who pulled the trigger. That role had fallen to their gang leader¡ªTyrell.


    ''So it wasn''t him,''


    Noah thought, his gaze narrowing as he sifted through the fragmented recollections.


    The memories of Tyrell were frustratingly vague.


    Tyrell had contacted Yanks and the others, about a deal he received that would bring all of them a huge amount of cash.


    The rest of the memories fast-forwarded to here and now¡ªjust another setup, another mark.


    ''


    Typical small-time gang logic,''


    Noah mused, though he couldn''t shake the feeling that there was more to this than a robbery.


    As the information yed in his mind, Noah stood and walked into the kitchen.


    Natasha watched silently, her body stiff with fear. He returned momentster, carrying a pot filled with cold water.


    With a sudden ssh, the icy water hit the trio, jolting them awake.


    "Hhhhhaaaahhh!"


    Their sharp inhales echoed through the room as they blinked rapidly, disoriented and gasping for air.


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    Yanks muttered groggily, his hand rubbing his head as he struggled to focus. His blurry gazended on Noah, standing above them, a predatory grin on his face. In his hand, the intimidating gleam of a Magnum Research handgun.


    "What does that mean, Noah?" Yanks said, frowning as he cast a quick nce at Natasha, who was now sitting rigidly on the sofa, refusing to meet his eyes.


    Noah''s grin widened, but the icy edge in his tone remained.


    "It means one thing," he said, the gun in his hand steady as he motioned toward Yanks'' chest. "I need you to bring Tyrell here. And if I think you''re doing anything suspicious, this Magnum will make a pretty disgusting hole in your head. Am I clear?"


    Yanks'' frown deepened, his mind racing as he tried to piece together his options¡ªorck thereof.


    His two friends, who were still groggy from their head injury, looked equally lost. They weren''t armed, and they knew it.


    In this situation,pliance wasn''t just the best choice... it was the only choice.


    Yanks finally nodded.


    "Alright," he said, his voice bing calm as he epted the grim reality of the situation. "I''ll call Tyrell here."


    "Good," Noah said, his smirk fading into a cold expression of authority. "Take out your phone from your pocket and call him."


    Yanks hesitated briefly, his hand moving slowly to his pocket as he nced at Noah''s gun. Seeing no room for argument, he pulled out his phone and began dialling Tyrell''s number.


    .


    The line clicked, and a gruff voice came through.


    "Yanks?" Tyrell''s tone was sharp and impatient.


    "Boss, we have a problem," Yanks said, his voice wavering slightly.


    "A problem?" Tyrell''s voice hardened. "What kind of problem?"


    "It''s Jordan," Yanks said, taking a deep breath. "He got into an altercation with someone, and he¡­ he got stabbed."


    "What?" Tyrell''s response came like a growl. "Didn''t I tell you idiots toy low for the next few days? We just shot someone up and ran off with fifty grand worth of gold!"


    "The only reason that mission worked was because none of the top dogs in this city know us yet. If you idiots start making noise, they will investigate us because we are in the same area."


    Yanks flinched at the fury in Tyrell''s voice, nodding instinctively despite knowing Tyrell couldn''t see him. "I know, boss. It wasn''t supposed to happen¡ª"


    "Are you all brain-dead?" Tyrell shouted, cutting him off. A tense silence followed before Tyrell sighed heavily. "Where''s Jordan now?"


    "He''s here with us. We gave him some first aid, but we don''t know what to do next."


    "Fine," Tyrell said, his tone clipped. "I''ll be there in an hour. Don''t do anything else stupid before I get there."


    "Okay, boss," Yanks replied hurriedly. The call disconnected with a sharp beep, and Yanks slowly lowered the phone, his gaze nervously shifting back to Noah.


    Noah nodded, his smirk widening slightly as he leaned back on the sofa. "Good," he said, his voice unnervingly calm. "Now we wait for your boss to get here."


    Yanks swallowed hard, his friends ncing nervously between him and Noah. Natasha stayed frozen on the sofa, her hands clutching the edges of her seat as she tried to remain unnoticed.


    The air in the room felt heavy, the tension almost suffocating as Noah''s expression grew unreadable.


    His calm demeanour was more terrifying than any outburst, and the faint smirk ying on his lips made it clear that he was entirely in control.


    As the minutes ticked by, Yanks and his friends exchanged uneasy nces, each passing moment stretching into an eternity. Noah remained seated, his body seemed rxed but his eyes were sharp, watching them like a predator.


    Natasha risked a nce at Noah, her heart pounding.


    ''How can he be so calm?''


    she thought, her mind racing. ''


    Does he have a n for when Tyrell gets here? Or is he just winging it?''


    Noah''s fingers idly tapped the armrest of the sofa as he broke the silence. "Rx," he said, his voice deceptively light. "This will all be over soon."

 Chapter 171 Tyrell

    After an hour of waiting, a loud knock reverberated across the house.


    Noah stood up from the sofa calmly, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips, sending chills down Natasha''s spine as she watched him.


    ''It''s that same smile again,''


    she thought, her hands clutching her knees tightly. ''


    Why does he always look like he knows something we don''t?''


    "Let''s go open the door," Noah said, his tone calm. He motioned for Yanks to get up. "I''ll go with you."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Yanks nodded, as he got up from the floor and massaged his head.


    __


    Standing at the door, Yanks paused, his hand hovering over the knob as he took a deep breath.


    "Don''t do anything stupid, or you''ll regret it," Noah whispered, his voice low and chilling as he stepped beside Yanks.


    Yanks gritted his teeth and nodded, his knuckles tightening around the doorknob as he finally pulled it open.


    "Hurry up, what the fuck are you doing just standing there?"


    Tyrell barged in before the door was even fully open. Tyrell was tall and broad-shouldered. He had a sharp jawline and a scar running across his cheek.


    "Where is Jordan?" Tyrell snapped, his gaze darting from Yanks to the living room. His eyesnded on Noah, and his expression darkened slightly. "Who the hell is this?"


    Noah stepped forward smoothly, his posture rxed. "I''m a new member, boss," he said, extending a hand toward Tyrell with a polite smile. "Nice to meet you."


    Tyrell''s eyes narrowed, suspicion shing across his face as he turned to nce at Yanks, who had closed the door and was now avoiding his gaze.


    Tyrell''s gaze bore into Yanks, his suspicion growing by the second as he noticed Yanks'' subtle attempt to signal him with a nce.


    But before the unspokenmunication could solidify, a low, chillingugh broke the tension.


    "Hahahahaha"


    It wasn''t loud, but it carried a wavelength that made Natasha shiver from the couch. It was the kind ofugh that hinted at something wrong.


    Noah, his grin as sharp as a de, stepped forward, his eyes gleaming with menace.


    Without a word, he drove a vicious elbow into Yanks'' jaw, the crack of bone reverberating through the room. Yanks crumpled to the ground, unconscious before he even hit the floor.


    Noah wasted no time, pivoting on his heel and sending a roundhouse kick straight to Tyrell''s jaw. Tyrell barely managed to raise an arm to block, but the sheer force of the kick sent him flying back, mming against the wall with a grunt of pain.


    "Who the hell is this guy? That kick felt like a baseball bat,"


    Tyrell thought as he wiped a trail of blood from the corner of his mouth.


    His eyes darted to Yanks, who was limp on the ground, and back to Noah, whose calm, smirk hadn''t wavered.


    "So," Tyrell said, his voice rough but steady. "Jordan wasn''t stabbed, huh? You took Yanks as bait to drag me here."


    Noah''s expression didn''t change, but his silence was confirmation enough.


    "We don''t have many enemies," Tyrell continued, his tone sharper. "So I''m assuming this is about the guy we shot. One of your friends, huh? And somehow, you found out it was us. Doesn''t matter, though."


    He rolled his neck, a dangerous glint in his eye. "Since you''re standing in front of me, it means you''ve already lost."


    With that, Tyrell pulled a flick knife from his pocket, the de snapping out.


    click


    .


    "Either way, boy, you''ve just delivered yourself to me. Prepare to die."


    Noah didn''t flinch. His smirk widened as he leaned slightly forward, his hands still by his sides.


    Watching Tyrell, he didn''t look threatened by him in the slightest, he looked amused¡ªalmost entertained.


    Tyrell lunged, his knife slicing through the air in a sharp arc aimed directly at Noah''s chest. But Noah sidestepped the attack with ease.


    "Why are you running, huh?" Tyrell spat, frustration seeping into his voice. "Come fight me!"


    Noah''s smile widened further, his tone dripping with amusement. "Alright. I was nning on ying with you for a bit, but since you''re so eager to sleep, I don''t mind speeding things up."


    As Tyrell lunged again, Noah''s body moved in perfect sync with Tyrell''s movements.


    The knife thrust past him in slow motion, and with a quick reflex, Noah''s hand mped down on Tyrell''s wrist like a steel vice.


    In one smooth motion, he disarmed him, the knife ttering uselessly to the floor.


    Before Tyrell could react, Noah delivered a spinning kick to his liver.


    The force of the blow sent a shockwave through Tyrell''s body, his breath escaping him in a wheezing gasp.


    His knees buckled, and he crumpled to the ground, unconscious. Enjoy exclusive chapters from empire


    Noah stood over him, his smirk never faltering as he crouched to check Tyrell''s pockets.


    He found a cheap flip phone and a wad of cash¡ªaround a thousand dors. Pocketing the phone and money, he grabbed Tyrell by the cor with one hand and Yanks with the other, dragging their limp bodies like discarded trash bags.


    Natasha, who had been sitting tensely on the sofa, flinched when Noah burst into the living room.


    Her eyes widened in shock as she saw him dragging the two men, their heads lolling with each step. He dropped them unceremoniously onto the floor with a loud


    thud


    .


    Natasha let out a small shriek, her hands flying to her mouth. She stared at the two bodies, fear and disbelief swirling in her mind.


    ''Did this guy just kill them?''


    she thought, her heart pounding. ''


    What kind of devil did they mess with? Even Tyrell couldn''t match him,''


    But Tyrell wasn''t dead.


    Groaning from the impact, he stirred, his eyes fluttered open. Yanks, too, woke with a groan, clutching his aching head as he looked around in confusion, still not realising that his jaw was broken from the adrenaline that was coursing through his body.


    Tyrell''s groggy gaze locked onto Noah, who stood above them, his grin as calm yet as threatening as ever. His calm look only added to the chilling atmosphere.


    "Wee back," Noah said, his voice casual. "Now, let''s talk."

 Chapter 172 Ghost

    Noah crouched down and grabbed Tyrell by his hair, forcing him to look up. Tyrell winced, his eyes flickering with both pain and defiance.


    But before he could speak, Noah activated his


    Memory nce


    . The skill worked instantly, shes of images and fragmented memories flooding Noah''s mind.


    In seconds, he had pieced together enough to know where to start. Tyrell''s thoughts and memories painted the foundation¡ªone that gave Noah the leverage he needed.


    Releasing the grip on his hair slightly, Noah locked eyes with Tyrell, his calm voice carrying an undercurrent of menace. "I have a few questions for you. Answer them truthfully, or you''ll regret it. Trust me."


    Noah''s lips curled into a faint smirk as he gestured toward Yanks, who was still slumped nearby. "I mean, look at your friend over here. His jaw''s almost touching the ground."


    Tyrell''s gaze darted to Yanks, confusion flickering in his eyes. But when Yanks looked down, the realization hit him. His jaw, dislocated and grotesquely misaligned, was hanging at an unnatural angle.


    The sight made his face pale, and after a moment, the pain registered. Yanks let out a bloodcurdling scream before promptly passing out again.


    Noah chuckled, the sound devoid of warmth. "See?" he said, his smirk widening.


    Tyrell, staring at Noah, felt his stomach churn.


    ''This guy¡­ he''s a psycho for sure,''


    he thought, sweat trickling down his temple. He knew he was in a bad position.


    Before Tyrell could think further, Noah''s voice sliced through his thoughts.


    "First question." His tone was calm but left no room for debate. "How did you know Leo was doing a gold transaction?"


    Tyrell hesitated, his eyes flicking around the room as he tried to buy time. "We were just going around," he said finally, his voice shaky. "It was luck. We saw him by chance."


    The room fell silent, and Noah''s smirk faded, reced by a cold, unreadable expression. Without warning, he delivered a powerful p across Tyrell''s face. The impact was so strong that a tooth flew out, hitting the floor with a soft clink.


    Tyrell groaned, the pain searing through his jaw as he spat out blood.


    Noah leaned in closer, his voice chillingly quiet. "Every time you lie, the punishment will increase. So think carefully before you respond."


    Tyrell panted heavily, his mind racing.


    He had dealt with ruthless people before, but this was on another level entirely.


    This wasn''t a man threatening him for leverage¡ªthis was someone who enjoyed control and thrived on seeing others crumble under his will.


    "Alright, alright!" Tyrell finally stammered, his voice hoarse. "We didn''t just stumble on him. Someone tipped us off!"


    Noah tilted his head slightly, his interest piqued. "Who?"


    Tyrell hesitated again, the cold glint in Noah''s eyes pushing him to speak. "I don''t know his name. He called himself ''Ghost.'' Said he had a job for us. Told us where to find Leo and said the guy was carrying something valuable."


    Noah''s eyes narrowed slightly, leaning back as he processed the information.


    ''Ghost.''


    The name didn''t ring a bell, but it was a lead.


    "Is that all Ghost told you?" Noah pressed, his tone low.


    Tyrell''s lips trembled. "No. He didn''t just tell us to find Leo," he stammered. "It started before that."


    "Before?" Noah''s voice dropped further, a dangerous curiosity visible in his expression.


    "A few days before the hit," Tyrell began, "we found this parcel left in front of our door after someone knocked."


    "No note, no nothing, just a box sitting there."


    "What was in the box?" Noah asked, his voice devoid of emotion.


    Tyrell hesitated for a second too long, and Noah''s hand twitched toward his weapon.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Tyrell flinched and quickly answered, "It had a gun. And $10,000 in cash."


    Noah''s smirk reappeared, faint and chilling. "This ghost seems to be generous, huh?"


    "There was also a number," Tyrell added quickly. "A burner phone number. When we called it, this guy answered. He called himself Ghost."


    "And?" Noah prompted.


    "He said he had a job for us," Tyrell continued, his voice shaky. " He told us where to find the guy¡ªLeo. Said the dude would be carrying something he wanted, a gold bar. Told us we''d get another ten grand if we brought it back to the same spot."


    Noah''s smirk widened as he processed the new information.


    ''This ghost isn''t simple. He was pulling the strings, financing the operation and keeping himselfpletely detached without any tangible trace to his identity.''


    "Anything else?" Noah''s voice was as sharp as a de.


    "No," Tyrell said, his head shaking fervently. "That''s all. He said he doesn''t meet anyone in person. Just gives instructions over the phone."


    Noah studied Tyrell for a long moment, the room heavy with silence. Then, without warning, Noah grabbed Tyrell''s hair again, pulling him closer before he delivered a knee to his face.


    Blood and teeth flew out of Tyrell''s face, Noah released him roughly, letting Tyrell copse back onto the floor.


    Standing tall, Noah''s mind worked through the details.


    ''A handler who stays behind the curtain. A setup that efficient means Ghost isn''t new to this game.''


    Natasha watched the bloody scene her body trembling her eyes diverting every time Noah moved an inch, worried that he would be upset and do the same thing to her.


    ''I''m done, I''m done! He is going to kill me, a madman like this guy won''t leave a witness alive. What should I do, what should I do?''


    Her body was shaking from the turmoil she was feeling, she felt like she was staring at death in the eye every time he looked back at her.


    Seeing Noah turn around and put his hand in his pocket, she quickly closed her eyes.


    "I''m sorry! Please don''t kill me, I won''t do this ever again!" She said, as her body started tensing up.


    "Eh?"


    "Who said I''m gonna kill you? I told you, you will be safe as long as you do as you are told." He said casually, as he took his phone out of his pocket.


    "But do remember, if a single wordes out of your mouth your end will be many times more miserable. Do you understand?" He said, his voice cold.


    Natasha quickly nodded.


    "YES!"


    "Not only will I not ever say a word, I will leave the whole city." She quickly said, finally sensing hope was not lost for her.


    "Alright, stay here for now. I will tell you when you can goter."

 Chapter 173 Nights Out

    After leaving the room, Noah dialled Lionel''s number and filled him in on everything.


    "Hurry up, I need you guys at the location as soon as possible, bring a couple of people with you,"


    "Alright, boss."


    Twenty minutester...


    Knock


    Opening the door, Noah looked and saw Lionel with around six other guys.


    "Come in, they are inside," Noah said, as he opened the door wider for them.


    "Alright, I''m gonna go. Lionel, you choose what you want to do with them alongside Leo. Also, don''t stay in this ce for too long and let the girl go when you leave," He said, as he pointed at Natasha who was trembling.


    "Alright, boss. We will handle it from here," Lionel said, as he red at Tyrell who was knocked out cold with blood all over his face.


    Without another word, Noah walked out of the house, leaving Lionel and his men to handle the situation.


    ''I wonder who this ghost is, It seems like I need to pay that customer soon,'' Noah thought, but decided to do it another day as he still hadn''t eaten anything.


    Growl


    "Ring-Ring"


    "Hello, Noah?" Caroline responded, on the other side of the phone.


    "Hi mum, are you home?"


    "Yes honey, why? is something wrong?" She asked, feeling worried that something happened to him.


    "No, there is nothing wrong. I was in the area, and I wanted to ask if there is food at home. I''m feeling quite hungry, so I just wanted to check if I should bring some good from outside or not."


    "I see, I made stuffed chicken, with some side dishes like hummus."


    "Alright then, I will be there soon. See you,"


    "See you, honey, stay safe."


    Noah hung up the phone and drove to his parent''s house.


    **


    Arriving in the area, he parked in a nearby street and walked to his house.


    Entering the house, Noah greeted his parents who were sitting in the living room.


    "Good afternoon mum, good afternoon dad."


    He then shut the door and proceeded to give them both a hug.


    Noah''s eyes thennded on the hot dishes that were on the small table.


    ''She heated them up for me,''


    He thought, as he gave his mom a warm smile which he returned back.


    "Thanks, Mum," He said.


    "You are wee honey, I figured that I should heat them for you so by the time you are here you can just eat because you are hungry,"


    Noah nodded and sat on the couch.


    Savouring the vours of his mother''s cooking, his face was blissful. The stuffed chicken was tender, and perfectly seasoned, with just the right amount of spices.


    The side dishesplemented the main course¡ªa refreshing cucumber sd, creamy hummus, Turkish bread and a fragrant vegetable stew.


    "Thanks, Mom," Noah said sincerely, giving her a warm smile. "This is amazing, as always." Discover stories with empire


    His mother, Caroline, beamed, the pride in her cooking evident in her smile. "You''re wee, honey. Eat well."


    David, sitting across from them with a steaming cup of tea, chuckled. "When she heard that you were hungry, she immediately got up and started heating up the food for you. Heck, she was about to make some new dishes."


    Caroline yfully smacked his arm. "David! Stop embarrassing me in front of our son."


    Noahughed softly, the warmth of his parents engulfing him.


    "Emily''s asleep, isn''t she?" Noah asked, ncing toward the hallway leading to her room.


    David nodded, taking a sip of his tea. "Out like a light. This is her bedtime anyway."


    Noah nodded, taking another bite of the stuffed chicken. The conversation shifted as he ate, flowing naturally from light family topics to business matters.


    "Son, the teahouse is bringing in too much money," David said, his expression growing serious. "I''m starting to get worried about taxes and other legal stuff. It''s getting a bit overwhelming for me."


    Noah wiped his mouth with a napkin and set his fork down. "Don''t worry about that, Dad," he reassured him. "I''ll get someone to handle all of that for us. I''ll hire a professional ountant who can manage the taxes and make sure everything is on board."


    David exhaled, visibly relieved. "Good. I was going to suggest that, but I wasn''t sure how to go about it."


    "Also," Noah continued, leaning back slightly, "we need to get you a car soon. Something that you can use to deposit the money into the bank. I don''t want you carrying cash around like that anymore. It''s too risky."


    Caroline chimed in, concern evident in her tone. "He''s right, David. It''s not safe, especially with how much the teahouse is making."


    David nodded, his hand rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Alright. We''ll get one soon. But we''ll need a business ount for the teahouse, right?"


    "Yes," Noah replied. "That''s another thing we need to sort out. Once we have the ount set up, you won''t have to worry about handling cash all the time."


    "Sounds like a solid n," David said, his tone firm. "Let''s do it."


    As the conversation lightened, Noah nced around the familiar living room. The warm lighting and cosy furniture brought back memories of his childhood.


    "Dad," Noah said after a moment, "I heard about an amazing apartment from one of my friends. It''s free right now, and it''s in a great location. If you want, we can check it out soon."


    David raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "An apartment? Are you thinking about moving us out of here?"


    Noah shrugged lightly. "Not necessarily. But it''s always good to have options, right? This house has served us well, but it might be time to upgrade. Plus, the new ce is closer to the teahouse and mum''s work."


    Caroline exchanged a nce with David before nodding. "That doesn''t sound like a bad idea. But we''d have to see it first, honey."


    "Of course," Noah said, finishing thest bite of his meal. "I''ll arrange a time for us soon. We can all go take a look."


    After discussing their ns for the future, he decided to stay the night.


    "It''ste, and I might as well spend some time here," Noah told them with a light smile. "It''s been a while."


    Caroline''s face lit up with joy. "Oh, honey, that''s wonderful! You should stay more often."


    David nodded, his approval clear. "It''s good to have you here. Emily will be jumping when she finds out."


    After exchanging good nights with his parents, Noah made his way to his old room.


    The familiar door creaked slightly as he pushed it open, revealing the space that held so many memories. It was immactely clean.


    ''She''s still taking care of it, huh?'' he thought, his lips curving into a soft smile as he ran his fingers along the neatly arranged bookshelf.


    His bed was made perfectly, and the few childhood trinkets he had left behind were still disyed on the shelves.


    Noah grabbed a change of clothes from the closet and headed to the shower. The warm water washed away everything, leaving his body rxed.


    Returning to his room, he pulled back the sheets and settled into bed.


    **


    The next morning, sunlight filtered through the curtains,nding on Noah''s face.


    He groaned, the brightness pulling him from his sleep. Raising an arm, he shielded his eyes from the rays and rolled to his side.


    "Argh," he muttered, his voice thick with sleep.


    For a few moments, hey there, debating whether to return to thefort of his dreams or wake up with a resigned sigh, he tossed the nket aside.


    After a minute of stretching in bed, he sat up and swung his legs to the floor, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.


    ''Time to get up,'' he thought, his mind already running through his tasks.


    He headed to the bathroom to freshen up, sshing cold water on his face to jolt himself fully awake his reflection in the mirror stared back.


    Downstairs, the smell of tea and breakfast wafted through the air.


    "Good morning, honey!" Caroline chirped, ncing over her shoulder as she set the table.


    "Morning Mom, Morning Dad," Noah said.


    Just as he stepped further into the kitchen, a blur rushed toward him.


    "Noah!" Emily''s excited voice rang out as she flung herself at him, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist.


    Noah chuckled, momentarily caught off guard by her enthusiasm. "Good morning to you too, Em," he said, ruffling her hair affectionately.


    Emily leaned back, her face lit with a wide grin. "You stayed over! I was so surprised when Mom told me. Why didn''t you tell me you wereing? We could''ve yed something!"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Guess I wanted to surprise you," Noah said with a soft smile. "Plus, you were already asleep when I got here."


    She pouted, crossing her arms. "You could''ve woken me up!"


    Caroline, still busy at the stove,ughed. "And have you act grumpy all morning? I think not."


    David lowered his newspaper, his expression amused. "Let your brother have his breakfast first, Emily. You''ve got the whole day to pester him."


    Emily huffed, reluctantly letting go of Noah. "Fine. But after breakfast, you''re mine," she said, her voice filled with yful determination as she skipped back to her chair.

 Chapter 174 Company Registered

    After finishing breakfast, the family began to disperse, each heading out to their responsibilities for the day.


    David adjusted his coat and grabbed his keys from the counter. "I''m off to the teahouse. Let me know if anythinges up," he said, giving a quick wave to everyone before stepping out.


    Caroline followed shortly after, clutching her purse as she tied a scarf around her neck. "I''ll be at the restaurant if you need me. Don''t let Emily bully you too much, Noah," she said with a yful smile before heading out the door.


    Noahughed softly. "No promises."


    He then turned to Emily, who was gathering her school bag. The two walked together toward the school gates, Noah''s hands holding her tiny hands as they crossed the road.


    As they reached the entrance to her school, Noah crouched slightly to meet her eye level. "Alright, Em," he said, ruffling her hair affectionately. "I''lle pick you up after school, okay?"


    Emily scrunched her nose at the hair-ruffling but smiled nheless. "Okay! Don''t bete."


    "I''ll try my best," Noah replied, smirking. "Go on, now."


    Emily gave him a small wave before bounding off toward her ssroom. As she disappeared into the building, Noah stood for a moment, watching the other kids stream in.


    ''She''s so cute,'' he thought, a faint smile tugging at his lips before he turned and headed back to his car.


    Noah drove back to his mansion and suddenly, the screen on the dashboard lit up


    Iing callN?v(el)B\\jnn


    Ring-Ring


    Noah pressed the ept button on the screen, and the call connected.


    "Hello?" Noah said, his tone calm but curious, keeping his eyes fixed on the road ahead.


    "Hello, is this Mr. Thompson?" a professional voice asked on the other end.


    "Yes, this is me. Who''s calling?" Noah replied, his grip on the steering wheel.


    "This is Michael Jack from the corporate registration office. I''m calling to inform you that yourpany, Thompson Pharmaceuticals, has been sessfully registered. The documents have been verified, and you''re now authorized to start selling the product outlined in your submission."


    A faint smile tugged at Noah''s lips as he listened. "I see. Thank you, Mr. Jack," he said.


    "You''re wee, sir. The certification should arrive in your mail within the next one to two working days."


    "I see," Noah replied, nodding slightly. "Is there anything else?"


    "No, sir. That''s everything. If you have any additional questions or need assistance, don''t hesitate to reach out," Michael offered.


    "I appreciate that, but you''ve done plenty already. Thank you for the update," Noah said.


    "You''re wee, Mr. Thompson. Have a great day."


    "You too," Noah replied before the call ended.


    ''Time for the next step,'' he thought. ''Now that thepany is fully registered, I can let Arthur start nning the next steps for the distribution.''


    But Noah''s expression turned pensive. ''I also need to secure a factory location. Arthur can''t be the one to handle that part.''


    His fingers tapped rhythmically on the steering wheel. Noah''s eyes narrowed slightly.


    The manufacturing process involved equipment that he received from the system, people cannot find that out no matter what.


    ''Thest thing I need is for someone to dig his own grave, I can''t be asked for the hassle. It''s better to avoid it overall,'' He thought, as his mind drifted to Arthur.


    Reaching for his phone, he scrolled through his contacts. A name caught his eye¡ªJackson.


    Dialling the number, Noah pressed the phone to his ear, his expression calm and collected as the line connected.


    "Jackson, I need you to..."


    **


    ''Once the factory is secured, I can start moving equipment in. Arthur will handle the front end, but the backbone will remain with me.'' Noah thought as he entered his mansion.


    Walking through the hallway, he spotted Pennyworth carefully dusting the frames along the wall.


    "Good morning, Mr. Thompson," Pennyworth greeted, pausing his work and offering a respectful nod.


    "Morning, Pennyworth," Noah replied, his tone calm yet warm. "How are you doing?"


    "Thanks for asking, sir. I''m doing well," Pennyworth said with a small smile.


    Noah nodded, acknowledging his response, and continued walking toward his room.


    His mind, though calm on the surface, churned with ns and strategies. As he entered the privacy of his space, he shut the door behind him and pulled out his phone.


    Dialing Arthur''s number, he leaned against the edge of his desk. The call connected after the second ring.


    "Noah? How are you doing?" Arthur''s familiar, upbeat voice came through.


    "I''m doing alright. How about you?" Noah replied.


    "I''m doing good now, I have a feeling you''re calling with some good news," Arthur said, his tone yful.


    Noah raised an eyebrow, smirking slightly. "You''re confident it''s good news? What if it''s bad?"


    Arthur chuckled. "I''m an optimist when ites to you. You''re full of surprises, but they''re usually the good kind."


    "Well, I suppose you''re right this time," Noah admitted with a chuckle. "The good news is that thepany has been officially registered, and the product''s been verified for sale."


    There was a moment of stunned silence on the other end before Arthur burst outughing. "That''s not just good news¡ªit''s fantastic! This is huge!"


    "d you think so," Noah said. "Now, let''s discuss the next steps. When do you want to meet and go over everything?"


    Arthur''s excitement didn''t falter. "Let''s do it over dinner at my ce. I''ll have everything ready, and we can celebrate a bit while we talk business. How does that sound?"


    "Sounds perfect. Just let me know the time, and I''ll be there," Noah agreed.


    "Great! I''ll text you the detailster. Looking forward to it."


    "Same here," Noah replied before ending the call.


    After the call ended, Noah headed to his closet and grabbed his gym clothes.


    After changing to his gym clothes, Noah headed to the gym.


    Stepping into the gym, Noah nodded in approval at the condition of the space.


    The floors almost gleamed and the equipment practically sparkled under the lighting.


    "They''re doing a good job," he muttered, a small smile crossing his face as he nced around.


    Warming up with a few dynamic stretches, Noah rolled his shoulders, shook out his arms, and prepared for the strength portion of his workout.


    His routine targeted every major muscle group with a blend of precision and intensity. Squats, deadlifts, pull-ups, bench presses. Each exercise was executed with controlled reps on the entric and powerful push on the concentric. He ended his strength session with a quick set of 335lbs weighted dips.


    After finishing his strength work, Noah made his way to the boxing ring area.


    Sliding on his gloves, he stepped into the centre of the ring.


    He took his stance, light on his feet, and began to move.


    His jabs snapped forward like coiled springs, sharp and powerful.


    Whoosh-whoosh!


    Each punch sliced through the air, his breathing steady and controlled.


    He moved to the side, ducking an imagined counter beforeunching abination of hooks and uppercuts.


    Thump-thump-thump!


    His movements were fast and graceful, each punch thrown with powerful force.


    The shadowboxing session was more than just practice, it was a dance.


    His shoulders rolled, his feet glided across the mat, and his hands moved in a blur.


    "Boxing is truly an art." He muttered as he wiped the sweat from his forehead.


    With his body warmed up, Noah turned to the heavy bag.


    The heavy bag hung from the ceiling, swaying slightly as if anticipating the barrage of strikes about to hit it.


    He nted his feet firmly and


    BAM!


    , he threw a jab.


    BAM!


    The sound echoed through the room as the bag swung back violently.


    Noah followed with a crisp cross.


    THWACK!


    His knuckles sank into the leather, sending the bag rocking sideways.


    "Alright," he muttered under his breath. "Let''s pick up the speed."


    Thud-thud-thud!


    His punches rained down in a rapid-firebination.


    Jabs, hooks, and crosses struck like thunderps, the sound of his gloves against the bag filling the gym.


    His body moved in perfect harmony, his core twisting to add power to every strike.


    Noah''s pace quickened, his strikes bing a blur of motion.


    Your next chapter awaits on empire


    He ducked under an imagined counter, pivoting sharply as he delivered a devastating left hook.


    BANG!


    The bag jolted to the side, the chain creaking under the impact.


    "You''re not done yet," Noah muttered to himself,unching into another sequence.


    His fists were a blur, and the sound of his strikes filled the gym.


    Bam-bam-bam!


    The bag groaned as if protesting under the assault.


    Breathing steadily, Noah nted his feet for the final sequence.


    A jab snapped the bag forward, followed by a powerful cross that sent it rocking back.


    He pivoted into a crushing hook, the leather surface denting visibly under the force, and finished with a monstrous uppercut that lifted the bag momentarily before it swung wildly on its chain.


    As the bag swayed, Noah stepped back, his chest rising and falling with steady breaths. Sweat dripped from his brow, and his muscles burned in a way that felt satisfying and familiar.


    Untying his gloves, he smirked slightly, admiring the faint imprints his fists had left on the bag.


    "Not bad," he said to himself, tossing the gloves onto the bench. He grabbed a towel, wiping the sweat from his face and neck as he headed toward the shower.


    After showering, Noah thought about his ns for the day.


    "Arthur hasn''t contacted me yet, I suppose I have some time left," He thought, as he headed to his car.


    His next point was the collection point...


    shback Pov


    "Where did you drop off the gold you stole?" Noah said, staring into Tyrell''s soul as hey on the floor.


    "We dropped it off at a collection point, he didn''t meet with us. He gave us a specific number of the PO box. We had to ce the gold and the gun back of it and leave, and we didn''t dare to try mess with him so we just did as we were told," Tyrell said.


    "What was the PO box''s number?" Noah asked, his eyes still on Tyrell.


    "It was number 10,"


    shback Ended


    "This ghost better not leave any traces, or I will make him a real ghost. He made me go through all this hassle to follow him..."

 Chapter 175 Intermediate Hacking Skills Rewarded!

    At the collection point, Noah''s eyes scanned the area.


    The ce was bustling with activity. People hurried to collect or send parcels, and the sound of trains was constant in the area.


    ''Why would he pick this ce?''


    Noah thought, observing the chaos.


    It was the perfect blend of anonymity and congestion.


    Even if Tyrell or one of his crew had attempted to trail the ghost, they''d have been swallowed by the sheer number of bodies moving in and out of the station at some point.


    The collection point itself was tucked into a corner of the station, the environment was busy meaning it was perfect for Ghost.


    Rows of PO boxes lined the walls, each with a small keyhole and a faintbel etched into the metal.


    Noah''s gazended on box number 10, the box where Tyrell ced the items.


    ''Smart,'' he muttered. ''He''s using the foot traffic and the station''s busy nature as a cover. Even if someone saw him here, they''d forget his face in seconds.''


    [Ding! Ultimate Choice System Activated!]


    "But unfortunately for him... He never saw thising" Noah muttered, as he read the options with a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.


    Option 1: Find out a trail about Ghost.


    [Reward: Intermediate Hacking Skills]


    Option 2: Head back home; it''s too much of a hassle.


    [Reward: Peace of Mind Sticker]


    Option 3: Find the identity of Ghost.


    [Reward: Intermediate Hacking Skills, 2x Money Rebate Card]


    ''Option 3,'' he thought immediately. A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. ''The identity of Ghost is worth the effort.''


    [Ding! Intermediate Hacking Skill has been rewarded!]


    [Ding! 2x Money Rebate Card has been rewarded!]


    Noah''s mind was hit with a rush of knowledge. Complex strings of code, firewalls, encryption techniques, and backdoor strategies. Everything flooded into his brain in mere seconds.


    ''This is going to be fun,'' he thought as he turned his attention to the security cameras positioned around the station.


    Their lenses moved back and forth, scanning the crowds.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Ghost... I bet you didn''t expect this, huh?" He muttered, his smirk bing wider.


    Noah left the train station where the collection point was and headed to a nearby inte caf¨¦.


    Entering the inte caf¨¦, the ce was filled with old desktopputers.


    "Can I get aputer, 1 hour please," Noah said as he gave the attendant 5 dors.


    The attendant nodded and pressed his keyboard a few times.


    "The corner booth on your right, desk number 20." He said, pointing at a desktop.


    "This thing is so old, but no problem," he muttered under his breath, brushing a thinyer of dust off the keyboard. His eyes scanned the keys that were worn and faded.


    Sliding a small USB drive from his pocket, he inserted it into the side of the tower, and the screen shed with new life.


    The USB drive was also rewarded as a part of the ''Intermediate Hacking Skill'' that Noah got.


    Lines of code began to cascade as the custom software booted up.


    His fingers danced across the keys, navigating the outdated operating system as if it were some futuristic technology.


    "Let''s see how deep your secrets run, Ghost," he whispered, his tone calm


    Noah''s fingers danced across the keyboard, bypassing the sluggish operating system of the caf¨¦''s machine.


    He used his USB to boot into his own portable OS¡ªlightweight, fast, and packed with all the tools he needed. With the localwork map disyed on his screen, he connected to the caf¨¦''s router.


    ''Perfect¡ªopen ports on a basic WPA2 encryption. No challenge at all.''


    A few lines ofmand injectionter, he established a secure tunnel through the caf¨¦''swork. Using proxy chaining and Tor routing, he hid his activity like onionyers.


    **


    At the train station''s central security room, the monitors were calm¡ªuntil the chaos began.


    "rm! Intrusion detected!" A red alert shed across all screens, and the head analyst jumped in his chair.


    "What the hell is going on?" he barked, staring at the screens.


    A younger technician, panicking in her voice, eximed, "We''re under attack! Someone''s breached the system!"


    "That''s impossible!" another worker shouted. "This is a closedwork! No one outside should have ess!"


    "It doesn''t matter how it''s happening. We''re exposed," the young technician shot back. "The intruder isn''t brute-forcing their way in. They''re working the system like they''ve been here before!"


    "How much ess do they have?" the manager demanded, his voice tight with urgency.


    "Everything," the analyst said grimly. "Every camera, every log, every parcel detail¡ªthey''re in full control."


    "Shut it down!" the manager yelled. "Disconnect the servers!"


    "I can''t!" the technician cried. "They''ve rerouted themands! It''s like they''re three steps ahead of us!"


    "Who the hell is doing this? Why are they attacking us!" another worker muttered, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.


    **


    Back in the caf¨¦, Noah''s smirk widened as the system folded before him like a house of cards.


    His hacking skills enhanced his precision, and the outdated hardware was no hindrance to his talent.


    Every keystroke was on point, slicing through firewalls and backdoors with incredible efficiency.


    ''This system isughable,'' he thought. ''They''ve got decent encryption, but no adaptability. Static defences¡ªas easy as a lego to dismantle.''


    The screen disyed a live feed of the station''s camera system.


    People moved obliviously through the bustling collection point, unaware of the silent storm raging through its digital infrastructure.


    "Alright, Ghost," Noah muttered. "Where''s your little breadcrumb trail?"


    He pulled up the parcel logs, going through the PO Box records. Number 10 shed on the screen, and Noah began cross-referencing timestamps with delivery logs.


    Suddenly, a flicker of resistance caught his attention.


    "Ah, they''ve noticed," he said with a chuckle, tilting his head. He swiftly countered an automated lockdown attempt, rerouting it to a harmless loop.


    "I''ve got movement on the intruder!" the technician shouted. "They''re toying with us¡ªevery countermeasure we deploy gets neutralized in mere seconds!"


    "It''s like they''re watching us in real-time," the analyst muttered. "Whoever this is¡­ they''re a goddamn ghost."

 Chapter 176 Intermediate Hacking Skills Rewarded (2)

    The manager mmed his fist on the desk. "I want that connection traced now! He can''t escape"


    As Noah essed the encrypted metadata tied to the PO Box, his screen lit up with a single name.


    "Gotcha," he muttered.


    "Time to find out who Ghost really is,"


    Noah headed to the government''s civil records database for Birmingham. The website''s security was robust, with HTTPS protocols, Many-factor authentication, and captcha validations.


    "As expected of the government''s database protection, it''s not light in the least. But..."


    "Impressive on paper," Noah murmured. "But the paper doesn''t stop code."


    He began testing the site''s defences with SQL injections, exploiting vulnerabilities in the server''s input fields.


    Each failed attempt returned a valuable error code, giving Noah insight into the server''s structure.


    "Bingo," he whispered when the server returned the desired response he was looking for. "Your database schema is mine now."


    With ess to the public-facing database, Noah now aimed for administrator privileges.


    He noticed an outdated Apache server running alongside the main database. A quick exploit of an unpatched CVE1 allowed him to upload a malicious script disguised as a benign admin tool.


    The script injected a reverse shell, granting Noah ess to the backend server. As the terminal disyed the familiar "root" ess prompt, he chuckled softly.


    "The system skills make it too easy."


    Now inside the database, Noah searched for records linked to "Franklin Clinton."


    He filtered the search to Birmingham and set up aparison algorithm to cross-reference photos, employment records, and addresses. After a few moments, the screen disyed three results.


    "Three suspects," Noah muttered. "One of you is my ghost."


    Using the integrated image viewer, he pulled up their photos. The first was an elderly man¡ªclearly not a match. The second was a middle-aged office worker.


    ''Unlikely, Very unlikely'' Noah thought.


    The third was a younger man, around his early thirties with a buzz cut, he had a calm look on his face.


    "Found you."


    The screen confirmed Ghost''s address, employment history, and even a vehicle registration. Noah memorized the details and then wiped his tracks.


    After clearing all traces of his activity from the inte caf¨¦''s machine, Noah leaned back. The terminal disyed the final log, Connection Terminated.


    Standing up, he pocketed his USB drive, ncing around the room. The others were oblivious, lost in their own worlds of gaming and social media.


    As he walked out of the caf¨¦ into the bustling street, Noah smirked.


    "You''re not much of a ghost anymore, Franklin Clinton."


    Receiving a message on his phone from Arthur, Noah nced at it.


    "It seems like it''s still not your time Franklin, Enjoy it... whilst you can," He muttered and headed to his car.


    As Noah drove to Arthur''s mansion, he waspletely oblivious or more precisely unbothered about the consequences his actions had on the government''s system.


    **


    The chief rubbed his temples as he leaned over a desk filled with blinking monitors. "Damn it! Who''s behind this? Do we know what they essed?"


    "No clear evidence yet, but¡­ it looks like they''ve left the core system intact. No signs of sabotage. It feels... weird"


    The head of cybersecurity spoke up, his tone grim. "They didn''t just take over¡ªthey covered their tracks. We have no clue who did this, we will get fired if we can''t even find that amount of information. Damn it, we are meant to be the best of the best!"


    A moment of silence hung in the air before the chief mmed his fist on the table. "Call the main branch. Shut everything down. We''re grounding all trains until this is resolved. Getw enforcement and the cybercrime unit involved, now!"


    "Attention passengers, due to technical difficulties, all train services are temporarily suspended. We apologize for the inconvenience."


    At first, people murmured in confusion, exchanging puzzled looks. But as the minutes ticked by, confusion turned into anger.


    "This is ridiculous! I have a meeting in twenty minutes!" a sharply dressed businessman shouted into his phone.


    "Why don''t they tell us what''s actually going on?" a woman grumbled, tugging at her suitcase as her two kids whined beside her.


    An older man, seated on a bench, shook his head. "Back in my day, trains weren''t run by bloodyputers. A bit of coal, a good engine, and none of this nonsense!"


    Nearby, a student sitting cross-legged on the tform sighed, typing furiously on theirptop. "Dyed again¡­ I should''ve just taken the bus."


    Outside, taxi ranks overflowed with people scrambling for rides, and traffic near the station began to gridlock.


    Social media tforms buzzed with angry tweets and live-streamed videos.


    @CommuterBlues: Trains suspended AGAIN. What''s going on? @NationalRail better get their act together.


    @MomOnTheGo: I am practically stranded with two kids and no clue what''s happening. Absolute nightmare. #ChangePrimeMinister


    @UnderWatchyer: Pov: Blizzards. NERF GENJI!


    **


    Officials scrambled as they tried to find answers.


    "Public rtions is a mess right now," a spokesperson said, her tone frantic. "People are demanding answers, and we don''t have any."


    "Don''t release anything about a hack," the chief of operations interjected. "If word gets out that our system was breached, we''ll lose public trust entirely. We are talking about thousands of lives being at stake, including personal information leakage!"


    "But if we lie and they find out, it''ll be worse," the spokesperson countered.


    "I don''t care. Say it''s maintenance issues or a power failure. Anything to buy us time."


    A cybercrime officer entered the room, his expression grave. "We''re piecing together what we can, but whoever did this is leagues ahead of what we''re used to dealing with."


    "What''s the motive?" someone asked.


    "Unclear," the officer said. "They essed sensitive areas but didn''t disrupt anything critical. In fact, from their skill level, they should have been able to hide their entrance. But they didn''t... It''s almost as if¡­ they were just having fun."


    The room fell silent as everyone processed the chilling reality.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    As Noah pulled into the long driveway leading to Arthur''s mansion, he smirked,pletely unbothered by the chaos he''d left.


    Inside his car, his phone buzzed with another message from Arthur.


    ''Dinner''s ready. We''re waiting for you.''


    (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures)

 Chapter 177 Contract Signed, $20,000,000!

    On the highway to Arthur''s house, Noah nced at the time on the dashboard.


    A small frown crept onto his face.


    "It''s already time to pick up Emily, I almost forgot," he muttered.


    He wasn''t far, he was about twenty-five minutes away from her school.


    Quickly, he sent a message to Arthur.


    "Something came up. I''ll be there in about an hour and a half."


    With that sorted, he made a U-turn at the next roundabout and headed toward the primary school.


    The sleek ck Mercedes caught the attention of every kid ying outside, their wide eyes and excited whispers making him chuckle.


    A few older kids pointed at the car, clearly recognizing its worth.


    Parking near the entrance, Noah stepped out. As he walked toward the ssroom buildings, several kids whispered and nudged each other, trying to guess who he was.


    Peering through the ssroom window, Noah saw Emily chatting with her best friend, Sarah.


    Her back was to him,pletely unaware of his presence. He smirked, an idea forming in his mind.


    Silently, he crept closer.


    "Bah!" he eximed, his voice yful but loud enough to make Emily jump.


    "Argh!" she yelped, clutching her chest and spinning around to face him..


    "Noah!" she eximed, stomping her foot. "It''s you!"


    Her cheeks puffed up in frustration. "I''m gonna tell Mum and Dad! You scared me!"


    Noah crouched slightly, meeting her eyes with a mischievous grin. "Aww,e on, Em. It was just a little fun."


    "You''re so mean!" she huffed, but the faint smile on her face betrayed her.


    Sarah giggled, covering her mouth as she watched them. "Forgive brother Noah, he was just ying with you," she whispered.


    Emily, still trying to look angry, turned to Sarah and dered, "No, he''s not. He''s just annoying me."


    Noahughed, ruffling her hair yfully, much to her annoyance. "Alright,e on, troublemaker. Let''s get you home before you scare someone else."


    "Me? Scare someone?" she shot back. "It was you who scared me!"


    ...


    After dropping off Emily at their house, Noah hit the highway as he made his way back towards Arthur''s mansion.


    Soon enough, he arrived at the massive gates. The guards didn''t open the gate quickly this time, as they had to verify who was inside the car.


    After realising it was Noah, they quickly opened the door. They were used to his Lykan, so they usually opened it as soon as they saw it without checking carefully.


    As Noah''s G-ss Mercedes entered through the massive gates of Arthur''s viplex, the guards exchanged nces.


    "Man," one of them muttered, whistling low. "Every time this guy shows up, it''s with a new car. First the Lykan Hypersport, then the Lamborghini, and now this tank of a G-wagon. Next time, he might just fly in on a helicopter. What are we supposed to do then?"


    The leader of the guards, shook his head, with a wry smile on his face that was barely hidden. "Wee to the world of the rich, my friend. When you''ve got more money than you know what to do with, you start buying whatever catches your fancy."


    The younger guard scratched his head. "But why? Why not just donate all that extra money? I mean, they could end world hunger with the kind of cash they burn through."


    The leader''s expression turned thoughtful as he folded his arms. "It''s human nature," he said, gesturing toward the younger man. "Even you''re guilty of it. Let me ask you something¡ªhow much do you take home every month?"


    "Uh¡­ about $3,000 after tax," the younger guard replied, blinking in confusion.


    "Alright. And when you pass a homeless guy on the street, someone asking for just five bucks, do you give it to them?" the leader asked, his sharp gaze fixed on the younger man.


    The guard''s eyes widened slightly as he thought about it. "No¡­ not really."


    "Exactly." The leader leaned closer, a smirk on his face. "You could spare five bucks easily, but you don''t. It''s not because you can''t afford it, it''s because it''s not part of your nature to give when you don''t feel like it."


    "But that''s¡ª" The younger guard paused, his words caught in his throat as the realization hit him.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "It''s the same with them," the leader continued. "To you, five bucks is just pocket change, right? And to the rich, millions are the same. They don''t feel the weight of that money like you think they do."


    "So, instead of donating it, they spend it on things they want¡ªcars, jewellery, mansions. Just like how you might spend your paycheck on games, gadgets, or a night out instead of handing it over to charity."


    The younger guard frowned, the gears in his head turning. "I guess so¡­ I never thought about it like that."


    "Exactly," the leader said, pping him on the shoulder. "We''re all the same, just at different levels. You decide not to give five bucks, and they decide not to give millions. The scale is different, but the mindset isn''t. And here''s the kicker¡ªmost people think they''d be generous if they were rich, but trust me, if they get there, they won''t be. It''s easy to talk big when it''s not your reality."


    The younger guard nodded slowly, his shoulders slumping. "Yeah¡­ you''re right. That was pretty hypocritical of me."


    "Don''t beat yourself up over it," the leader said with a grin. "Just something to keep in mind the next time you''re tempted to criticize. Besides, it''s not our job to judge. Our job is to open the gate and make sure no one sneaks in."


    They both chuckled softly as they watched the G-ss vanish up the viplex.


    "Still," the younger guard muttered, "it''d be nice if he gave us a tip every now and then."


    The leaderughed and shook his head.


    After passing Amelia''s vi, Noah arrived at Arthur''s vi.


    Pulling up at the driveway, he nodded at the guards who quickly called up Arthur to let him know that Noah had arrived.


    By the time Noah reached the steps of the grand vi, Arthur was already at the door, his daughter Lily standing beside him with a smile on her face.


    "Noah, good to see you!" Arthur greeted warmly, extending his hand.


    "You too," Noah replied, shaking it firmly before turning to Lily. "Hey, Lily. How are you doing?"


    "I''m good," she replied. "How have you been, long time no see. Did you drop out?"


    Noah chuckled.


    "No, I''ve just been very busytely. But I wille in again this week," He said as they walked inside.


    **


    At the dinner table, the food, as expected, was exquisite¡ªa mix of roasted meats, and all kinds of delicacies.


    After they finished, Arthur leaned back in his chair, gesturing toward Noah with a smile. "How was it? Still as good as always?"


    Noah wiped his mouth with a napkin and grinned. "It''s as good as always, Arthur. Your chef has outdone himself, you need to give him a raise."


    Arthurughed heartily. "d to hear that, I will for sure. A satisfied stomach is the best way to start any business conversation."


    Lily rolled her eyes yfully. "Dad''s philosophy for everything, feed them, and then talk business."


    Noah smirked, leaning back. "Not a bad strategy. I mean it hooked me,"


    With dessert out of the way, Arthur excused himself briefly.


    "Give me a moment, I will go grab the contract for you to check,"


    Returning with a folder in his hand. He set it on the table in front of Noah.


    "Alright, here''s the contract. Take your time and let me know if there''s anything you''re unsure about. It''s the same deal as we discussed before¡ªnothing''s changed."


    Noah opened the folder, his expression calm but focused. At that moment, a familiar chime echoed in his mind.


    [Ding! Ultimate Choice System has been activated]


    [Option 1: Skim through the contract and believe in Arthur''s loyalty.]


    [Reward: Basic Law Skill, $10,000]


    [Option 2: Read through every line, and every word. Make sure that nothing is wrong.]


    [Reward: Intermediate Law Skill]


    Noah''s lips twitched into a faint smile. Option 2, he thought without hesitation.


    [Ding! Intermediate Law Skill has been rewarded!]


    Instantly, his mind flooded with knowledge. Whether it was legal terms, contract structures, or loopholes. They all unravelled in his consciousness like a gift.


    Arthur, oblivious to the system''s activation, watched as Noah leaned forward, scanning the document with focus.


    Lily nced at her father, then back at Noah, noting the intensity on his face.


    ''I don''t see Noah this serious, does he even understand these documents? How does he know everything,'' She thought.


    Minutes turned into half an hour. Arthur didn''t seem bothered, sipping Noah''s tea patiently as Noah worked his way through the pages.


    Finally, Noah leaned back, cing the folder on the table with a satisfied nod. "All good. Let''s sign it."


    Arthur''s eyes lit up, and he pulled a pen from his jacket pocket. The two men signed their names on the dotted lines, each stroke of the pen marking a moment Arthur would never forget.


    After they finished, Arthur stood, extending his hand with a broad smile. "d to be business partners, Noah."


    Noah stood as well, shaking Arthur''s hand firmly. "Likewise."


    The deal was simple.


    The $20,000,000 buy-in for a 5% stake in thepany showed Arthur''s good intentions.


    It wasn''t overly beneficial to either side, it was a clear sign that Arthur valued Noah''s partnership far more than just mary gain.


    "This is just the beginning, you still haven''t told me about the tea production," Arthur said with a smile on his face.


    Chuckling, Noah shook his head. "About that, the sales haven''t stabilised yet. But I will assure you that the first partnership we will have will be with you,"


    "I am happy if that''s the case," Arthurughed.


    ...


    "The money for the shares should arrive in the next few days, a few apartments have already sold by the way. Do you want the money for these apartments with them, or do you want to wait?"


    "It''s fine, just let it wait. I will let you know if I need it," Noah said, shaking his head.


    "Alright then," Arthur nodded.


    After talking about a few things with Arthur, Noah excused himself and left their mansion.


    On his way out of the viplex, Noah''s gaze fell on Amelia''s mansion for a few seconds.

 Chapter 178 Buying David A Car!

    Noah drove into his mansion''s driveway, and parked up perfectly.


    "That was a long day," He muttered as he stretched slightly, before stepping inside the mansion.


    A scent of food wafted through the air.


    Following the aroma, he entered the kitchen to find Selena at the stove, preparing his meal prep that he had told her about.


    Noah leaned against the doorway. "Selena, you don''t have to worry about me today," he said, his tone calm. "You can either eat it yourself or stop cooking altogether. Either way, do as you see fit."


    Selena nced over her shoulder, nodding politely. "Understood, Mr. Thompson," she said before returning her focus to her dish.


    After talking to Selena, Noah made his way upstairs to his room. Entering the ensuite bathroom, he stripped off his clothes, revealing his well-toned, chiselled physique.


    He let out a satisfied sigh as he sank into the jacuzzi.


    The water was the perfect temperature, enveloping him in soothing warmth that embraced him from all directions. The gentle bubbling of the jets massaged his muscles, easing the tension. He leaned back, closing his eyes as the steam swirled around him.


    Time seemed to slow down. The world outside was almost a blur, and for that hour, nothing else mattered.


    Eventually, after feeling rxed enough, Noah stepped out of the jacuzzi and wrapped himself in a soft towel. After drying off, he slipped intofortable nightwear and headed straight to bed.


    Sleep imed him quickly.


    The early morning light seeped through the curtains as Noah stirred awake. Blinking as the sun''s raysnded on his eyes, he stretchedzily, feeling his body rejuvenate.


    Noah began his morning as he always did, moving through his routine quickly.


    After stretching, brushing his teeth, and getting dressed in a casual outfit, he headed downstairs.


    Partway down, he spotted Pennyworth cleaning the corridor.


    "Good morning, Mr Thompson," Pennyworth greeted, straightening slightly upon sighting him. "I hope you slept well."


    "Good morning, Pennyworth. I slept amazinglyst night," Noah replied with a soft smile.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Pennyworth nodded with a small, respectful smile before returning to his tas and Noah continued toward the kitchen.


    Inside, Selena was moving around the kitchen, focused on her work. Hearing him enter, she turned her head slightly.


    "I''m sorry for the dy, Mr. Thompson," she said apologetically. "Just one more minute and your meal will be ready."


    "Alright," Noah replied, nodding lightly. "Take your time."


    True to her word, within a minute, Selena ced the breakfast dishes in front of him.


    The aroma was contagious, and the food was well prepared. It was protein-dense, with just the right bnce to provide energy without filling him up to the brim.


    "Enjoy your meal, sir," Selena said, stepping back.


    "Thank you, Selena," Noah said, picking up his fork.


    The meal was excellent, as always.


    After finishing the meal, Noah leaned back in his chair for a brief moment. Then, he stood up and made his way to the living room.


    Landing on the soft cushions of the sofa, he grabbed the television remote and turned on the TV.


    ''I might as well watch something as I digest, then I will hit the gym,'' He thought, as he flipped through the channels.


    "Breaking News: Metropolitan Police offer apologies after train incide-"


    Noah skipped the news, clearly not interested, he already knew everything that happened so it wasn''t anything worth mentioning.


    After digesting, Noah started his day with a full-body strength session in his private gym.


    The weights clinked softly as he powered through his routine, focusing on each movement.


    Once he was satisfied, he grabbed a towel, wiped the sweat from his brow, and headed outside for a run.


    The cold morning air weed him as he hit the pavement, his jog calm and controlled. The rhythmic thud of his shoes against the ground created a beat.


    A short distance into his run, Noah noticed another runner ahead of him. The man looked to be in his mid-twenties, lean and athletic.


    ''Who''s this?'' Noah thought, his pace remaining consistent. He observed the man briefly before shrugging and focusing back on his run.


    As Noah naturally closed the distance and overtook the man, the stranger nced at him, a faint grin appearing on his face.


    ''Running alone is quite boring,'' the man thought, watching Noah''s smooth run. ''Let''s see if this neighbour has enough energy for a friendly race.''


    The man quickened his pace, his steps growing louder as he caught up to Noah. Without a word, he passed him, giving a brief nce over his shoulder and a challenging smirk.


    Noah raised an eyebrow. The challenge was clear, but he wasn''t interested in engaging right away. He continued running at his own pace, unconcerned about the man''s challenge.


    The man, noticing Noah wasn''t taking the bait, began to slow down, his pace dropping slightly.


    ''It seems like this neighbour is not sopetitive after all...boring'' he thought.


    But as the man eased up, Noah''s pace subtly increased. Within moments, he passed the man again, his strides fluid and unhurried, as if he hadn''t even noticed the other runner.


    The man''s grin faded into mild frustration. ''This guy¡­ He''s cheating!'' he thought.


    He thought that Noah was cheating, so determined not to be outdone, he elerated again, pumping his legs harder as he surged forward to retake the lead.


    Noah, noticing the man''s effort, couldn''t help but smirk slightly.


    The two continued their silent tug-of-war for around ten minutes.


    The man''s frustration was growing with every back-and-forth pass. He finally decided to break the tension.


    "What the hell, man?" the man blurted out, his voice tinged with annoyance. "Make up your mind! Are we racing, or are you just messing with me? You''ve passed me, slowed down, and overtaken me like ten times in the span of ten minutes! I speed up, you slow down. I slow down, you speed up! What''s your deal?"


    Noah nced at him out of the corner of his eye but said nothing. Instead, he nced down at his watch, noting the time.


    It''s almost time to end this, he thought, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.


    Without a word, Noah picked up his pace, his strides growing longer and faster. The man sighed, mistaking the move as yet another tease, but hispetitive spirit got the better of him.


    "Oh, no you don''t!" he muttered, pushing harder to leave Noah behind. He managed to inch ahead, his heart pounding as he took the lead again.


    For a moment, the man thought he had finally won. But then, he heard a faint sound behind him.


    He nced back over his shoulder, only to see a blur of motion. Before he could fully process it, Noah had already overtaken him, his speed leaving the man trailing in disbelief.


    "What the¡ª?!" The man''s jaw dropped as he watched Noah dart ahead, his movements smooth and almost inhumanly fast.


    ''How is he this fast?!'' the man thought, his eyes wide. ''I thought he was just some guy messing around, trying to win through tricks!''


    Determined not to lose so easily, the man pushed his legs to their limit, his lungs burning as he tried to catch up. But it was no use. Noah was already a distant figure, shrinking into the horizon.


    Eventually, the man slowed to a jog, then a walk, shaking his head in frustration and shock. He bent over, resting his hands on his knees as he tried to catch his breath.


    "Who the hell was that guy?" he muttered to himself, ncing around the now-empty street. "I''ve never seen him around here before¡­"


    Straightening up, he sighed and muttered, "Guess I''ll just ask Andersonter. He knows everyone in the neighbourhood."


    Returning home, Noah quickly hopped into the shower, letting the warm water wash away the sweat from his run.


    Once refreshed, he threw on a casual outfit and called an Uber to head over to his parent''s house.


    It was a weekend, so there was no school for Emily, and he knew his mom would be off work.


    "Dad will probably want to head to the teahouse, so I just need to convince him not to," Noah muttered.


    Forty minutester, the Uber pulled up in front of his parent''s house. Noah stepped out, unlocking the door with his key and stepping inside.


    In the living room, his mom and dad were seated, chatting casually. Emily, however, was nowhere to be seen.


    "Noah?" his mom, Caroline, said, raising an eyebrow. "What are you doing here so early?"


    "Nothing much," Noah replied, offering a warm smile. "I wanted to do something with you guyster on today. So I thought I''de early to spend time with you."


    Caroline''s expression softened, her eyes lighting up. "Aww, that''s sweet of you, honey. What is it you want to doter with us?"


    Noah didn''t hesitate. "I think it''s time we got Dad a car. What do you think, Mom?"


    Caroline''s eyebrows lifted in surprise before she nodded, deep in thought. "You''re right¡­ he really does need one. You want to do it today?"


    "Why not?" Noah shrugged casually. "Strike while the iron''s hot."


    His mom nodded again, a small smile ying on her lips. "You''re right."


    David, sitting on the side with a newspaper in his hands, looked between the two with his mouth slightly ajar. "Hello? Are you two forgetting I''m right here? You''re talking about me but it seems like I don''t have a say in the matter."


    Caroline chuckled, moving to sit beside him. "Of course, you have a say, honey. Tell me, what car do you want? An Audi? A Merc? Maybe a BMW?"


    David''s lips twitched, struggling between amusement and exasperation. Caroline couldn''t help butugh, leaning in to hug him.


    "I''m kidding, honey," she said with a soft giggle. "But you already agreed to this the other day."


    David sighed, leaning back in his seat. "Yeah, yeah," he muttered, shaking his head but unable to hide the faint smile creeping onto his face.


    Noah turned his attention back to his mom. "Where''s Emily?"


    "She''s in her room," Caroline replied. "Probably on the phone with her friend or ying one of those games of hers."

 Chapter 179 Buying David a Car! (2)

    "She''s in her room," Caroline replied. "Probably on the phone with her friend or ying one of those games of hers."


    Noah nodded.


    "So, when are we going, Dad?"


    David nced at the time on his watch and scratched his chin thoughtfully. "Should we just go now?"


    Noah shrugged casually. "Your choice."


    David turned to Caroline, raising an eyebrow. "What do you think, honey? Should we head out now?"


    Caroline nodded a soft smile on her lips. "Let''s go now. There won''t be much traffic, and it''s so early, the dealerships will probably not be crowded."


    David nodded, as made his decision. "Alright, then. Let''s get going."


    Noah stood up, stretching a little. "I''ll go tell Emily to get ready."


    Fifteen minutester, the family gathered near the door, all ready to leave.


    "Do you guys have everything?" David asked, his eyes flicking between Noah and Emily.


    Noah gave a brief nod. Emily, on the other hand, was practically bouncing on her feet.


    "Yes, Dad!" she eximed.


    "Alright, let''s go," David said, opening the door and stepping outside with the rest of them.


    They had already booked an Uber, which was waiting just outside their house.


    Their first stop was a Volkswagen dealership, as it was the closest to their home. The car ride was filled with their chatter, with Emily always initiating conversations.


    "I hope we get one of those cool cars with the big screens," she said, her eyes sparkling. "And it has to have lots of space in the back for snacks!"


    David chuckled, shaking his head. "I''m not buying a car just for snacks, Emily."


    "Yeah," Noah teased, "that''s what the glovepartment''s for."


    Emily gasped dramatically, pretending to be offended. "Noah, snacks are important! You can''t just shove them in any random box,"


    **


    As they stepped out, a salesperson approached them, a friendly smile stered across their face.


    "Wee to Volkswagen! How can I help you folks today?" the salesperson asked, their gaze shifting between the three.


    David took a step forward, smiling politely. "We''re looking for an SUV. Somethingfortable, andrge in space."


    The salesperson nodded enthusiastically. "You''vee to the right ce. Let me show you some of our most popr models. Follow me."


    Emily couldn''t contain her awe as they walked through the rows of cars. "Wow, look at this one, Dad! It''s shiny, and it has a big trunk! Perfect for snacks."


    David gave her a yful nudge.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Don''t worry, we will find one that''s more perfect for snacks."


    "This here," the salesperson said with a grin, motioning to arge SUV, "is our brand-new Volkswagen Tiguan. It''s one of the top choices for families and businesses."


    David leaned in slightly, listening as the salesperson rattled off the specifications.


    "It''s equipped with a 2.0L TSI engine, delivering 184 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It contains a spacious interior to your liking, a 10-inch digital cockpit, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with built-in navigation and Apple Cary, you can y music, broadcasts, or anything you like."


    "Safety features include adaptive cruise control,ne-keeping assist, and emergency braking. Plus, it''s got plenty of cargo space, perfect for family trips andrge bags or... snacks," the salesperson added, winking at Emily with a grin.


    Emily beamed, giving the salesperson a nod of approval and a thumbs up.


    "What''s the price?" David asked, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.


    "For this particr model, the price is $33,500," the salesperson replied, his voice confident.


    David nodded, ncing at Noah and Caroline for their input. "What do you guys think?"


    Noah crossed his arms, his gaze briefly scanning the Tiguan before he responded. "In terms of price-to-functionality, you probably won''t find one like this at the other dealerships. They tend to be more expensive. The specs here are solid¡ªgood engine power, safety features, and interior tech. If you''re not too concerned about brand fame or sporty aesthetics, this is one of the best options you''ll find, Dad."


    David nodded, processing the information as he nced at Caroline. "What about you, honey?"


    Caroline gave the car a closer look, nodding slowly. "It''s a nice car, and it seems reliable. If you like it, I''d say let''s go for it."


    Emily piped up enthusiastically, pointing at the car. "Yes! Let''s get this one, Dad! It seems like it has good horsepower," She pped her hands in excitement.


    ''I don''t even know what horsepower is, I just want him to get it because of therge cargo for my snacks, hehe,'' Emily thought.


    David chuckled, leaning down to ruffle Emily''s hair. "Alright, since Emily likes it, I guess the decision''s made."


    Straightening up, he turned to the salesperson. "We''ll take this one."


    The salesperson''s smile widened. "Great! What colour would you like? We currently have ck and grey avable for immediate collection, but if you''re interested in other colours, we''d need to ce an order."


    David looked at Caroline, who gave him an approving nod. "Let''s go with grey," he said confidently.


    "Excellent choice," the salesperson said, already writing down notes on a clipboard. "If you coulde with me to the desk, we''ll handle the paperwork and finalize the arrangements."


    "Sure," David said, gesturing for Noah and Caroline to follow as he walked toward the dealership''s office.


    Emily skipped along happily, already imagining all the snacks she was going to pack for their first trip in the new car.


    At the desk, the salesperson led David through the paperwork. He exined the financing options, warranty details, and additional services like maintenance packages.


    An hourter, with everything signed and settled, the keys to their brand-new Volkswagen Tiguan were handed over to David. The family gathered around the SUV, Emily hopping with excitement.


    As they drove off in their new ride, David nced in the rearview mirror, a proud smile on his face. "I think this was a good choice."


    Caroline patted his hand. "It definitely was."


    Noah smirked from the passenger seat, ncing back at Emily. "So, how many snacks are we talking about for the first trip?"


    Emily grinned. "All of them!" she dered, making everyone burst intoughter.


    **


    Noah smirked from the passenger seat, ncing back at Emily. "So, how many snacks are we talking about for the first trip?"


    Emily grinned, her eyes sparkling. "All of them!" she dered with the enthusiasm only a child could muster.


    The family burst intoughter, the mood light and joyful as they drove toward their next destination.


    **


    "We should stock up on groceries while we''re at it," David said, ncing back at Noah. "Can you get a Costco membership as we drive there?"


    "Sure, Dad," Noah replied, pulling out his phone and navigating to the Costco website.


    Within minutes, he had signed up for a membership and received a confirmation email. "All set," he said, holding up his phone.


    Soon, they arrived at Costco. The massive warehouse bustled with activity, shoppers pushing carts piled high with goods.


    Inside, they moved through the aisles, loading up on everything from fresh fruits to cleaning supplies. Emily took charge of the snack aisle, her small hands quickly tossing her favourites¡ªchips, choctes, and gummy bears into the cart.


    "Emily, this isn''t a toy store," Caroline said,ughing as she put a few items back.


    "But Mom, it''s for the first trip!" Emily protested with a pout, making Noah chuckle.


    "Let her have her fun," David said, winking at Emily as he ced one of her rejected snack packs back in the cart.


    After a couple of hours, they left Costco with a cart full of groceries. David opened the trunk of their new car, carefully arranging the bags as Noah handed him items one by one.


    "Alright, let''s head back home," David said, closing the trunk with a satisfied smile.


    **


    Back at the house, Noah helped carry the bags inside before ncing at the time on his phone. "Congrattions again on the car, Dad," he said, smiling warmly.


    "Thanks, son," David replied, giving Noah a firm pat on the back. "It''s a good day for the family."


    Noah nodded. "It is. I''ll see you allter¡ªI have something to take care of."


    David and Caroline exchanged a curious nce but didn''t press further, and Noah left the house, stepping into the Uber he had called earlier.


    As the car drove out of the neighbourhood. A certain name and face flickered in Noah''s mind.


    "Time to talk to Ghost," he muttered, a grin spreading across his face. "Or rather, Franklin Clinton."


    **


    The Uber soon pulled up near a curb.


    "Thank you," Noah said with a polite smile, stepping out and ncing around the neighbourhood.


    The streets were clean and the people seemed to be posh around the area.


    Noah''s thoughts churned.


    ''No wonder Franklin had enough money to throw $20,000 at Tyrell and his goons without breaking a sweat. But, I still don''t understand his motive. Why would he do all of that,''


    He adjusted his hood, tugging it down just enough to shadow his face.


    ''Time to meet...Ghost,''

 Chapter 180 Ghosts house

    Noah approached the door calmly, his footsteps muffled against the soft ground.


    ''Do I knock like a polite guest, or do I make things a little more interesting?''


    His expression was unreadable. Standing before the wooden door, he raised his knuckles and rapped on it lightly.


    knock-knock.


    Seconds ticked by, and the silence remained.


    His ears scanned for any sound on the other side, but there was nothing¡ªno shuffling, no voices, not even the creak of the floorboards.


    He exhaled through his nose, his lips pressing into a thin line. Raising his hand again, he knocked a second time.


    knock-knock.


    Still, there was no answer.


    His eyes narrowed as he stepped back slightly, ncing at the edges of the door.


    ''What''s going on here?'' he thought, scanning the surroundings briefly.


    Shrugging off the silence, Noah reached into his system inventory, his fingers closing around a small, nondescript lockpick. With a quick flick of his wrist, it appeared in his hand, gleaming faintly. He knelt slightly, positioning himself close to the door while keeping an eye on his surroundings.


    Seeing no movement nearby, he inserted the lockpick into the keyhole and manipted the tumblers inside with quick movements.


    Click.


    The lock gave way almost immediately, the door creaking softly as it shifted open. Noah stood, pocketing the lockpick as he pushed the door inward just enough to slip inside. He stepped over the threshold with quietness.


    The moment he was inside, he closed the door behind him, thetch clicking faintly into ce.


    The air in the room was stale, carrying a very faint scent of something metallic.


    His senses sharpened, and Noah scanned the space. Every creak of the old floorboards beneath his boots sounded deafening in the stillness. The room was small, barely furnished, with a single table pushed into the corner and a few chairs scattered haphazardly. On the far wall, a closed door led to what he assumed was another room.


    ''No sign of anyone,'' he thought, moving further inside. ''But this ce wasn''t abandoned recently. Someone''s been here.''


    Noah crouched low, his sharp eyes locking onto faint scuff marks on the floor. His fingers brushed over them, tracing the path of whatever had left the trail.


    "Someone dragged something heavy¡ªor someone," he muttered under his breath, his tone grim.


    His gaze followed the faint trail until it led to a closed door on the far side of the room. A cold, sinking feeling settled in his chest as his mind churned through the possibilities.


    Something about this situation didn''t sit right.


    Standing, Noah reached into his inventory and summoned his Magnum Research revolver, the base of the weapon settling into his palm. He held it tightly as he approached the door. Each step forward seemed to amplify the faint metallic tang in the air.


    The smell hit him in full force as he neared the door.


    "Blood," he thought, his eyes narrowing. His grip on the revolver tightened as he pressed a hand against the doorframe, pushing it open slowly.


    The door creaked on its hinges as Noah "sliced the pie," clearing each angle of the room by peering through the opening as it widened.


    The room was dim, the light from the living room slowly spilt in. For the first few moments, he spotted nothing¡ªjust scattered furniture.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    But then, as the door opened fully, his heart sank.


    A bodyy on the floor, facedown, its lifeless form slumped against the far wall. The stagnant air seemed to grow heavier as Noah frowned, taking a moment to clear the rest of the room.


    His gaze darted to every corner, every shadow, ensuring the space was safe.


    After making sure there was no one but the dead body inside the room, Noah advanced toward the body. The metallic scent of blood was overpowering now, the metallic tang wing at his nostrils. He nudged the body with the toe of his shoe, flipping it slightly.


    As the face came into view, Noah''s expression darkened.


    "This is... Franklin Clinton," he muttered, his voice low and edged with frustration. For a moment, anger red in his chest, only to be reced by a chilling calm as he stared at the lifeless figure.


    "Never a ghost," Noah said softly, his voice dripping with contempt. "Just a decoy."


    He knelt beside the body, his mind racing. Reaching out, he touched the corpse, activating his Advanced Skill: Memory nce.


    For a fleeting second, images shed in his mind¡ªfragmented scenes of Franklin''s recent activities. The echoes of whispered conversations, blurred faces, and hurried movements yed like a broken reel. But then, the images abruptly cut off.


    "What the hell?" Noah frowned deeply, pulling back his hand. "I didn''t get nearly as much as usual. Is it because he''s dead?"


    The thought gnawed at him as he stood, holstering his revolver. His sharp gaze swept the room again, the pieces of the puzzle rearranging themselves in his mind.


    "Whoever''s behind this, he is ying a different game," Noah muttered, his voice cold. "Franklin was nothing but a pawn."


    Noah stood in the centre of Franklin''s dimly lit room, his jaw clenched tightly. His mind churned with frustration as he pieced together the fragments of memories he had glimpsed.


    "Damn it," he muttered under his breath. "There''s nothing helpful. No names, no faces...nothing."


    The air felt heavy as Noah''s face remained unreadable, the metallic scent of blood lingering as Noah made a decision.


    He moved to the door and carefully wiped the fingerprints he had left on the handle and the lock. Satisfied, he stepped outside, closing the door softly behind him.


    The street was quiet, Noah adjusted his hood and walked to the nearest street, where he called for another ride.


    **


    Inside Lionel''s house, Lionel, Ryker, and the injured Leo were seated in the living room. Leo''s posture was stiff, his movements careful to avoid aggravating his wound, but his expression brightened when he saw Noah step through the door.


    "How''s the injury, Leo?" Noah asked, his tone calm.


    Leo grimaced slightly, his hand instinctively brushing the side where he was shot. "I''m fine, boss," he said with a small, grateful smile. "Thanks for saving my life."


    Noah nodded, his gaze sharp but approving. "That''s good. Make sure to take it easy."


    Lionel leaned forward slightly, his expression more serious. "Boss, we handled the people you gave us. Everything is settled now."


    Noah''s lips pressed into a thin line as he nodded. "They were nothing but pawns," he said, his voice low and cold.


    Lionel nodded in agreement, his tone reflecting the same frustration. "I heard from Tyrell¡ªsomeone called Ghost. That''s the name that kepting up."


    Noah''s eyes flickered with a faint spark of annoyance as he crossed his arms. "Yes, this so-called Ghost is still out there. But there isn''t much evidence we can use to pin down his identity yet."


    The room fell into a brief silence, each man processing the implications of the perpetrator still being out there.


    Finally, Noah broke it.


    "You guys proceed as usual," he said firmly, his gaze sweeping across all three of them. "But be very careful. Don''t take unnecessary risks, and keep your eyes open."


    "Understood, boss," they replied in unison, their tones resolute.


    Noah pulled a small pouch from his pocket and set it on the table. The soft clink of metal echoed in the room as he revealed two 500g gold bars.


    "Split these between you and Jackson," Noah said, his voice steady butmanding. "Make sure everything is ounted for."


    Lionel and Ryker exchanged nces before nodding. "Alright, boss. We''ll take care of it."


    Before leaving, Noah moved subtly, his hand brushing each man''s shoulder as he gave them a parting nod.


    As he made contact, he activated his Memory nce skill, scanning for any signs of betrayal.


    The memories shed quickly.


    "It''s not them," Noah thought, relief mixing with his wariness. "There''s no traitor here."


    As he stepped outside, Noah''s thoughts turned back to Ghost. His mind churned with possibilities and ns.


    One thing was certain¡ªthis game was far from over.


    ''For the first time in a long time, I was teased like this... Ghost, pray I don''t catch you, because if I do...''


    "I''ve already followed most of the leads," he muttered to himself, his voice low enough that the driver didn''t even nce back. His mind raced through the tangled web of connections he had been chasing. "There are only a few more links that I need to check."


    His gaze flickered toward the passing streetlights outside the window as he pieced together the chain of events. One link, in particr, stood out. He had been ignoring it or some time, but it was time to finally check it out.


    "The guy that was supposed to buy the gold bar," Noah said, his voice barely audible. His fingers stilled, curling into a loose fist. "He might be the one."


    A ghost of a smirk appeared on his face. "Time to find out if this so-called loyal customer is really as innocent as Lionel believes."


    He settled deeper into his seat, letting his mind run through possible scenarios, questions to ask, and angles to exploit.

 Chapter 181 Supplying Tea Leaves

    As the Uber arrived up at the imposing gates of the viplex, the driver nced toward the security guard approaching the car. The guard tapped on the driver''s window, his face neutral but firm.


    "Excuse me, taxis are not allowed inside, sir," the guard said.


    The driver nodded, about to turn toward Noah to exin the situation, but before he could speak, Noah calmly rolled down his window.


    His expression carried effortless confidence, and an unmistakably charming smile.


    "Hello, Terence," Noah greeted smoothly. "Could you do me a favour and allow him this time?"


    The guard''s sternness instantly softened as recognition shed across his face. "Oh, it''s Mr. Thompson!" he eximed, stepping back slightly. "Sorry to stop you, sir. Please, enter."


    Terence waved to his colleague, signalling for the gates to open. The heavy iron barriers swung inward, revealing the entrance.


    As the Uber started forward, Noah nced at the guard, offering a subtle nod of appreciation. "Thank you, Terence," he said, his voice calm yet authoritative.


    "My pleasure, sir. Have a good evening," Terence replied, snapping a quick salute.


    The Uber driver let out a low whistle under his breath as they drove past the gates.


    ''Why is a man this important taking an uber home... the world of the rich, you can never understand what they are truly thinking.'' The driver thought, ncing at Noah through the mirror.


    **N?v(el)B\\jnn


    As Noah stepped into the mansion, an aroma wafting from the kitchen instantly caught his attention.


    ''That smells nice. Anderson''s sister is proving to be quite the decent chef,'' he mused, a faint smile tugging at his lips.


    He walked into the kitchen, his eyes immediatelynding on Selena, who was ting a dish.


    "Good evening, Selena," Noah said casually. "That smells good. What''s on the menu tonight?"


    Selena turned toward him, her expression brightening at thepliment. "Hello, Mr. Thompson. I''m d you like the aroma. Tonight''s dinner is chicken katsu curry," she said, her tone polite and professional, but with a hint of pride.


    Noah nodded, the corner of his mouth lifting into a subtle smile. "Good choice," he remarked as he made his way to the counter table and sat down, resting his elbows on the smooth surface.


    Selena returned to her task, carefully garnishing the dish with chopped green onions before cing it on a tray.


    She nced at Noah briefly and added, "It''ll be ready in just a few more minutes."


    "Take your time," Noah said, his gaze sweeping the kitchen.


    Soon enough, Selena ced the dish in front of Noah, the golden curry glistening. The crispy chicken cutlets rested on a bed of steaming white rice.


    As he picked up his utensils, Noah nced up and noticed Selena standing nearby, her hands sped behind her back, her posture stiff but polite. His brow arched slightly in curiosity.


    "What are you doing just standing there?" he asked, his voice carrying a mix of amusement and light tone. "Sit down and eat."


    Selena quickly shook her head. "No, it''s okay, sir. I''ll eat after you," she replied, her tone respectful but hesitant.


    Noah chuckled lightly, shaking his head. "Why would you do that? Just sit down and eat. Come on, don''t be shy."


    Selena hesitated for a moment, her eyes darting to the te in front of him and then back to the counter. "I wouldn''t want to intrude, sir."


    "If you think I''d mind, you''re mistaken," Noah said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument. "The food''s best when it''s hot. Just sit down and enjoy it."


    Relenting, Selena gave a small nod, a faint smile on her face as she moved to get a te for herself. She served a portion of the curry and rice, then took a seat at the counter across from him.


    The two ate in silence, Noah didn''t mind theck of conversation.


    After finishing his meal, Noah leaned back slightly and wiped his mouth with a napkin. "Thank you for the meal, Selena. It was fantastic."


    Selena''s face lit up at thepliment. "I''m d you liked it, Mr. Thompson."


    Standing up, Noah ced his te in the sink. "I''ll leave you to enjoy the rest of your evening."


    With that, he gave a small nod and headed toward his room.


    The next day...


    [Ding! $2,300 has been credited to the ount ending in xx04. Current bnce: $1,050,669]


    [Ding! 500g of Pure Gold has been stored in the inventory]


    Noah woke up and did his morning routine, he then headed downstairs to eat the breakfast made by Selena.


    After eating, he digested for a while then hit the gym for a quick workout. His cardio session was not running this time, it was the boxing bag.


    After finishing training, he hit the shower, dried himself, left the house and headed towards the teahouse to check on his dad and the store.


    ...


    As he parked outside near the teahouse, he spotted a few more tables and chairs scattered inside and outside the store.


    ''it seems like he added more tables, seems like Dad has been busy making ns for the store,'' Noah thought, a small smile on his face.


    ''Looks like Dad''s been busy,'' Noah thought, a smile tugging at his lips.


    Before entering the store, the aroma of the magical tea greeted him.


    Inside the store, David, was at the counter, his posture confident yet rxed.


    The store had customers enjoying their drinks chatting to their friends, whilst others were studying or doing their work.


    "Good morning, Dad," Noah greeted warmly, walking over to give his father a brief hug. "How''s business today?"


    David''s face lit up at the sight of his son. "Morning, Noah. Business is good. It''s not as crazy as the first few days, but we''re doing great."


    He gestured to the expanded seating areas. "What do you think of the newyout? I realized a lot of customers prefer drinking tea here, so I added more seats to make themfortable. And I made a slight change to our menu."


    "Oh?" Noah asked, his interest piqued.


    David nodded, his enthusiasm shining through. "I introduced a more affordable version of one of our premium teas. It''s a diluted version, not by too much¡ªit''s still good quality. I wanted to make sure those who can''t afford the full-priced tea still have an option. But I also made sure it wouldn''t take attention away from the premium offering."


    Noah listened intently, his smile broadening. "Those are great decisions, Dad. You''re doing an excellent job. I left this ce in your hands for a reason."


    David chuckled, his pride evident. "I will, son. It''s good to hear that from you."


    "Speaking of which," David added, ncing at the brewing station, "Do you want some tea? Freshly brewed."


    "Sure, Dad. That''d be great," Noah replied, taking a seat at the counter as David began preparing a cup for him.


    As Noah sipped on the tea, he motioned for the other workers to take over his dad''s position at the cashier for a while.


    Turning back to his father, "Dad, remember Arthur? The guy who came to our opening a few days ago?" Noah asked, ncing at his father.


    David nodded.


    "Yeah, I remember him. What about him?"


    Noah set the cup down gently, savouring the tea. "He''s interested in partnering with us. Specifically, he wants us to supply tea for one of his businesses. It''s a one-time deal for now, but it could turn into a regr transaction, weekly or even monthly."


    David raised an eyebrow, his expression thoughtful. "Hmm, supply tea to him, huh? That could be a good opportunity. Did he mention any specifics about the amount?"


    Noah nodded. "The amount isn''t locked down yet; we can pick any amount. But it''s better to start with a smaller quantity so that our store remains the main attraction. I wanted to hear your thoughts before moving forward."


    David paused. "It sounds like a good deal. As you know, the quantity isn''t an issue for us. The real concern is whether selling elsewhere might draw customers away from our store. Also, you''ll need to make sure the cost of the tea he''s buying isn''t lower than what we sell here. If it is, it could hurt our business."


    Noah smiled, shaking his head. "Don''t worry, Dad. The price for the tea leaves will be set high enough that it wouldn''t make sense for him to undercut our prices. That''s already covered."


    David''s eyes softened, a small nod of approval apanying his thoughtful expression. "That''s good. As long as we protect the store''s integrity and reputation, I don''t see why we shouldn''t try it out. Just make sure everything is in the contract¡ªclear terms mean clear responsibilities."


    Noah grinned. "Already nning on it. I''ll handle the deal and keep you updated."


    David chuckled. "You''ve got a good head for this, son. Go ahead and see where this takes us."


    After talking to his dad for a while, Noah left the teahouse.

 Chapter 182 Henderson

    After leaving the teahouse, Noah''s next destination was the customer''s house.


    ''That person is the only link that seems fragile,'' Noah thought, ''I will have to admit that if Ghost isn''t involved with this person, then he is really unique,''


    Getting into his G-ss, Noah drove off the area.


    ...


    Arriving at the neighbourhood, Noah parked up the car.


    As he walked towards the house, his eyes scanned the surroundings for anything out of ce.


    ''If Ghost truly used this person, then the trail either ends here or gets moreplicated,'' he thought, ''Or... he is Ghost,''


    Reaching the door, Noah knocked firmly.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Momentster muffled sounds echoed from inside. The door creaked open to reveal a middle-aged man with sharp features peering cautiously at Noah.


    "Who''s this?" the man asked, his voice carrying a hint of suspicion.


    Noah''s expression was calm. "Just someone looking for a chat. Are you Mr. Henderson?"


    The man narrowed his eyes slightly, stepping further into the doorway. "Depends on who''s asking."


    Noah offered a small smile that didn''t reach his eyes. "Let''s just say, I have a few questions about a certain transaction. It''s in your best interest to answer them."


    Henderson''s eyes flickered, but he quickly masked it. "I don''t know what you''re talking about. I don''t deal with strangers."


    Noah tilted his head slightly, his calm expression changing slightly. "We both know that''s not true, Mr. Henderson. Why don''t we skip the denials and make this easy for both of us?"


    The man stiffened, his grip tightening on the edge of the door. "You''re mistaken¡ª"


    Before he could finish, Noah''s voice dropped a notch, his gaze cutting through the man''s feigned ignorance. "I''m not here to waste time. Either we talk now, or I''ll find other ways to get the answers I need."


    The man''s jaw clenched as an uneasy silence hung between them. "Alright," he muttered reluctantly, stepping back and opening the door wider. "Come in."


    Noah stepped inside, his eyes scanning the space as the door closed behind him. ''Let''s see if this man has what I''m looking for,'' he thought.


    Entering inside, Henderson led Noah into a living room. Noah took a seat on the couch.


    Henderson sat across from him, his posture stiff and defensive. "Alright," he said, folding his arms. "What do you want to know?"


    Noah rested his elbows on his knees, his piercing gaze locked onto Henderson. "You attempted to make a transaction with someone named Leo, correct?"


    Henderson''s face twitched slightly, a flicker of unease crossing his features before he quickly masked it.


    Noah tilted his head slightly, his eyes narrowing. "I''ll take your silence as confirmation," he said, his voice steady. "As you know, the transaction was jeopardized by a group who clearly had inside information. What I want to know is how they found out. You were the only outsider who knew the location."


    Henderson''s brow furrowed, his hands gripping the armrests of his chair. "Hmph," he scoffed. "Maybe you''ve got a mole in your crew. Or maybe it was just a coincidence. Either way, why are you asking me? Hire a detective."


    Noah''s calm expression didn''t falter. "It''s not possible to have a mole in my team. They''vepleted dozens of these transactions without any of this happening."


    "And coincidence? That''s an insult to both our intelligence. The attackers didn''t take anything else, no money, no valuables, not even the car. Just the gold bar. That''s not a coincidence."


    Henderson''s eyes darted briefly to the side, his lips pressing into a thin line. "I don''t know," he said finally, his voice quieter. "You can''t pin this on me."


    "I''m not pinning it on you," Noah replied, leaning back slightly.


    "I''m asking you," Noah began, his tone calm but with an edge that hinted at the storm beneath, "because you were the only stranger to know the exact location of the transaction."


    Henderson''s frown deepened, his lips pressing into a thin line. He avoided Noah''s gaze, instead focusing on the corner of the table. "I don''t know what you''re talking about. I already told you, maybe it''s someone on your team. People get greedy, you know?"


    Noah smirked faintly, though his eyes remained cold. "right, where were you when the gold bar was stolen,"


    "I''ve already told your crew, I was on the way but I reversed immediately seeing the exchange," Henderson said with an annoyed tone.


    "I know that, but that''s not what I''m asking. Were you in the neighbourhood?" Noah asked, a smirk forming on his face.


    "Yes... I was,"


    "What if I told you that I''ve checked the neighbourhood''s cameras, and I didn''t find you there," Noah said, with a grin.


    "That''s impossible, I was there," Henderson frowned, "You are just trying to put the me on me, show me the proof of the camera tape."


    "Furthermore, you can''t even ess other people''s CCTV without being part of the police,"


    "You''re right," Noah said with a soft chuckle. "I was just messing with you." His voice was calm, but the underlying current of amusement sent a chill through Henderson.


    Henderson''s frown deepened, his knuckles white as he gripped the edge of his chair. "What kind of game are you ying? Are you here to mess around, I don''t have time for this," he said, his voice edged with frustration.


    "Alright, I guess it''s time for me to leave. Thanks for your cooperation, Mr. Henderson," Noah said smoothly, his eyes locking onto Henderson''s as he stood up from the chair.


    Noah extended his hand for a handshake, his expression unreadable but calm.


    Henderson hesitated for a moment, his gaze flickering from Noah''s hand to his face. Then, reluctantly, he reached out and shook it.


    Noah turned toward the door and walked. His back was now to Henderson, but his posture remained rxed, almost casual. Just as his hand touched the doorknob, he paused, his head tilting slightly to the side.


    "Henderson," Noah said, his tone light, almost conversational. "Do you like ghosts? If you do, I think you''d enjoy ying Ghostbusters. Quite the fun game."


    Henderson''s face froze, confusion and unease rippling across his features.


    "And," Noah continued his hand still on the doorknob, "if you''re into open-world adventures, you might try Grand Theft Auto. Franklin''s a real gem of a character, don''t you think? Shame he doesn''t make it to the end."


    Click


    Turning around, Noah''s gaze locked on Henderson. The gun trembled slightly in Henderson''s hands, betraying his unease.


    "What''s going on, Henderson? Why are you pointing a gun at me?" Noah''s voice was calm,ced with faint amusement, as though the weapon aimed at him was little more than a toy.


    "Enough games!" Henderson barked, his face twisted in desperation. "How did you know? How do you know about Franklin, about all of this?"


    "Well," Noah began, his tone light, almost teasing, "it wasn''t really hard. Just a little adventure here and there, a few conversations, and voil¨¤¡ªI happen to stumble upon these things."


    Henderson''s lips pulled back in a snarl. "You think you''re so smart, don''t you? You don''t know anything!"


    Noah tilted his head, his eyes glinting. "Oh, but I do, Henderson. Like, for instance, why you killed Franklin. Let me guess... It wasn''t because he was a possible lead for someone like me. If that were the case, you''d have gotten rid of Tyrell and his goons as well."


    Henderson flinched slightly, his grip on the gun tightening.


    "No, no," Noah continued, his voice soft and almost sympathetic. "You killed him because you wanted all the money for yourself. You were drowning in debt, weren''t you? The gold bar¡ªeveryst dor of it¡ªhad to be yours. And so you stabbed your friend, someone who trusted you. Someone who thought you were his ally."


    Henderson''s face contorted further, a mix of rage and shame swirling in his eyes. "What do you know?" he spat, his voice rising. "Franklin didn''t understand my reasoning! I''m being followed by loan sharks, for God''s sake. I needed that money! He wouldn''t help me, and every second I waited, they got closer to finding me!"


    Henderson''s voice cracked as he continued his tirade. "Do you think I wanted to kill him? I didn''t have a choice! I had to use part of my money just to cover the gun, the setup, and even the fake bills to keep those idiots believing I was legit! Two thousand dors were wasted just to make it look convincing. And Franklin¡­ he was always selfish. Always about himself."


    As Henderson ranted, his eyes burned with bitterness, his attention entirely on the justification spilling from his lips.


    He didn''t notice Noah''s slow movements. The gun wavered further as Henderson lost himself in his anger.


    "You keep talking about how he didn''t help you," Noah interrupted smoothly, his grin unwavering. "But it seems to me you''re just making excuses for stabbing a man in the back. Figuratively and literally."


    "Shut up!" Henderson snapped, his face a mask of fury. He pointed the gun closer to Noah, the barrel trembling in his unsteady hands. "You don''t know anything about what I''ve been through!"


    "Oh, I know plenty," Noah said, his voice dropping to a deadly calm. His eyes glinted dangerously as he took another step closer. "I know you are a... dead man,"


    Before Henderson could respond, Noah moved like lightning. His hand shot out, gripping Henderson''s wrist with an iron grip. The gun fired a shot, and a muffled sound rang out due to the suppressor attached.


    Noah remained unscathed as he had already twisted the weapon away, the bullet harmlessly embedding into the ceiling.

 Chapter 183 Hendersons Story, Breaking News

    With a sharp twist to Henderson''s arm, the gun fell from his hand.


    Henderson cried out in pain as the gun ttered on the floor. What followed was more painful as Noah''s knee came up swiftly, connecting with Henderson''s midsection, forcing a wheeze from his lungs as he crumpled to his knees.


    Noah leaned in close with a grin as his voice became a chilling whisper. "Henderson, you put yourself into deep trouble. You should have just escaped the country and lived somewhere else, but no... you decided to act smart."


    Henderson gasped for air, his body trembling as Noah stood over him, calm as ever. Reaching down, Noah retrieved the gun and aimed at his head.


    "You''re done," Noah said simply, his gaze cold. "Where is my gold bar? Give it to me, and I might consider sparing your miserable life."


    Henderson''s face was pale, his lips trembling as he stammered, "It''s... it''s in my room. I haven''t given it to the loan sharks yet. Please, I''m telling the truth! Spare me, I''ll do anything!"


    Noah stared down at him, unimpressed by the disy of desperation. He tightened his grip on the gun and kicked Henderson lightly in the leg. "Get up and retrieve it. Now."


    Henderson struggled as he got on his feet, clutching his side where Noah had struck him earlier.


    His breaths were shallow and unstable as he stumbled toward his room, ncing nervously over his shoulder to see Noah following close behind, the gun still aimed at him.


    Reaching his bedroom, Henderson hesitated for a moment before opening a drawer in his bedside table.


    "Don''t move, otherwise you are a dead man," Noah said as he moved his position to see what Henderson was doing.


    Henderson remained still not daring to move an inch, After getting a better angle on Henderson''s hand, he nodded.


    "Alright, continue."


    Henderson nodded as he pulled out a heavy gold bar wrapped in a cloth.


    "Here," Henderson said, extending the bar toward Noah with shaking hands. "This is it, I swear."


    Noah took the gold bar, his eyes scanning it briefly before he stepped forward, keeping his aim on Henderson.


    "Greet Franklin for me," Noah said, his tone calm.


    Henderson''s eyes widened in confusion. "What do you¡ª"


    The muffled sound of a suppressed gunshot echoed in the small room, cutting off Henderson''s words.


    A hole appeared in the centre of his forehead, blood trickling down his head as his body copsed to the floor with a dull thud.


    Noah lowered his arm, his face unreadable.


    He nced at the lifeless body sprawled before him, his lips curling into a faint smirk. "I never said I''d spare your life," he muttered, tucking the gun back into his jacket. "I said might."


    The room fell silent, except for the faint dripping of blood onto the floor and Noah''s breathing. Noah stood over Henderson''s corpse, his gaze cold and detached.


    There was no hesitation, no remorse.


    After cleaning any evidence he left behind, Noah walked out of the room, feeling no burden from the act he''d justmitted.


    An act despised by many, but to him, it was nothing more than a click of a finger.


    The world operated on ''use and get used'' in his eyes.


    Rtionships, loyalty, and trust were nothing more than tools, to be used or discarded as needed.


    To him, mercy was a weakness¡ªan indulgence for those naive enough to believe in fairness or redemption of others.


    Mercy had no ce in his world, especially not for those who betrayed his trust or caused chaos in his life.


    People who stepped out of line, who disrupted his order, were liabilities to be removed, not problems to be solved and forgiven.


    Entering his G-wagon, Noah adjusted his seat before taking his phone out and calling Lionel.


    The call connected quickly.


    "Boss?" Lionel''s voice came through.


    "The so-called ghost is dead," Noah stated calmly. "You can go back to normal operations now."


    There was a pause on the other end. "Boss, who was it? Was it another gang?"


    "No," Noah said, his voice dropping. "It was your loyal customer."


    "What!" Lionel''s shock was evident even through the phone. "Henderson? I mean¡­ it makes sense, but why? Why would he do this now, after all these years?"


    "He was being hunted down by loan sharks," Noah exined, his voice steady as he kept his eyes on the road. "He needed quick cash to sort them out, and he thought taking the gold bar was his way out. In the process, he killed his best friend, Franklin."


    There was a moment of silence before Lionel muttered, "What a dog. Killing his best friend just to save himself¡­"


    Noah smirked faintly at Lionel''s reaction.


    "Leo will be extra happy now," Lionel said. "Sorry boss, we are useless you had to do everything by yourself,"


    Noah paused for a second.


    "This isn''t your line of work, don''t worry about it Lionel, just do as i say and everything will be fine,"


    "Yes, boss," Lionel responded.


    Without another word, Noah hung up.


    As soon as he set the phone down, it buzzed.


    Jackson


    "Boss?" Jackson''s voice sounded upbeat. "Remember the warehouses you were telling me about? We''ve lined up a few options for your viewing. They''re ready whenever you are."


    Noah nodded to himself, gripping the steering wheel. "Alright, Jackson. I''ll be on my way."


    **


    Standing in front of an empty warehouse, Jackson saw Noah pull up beside him.


    "Boss, this is one of the warehouses I was talking about," Jackson said, gesturing toward the massive building.


    Noah waved his hand dismissively, a faint smirk on his face. "There''s no need for pleasantries when we''re alone. Just keep it like before."


    Jackson nodded with a grin. "Got it."


    "So," Noah began, folding his arms, "how big is this warehouse? And does it have a supply of electricity?"


    "Yes, it does," Jackson replied, his tone confident. "It''s fully equipped, whether it''s electricity, water, or even venttion. The only thing you''ll need is the machinery."


    Noah nodded thoughtfully, his gaze lingering on the warehouse. "Alright, let''s head inside and check out the size."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Jackson led the way, pulling open therge metal doors with a creak.


    The warehouse had enough space forrge-scale machinery, with room for assembly lines, storage, and even offices if needed.


    After about ten minutes of inspecting every corner, Noah nodded in approval. "It''s not bad. It''s close enough to the city, and the size is more than enough. How much is it?"


    Jackson paused, then replied, "The owner is asking for $1,500,000. It''s mostly because of the size and its prime location, which makes transporting goods to key locations quicker and more time efficient."


    Noah raised an eyebrow but didn''t argue. "Alright, sort it out. I''ll send you the cashter."


    Jackson grinned. "You got it, boss. I''ll email you the contract; all you need to do is sign it."


    Noah gave him a nod before heading back toward his car. "Good work, Jackson."


    Turning back to face Jackson, Noah raised an eyebrow. "Is there anything going on recently? Any races or anything of that sort?"


    Jackson blinked in surprise at the unexpected question before pausing to think. "Hmm... there aren''t any car races happening right now."


    "But," he continued, his expression brightening, "there is a sprintingpetitioning up tomorrow. It''s open to the public, too."


    "Do you want to watch it?"


    Noah shook his head with a mischievous grin. "I want to participate."


    "Participate?" Jackson''s eyebrows shot up, his expression bordering on disbelief. "Wait, are you also a sprinter?"


    Noah shrugged nonchntly. "Not really."


    Jackson blinked a few times, processing the response, before sighing in relief. "Alright, so you just want to try it out. I''ll sign you up. I''ll let you know the time and location as soon as I confirm it."


    "Good," Noah replied.


    **


    "Breaking news."


    "The President of Country S has made the unprecedented decision to dere martialw, sparking widespread unrest across the nation. Protests and riots erupted almost immediately in major cities, with citizens voicing their outrage at the sudden shift in governance."


    "In a dramatic turn of events, an overwhelming majority of MPs voted against the president''s move, citing concerns over constitutional overreach and public safety. Facing mounting pressure from both the government and the streets, the president was forced to reverse the deration just hours after its implementation."


    "While the situation appears to be stabilizing, analysts warn that the political fallout could havesting effects on the country''s leadership and future policymaking."


    As Noah listened to the news, he let out a sigh.


    "This is what happens when there''s no decisive leadership," he muttered, his voice low but firm. "A fractured system breeds nothing but instability. You can''t build an empire when everyone is pulling in different directions."


    He nced at the radio briefly before turning it down.


    "A leader shouldn''t just act¡ªthey shouldmand loyalty, inspire fear when necessary, and eliminate opposition before it festers. That president... a weak move like dering martialw without consolidating power first? He deserves to have his authority undermined."


    His eyes narrowed slightly as he thought deeper, his voice bing a quiet monologue to himself.


    "If it were me, I wouldn''t just dere martialw withoutying the groundwork. You don''t just seize control, that''s foolish. You weave it into the fabric of the nation. Loyalty isn''t demanded¡­ it''s bred. Every piece on the board needs to be in your hands before you make such a move."

 Chapter 184 Emily is angry

    On the way to his parents'' house, Noah passed by a house. Briefly ncing at Sarah''s house, Noah let a small smile form on his face before shaking his head and driving forward.


    **


    Click


    Entering the house, Noah headed to the kitchen and saw his family seated together eating dinner.


    ncing towards the figure that entered the door, David''s body rxed slightly that it was his son.


    "Good evening!" Noah said, before giving his family quick hugs.


    "Good evening, Noah." They all replied.


    "Son, call us or text us before you just barge into the house. You made me flinch seeing a random figure enter the kitchen whilst we were eating," David stated, with a wry smile on his face as he ced the teacup down.


    "I did dad, maybe you just haven''t checked your phone," Noah said with a mischievous smile.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Oh...really?" David said, looking for his phone before checking.


    After checking that his son had indeed done that, David scratched the back of his head. "That''s on me," He said with a light smile.


    Emily chimed in ready to back her dad up. "No Dad, it''s on Noah. He should''ve called Mom too, why is he only trying once? He should''ve tried harder,"


    Noah chuckled, before a grin formed on his face. "What if I told you that I did that too?"


    Seeing his smile, Emily''s face paled slightly at her mishap.


    "No...way." She paused.


    "Yes...way," He shot back sarcastically.


    She hurriedly asked Caroline where the phone was to check.


    "It''s in the living room sweetie, on the table."


    Scurrying off the living room, Emily came back shortly after with a down look.


    "He indeed...called." She said in defeat, as she slumped back into her chair before continuing to eat.


    Looking at Emily, Noah thought with a wry smile on his face.


    ''This rascal...she has been trying to get on my nerves for the past few days, she wasn''t like this before. It''s either she wants something, or she is upset at me.''


    Caroline disrupted his train of thought.


    "Come on honey, put a te for yourself and eat with us."


    Noah nodded.


    "Yes Mom, I can''t wait to eat your delicious food again. No restaurant can dream ofpeting with it." He stated, with a smile on his face as he ced some food on his te.


    Caroline chuckled at hispliment, and they continued eating peacefully while chatting.


    After eating dinner, the family headed to the living room after helping each other clean.


    In the living room, they sat and enjoyed their night whilst watching TV shows.


    Soon, the clock ticked closer to Emily''s bedtime. Caroline nced at Emily, before calling out.


    "Emily," she called, her voice carrying the tone of a mother catching her child doing something they shouldn''t. "It''s your bedtime now. Don''t think I didn''t notice your little trick, staying quiet next to your dad so I wouldn''t call you out."


    Emily, who had been snuggling close to David, froze as if caught red-handed. She looked up, startled, her wide eyes like a startled rabbit.


    "But Mom," she whined, her tone edging on desperation, "please let me stay up just a little longer."


    Caroline crossed her arms, a knowing grin ying on her face. "Oh? And why should I let you?"


    Emily''s mind raced, searching for apelling excuse. Then, as if struck by inspiration, her gaze shifted to Noah.


    A spark of hope lit her face.


    "Mom," she began dramatically, "Noah doesn''te home often anymore. I just want to spend more time with him."


    Noah raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at his lips.


    ''This little rascal is using me as a shield,'' he thought. Still, he decided to y along with his little sister.


    "Mom," Noah interjected, "she''s not wrong. Let her stay for ten more minutes. I miss her too." He patted the space next to him, motioning for Emily to join. "Come here, Em. Sit with your big brother."


    Emily''s eyes lit up with victory.


    She scrambled over and plopped down beside Noah, quickly leaning against him. She tilted her head toward Caroline, her puppy-dog eyes working overtime.


    David chuckled at the sight, shaking his head. "Come on, Caroline. Let her stay. Ten more minutes won''t hurt."


    Caroline sighed, her rules melting under thebined assault of her family. "Alright," she relented, her grin betraying her pretend annoyance. "Just ten minutes. After that, you go to bed without any trouble. Deal?"


    Emily nodded furiously. "Promise!"


    Settling beside Noah, she leaned in close and muttered, "Hmph, at least you know how to help your little sister."


    Noah caught her words and couldn''t help but smile, though he pretended not to hear.


    The next ten minutes passed by.


    As the clock ticked to mark the end of her extra time, Emily let out a yawn, snuggling closer to Noah.


    "Alright, kiddo," Noah said, ruffling her hair. "Time to keep your promise."


    Emily groaned slightly but nodded. "Fine," she said, dragging her feet as she stood up. "But next time, I get fifteen minutes!"


    Carolineughed, taking Emily toward her room. "Next time, maybe."


    As Emily disappeared down the hallway, Noah leaned back into the couch.


    David gave Noah a thumbs up.


    "Well done for helping your sister," He said, with a smile on his face.


    Noah returned the smile with his own.


    After chilling with his parents for a few more minutes, Noah excused himself and headed to his room.


    **


    The next day''s arrival was signalled by the sun''s raysnding on Noah''s face. Groaning softly, he rubbed his eyes and got out of bed.


    After a quick trip to the bathroom, he washed up and went through his morning routine before heading downstairs to join his family for breakfast.


    Once breakfast was done, Noah grabbed his bag, ready to drop Emily off at school whilst also going to school himself.


    "Come on, Em," he called out, holding the door open.


    Emily followed him out, unusually quiet. As they walked, Noah nced at her, sensing something was still off.

 Chapter 185 University Entrance Exam!

    On the way to her school, Emily didn''t grab his hand as she usually did.


    "Em?" he called gently.


    "What?" she replied, her tone short.


    "Are you mad at me?" Noah asked, smiling softly.


    She crossed her arms and looked away, her cheeks puffed slightly. "Hmph. It''s about time you noticed."


    Noah raised an eyebrow, feigning confusion. "Why? What did I do?" He kept his tone warm, knowing she needed to express her feelings.


    "You don''t love me anymore," she snorted, her arms tightening around herself.


    The words stung, though Noah could tell it wasn''t said with real malice. He crouched down slightly to meet her eye level, speaking softly.


    "Why do you say that, Em? Of course, I love you."


    Her lips quivered slightly before she snapped, "You don''t even spend time with me! You''re always busy."


    Noah nodded, his expression serious as he ced a hand on her shoulder. "You''re right. I''ve been so caught up with things that I haven''t spent as much time with you as I should."


    She sniffled slightly, still refusing to look at him directly. "Hmph."


    "But," Noah continued, tilting his head to catch her gaze, "how about this? We''ll go on a little tripter today. Just the two of us. Wherever you want."


    Her head snapped toward him, eyes wide. "Really? Anywhere?"


    He grinned and nodded. "Really. Anywhere you want."


    Her expression transformed instantly. A beaming smile spread across her face as sheunched herself at him, wrapping her arms around his neck. "I love you, Noah!" she eximed.


    Noah hugged her back, ruffling her hair yfully. "I love you too, Em."


    As she skipped toward the school entrance, her earlier pout was reced by uncontainable excitement.


    After dropping Emily off, Noah drove straight to school, arriving just in time for his first ss. As he entered the room, the sound of morning chatter paused momentarily, and he took his seat ignoring the wave of curious nces.


    His first ss of the day was mathematics, taught by Ms. ra.


    As Noah entered, Ms. ra''s face lit up with a warm smile. "Long time no see, Mr. Noah. For a moment there, I thought you''d transferred to another high school."


    Noah gave a soft grin, scratching the back of his head. "How could I even think of switching high schools when I''ve got the best math teacher here? That would be a crime," he said, his voice yful.


    The ss chuckled softly, and Ms. ra shook her head with a lightugh. "ttery will get you nowhere, but I''ll let it slide this time. Go ahead and take your seat."


    Noah nodded, quickly finding his spot near Lily, who raised an eyebrow at him.


    "You are flirting with the school teacher now?" She muttered as Noah sat down.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Hm?" Noah said.


    "I said, good morning."


    "Oh, good morning," Noah replied with a smile.


    As the first bell rang, Ms ra pped her hands, signalling the start of the lesson. The chatter in the room died down instantly.


    "Alright, everyone," she began, her voice clear and authoritative. "As you all know, exam season starts next week. I hope you''re ready because this is the culmination of everything we''ve worked on over the past few months."


    She paced across the room, her gaze brieflynding on Lily and Noah. "We expect great things from you,"


    "For the past month, we''ve gone through mock tests, detailed preparation sessions, and even extra study groups after school. All of this was done to ensure you''re ready to excel."


    Pausing near the whiteboard, Ms. ra turned to face the ss. "Our school hasn''t ranked nationally for a long time now. This is our chance to change that, and I believe this group can make it happen."


    A murmur of agreement rippled through the room, though a few students exchanged nervous nces. Ms. ra''s belief in her students was well-known, but the pressure was high due to the close date of the exam.


    "Now, let''s go over the exam format onest time," she said, pulling up a slide on the projector. She spent the next twenty minutes detailing the structure, the types of questions to expect, and time management strategies.


    Her exnations were clear and precise, as always.


    "Remember," she concluded, "these exams are not just about testing your knowledge. They''re about showing how hard you have worked, and how much time you spent. Believe in yourselves, and I know you''ll make us proud."


    The bell rang just as she finished, signalling the end of the ss. Ms. ra smiled warmly. "Alright, that''s it for today. Study hard, and if you have anyst-minute doubts, don''t hesitate to ask me."


    As everyone left the ssroom, Ms. ra called out, "Noah, could you stay behind, please? I need to talk to you."


    Noah paused in the doorway, nodded, and turned back into the room.


    His ssmates shot curious nces at him, but he ignored them, stepping closer to Ms. ra''s desk as thest of the students left the ssroom.


    When the door clicked shut, Ms. ra looked up from the papers she was organizing. "Noah," she began, her tone firm but not unkind, "you''ve been doing well in your tests when you''re here, but you''ve missed several sses over the past weeks."


    Noah gave a faint smile. "I''ve been busy. The principal knows about it."


    Ms. ra nodded. "I''m aware. But we agreed that you''dplete the weekly tests to keep up. Have you set aside time to do this week''s?"


    "Sure," Noah replied easily. "I can do it during break time."


    She arched an eyebrow. "Break? That''s only fifteen minutes. You''re nning to finish an entire paper in that time?"


    He nodded, his confidence unwavering. "Fifteen minutes is plenty."


    Ms ra looked at him for a moment intrigued, she knew that he was very intelligent. "Alright," she said after a pause. "If you''re sure, I''ll have the paper ready for you then. Come back here during the break time."


    "Will do," Noah said, giving her a casual salute before leaving the room for his next ss.


    [Ultimate Choice System has been activated]


    [Option 1:...]

 Chapter 186 Intermediate University-Level Knowledge

    [Ultimate Choice System has been activated]


    [Option 1: Get Perfect Score in the ss exam]


    [Reward: Intermediate University-Level Knowledge]


    [Option 2: Get Average Score in the ss exam]


    [Reward: A Chocte Cookie]


    ''Option 1'' Noah thought immediately.


    ...


    "Ring-Ring"


    Break time arrived, and Noah headed to Ms.ra''s ss to do the ss test.


    Entering the ssroom, he found Ms. ra seated at her desk, a stack of papers neatly arranged in front of her.


    She looked up as he walked in, a slight smile gracing her lips.


    "Right on time," she said, gesturing to the desk directly in front of her. "I''ve prepared the test. It''s a standard paper, just like the ones your ssmates have been practising with."


    Noah nodded, sitting down and pulling out a pen.


    She slid the paper across the desk. "Alright, your time starts now."


    Noah immediately got to work. His pen moved swiftly, the sound of its strokes filling the otherwise quiet room.


    Ms. ra watched from her desk, her curiosity piqued.


    The way he wrote straight after ncing at the question. It was almost as though he had memorized every form and technique.


    Seven minutes in, Noah was already halfway through the paper.


    Ms. ra leaned back in her chair, her arms folded. "Does he ever get nervous?" she thought, slightly amused by his calm demeanour.


    Most students would at least hesitate before tackling the moreplex questions, but Noah breezed through them with ease.


    At the twelve-minute mark, he set his pen down and leaned back slightly, his hand brushing through his hair.


    "Done," he said, sliding the paper across the desk toward Ms. ra.


    She blinked, surprised. "You still had three minutes left."


    "I told you fifteen was enough," he replied, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips.


    Ms. ra picked up the paper and scanned through his answers.


    "This is... impressive," she admitted, setting the paper down. "I don''t expect anything below a 95% mark on the real exam from you, well done."


    "Thanks," Noah said, standing up to leave the ssroom.


    ...


    As lunchtime arrived, the cafeteria buzzed with the usual chatter. Noah stepped inside and immediately spotted Aiden, who was already standing in the food queue with a tray piled high with what could only be described as an embarrassing amount of food.


    Aiden''s eyes lit up when he saw Noah. "Yo, bro! Over here!" he called out, waving like he was stranded on a desert ind and Noah was his rescue boat. "Hurry up and cut in!"


    Noah smirked, shaking his head at his friend''s antics. He sauntered over to the line, ignoring the stares and whispers of students around him.


    As he approached, he noticed the girl standing behind Aiden, her sses slipping down her nose as she clutched her tray nervously.


    "Excuse me, can I get in?" Noah said with a charming smile as he stepped in front of her.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The girl blinked, her face turning bright red. "N-no problem," she stammered, her heart racing.


    "Thank you,"


    Aiden leaned toward Noah, whispering loudly enough for half the queue to hear, "You just made her day, bro. Don''t be surprised if she writes you a love letterter."


    Noah chuckled but didn''t reply.


    They grabbed their food quickly and made their way to a table near the corner of the hall.


    As they sat down, Aiden wasted no time digging in, alternating between bites of a loaded burger and a mound of fries. Between mouthfuls, he leaned forward conspiratorially. "Yo, I heard Ms. ra wanted to talk to you privately earlier. Bro, spill it. What did you do?"


    Noah raised an eyebrow, sipping his drink calmly. "It''s nothing. She just wanted me to take a test."


    Aiden squinted at him suspiciously, his chewing slowing down. "Yeah, sure. A test. You think I''m dumb?"


    "You said it, not me," Noah replied with a smirk.


    Aiden ignored the jab, leaning closer. "C''mon, man. Be real. Ms. ra is, like, every guy''s dream. Half the dudes here would trade their left arm for five minutes alone with her. And you just casually stroll into private meetings with her? Do you have a death wish? People are gonna hate you."


    Noah sighed, shaking his head. "Rx, man. It''s not like that. She''s just doing her job."


    "Yeah, sure," Aiden muttered, rolling his eyes. "Next thing I know, you''ll be telling me she''s inviting you to ''extra credit'' sessions after school."


    Noah smiled. "You really need to stop reading those trashy romance novels."


    Aiden grinned, pointing a fry at Noah. "Say what you want, bro, but I''m telling you¡ªmark my words. If you end up on someone''s hit list, don''t say I didn''t warn you."


    Noah shook his head, amused. "I''ve been on it many times, a new one won''t hurt. You are just being an idiot,"


    "And you''re suspicious," Aiden shot back, stuffing a handful of fries into his mouth.


    As they continued their meal, Aiden yapped into a story about how he almost got caught sneaking food from the teacher''s loungest week.


    Aiden smacked the table. "Anyway, moral of the story¡ªdon''t trust anyone who says ''help yourself'' if you''re not actually supposed to help yourself."


    "Profound as always, Aiden," Noah said dryly, finishing thest bite of his lunch.


    "Hey, you know you love my wisdom," Aiden replied, grinning.


    "Sure, keep telling yourself that," Noah said as the bell rang.


    ...


    "Ring-Ring"


    As the final school bell rang out, Noah walked into Emily''s primary school and found her waiting by the gates. The moment she spotted him, her face lit up.


    "Alright, where do you want to go?" Noah asked, crouching slightly to meet her excited gaze.


    Without missing a beat, Emily pumped her fist in the air. "The mall! Let''s go to the mall!" she eximed, pointing dramatically as if leading a charge into battle.


    Noah chuckled, shaking his head. "Alright then,mander," he said, standing up and ruffling her hair. "To the mall, we go."


    The two headed to his car, and Emily hopped into the front seat, grinning like she''d just won the lottery.


    But as they pulled out of the school parking lot, Emily''s expression changed.


    She leaned back in her seat, crossing her arms and narrowing her eyes at him suspiciously. "Hey, are you sure this is your friend''s car?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.


    Noah nced at her, raising an eyebrow. "Of course it is. Why do you ask?"


    Emily tapped her chin thoughtfully like a detective piecing together a case. "Because¡­" she said slowly, "you drive this car a lot. Like, a lot-lot. Almost more than him, I bet."


    Noah smirked, turning the steering wheel smoothly. "Well, maybe I just have a very generous friend."


    Emily squinted at him, unconvinced. "Generous, huh? Sounds to me like you stole it."


    "Stole it?" Noah burst outughing. "What kind of brother do you think I am? A car thief?"


    Emily leaned closer, her voice dropping to a dramatic whisper. "The best car thief."


    Noah shook his head. "Alright, Detective Emily, you got me. I totally stole this car just to take you to the mall."


    Emily gasped, covering her mouth with both hands. "I knew it! I''m an aplice now! We''re both going to jail!"


    Noah nced at her out of the corner of his eye, unable to hide his grin. "Rx. If we get caught, I''ll just tell them you made me do it."


    Emily gasped even louder, clutching her chest as if he''d just betrayed her. "You wouldn''t dare!"


    "Oh, I absolutely would," Noah said, nodding solemnly.


    Emily pouted, crossing her arms again. "Hmph. You''re the worst big brother ever."


    "And you''re the most dramatic little sister ever," Noah shot back, smiling.


    By the time they reached the mall parking lot, Emily was bouncing in her seat, ready for whatever adventure awaited them inside.


    "Okay, let''s go!" she eximed, throwing open the car door.


    Noah chuckled, shaking his head as he followed her. "Lead the way,mander. This is your mission."


    Inside the mall, Emily''s eyes lit up like fireworks as they wandered through the high-end toy store.


    She darted from shelf to shelf, her hands brushing over everything.


    "Noah, look at this!" she eximed, holding it up proudly. Her excitement faded slightly as she flipped the tag. "Four hundred dors?" Her eyes widened in disbelief. "For a fake dog? I could buy a real one for that price!"


    She carefully ced it back on the shelf, but Noah picked it up again and added it to the basket.


    "Noah, wait! That''s way too expensive," she protested.


    He smirked, shaking his head. "You like it, don''t you? Then it''s yours."


    "But¡ª"


    "No buts. You''re not putting anything down today. If you like it, we''re buying it."


    Emily looked conflicted but quickly moved on, her hands brushing over a Lego set with a cityyout.


    She hesitated, flipping the tag again. "This one''s $350! Nope, back it goes¡ª"


    Before she could finish, Noah grabbed it and tossed it into the basket. "Nice try, Em."


    Emily stared at him, wide-eyed. "You''re crazy! That''s too much!"


    Noah grinned, patting her head. "Not for my little sister, it''s not."


    "You''re going to make us broke!" Emily eximed, exasperated but smiling as they walked to the checkout counter.


    Later, in the children''s clothing store, Emily''s eyes fell on a beautiful frilly pink dress disyed on a mannequin. She gazed at it wistfully before shaking her head. "It''s too much," she murmured, stepping back.


    Noah noticed and crouched down beside her. "What''s wrong?"


    "It''s pretty, but I don''t want to waste your money," she said, biting her lip.


    "Em," Noah said firmly, "try it on."


    "But¡ª"


    "No buts. I want to see how it looks on you. Go."


    Emily beamed and darted to the fitting room. A few minutester, she emerged, spinning in the dress with a grin. "How do I look?"


    "Like a princess," Noah said, smiling warmly. "We''re buying it."


    "But¡ª"


    "No arguments," Noah said, ruffling her hair. "You look amazing."


    Emily''s face lit up as they left the store with bags full of toys and clothes. "Thank you, Brother! You are the best!"


    He ruffled her hair and smiled.


    On the way back home, he bought her ice cream which made her even happier.

 Chapter 187 Sprinting Competition, Noah is famous.

    After dropping off Emily, Noah received a message from Jackson.


    "I signed you up, the sprintingpetition is in an hour. The location is..."


    Noah quickly replied and made his way to the area where thepetition was held.


    ...


    Forty minutester, Noah arrived in the area but couldn''t get too close due to restrictions. So he was forced to park on a road around five minutes away.


    Noah walked toward the event venue, Many participants wore sprinting gear, warming up with stretches and short sprints.


    Looking down, Noah saw his casual clothes and sneakers. He shrugged nonchntly. "Doesn''t really matter," he thought as he spotted Jackson standing near the spectator area.


    "Yo!" Jackson greeted, walking up to him.


    "Hey," Noah replied.


    "Are you sure you still want to participate, I mean there are quite a few amateur racers who are near pro level."


    "Sure. So, what''s the n with the race? How''s it going to work?" Noah asked, tilting his head slightly.


    Jackson nodded. "To be honest, it''s not super professional. Most of the participants are amateur runners or athletes, though there are a few special cases¡­including you."


    Noah chuckled lightly. "Special case, huh?"


    Jackson smirked. "Yeah, you''ll see. It''s a 200-meter sprint. Pretty straightforward. The race isn''t being broadcast on TV, but since it''s public, expect people to record it. Phones will be out everywhere."


    Noah nodded, processing the information. "Alright. Seems simple enough."


    Time passed by, and it was finally the time for the race. The announcer''s voice reverberated across the area as he announced the names of the contenders.


    "Arthur Damien," the announcer boomed, and polite apuse followed as a lean man jogged to his spot.


    "Usain Light," the announcer continued, a runner with a cheeky grin waved as he took his position.


    "L. Yagami," the announcer said next, and a young man with sses adjusted his headband dramatically, earning snickers from anime fans in the crowd.


    "Noah Thompson," came the final name.


    Noah strolled toward his position casually, with a rxed posture.


    He stood out immediately¡ªnot for his confidence, but for his outfit. Wearing a in white T-shirt, cargo, and sneakers, he looked more ready for a stroll through the park than a sprint.


    The crowd murmured, their reactions mixing amusement, confusion, and disbelief.


    "Is this guy serious?" someone asked. "He''s wearing cargo pants to a race?"


    "Maybe he''s lost," another chimed in,ughing. "Does he even know this is a sprintingpetition?"


    "Look, he''s probably just here for fun," a middle-aged woman suggested. "Good for him, not everyone needs to be a pro!"


    "Or maybe he''s trying to go viral," one added. "Like, ''Look at me, I''m the casual sprinting champion.''"


    But not everyone dismissed him. A sharp-eyed older man in the crowd, wearing a cap emzoned with a sports brand, narrowed his eyes at Noah. "You see the way he''s walking? That''s confidence. Don''t underestimate him."


    "Oh please," a young woman next to him said with a scoff. "Confidence doesn''t win races. Those cargo pans are gonna restrict him. He''s doomed."


    As Noah reached his position, a few spectators pulled out their phones, ready to stream what they assumed would be a viral clip.


    "He''s either about to embarrass himself," one whispered, "or he''s a hidden master."


    "Let''s see if he can even keep up," another added with a chuckle.


    Noah, unfazed by the chatter, casually stretched his arms.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The announcer called for the runners to get ready, Noah positioned himself, his face unreadable, as the crowd waited for the moment of truth.


    "Begin!" the announcer shouted, his voice echoing across the field.


    The runners exploded off the line, their legs pumping furiously. Spectators erupted in cheers as the racers surged forward, but it took only a second for the crowd''s focus to narrow.


    Noah was already pulling ahead.


    The casual clothes and sneakers that had drawn ridicule just moments ago were now irrelevant. His legs moved at lightning speed, every stride long and powerful, his form wless. The air seemed to part around him, and in an instant, he had surpassed half thepetitors, leaving them in his wake.


    The spectators, who had beenughing moments ago, were now staring in stunned silence.


    "Wait...what?" someone muttered, their voice drowned out by the mounting cheers.


    "He''s actually fast?" a teenager blurted, their phone shaking in their hand as they recorded the scene.


    "Fast? He''s dominating the race with a damn cargo pants!" another yelled, pointing at the track as Noah shot past the other runners like a blur.


    Jackson, standing near the starting line, was frozen in disbelief, his jaw ck. "What...what does Boss not know how to do?" he muttered.


    His eyes tracked Noah''s figure, which was steadily increasing the distance between himself and the rest of the racers. "First a pro driver, now a sprinting champion. No, not champion¡ªhe''s world-ss!"


    One of the racers, a man in athletic gear was shocked.


    ''That''s...that''s him!'' he thought, as the memory hit him.


    ''The guy who dusted me during my morning jog! I thought he was just showing off!'' The man''s face was a mix of recognition and horror. ''But he''s a monster!''


    The race wasn''t even close.


    Usain Light, who had been touted as one of the fastest among thepetitors, looked over his shoulder in shock as Noah breezed past him with what seemed like no effort.


    "Who is this guy?" Usain muttered under his breath, his legs burning as he tried to run faster and failed to match Noah''s pace.


    Noah''s face remained calm, his breathing controlled.


    To him, this wasn''t apetition it was a casual morning run. The finish line soon appeared ahead, and he leaned into his final strides, his speed increasing impossibly.


    Gasps erupted from the crowd as Noah crossed the 200-meter mark. A sharp intake of breath from the announcer signalled the severity of the moment.


    "Ladies and gentlemen, we witnessed history " the announcer stammered, his voice cracking. "Unofficial time...he''s broken the 200-meter record!"


    The field went silent for a heartbeat before erupting into chaos.


    "What did he just do? Did he actually just break the world record... like that?"


    "He''s faster than world-ss athletes?! This gotta be fake, why is he not in the professional scene? This gotta be fake, someone checks his clothes."


    "I agree! This can''t be real¡ªsomeone check his shoes!"


    Jackson buried his face in his hands, shaking his head as a grin broke out. "Boss...you''re not human. This isn''t even fair!"


    Usain Light staggered across, his hands on his knees as he gasped for air. Looking up, he spotted Noah and couldn''t help but chuckle bitterly. "Man, I thought the race was going to be easy, didn''t expect you to pull up. You are insane.."


    The other racers arrived after each having expressions of disbelief, some even giving Noah wary nces.


    "It''s you," he said, panting. "You''re my neighbour... Do you remember me? I was running one time, then we had a little race?"


    Noah turned to face him, his expressionpletely deadpan. He stared at the man for a moment, as if trying to ce him, then said tly, "No, I don''t remember you."


    The man froze, his finger still pointing, his face turning from excitement to sheer confusion.


    "Wait...what? We¡ªno, you¡ªcheate¡ª" he stammered, pointing at himself and then mimicking running motions. "We raced!"


    Noah tilted his head slightly, his face still void of recognition. "Sorry, doesn''t ring a bell," he said, shrugging casually.


    The man''s jaw dropped. "Are you kidding me? I was still sore about it! Yet you didn''t even know?" He threw his hands up, exasperated.


    Noah''s lips twitched. "You sure you didn''t dream that? Sounds like a pretty vivid dream," he replied, brushing past the man.


    The man stared after him, his arms falling to his sides as he muttered to himself, "Dream? This guy..."


    The management team, who were recognised by their pressed vest, hurriedly approached Noah.


    "Excuse me, could you stop right there, Mr. Noah Thompson," the man called out, his voice loud and formal.


    Noah paused mid-step and turned around, his hands casually tucked into his pockets. His gaze settled on them, calm and unbothered.


    "Yes?" he said, tilting his head slightly.


    The man adjusted his sses and cleared his throat. "First, let us congratte you on winning the race. Your performance was¡­ quite exceptional." He hesitated briefly, ncing at Noah''s attire. "However, we must address an issue regarding your participation."


    Noah raised an eyebrow. "An issue?"


    The man nodded, his tone shifting to an apologetic one. "Due to your attire not adhering to the race''s dress code guidelines, we regret to inform you that we cannot grant you the $5,000 prize for the winner. It is against our policies."


    Noah''s expression didn''t waver. He shrugged lightly, his voice nonchnt. "Is that it? Fine. I don''t need it. You can keep the money." He turned, preparing to walk away.


    "Excuse me!" the man blurted, taking a step forward and reaching out to stop him.


    Before his hand could touch Noah, it was intercepted.


    In a blink, Noah''s fingers gripped the man''s wrist with a calm yet firm hold. His eyes bore into the manager''s with an icy intensity.


    "Don''t touch me. What now?" he asked, his voice low.


    The manager''s confidence faltered as he realized he was not in control of the situation. "I¡ªI.."

 Chapter 188 TIMESKIP!, $20,000,000 Received!

    The lead manager, Dave, stammered, "I-I... I''m afraid we need to do a check on you. You''ve broken the unofficial record in our race. People will specte whether you''ve cheated or not."


    Noah''s gaze turned colder, his voice sharp. "I already told you I don''t want the reward. I am not going to do a body check either."


    "I understand that, sir, but it''s not about the reward. It''s abo¡ª"


    Before Dave could finish his sentence, Jackson stepped forward, his expression darkening as he cut in. "Didn''t you hear what he said? Don''t make him repeat himself, or you''ll regret it."


    Jackson didn''t waste time with further arguments.


    Pulling out his phone, he dialled a number.


    On the other side of the line, Liam, the director of the race, was buried in calls from sponsors and media outlets. The news of Noah breaking the world record had gone viral within minutes.


    Seeing Jackson''s name on the caller ID, Liam instantly answered. "Hello, Mr. Jackson. What kind of monster did you bring to the race? He broke the world record! I haven''t even been able to leave my office from the flood of calls I''m getting!"


    "Liam," Jackson replied, his tone curt, "the person you''re praising is being harassed by your manager. Not only did he agree to forfeit the reward over some ridiculous clothing rule, but now they''re trying to force him into a body check."


    Liam''s tone immediately shifted. "What? Pass him the phone."


    Taking the phone from Jackson, Dave''s face paled as he brought it to his ear and heard his superior''s voice.


    "D-Dave here, sir," he stammered.


    "Dave," Liam barked, his voice sharp as a de, "apologize to Mr. Thompson and hispanion immediately. Then get out of there. You''re about to ruin everything for us, you idiot!"


    Dave didn''t need to hear more. His head snapped up, and he apologised repeatedly to Noah and Jackson.


    "I sincerely apologize, sir. Please forgive me for my earlier behaviour!" he said in a rush, his voice shaky with fear.


    Turning to his team, he barked, "We''re leaving now!"


    Seeing the scene, Ryan, Noah''s neighbour had a shocked look on his face.


    ''This got has connections too, I need to befriend him no matter what.'' He thought, ''Now is not the right time though, I will look for an opportunity near his house.''


    After talking to Jackson for a while, Noah headed to his car his next destination the warehouse. He had already signed the contract.


    Arriving at the warehouse, Noah headed inside and checked the interior making sure there was no surveince nted there.


    ''Everything is good, I can start putting the machines now.'' Noah thought as he essed the system.


    ...


    [Basic-Magical Period Pain Reliever Manual: This manual is every woman''s dream. Removes pain of intense period cramps within a minute.]


    Effect:


    > +1 Pain Relief


    > +1 Taste


    > Purchase pills: 1$ / 7 pill pack.


    > Purchase machine: $2,000 (Automatically turns pill powder into pills)


    > Purchase Pill powder: 100$/ 1kg (makes 5,000 pills)


    Noah smirked. "Fifty pills will cost me $1. With the packets being a 7-pill pack, I can make seven packs for every dor spent. This is a solid profit margin since the average cost is around $10 in the market currently." He muttered, calcting before purchasing the necessary equipment and materials from the system.


    [Ding! Period Pain Reliever Machine Purchased!]


    [Ding! Period Pain Reliever Machine Purchased!]


    [Ding!..]


    [Ding! Period Pain Pill Powder x100kg Purchased!]


    "I''ve purchased multiple machines to streamline production and stocked up on 100 kilograms of pill powder. With this setup, I should be able to produce around 71,500 packs, each containing seven pills."


    He nodded in satisfaction, looking around the warehouse and visualizing the production lines. "This ce will be ready to roll soon. I will talk to Jackson to provide some workers. They can''t replicate the machines nor the pill powder anyway, and they are part of the group so they will be loyal."


    ...


    "Not bad," Noah muttered, as he looked at the pill packet in front of him.


    The machines did the exact same thing as the machines in the teahouse, they took the pill powder and turned them into pills then packaged them into high-quality packets.


    As Noah fixed theyout of the machines in the warehouse, he dusted his hands with satisfied expressions.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "This should be good enough," He stated, before leaving the warehouse.


    One weekter¡­


    Noah had already received the $20,000,000 from Arthur for the 5% shares of the pharmaceuticalpany. The funds had been deposited smoothly into his ount, significantly boosting his resources.


    During this time, Noah had coordinated with both Jackson and Lionel to bring in a team of workers for the warehouse. Their tasks were simple, just overseeing operations, and ensuring the machines were running smoothly, by handling the basic tasks of filling and emptying thepartments.


    The workers had been instructed thoroughly. All they had to do was ce the pill powder into the designated machinepartments, let the automated process turn the powder into pill packets, and retrieve the packets from the output trays whenever they were full.


    Noah had preloaded the machines with arge stockpile of pill powder, enough tost for a significant amount of time. This meant the workers wouldn''t need his direct intervention for refills anytime soon.


    The warehouse was now fully operational, producing the Basic-Magical Period Pain Relievers efficiently. Noah, satisfied with the setup, had begun contemting his next steps.


    In the past week, Noah had also spoken with Arthur, who had secured several deals with major pharmacies across Birmingham.


    These pharmacies would sell Noah''s products directly, bypassing the need for him to deal with branding or marketing.


    Arthur emphasized that prating the pharmaceutical market was no easy task, but this six-month trial partnership with well-known establishments would build credibility and trust with consumers.


    "Six months should be enough to gain traction," Noah muttered to himself. "Once that''s done, I can transition to my own pharmacies and monopolize the supply chain directly."


    Meanwhile, the teahouse continued to thrive under David''s management. Business was steady, showing no signs of slowing down, and Noah''s family was enjoying the stability it brought.


    Lionel and Jackson had also made significant strides in the underworld gold market, tightening their grip on local supply chains and generating additional ie streams.


    Other ventures flourished as well. Walls4Us had expanded its operations, gaining recognition for quality and affordability.


    Life had been great for Noah''s family, with each enterprise contributing to their growing influence and wealth.


    A message notification pulled Noah''s focus back to reality.


    Lily, "Hi, want to study together?"


    Aiden, "Hey bro, can you help me again? I''m kind of worried about the exam."


    Reading the messages, Noah nced at the calendar on his phone.


    "The exam is tomorrow," he muttered.


    Noah sent them both a message, and they decided to meet up at the library.


    ...


    Aiden and Noah were already seated at the library table when Lily walked in, her graceful strides catching Aiden''s attention immediately.


    ''What''s the cold school beauty doing here!'' he eximed internally, his eyes widening slightly.


    When she took a seat next to Noah with a faint smile, Aiden''s gaze shifted sharply to Noah, a hint of betrayal in his expression.


    ''I can''t believe it¡­ he already has his clutches on the school belle too. But it makes sense...'' he sighed in defeat.


    Noah, oblivious to Aiden''s internal turmoil, leaned forward with his textbook open. "Alright, our exam tomorrow is history. Let''s focus on that," he said, looking between Lily and Aiden, who both nodded in agreement.


    "Okay, let''s start then. The main topics I believe wille up are..." Noah began, outlining the key points as he flipped through the book.


    Two and a half hourster, Aiden leaned back with a broad grin stered across his face, clearly feeling confident.


    "Bro," Aiden said, looking at Noah with admiration, "I just learned more in these two and a half hours than the past month."


    Lily, still seated with perfect posture, didn''t say much but had a satisfied expression. Her usual reserved demeanour didn''t falter, though her silence seemed more thoughtful than indifferent.


    Noah smirked, closing his notes. "Good. That''s the goal. Let''s ace this exam tomorrow. Work more at home, if you find anything difficult just send me a message."


    Lily nced at him briefly, then nodded, although she was very smart and knew a lot about history.


    She still benefitted from Noah''s teaching, as he didn''t just teach the topic but also taught ways to tackle it effectively maximising the marks you get. His predictions are usually correct too, so it was worth it in her eyes.


    Aiden, however, still had to shake the nagging feeling of awe and jealousy watching the rtionship between his friend and the school belle.


    After the study session, Noah headed to his parent''s house since the exam was going to be set at his school.


    ...


    The exam day arrived shortly after.

 Chapter 189 Exam Day

    Inside the kitchen, Noah sat with his family as they ate breakfast together.


    Caroline, leaned slightly toward him, her expression encouraging but her concern couldn''t be hidden.


    "How are you feeling about the examter, honey? Don''t be nervous, okay?" she said, her tone soft and reassuring even though she was nervous herself.


    Noah, in the middle of a bite, nodded casually. After swallowing, he gave her a confident smile. "Don''t worry, Mom. I''m very confident about the exam. I''ll make you guys proud."


    Caroline smiled warmly, her eyes glimmering with pride. "That''s my boy," she said, patting his hand gently.


    Across the table, Emily was finishing her cereal, her eyes bouncing from excitement for her brother.


    After finishing his teacup, David stood up and adjusted his tie. "Emily, Noah, let''s go. I''ll drop you both off at school. Your brother has an important exam today, and we can''t risk him beingte."


    Emily nodded eagerly grabbing her bag, while Noah followed behind her calmly with a soft smile.


    After dropping Emily off at her primary school, the car ride grew quieter, leaving only Noah and David.


    A minuteter, they pulled up in front of the school gates. Noah reached for the door handle but paused to nce back at his dad.


    "Thanks, Dad," he said, stepping out of the car.


    Before he could close the door, David leaned over the passenger seat, his voice filled with encouragement. "Go smash that exam, you''ve got this."


    Noah smiled at his father''s words, before waving goodbye.


    With a nod, David drove off towards work, leaving Noah standing at the gates. As the car disappeared down the road, Noah turned toward the building.


    ''I''m thirty minutes early,'' Noah thought, as he nced at the time on his phone.


    Noah headed toward the building where the exam was set to take ce.


    Walking for a few minutes, he arrived to find the area already filled with students. Groups clustered together, some nervously flipping through their notes, others chatting their worries off.


    "Hopefully I do well in this exam. Otherwise, I will have to go back to the vige and work as a farmer with my uncle."


    "You don''t want to be a farmer? At least you got a job, if I do fail this test I will at most be considered homeless." Another student, sighed as his friendforted him.


    "Don''t worry man, we are in this together. We are in this together,"


    Noah unbothered by the students, found a quiet bench off to the side and sat down.


    Away from the students and their nerves, he leaned back, observing the ce while waiting for the time to pass.


    A few minutester, a familiar voice pulled him out of his thoughts.


    "Hi."


    Noah turned his head to see Lily approaching him with a smile.


    "Hey," he replied casually, returning the smile.


    "Are you going to do anyst-minute revision?" she asked, even though she already knew his likely answer.


    Noah shook his head, his expression indifferent. "Nope. I think it''s worse to do that. Unless you don''t know anything about the topic,st-minute revision might help you pick up a few marks. But if you already know the topics, you''re better off leaving it alone. Too much cramming adds stress."


    She nodded thoughtfully, taking a seat beside him. "That''s true."


    They sat in silence for a moment, the din of the surrounding students filling the air, before the tranquillity was broken by the sound of hurried footsteps. Aiden approached his face having a subtle hint of frustration and disbelief.


    Spotting Noah and Lily sitting together, chatting easily before the exam, Aiden rolled his eyes and kissed his teeth audibly.


    ''This guy¡­'' Aiden thought, shaking his head. ''Flirting right before an exam? Does he want the entire school to pray on his downfall?''


    He plopped down heavily next to Noah, shooting Lily a polite nod before turning his attention to his friend. "Hello," he said, his tone unusually formal with her around.


    Noah gave him a side nce. "Hey."


    Aiden leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "Bro, you have to help me cheat in this exam if I get stuck. I might be cooked. I''ve been revising, I swear, but¡­" he hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. "My YouTube channel kind of took all my attention, you know? Content creation is a full-time grind."


    Noah raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching into a grin. "So, let me get this straight. You ignored the exam prep for the ''full-time grind,'' and now you want me to cover for you?"


    "Exactly!" Aiden said as if Noah had just read his mind. "That''s what friends are for, right?"


    Lily held augh, her expression betraying a hint of amusement.


    Noah chuckled.


    "Alright bro, I got you don''t worry. Just hint at the question with ur fingers."


    Aiden beamed as he heard Noah agree, his face lighting up with exaggerated joy. "I love y¡ª" he began, lunging forward for a bear hug.


    "Stop right there." Noah extended his hand like a traffic officer, halting Aiden in mid-motion. The sudden stop caused Aiden''s hands to il around awkwardly in the air as if he were a malfunctioning robot.


    "I just wanted to express my gratitude!" Aiden said, his voice dripping with fake hurt as he pouted. Yet the mischievous grin on his face gave him away.


    "It''s okay, I ept your gratitude," Noah replied smoothly, with a calm smile.


    "I''m just trying to show some appreciation!" Aiden continued.


    Noah shrugged, turning back to Aiden with a yful smirk. "Your appreciation doesn''t need to involve breaking my ribs, alright?"


    "Sigh, alright," Aiden said, as his shoulders dropped.


    "Attention! Everyone stand in a straight line," Said an invigtor as they oversaw the crowd.


    ...


    Inside the exam hall.


    Noah and Aiden sat in the same row with another student positioned between them. Meanwhile, Lily was seated at the front, far from them.


    The invigtor, had a sharp gaze as she stood at the front of the hall.


    Her voice cut through the silence of the hall like a sharp knife. "Alright, everyone, you know the rules. Your head stays down, and your eyes stay on your own paper. Turning around or talking will result in immediate disqualification."


    Her gaze swept across the room,nding briefly on Aiden, who froze under her intense gaze. She continued. "Cheating will result in failure, not just in this subject but across all subjects under the examination board. Consider this your only warning."


    The nervous students became more nervous as they processed her warnings.


    With a firm nce at the clock, she announced, "It''s currently 9:00 AM. You may start... now!"


    The sound of papers flipping and pens clicking filled the room as students dove into their exams. Noah picked up his pen, his expression calm and focused, as he scanned the first question and began writing within a split second.


    Aiden, on the other hand, stared at his paper like it had been written in an aliennguage. His brow furrowed as he squinted at the question, then the answer sheet.


    ''Damn it, why is the first question so hard. This is why I hate history, what''s the point of learning something that is not even real? I mean yes it''s kind of real, but it''s twisted to favour the victor.'' He thought as he struggled.


    After a few moments of silent struggle, he nced sideways trying to make eye contact with Noah without being obvious.


    Noah didn''t look up, his pen moving steadily across the page.


    Aiden, desperate, tapped his fingers softly against the desk¡ªa signal they had agreed on earlier.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Noah finally acknowledged him with a quick nce, his expression amused but unreadable.


    Meanwhile, Noah subtly tilted his paper, just enough for Aiden to catch a glimpse of the answer he needed.


    Aiden''s face lit up in relief as he quickly scribbled on his sheet, mouthing a silent "thank you" toward Noah.


    The invigtor began her rounds, her heels clicking against the floor sending shivers down Aiden''s spine. When she approached their row, Aiden froze, his pen hovering mid-air. Noah, however, remainedposed, his hand steady as he continued writing as if nothing had happened.


    The invigtor stopped for a moment, her sharp eyes scanning the row. Aiden felt sweat bead on his forehead.


    The invigtor came up to him and her hands moved down.


    ''Oh no, I got caught. I failed, I''m done for. I will never be anything great in life. My dad was right, I only know how to eat. Damn it!'' He thought as he watched her hand go past his paper and fall down under his desk.


    The invigtor whispered in his ear.


    "Here, you dropped your rubber." She whispered, before walking off.


    Hearing her, Aiden let out a sigh of relief that almost revitalised him.


    ''Thank god, I was just overthinking it.'' He thought, before flipping to the next question.


    ''This is easy. Noah taught us this yesterday,'' He thought, giving Noah a quick grateful look before quickly writing the answers he remembered.


    The rest of the exam proceeded without incident, with Noah finishing his paper long before most of the ss. Aiden, still struggling through thest few questions, couldn''t help but marvel at his friend''sposure.


    As the invigtor called out, "Time''s up! Put your pens down," Aiden leaned back in his chair, his face a mix of relief and exhaustion. Noah remained as calm as ever, his paper neatlypleted and ready to be collected.


    As they exited the hall, Aiden turned to Noah, a grin spreading across his face. "Bro, I owe you big time. You''re a legend!"


    Noah smirked, his expression mischievous. "Did you shit your pants when the invigtor walked up to our row? I could see the terror in your eyes."


    Aiden''s grin faltered, and he nced around nervously, his hands flying up as if to hush Noah. "Shhh, bro! Don''t expose me like that in public!" He quickly scanned the area, making sure no one overheard.


    Noah chuckled. "Come on, admit it. You were seconds away from a heart attack. I thought you were going to pass out when she stopped at our row."


    Aiden groaned, throwing his hands in the air. "Okay, fine! Maybe I was a little nervous, but you can''t me me. Did you see how she approached me? I felt like I was caught. I don''t want to be in that scenario again,"


    Noah shrugged nonchntly. "Just don''t make it a habit, and it won''t."


    Aiden nodded, his expression serious. "Of course not. Next time, I''ll just study harder."


    "Sure you will," Noah replied with a knowing smile, as they both burst intoughter and headed toward the cafeteria.


    After eating with Aiden at the cafeteria, Noah headed home.

 Chapter 191 Irony

    Noah''s brow arched slightly as he examined the sculpture. "This is... beautiful," he said, ncing at his father.


    David nodded, his expression thoughtful. "A symbol of peace, Noah. I thought it was fitting. You''ve worked so hard to bring peace into our family, and I want you to carry that peace into this world."


    Noah''s fingers hovered over the smooth marble as he gave a slight, almost imperceptible smirk. "Thanks, Dad. It''s... thoughtful of you."


    Caroline smiled and stepped forward with her own gift. Her package was wrapped in soft, pastel hues.


    As Noah unwrapped it, he uncovered a painting. The image was serene, a calmke, surrounded by blossoming cherry trees under a pink sunset. The scene exuded tranquillity, the colours blending to show a sense of purity and calm.


    "Imissioned this for you," Caroline exined, her voice soft. "I wanted you to have something that reminded you to slow down and appreciate the beauty around you, no matter how busy you get."


    Noah tilted his head slightly, examining the painting. "It''s... peaceful," he said, his tone calm.


    Caroline smiled, mistaking his pause for awe. "Exactly. You''ve achieved a lot of great things. Noah, but I want you to remember to not lose yourself and find peace in the little things."


    Explore stories on empire


    "Thank you both," Noah said, masking his inner amusement with sincerity. "These are perfect."


    David and Caroline exchanged nces, their expressions satisfied,pletely unaware of the irony their gifts presented.


    After celebrating his examsing to an end, Noah heard a knock on the door.


    "Who would it be at this time?" Caroline thought aloud and tried to get up from the sofa.


    "It''s okay, Mom, sit down. I''ll get it," Noah said, motioning for her to stay seated.


    "Thank you, sweetheart," she replied, leaning back into her chair.


    Noah walked to the door and opened it to reveal that Aiden was standing there, grinning ear to ear.


    "Hey, man! What''s up?" Aiden greeted.


    "I''m good," Noah said, raising an eyebrow. "Why are you here?"


    "I''m here to invite you to our ss gathering. We''re throwing a party at a five-star hotel," Aiden exined, the grin never leaving his face.


    "Not interested," Noah said tly, already beginning to close the door.


    "Whoa, whoa, calm down!" Aiden said, sticking his hand out to stop the door. "I knew you were going to say that, so I came here instead of texting you. You can''t let me leave empty-handed like this."


    Noah sighed, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a five-dor bill. "Here, now you can go." He held the bill out toward Aiden, who stared at it incredulously.


    "Bro! Not like that!" Aiden protested, stepping inside as Noah tried to push the door closed.


    "Alright, then what do you want?" Noah asked, annoyed.


    Aiden smirked. "You. At the gathering. It''s going to be fun, trust me. Plus, you don''t want to miss out on seeing La and Mark. They''re apparently back together, but the difference is that Mark''s not as cocky anymore since¡­ well, whatever it was you did to him."


    Noah raised an eyebrow. "Not interested," he repeated, about to m the door again when a soft chime interrupted him.


    [Ultimate Choice System has been activated!]


    [Option 1: Go to the ss gathering.]


    [Reward: 51% shares in Crown Veridian Hotel]


    [Option 2: Do not go to the ss gathering.]


    [Reward: 10% shares in Crown Veridian Hotel]


    Noah blinked as the options shed in his mind.


    "Fine," Noah said, almost too casually. "I''lle."


    Aiden''s eyes widened with excitement. "Yes! I knew you''d do it just for me. Let''s go! The gathering starts in an hour, and it''s only a thirty-minute drive from here."


    "I''ll go get ready," Noah said, walking off with a shake of his head.


    An Hour Later


    Noah and Aiden pulled up to the grand entrance of the Crown Veridian Hotel. The building shimmered with lights, showing it''s luxury.


    Aiden was already buzzing with excitement as they stepped out of the G-wagon. "Bro, this ce is insane. Look at it!" He gestured wildly to the pristine architecture.


    "Let''s just get this over with," Noah said, adjusting his casual yet stylish outfit.


    Inside, the main banquet hall was packed with students and a few teachers including Miss ra.


    Aiden tried to drag Noah toward a group of ssmates, but Noah sidestepped his grip and waved him off.


    "Go have your fun, Aiden. I''ll be over here, enjoying my evening," Noah said with a calm smile as he moved toward an unupied table near the corner.


    Aiden threw his hands up in frustration. "Fine, be the mysterious loner, but don''te crying to me when you''re bored!" he called, heading off to chat with others for a while.


    ''This guy... I wille back to chill with him after a few minutes,''


    Noah sat on the chair, his eyes wandering to the neatly arranged desserts on the table before him. A glint of amusement crossed his face as he reached for a slice of cheesecake.


    ''Let''s see how good this chef really is. If the desserts here are bad, I''ll have to change the chefs¡ªcan''t let my hotel''s reputation suffer,'' Noah thought, taking a bite.


    The rich, creamy texture and perfect bnce of sweetness brought a satisfied nod to his face.


    ''Alright, they''re safe for now.''


    As he enjoyed the peaceful solitude, Ms. ra, his former teacher, spotted him from across the room.


    Her warm smile lit up her face as she approached him.


    "Hey, Noah," she greeted, standing by his table.


    Noah looked up, shing her a grin. "Hello, ra."


    Her eyebrows shot up in mock surprise. "ra? Just because school''s over doesn''t mean I''m not your teacher anymore."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Of course not," Noah replied smoothly, the grin never leaving his face. "You''ll always be my teacher. But now, you''re not Miss ra, are you?"


    Sheughed, shaking her head. "You rascal. Still as cheeky as ever."


    "Cheeky? Me? Never," Noah said with innocence as he gestured to the empty chair across from him. "Care to join me?"


    Ms. ra hesitated for a moment before sitting down. "Alright, but only because you look like you''re plotting something. Someone has to keep an eye on you."


    Noah chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "Plotting? No, I''m just critiquing desserts. Want to try the cheesecake? It''s passable."


    Sheughed again. "Passable? This is a five-star hotel dessert."


    "The stars don''t matter if the sun is out," Noah said, lifting the tiramisu with his fork and examining it closely. "Let''s see if this one meets the standards."


    He took a bite, his expression briefly serious before a yful glint appeared in his eyes. "Hmm¡­ decent, but the bnce of cocoa is a little heavy on the topyer. I''d give it a 7 out of 10."


    Ms. ra shook her head, smiling. "Look at you, acting like some big-shot food connoisseur. If I didn''t know better, I''d think you secretly own this ce."


    Noah leaned in slightly, his grin widening. "Well, I might. You never know."


    She raised an eyebrow but didn''t press further. "You''ve always been mysterious, Noah. It''s part of your charm, I suppose."


    Noah leaned back in his chair, a yful glint in his eyes. "Part of my charm, huh? Tell me, ra¡ªdid I manage to charm you?"


    She paused before an amused expression formed on her face. "Charm me? Noah, I''ve spent years teaching students with personalities bigger than yours. You''ve got a long way to go."


    Noah chuckled, resting his chin on his hand. "So, you''re saying there''s a chance?"


    Sheughed, shaking her head as she got up to walk away. "Goodnight, Noah. Don''t let the desserts go to your head."


    Watching her leave, Noah smirked to himself, muttering under his breath, "Guess I''ll take that as a maybe."


    Returning to his te, he couldn''t help but think how amusing it was to tease her¡ªit wasn''t every day you got to fluster your old teacher.


    ''If it wasn''t for the reward, I wouldn''t be in this ce right now.'' He thought, before returning to his dessert.


    ...


    As ra walked away, her heart raced, and she tried topose herself. ''That damn rascal,'' she thought, biting her lip to hide the smile threatening to surface.


    ''How is he so confident? I''ve never had a student this daring before. I didn''t expect him to say that in the least.''


    "ra?" a voice called out, breaking her thoughts.


    She turned to see her colleague and close friend, Ms.Greenwood, approaching her with a curious look. "Why are you grinning so much? Did Noah tell you a funny joke or something?"


    ra blinked, trying to hide the slight blush that crept up her cheeks. "Oh, uh¡­ yeah," she replied, waving it off casually. "He said something¡­ amusing."


    Ms. Greenwood raised an eyebrow. "Amusing? You''ve been grinning like a teenager who just got asked to prom. It must''ve been a really good joke."


    "It was..." She said, before changing the topic to the party.

 Chapter 192 Party

    The party soon started filling up with more people, and among them was ire, the girl Noah had helped in the library a couple of months ago to prepare for the mock exams.


    "Hey," she greeted him, a smile lighting up her face.


    "Hello," Noah replied, his tone warm as he returned the smile.


    "Why are you here alone?" she asked, ncing around. "Where''s Aiden?"


    "He went to the toilet, he''ll be back soon," Noah answered casually, leaning back in his chair.


    "What about you?" he added, tilting his head slightly. "Where are your friends?"


    "They''re outside parking the car. I just came in ahead of them," she exined, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.


    Noah nodded. "I see."


    ire took a seat next to him, her gaze curious. "So, how did you find the exams?"


    "They were alright," Noah replied with a small shrug. "What about you?"


    "It was very good!" she said, her enthusiasm shining through. "I think I did well enough to get into the university I want."


    "That''s good," Noah said, his tone encouraging. "Which university are you aiming for?"


    "University of Birmingham," she said, her smile widening. "They have a great program for what I want to study."


    "Ambitious," Noahmented. "You''re aiming high."


    She chuckled lightly. "I figured if I aim high, I''llnd somewhere close at least."


    Noah nodded, his expression calm but approving. "That''s the right mindset."


    For a moment, they sat infortable silence, the lively hum of the party surrounding them.


    "So," ire said, breaking the pause, "are you excited about what''s next? University, new challenges, new people?"


    Noah tilted his head thoughtfully. "Excited? Not really. But it doesn''t mean I''m not looking forward to it, I have a neutral look on it."


    ire nodded her head, "So...do you have a girlfriend yet?"


    "Girlfriend? No, I don''t." He responded, with a raised eyebrow.


    "Why is that? Are you trying to find one in university?" She responded.


    "Not really, I''m just not looking for a rtionship anytime soon." He said, shrugging.


    Aiden returned at that moment, his grin wide as usual. "Ah, ire''s here!" he said, his eyes darting between the two. "Are you trying to steal Noah away from me?" he joked, pulling up a chair.


    ire blushed and rolled her eyes but smiled. "Rx, Aiden. I''m just catching up."


    "Well, don''t get toofortable," Aiden teased, mock-serious. "Noah''s already booked as my partner-in-crime for the night."


    Noah shook his head, his lips twitching into a smile. "You wish."


    As they enjoyed themselves, the atmosphere in the party room seemed to swell. Conversations ovepped,ughter echoed, and the clinking of sses added a rhythmic backdrop to the upbeat music.


    Suddenly, the door opened, and a figure stepped inside. The buzz of the room dimmed slightly as some heads turned to see who had arrived.


    Noah''s gaze followed the movement, and his eyes locked briefly with La''s as she entered. She held his gaze for only a moment before quickly averting her eyes and walking over to Mark, who stood chatting near the buffet. She slipped her hand into his, her movements reserved but deliberate.


    ''She''s changed,'' Noah mused, noticing her demeanour was less fiery and more subdued than he remembered.


    Mark, seeing her approach, turned and smiled warmly. He raised his ss and gently squeezed her hand. Continue reading stories on empire


    "Hey, everyone," Mark called out, raising his voice above the music. "If I could have your attention for a moment."


    The room quieted as Mark stepped forward, his confident tonemanding the group''s focus. "To celebrate our graduation and the time we''ve spent together, I''ve decided to cover all the expenses for tonight''s gathering! Everything''s on me."


    Cheers erupted across the room. Many pped and hollered their thanks, their energy electrifying the air. A few people muttered quietly about how much Mark must have spent, but the general consensus was excitement.


    "Mark, you''re the man!" someone shouted, and another chimed in, "La''s lucky to have you!"


    Mark chuckled, lifting his ss higher. "Enjoy yourselves tonight! Let''s make it a night to remember."


    The crowd cheered once more, and the festivities continued. People went back to chatting, dancing, and enjoying the food.


    Noah leaned back in his chair, watching the scene unfold. Aiden, seated beside him, nudged him with his elbow. "He''s reallyying it on thick, huh? Do you think he''s trying to rewrite his whole story or what?"


    Noah smirked, his eyes scanning the room. "Looks like he''s trying hard."


    As they spoke, a sharp knock on the door interrupted the party once again. This time, Mark took it upon himself to answer.


    "It''s probably just a refill on the drinks," he said, moving toward the door.


    He opened it to reveal a hotel manager dressed in a sharp uniform, his expression professional but warm. "Hello, sir. I hope the party is going well?"


    Mark nodded at the manager, a polite smile on his face. "It''s going great. Thanks for checking in."


    The manager, a middle-aged man with a neatly pressed uniform and a professional demeanour, gave a slight bow. "I just wanted to confirm, sir, that the arrangements for tonight are still on schedule. Is there anything else you''d like us to prepare or adjust?"


    Mark shook his head, his tone amiable. "No, everything''s perfect. Thanks for asking."


    As the manager turned to leave, Mark added, "Oh, and make sure the refill for the drinkses soon. My ssmates are having a st."


    "Of course, sir," the manager replied before walking away.


    Mark returned to the party room, where the energy was electric. People were chatting,ughing, and clinking sses as the upbeat music filled the space. Lily was by the buffet table, chatting with a few friends, and La stood near the edge of the room, observing everything quietly.


    "Alright, everyone!" Mark said, pping his hands to grab their attention. "Let''s get some games going, huh? Who''s up for a little friendlypetition?"


    The room cheered in agreement, with people shouting suggestions for games.


    Noah, sitting at his table with Aiden and ire, leaned back in his chair, observing the scene with a faint smile.


    "Mark''s really trying hard to fix his image, isn''t he?" Aiden said quietly. "it''s like watching a lion turn into a kitten. Can''t say I hate it, though."


    ire nodded, her gaze flicking toward Mark. "People can change, I guess. He seems sincere about it."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Noah hummed nomittally. "We''ll see."


    Just as Mark was about to announce the game, La unexpectedly walked up to him and whispered something in his ear. Mark''s expression shifted slightly, and he nodded, raising his hand to signal a brief pause in the festivities.


    "Sorry to interrupt, everyone," Mark said, his voice loud enough to be heard over the music. "There''s something La and I need to discuss real quick. Enjoy yourselves for now¡ªwe''ll be back in a moment."


    With that, the two slipped out of the party room, leaving a ripple of murmurs among the crowd.


    Aiden leaned toward Noah. "What do you think that''s about?"


    Noah shrugged, his eyes narrowing slightly as he watched the door close behind them. "No idea."


    A few minutester, the party continued as though nothing had happened. People were engaged in games and lighthearted conversations, while the staff discreetly refilled drinks and food.


    When Mark and La returned, their expressions were unreadable, but they seamlessly rejoined the festivities. La stayed close to Mark, asionally ncing around the room, her gaze lingering on Noah more than once.


    Noah noticed but didn''t react, his expression calm as he sipped his drink. However, the slight tension in her body didn''t escape him.


    ''Something''s off,'' he thought but chose not to dwell on it for now.


    As the night went on, the party showed no signs of slowing down, withughter and excitement echoing through the room.


    "I''ll go to the toilet real quick," Noah said, standing up from his seat and ncing at Aiden, who was busy stuffing his face with dessert.


    "Sure thing, bro. Don''t get lost," Aiden quipped with a mouthful of cake, waving Noah off absentmindedly.


    Noah smirked and shook his head as he weaved through the crowd. The hotel''s party room was bustling, with ssmatesughing, chatting, and taking pictures, but Noah made his way out with ease.


    He stepped into the quieter corridor, the muffled sounds of the party fading behind him. The plush carpet underfoot dampened his footsteps as he walked toward the restrooms. The hallway was dimly lit, a clear difference from the chaotic energy of the party.


    As he reached the restroom door, he paused, his senses picking up a faint sound nearby, it was a soft shuffle, like someone adjusting their position. His sharp eyes darted toward the corner of the hallway, where the faint glow of a phone screen briefly illuminated a figure.


    Noah''s brow furrowed, but he shrugged it off. ''Probably someone taking a break from the noise,'' he thought, pushing the restroom door open.

 Chapter 195 Noahs Scandal(3)

    David''s knees almost buckled as he absorbed the information. "Yes, sir. Understood."


    "Good. Now, unless you want to risk your job, I suggest you don''t bother him further. Handle whatever situation you''re dealing with appropriately. That will be all." The call ended abruptly.


    The manager slowly lowered the phone, his face pale as a sheet. He turned back to Noah, his expression a mix of awe and fear. "Mr. Thompson, my sincerest apologies. I didn''t know¡­ I mean, I wasn''t aware of your position."


    Noah smirked and crossed his arms. "Now you are. So, let''s wrap this up. I suggest you handle the real issue here." He gestured toward La, whose face was now a mix of panic and defiance.


    The manager nodded hastily, wiping his brow. "Yes, of course. Security, take her to the interrogation room. She will pay for the costs of all the damages that happened here."


    The guards moved toward La, who clutched her bag tightly. "This isn''t fair! You can''t do this to me! He was the one that broke it." she screamed, her voice breaking.


    "Fair?" Noah said, stepping forward, his tone icy. "Don''t talk to me about fairness, La."


    The guards grabbed her arms, gently but firmly leading her toward the exit. "You''ll regret this, Noah!" she shouted, her voice fading as the doors closed behind her.


    The manager turned back to Noah, bowing slightly. "Again, I deeply apologize for this incident. Is there anything we can do to make amends?"


    Noah nced around the room, his eyesnding on the broken screen. "Fix that," he said.


    The manager nodded vigorously. "Yes, sir. Absolutely."


    Noah turned on his heel and headed toward the door. As he passed Mark, he paused briefly, locking eyes with him.


    Mark froze, his breath hitching.


    "You might want to reevaluate thepany you keep," Noah said, his voice low and cold. He leaned in slightly, his next words barely above a whisper. "Think with your brain next time. Not your..." He let the sentence hang ominously before turning away and walking out.


    As Noah pushed the heavy doors open, Aiden hurried after him. "Bro, what the hell just happened in there?" he asked, his voice hushed but urgent as they stepped outside the room.


    Noah''s hands slid into his pockets, his expression unreadable. "What part of it are you confused about?" he said calmly, without breaking his stride.


    Aiden jogged slightly to keep up. "Don''t y dumb with me. Were those screenshots actually real? You¡ª" He hesitated, lowering his voice as if the walls might have ears. "You wrote all that? You actually¡­dated her mom?"


    "Yes," Noah said tly, not bothering to nce at his friend. "I wrote those texts. Every word."


    Aiden stopped in his tracks, staring at Noah''s back as if he had grown a second head. "You did that for revenge?" he finally asked, his voice tinged with something Noah hadn''t heard from him before¡ªdisgust.


    Noah paused mid-step, his hand resting lightly on the metal rail of a stairwell. He didn''t turn around but stayed silent for a moment as if deciding whether to answer.


    "No," he said finally, his voice quieter than usual. "Not for revenge."


    Aiden frowned, his brows furrowing deeply. The sharpness of his earlier tone softened into confusion, but the disgust lingered on the edges of his expression. "Then why, Noah? Why would you¡ª" He cut himself off, realizing he wasn''t sure if he wanted to hear the answer.


    Noah turned his head slightly, enough for Aiden to see the side of his face. There was no anger there, no defensiveness¡ªjust something cold and distant as if Noah wasn''t fully in the present anymore. "It wasn''t about revenge," he repeated, his tone carrying a finality that dared Aiden to dig deeper.


    For a moment, neither of them spoke. Then, a flicker of something crossed Noah''s eyes¡ª a memory surfacing briefly before being buried again.


    A girl''s voice, filled with heartbreak, echoed in his mind. "You''ll end up with no one beside you..."


    The memory was fleeting but vivid. Noah pushed the thought away, his face returning to its usual calm.


    "I see," Aiden said slowly, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied his friend. "So you were truly in love, huh?" His voice had shifted, losing the edge of judgment as something softer crept in.


    Noah''s lips twitched slightly, the barest hint of a bitter smile. "Not really," he said curtly, his voice devoid of emotion.


    Aiden sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair. "You''re impossible, man. Seriously. One day, you''re gonna have to let someone in. For real, I mean. Not this¡ªwhatever this is."


    Noah didn''t respond, continuing his walk down the steps and toward the parking lot. Aiden trailed after him, his earlier frustration giving way to resignation.


    As they reached the car, Noah opened the driver''s side door and slid in. Aiden climbed into the passenger seat, his earlier questions left unanswered but his curiosity was far from satisfied.


    Finally, Aiden broke the silence. "So...are we just gonna ignore the fact that La tried to ruin you tonight? Or do you have something nned?"


    Noah''s grip on the steering wheel tightened ever so slightly, but his face remained calm. "I don''t need to n anything," he said simply. "People like her¡­they dig their own graves."


    Aiden nced at him sideways, a small shiver running down his spine. For all the time he''d spent with Noah, he still couldn''t fully understand the man.


    Arriving at Aiden''s house, Noah pulled the car to a smooth stop in front of the familiar driveway. The streetlights cast a faint glow on the quiet suburban neighbourhood.


    Aiden turned toward Noah, his expression serious. "So, you''re not gonna tell me, huh?" he asked, leaning slightly against the car door. "Why you did it? If it wasn''t for revenge or love¡­then why?"


    Noah''s hands stayed firm on the steering wheel, his face calm but unreadable. After a moment of silence, he nced at Aiden. "I don''t think you want to know the answer."


    Aiden frowned, clearly unsatisfied with the response. His lips parted as if he wanted to press further, but instead, he sighed and shook his head. "Maybe you''re right," he said, his voice low as he opened the car door. "Goodnight, Noah."


    "Goodnight," Noah replied, his voice steady as ever. He watched Aiden make his way to the front door, shoulders slightly hunched, before starting the car and pulling away.


    The drive back to the mansion was uneventful, the roads quiet at this hour. Noah''s phone buzzed repeatedly on the passenger seat, but he ignored it. Once he arrived, he parked in the driveway and stepped out, the cool night air brushing against his skin.


    Inside the mansion, Noah tossed his phone onto the bed without even ncing at the screen.


    Missed calls from ra, ssmates¡ªhe didn''t need to look to know who it was.


    Heading straight to the bathroom, he turned on the shower, letting the sound of the water fill the space.


    The steam rose quickly, fogging the mirror as he stepped under the hot stream. Closing his eyes, he let the water cascade over him, washing away the tension of the night. For a brief moment, he allowed himself to feel everything¡ªthen, just as quickly, he buried it.


    After the shower, Noah changed into his workout gear and headed to the private gym downstairs. He started with a warm-up, hitting the treadmill for a few minutes before moving to the weights.


    After an hour, Noah stood in the middle of the gym, his breathing heavy, sweat dripping down his temples. He grabbed a towel and wiped his face, staring at his reflection in the mirror.


    After that, he headed towards the bathroom to take another shower.


    ...


    The next day arrived, and sunlight poured through therge windows of Noah''s room. He got up, stretched his arms, and went through his usual morning routine. After showering and getting dressed, he made his way downstairs, the faint aroma of breakfast guiding him toward the kitchen.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Inside, Selena was busy at the counter. A small bowl of sliced cherry tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese sat nearby, ready for ting.


    Noah leaned casually against the doorframe, a soft smile on his face. "Good morning, Selena. What''s for breakfast today?"


    Selena turned slightly, startled by his sudden presence. Her cheeks flushed lightly as she quicklyposed herself. "Good morning, Mr. Thompson. It''s avocado toast today."


    "Avocado toast?" Noah raised an eyebrow yfully.


    Selena chuckled lightly, cing the finishing touches on a te. "Healthy and delicious. You''ll like it, sir. Would you like tea or coffee with it?"


    "Tea," he replied, moving to the dining table and sitting down. "You know me well."


    A few minutester, Selena set a te in front of him. The toast was perfectly golden, the avocado spread evenly and topped with a sprinkle of feta, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of olive oil.


    A cup of steaming tea apanied the meal, its aroma blending harmoniously with the freshness of the food.


    Noah took a bite, savouring thebination of vours.


    "Any ns for the day, Mr. Thompson?" Selena asked, noticing the thoughtful look on his face.


    "Not really." He replied.


    Selena nodded politely. "Good luck with everything, sir."


    "Thanks," Noah said, finishing thest bite of his toast, he stood up. "The toast was great. Keep up the good work."

 Chapter 197 Visiting the apartment.

    As Noah casually walked out of the mall,pletely unbothered, sirens wailed in the distance. The unmistakable sound of police cars pulling up filled the air as curious bystanders turned their heads to watch the scene unfold.


    The officers exited their cars in a coordinated rush, their faces stern as they followed their lead which was four groaning men shoved unceremoniously into a dumpster.


    Staff Sergeant Rachel stepped out of her patrol car, sunsses perched confidently on her face, scanning the scene. Her eyesnded on the parking lot and then the very out-of-ce human-sized trash heap.


    "Four men¡­stacked above each other like that?" Rachel muttered, her brow twitching slightly. "This feels familiar¡­."


    One of her officers approached. "Sergeant Rachel, the tip we got checks out¡ªthese are the guys. Assault, attempted robbery, the whole deal. Looks like someone did our job for us¡­ again."


    Rachel exhaled sharply through her nose and turned to another officer nearby. "Alright. Contact the management. I need ess to the CCTV footage now. I want to know who''s responsible."


    "Yes, ma''am!" the officer said.


    10 Minutes Later...


    Inside the CCTV Room.


    The faint hum of the CCTV monitors filled the air as the footage began ying. Rachel leaned over the console, her eyes glued to the screen as the events unfolded.


    The footage began with Noah calmly closing the trunk of his G-Wagon, only to be approached by the four men. The exchange looked predictable at first¡ªthe robbers puffing their chests and waving their weapons as if they were already victorious.


    Rachel squinted as she watched.


    "It''s thing guy..." she muttered under her breath.


    The moment Noah handed them the bag and stepped closer, the screen became an action movie in Fast Forward.


    WHAM.


    One elbow strike.


    THUD.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    A flying punch.


    BAM.


    The third guy hit the car hood so hard, that the reflection of Noah''s "unbothered" face glimmered in the paintwork.


    Rachel blinked, leaning closer to the screen in disbelief.


    "Did he just¡ªdid he really¡ª?"


    It only got worse for the robbers. By the end of the tape, all four were knocked out, with Noah casually dragging them one by one and dumping them head-first into the dumpster.


    The cherry on top? He wiped his hands clean with a napkin from his car''s glove box before driving away as if nothing had happened.


    Rachel stood upright and rubbed her temples. "Not again¡­"


    The officer beside her scratched his head awkwardly. "Um¡­ Sergeant, isn''t that the same guy fromst month? the warehouse break-in? And the¡ª"


    "Yes," Rachel interrupted, already exasperated. She jabbed her finger at the screen. "That''s Noah Thompson. I don''t even need to see his face anymore¡ªI know his style."


    The officer blinked. "Style?"


    Rachel sighed. "Yes. You see that?" She rewound a segment of the footage, pointing at Noah casually side-stepping a punch while fixing his sleeves. "Only he fights like he''s got all day to deal with idiots like these."


    Another officer chimed in nervously, "So¡­ do we arrest him for vignte action?"


    Rachel gave him a look that could turn a person to stone. "For what? Putting trash in the trash where it belongs? No. The department''s already behind on paperwork¡ªdo you want to exin how four guys ended up neatly stacked in a dumpster like recyble goods?"


    The officer paled. "No, ma''am."


    Rachel exited the mall, muttering to herself, "Of all the cases I could''ve been assigned, I had to be stuck cleaning up after him."


    Looking toward the dumpster where the thieves were now being pulled out and cuffed.


    "Always him," Rachel said, shaking her head.


    Behind her, one of the groaning robbers weakly lifted his head. "Who¡­ who was that guy?"


    Rachel snorted as she crouched next to him, adjusting her sunsses. "Someone you don''t want to meet twice."


    With that, she turned and walked back to her patrol car, already preparing herself for the next time Noah''s name inevitablynded on her desk.


    ...


    Noah walked into the teahouse, greeted by the familiar aroma of freshly brewed tea and the soft hum of conversation from the tables around him. The little shop was buzzing, every seat seemingly upied, with David moving calmly between customers.


    "Boss David, Some tea please!" A customer said, with a smile on his face as he gestured with his hands.


    "Right away!" David responded as he carried a small tray of tea cups with ease, cing each one down carefully and exchanging warm nods with the customers.


    "Enjoy!"


    Not wanting to interrupt, Noah stood near the door with a faint smile on his face, his hands casually tucked into his pockets as he watched his father work.


    After finishing up with the customers, David finally turned toward the counter, catching sight of Noah.


    His brows raised in acknowledgement, though he remained behind the counter, wiping down a teapot.


    "Good afternoon, Dad," Noah greeted softly as he approached, his voice warm.


    David looked up with a smile. "Good afternoon, Noah. How are you doing, son?"


    "I''m doing good. What about you?" Noah asked, ncing around the bustling shop. "Seems like you''re busier than usual today."


    David chuckled lightly as he set the teapot down and leaned on the counter. "Busy, but that''s a good thing, isn''t it? I can''tin. The new seating arrangement has helped a lot¡ªcustomers seem to like staying longer."


    Noah nodded in agreement, scanning the room. His eyesnded on a corner table where an elderly couple sipped their tea, smiling at each other.


    At another table, a group of young students huddled over books while sharing a pot of tea.


    "Looks like it''s turning into more than just a teahouse. You''ve made it a nice spot for everyone," Noah said, genuinely impressed.


    David''s smile deepened, though he tried to wave off thepliment. "It''s the tea doing all the work. I just serve it."


    Noah shook his head. "No, it''s you. You''re the heart of this ce, Dad."


    David paused for a moment at his son''s words, a flicker of pride in his expression. "Well, if you say so. Anyway, are you here for some tea, or just to check up on your old man?" he teased, his voice light.


    "A bit of both," Noah replied with a grin. "I''ll take some tea. I''m kind of broke right now, so it has to be on the house."


    Davidughed and nodded.


    He began preparing a fresh pot of tea. As the sound of boiling water filled the air, Noah leaned casually against the counter, watching his father work.


    "So," David said after a while, breaking thefortable silence, "how''s everything going with you? Still keeping busy, I bet."


    "You could say that," Noah replied cryptically, his smirk betraying nothing.


    David nced at his son and shook his head with a smallugh. "Well. Whatever you''re up to, just remember to take care of yourself too okay?"


    "I will," Noah reassured him.


    The bell above the door chimed as another customer entered, and David straightened up. "Here you go," he said, handing Noah a cup of freshly brewed tea before serving the customer.


    After serving the customer, David let out a satisfied sigh as he wiped his hands with a clean towel and turned back to Noah, who was leisurely sipping the tea.


    "So," David started, "what''s this about an apartment?"


    Noah nced up, cing the cup down. "Remember the apartment I mentioned before? The one I''ve been telling you and Mom about for a while now?"


    David nodded. "Yeah, what about it?"


    "I finally got a chance to set up a proper viewing today. My friend gave me the go-ahead," Noah said with a calm smile. "I thought it''d be nice for us to check it out together."


    David raised an eyebrow. "Only us two?"


    "No," Noah shook his head. "We''ll pick Mom up after work and then grab Emily from school. It''ll be the whole family."


    David nodded thoughtfully, clearly considering it. "Alright," he said, a small smile ying at his lips. "Let''s check it out. I''ll close up the shop a little early."


    Noah leaned back in his chair with a smirk. "Perfect."


    Time passed by quickly, and soon David flipped the "Closed" sign on the teahouse door. He locked up while Noah stood off to the side, his hands casually tucked in his pockets, waiting patiently.


    "Alright," David said as he stretched his arms. "Let''s get going."


    David walked over to his modest car parked a few steps away. As he opened the door, he couldn''t help but notice the ck G-Wagon parked beside it. He frowned slightly before looking back at Noah.


    "Isn''t that your friend''s G-Wagon? The one you''ve been drivingtely?"


    Noah grinned, the corner of his mouth twitching as he leaned against the luxury SUV. "No, Dad. It''s mine."


    David froze mid-step, his expression shifting between disbelief and curiosity. "Yours? What do you mean it''s yours?"


    "The business has been going really well, Dad," Noah said nonchntly, though his smirk gave away his amusement. "Plus, I''m in partnership with my friend, so I bought this G-Wagon off of him."


    David''s brows furrowed, still processing his son''s words. "You bought it?"


    "Yep," Noah said, nodding confidently. "Don''t worry though, he gave me a discount." He winked yfully, adding to the lightheartedness of the moment.


    David''s mouth opened slightly, but no words came out for a second. He just stared at the G-Wagon, then back at Noah.


    Finally, he let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head in disbelief.


    "You''re something else, Noah," David said, getting into his own car. "I can''t tell if I should scold you for spending so much or be proud that you''re managing things this well."


    "Why not both?" Noah teased as he climbed into his dad''s car. "Let''s get Mom and Emily. We''re already runningte."

 Chapter 198 New House, Hidden Choice Completed!

    After picking up Caroline and Emily, David handed his phone to Noah while waiting at a red light.


    "Here, put the address of the apartment you''re talking about on the maps," David said, ncing at him briefly.


    Noah grabbed the phone and unlocked it. "Alright, let me just pull it up."


    Caroline leaned forward from the back seat. "What''s the address again?"


    Noah smirked. "I''d tell you, but I think it''s better for you to see it."


    Emily, sitting beside Caroline, rolled her eyes dramatically. "Always keeping secrets, just say it."


    Noah chuckled as he typed the address into the phone. "Alright, done. GPS is set. Don''t miss the next left turn, Dad."


    David nodded. "Got it."


    As they drove, Caroline nced at the screen. "How far is it from here?"


    "About twenty minutes," Noah replied, leaning back in his seat.


    Emily piped up, her voice filled with curiosity. "Does it have a big kitchen?"


    "Why the kitchen?" Caroline asked with a chuckle. "Are you nning to cook there?"


    Emily shook her head with a serious expression. "No, but it''s important for snacks. You need a good kitchen to keep snacks organized, our current kitchen doesn''t have that. So hopefully, our new one does."


    Noahughed. "Don''t worry, Em. I made sure your snack empire has a proper headquarters."


    Emily grinned. "Good. That''s all I need."


    As they pulled into the neighbourhood, Caroline peered out the window. "This area is nice. Quiet, but not too far from the main roads."


    David nodded in agreement. "It does look good. Let''s see the apartment first, though."


    Emily looked out, scanning the area. "Do they have a park here? I like parks."


    "They do," Noah said, pointing at a green patch visible in the distance. "See? Over there."


    Emily nodded, satisfied.


    When they arrived at the building, David parked the car and everyone got out. They stood for a moment, taking in the modern design of theplex.


    "This building looks beautiful, are you sure we will be able to afford it, Noah?" Caroline said, with a soft frown on her face.


    "Mom, I can assure you that we can afford this. It seems like Dad hasn''t been sharing our revenue from the teahouse with you." Noah said with a smirk.


    David scratched the back of his head. "I do, she is just so used to our old lifestyle. She hasn''t adjusted yet."


    Caroline looked at him for a second and sighed.


    "You are right, let''s check this ce out then."


    As they approached the doors of the building, David nced at Noah and asked, "So, when is your friend going toe? He''s the one showing us the ce, right?"


    Noah tilted his head slightly. "Why does he need toe? I''ve been here before, and I have the keys. I''ll show you the ce myself."


    David frowned, slightly surprised. "You have the keys already?"


    "Yeah," Noah replied casually, pulling a sleek key card from his pocket. "It''s not a big deal. Come on, let''s head inside."


    The entrance to the building was nothing short of luxurious. The reception area was adorned with tasteful nts and modern artwork. A concierge desk sat to the side, but no one was currently there.


    Caroline''s eyes widened in awe as she took in the space. "Wow, this ce is beautiful. I feel like I''m stepping into a hotel."


    Emily, on the other hand, dashed ahead, her little feet echoing in the quiet lobby. "Mom! Dad! Look at this! There''s even a little waiting area with fancy chairs!"


    David nodded appreciatively as he looked around. "This is... quite something."


    Noah gestured toward the elevators. "As you can see, the building itself isrge and well-maintained. The apartments here are best on either the first floor or the top floor. Which one do you want to see first?"


    Caroline and David exchanged nces before David said, "Let''s start with the first floor. Seems practical on days when the elevator is on maintenance or something."


    "Alright," Noah said, leading the way to the elevator.


    Noah nodded and gestured toward the elevators. "Alright, first floor it is. Follow me."


    Emily darted ahead but stopped as she reached the elevator doors, pressing the button with excitement.


    "Can I press it again when we go to the top floor?" she asked, ncing back at Noah.


    "Sure, Em," Noah said with a small smile as the elevator chimed and the doors slid open.


    They all stepped inside, the spacious and modern elevator lit with soft white lights. Emily immediately went for the buttonbelled "1" and pressed it.


    Caroline chuckled. "You''d think we were touring a mansion the way she''s acting."


    Noah smirked. "Well, this building is practically a mansion stacked vertically."


    The elevator ride was brief, and soon the doors opened to reveal a wide corridor with polished floors and walls painted in neutral tones.


    Noah led the way, pulling out a key card. "This way. The apartment is just around the corner."


    As they entered the apartment, Caroline and David both paused, taking in the space.


    The living room was open and inviting, withrge windows allowing natural light to flood the area. The furniture was modern and elegant. The kitchen was sleek with marble countertops and state-of-the-art appliances.


    Caroline walked toward the kitchen, her hand trailing over the smooth surface of the counter. "This is¡­ really impressive, Noah."


    Emily, meanwhile, dashed into the living room and flopped onto the plush couch. "This is so soft! Do I get a couch like this if we move here?"


    David nodded, a small smile on his face as he took in the spacious living area. "It''s nice. Feels homely without being cramped."


    Noah gestured toward the hallway. "Wait until you see the bedrooms. There are two master bedrooms, both with en-suite bathrooms, and a third smaller room that could work as an office or guest room."


    "By smaller I mean smaller than the tworge rooms, but the room isrge in its own regard."


    Caroline peeked into the master bedroom closest to the living room. The bed was neatly made, and the view from the window was of a small garden courtyard.


    "Wow, the natural light here is amazing," she remarked. "And look at this closet space!"


    David followed, inspecting the attached bathroom. "This bathroom is a lotrger than our current one at home. What do you think, Caroline?"


    "I think it''s perfect," she replied, her tone almost wistful. "But we haven''t even seen the top floor yet."


    Returning to the elevator, Emily eagerly pressed the button for the top floor. "I can''t wait to see the view from up there!"


    When they reached the penthouse level, Noah led them to another apartment. This one, however, was significantlyrger. The living room alone was nearly double the size of the one on the first floor, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the city skyline.


    Caroline''s breath hitched as she walked toward the windows. "Oh my... Noah, this view is breathtaking."


    David wandered into the kitchen, nodding in approval at thergeryout and upgraded appliances. "This is... incredible," he admitted. "It''s more than I was expecting."


    Emily, on the other hand, found the balcony and gasped. "There''s a small pool out here!" she squealed. "A rooftop pool!"


    Noah leaned against the doorframe, watching his family explore. "So, what do you think? First floor or top floor?"


    Caroline turned to him, her face conflicted. "For a family, the first floor makes more sense. But if we''re aiming for luxury, this is unmatched."


    Emily, of course, was firmly team penthouse. "The top floor! We need the pool!"


    Noah chuckled. "Alright, alright. Let''s weigh the pros and cons. But first, let''s sit down and enjoy the view while we decide."


    After sitting down in the expansive living room of the penthouse, they began discussing it further.


    Caroline leaned back into the plush sofa, her expression contemtive. "Noah, this ce is incredible, but... thest floor? What if something happens to the elevator? It could be a hassle."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    David nodded in agreement. "She''s right. Imagine if the elevator breaks down. How are we supposed to go up and down all these floors? Especially with groceries or if Emily gets tired."


    Emily piped up, "But Dad, there''s a pool! You can''t say no to a pool!"


    Noah smiled as he leaned forward slightly. "I understand your concerns, and they''re valid. But let me reassure you¡ªthis building has one of the best maintenance teams in the city. I''ve already spoken to the management, and they have a 24/7 service team for any issues, including the elevator."


    Caroline raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "And you trust them?"


    "Completely," Noah said confidently. "My friend is trustworthy, he will ensure that the maintenance is top-notch. He guaranteed me that the building would remain in perfect condition. Nothing will go unchecked."


    Caroline nced around the room again, her gaze settling on the breathtaking view of the city. "It is tempting. This ce is... well, it''s perfect."


    Emily pped her hands, her face lighting up. "Does that mean we''re taking it?"


    Caroline looked at David, who met her gaze with a small, resigned smile. "What do you think, hon?"


    She smiled softly, reaching out to take his hand. "I think we should go for it. It''s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."


    David exhaled, nodding. "Alright. Let''s do it."


    Emily let out a cheer, running to hug her mom and dad. "Yes! Pool time!"


    [Ding! Ultimate Choice System has been activated!]


    [Ding! Hidden Choice has beenpleted!]

 Chapter 202 Dinner at Amelias House.

    6:00 PM, Noah''s Mansion


    Noah leaned back on the sofa in his living room, a ss of water in hand. ncing at his watch, he realized it was time.


    The corner of his mouth quirked upward in a faint smirk. "Time to start making my way," he murmured, setting the ss down on the marble coffee table.


    Standing, Noah adjusted the cufflinks on his tailored shirt and grabbed his keys from the keyholder near the door.


    His choice for the evening was the Lykan Hypersport. The engine roared to life with a satisfying growl as he turned the key.


    Amelia''s estate.


    The sprawling estate appeared ahead, its grandeur evident in every detail. Soldiers stood near the entrance as usual.


    As Noah''s Lykan Hypersport purred into the driveway, the soldiers immediately straightened. Noah rolled down the window, offering them a polite smile and a casual nod.


    "Evening, gentlemen," he said, his tone calm.


    "Good evening, sir," they responded with a nod.


    Noah stepped out of his car, his polished shoes crunching lightly against the gravel path. The air brushed against him as he adjusted his shirt and approached the front door.


    It opened before he could knock.


    Amelia stood there, framed by the warm glow of the chandelier inside. She wore a simple yet elegant dress that enhanced her natural, striking beauty, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush.


    Her hair was tied back, a few loose strands on her face, giving her a soft, approachable look.


    "You''re right on time," she said, her voice carrying a mix of excitement and nervousness. Her hands fidgeted slightly before she sped them together to calm their movement.


    "Of course," Noah replied, his lips curling into a faint smirk. "I couldn''t keep you waiting."


    His tone was smooth and effortless, but his eyes held a glimmer of mischief that made Amelia''s blush deepen. For a moment, she was caught off guard, unsure how to respond to his unwavering confidence.


    "Come in," she said, stepping aside to make way for him.


    As Noah stepped into the mansion, he was hit with the aroma of gourmet cooking wafting through the air.


    Amelia walked beside him, her heels clicking rhythmically against the marble. She kept pace with him, her posture graceful but slightly tense as though she were both a host and a guest in her own home.


    "The food''s ready?" Noah asked, his voice casual as he nced toward the direction of the dining room.


    Amelia nodded, her cheeks pink. "Yes, everything''s been prepared right on time. We didn''t want to keep you waiting¡­ just in case you were hungry."


    Her tone was polite but held a genuine warmth that made Noah chuckle softly. "That''s very thoughtful, I am quite hungry."


    "Well, you are our guest," she replied quickly, before realizing how formal that sounded. She bit her lip slightly, her gaze darting to the floor as she walked.


    Noah tilted his head, a teasing smirk ying on his lips. "Just a guest?"


    Amelia faltered for a moment, flustered, before recovering with a smile of her own. "Fine. An important guest."


    "That''s more like it," he said, his smirk widening as he turned his attention back to the grand surroundings. "Though I have to admit, the smell alone is worth the trip."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Sheughed lightly, her shoulders rxing slightly.


    Inside, her mother, father, and grandfather stood near a beautifully set dining table.


    Seeing them standing, Noah quickened his pace, a genuine smile breaking across his face. "What are you all doing standing like this? Sit down. There''s no need for such formalities," he said, his tone light but sincere.


    Adam, let out a heartyugh. "That would be rude. We have to wee our guests properly."


    Amelia''s grandfather nodded in agreement. "Of course. You''re not just any guest, Noah. You are also our benefactor."


    Noah shook his head slightly, the corners of his mouth quirking upward in a modest smile. "You''re too kind, but really, there''s no need for all that."


    He extended his hand to greet them, shaking hands with Adam and the old man. Carmi, gave Noah a warm smile, her eyes glinting with approval.


    After everyone sat down at the table, Adam leaned forward with a curious expression. "So, Noah, how''s everything going with the teahouse? I hear it''s doing quite well."


    Noah adjusted his seat, his posture rxed but confident. "It''s going great, actually. We''re in the process of finalizing a couple of deals that will allow us to expand beyond Birmingham. The n is to open our first branch in London in the next couple of weeks."


    Adam''s eyes lit up with interest, and he stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Already? That''s impressive. Expanding so soon means you''ve really struck the right bnce."


    Noah gave a small shrug, his smile widening. "It''s all about the team. My dad''s been managing the teahouse exceptionally well, and we''ve managed to create a loyal customer base. That gives us the confidence to take the next step."


    Adam grinned, raising a ss of water in an informal toast. "Well, here''s to continued sess. I have no doubt you''ll pull it off."


    As Noah nodded in acknowledgement, Richard leaned forward, curiosity glinting in his eyes. "The high school exams just ended, right? Have you decided which university you''ll attend?"


    Noah''s smile turned thoughtful as he ced his ss down. "I might not go to university," he began, his tone measured.


    "I''m seriously considering entering the military. If I do decide on university, it will probably be part-time, just to take exams and get the degree withoutmitting to full-time study."


    The room fell silent for a moment.


    Amelia''s grandfather, who had been leaning back in his chair, straightened slightly, his eyes narrowing with interest.


    There was a faint glow in his gaze. "I see," he said simply, his voice steady, though a flicker of approval yed across his expression.


    Adam raised his eyebrows, surprised but not disapproving. "The military? That''s quite a shift. What''s made you think about taking that path?"


    Noah''s gaze was calm as he responded. "It''s not entirely a shift, really. Discipline, leadership, and strategy have always been things I respect, and the military sharpens those qualities in a way nothing else can. If I''m serious about making asting impact in this world, I need to understand its structures from the inside out."


    Caroline, who had been quiet until now, smiled softly. "That''s a very thoughtful way to look at it, Noah. But it''s not an easy life."


    "Nothing worthwhile is," Noah replied with a faint smirk. "Besides, I''m not looking for the easy way. It''s about preparing myself for challenges."


    "Nothing worthwhile is," Noah replied with a faint smirk. "Besides, I''m not looking for the easy way. It''s about preparing myself for challenges, for leadership¡ªon every level."


    Adam''s faint smile deepened as he leaned forward slightly. "And leadershipes with its own costs, doesn''t it?"


    Noah met the old man''s gaze, and for a brief moment, it felt as though an entire conversation passed between them without words. "It does," Noah said simply.


    Amelia, sitting beside Noah, frowned slightly, her tone tinged with concern. "But why the military? You''re doing so well in business and your studies. Why would you risk all that?"


    Her father, Adam, who had been quietly observing the conversation, let out a chuckle, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "So, are you saying that your dad became a lieutenant because his grades were bad?" he teased, arching a brow at his daughter.


    Amelia''s face turned crimson as the hidden meaning of her words hit her.


    She immediately waved her hands in front of her. "No! That''s not what I meant at all!" she blurted, her voice slightly higher-pitched from embarrassment. "I just meant... Noah doesn''t need to put himself in danger when his life is already going so well. That''s all."


    The room filled with soft chuckles, except for Amelia, who sank slightly in her chair, clearly flustered.


    Sitting beside Adam, Caroline leaned toward him, her voice low enough to escape the attention of the rest. "She''s worried for him," Grace whispered, a knowing smile on her face. "The girl''s clearly in love, Adam. You were the one who told me thatst time, weren''t you? Don''t tell me you''ve forgotten."


    Adam''s smirk grew wider as he tilted his head, ncing at Amelia from the corner of his eye. "I didn''t forget," he murmured in response, his tone amused. "But it''s fun watching her squirm."


    Meanwhile, Noah leaned slightly toward Amelia, his expression teasing. "So, you''re worried about me, huh?" he asked, his tone light but with a hint of sincerity behind the words.


    Amelia turned her gaze to Noah, her blush deepening as she stammered. "I mean... of course! It''s not like¡ª" She caught herself, realizing she was about to dig herself deeper. "I just think it''s... unnecessary."


    Noah leaned back, crossing his arms with a faint smirk. "Noted," he said simply, his tone warm.


    Amelia pursed her lips, her eyes flickering with a mix of frustration and worry. "Just don''t do anything reckless," she finally said, her voice soft but firm.


    Caroline exchanged a nce with Adam, her smile widening. "She''s definitely in love," she whispered again, nudging him slightly.


    Adam chuckled under his breath, giving a small nod of agreement. "No doubt about it."

 Chapter 203 Dinner At Amelias House, Second Chess Match.

    The old man cleared his throat, breaking the charged atmosphere. "Alright, enough with the stares and heavy silences. Let''s eat before the food gets cold," he said, his toneced with humor as he reached for the serving spoon and started dishing food onto his te.


    Carefully, he added a selection of roasted vegetables and a perfectly cooked slice of meat to his te. He nced at the others, his sharp eyes twinkling with amusement. "The chefs didn''t ve over this meal for us to let it go to waste just because you''re all caught up in staring contests."


    Caroline chuckled at hisment, reaching for the breadbasket. "He''s right. Let''s enjoy the food, everyone. Amelia, pass me the sd, please."


    Amelia blinked as though snapping out of her thoughts. "Oh, right," she said, quickly picking up the bowl and handing it to her mother. She stole a nce at Noah as she did, her cheeks still slightly pink.


    Noah, asposed as ever, picked up his fork and helped himself to a modest portion. His gaze briefly flickered to the old man. "Thank you for the meal. It smells incredible."


    "It tastes even better than it smells," the old man said, his smirk revealing a hint of pride. "Though I''ve heard you''ve got quite the refined pte. Amelia''s been talking up that teahouse of yours."


    Amelia''s face turned a deeper shade of pink. "Grandpa!" she protested, her voice a mix of embarrassment and exasperation.


    "What? Can''t I appreciate a young man with ambition?" he teased, though his eyes sparkled with warmth.


    As the conversation lightened, tes were passed around, and the soft clinking of utensils reced the earlier tension. Soon, the room filled with warm chatter andughter, with the old man steering the conversation toward lighthearted topics that had everyone smiling. The meal, much like thepany, was as rich and satisfying as the warmth shared around the table.


    After dinner, as the warm aroma of tea filled the room, the old man leaned back in his chair, holding his cup delicately. A heartyugh escaped his lips. "You know, Noah, I don''t go a single day without drinking your tea at least twice. It''s be as essential to me as water."


    Noah grinned, taking a small sip of his own cup. "Well, I''m ttered, old man. Though you''ve just made me wonder if you''re hydrating properly."


    The old man raised an eyebrow, a sly smirk tugging at his lips. "Tea is water. It''s just fancy water with character."


    The room chuckled at the exchange, but the old man wasn''t done. Setting his cup down with a deliberate motion, he straightened in his chair and pointed a slightly trembling finger at Noah. "Now that we''ve eaten and had our tea, it''s time. Time for us to settle things properly."


    Noah''s eyebrows lifted slightly. "Settle what, exactly?" he asked, already guessing where this was going.


    "Our rematch, of course!" the old man dered, his voice filled with mock indignation. "Last time, you only won because I''d just recovered from a long illness. You took advantage of my weakened state. Now, you won''t beat me so easily."


    Noah let out a low chuckle. "Ah, yes. The ''I was sick'' excuse. ssic."


    "It''s not an excuse!" the old man shot back, leaning forward, his eyes glinting with determination. "It''s a legitimate reason. You''ll see the difference tonight."


    The old man''s hand mmed lightly on the table as he stood up. "Enough talk! To the chessboard! Let''s see if your luck holds."


    Noah stood as well, a confident grin spreading across his face. "Alright then, old man. But don''t get mad if this turns out to be another ''unlucky'' day for you."


    The familyughed as the two men headed to the living room, where a finely crafted chess set awaited. The old man cracked his knuckles dramatically, while Noah calmly rolled up his sleeves.


    "Prepare yourself, Noah," the old man dered, wagging a finger. "You''re about to see strategy and wit like you''ve never seen before."


    The game began with quiet intensity. The old man carefully positioned his pieces, his focus evident as he made calcted moves with the white pieces.


    Across the board, Noah maintained a calm demeanor, his hand lightly resting on his chin as he observed the game unfold.


    The opening saw a bnced exchange of pawns, with the old man setting up a ssic Ruy-Lopez opening.


    Noah responded confidently, countering with the Morphy Defense. The movements on the board were precise and deliberate, with each yer silently calcting several steps ahead.


    Noah casually leaned back in his chair after cing his knight, his expression serene. "Your move," he said simply.


    The old man furrowed his brow, clearly immersed in thought. He advanced his bishop, forming a strong attacking position that seemed to pressure Noah''s defences.


    Watching the move, Noah''s lips curled into a faint smile as he immediately countered, forcing the old man to retreat his knight.


    Piece by piece, the game began to tip in Noah''s favour, though it wasn''t immediately obvious. The old man yed an impressive middle game, advancing his queen aggressively and trapping one of Noah''s rooks. Yet Noah didn''t flinch, sacrificing the rook without hesitation to set up a series of subtle traps.


    "Interesting choice," the old man muttered, moving his bishop to im another piece. He seemed to think the game was heading in his favour, as the board leaned heavily on his aggressive strategy.


    Noah nodded lightly, moving his queen into what appeared to be a neutral position. "Very interesting indeed."


    As the old man continued to build his attack, he failed to notice Noah subtly manoeuvring his knights and pawns into a dangerous alignment. Just as the old man confidently pushed his queen toward a checkmate attempt, Noah''s calm voice broke the silence.


    "Check," he said, sliding his bishop into an unexpected position.


    The old man blinked, his confident expression shifting slightly as he studied the board. His earlier attack had left his defenses exposed, but he hadn''t noticed until now. He quickly moved his king, attempting to escape.


    Noah''s next move was swift and precise. "Checkmate."


    The old man stared at the board, his eyes wide. It took him a moment to process what had just happened. "How¡ª?" he started before trailing off, leaning closer to examine the board.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "You set up a great attack," Noah said, his tone polite yet unwavering. "But it left just enough room for me to slip through."


    The old man leaned back in his chair, shaking his head with a mixture of amazement and disbelief. "You did it again," he said quietly. "You made it look like I had the upper hand, only to pull the rug out from under me in thest few moves."


    Noah smiled faintly, extending his hand for a handshake. "A good game, as always."


    The old man chuckled, shaking his head as he epted the handshake. "I''ve yed chess for decades, Noah. But you¡ªyou''re something else. It''s like you''re two steps ahead, even when I don''t see iting."


    Amelia, watching from the side, pped her hands softly. "I don''t know much about chess, but that looked incredible."


    Noah nced at her with a light smile. "It''s just a game of patience and observation."


    After the chess game ended and theughter faded, Adam, who had been quietly observing from the side, straightened and approached Noah. His expression was serious, a stark contrast to the lighthearted atmosphere of the evening.


    "Noah," Adam said firmly, his voice steady. "I need to speak with you for a moment. Can youe with me?"


    Noah caught the weight behind his words and nodded. "Sure."


    Rising from his chair, Noah followed Adam toward the balcony. The night was calm, the breeze carrying a crisp chill as they stepped outside. The city lights twinkled in the distance, providing a serene backdrop to the conversation.


    Adam leaned on the railing, his gaze fixed on the horizon. After a moment of silence, he turned to Noah, his eyes sharp yet thoughtful. "Noah, I know you''re not an ordinary person. Everything you''ve done¡ªthe way you carry yourself, the things I''ve heard about you¡ªit''s clear you have abilities that far exceed what most people could even imagine."


    Noah remained silent, his expression unreadable.


    Adam continued, his voice steady butced with conviction. "When you saved Amelia from those kidnappers, you didn''t just handle a dangerous situation. You dismantled a group of criminals who were among the most dangerous in the country. Those men weren''t amateurs, Noah. They were wanted for heinous crimes, and yet, you dealt with them as if they were nothing."


    Noah''s gaze didn''t waver, but Adam''s words hung heavy in the air.


    "That''s why," Adam said, his tone firm, "I want to make you an offer. I know you''re nning to enter the military, and I respect that. But I also know you''re not someone who aims low. If you''re going to do this, I believe you want to be the best of the best."

 Chapter 205 Crazy Strength Gains!

    The next morning, Noah woke up feeling energized and ready to push his limits. After his usual morning routine, he headed straight to his private gym, eager to test the full extent of his new Advanced Solider-King Skill.


    Starting conservatively, Noah loaded the barbell with 500 pounds. As hey back on the bench, the weight felt surprisingly light. He unracked it, smoothly pressing it up and down as if it were nothing.


    "Too easy," he muttered, adding another 200 pounds to bring it to 700 pounds. This, too, was manageable, though it required a bit more effort.


    He kept adding weight incrementally: 1,000 pounds, 1,500 pounds, and finally reaching 3,300 pounds. By now, the barbell was almost fully bent under the immense load. It had to be known that the barbell that Noah was using was not one that was in any kind of gym, it was custom-made to resist thousands of pounds.


    Noah took a deep breath, unracked the weight, and pressed it with a calm, controlled motion.


    "Unreal," Noah muttered, setting the bar back on the rack. "This feels like a walk in the park."


    Moving to the squat rack, Noah started with 500 pounds again, testing his form and ensuring his stance was perfect. It felt like lifting a heavy backpack.


    He gradually added more weight, stepping up to 1,000 pounds, 2,000 pounds, and finally loading the bar to 4,400 pounds (2,000 kg). With the bar resting on his shoulders, Noah descended into a deep squat and powered back up, his legs barely trembling under the strain.


    "Two tons on a squat," he chuckled, racking the bar and shaking his head in disbelief. "Advanced skills are unreal."


    For the deadlift, Noah began with his usual warm-up: 500 pounds, which felt like lifting a sack of groceries. As he increased the load to 1,500 pounds and then 3,000 pounds, he felt his muscles firing on all cylinders.


    Finally, he loaded the bar to its maximum capacity, 5,700 pounds (approximately 2,600 kg). The tes looked ridiculous, almost cartoonishly stacked. Noah braced himself, gripping the bar tightly, and pulled it off the ground in one smooth motion. The barbell nged slightly as he stood tall, holding the weight for a moment before gently lowering it back down.


    Even though he gently put it back down, the whole gym shook due to the immense weight.


    "Almost six thousand pounds," he said aloud, shaking his head in disbelief. "This is beyond superhuman."


    Finally, Noah stepped onto the treadmill. Setting it to its highest speed, he started running, his feet pounding against the belt in a blur. He barely broke a sweat after a whole hour, so he increased the incline to the maximum setting.


    Even at this intensity, Noah found himself running with ease. "Let''s not even get into how ridiculous my cardio is now," he chuckled, stepping off the treadmill.


    "This isn''t just an upgrade," he muttered. "This is evolution. These numbers are insane, and I haven''t even reached my full potential yet."


    "This gym is long enough for me, I need to find a way to work out and make actual progress." He said as he walked to the shower.


    After showering and dressing in a ck t-shirt and dark jeans, Noah headed downstairs to the kitchen.


    The smell of cooking wafted through the air as he entered, where Selena, his housekeeper, stood by the stove, expertly flipping an omelette.


    The counter was neatly arranged with a spread of grilled chicken, scrambled eggs, avocado slices, and a smoothie blending quietly on the side.


    "Good morning, Mr. Thompson," Selena greeted, her tone respectful but professional. She didn''t look up as she focused on the omelette.


    "Morning, Selena," Noah replied, his voice calm but carrying authority. He sat at the counter, observing her work. "Breakfast looks promising. You''ve been outdoing yourselftely."


    Selena turned slightly, giving a small nod. "Thank you, sir. I prepared a protein-heavy meal to match your morning routine. I trust your gym session went well?"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Noah smirked faintly, resting his elbow on the counter. "It went better than expected. I pushed past a few limits today."


    Selena set the omelet onto a te and ced it in front of him. "I hope those limits didn''t include safety, sir. It wouldn''t do to push yourself too far."


    "I won''t," Noah replied, picking up his fork."


    Selena nodded once, her expression neutral but curious. "I see. Would you like me to prepare additional meals today to keep up with your increased regimen?"


    "No need," Noah said after tasting a bite of the omelette. His brow lifted slightly. "This is good. The perfect bnce of vour and substance."


    "Thank you, sir," Selena said, stepping back and folding her hands neatly in front of her. "I''ll ensure your smoothie is ready shortly. It''s fortified with extra protein, as requested."


    "Thanks for the smoothies, it tastes good." He said as he took a big gulp.


    Selena inclined her head slightly. "Thank you, sir. Is there anything else you''ll require before I tend to the house?"


    "No, this is fine," Noah replied, wiping his mouth with a napkin and getting up.


    She stepped aside as Noah made his way toward the door, her hands returning to the task of tidying the kitchen.


    Noah paused briefly at the doorway. "Good work, Selena."


    She looked up, a hint of pride flickering in her expression. "Thank you, sir."


    Outside in the sprawling garden, Pennyworth, Noah''s long-serving gardener, was carefully pruning the roses. His aged hands moved deftly, snipping away at the dried petals and leaves while ensuring the flowers maintained their vibrant bloom.


    The gentle hum of a watering can apany his meticulous work as he tended to the greenery with grace.


    Noah stepped onto the stone pathway, his gaze sweeping over the perfectly manicured garden. The air was fresh with the scent of flowers and damp earth.


    "Good job, Pennyworth," Noah called out with a faint smile, his voice carrying across the garden.


    Pennyworth straightened up slowly, turning to face Noah with a slight bow of respect. His weathered face broke into a small smile. "Thank you, Mr. Thompson. Just making sure everything stays as pristine as you like it."


    Noah paused, his gaze moving from the vibrant blooms to the carefully pruned hedges, taking in the tranquil order that Pennyworth had created. He stood silently for a moment, his hands resting casually in his pockets, before speaking, his voice calm butced with a quiet intensity.


    "You''re not wrong, Pennyworth," he began, his eyes narrowing slightly. "But gardens aren''t the only things that demand constant attention. He who neglects what is done for what ought to be done sooner brings about his ruin than his preservation. Tending to the present chaos ensures the future remains in order."


    Pennyworth straightened slightly, the weight of Noah''s words hanging in the air like a morning mist. The older man nced at the young master, his sharp eyes catching the subtle edge beneath the seemingly benign statement.


    "A practical truth, sir. And a cautionary one," he replied with a nod, his tone carrying an air of approval. "Rest assured, this garden¡ªand anything else under my care¡ªwill not be neglected."

 Chapter 207 The Millitary Base

    After helping his family unpack and settle into the new apartment, Noah decided to stay for dinner.


    Caroline prepared arge meal, filling the new kitchen with the aroma of freshly cooked food.


    The family sat around their new dining table, the atmosphere warm and filled with chatter as they adjusted to their new home.


    After dinner, Noah leaned back in his chair, patting his stomach lightly. "That was delicious, Mom. Thanks again,"


    Emily nodded, "Yes Mom, the food was amazing¡ªas usual."


    Caroline smiled warmly, already gathering the tes. "Thank you, sweeties. I''m d that you all enjoyed the food today, I was worried it would not turn out well because I was fatigued from all the work of packing and unpacking."


    David, sipping on another cup of Noah''s tea, nodded in agreement. "It''s been a big day. Thanks again, son, for helping us with the move."


    "It''s nothing," Noah said with a small wave of his hand. "I''m d I could help."


    As Noah stood to leave, David called out, "Noah, wait a second."


    He turned back, curious. "What''s up, Dad?"


    David nced at Caroline before continuing, "We were talking earlier¡­ We haven''t seen any neighbours since we got here. What''s the situation with that?"


    Caroline nodded, adding, "It''s a little strange, don''t you think? The ce is so beautiful, and yet it feels deserted."


    Noah chuckled softly, scratching the back of his neck. "Right¡­ about that. You''re actually the only current residents right now. My friend¡ªhe''s the one who handles the leasing¡ªallowed you to move in early because of our connection."


    David raised an eyebrow. "So, we''re living in a building meant for ghosts, then?"


    Noahughed, shaking his head. "Not quite. The other tenants will start moving in about a week or so. This is just a head start because, well, my friend owed me a favour."


    Caroline''s brows furrowed slightly before she sighed in relief. "I see. Well, that''s kind of him. Make sure to thank him for us, alright?"


    "Will do," Noah replied with a grin. "But don''t worry about it. By the time you''ve fully settled in, you''ll have neighbours to meet."


    David leaned back in his chair, looking amused. "I guess this means we''ve got the entire building to ourselves for now. Not bad."


    "Not bad at all," Caroline agreed her tone light. "It''ll be nice to have a little peace and quiet before everyone else moves in."


    Noah smiled at their easy eptance. "Alright, I''ll take my leave now. You two get some rest. Moving''s been hard."


    Caroline ced a hand on his arm as he leaned down to hug her goodbye. "Drive safe, Noah. And don''t forget to take care of yourself too, alright?"


    "I won''t, Mom." Noah hugged her back, then gave David a firm handshake before heading out the door.


    ...


    The next day arrived, the morning sunlight streaming through the windows of Noah''s mansion.


    He texted Selena, instructing her to prepare breakfast earlier than usual. With that done, he headed to the shower room, letting the warm water wash over him as he mentally prepared for the day ahead.


    After showering and getting dressed in a tailored outfit that bnced casualfort with professionalism, Noah headed to the kitchen. Selena had made another protein-rich breakfast.


    "Breakfast is ready, sir," Selena said, bowing slightly before stepping back to give him space.


    "Thanks, Selena," Noah said as he took his seat. He quickly yet efficiently finished his meal, savouring the perfectly seasoned eggs and fresh juice.


    After eating, he grabbed his keys and headed to the garage. Sliding into the driver''s seat of his Lykan HyperSport, he started the engine and began the drive to Amelia''s house.


    Outside Amelia''s house, the military vehicle parked out front was unmissable. Adam stood beside it, his posture straight andmanding as he waited for Noah''s arrival.


    As Noah pulled up and stepped out of his car, Adam gave him a slight nod.


    "You ready?" Adam asked, his voice calm but with an edge of anticipation.


    Noah grinned confidently. "I''m ready. Let''s go."


    Adam opened the door to the military car and gestured for Noah to enter. "Alright, get in my car. I''ll take you there."


    Noah raised an eyebrow butplied, sliding into the passenger seat. The interior was no-frills, sturdy and functional.


    Starting the car, Adam spoke as he checked his mirrors. "It''s going to be a bit of a drive. Hope you''re ready to see what you signed up for."


    Noah leaned back in his seat, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "I''m not just ready¡ªI''m looking forward to it."


    Adam chuckled lightly, his eyes briefly ncing at Noah. "Good. You''re going to need that attitude where we''re headed."


    As the vehicle pulled away from the house and onto the main road, Noah nced out the window, his thoughts ying within himself.


    Today marked the beginning of a new chapter.


    Adam drove in silence for a few moments before speaking again. "You''re about to see a side of the world few people ever get to witness. This isn''t just about proving yourself, Noah. It''s about understanding what it means to carry the weight of responsibility on your shoulders."


    Noah turned his gaze from the window to Adam, his expression unreadable but his voice steady. "I''ve carried weight before. This won''t be any different¡ªjust arger scale."


    Adam''s lips twitched upward in a faint smile. "I like that."


    Adam brought the military vehicle to a gradual stop as a massive, fortified fence loomed ahead.


    The area around them was barren, marked only by rugged terrain and sparse vegetation. It was clear that secure operations were conducted within its perimeters.


    "We''re here," Adam said, his tone calm but with an underlying authority. The transformation in his demeanour was obvious.


    The rxed, familial air he usually carried around Noah and his family was reced by the stern personality of a senior military officer.


    As they approached the gate, two soldiers in military uniforms stepped forward, their boots hitting the ground in perfect synchronization.


    They saluted sharply, their posture rigid.


    "Lieutenant Adam, sir!" one of the soldiers said, his voice loud and firm.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Adam returned the salute with a curt nod, his face unreadable. "Open the gate."


    "Yes, sir!" the soldier responded.


    Without hesitation, they moved with precision, signalling to the guards in the watchtower. A low buzz followed as the massive gates began to slide open, revealing a narrow road nked by tall barbed-wire fences.


    The soldiers stood at attention, maintaining their posture as Adam drove through.


    Noah observed everything in silence, his sharp eyes taking in the discipline and structure of the scene. There was an obvious difference between the casual world outside and the military''s controlled environment.


    His thoughts churned as he silently assessed the surroundings, filing away details for future use.


    Inside the perimeter, the road stretched on for what felt like miles. Guard towers punctuated thendscape, each manned by soldiers armed with state-of-the-art weapons. asionally, small patrols moved along the fences, their eyes scanning for any irregrities. The hum of drones overhead added to the air of vignce.


    "This isn''t a ce for the faint-hearted," Adam said, his voice breaking the silence. "Everything you see here serves a purpose. The soldiers, the surveince, the systems¡ªall of it is designed to ensure that no threat ever breaches these walls."


    Noah leaned back slightly in his seat, his smirk faint but telling. "Good. A ce like this should reflect strength."


    Adam nced at him briefly, his expression unreadable. "Strength is only half the battle. Discipline, loyalty, and strategy¡ªthat''s what makes an operation like this sessful. Without those, all of this," he gestured subtly toward the structures around them, "is just a facade."


    Noah nodded but remained silent, his thoughts focused as he processed Adam''s words.


    After another five minutes of driving, the vehicle approached a sprawling set of buildings. The mainpound was a massive structure, fortified with reinforced steel and surrounded by smaller facilities. Soldiers moved purposefully, their every action reflecting efficiency and training.


    Some were engaged in drills, others sparring in open training fields. Vehicles roared as they were tested on dirt tracks, and the distant sound of gunfire hinted at a shooting range.


    Adam brought the car to a stop in front of the main building. As soon as the engine was cut, another pair of soldiers approached, saluting sharply.


    "Wee back, Lieutenant," one of them said. His gaze flickered briefly to Noah, curiosity evident but unspoken.


    "This is Noah Thompson," Adam said without preamble. "He''s here on official business. Treat him with the same respect you''d give me."


    "Yes, sir!" the soldier responded, his tone unwavering.


    Adam turned to Noah, his expression serious. "Wee to the heart of operations. From this point forward, your actions will speak louder than any words. Show everyone what you''re made of."


    Noah stepped out of the car, his gaze sweeping across the base, the faintest hint of a smirk ying on his lips as he walked toward the main building.

 Chapter 209 Breaking Records

    The wiry soldier''s confidence faltered for the first time. His gaze darted between his own respectable grouping and Noah''s impable precision.


    He clenched his jaw, refusing to let his shock show.


    The buzz-cut soldier let out a low whistle, his disbelief breaking the silence. "Lieutenant Adam... where did you find this freak?" His voice carried a mixture of awe and incredulity.


    Adam stood with his arms crossed, his stern expression betraying nothing. But inside, pride swelled in his chest. ''He is way Better than I thought. I knew I wasn''t wrong about him,'' he mused.


    Noah didn''t let the murmurs distract him.


    Moving to the longest-range target, he adjusted his aim with a calm efficiency that sent shivers down the spines of the onlookers. The wiry soldier followed suit, and his determination reignited. He fired his shots, and while they were excellent, a few strayed slightly outside the bullseye.


    Noah took his position, his expression serene. He didn''t rush.


    He simply aimed and fired, each shotnding precisely on top of thest. The sound of his rifle firing was met with stunned silence as his target was obliterated with pinpoint uracy.


    The athletic woman couldn''t hold back her amazement any longer. "How is that humanly possible?" she blurted, turning to Adam for answers.


    Adam remained silent, his mind racing. ''This kid¡­ he''s even more exceptional than I anticipated. He''s not just good, he''s wless.''


    The wiry soldier lowered his rifle and stared at Noah, shaking his head in disbelief. "There''s no way anyone could be that urate."


    Noah slung his rifle over his shoulder and turned to face the group, his expression calm but carrying a faint smirk. "It''s all about breathing. Once you''ve mastered that, the rest falls into ce."


    Adam stepped forward, finally breaking his silence. "Let''s call it what it is¡ªexcellence. I brought Noah here because I knew he could rise to the challenge. What you''re seeing isn''t just skill, it''s dedication."


    The wiry soldier let out a breath, his scepticism giving way to respect. "Alright. Captain it is, then."


    Noah extended his hand, meeting the wiry soldier''s eyes. "I''ll be expecting all of you to maintain this level of discipline. We''re going to be working as a team, and I won''t ept anything less."


    The wiry soldier hesitated for a moment before gripping Noah''s hand firmly. "Understood, Captain."


    The athletic woman nodded in agreement, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Looks like we''re in good hands."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Adam watched the exchange, his pride in Noah solidifying. ''This team just got a strong captain.''


    "All right, everyone," Noah began, his voice calm yetmanding, "I''ll leave it to you to get me familiar with this base. Lieutenant Adam was vague on purpose¡ªprobably so I''d have to learn from you directly. So, tell me, what''s the deal here? What can we do?"


    The team exchanged nces, unsure how to approach the conversation with their new and very young captain. After a brief moment, Natasha, the athletic woman, stepped forward, her tone professional but slightly guarded. Stay updated via empire


    "Well, Captain," she started, "this base is designed for advanced tactical training and specialized missions. We''ve got some of the best facilities in the country, including top-tier shooting ranges,bat simtors, and even techbs for reconnaissance."


    Theo, the wiry man, nodded and added, "We''ve also got an obstacle course that''s no joke. It''s designed to push even the fittest soldiers to their limits. Then there''s the hand-to-handbat ring. That''s where we usually settle¡­ disagreements."


    Nathan, the buzz-cut soldier, leaned casually against the wall, his eyes fixed on Noah. "And the simtion room. That''s where we practice real-world scenarios. It''s as close to the field as you can get without risking your life."


    Noah listened, absorbing the information with a thoughtful expression. He nodded slowly. "Sounds solid. What about downtime? How do you all keep yourselves from going stir-crazy?"


    Natasha smirked, shrugging. "There''s a rec room, but don''t expect luxury. Pool table, some old chess sets, and a TV that''s seen better days. It''s functional, not fun."


    Theo chuckled. "Most of us stick to training during downtime¡ªkeeps the boredom at bay. The gym''s decent, though, if you''re into that."


    Nathan cracked a grin. "And if you''re really looking to vent some frustration, there''s a punching bag in the corner of the gym that''s practically a team member at this point."


    Noah allowed a faint smile to form. "Sounds like there''s no shortage of ways to stay in shape. And the missions¡ªteam-based or solo?"


    Natasha''s smirk faded as her expression turned serious. "Depends on the objective. Some are solo, but the big ones¡ªlike infiltration or extraction¡ªare all hands on deck. That''s when we have to rely on each other the most."


    Theo nodded firmly. "Trust is everything in those missions. If we''re not on the same page, things fall apart fast."


    Nathan tilted his head slightly, eyeing Noah with a mix of curiosity and challenge. "That''s something we''ll need to see with you, Captain. No offence, but trust doesn''te easy. Especially for someone we''ve just met."


    Noah met Nathan''s gaze, his expression calm but resolute. "Fair point," he said. "I don''t expect trust to be handed to me. I''ll earn it."


    The room grew quiet for a moment as the weight of his words settled in. Natasha was the first to break the silence, her tone lighter. "Alright, Captain. If you''re ready, we''ll give you the full tour."


    Noah gestured for her to lead the way. "Let''s see what this ce has to offer."


    The team led Noah outside to a sprawling field where the obstacle course stretched across a considerable distance. Each segment of the course was meticulously designed to test agility, strength, and endurance.


    "This is the gauntlet," Natasha said, gesturing to the maze of towering walls, rope climbs, muddy trenches, and monkey bars. "It''s one of the toughest obstacle courses in the country. Designed to break even the best soldiers."


    Theo added, his tone dry, "If you''re not exhausted by the fifth station, you''re probably not human."


    Nathan smirked, folding his arms. "The record to beat is 4 minutes and 32 seconds. Set by some Special Ops guy who was a beast."


    Noah nced at the course, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Looks fun. Let me give it a try."


    Natasha raised an eyebrow. "You sure, Captain? First-timers usually just walk through to get a feel for it."


    Noah shrugged, already walking toward the starting line. "Where''s the fun in that?"


    The team exchanged skeptical nces but said nothing as Noah stretched briefly and got into position.


    "Alright," Natasha called, pulling out a stopwatch. "On your mark¡­ get set¡­ go!"


    Noahunched forward, his movements fluid and precise. He sprinted toward the first obstacle: a ten-foot wall. Without missing a beat, he ran up the wall with a perfectly timed jump, grabbing the top edge and pulling himself over in one smooth motion.


    "Okay, decent start," Nathan muttered, but there was a hint of surprise in his voice.


    Next came the tire field¡ªrows ofrge tires that required careful foot cement. Noah danced through them with impable bnce and speed, barely slowing down.


    Theo whistled under his breath. "He''s fast."


    At the rope climb, Noah grabbed hold and scaled it with such efficiency that it looked effortless. He swung over the top and descended quickly, hitting the ground running.


    Natasha''s hand tightened on the stopwatch. "He''s making good time," she said, but her voice betrayed her disbelief.


    The monkey bars were next. The bars were intentionally spaced farther apart to test reach and upper body strength. Noah didn''t just swing through them; he practically glided, his arms and shoulders working in perfect synchronization.


    By the time he reached the muddy trenches, he dove in without hesitation, crawling through the sludge with speed and precision. The team watched in stunned silence as he cleared the final hurdles: a bnce beam and a sandbag carry.


    Finally, Noah crossed the finish line, barely winded. He brushed a bit of dirt off his sleeve and looked at Natasha. "How''d I do?"


    Natasha stared at the stopwatch, her mouth slightly open. She didn''t speak for a moment, prompting Nathan to lean over and look at the time.


    "Are you kidding me?" Nathan said, his voice a mix of shock and exasperation. "Three minutes t? That''s¡ªwhat, a minute and a half faster than the record?"


    Theo rubbed the back of his neck. "I thought breaking the record by a second was impressive. This¡­ this is insane."


    Natasha finally found her voice. "You didn''t just break the record, Captain. You obliterated it."


    Noah shrugged, a faint smirk on his lips. "Guess the course wasn''t designed to handle me."


    Nathan folded his arms, his eyes narrowing. "Alright, I''ll admit it. That was¡­ something. But don''t expect us to be this impressed all the time."


    Noah chuckled. "Don''t worry. I''ll try to keep setting the bar higher."


    Natasha shook her head, muttering, "Unbelievable," before ncing at the others.

 Chapter 211 Worried

    As the sun dipped below the horizon, Adam approached the group, his hands sped behind his back. His gaze took in the rxed vibe between the team and Noah. "How''s it going, everyone?"


    Natasha grinned wide, her earlierpetitive edge reced with genuine enthusiasm. "It''s been great, Lieutenant! You gave us a great captain."


    Adam raised an eyebrow, his surprise evident. He nced at the others, who nodded in agreement. Even Nathan, who had been the most sceptical, offered a small nod of acknowledgement.


    "I thought it might take some time for you all to warm up to him," Adam mused, his tone thoughtful. "But it seems like he really can change hearts."


    Natasha tilted her head with a smirk. "Well, he didn''t exactly give us much of a choice. The guy broke every record we have and still had the nerve to act like it was just another Tuesday."


    Nathan added with a chuckle, "Yeah, he even made us question if we were the elite soldiers or just trainees here to make him look good."


    "He''s different, Lieutenant. I think we all see that now." Theo said, his voice calm.


    Adam''s lips curled into a small smile. "That''s good to hear. I picked him to be your captain for a reason."


    Then, straightening up, Adam addressed the group. "Alright, it''s gettingte. Today was just about introductions and getting to know each other. Captain Noah will be leaving with me today."


    "What?!" Natasha''s protest was immediate, her face contorted into a pout. "How is our captain not staying with us in the same dorm?"


    Adam chuckled softly. "Because he won''t be with you full-time. He''s a busy person with many responsibilities outside this base. However," he added, ncing at Noah, "I''m sure he''ll make time to visit a few times a week. So don''t worry."


    Natasha crossed her arms and pouted further, muttering under her breath, "It doesn''t feel like a proper team without the captain here."


    Noah, unable to hold back his amusement, chuckled. "Don''t be upset. Next time Ie here, I''ll teach you a few things."


    Natasha''s pout disappeared instantly, reced with an eager grin. "You called it, Captain! We''ll be ready."


    Nathan smirked, crossing his arms. "If it''s anything like today, we''ll probably just get our egos shattered again."


    Theo shrugged with a faint smile. "I wouldn''t mind. It''s good to be challenged."


    Adam pped his hands together, drawing the group''s attention. "Alright, that''s enough for today. Let''s wrap this up."


    Natasha gave Noah a salute. "Safe travels, Captain. Don''t keep us waiting too long."


    Noah smirked, returning the salute. "Don''t worry. I won''t leave you hanging."


    As Noah followed Adam out of the base, he nced back to see the three of them waving goodbye.


    ...


    Adam pulled the car to a smooth stop in front of Noah''s mansion. The darkness made it hard for the guards to recognize the vehicle, and their professionalism kicked in immediately. Henderson, the leader of the guards stepped forward with amanding tone.


    "Stop!" he called out firmly, motioning for his team to stay on alert as he approached.


    Adam watched as the guard strode toward the vehicle.


    Henderson reached the driver''s side, knocked on the window, and took a step back. Slowly, the window rolled down, revealing Adam''s face.


    Henderson''s stern expression melted into one of sheer surprise. "Lieutenant Adam?"


    Adam blinked in equal shock as he recognised the face. "Henderson?"


    A brief silence hung in the air as both men stared at each other, years of unspoken history passing between them. Noah leaned back, the grin on his face growing wider. He had already anticipated this moment ever since he got into Adam''s car.


    "Lieutenant Adam, what are you doing here?" Henderson finally managed, his voice tinged with disbelief.


    Before Adam could respond, Henderson nced at the passenger seat, his eyes locking on Noah. Recognition shed across his face.


    "Boss Noah?" Henderson said, his voice filled with astonishment.


    "Hi," Noah said, a soft smile on his face.


    Henderson looked between the two, piecing things together quickly. His gaze shifted back to Adam. "You¡­ you know each other?"


    Adam nodded lightly, leaning back in his seat. "We are indeed close."


    Henderson''s expression became moreplex, his mind undoubtedly racing. He turned back to Noah, his respect evident. "Boss, you never mentioned that you were¡­ connected to the military."


    Noah shrugged.


    Noah had already anticipated this for several reasons. After arriving at his mansion for the first time, Noah realised that Henderson was too skilled for the job. So he decided to use the Memory nce skill, which showed him and told him many things about Henderson''s background.


    Henderson wasn''t just skilled¡ªhe was exceptional. His memories unfolded like a reel of action-packed history. Henderson had been a member of an elite special forces unit, working on missions that required nerves of steel and unparalleled precision. His teammates included Natasha, Theo, and Nathan, whom Noah hadn''t met yet at the time. Together, they had tackled missions most people wouldn''t dare dream of, each operation more dangerous than thest.


    But the memory also revealed the moment that changed everything. A mission gone wrong. Henderson sustained a severe injury that left him unable to continue his career in the military. Noah could feel the weight of that memory¡ªthe frustration, the sense of loss, and the eventual eptance that he would have to step away from the life he''d known. It was after this that Henderson had taken the role of guard leader.


    At first, Noah filed away the information, recognizing Henderson''s potential but deciding to wait for the right moment. It wasn''t until he entered the military base for the first time that everything clicked into ce. Seeing Natasha, Theo, and Nathan during his introduction triggered a wave of recognition. Their faces matched those he had seen in Henderson''s memories.


    "That''s it," Noah had thought, his eyes scanning their expressions. The connection was undeniable. Henderson had once stood shoulder-to-shoulder with these individuals, part of a tightly-knit team that handled missions others wouldn''t dare take on.


    It all fell into ce. Noah realized that Henderson''s current position wasn''t just a result of his injury; it was a strategic withdrawal, a retreat forced by circumstances but not a surrender of his talents. The fact that Henderson was now under Noah''s leadership was more than a coincidence¡ªit was an opportunity.


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    And Noah never wasted opportunities.


    From that moment, a newyer of his n began to form. Noah knew that Henderson could be a valuable asset, not just as a guard leader but as someone who could bridge his military and personal ventures. Henderson had the trust and respect of his former teammates, and Noah recognized the potential to use that connection to build an unshakable foundation for his goals.


    As Noah and Adam pulled into the mansion that evening, the sight of Henderson''s familiar figure approaching the car only confirmed what he had already been nning. This was the moment to nt the seed, to remind Henderson of his potential, cure him of his injury and show him that his skills hadn''t been forgotten.


    ...


    Inside his house, Adam moved through the quiet hallways, his thoughts swirling with the events of the day. He stopped in front of his father''s door and knocked lightly. A gruff voice responded, "Come in."


    Adam pushed the door open to find his father sitting in afortable chair, a smallmp casting a warm glow over his wrinkled features. The old man looked up, his eyes immediately catching the troubled expression on Adam''s face.


    "What''s on your mind, son?" he asked, setting aside the book he''d been reading.


    Adam hesitated for a moment before stepping fully into the room and closing the door behind him. "It''s Noah," he began, his toneced with unease.


    The old man frowned, leaning forward slightly. "What about him?"


    Adam exhaled, trying to put his thoughts into words. "He''s¡­ too talented, Dad. I''ve never seen anyone like him. I''m starting to feel¡ªworried."


    The old man raised an eyebrow. "Worried? Why? Isn''t his talent a good thing? Especially for us?"


    Adam shook his head, his expression conflicted. "You don''t understand. It''s not just talent¡ªit''s beyond that. He''s hiding so much. Today, he broke every single record in the base. The obstacle course? He obliterated the previous time, and made it look like thest record-holder was just a kid ying games. The shooting range? Perfect bullseyes, one after the other, like it was second nature to him. And the simtion room¡­" Adam trailed off, rubbing the back of his neck.


    "What about the simtion room?" the old man pressed.


    "He didn''t just beat the record¡ªhe annihted it. By such a margin that it made the previous scores lookughable. His physical strength, his reflexes, his precision¡­ everything about him isn''t normal. It''s almost¡­ unnerving."


    The old man leaned back, his fingers steepled in thought. "You think he''s hiding his abilities on purpose?"


    Adam nodded slowly. "He''s not just talented¡ªhe''s calcting. I''m starting to feel like every move he makes is deliberate. He''s not just skilled, he''s methodical. He only shows what he wants people to see. That level of control¡­ it makes me wonder."


    The old man''s expression softened as he chuckled under his breath. "Adam, you''re overthinking this. Yes, Noah is exceptional, but think about everything he''s done for us. The man saved not only my life but Amelia''s. He could have asked for anything in return, but he didn''t. Not even once. He''s shown us loyalty, and he''s proven his integrity."


    Adam frowned, unconvinced. "But what if his loyalty is conditional? What if he''s building something for himself, and we''re just stepping stones?"


    The old man leaned forward, his tone firm. "Listen, Adam. Hiding his skills isn''t the same as deceit. Did he have a ce to showcase his talents before now? No. Did he have ess to a shooting range or a military-grade simtion room? Of course not. Maybe he''s just a man who''s finally found an outlet for what he''s capable of. And maybe¡­ he doesn''t feel the need to show everything unless it''s necessary."


    Adam sighed, rubbing his temples. "I don''t know, Dad. Something about him¡­ it''s hard to put into words. It''s like he''s always five steps ahead of everyone, and we''re just catching up."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The old man smiled knowingly. "And isn''t that exactly what we need? Someone who can see further than we can, someone who can do what others can''t? Instead of worrying, think about how fortunate we are to have someone like him in our corner. Trust is earned, Adam, and so far, Noah''s done nothing to lose ours."


    Adam stared at his father for a moment, the weight of his words settling in. "You''re right. Maybe I''m just overthinking it. He hasn''t given us a reason to doubt him."


    The old man nodded. "Exactly. Now let the man work his magic, and let''s support him while he does. Who knows? Noah might be the one to change everything¡ªfor us and for this country."


    Adam managed a small smile. "Thanks, Dad. I''ll leave you to rest."


    As he turned to leave, the old man''s voice followed him. "And Adam? Keep an open mind. Great men often seem mysterious because they think in ways the rest of us can''t."


    Adam nodded and walked out.


    Whilst Adam was lost in his spiralling worries, Noah was stepping out of his luxurious jacuzzi, the steam swirling around him like a veil. He grabbed a towel, patting himself dry before draping it around his shoulders.


    Dressing in a casual yet luxurious pyjama set, Noah forewent his bedroom and descended the grand staircase instead, heading straight for the living room.


    Noah sank into the plush couch, one leg casually crossed over the other, his fingers tapping lightly on the armrest.


    ncing at the ornate clock on the wall, he smirked faintly as if knowing something others didn''t. Almost on cue, the doorbell rang with a crisp chime.


    "There he is," Noah muttered to himself, standing with aposed grace.

 Chapter 212 Hendersons Request

    He walked to the door, his footsteps silent on the polished marble floor.


    Opening it, he was met with the sight of Henderson, standing with his usual rigid posture. Despite the professionalism in his demeanour, there was a flicker of hesitance in Henderson''s eyes.


    "Boss," Henderson greeted, his voice steady but tinged with formality. "I hope I''m not disturbing your peace."


    Noah''s calm smile softened the edge of Henderson''s tension. "Not at all," he replied, stepping aside to let him in. "Come in."


    Henderson hesitated briefly, then nodded and stepped inside, his boots clicking faintly against the floor. His sharp eyes scanned the room instinctively before he turned back to Noah, who closed the door with a soft click. Enjoy new chapters from empire


    "Take a seat," Noah gestured toward the armchair across from the couch. Henderson hesitated again but eventually obliged, sitting on the edge of the chair as though ready to spring up at a moment''s notice.


    Noah leaned back onto the couch, his bodynguage rxed but his gaze keen. "What brings you here at this hour?" he asked, his tone casual, almost inviting.


    Although Noah posed the question, he already knew the reason. He had orchestrated this moment with meticulous care.


    Henderson cleared his throat, his gaze momentarily darting to the floor before meeting Noah''s. "Boss, I wanted to thank you for the tea you''ve given me. It''s helped me immensely with a few health issues."


    Noah nodded slightly, the corners of his mouth lifting into a faint, knowing smile. "I see. Well, you''re wee," he said, his tone warm yetced with an undercurrent of purpose as if he had anticipated this exact revtion.


    In Henderson''s mind, the pieces started to fall into ce. ''He knew. He had to have known. Maybe his connections in the military tipped him off about my injuries. Or maybe it''s something else...'' Regardless, the ''why'' didn''t matter to Henderson at this moment.


    Clearing his throat again, Henderson gathered his courage. "Boss, I want to ask for a favour."


    Noah''s gaze sharpened slightly, though his expression remained calm. "Go on."


    "I... I want more of that tea. It''s not just for casual drinking; it''s something I need. That tea¡ª" Henderson hesitated, his emotions tightening his voice. "It''s given me a glimpse of what I used to be. I want to go back to the military. I want to feel that strength again, to reim what I''ve lost. But for that, I need more of that tea. I need to healpletely."


    Noah''s smile widened, though his eyes remained unreadable. He leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on his knees as his fingers inteced. "You know," he began, his voice calm yet cutting through the air like a de, "that tea can only heal you slightly. It will notpletely cure you."


    Henderson''s face fell, the weight of disappointment settling over him. His shoulders sagged, and his voice softened. "I see..." he began, but Noah''s voice cut through his despair like lightning.


    "But."


    Henderson''s head shot up, his eyes locking onto Noah''s. That single word carried the weight of possibility, of something he hadn''t dared hope for.


    Noah leaned back again, his calm smile now carrying a hint of something sharper¡ªconfidence, control, and opportunity all wrapped together. "But there''s more to healing than just tea. And more to strength than just recovery. You''ve proven yourself capable, Henderson, both in the past and here. That''s why you''re with me now."


    Henderson''s brow furrowed slightly, unsure of where Noah was leading.


    "I''ll help you," Noah said inly, his voice leaving no room for doubt. "But it won''t just be through tea. You''ll train under my guidance. You''ll be better than you were before¡ªstronger, faster, sharper. The injuries that sidelined you? They''ll be a thing of the past. But in exchange..." Noah''s tone grew deliberate, "I expect loyalty. Complete and unwavering."


    Henderson''s breath hitched. The words struck him hard, not out of fear, but out of the weight of the opportunity Noah was dangling before him. It wasn''t just about healing or going back to what he was¡ªit was about bing more.


    "Yes," Henderson said firmly, the hesitation gone from his voice. "The military always had my loyalty."


    Noah''s smile vanished instantly, the warmth in his expression reced by a sharp, icy gaze. His tone dropped an octave, calm but carrying a weight that made Henderson straighten instinctively.


    "No, Henderson," Noah said, his voice cutting through the room like a de. "You didn''t hear me clearly. I saidplete loyalty to me. Not to the military, not to Lieutenant Adam¡ªno one else but me and me alone."


    Henderson''s face contorted as the meaning behind Noah''s words settled in. His brows furrowed, and his lips parted slightly, but no words came out. He realized this wasn''t a casual offer.


    It was a pivotal moment, one that would shape his future.


    Noah leaned back into the couch, his sharp gaze never leaving Henderson''s face. His tone softened, but only slightly. "Of course, Henderson, I won''t go against the military. But you know better than anyone that life isn''t a straight line. It throws curveballs¡ªsituations you can''t avoid, power struggles you can''t control. There maye a day when I''m opposed, or worse, oppressed, by someone higher up. When that dayes, I need to know you''ll stand by me."


    Henderson''s mind raced as he tried to process the implications. ''This man... he''s not just looking for support. He''s nning for every possibility, including the worst-case scenario.''


    Noah didn''t give him time to respond, continuing with deliberate precision. "You''ve been given a second chance, Henderson. A chance to start a new path. Not just for yourself, but with your old teammates. Nathan, Natasha, Theo..." Noah paused, allowing the names to settle in Henderson''s mind.


    Henderson''s eyes widened in shock, his jaw ckening. "You... You know them?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.


    "Oh, I know them very well," Noah replied, his lips curving into a faint, knowing smile. "I''m their captain now."


    The weight of Noah''s words hit Henderson like a freight train. His former teammates¡ªthe people he trusted his life with, the ones he thought he''d never see again¡ªwere now under Noah''smand.


    Henderson clenched his fists, his emotions a mixture of disbelief, admiration, and an odd sense of relief. "You... You''ve already brought them together?"


    Noah nodded, leaning forward slightly. His gaze bore into Henderson''s, making it clear he was serious. "They''re waiting for you. But the question is, will you join them? Will you stand by me¡ªnot just as a subordinate, but as someone I can trust unconditionally?"


    Henderson swallowed hard, the gravity of the situation sinking in. He thought about his life, the injuries that had sidelined him, the bitterness he carried for years. This wasn''t just about loyalty¡ªit was about purpose, about being part of something greater than himself again.


    "I..." Henderson started, his voice trembling slightly before he straightened his back. "Yes. My loyalty is yours, Noah."


    Noah''s smile returned, this time genuine but still carrying that edge of control. "Good. Wee to your new path, Henderson."


    As Noah stood and extended his hand, Henderson took it without hesitation, gripping it firmly. He wasn''t sure where this path would lead, but for the first time in years, he felt a sense of direction¡ªand hope. Noah, on the other hand, felt satisfaction. Piece by piece, his n wasing together.


    Noah led Henderson to the guest room, the soft light casting a warm glow over the minimalist decor. The room was neat, with a simple bed and a nightstand. Noah gestured toward the bed.


    "Lie down and take off your shirt," Noah instructed, his tone firm but calm.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Henderson nodded andplied. As he removed his shirt, the scars across his torso became visible¡ªtestaments to a life lived on the edge, with battles fought and survived. His physique was still impressive, a testament to his discipline despite the injury.


    "Still keeping in shape," Noah remarked, his tone neutral but observant.


    "It''s the least I can do," Henderson replied. "The body''s a soldier''s tool. Even with my injury, I couldn''t let it waste away."


    Noah gave a small nod before stepping out of the room. "Wait here," he said. "I''ll get what I need."


    Outside the room, Noah opened his inventory. He retrieved a set of acupuncture needles and a small vial of an advanced medicinal solution he''d purchased earlier from the Exchange Shop. This solution was known for its extraordinary ability to elerate cellr repair.


    Returning to the room, Noah found Henderson lying on the bed, staring at the ceiling.


    "Alright, this may feel strange, but it''s necessary," Noah said as he rolled up his sleeves.


    "What exactly are you going to do?" Henderson asked, his voice tinged with curiosity.


    "Something that will get you back on your feet without any issues," Noah replied cryptically, cing the needles and vial on the nightstand. He pulled on a pair of sterile gloves and began preparing the solution.

 Chapter 213 Hendersons Injury is cured

    Noah inserted the first acupuncture needle with precision, targeting a key meridian point near Henderson''s upper back. As the needle pierced his skin, Henderson felt a strange warmth spread through his body.


    "What¡­ what is that?" Henderson asked, his voice tinged with surprise.


    "The needles are stimting your energy pathways," Noah exined as he continued. "I''m unlocking areas of your body that have stagnated due to your injury."


    One by one, Noah ced the needles in specific points along Henderson''s back, arms, and legs. Each insertion was apanied by a slight tingle, followed by a wave of rxation.


    Then, Noah picked up the vial of the advanced medicinal solution. "This is where the real magic happens," he said. He used a sterile syringe to extract a small amount and injected it near the site of Henderson''s injury.


    The reaction was immediate. Henderson gasped as a surge of warmth spread from the injection site, radiating throughout his body. It was as if his muscles were being awakened, the dormant cells springing back to life. Enjoy new adventures from empire


    "Breathe deeply," Noah instructed. "Let the solution circte through your system."


    Minutes passed, and Noah began removing the needles, one by one. Henderson sat up slowly, his movements careful at first. Then, as he twisted his torso experimentally, his eyes widened.


    "The pain¡­ it''s gone," Henderson said, disbelief etched on his face. He flexed his arm and then his back, his movements fluid and unrestricted. "I haven''t felt like this in years."


    Noah smiled faintly, packing up his equipment. "You''re not just healed. You''re better. Stronger. But don''t push yourself too hard yet. Give it a day for the full effects to settle."


    After healing Henderson, Noah spoke to him for a while about a few things.


    ...


    The next day, after finishing his morning routine of hitting the gym and having breakfast, Noah received a call from Lionel.


    "Boss, the gold shop is ready. Would you like toe check it out?" Lionel asked.


    "Alright, I''m on my way," Noah replied before heading out of his house.


    The morning sunlight glinted off the surface of his car as he drove toward the location of the new shop.


    ...


    Arriving at the location, Noah saw Lionel, Leo, and Ryker standing in front of a sleek storefront. The shop sign gleamed in the sunlight, its bold lettering showcasing the name they had chosen.


    "Golden Crown."


    Noah parked his car and stepped out, his calm butmanding demeanour immediately noticeable. Seeing him approach, Lionel, Leo, and Ryker didn''t wait and walked up to him.


    "Boss," they said in unison, nodding respectfully.


    Noah acknowledged their greeting with a slight nod, his gaze scanning the exterior of the shop before settling on Lionel. "Lead the way," he said in his usual calm tone.


    Lionel nodded enthusiastically. "Alright, Boss. Follow me."


    As they entered the gold shop, a faint scent of polished wood and metal filled the air. The interior was impably designed, with ss disy cases lining the walls, showcasing a variety of golden essories


    . Nes, bracelets, and rings sparkled under soft overhead lighting. A few gold bars were disyed in a secure case at the centre, their weight and purity marked.


    Lionel gestured toward the disys, his voice steady but filled with pride. "Boss, we bought a few of these nes and rings to start with, as ceholders. But our main stock is crafted from the gold bars you provided us."


    Leo chimed in, "We''ve been following your instructions to the letter, Boss. We melted and shaped the gold bars into various designs. These pieces here,"¡ªhe gestured toward a tray of intricately designed rings¡ª"are some of the first results."


    Noah walked slowly along the disy cases, his sharp eyes taking in every detail. He reached out and picked up a ne, inspecting the intricate craftsmanship.


    "The quality is good," Noah remarked, his tone neutral but thement clearly apliment.


    Ryker stepped forward, adding, "We''ve also ensured the shop is secured with the best locks and cameras. Nobody''s getting in or out without us knowing."


    Noah nodded approvingly. "Good."


    Lionel then pointed toward a separate section of the shop. "Over here, Boss. This is where we n to disy custom orders. Once the word gets out that we''re offering personalized designs, we expect a lot of interest."


    Noah''s lips curled into a faint smile. "You''ve done well, all of you. The presentation is clean, the security is tight, and the product quality is excellent. This is a good start."


    Ryker grinned at the praise. "Thank you, Boss. We''ll keep pushing to make this the best shop in the area."


    Noah nodded again, then added, "Make sure to keep a close eye on customer feedback and market demand. I want weekly reports on what''s selling and what''s not. Adjust the designs ordingly."


    "Understood," Lionel replied firmly.


    Before leaving, Noah turned to face them. "Remember, this shop isn''t just about selling gold. It''s about building trust and reputation. Do that, and the profits wille naturally."


    Lionel nodded, his expression thoughtful as he absorbed Noah''s words. "Understood, Boss."


    "Alright then," Noah said, his gaze sweeping over Lionel, Leo, and Ryker. "Just make sure that this business is solely on the surface. No under-the-table transactions, no shady dealings. Understood?"


    "Yes, Boss," Lionel replied with a firm nod, the others echoing his sentiment.


    "Good," Noah said, his tone easing slightly. "You can open the shop whenever you feel ready. Just remember, the image we''re building here is everything. Don''t let anythingpromise it."


    The three men nodded again, their expressions resolute. Noah gave a small nod of approval, then turned and headed toward his car. The sleek vehicle purred to life as he slid into the driver''s seat, his thoughts already shifting to his next destination: the Crown Veridian Hotel.


    As Noah drove through the bustling streets, his mind wandered to the hotel. He owned 51% of its shares, a significant majority, but he still hadn''t checked it out thoroughly.


    Pulling up to the grand entrance of the Crown Veridian Hotel, Noah brought his car to a stop right at the main entrance. The hotel''s manager, whom Noah already alerted was already waiting outside, his posture straight and his face a mask of professionalism.


    Noah stepped out of his lykan hyper sport, the sound of the engine cutting off drawing the attention of guests nearby. The valet staff immediately stood at attention but made no move to direct Noah to a parking area or take his keys¡ªthe manager already told them. Noah parked confidently, his car gleaming under the sunlight, the picture of effortless power and authority.


    Nearby, another car, an expensive sports model, pulled up behind Noah''s vehicle. A man in a tailored suit got out, his expression smug as he handed his keys to the valet. The staff member hesitated, then spoke politely, "I''m sorry, sir, but we don''t allow parking at the main entrance. You''ll need to park in the designated area."


    The man''s face twisted in annoyance. "What? But he''s parked right there," he said, gesturing toward Noah''s car. His tone was sharp, drawing a few nces from passersby.


    The valet, unfazed, responded calmly, "That''s Mr. Noah Thompson, sir. He owns the Crown Veridian Hotel. When you own the hotel, you can park anywhere you like¡ªeven in the presidential suite if you so choose."


    The man''s mouth opened as if to argue, but no words came out.


    His face flushed slightly as he processed the information, then shut his mouth with a frustrated huff. Grumbling under his breath, he got back into his car and drove off to find the designated parking area.


    Several other guests who had been watching chuckled quietly at the exchange, clearly enjoying the man''s difort.


    Meanwhile, Noah walked up the grand staircase, his stride unhurried. The manager greeted him with a deep nod and a smile, "Good afternoon, Mr. Thompson. I deeply apologise for my behaviour at our first meet during that party."


    Noah shook his hand in front of him in dismay. "Forget about it,"


    "Thank you for your generosity, sir!" The manager responded with a grateful tone, he was worried that Noah would hold it against him and make trouble or even fire him.


    The manager led Noah through the opulent corridors of the Crown Veridian Hotel, pointing out thetest renovations and areas of interest.


    They stopped by the fine dining restaurant, which had just earned a prestigious award, and then the ballroom, where an event nner was preparing for an upscale g.


    Noah nodded asionally, his expression calm but attentive, taking in everything as if he were mentally cataloguing the hotel''s operations.


    Eventually, the manager escorted Noah to his office, a spacious room with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a sweeping view of the city skyline.


    The manager gestured toward a leather chair, and Noah sat down, resting one ankle on his knee as the manager settled into the chair opposite him.


    "Mr. Thompson," the manager began, sliding a neatly bound report across the desk, "this document contains the current profit margins, operational costs, and forecasts for the next quarter. As you can see, the profit margin has increased by 15% since the renovation of our premium suites. The ballroom bookings have also contributed significantly."


    Noah picked up the report and scanned it briefly, flipping through the pages with deliberate speed.


    His sharp eyesnded on a few figures that seemed slightly off, but not suspiciously so. "The margins are decent, but I noticed the operational costs for housekeeping seem to have risen disproportionately. Why is that?"


    The manager cleared his throat, his expression steady. "Ah, that''s due to the increased demand for the premium suites.


    Those rooms require more detailed maintenance and specialized cleaning services to maintain their appeal to high-profile clients. We''ve also added more staff to keep up with the workload."


    Noah nodded, his face impassive. "Understood. And the forecast¡ªdo you believe it''s realistic, or padded?"


    "Realistic, sir," the manager replied confidently. "We''ve based it on consistent trends and uing bookings. With the g season approaching, we expect an even higher influx of clientele."


    Noah ced the report back on the desk and stood up, extending his hand. "Good work so far. Keep it up, and ensure those forecasts be reality."


    The manager stood as well, reaching out to shake Noah''s hand. As their hands sped, Noah subtly activated his Memory nce skill. Instantly, shes of the manager''s recent actions and conversations surged into Noah''s mind.


    He saw the manager overseeing the renovation project, negotiating with suppliers, and encouraging the staff to uphold the highest standards. There were moments of stress but no signs of deceit or hidden agendas. Everything aligned with what the manager had said.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    As the memory shes ceased, Noah released the handshake and offered a faint smile. "You''re doing a fine job," he said, turning toward the door.


    The manager, oblivious to what had just urred, smiled warmly. "Thank you, Mr. Thompson. If there''s anything else you need, please don''t hesitate to ask."


    Noah left the office, his mind processing the information he''d just gathered.


    ''He''s honest. For now, I can trust him to handle things here,'' Noah thought as he walked through the hotel lobby.

 Chapter 214 Problems.

    After leaving the hotel, Noah slid into the driver''s seat of his sleek Lykan Hypersport, the engine purring to life as he prepared to head to his next destination. Just as he was about to pull out of the parking lot, his phone vibrated on the dashboard.


    He nced at the caller ID: Aiden.


    "Aiden?" he muttered, picking up the phone. "What''s up?"


    Aiden''s voice came through the line,ced with tension. Behind him, muffled shouts and high-pitched yelling could be heard, making it hard to focus on what he was saying.


    "Noah," Aiden''s voice sounded strained. "La''s here. She''s causing a massive scene. She is outside my house, screaming and cursing, demanding I give her your number. She''s refusing to leave. Honestly, if it weren''t for the fact that we were ssmates, I''d have called the cops by now. She''spletely out of control! What should I do?"


    Noah''s brow furrowed, a wave of irritation washing over him. La again. This was bing tiresome.


    "Alright," Noah said, his voice calm but cold. "I''m on my way. Don''t escte the situation¡ªjust keep an eye on her and make sure she doesn''t damage anything. I''ll handle it."


    "Got it," Aiden replied, relief creeping into his voice. "Thanks, man. This is getting out of hand."


    Hanging up the call, Noah gripped the steering wheel tighter for a moment, his knuckles whitening. He wasn''t surprised La was pulling another stunt, but her persistence was starting to grate on his nerves. Shaking his head, he took a deep breath and shifted gears.


    "I don''t have time for this nonsense," he muttered under his breath, his sharp gaze fixed on the road ahead.


    As he approached Aiden''s house, he could already see a small crowd gathering outside, drawn by themotion La was causing. Parking the Lykan smoothly, he stepped out of the car, his presence alone enough to make a few heads turn.


    "Who''s that?" a woman near the crowd asked, her eyes fixed on the car.


    "It''s Noah Thompson," someone whispered back. "He used to live near here, didn''t he? His family wasn''t doing too well back then."


    "Wait... you mean that Noah? The one who used to wear those old second-hand clothes?" another added, disbelief evident in their tone.


    "I heard they moved away. Looks like they struck gold or something," someone chimed in. "That car alone... must''ve cost millions."


    La, who had been pacing near the door with her arms crossed, froze mid-step as she noticed Noah step out of the car. Her gaze lingered on the vehicle for a moment before shifting to him. His calm assured demeanour immediately silenced the growing buzz of the crowd.


    ''He''s really changed...'' she thought, her eyes narrowing as a pang of regret coursed through her.


    Her mind raced with memories of her interactions with him in the past. ''How did I not see thising? He''s...'' Her thoughts cut short as she nced around the growing crowd, suddenly feeling their gazes and whispers.


    Noah, meanwhile, remained unaffected by the noise. He adjusted his jacket casually, his movements measured as if the situation were nothing more than a minor inconvenience.


    His sharp eyes took in the scene.


    La by the door, her stance faltering as he drew closer, the crowd murmuring and staring; and Aiden peeking nervously through the curtain of a nearby window.


    As Noah approached the house, someone in the crowd called out. "Hey, is that really Noah? The one who used to live around here?"


    "If it is," another replied, "he''s unrecognizable. Look at that car. That confidence."


    La''s earlier bravado seemed to dissolve as Noah finally stopped in front of her. She clenched her fists tightly, trying to muster some semnce of control over the situation, but her voice faltered as she spoke.


    "Noah..." she began, only to be cut off by his steady, unwavering tone.


    "I suggest we take this inside," Noah said, his gaze piercing through her. "You''ve already caused enough of a scene."


    Your next read awaits at empire


    "No, we are talking here, in front of everyone!" La snapped, her voice ringing through the air with newfound momentum.


    The crowd outside Aiden''s house began to grow as more people gathered to watch the drama unfold. The murmurs started low but quickly gained volume.


    "Wait, so it was Noah she''s been talking about this whole time?" someone whispered.


    "Noah Thompson? Didn''t his family use to live around here? They were struggling, right?"


    "Yeah, I heard they moved out, but... look at that car he''s driving. How did they get rich?"


    As the whispers swirled around him, Noah stood silently, his hands in his pockets, his calm gaze fixed on La. Her fury, however, was unabated.


    "Do you not have any shame? How could you!!" she shouted, her face red with anger. Her voice cracked slightly, but she continued undeterred. "Not only did you lie to my mum¡ªpromise her happiness and y with her emotions¡ªyou also left us with a debt we can''t repay!"


    The crowd murmured louder, their curiosity piqued. Some nodded, seemingly sympathetic to La''s plight, while others remained skeptical, watching Noah for any reaction.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Yes!" she shouted, her voice rising. "This man has a hotel! A whole hotel! And do you know what he did?" She paused, her dramatic pause only fueling the crowd''s interest. "He broke the TV in that hotel¡ªhis own hotel¡ªand then med it on me and my mother!"


    Gasps rippled through the onlookers.


    "No way," someone muttered. "That''s crazy."


    "Guess how much it cost to fix?" La demanded, looking directly at a few faces in the crowd.


    A man near the back raised a brow. "A couple thousand at most?"


    Laughed bitterly, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Try fifty thousand dors. Fifty thousand! For a TV!"


    More gasps spread through the crowd. Whispers turned into conversations as people started debating among themselves.


    "Fifty thousand for a TV? That can''t be real."


    "Maybe it''s one of those super high-tech ones."


    La pressed her advantage, her voice growing even louder. "I just got out of custody today because of him! My mum had to bail me out¡ªall because of this man standing here! He''s ruined my life and my mother''s life!"


    Noah remained calm, his expression unreadable as La continued her tirade. His silence only seemed to agitate her further, her hands gesturing wildly as she spoke.


    "You''ve manipted everyone around you, Noah! You pretend to be some perfect, sessful person, but the truth is¡ªyou''re a liar and a fraud!" she screamed.


    The crowd''s murmurs reached a fever pitch. Some seemed to be siding with La, their faces reflecting shock and outrage. Others eyed Noah with a mix of curiosity and doubt, unsure what to believe.


    Finally, Noah moved. He took a single step forward, and the murmurs fell silent. His calm, steady presencemanded attention. He tilted his head slightly, his voice quiet but firm as he spoke.


    "Are you done?"


    La froze, her momentum faltering for the first time. "Excuse me?" she said, her voice shaking slightly.


    "I asked if you were done," Noah repeated, his gaze unwavering.


    La stammered, caught off guard by his tone. "No! I¡ªI''m not done. You owe us an exnation!"


    Noah''s faint smile didn''t reach his eyes. "Oh, I owe you an exnation? That''s funny."


    Noah''s calm demeanour didn''t falter as La''s tirade continued. Her voice grew shriller, a desperate attempt to draw in the growing crowd and pin their sympathies to her side.


    "How can you stand there and not say anything, Noah? Defend yourself!" La demanded, turning her anger toward him once more. "You think your silence makes you look noble? It just makes you look guilty!"


    Noah finally moved, shifting his weight slightly as he sped his hands behind his back. He let out a soft sigh, his voice steady and cold. "La, I''ve already exined everything to you multiple times, but it seems you prefer drama over resolution. If shouting in public and ming others for your shorings makes you feel better, go ahead. But don''t expect me to entertain it."


    La faltered, her face reddening as her attempt to dominate the conversation began to crumble. She spun toward Aiden, pointing a trembling finger. "Aiden, how can you just stand there and let him manipte everyone? You''ve known him for years! Ask him! Ask him if the screenshots are true or not! I dare him to lie!"


    Aiden nced uneasily between Noah and La, scratching the back of his head. He was torn¡ªLa was beingpletely unreasonable, but her demand put him in an awkward position. "La, maybe this isn''t the best ce for this. You''re making a scene¡ª"


    "That''s the point!" she snapped. "People need to know who he really is!"


    The crowd murmured among themselves, their curiosity piqued further. La turned back to Noah, her chest heaving as she tried to steady her breathing. "Tell them, Noah! Admit it! Tell everyone that you were ying with my mother''s feelings, that you ruined her life just because I dumped you!"

 Chapter 215 Calling Sarah.

    "Tell them, Noah! Admit it! Tell everyone that you were ying with my mother''s feelings, that you ruined her life just because you could!" La''s voice cracked as her desperation reached its peak.


    The crowd murmured louder, their eyes darting between La and Noah, awaiting his response.


    Noah remained silent, his calm expression unwavering, which only seemed to fuel La''s anger.


    She pointed an using finger at him, her face red with frustration. "See? He won''t deny it! What kind of man stands there when confronted with the truth?"


    In the crowd, Aiden clenched his fists tightly. Doubt began to creep into his mind, gnawing at the edges of the friendship he had with Noah.


    ''Is this really the same Noah I''ve known for so long? Why won''t he defend himself? Is he actually guilty?'' Aiden''s thoughts swirled, his gaze fixed on Noah''s impassive face.


    Noah finally moved, his hands slipping into his pockets as he took out his mobile phone with deliberate calmness. The crowd watched in hushed silence, La included, as he pressed a button and ced the phone to his ear. The ringing tone echoed faintly in the tense air.


    Ring-Ring.


    The call connected, and a soft, slightly tired voice came through. "Hello?" Sarah''s tone carried confusion, as the number disyed on her phone was marked as ''No Caller ID.'' She wasn''t sure who was calling until she heard the unmistakable voice on the other end.


    "Come pick your daughter up from the streets," Noah said coldly, his tone devoid of any warmth. "She''s at Dagar Avenue, causing a scene and trouble for me."


    Sarah''s heart skipped a beat. She froze, her mind not immediately registering the words. "Noah?" she asked, her voice wavering in recognition. She hadn''t spoken to him since the fallout.


    Noah didn''t hesitate. His voice remained steady, controlled. "You heard me. Your daughter is here, shouting and screaming nonsense. This isn''t my problem anymore, Sarah. Discipline your daughter properly, or I will."


    The crowd gasped collectively at his bold words, the sheer weight of his tone cutting through the growing murmurs. La''s face paled as she heard him say her mother''s name, herposure cracking.


    On the other end of the line, Sarah''s grip on her phone tightened, her mind racing. "Wait, what did you say?" she stammered, struggling to catch up.


    Noah sighed softly, his voice as icy as ever. "I said," he repeated, enunciating every word with piercing rity, "Come pick your daughter up from the street. She''s making a fool of herself¡ªand you. I thought we already put an end to this whole drama, but it seems you''ve failed to handle it. Do your job, Sarah, or I''ll do it for you."


    There was a long pause on the other end of the call.


    Sarah''s silence stretched on, her mind a swirl of embarrassment, shame, and anger. She finally hung up without a word.


    The sound of the call disconnecting was sharp in Noah''s ear. He lowered his phone, slipping it back into his pocket with a faint smirk. His eyes locked onto La''s, his gaze unwavering and cold.


    La''s bravado faltered further, her mouth opening as if to retort but no words came out. The crowd watched in stunned silence, their perception of the situation shifting drastically.


    Meanwhile, in a small house just a five-minute drive away, Sarah mmed her phone onto the counter. Her chest heaved as she tried to steady her breathing.


    A mix of emotions flooded her¡ªanger at La for causing another scene, shame at having to face Noah again, and an undeniable sense of urgency.


    "Damn it, La," she muttered under her breath, quickly grabbing her keys and rushing out the door. Her mind raced as she hurried to the location Noah had given her.


    ''How could she still be doing this? Why can''t she just leave him alone?'' she thought.


    Aiden nced at Noah, his expression a mix of confusion and suspicion. "Was that her mom?" he asked, his voice low as if he wasn''t sure he wanted to hear the answer.


    "It was," Noah replied simply, his tone calm and unaffected, his eyes still locked on La with an almost predatory intensity. He didn''t even nce at Aiden, as though the question barely warranted his attention.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Aiden frowned, his thoughts swirling. ''How does he have her mother''s number? Is La actually telling the truth? Did Noah really do something to her mom?''


    The murmurs of the crowd only fueled Aiden''s unease. A few onlookers whispered to each other, their voices barely audible but enough to nt more seeds of doubt in Aiden''s mind.


    "How would he even have her number?" someone in the crowd muttered, their tone sceptical.


    "Maybe she gave it to him," another replied. "Or maybe La isn''t lying after all¡­"


    Aiden shifted ufortably. His mind raced back to the screenshots La had shown the ss at the party. ''Was there some truth to her usations? Or is Noah just a lot moreplicated than I thought?''


    He clenched his fists, unsure of what to believe. He had known Noah for years, but recently, it felt like his friend had be an enigma¡ªa puzzle with pieces that didn''t quite fit.


    Noah finally broke the silence, his voice cutting through Aiden''s spiraling thoughts. "You''re overthinking this," he said, his gaze still fixed on La, who had gone pale and seemed to be shrinking under the weight of his stare.


    Aiden blinked, startled. "What?"


    "You''re trying to piece together something that doesn''t need piecing. You know who I am," Noah said evenly, his tone carrying an unspoken finality. "The question is, do you trust what you know, or are you going to let someone like her nt doubts in your head?"


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    Aiden opened his mouth to respond but hesitated. He didn''t know what to say. Noah''s words had a way of cutting through his doubts like a de, but the nagging voice in the back of his mind wouldn''t let go of the inconsistencies.


    Noah''s lips curved into a faint smirk as if he could read Aiden''s internal conflict. "Rx, Aiden."

 Chapter 217 Buying Laboratory.

    La hesitated but eventually nodded, her fight finally drained. Sarah gave her a small, reassuring squeeze before turning to address the crowd with aposed expression. "I apologize for the disturbance," she said, her voice steady despite the emotional storm she had just endured. "We''ll be leaving now."


    As the two walked away, Sarah''s arm wrapped protectively around her daughter, the crowd began to disperse, murmuring amongst themselves about what they had just witnessed.


    Noah stood still, his calm expression unwavering. He turned his gaze to Aiden, whose expression was that of confusion.


    Noah nced at Aiden for a second, before turning away and going back to his car.


    Aiden didn''t stop Noah, and simply sighed and entered his house.


    ...


    Inside the car, Noah leaned back against the seat, the faint hum of the engine a backdrop to the flurry of calls lighting up his phone. His expression darkened slightly as he noticed the familiar caller ID¡ªhis mom. After letting the phone buzz a few more times, he sighed, his fingers tapping the screen.


    "Some rats seemed to have snitched already," he muttered to himself, pressing the call button.


    The moment the line connected, his mom''s voice erupted from the other side, a mixture of concern and frustration. "Noah? What is going on? What am I hearing about La and her mom? I thought you broke up to focus on your studies!"


    "Mom, rx," Noah said, his tone steady, though he could feel her anxiety radiating through the phone.


    "Rx? How can I rx? Your old neighbors are calling me, telling me all sorts of things! Something about drama in front of Aiden''s house and La shouting about you and her mom? What is happening, Noah?"


    Noah pinched the bridge of his nose, willing himself to keep hisposure. "Mom, it''s not a big deal. La''s just being... La. She''s trying to get back at me for breaking up with her. She couldn''t handle it well, so she''s acting out."


    "Acting out? Noah, these are serious allegations! People are saying you yed with her mother''s feelings¡ª"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Mom," Noah interjected, his tone firm but calm, "it''s nothing like that. La is just spreading lies to create a scene. She''s upset, and this is how she''s handling it. But it''s not true."


    There was a pause on the other end, followed by a deep breath from his mom. "Are you absolutely sure, Noah? You know how people talk. This could affect our reputation. I don''t want anyone thinking you''d do something so¡ª"


    "Mom," Noah interrupted again, softening his voice this time, "I promise you, there''s nothing to worry about. Her mother even came to the scene and apologized on La''s behalf. She knows her daughter is out of control."


    "She apologized?" his mom asked, her voice wavering between scepticism and relief.


    "Yes, she did. It''s all handled now. La was just having a tantrum in public, and her mom put a stop to it."


    His mom remained silent for a moment before sighing heavily. "Noah, I trust you, but these kinds of rumours... they''re not good for you, for us. You''re building a future, and I don''t want anything to jeopardize that."


    "I know, Mom," Noah replied, his tone reassuring. "That''s why I''m dealing with it. You don''t need to worry about anything. Trust me, everything is under control."


    "Alright," she said reluctantly. "But if anything elsees up¡ª"


    "It won''t," Noah cut in, his voice firm. "I''ll make sure of it."


    His mom exhaled deeply, her tone softening. "Alright, Noah. I''ll let it go. Just¡­ take care of yourself, okay?"


    "I will, Mom. Don''t stress about this. I''ll see you soon."


    After the call ended, Noah ced his phone on the passenger seat and shook his head slightly, a small smirk tugging at his lips.


    Noah turned the engine of the Lykan on, the powerful roar filling the air like a lion announcing its presence.


    His eyes were cold, reflecting his growing annoyance. "La better pray she doesn''t pull a stunt like that again, otherwise¡­" he muttered under his breath, gripping the steering wheel tightly.


    He had been toozy to deal with her antics until now, brushing them off as pathetic and childish.


    But thisst episode had crossed a line. It was repetitive, tiresome, and above all¡ªdisrespectful. His patience was wearing thin.


    Shaking the thought away, Noah focused on his next task. After acquiring the Advanced AI Development (Intermediate), he''d decided to buy a technologyb¡ªa private space where he could delve into its mysteries and begin implementing a few ideas. His ns were ambitious, and this was just the first step.


    The Lykan pulled up to the real estate agency specializing inmercial properties and high-tech facilities.


    Stepping out, Noah adjusted his jacket and walked through the ss doors, his every move radiating confidence. Inside, the receptionist greeted him with a polite smile and gestured to a man approaching briskly from the back office.


    "Mr. Noah Thompson?" the man asked, extending his hand with a professional smile. "It''s a pleasure to meet you. I''m Robert, and I''ll be assisting you today."


    Noah shook his hand firmly. "Thank you, Robert. I appreciate it. How are you?"


    "I''m doing great, thank you for asking," Robert replied, gesturing toward the seating area. "I''ve been in touch with the owner of theb you inquired about, and he''s informed me that the property is avable for viewing immediately. Would you like to head there now, or shall we go over the details here first?" Stay connected via empire


    Noah nodded thoughtfully. "Let''s check it out first. I prefer to see the space in person before diving into specifics."


    "Understood," Robert said with a nod. "This way, please."


    As they exited the building, Robert turned to Noah. "Do you have a car, Mr. Thompson, or would you prefer to ride with me?"


    Noah gave a small smirk and reached into his pocket, pressing a button on his key fob. The Lykan Hypersport''s sleek lights shed in response as its engine hummed to life.


    Robert''s eyes widened in shock, his jaw nearly dropping. "Is that¡­ a Lykan Hypersport? Sir, that''s my dream car!"


    Noah''s smirk widened slightly. "Do you want to ride in it?"


    "Can I?" Robert asked, his voice filled with genuine excitement. "I''d love to, sir."


    "Alright," Noah said, motioning to the passenger side. "Hop in."


    Robert wasted no time sliding into the luxurious passenger seat, his hands lightly brushing over the smooth interior with barely contained glee. "This is incredible," he murmured. "I''ve seen it in videos, but experiencing it in person is something else."


    Noah chuckled softly, sliding into the driver''s seat. "Buckle up."


    As Noah drove through the city streets, Robert couldn''t help but gush about the Lykan. "This car is a masterpiece. Twin-turbo t-six engine, a top speed of over 240 mph¡ªit''s like owning a piece of history!"


    Noah nced at him with an amused expression. "You seem to know a lot about it."


    Robert grinned sheepishly. "I may have spent an unhealthy amount of time reading about it. But it''s rare to see one in person, let alone ride in it. Thank you, Mr. Thompson. You''ve made my day."


    Noah remained silent, his focus shifting to the road as they neared the property. The building came into view¡ªa sleek, modern facility with tinted ss windows and a minimalist design, tucked into a quiet industrial park.


    Robert gestured ahead, his voice eager. "There it is¡ªtheb I mentioned. It''s equipped with state-of-the-art technology and fully customizable spaces. I think you''ll find it fits your needs perfectly."


    Noah parked the Lykan effortlessly, stepping out and taking a moment to assess the building. He nodded slightly, "Let''s go," he said, his tone calm.


    ...


    Inside theb, the atmosphere was very high-tech. The sound of advanced machinery filled the air as Noah stepped through the ss doors alongside Robert. Waiting for them was an older man, dressed in whiteb coat, his silver hair neatlybed.


    "Mr. Noah," Robert began, gesturing towards the man, "this is Mr. Graham, the owner of theb."


    Mr. Graham extended his hand with a polite smile. "Pleasure meeting you, sir," he said, his eyes betraying a flicker of surprise as he took in Noah''s youthful appearance. ''He''s so young,'' Graham thought, ''but he''s already considering a facility like this? Must be someone remarkable or...''


    Noah shook his hand firmly, his expression calm and unreadable. "The pleasure is mine," he said simply.


    Robert broke the brief silence. "Mr. Graham, could you show us around? Mr. Thompson would like to see theb''s features before discussing terms."


    "Of course," Graham said, nodding. "This way, please."


    Graham led them through a pristine corridor lined with frosted ss doors. As they passed, he began to exin.


    "This facility is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure designed for advanced technological development. Let''s start with the mainb."


    Pushing open a set of double doors, he gestured for Noah and Robert to enter. Inside was a spacious room dominated by workstations, robotic arms, and an array of monitors disying live system diagnostics.


    On the far side, an advanced 3D printing machine whirred quietly as it assembled a smallponent.


    "These are multi-functional workstations, each equipped with high-speedputing systems, precision tools, and customizable interfaces," Graham exined, his tone proud but professional. "We''ve also installed adaptive robotic arms capable of handling delicate materials or heavy-duty assembly."


    Noah''s sharp gaze swept over the room, taking in the precision of the setup. "What''s the maximum payload of the robotic arms?" he asked.


    Graham blinked, impressed by the specific question. "Each arm can handle up to 500 kilograms. They''re programmed for precision uracy down to a micron."

 Chapter 218 Advanced Computer Science Skills

    Moving to the next section, Graham gestured towards a towering piece of equipment. "This is the Molecr Analyzer. It''s primarily used for materialposition analysis. It can identify the exact chemical structure of an unknown material within minutes."


    "Impressive," Noahmented, running his fingers along the machine''s cool surface. "What about energy consumption?"


    "It''s efficient," Graham said quickly. "Theb operates on a sustainable energy grid, so even high-output machines like this one don''t strain resources."


    He led them further into theb, stopping in front of a sleek chamber with reinforced walls. "This is the Testing Chamber. It''s designed for simtions involving high stress, extreme temperatures, or impact scenarios. Perfect for stress-testing prototypes."


    Robert raised a brow. "Can it handle explosive tests?"


    Graham nodded. "Absolutely. The chamber is rated to withstand controlled explosions of up to one kilogram of TNT equivalent."


    Noah folded his arms, his mind already spinning with possibilities. "And the maintenance? Who''s responsible for that?"


    "We have an on-call team specializing in high-tech machinery. Their fees are included in the operational cost," Graham exined.


    As the tour concluded, Noah turned to Graham, his expression calm.


    As the tour concluded, Noah turned to Graham, his expression calm andposed, betraying none of the calctions running through his mind.


    "How much do you want for the property?" Noah asked evenly.


    The owner hesitated for a moment before responding, "Three million dors."


    [Ding! Ultimate Choice System has been activated!]


    [Option 1: Purchase theboratory and conduct research.]


    [Reward: Advanced Computer Science Skills, Advanced Components manual]


    [Option 2: Do not purchase theboratory.]


    [Reward: You will lose the Advanced AI Development (intermediate)]


    ''Option 1.'' Noah thought.


    [Ding! Advanced Computer Skills has been rewarded!]


    [Ding! Advanced Components manual has been rewarded!]


    Even though he decided to purchase theboratory, that didn''t mean he was going to get scammed and pay a hefty amount.


    Noah let out a soft, unimpressed sigh, shaking his head slowly. "Three million? Let''s be realistic here. While the equipment is indeed top-notch, they''re not brand-new. Used equipment, no matter how well-maintained, depreciates significantly in value." His voice remained calm but carried an edge of authority that made Graham visibly ufortable.


    Noah continued, "Secondly, the location is far from ideal. essibility matters in this line of work, and being out here won''t attract the kind of clientele you''d want for a high-end facility. It''s a logistical inconvenience." He paused briefly, letting his words sink in before delivering the final blow. "Andstly, the fact that you''re giving me this tour personally tells me that you''re eager to sell. No sessful operation would be handing out tours without delegation, which suggests that your business here is struggling."


    Graham''s face turned pale, a flicker of shock passing through his eyes. ''He''s not a newbie¡­ he''s dissected my situation through a tour,'' he thought, his palms beginning to sweat.


    "I''ll give you $900,000," Noah said, his tone final.


    "Impossible," Graham said, shaking his head firmly, though his voice wavered slightly. "I''d be losing far too much money. At least $1,500,000," he countered, though inwardly he was desperate. The property had been draining his resources for months, and his research institute was a colossal failure. He needed the money, but pride wouldn''t let him fold so easily.


    Noah raised an eyebrow, his expression unbothered. "$950,000," he said, his voice as steady as before.


    "No," Graham replied, his tone growing more agitated. "Impossible."


    Noah shrugged and took a step back, turning toward the exit with the real estate agent trailing behind him. "Alright then. It seems we aren''t able toe to an agreement. Thank you for your time."


    As Noah turned to leave, Graham''s heart sank. He knew he couldn''t afford to let this deal slip away. The thought of holding onto the property and continuing to bleed money was unbearable.


    "Wait!" Graham called out, his voice tinged with desperation.


    Noah allowed a small grin to flicker across his face before schooling his features into calm neutrality. He turned back slowly, raising an eyebrow. "Yes?"


    "$1,000,000," Graham said, his words heavy with reluctance. His expression was bitter, as though each syble pained him.


    "Deal," Noah said without hesitation, extending his hand to seal the agreement.


    Graham reluctantly shook his hand, his grip firm but his eyes betraying his frustration. "You''re a tough negotiator," he admitted grudgingly.


    Noah offered a faint smile. "Let''s finalize the paperwork and get this wrapped up. I have ns for this property."


    After finalizing the deal and transferring the payment, Graham offered a brief handshake to Noah. "I''ve already taken everything I need from this ce. Whatever you decide to do here is up to you now," he said, his tone professional but detached.


    Noah nodded. "Thank you, Graham. Best of luck with your next venture."


    Graham returned the nod, his lips pressing into a thin line. Without further chit-chat, he turned and left the building, the sound of the door closing behind him signaling the end of his involvement.


    The real estate agent lingered for a moment, handing Noah a receipt and offering a polite smile. "Thank you, Mr. Noah. If there''s anything wrong with the property, any repairs needed, or anything else, don''t hesitate to reach out. I''ll make sure it''s taken care of."


    Noah gave him a curt nod and reached into his pocket, handing over the agreedmission. "I appreciate your help. I''ll let you know if I need anything."


    The agent''s eyes lit up at the sight of the payment. "Thank you, sir! I''ll take my leave now. Wishing you all the best with your new project." With a final bow of his head, the agent exited, leaving Noah alone in the now-silent facility.


    Noah''s gaze swept over the emptyb. It was quiet, sterile, and filled with potential. He couldn''t help but smile faintly at the nk canvas before him. He moved to one of therge, cleared workbenches and retrieved the Advanced AI Development from his inventory, setting it down in front of him.


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    Opening the manual, he flipped through its virtual pages, taking in the detailed schematics, assembly instructions, and listings for cutting-edge technologyponents.


    Every single item was clearly outlined, from microprocessors and quantum chips to highly specialized robotic arms designed for intricate assembly tasks.


    "This¡­ this is perfect," he murmured, his excitement barely contained. "I have all the knowledge I need to start creating this, but I need theponents to create what I want."


    He opened the Advanced Components Manual from his inventory. The blueprint''s diagrams glowed faintly, a digital ovey springing to life and highlighting key sections.


    Noah''s eyes followed the lines and annotations with ease, his integrated advancedputer science skills effortlessly piecing everything together.


    "Theory is one thing," Noah said to himself, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the workbench, "but this is where it really starts."


    He flipped back to the manual, scanning for the first criticalponent he needed to kick-start his work on the AI project. It didn''t take long to find it.


    "A Neural Network Core Processor," he read aloud, a small grin forming. "Looks like the backbone of this project."


    The manual''s interface allowed him to order directly through the system. He tapped on the Neural Network Core Processor listing, and a holographic confirmation popped up before his eyes.


    Purchase Neural Network Core Processor for $1,000 ?


    "Yes," Noah said without hesitation.


    The system emitted a soft ding, and momentster, a sleek, futuristic-looking processor materialized in front of him on the workbench. Its metallic surface gleamed.


    Noah reached for it, holding theponent in his hands as he examined its craftsmanship. "Amazing¡­ this is far beyond anything that''s on the current market," he muttered.


    He turned back to the Advanced Components Manual, quickly searching for additional pieces to bring his vision to life. With every turn of the page, the manual offered possibilities, and Noah''s mind raced to connect the dots.


    "I''ll need a Quantum Computing Unit for unparalleled processing power," Noah muttered. His finger tapped on the holographic interface.


    Purchase Quantum Computing Unit for $3,000?


    "Yes," Noah confirmed. A momentter, a sleek,pact device materialized beside the processor. Its design was elegant yet functional, radiating a faint glow.


    "Next, an Adaptive Learning Module," Noah said, flipping through the manual. "This will allow the AI to evolve and learn from the data it''s given. It won''t just process information¡ªit''ll grow smarter with use."


    Purchase Adaptive Learning Module for $2,500?n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Yes."


    Piece by piece, Noah ordered the requiredponents: advanced energy cells to ensure the phone''s lightweight design and longsting power, a high-capacity storage module for the AI to process and store massive amounts of data, and finally, a futuristic disy that was both ultra-thin and virtually unbreakable.


    When thestponent materialized on the workbench, Noah took a step back, surveying the collection of cutting-edge parts. Each item gleamed under the lights, waiting to be assembled.


    "Time to make history," Noah said with a smirk, rolling up his sleeves.


    For hours, Noah worked tirelessly. His hands moved with precision, assembling the delicate parts with tools provided by the system.


    The Quantum Computing Unit was embedded into the phone''s core, paired seamlessly with the Adaptive Learning Module.


    The advanced energy cells fit snugly into a concealedpartment, ensuring the device remained lightweight and sleek.


    The futuristic disy was the crowning touch. Its edge-to-edge design was wless, emitting a soft glow as Noah powered it on for the first time.


    The phone was a masterpiece. Sleek, lightweight, and undeniably futuristic, it was unlike anything currently on the market. Its surface was smooth to the touch, and its design radiated innovation.


    "Now for the real magic," Noah said, cing the AI software into the device. The Neural Network Core Processor hummed to life, integrating the Adaptive Learning Module and Quantum Computing Unit.


    A soft voice greeted him from the phone''s speaker.


    "Hello, Noah. I am your assistant. How can I help you today?"

 Chapter 219 Building My Own AI Assistant

    A soft voice greeted him from the phone''s speaker."Hello, Noah. I am your assistant. How can I help you today?"


    Noah''s eyes lit up with excitement. "Let''s see what you can do."


    He began feeding the AI assistant data; marketing strategies, advanced mathematical theories, and editing techniques.


    As he spoke, the assistant absorbed everything, processing the information with lightning speed.


    "Design a marketing plan for a new product targeting millennials," Noah instructed.


    In seconds, the assistant replied, "I''ve developed a comprehensive marketing strategy. Would you like me to display it or summarize key points?"


    "Summarize," Noah said.


    The assistant rattled off a concise and effective plan, targeting social media platforms, influencer collaborations, and data-driven ad placements.


    Noah grinned. "Impressive. Now solve this equation," he said, scribbling a complex mathematical formula on a nearby tablet and holding it up to the phone''s camera.


    The assistant scanned it instantly. "The solution to your equation is..." It provided a step-by-step breakdown of the problem and its solution.


    The assistant was nothing like those on the market. Not only was its information far more advanced and reliable, but it was also capable of evolving dynamically to suit the user''s needs.


    One of its most striking features, was its ability to transform into a virtual avatar of your choice, appearing in front of you as a realistic holographic form.


    A holographic figure shimmered into existence before Noah. Its lines were sharp, its eyes glowed with intelligence, and its voice was smooth and adaptive. The avatar gave a slight nod of acknowledgement.


    "I like that," Noah said, his lips curling into a satisfied smirk. "What else can you do?"


    The assistant''s holographic form raised its hand, projecting a detailed 3D layout of Noah''s lab into the air. The room''s dimensions, equipment, and even minute details like the placement of tools appeared in the floating image.


    "I can map your environment with millimetre accuracy," the assistant explained. "Need to locate a tool or optimize your workspace for better efficiency? I''ve already made suggestions for your current setup."


    Noah crossed his arms, impressed. "Not bad. Keep going."


    The assistant flicked its hand, and the lab hologram morphed into a series of charts and graphs. "I can process advanced analytics at unparalleled speed. Here''s a full report on market trends relevant to your businesses, projections for future profitability, and areas of improvement. All tailored for maximum efficiency."


    Noah nodded slowly. "And what if I need personal assistance¡ªsomething less business-related?"


    The avatar''s glow softened as its voice took on a more casual tone. "Entertainment, perhaps? I can create a curated playlist based on your mood, recommend movies or shows that fit your preferences, or even simulate immersive experiences."


    The room suddenly transformed. The walls faded away, replaced by a breathtaking mountain range. The sound of a gentle breeze swept through the space, and a faint pine scent tickled Noah''s senses.


    "Not bad," Noah muttered. "Anything practical?"


    The assistant smiled, its tone shifting back to its professional edge. "Of course. I am integrated with every device you own, from security systems to lab equipment. I can control them remotely, ensure their efficiency, and secure them with military-grade encryption. Need to conduct a financial transaction, monitor business performance, or even schedule a meeting? All it takes is a word."


    The assistant gestured again, and the hologram split into panels. One displayed Noah''s financial data, another his lab''s inventory, and a third listed potential investment opportunities. "I am your comprehensive, adaptive companion. Security threats are neutralized in real-time with an evolving firewall, and my abilities grow with the data you provide or with my own research."


    ...


    After talking to the assistant for a while and marveling at its capabilities, Noah leaned back in his chair, his mind racing with possibilities. He suddenly smirked, an ambitious idea forming.


    "Let''s go big," he muttered. Opening the Advanced Components Manual, he began scrolling through the available items. His fingers hovered over the selections as he quickly purchased a variety of advanced processors, holographic interface modules, adaptive AI cores, and specialized communication chips. The system dinged repeatedly, confirming each purchase.


    Within minutes, the components materialized in his inventory. Noah wasted no time assembling them into several cutting-edge devices, each equipped with a unique assistant that mirrored the original but tailored to specific needs.


    As the final device powered on, glowing faintly with a futuristic aura, Noah examined the lightweight designs he had created. Each one was an elegant blend of innovation and functionality. The assistants weren''t just tools¡ªthey were game-changers for any field they were applied to.


    "Time to distribute these wisely," Noah muttered. He picked up one of the devices and inspected it thoughtfully. "Dad will be the first."


    ...


    The Teahouse


    Later that day, Noah visited his father at the teahouse. The scent of freshly brewed magical tea filled the air as David worked behind the counter, greeting customers with his usual warmth.


    Seeing Noah enter, David smiled.


    "Hey, son! What brings you here?" David asked as he poured a steaming cup of tea.


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    "I''ve got something for you, Dad." Noah placed the device on the counter.


    David looked at it curiously, tilting his head. "What''s this?"


    "It''s going to revolutionize how you run the teahouse. This assistant will handle inventory management, suggest menu optimization based on sales data, and even manage customer loyalty programs. You just have to speak to it, and it''ll take care of the rest."


    Noah powered on the device, and a holographic avatar appeared, bowing slightly to David. "Hello, Mr. Thompson. How can I assist you today?" it said in a polite tone.


    David blinked in astonishment. "It talks?"


    "Not just talks, Dad. It learns. It''ll memorize customer preferences, suggest new ideas based on trends, and even remind you of restocking needs before you run out."


    David''s eyes lit up. "This is incredible, Noah. But¡­ isn''t this too much for just a teahouse?"


    Noah chuckled. "Dad, there''s no such thing as ''too much'' when it comes to staying ahead. Trust me, this will make things easier for you."


    David smiled, pride evident in his expression. "Thank you, son."


    ...


    After leaving the teahouse, Noah returned to his car, a satisfied grin on his face. The next stop was An''s Gourmet.


    At the restaurant, Noah handed the device to the manager, explaining its capabilities. "This assistant will analyze customer reviews and adjust the menu accordingly. It''ll also streamline kitchen operations and handle supplier coordination."


    The manager''s jaw dropped as Noah demonstrated the features. "This is going to save us so much time and effort. Thank you, sir!"


    Noah parked outside the gold shop and stepped inside, carrying a sleek, futuristic device in his hand. Lionel and Ryker were at the counter, going over inventory lists. Upon seeing Noah, they immediately straightened up.


    "Boss! What''s that you''ve got there?" Lionel asked, his curiosity piqued. "Is that a new phone?"


    Noah smirked, shaking his head as he placed the device on the counter. "No, Lionel. This isn''t just a phone. This is your secret weapon."


    Ryker leaned forward, his brows furrowed in confusion. "Secret weapon? What does it do?"


    Noah tapped the device, activating it. Instantly, a sleek holographic avatar appeared above the device, bowing slightly. Its voice was smooth and efficient. "Good afternoon, Mr. Lionel and Mr. Ryker. How may I assist you today?"


    Lionel and Ryker exchanged wide-eyed looks. "What the hell is this, boss?" Lionel muttered, barely able to contain his amazement.


    Noah leaned casually on the counter, his expression calm but the weight of his words heavy. "This is an AI I built. It''s not just any assistant¡ªit''s the ultimate tool for running this business. It can manage your entire operation, from inventory tracking to customer analysis. It can hack phones, hack surveillance cameras, search for anything you need on the web, and optimize every single aspect of this shop. It can basically do almost anything you want it to."


    Ryker stepped back slightly, his jaw dropping. "Boss¡­ that sounds like something out of a spy movie. Are you serious?"


    Noah nodded, his tone unwavering. "Completely serious. Watch this."


    He turned to the holographic avatar. "Show Lionel and Ryker the current gold price trends in this region compared to the national average."


    "Processing," the assistant said smoothly. In seconds, a 3D graph was projected into the air, displaying detailed statistics of gold price fluctuations, complete with actionable insights on where to adjust pricing for maximum profit.


    Lionel''s mouth hung open as he stared at the display. "This is¡­ insane. It''s showing us everything we need to know in real-time."


    Noah continued, "And that''s not all. Let''s say you need information on potential competitors or suppliers. You just have to ask."


    He turned back to the AI. "Pull up the profiles of all gold shops within a 50-mile radius, including their customer reviews and estimated sales volumes."


    The hologram flickered momentarily before producing a list of shops, each accompanied by detailed profiles and analytics. Ryker couldn''t believe his eyes.


    "Boss, this thing could run the entire operation by itself," Ryker said, his voice tinged with awe.


    Noah''s smirk widened. "Exactly. But you two are still in charge. This is a tool, not a replacement. Use it wisely, and this shop won''t just be successful¡ªit''ll dominate the market."


    Ryker added, "Yeah, this will help us immensely. We''ll make sure to use it to its full potential." Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Noah nodded in approval, his voice softening slightly. "Good. Make sure this shop becomes the best in the region. I''ll be checking in to see how things are going.


    After he was done, Noah left the gold shop.


    Seeing Noah enter his car, Lionel and Ryker looked at each other for a second before saying.


    "Our boss just keeps getting more mysterious..."

 Chapter 220 Amelia wants to hang out

    After leaving the gold shop, Noah''s phone buzzed. Pulling it out of his pocket, he saw a message from Amelia.Hey, do you want to hang out? I''m kind of bored. Was wondering if you''re free


    Noah smirked at the screen, tapping out a quick response.


    Yeah, sure. Where do you want to go?


    A response came almost instantly.


    I''m not sure¡­ I was hoping you could think of something.


    Noah thought for a moment before replying.


    Alright. I''ll bring Emily along too. Is that okay?


    Of course! I miss Emily so much!


    Cool. I''ll pick you up in two hours. Get ready.


    Alright! See you then!


    Smiling, Noah tucked his phone away and headed toward his parents'' house to pick up Emily.


    "Sweetheart!" Caroline greeted as he stepped inside the house. "What brings you here in the middle of the day?"


    "I''m here to pick up Emily," Noah replied, his tone casual. "I''m taking her to the funfair."


    Caroline''s eyes lit up. "The funfair? Oh, she''s going to love that! She''s been so cooped up at home lately. Let me call her¡ª"


    Before Caroline could finish, Emily burst out of her room, her energy already in overdrive. "Funfair? Did I hear funfair?" she exclaimed, practically bouncing on the spot.


    Noah chuckled. "Yeah, we''re going. But calm down, we haven''t even left yet."


    Emily grinned, her excitement uncontainable. "Wait, who else is coming? Is it just us?"


    "No, Amelia''s joining us," Noah said.


    "Amelia?" Emily''s eyes sparkled. "I haven''t seen her in forever! When are we leaving?"


    "Right now, if you''re ready," Noah said.


    Caroline stepped in, crossing her arms with a fake stern look. "You''d better make sure she doesn''t eat too much junk food, Noah. I don''t want her bouncing off the walls when she gets back."


    "Don''t worry, Mom," Noah said with a smirk. "She''ll just be bouncing off the walls of the funfair instead."


    Caroline rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "You''d better watch her, Noah. She''s your responsibility out there."


    "Always," Noah replied, patting Emily on the head as she ran to grab her shoes.


    As they walked to the car, Emily looked up at Noah, her face glowing with excitement. "You''re the best brother ever, Noah. I''m so excited!"


    ¡­


    After leaving the apartment complex, Emily looked around with a puzzled expression. "Where''s that big car you usually drive? Did you park it somewhere else¡ªoh my gosh, look at that sports car!"


    Her eyes widened as she spotted the sleek Lykan Hypersport gleaming in the sunlight.


    "Why don''t you try opening it?" Noah said, a playful smile tugging at his lips.


    Emily rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. "What do you take me for, an experienced thief who knows how to break into cars?"


    "No, nothing like that," Noah said, his grin growing wider. "But let me tell you a secret. I''ve heard that this car can only open if the right person says the magic word to it."


    Emily raised an eyebrow, her interest piqued. "Magic word? Like what?"


    "Just say ''open.'' If you''re the fated person, it''ll work," Noah said, nodding earnestly.


    Emily gave him a skeptical look. "You''re kidding, right? This is one of your pranks."


    Noah shook his head, trying his best to keep a straight face. "Only one way to find out."


    She hesitated for a moment, then stood in front of the car, puffed up her chest, and said confidently, "Open."


    Nothing happened.


    Emily turned back toward Noah, her face scrunched up in irritation. "Seriously? Nothing''s happening. I knew¡ª"


    Just then, the Lykan''s headlights flickered on, and with a smooth hiss, the doors swung open dramatically, lifting into the air.


    Emily froze, her jaw dropping. "Oh my gosh! It actually worked!" She whirled around to face Noah, her excitement overflowing. "How did it know? Am I really the ''fated person''?"


    Noah smirked and walked toward the car, casually patting the roof. "I told you. This car chooses who''s worthy."


    Emily''s excitement was replaced by suspicion. "Wait a minute¡­ are you messing with me again? Did you use some remote control or something?"


    "Why don''t you hop in and find out?" Noah said, gesturing toward the driver''s seat. "If the car likes you, it might let you start it too."


    Emily eagerly climbed into the driver''s seat, her small hands gripping the luxurious leather steering wheel. She marveled at the futuristic dashboard as it lit up, displaying an interface with glowing icons.


    "This is insane!" she exclaimed, her voice full of awe. "It''s like being in a spaceship! Can I drive it?"


    Noah opened the passenger door and slid in beside her, laughing softly. "Nice try, but no. You''re a little too young to handle a car like this."


    "Come on!" Emily pouted, but her grin quickly returned as she ran her hands over the dashboard. "This is the coolest car I''ve ever seen. I feel like a movie star."


    Noah leaned back in his seat, his smile softening. "Well, you can drive it in a few years."


    Emily laughed. "Or I''ll just borrow yours forever."


    Noah leaned back in his seat, his smile softening as he spoke. "Well, you can drive it in a few years. It''s mine anyways."


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    Emily''s mouth fell open in mock betrayal. "I knew it! You lied to me about being the fated person!"


    Noah laughed. "I didn''t exactly lie. The car did open for you, didn''t it? But yeah¡­ I might''ve helped a little."


    Emily crossed her arms, pouting for a moment before laughing along with him. "You''re so sneaky."


    After the laughter settled, Noah started the engine and they headed toward Amelia''s mansion. The smooth hum of the Lykan''s engine filled the car as they drove, the luxurious interior making Emily feel like royalty.


    As they approached the gated mansion complex, the guards stationed at the entrance immediately recognized the Lykan. Without needing to ask, they waved Noah through, allowing him to enter with ease.


    Emily glanced at the guards and then at Noah. "They didn''t even ask who you were. Does this car have secret VIP powers or something?"


    Noah smirked. "Something like that."


    Driving further into the estate, they passed by Lily''s house. Emily noticed the sprawling gardens and grand architecture and pointed out the window. "Wow, these houses are huge! Do you know who lives there?"


    "That''s Lily''s house," Noah said casually.


    Emily gasped. "Lily? As in the girl who studies with you? She lives here? She must be really rich."


    "Something like that," Noah said, keeping his tone light as they continued toward Amelia''s home.


    When they reached Amelia''s house, soldiers were stationed near the driveway, their stern faces and rifles giving off an imposing presence.


    Emily''s face paled slightly, and she clutched Noah''s arm. "Why do they have guns? Are we in danger?"


    Noah chuckled softly, patting her hand reassuringly. "Don''t worry, Emily. They''re here to protect Amelia''s family. They''re our friends."


    Emily nodded slowly, her grip on Noah''s arm loosening. "Oh, okay¡­ That makes me feel a little better."


    As they pulled up, Amelia stepped out of the house, her face lighting up when she saw them. She waved enthusiastically, walking over to greet them.


    "Noah! Emily! It''s so good to see you!" Amelia said warmly.


    "Hey," Noah replied with a small smile, stepping out of the car. Emily followed, giving Amelia a shy wave.


    Amelia crouched slightly to Emily''s level. "Wow, Emily! You''ve grown so much since the last time I saw you. You look like a little princess."


    Emily blushed, grinning. "Thank you, Amelia. You look really pretty too!"


    Amelia straightened up, turning to Noah. "So, what''s the plan for today?"


    Noah gestured to the Lykan with a sheepish smile. "About that¡­ my car''s only a two-seater, so we''ll need a bigger one."


    Amelia nodded, her eyes lighting up with an idea. "Let''s take the Rolls Royce. It has plenty of space. Just give me a second to grab the keys from my mom."


    As Amelia headed back inside, Emily tugged on Noah''s sleeve. "Rolls Royce? Isn''t that one of those super fancy cars?"


    Noah nodded with a grin. "Yep, it''s about as fancy as it gets."


    Emily''s eyes sparkled with excitement. "This is going to be the best day ever!"


    Noah chuckled, watching Amelia return with the keys.


    Inside the plush interior of the Rolls Royce, the atmosphere was light and cheerful.


    Amelia sat in the passenger seat, her happiness evident in the way she smiled constantly.


    In the back, Emily was practically bouncing in her seat, unable to contain her excitement.


    "So, where are we going?" Amelia asked, her voice bright with curiosity.


    Noah glanced at her briefly, a teasing grin tugging at his lips. "Secret."


    Amelia tilted her head, trying to read his expression. "Not even a little hint?"


    "Nope," Noah replied simply, keeping his tone casual but playful.


    Amelia pouted for a moment but quickly broke into a soft laugh. "Fine, keep your secrets."


    In the back seat, Emily giggled. "You''ll love it, Amelia! My big brother always knows how to plan the best surprises."


    Amelia turned slightly in her seat, her warm gaze shifting to Emily. "I bet he does. I trust him."


    The rest of the drive passed in a comfortable silence, with the smooth hum of the car''s engine and the light chatter between the three creating a serene atmosphere.


    Soon, the vibrant lights of the funfair came into view, their glow illuminating the evening sky like a beacon.


    As Noah turned into the parking lot, Amelia''s eyes widened with realization. She gasped, leaning forward as if to get a better view. "Oh my god, it''s the theme park!"


    Her voice carried a note of pure excitement, and Emily clapped her hands together in glee. "I told you it''d be something amazing!"


    Noah parked the car and turned off the engine, his grin growing wider as he looked at Amelia''s face lit up with joy. "Surprise."


    Amelia turned to him, her smile so big it nearly reached her ears. "This is perfect! I haven''t been to a theme park in ages."


    "Good," Noah said as he opened his door. "Then you''re in for a treat."


    Emily scrambled out of the car, practically vibrating with energy. "Let''s go, let''s go!"


    The three of them headed toward the entrance, the sounds of laughter, music, and the occasional thrill-seeker''s scream filling the air.


    Amelia looked around in awe at the towering roller coasters, brightly lit Ferris wheel, and countless colorful stalls.


    "This is so nostalgic," Amelia said, her tone softening as she looked around. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "It reminds me of when I was a kid. My parents used to bring me to places like this, but it''s been so long."


    "Well, tonight, you can relive those memories," Noah said, his voice calm but tinged with a rare warmth.


    "And maybe make some new ones," Emily chimed in, grabbing both their hands and pulling them toward the ticket counter.


    Amelia laughed, allowing herself to be led along. "Let''s do it!"

 Chapter 221 Danger!

    The lights of the theme park twinkled like stars, the air a mixture of mingling scents of fried food, and candy.Amelia, Emily, and Noah strolled past the entrance gates, their tickets freshly scanned. Emily ran ahead, her energy levels unmatched, while Amelia walked beside Noah, a small smile playing on her lips.


    "Alright, where are we going first?" Noah asked, hands casually tucked into his pockets as he checked out the colourful chaos of the park.


    Emily skidded to a halt near a spinning teacup ride, bouncing on her toes. "That one!"


    Noah arched an eyebrow. "You sure? You''re going to regret it when you can''t walk straight afterwards."


    Amelia giggled, her cheeks dusted pink from the lights reflecting off the ride. "Oh, come on, Noah. Where''s your sense of fun?"


    "I left it at home," Noah deadpanned, but Emily was already dragging him toward the line.


    The three of them squeezed into a teacup, Emily taking the reins as the designated spinner.


    "Hold on tight!" she squealed, grabbing the wheel in the centre and twisting it like her life depended on it.


    As the ride began, Noah leaned back casually, his arms crossed, unaffected by the increasing speed. Amelia, on the other hand, was holding onto the edge of the cup for dear life, laughing breathlessly.


    "Noah, help her spin it!" Emily demanded, her small hands struggling to maintain the momentum.


    "You asked for it," Noah reached out, giving the wheel one firm turn. Instantly, the teacup went from a controlled spin to a dizzying blur of motion.


    Amelia shrieked, clutching at Noah''s arm as the ride became a chaotic whirlwind.


    "Too fast! Too fast!" Amelia laughed, her grip tightening instinctively.


    "I thought you wanted fun," Noah teased, barely holding back his smirk.


    By the time the ride stopped, Emily hopped off with grace, while Amelia stumbled out, looking like she''d just survived a hurricane.


    "I can''t feel my legs," Amelia muttered, her face a mix of exhilaration and regret.


    Noah stood tall and unaffected, brushing imaginary dust off his shirt. "I warned you."


    Amelia shot him a playful glare. "I''ll get you back for this."


    "Oh, I can''t wait," Noah replied, his voice flat but his eyes amused.


    Emily pointed to the haunted house next. "Let''s go there! I want to see if it''s actually scary."


    Noah shrugged. "Sure."


    Amelia hesitated for a moment but followed along. Inside, the dim lighting and eerie music set the mood, and Emily marched ahead bravely, unbothered by the occasional skeleton jumping out of the walls.


    Halfway through, a sudden animatronic ghoul popped out, accompanied by a loud screech.


    "Screech!"


    Amelia yelped, instinctively grabbing Noah''s arm.


    Noah turned his head toward her, an eyebrow raised. "You okay?"


    "Y-Yeah!" Amelia quickly let go, her cheeks reddening. "It just startled me, that''s all."


    "You sure?" Noah asked, his tone unreadable.


    "I''m fine!" Amelia insisted, though she made a point to stick a little closer to him for the rest of the walk-through.


    At the exit, Emily declared, "That wasn''t scary at all. We could live here."


    "Speak for yourself," Amelia muttered under her breath, still trying to calm her racing heart.


    The trio stopped by a food stall, where Emily immediately zeroed in on a massive stick of cotton candy. Amelia ordered one as well, though hers was more modest in size. Noah stood with his arms crossed, watching as Emily''s sugar-induced chaos began.


    "Emily, don''t¡ª" Noah started, but it was too late. Emily had already stuck her face into the cotton candy, emerging with sticky cheeks and a sugar-filled grin.


    "Look, I''m a cloud!" she announced proudly.


    Amelia laughed, reaching into her bag for tissues. "Here, let me help."


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    As Amelia dabbed at Emily''s face, Noah grabbed a piece of her cotton candy without asking, popping it into his mouth.


    "Hey!" Amelia said, mock-offended. "That''s mine!"


    "Finders keepers," Noah replied, unfazed.


    Amelia huffed, but her smile betrayed her amusement. "I''ll get you back for this, too."


    They decided to tackle the biggest roller coaster in the park next. Emily, despite her earlier confidence in the other rides, hesitated at the sight of the towering loops and steep drops.


    But seeing Amelia and Noah ready to board, she puffed out her chest and said, "I''m not scared. Let''s do it."


    Noah smirked. "You sure about that, Em?"


    Emily nodded firmly, but her wide eyes betrayed her nerves.


    As they boarded the ride, the attendant seated Emily between Noah and Amelia, securing her harness snugly. She gripped the handlebar tightly, her small hands trembling.


    The coaster began its slow climb up the steep track, the clicking sound of the chain heightening the tension. Emily turned to Amelia, her voice shaky. "Is it going to be really fast?"


    Amelia smiled reassuringly, though her own excitement made her fidget. "A little, but it''s fun! Just hold on tight, okay?"


    Emily nodded but leaned closer to Amelia, her earlier confidence rapidly dissolving.


    Noah glanced at the two of them, his usual calm demeanour unshaken. "You''ll be fine, Emily. Just don''t let go."


    As they reached the peak, the park below seemed to shrink, the colourful lights twinkling like stars. The coaster paused briefly, giving the riders a breathtaking view before plunging into a heart-stopping drop.


    The ride surged forward, and Emily let out a scream, clutching Amelia''s arm as tightly as she could. "Amelia! I''m gonna fly off!" she yelled, her face scrunched in terror.


    Amelia wrapped an arm around Emily protectively, but in doing so, she instinctively grabbed Noah''s arm for extra support. "You''re fine, Emily! I''ve got you!" she said, her voice a mix of laughter and reassurance.


    Noah didn''t flinch, though he raised an eyebrow at Amelia''s grip. "Having fun, you two?" he asked, his voice steady despite the roaring wind.


    Amelia shot him a quick glare. "Not everyone''s a statue like you, Noah!"


    The ride twisted into a series of loops, the world around them becoming a blur. Amelia screamed in exhilaration, while Emily buried her face into Amelia''s shoulder, clinging to her like a lifeline.


    Noah sat beside them, his hands loosely gripping the safety bar, his expression one of mild amusement.


    As the ride finally slowed down and came to a halt, Emily was the first to speak. "Never again," she declared, her voice shaky but firm. "Never. Ever. Again." S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Amelia burst out laughing, still holding onto Emily. "You were so brave, Emily! You made it!"


    Emily shook her head vehemently. "Nope. I''m not brave. I''m alive, and that''s good enough."


    Noah chuckled softly, undoing his harness and ruffling Emily''s hair. "You did better than most adults, you should be proud."


    Amelia, still catching her breath, turned to Noah. "You didn''t even react, did you?"


    Noah smirked, stepping out of the coaster. "Do I look like someone who screams?"


    "You do," Amelia teased, following him out. "I bet you screamed in your head."


    ...


    After their thrilling roller coaster ride, Emily spotted a vibrant spinning swing ride, where riders were strapped into chairs and lifted into the air as the swings spun in a wide circle, giving a thrilling yet breezy sensation. The brightly lit ride glimmered under the evening sky, catching her attention immediately.


    "Let''s do that one!" Emily pointed enthusiastically, her eyes lighting up.


    Amelia clapped her hands. "Oh, I love those rides! Let''s go."


    Noah raised a brow but nodded. "Alright, but remember, hold on tight."


    The trio queued up and soon found themselves being strapped into their seats. Emily was placed in a chair on one side, while Noah and Amelia were seated in neighboring swings directly opposite hers.


    The ride started smoothly, the swings lifting into the air and spinning faster as the music played. Emily''s laughter echoed in the air, mixing with Amelia''s joyful squeals. Noah leaned back, seemingly relaxed, though his eyes stayed on Emily.


    As the ride picked up speed, a sudden jarring sound cut through the music. One of the chains holding Emily''s swing snapped with a loud clang, leaving her swing wobbling dangerously.


    "Emily!" Amelia screamed, her swing twisting in panic.


    Noah''s sharp eyes locked on the malfunction instantly. His calm expression vanished as he spotted Emily gripping the edges of her chair, terror plastered across her face.


    The crowd below gasped, some shouting at the operator, who was frantically trying to stop the ride. But it was clear the emergency brakes wouldn''t activate in time.


    Without hesitation, Noah moved. Using the momentum of the spinning ride, he swung himself out of his chair, grabbing hold of the metal bar connecting the swings.


    The crowd below erupted in chaos, their voices overlapping as they watched the scene unfold in stunned disbelief.


    "Oh my god! Is that guy climbing the ride?!" a man near the front shouted, his jaw practically on the ground.


    "That''s insane! He''s moving like Spider-Man or something!" another added, pointing upward as Noah swung himself with incredible precision.


    A woman clasped her hands over her mouth, her voice muffled. "He''s going to fall! Someone stop him!"


    "Hold on, Emily!" he shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos.


    Emily''s swing wobbled precariously, one side hanging by a single chain. Tears streamed down her face as she gripped the seat tightly. "Big brother! I''m scared!"


    "I''m coming!" Noah said, his tone firm and unwavering.


    Reaching Emily''s swing, Noah extended his arm, grabbing the chain and stabilizing the swing with sheer strength. His muscles flexed as he used his other hand to pull Emily into his grasp.


    "Hold onto me," he said, his voice softer now but no less commanding.


    Emily obeyed instantly, wrapping her arms around his neck as he secured her safely. With a powerful kick, Noah swung himself and Emily back toward the central pole, grabbing onto it and descending with the agility of a parkour expert.


    When his feet touched the ground, cheers and applause erupted from the crowd, though Noah barely acknowledged them. His focus was entirely on Emily, who was clutching him tightly, sobbing softly into his chest.


    "It''s okay now," he said, crouching down and brushing her hair out of her face. "You''re safe."


    Amelia ran to them, her face pale with worry. She knelt beside Emily, pulling her into a tight hug. "Oh, Emily! Are you alright?"


    Emily sniffled but nodded, her tears slowing. "Big brother saved me¡­"


    Amelia turned her wide eyes to Noah, who stood up and stretched his arms like nothing had happened. "You¡­ you just climbed up that spinning ride like it was a staircase. How is that even possible?"


    Noah shrugged. "It wasn''t spinning that fast."


    Amelia gawked. "Not that fast? Noah, you were twenty feet in the air on a malfunctioning ride!"


    Emily wiped her tears and looked up at him with awe. "You''re like Superman, big brother."


    Noah chuckled softly, ruffling her hair. "I''ll take that as a compliment."


    The ride operator rushed over, looking pale and frantic. "I''m so sorry! I don''t know what happened¡ªthis ride has been running fine all day! I''ll shut it down immediately."

 Chapter 222 Superhero or Supervillain

    The ride operator was visibly shaking, his hands wringing together as he tried to stammer out an explanation. "I-I''m so sorry! I don''t know what happened¡ªthis ride has been running fine all day! I''ll shut it down immediately."Noah''s cold eyes locked onto the operator, silencing him with just a glare. When he spoke, his voice was low and sharp, cutting through the tense air like a blade. "You will be hearing from my team soon, and you better have a valid reason for this failure. Although, let me assure you¡ªit won''t change the consequences."


    The operator paled, nodding quickly, but Noah had already turned away, his expression softening as he crouched down to Emily''s level. He ruffled her hair gently, his voice a stark contrast to the cold authority he had just displayed. "Don''t worry, Em. Everything''s okay now. I''m here."


    Emily''s teary eyes met his, and she nodded, hugging the oversized teddy bear Noah had just bought her. "Thank you, Noah," she said in a small voice, her earlier terror melting away as she clung to the comfort of the plush toy.


    Amelia stood a few steps away, her hands clasped tightly together as she tried to steady her breathing. Her face was pale, her usual cheer replaced with a mixture of awe and confusion. "Noah¡­ how did you do that?" she finally asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "You were like¡­ like a superhero."


    Noah glanced at her, his expression unreadable for a moment before a small smile curved his lips. "A superhero? Nope," he said, his tone light, almost teasing. "I''m more of a secret supervillain."


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    Amelia stared at him, her serious expression clashing with his nonchalant demeanour. "I''m being serious! That was¡­ inhuman. The way you moved, how fast you got up there¡­ normal people can''t do that."


    Noah chuckled softly, standing up and walking toward her. "You already know that I am not normal..." he said with a wink.


    Amelia opened her mouth to retort but quickly closed it, deciding not to push further. Instead, she looked down at Emily, who was now preoccupied with her new teddy bear and a rapidly melting ice cream cone Noah had bought her to cheer her up.


    "Are you okay, Emily?" Amelia asked gently.


    Emily nodded, her mouth full of ice cream as she looked up at her brother with wide eyes. "Brother saved me. He''s the best."


    Noah smirked at her declaration, patting her head once more before leading both girls to the exit of the park.


    The crowd parted for them.


    "No way. Did you see what he did back there?"


    "He''s gotta be some kind of pro athlete or ex-military or something."


    Noah ignored the murmurs, focusing instead on getting Emily and Amelia safely to the car. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The ride home was quiet.


    Emily, now drowsy from the excitement and her sugar crash, leaned against her teddy bear in the backseat and soon drifted off to sleep.


    Noah glanced at her through the rearview mirror, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "She''s tougher than she looks."


    Amelia nodded, her gaze fixed on the sleeping Emily. "She''s really brave. But Noah¡­" She hesitated, biting her lip before continuing. "You scared me today."


    Noah raised an eyebrow, his hands steady on the wheel. "Scared you?"


    "Yes," Amelia admitted, her voice soft, as she glanced toward the backseat where Emily was fast asleep, clutching her teddy bear. "The way you saved her... It wasn''t just about strength or speed. You didn''t even hesitate. You knew exactly what to do."


    Noah kept his eyes on the road, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "I didn''t have time to hesitate. When someone''s in danger, you act first and think later."


    Amelia tilted her head, studying him. "Still¡­ it felt like second nature to you, like it''s something you''ve done a dozen times before."


    Noah chuckled, glancing at her briefly. "Or maybe I''m just good at thinking on my feet. You don''t give me enough credit for being adaptable."


    She huffed lightly, leaning back in her seat. "You''re infuriating, you know that?"


    He grinned. "I''ve been told. But if it makes you feel better, I''m glad Emily''s safe, and I''d do it again without a second thought."


    Amelia looked down at her hands, her lips pressing into a small smile. "Well, I''m glad she has you to rely on. You''re a good brother."


    Noah didn''t respond, but his smile softened as they drove in comfortable silence.


    When they arrived at his parents'' house, Noah carefully unbuckled Emily''s seatbelt and scooped her into his arms. She stirred slightly, mumbling incoherent words, but remained fast asleep.


    Carrying her to the front door, Noah balanced her weight effortlessly while fishing out his spare key. He quietly opened the door, stepping inside without turning on any lights. His mother, Caroline, peeked out from the living room, her expression shifting to surprise as she spotted them.


    "Noah?" she whispered. "What happened?"


    "She fell asleep at the funfair," Noah replied just as softly.


    Caroline smiled warmly, her eyes softening as she stepped closer. She extended her arms. "Alright, give her to me. I''ll take her to her room."


    Noah adjusted Emily slightly in his arms, glancing down at her peaceful face. "It''s okay, Mom. She''s already settled. I''ll tuck her in."


    He laid Emily down on her bed with the utmost care, making sure not to disturb her. She stirred slightly, her small hand clutching at the teddy bear he had bought her earlier. N


    oah pulled the blanket over her, tucking it snugly around her shoulders. For a moment, he just stood there, watching her sleep, his expression soft and unguarded.


    "Goodnight, Em," he murmured, brushing a stray lock of hair from her forehead. "Sleep tight."


    As he stepped back out into the hallway, closing the door quietly behind him, he found Caroline waiting at the bottom of the stairs, her arms crossed and a knowing smile on her face.


    "Let me guess," she said teasingly. "She didn''t even budge."


    "Not a bit," Noah replied, his tone light. "Out like a light."


    After ensuring Emily was tucked in, Noah headed back to the car where Amelia was waiting. She had stepped out of the car to stretch her legs and was admiring the quiet, moonlit neighbourhood. When she saw Noah approach, she offered him a small smile.


    "Everything okay?" she asked softly.


    Noah nodded, unlocking the car with a subtle flick of his wrist. "Yeah, she''s fast asleep. Didn''t even stir when I put her in bed."


    Amelia chuckled as she slid into the passenger seat. "She''s lucky to have a brother like you."


    As they drove through the city streets, the atmosphere shifted. The playful banter gave way to a comfortable silence, the kind that spoke volumes without needing words. Amelia glanced at Noah, her profile illuminated by the soft glow of the dashboard lights. She hesitated, then finally spoke.


    "Thank you, by the way," she said, her voice quiet but sincere.


    Noah spared her a brief glance. "For what?"


    "For taking me out tonight," she continued, fiddling with the hem of her sweater. "I had a lot of fun. And¡­ for how you handled everything with Emily. You were amazing."


    Noah chuckled lightly, his eyes on the road. "You make it sound like I did something extraordinary. It''s just what I do."


    "It was extraordinary," Amelia insisted, her cheeks tinged with pink. "Not everyone can scale a ride like that and remain so calm. You didn''t even hesitate."


    Noah''s smirk deepened, though he kept his gaze forward. "Guess I''m full of surprises."


    Amelia laughed softly, leaning her head back against the seat. "That''s one way to put it."


    The drive continued, the city lights blurring past as they neared Amelia''s mansion. When they arrived at the gates, the guards recognized Noah instantly and waved him through. Noah pulled up to the grand entrance, cutting the engine as Amelia unbuckled her seatbelt.


    She hesitated, lingering for a moment before stepping out. "Do you want to come in for a bit? Have a coffee or something?"


    Noah shook his head, a small smile on his lips. "Thanks, but I''ve got a lot on my plate. Another time, maybe."


    Amelia nodded, trying to mask her disappointment. "Alright. Drive safe, okay?"


    "Always," Noah replied, watching as she walked to the door. Before entering, she turned back, offering him one last smile.


    "Goodnight, Noah."


    "Goodnight, Amelia," he called back, his tone steady.


    After dropping off Amelia and watching the lights in her mansion dim as she went inside, Noah drove back home, the streets quieter as the night deepened.


    The roar of the Lykan''s engine filled the silence, its sleek form cutting through the cityscape like a predator in the dark. As he neared his estate, the familiar sight of the grand gates and meticulously maintained grounds greeted him.


    The guards at the entrance nodded in acknowledgement, quickly opening the gates for him.


    Inside the Mansion...


    Noah finished the dinner that Selena made, before heading to the shower.


    ...


    "That felt nice," He exhaled as he dried his hair, before sleeping.

 Chapter 223 A New Addition To The Team

    The soft glow of dawn seeped through the curtains as Noah''s phone buzzed on his nightstand. Still half-asleep, he reached for it, unlocking the screen to reveal a message from Adam."Morning, Noah. We need you back at the base today. Your team will be training together again, and there''s a new addition you''ll want to meet¡ªHenderson. I''ll explain more when you get here."


    Noah smirked, the corners of his lips curling upward as he read the message. Adam might not have gone into detail, but Noah didn''t need him to. He had already anticipated this move.


    "Good. Everything''s falling into place," he murmured under his breath.


    With a stretch and a yawn, Noah swung his legs over the side of the bed and rose, his mind already racing ahead to the day''s events.


    ...


    Noah began with a quick but intense gym session, the sound of weights clanging against metal filling the private gym in his mansion. His enhanced strength made the once-heavy weights feel like mere playthings, yet he pushed himself harder, honing both his body and mind for what lay ahead.


    After that, Noah headed to the shower.


    The cold water cascaded over his skin, waking him up completely and sharpening his thoughts. "Today''s going to be interesting," he mused, the smirk from earlier still lingering.


    After showering, Noah headed to the kitchen.


    Selena, his housekeeper, had prepared a protein-packed meal that sat steaming on the kitchen counter when he entered.


    "Good morning, sir," Selena greeted, setting down a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice.


    "Morning," Noah replied, taking a seat. As he dug into the meal, his phone buzzed again. A quick glance revealed another message, this one from Lionel.


    "Gold shop''s doing great, boss. Thanks for the AI¡ªit''s already turning immense profits."


    Noah chuckled softly, replying with a simple. "Keep up the good work,"


    Selena observed him with her usual quiet curiosity but said nothing. She had grown accustomed to his nature, though she often wondered what kept him so busy. The young, but powerful master was always outside.


    After finishing breakfast, Noah stepped into his Lykan Hypersport, the engine purred to life, the deep growl reverberating through the morning. Noah tapped the GPS screen, inputting the base''s coordinates even though he could''ve driven there blindfolded.


    "Time to see what the team''s up to," he muttered, pulling out of the driveway with a smooth yet assertive turn.


    Upon reaching the base, Noah noticed the gate guards were already expecting him.


    "Good morning, Captain," one of them greeted, saluting him sharply.


    Noah returned a casual nod, rolling down his window. "Morning. Let Lieutenant Adam know I''m here."


    "Yes, sir."


    The gates swung open, and Noah drove inside, parking his Lykan in a designated space reserved for officers. As he stepped out, he spotted Adam waiting for him near the main building, his hands clasped behind his back.


    "Punctual as always," Adam remarked with a faint smile.


    "You called, I came," Noah replied smoothly. "So, where''s my team?" S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Adam chuckled, motioning for Noah to follow him. "Eager, aren''t you? They''re in the training area, warming up. You''ll find a familiar face among them."


    As Noah entered the training area, his eyes immediately fell on his team.


    Natasha and Nathan were in the middle of a playful sparring session, their movements precise but not without the occasional playful jab. Henderson stood alongside Theo slightly off to the side, watching them with an amused yet analytical gaze.


    The moment they noticed Noah, the energy shifted. Natasha was the first to react, her eyes lighting up.


    "Captain!" she called out, jogging over to him with a grin. The others followed, greeting him with respect.


    Henderson stepped forward, his expression slightly hesitant but warm. "Captain."


    "Henderson," Noah replied, his voice composed. His sharp eyes took in Henderson''s posture, noting the renewed confidence in his stance.


    "I heard you''d be joining us," Noah continued, extending a hand. "It''s good to have you back in action."


    Henderson grasped his hand firmly. "Thanks to you. I owe you one."


    Natasha, ever the lively one, clapped her hands together. "Alright, now that we''re all here, how about we show the Captain what we''ve been working on?"


    "Or what we still need to work on," Nathan muttered, earning a chuckle from Theo.


    The training grounds buzzed with the energy of anticipation as Noah stood at the center, observing his team as they geared up.


    The air was crisp, the sound of boots hitting the dirt accompanied by the occasional clink of metal from their weapons.


    "Alright," Noah called out, his voice calm yet commanding. "Today''s session is simple: endurance, strategy, and teamwork."


    Natasha raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk on her lips. "Sounds exciting."


    Nathan groaned, already stretching his arms. "Why do I feel like we''re not walking out of this alive?"


    Theo chuckled quietly, shaking his head. "You''ll survive, Nathan. Barely."


    Henderson, standing quietly off to the side, smirked faintly but said nothing. He knew what was coming was going to be difficult.


    ...


    Noah started them off with a gruelling warm-up.


    A 5-mile run through the obstacle-laden course that he had obliterated just days prior. The team groaned collectively but took off.


    Natasha and Nathan stayed ahead, their competitive streaks driving them forward. Theo maintained a steady rhythm, conserving his energy. Henderson, however, seemed almost nonchalant, effortlessly keeping pace as if the course was child''s play.


    Noah followed behind, watching them closely. He noted Henderson''s performance with a subtle smile.


    After the run, Noah gathered them in the sparring ring.


    "Pair up," he instructed. "Natasha and Nathan. Theo and Henderson."


    Natasha grinned at Nathan. "Ready to get your butt kicked again?"


    Nathan rolled his eyes. "Let''s see if you''ve improved since last time."


    In the other corner, Theo sized up Henderson, his expression curious. "You''ve been out of the game for a while. Think you can keep up?"


    Henderson shrugged, his tone casual. "We''ll see."


    Noah stood in the center, arms crossed. "No holding back. Show me what you''ve got."


    As the drills began, it didn''t take long for the team to notice something unusual. Henderson wasn''t just keeping up¡ªhe was dominating.


    Nathan, mid-grapple with Natasha, glanced over and saw Theo struggling against Henderson''s accurate strikes and sheer strength. "What the¡­ Henderson''s a beast now?"


    Natasha landed a quick elbow strike on Nathan, making him stumble. "Focus on your fight, Nathan!" she snapped, though her own eyes flicked toward Henderson with intrigue.


    Theo, breathing heavily, finally stepped back and held up a hand. "Alright, alright, I yield. What the hell, Henderson? You weren''t this strong before."


    Henderson offered a small shrug, wiping sweat from his brow. "I''ve been training."


    "That''s it?" Natasha interjected, walking over with Nathan trailing behind. "You''re twice as fast and strong as you used to be. There''s no way that''s just ''training.'' Spill it."


    Henderson shook his head, his tone light. "What can I say? I''ve had good motivation."


    Nathan leaned in, narrowing his eyes. "Motivation or not, this is insane. You''re a completely different person."


    Noah, who had been silently observing, stepped forward. "Enough chatter. Back to drills."


    His calm but firm tone silenced the group immediately. They exchanged glances but nodded, returning to their sparring stances.


    Henderson, however, noticed the faint smirk on Noah''s lips and couldn''t help but feel a twinge of gratitude.


    After hours of gruelling drills and sparring, Noah decided to end the session with a team exercise.


    "I want all four of you working together," he said, gesturing to the training dummies spread across the field. "Your goal is simple: eliminate all targets as quickly and efficiently as possible. Use your strengths and cover each other''s weaknesses."


    The team nodded, forming a loose circle. Natasha took the lead, signalling positions. "Nathan, cover the left flank. Theo, take the high ground. Henderson, you''re with me."


    The exercise began, and the field came alive with movement. Nathan''s sharp shooting took down distant targets, while Theo''s agility allowed him to cover blind spots. Natasha and Henderson moved as a seamless unit, taking down close-range targets with precision.


    Noah watched intently, his mind analyzing every move.


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    "They''re starting to regain their familiarity with Henderson. That''s good. But they still lack coordination under pressure."


    When the last dummy fell, Noah clapped his hands once. "Not bad. But not great, either. Your teamwork needs work, and your communication is sloppy."


    Natasha frowned, her competitive streak kicking in. "We can do better."


    Noah smirked. "I know you can. That''s why we''re doing it again. Twice as many targets. Half the time."


    The team groaned collectively, but there was a spark of determination in their eyes. Henderson, standing at the back, couldn''t help but smile faintly.


    As the sun began to set, the team gathered around Noah, exhausted but satisfied.


    "Good work today," Noah said, his tone lighter than before. "We''ll pick up where we left off next time."


    Natasha grinned, wiping sweat from her forehead. "Next time? Can''t wait."


    Nathan groaned. "I can."


    Theo chuckled, patting Nathan on the back. "You''ll survive."


    Henderson remained quiet, but his gaze met Noah''s. A silent understanding passed between them, and Noah gave him a small nod.


    As the team dispersed, Adam approached, clapping Noah on the shoulder. "You''ve got them in shape already. Impressive."


    Noah shrugged. "They''re getting there. But there''s still a long way to go."


    Adam chuckled. "If anyone can take them to the next level, it''s you."


    Noah didn''t respond, but his smirk said it all.


    For a moment, the silence between them stretched, comfortable but laden with unspoken words.


    Finally, Adam cleared his throat.


    "Noah," he started, glancing at him. "There''s something you should know about Henderson."


    Noah raised an eyebrow but didn''t interrupt. He allowed Adam to continue, knowing exactly what was coming.

 Chapter 224 Advanced Miracle-Doctor Skill

    "noah," he started, glancing at him. "there''s something you should know about henderson."noah raised an eyebrow but didn''t interrupt. he allowed adam to continue, knowing exactly what was coming.


    "i don''t know how much he''s told you," adam said, "but henderson wasn''t always the man you see now. he was one of the best in his prime¡ªa top-tier soldier in the special forces. his team relied on him, and trusted him with their lives. but then..." adam trailed off, his face clouding briefly.


    "an injury," noah said flatly, cutting through adam''s hesitation.


    adam blinked, surprised. "he told you?"


    noah shook his head, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "he didn''t have to."


    adam''s brow furrowed, clearly puzzled, but he didn''t press further. instead, he continued. "after that injury, everything changed for him. he left the military and fell into a slump. it''s not easy for someone like him to go from being a hero to a shadow of himself."


    noah remained silent, his expression unreadable. inside, he was already piecing together the next steps. sea??h th§× nov§×lf~ire.net website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "when i saw him here today," adam added, "i barely recognized him. it''s like he''s back to his old self¡ªor better. and i feel like, that''s because of you." discover stories at empire


    adam''s brows furrowed slightly as he watched noah, his words replaying in his mind. the younger man stood there with his usual calm and composed demeanour, his arms crossed and a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.


    "when i saw him here today," adam repeated, as if grounding himself in reality, "i barely recognized him. it''s like he''s back to his old self¡ªor better. and i feel like that''s because of you."


    noah''s smirk widened, though his tone remained nonchalant. "well, he came to me and asked about healing. you know i dabble a bit in medicine," he said, waving a hand as if it was nothing more than a casual hobby.


    "since i saw that you had a past with him, i agreed to help. he must be someone extraordinary if he earned your respect. but i didn''t expect him to end up in my team. that was¡­ a surprise." he chuckled lightly.


    adam''s mouth twitched.


    ''dabble in medicine?'' his thoughts whirled with disbelief. ''this is the same guy who healed my father¡ªa man who was on the brink of death, beyond the help of the best doctors in the world¡ªand he calls it ''dabbling''?''


    "extraordinary, huh?" adam said aloud, forcing his expression into something resembling neutrality. "well, that''s an understatement for henderson. but you¡ª" he pointed at noah with an accusatory finger, though his tone was teasing. "you''re the real enigma here."


    noah raised an eyebrow, his smirk never faltering. "me? i''m just a guy who likes to keep things interesting."


    adam rolled his eyes but couldn''t help the laugh that escaped. "you''re impossible, you know that? every time i think i have you figured out, you do something that throws me off."


    noah leaned back against the edge of a nearby bench, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "keeps life exciting, doesn''t it?"


    adam shook his head, muttering under his breath. "exciting isn''t the word i''d use."


    ...


    the next morning, noah headed to the bathroom to start of his day.


    after his mourning routine, noah checked out his exchange shop skill. curious, he activated it and browsed through the items available for purchase.


    one item caught his eye, standing out from the rest:


    [skill enhancement token: upgrade any intermediate level skill to advanced level] ¨C $5,000,000.


    a small smirk tugged at his lips. "perfect," he muttered, immediately purchasing it without hesitation.


    [skill enhancement token has been received!]


    as the notification chimed, noah opened his skill inventory. his gaze swept across the list of intermediate-level skills, analyzing each one carefully:


    > intermediate driving skills


    > intermediate cooking skills


    > intermediate teaching skill


    > intermediate miracle-doctor skill


    > intermediate marketing skills


    > intermediate accountant skill


    > intermediate goldcraft


    noah frowned slightly, leaning back in his chair as he weighed his options. two skills stood out among the rest¡ªgoldcraft and miracle-doctor.


    goldcraft had been instrumental in setting up the gold shop and ensuring its success. upgrading it would further solidify his business ventures, allowing him to innovate more in crafting and jewellery design, potentially increasing profits.


    but miracle-doctor was different. it wasn''t just about money; it was about saving the lives of the people close to him, and potentially his own. while noah had his miracle pill as a failsafe for extreme situations, he couldn''t deny the value of having another means of healing. the advanced skill could be the difference between life and death in emergencies.


    he rubbed his chin thoughtfully, the two options battling for dominance in his mind. after a few moments, his decision was clear.


    "gold can wait," he murmured, his expression firm. "i''ll always find ways to make more money. but having more life-saving skills? that''s priceless."


    with a determined look, he activated the enhancement token.


    [skill enhancement token: intermediate miracle-doctor skill (intermediate -> advanced)]


    the token dissolved in his inventory, and a familiar glow enveloped him. information surged into his mind like a floodgate had opened.


    anatomy, herbal remedies, surgical techniques, and even advanced methods that he never heard of. techniques that seemed miraculous, bordering on the impossible, were now part of his repertoire.


    he exhaled slowly as the light faded, his mind recalibrating to accommodate the influx of knowledge. flexing his fingers, noah could feel the precision and newfound confidence in his hands¡ªa doctor''s hands, capable of extraordinary feats.


    "so this is what an advanced miracle doctor skill feels like," he said softly, a smile playing on his lips. "i can work miracles now¡ªliterally."


    ...


    noah''s phone buzzed as he sat in his car, the advanced ai assistant softly announcing the notification.


    "message from jackson: boss, we¡ª we need your help. my brother, his arm was cut off. i could only think of you."


    noah''s brow furrowed, his grip tightening on the wheel. without wasting a second, he tapped the screen, opening the message.


    "send me your location. now."


    jackson''s response came instantly, accompanied by a pin drop on the map. noah''s foot pressed hard on the accelerator, the lykan hypersport roaring to life as it tore through the streets. traffic blurred past him as he navigated with precision, his eyes narrowing at the flashing speed cameras. he knew he''d racked up a few tickets already, but that was the least of his concerns.


    "this better not be too late," noah muttered under his breath.


    in just ten minutes, noah pulled up to a small warehouse on the outskirts of town. the area was crowded with jackson''s men, all looking anxious and out of place. as the lykan screeched to a halt, they parted, their faces filled with equal parts hope and desperation.


    jackson ran out to meet him, his face pale. "boss! thank god you''re here."


    "where is he?" noah demanded, stepping out of the car and heading to the trunk. from inside, he grabbed a sleek black bag filled with advanced medical tools provided by the system.


    the bag looked deceptively simple, but it contained equipment that far surpassed anything available to modern medicine.


    jackson led him inside, his voice trembling. "we did what you said¡­ we put it in ice¡­ but the bleeding, it''s¡ª"


    "stop talking and point me to him," noah snapped, his tone sharp but not unkind.


    they rushed to the corner of the warehouse where jackson''s brother lay, surrounded by worried faces. his complexion was ashen, and his shirt was soaked with blood.


    an ice bucket sat nearby, containing the severed arm. the sight of it made a few of the onlookers grimace.


    noah''s eyes scanned the room quickly, his mind already racing. "clear the area. everyone who isn''t helping, get out."


    the men hesitated for a moment before jackson barked, "you heard him! move!"


    noah knelt beside the injured man, his movements calm and deliberate. "you''re going to be fine," he said, though his voice carried an undeniable authority that left no room for doubt.


    he turned to jackson. "you did well putting the arm in ice. it''s given us a chance."


    jackson nodded, swallowing hard. "will he¡­ will he be okay?"


    noah didn''t answer immediately.


    instead, he opened the bag, revealing an array of tools and vials that looked futuristic, almost alien. he cleaned the severed area of the arm with a sterilizing solution, his hands steady despite the tension in the room.


    he took out a small device resembling a laser pen, its surface gleaming with a faint blue glow. pointing it at the bleeding stump, he activated it. a soft hum filled the air as the device began sealing blood vessels, stopping the bleeding almost instantly.


    "what the¡­?" one of the men whispered, but a sharp look from noah silenced him.


    next, noah took the severed arm from the ice bucket, inspecting the cut carefully. "clean break," he muttered. "lucky."


    he aligned the arm with the stump, ensuring perfect symmetry. from the bag, he retrieved a needle-like instrument and began threading ultra-fine synthetic sutures that merged seamlessly with the tissue. with precision that defied belief, he reconnected the veins, arteries, and muscles, each moving smoothly.


    as he worked, his voice was calm. "the human body is more resilient than most people realize. if you know how to guide it, it can heal almost anything."


    after nearly two hours of gruelling focus, noah made the final connection, binding the bones together with a device that emitted a faint glow before dissolving.


    "done," he announced.


    the room was silent, save for the faint breathing of jackson''s brother. his colour had already begun to return, and the arm, though immobile currently, looked as if it had never been severed.

 Chapter 225 RESULTS DAY!

    the room was silent, save for jack''s faint breathing. his color had already begun to return, and the arm, though immobile, looked as if it had never been severed.jackson stared, his mouth agape. "boss¡­ how?" explore stories on empire


    noah glanced at him, his expression unreadable. "you asked for my help. this is what i do."


    jack''s stirred, his eyes fluttering open. "ja¡­ jackson?" he croaked.


    jackson dropped to his knees beside his brother, his voice trembling. "jack! i''m here, you''re okay!" sear?h the n??elfir§×.net website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    the other men in the room exchanged stunned looks, some whispering in disbelief. "that''s¡­ impossible," one of them muttered. "no doctor can do that."


    noah stood, packing his tools back into the bag. "he''ll need rest. no heavy lifting, no stress on the arm for at least two weeks. after that, he should be as good as new."


    jackson grabbed noah''s hand, his eyes brimming with gratitude. "boss¡­ i don''t even know how to thank you."


    noah shook his head slightly, his voice calm but firm. "don''t worry about it, jackson. just tell me¡ªwhat exactly happened to him?"


    jackson hesitated, scratching the back of his head as he glanced at his still-recovering brother. "it''s not what you think, boss. my brother was trying out one of the new machines we received¡­ a faulty conveyor setup. he got too close to the edge while adjusting something, and the blade¡­ well, you know the rest."


    noah''s brows furrowed slightly, but his tone remained steady. "faulty setup? did you check it thoroughly before letting anyone near it?"


    jackson winced at the question, looking down like a scolded child. "we did¡­ but clearly, not well enough. i didn''t think it''d malfunction so soon after installation. it was my oversight, boss."


    noah nodded, his voice carrying an edge of authority. "accidents happen, but they don''t excuse negligence. from now on, i want every piece of equipment double-checked¡ªno, triple-checked¡ªbefore anyone uses it. i don''t care how much time it takes. safety comes first."


    "yes, boss," jackson said, his voice barely above a whisper. "i''ll make sure it doesn''t happen again."


    noah adjusted his bag over his shoulder and turned toward the exit. "i''m busy right now, so i''ll head out. let me know immediately if anything changes with your brother''s condition."


    "yes, boss. thank you¡­ again." jackson''s voice trembled slightly as he spoke.


    ...


    a few weeks passed by since the incident with jackson and his brother. noah''s time was spent either attending to his several businesses, hanging out with his family and sometimes amelia, or training the special forces team. life had settled into a balanced, albeit busy, routine.


    at the breakfast table one morning, caroline looked at noah with a mixture of excitement and curiosity. "noah, honey, today''s the day you get your results. how are you feeling about it?"


    noah, finishing his scrambled eggs with a calm demeanor, glanced at his mother and replied, "it''s alright, mom. i''m sure i did well in those exams."


    caroline smiled proudly, resting her chin in her hand. "you''ve already made us so proud, sweetheart. this is just another step. right, david?" she said, turning to her husband.


    david, sipping his coffee and reading the morning paper, gave a nod of agreement. "of course. i don''t even have to worry. i know our son has done well. we just have to wait for the good news."


    caroline beamed, and emily, who had been silently munching on her toast, suddenly jumped up from her seat, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "brother, brother! please take me with you! i want to be there when you get your results!"


    noah raised an eyebrow at her, setting his fork down. "emily, why would you want to come? it''s just a boring day with some papers. you''ll probably be bored out of your mind."


    emily puffed her cheeks in defiance. "i don''t care! i want to be there when you make mom and dad super proud. and besides, i packed snacks!" she held up her backpack triumphantly as if it were the ultimate argument.


    caroline chuckled. "she''s been talking about this day all week, noah. just let her tag along."


    david added with a smirk, "seems like she''s more confident in your results than you are."


    noah sighed theatrically, leaning back in his chair. "fine, em. you can come. but no making a scene, alright?"


    emily grinned ear to ear, running to grab her shoes. "yay! this is going to be so much fun!"


    noah finished his breakfast and got up, grabbing his car keys from the counter. as he turned toward the door, emily was already waiting, practically bouncing on her toes with excitement. "let''s go, let''s go!"


    caroline and david exchanged a glance filled with warmth and pride as they watched the two siblings head out. "that boy of ours," caroline said with a smile. "he''s growing into someone truly incredible."


    david nodded, folding his newspaper. "and he still takes the time to be a good big brother. can''t ask for more than that."


    with a wave and a promise to update them as soon as the results were in, noah and emily climbed into his car and set off toward the school. emily couldn''t stop chattering about what she''d do once he got his results, her excitement filling the car with energy.


    arriving at the school, noah parked his g-wagon just outside the main entrance, its sleek design and gleaming finish drawing more attention than he intended. students milling around the grounds turned to look, whispers immediately spreading through the crowd.


    "who do you think that is? i don''t remember anyone in our year having a car like that."


    "maybe it''s a guest speaker or something?"


    as noah stepped out of the car, a wave of shocked gasps and murmurs swept through the students. heads turned, and conversations erupted around him.


    "no way, that''s noah thompson?"


    "isn''t he the guy people said owned a hotel or something? i thought it was just a wild rumour!"


    "and he''s smart too! ugh, talk about unfair."


    a girl with glasses near the entrance stared at him with wide eyes, nudging her friend. "rich, smart, and good-looking. imagine having kids with his genes. they''d be unstoppable."


    noah, ignoring the murmurs, opened the passenger door for emily, who hopped out with a bright grin. she didn''t seem to notice¡ªor care about¡ªthe attention, already pulling at his hand to guide him toward the main building.


    inside, the buzz of students chatting and comparing notes filled the air. noah walked through the crowd with an air of calm detachment, nodding slightly when a few classmates greeted him. many stared at him with a mix of curiosity and awe, but he paid them little mind, and focused on reaching the results area.


    among the throng of familiar faces, one stood out¡ªlily. spotting him from across the room, she immediately made her way over, her smile lighting up her face as she approached.


    "noah! hey!" she called, her voice cutting through the ambient noise. she reached him quickly, her gaze shifting down to emily. "and emily! you''re here too! wow, you''re getting taller every time i see you."


    emily beamed. "hi, lily! i came to see my brother get his results. he''s gonna ace it, just watch!"


    lily chuckled, kneeling slightly to emily''s level. "i don''t doubt it for a second. your brother''s always been a genius, hasn''t he?"


    standing back up, lily turned her attention to noah, her expression warm. "how are you feeling? confident about the results?"


    noah shrugged casually. "i''m sure i did well. no reason to stress about it."


    lily raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "still as composed as ever. must be nice to be that sure of yourself."


    he gave her a faint smirk. "when you prepare, there''s no need for doubt."


    emily tugged on his arm. "lily, are you going to get your results too?"


    "of course," lily replied with a smile. "i''m just waiting for the crowd to thin out a bit. but i had to come say hi when i saw you two."


    minutes passed, and the hum of conversation in the room subsided as the headmaster walked onto the podium. he adjusted the microphone, clearing his throat. the silence that followed was punctuated by the occasional shuffling of feet or the hushed murmurs of students.


    "good morning, everyone," the headmaster began, his deep, calm voice resonating through the hall. "it''s an exciting day, isn''t it? today marks the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and determination. for many of you, this is not just the end of one chapter but the beginning of another."


    some students straightened up in their seats, listening attentively, while others exchanged knowing glances, whispering to their friends.


    "now," he continued, a small smile tugging at his lips, "i know this past year has been particularly challenging. between the countless hours spent studying, preparing for exams, and navigating the ups and downs of life as a student, each of you has shown remarkable perseverance. and for that, i want to say¡ªwell done."


    a few scattered claps broke out before the headmaster raised a hand to pause them. "now, now, save the applause for yourselves when you see those results."

 Chapter 226 Results Day (2)

    a few scattered claps broke out before the headmaster raised a hand to pause them. "now, now, save the applause for yourselves when you see those results."laughter rippled through the crowd. a student, standing near the back, leaned over to his friend. "he''s hyping it up like we all didn''t cram the nights before our exams."


    lily, next to noah, smiled softly but focused on the headmaster, her arms crossed. emily, clutching noah''s hand, whispered, "he''s kind of funny, isn''t he?"


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    the headmaster''s tone turned slightly more serious. "but let me remind you, these results, as important as they may feel right now, do not define who you are. your worth is not measured by a number on a sheet of paper. what truly matters is what you do next¡ªhow you use what you''ve learned here to shape your future and make a positive impact on the world."


    a murmur of agreement spread through the room. a student near the front muttered, "i needed to hear that," while another rolled their eyes. "easy for him to say. he''s not the one waiting for results. nor is his dad waiting for him to return with good news, otherwise..."


    "today," the headmaster went on, "we also celebrate the relationships you''ve built¡ªfriendships, mentorships, and the memories you''ll carry with you. remember, these bonds are just as important as any academic achievement."


    lily glanced at noah and smiled. "that''s true, you know."


    noah raised an eyebrow but didn''t respond, his expression calm as always.


    the headmaster adjusted his glasses and finished with a firm note. "as you step out into the world, i encourage you to aim high. dream big. don''t be afraid to take risks and fail because failure is often the first step to greatness. each of you has potential beyond what you realize, and i, along with your teachers, have no doubt that you''ll achieve remarkable things."


    the students erupted into applause, some more enthusiastic than others. aiden whistled loudly, earning a glare from a teacher near the podium. "good speech," he said, nudging his friend.


    the headmaster held up his hands to quiet the room again. "with that, i wish you all the very best. now, let''s get to the moment you''ve all been waiting for¡ªyour results. teachers will begin handing them out shortly."


    as he stepped off the podium, the energy in the room shifted. nervous chatter and excited whispers filled the air as students began craning their necks, looking for their teachers.


    "here we go," lily said, exhaling sharply.


    emily gripped noah''s hand tighter. "do you think you''ll be the top, brother?"


    "i know i will," noah replied, his calm confidence sparking admiration¡ªand a touch of envy¡ªfrom those who overheard.


    as noah, lily, and the other students waited for their results to be distributed, the atmosphere in the hall grew electric. whispers and nervous laughter filled the air, mingling with the clicking of cameras as journalists began to enter into the room. a broadcast crew set up near the entrance, their large camera lenses sweeping over the eager students.


    noah barely paid them any mind, his calm demeanour standing in stark contrast to the fidgeting students around him.


    lily, however, glanced at the cameras nervously. "why are they even here? this isn''t the oscars."


    "they''re here for the drama," noah replied, his voice steady. "and maybe a few success stories."


    at that moment, ms. elara approached, a stack of result envelopes in her hands. she stopped in front of noah, her gaze softening as she handed him his envelope.


    "how are you feeling about the results, noah?" she asked, her tone kind yet tinged with curiosity. "are you confident?"


    noah met her gaze and nodded, his expression as composed as ever. "i know i did well."


    elara smiled faintly, though her eyes flickered briefly to someone standing further away¡ªlayla.


    the memory of the recent scandal between noah and layla''s mother lingered in her mind. she wanted to ask noah about it, to hear his side, but the moment didn''t feel right. instead, she simply said, "good luck, noah," and stepped aside.


    noah glanced at the envelope in his hands for a moment before tearing it open with deliberate calm. he unfolded the paper inside and scanned the results.


    subject: mathematics


    grade: a+


    percentage: 100/100


    ----


    subject: biology


    grade: a+


    percentage: 100/100


    ----


    subject: history


    grade: a+


    percentage: 100/100


    ...


    the same layout repeated itself across all the subjects that noah had taken. he had gotten the perfect score in every single subject.


    emily, who had been craning her neck to peek, suddenly let out an excited shriek. "oh my god! you got a perfect score! perfect!"


    her exasperation drew immediate attention, and several nearby students turned their heads, startled. "did he just say perfect score?" one whispered.


    the journalists, who had been observing from a distance, caught the commotion. the lead reporter motioned to her cameraman. "come on, let''s check this out. that''s the kind of joy we want to capture."


    the broadcast crew hurried over, the camera operator zooming in on noah as the reporter approached. "excuse me," she began with a bright smile, "we couldn''t help but notice the excitement here. are you willing to share your results with us?"


    noah turned to face her, his expression unchanging. "sure," he said simply, handing her the paper. s~ea??h the n?vel?ire.net website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    the reporter glanced at the paper, her smile widening as she saw the results. "wow, a perfect score! that''s incredible! congratulations! how does it feel to have achieved this?"


    noah gave a small nod, his tone calm and measured. "it''s good. i''ve worked hard for this."


    the reporter nodded, clearly impressed, but something seemed to nag at her. "if you don''t mind, could we take a look at the other subjects as well?" she asked, her curiosity evident.


    "sure," noah said with a shrug, handing her the sheet.


    peeking in, the reporter''s eyes scanned down the list. her mouth opened slightly in disbelief as her gaze darted from one subject to the next. each score was perfect, flawless, without a single error.


    her voice caught in her throat before she finally stammered, "yo-you got perfect scores in all subjects!"


    a ripple of murmurs broke out from the students and journalists nearby. the camera operator filming her reaction visibly shifted, leaning closer to the viewfinder as if doubting what he''d captured.


    from the newsroom headquarters, the presenter''s voice cut through the live broadcast. "miss olivia, are you saying the student in front of you achieved perfect scores across all subjects?"


    the reporter, olivia, snapped back to her senses, straightened up, and turned to face the camera. "yes¡­ indeed. the student has achieved perfect scores in all subjects. this is unprecedented throughout the history of these examinations!"


    the presenter in the newsroom practically shouted, "ask for his name! what''s his name?"


    olivia nodded and turned back to noah, her tone now more formal and respectful. "excuse me, may i ask for your name?"


    noah met her gaze calmly, his expression unchanging. "noah. noah thompson."


    olivia''s face lit up with recognition as murmurs erupted among the crowd of students behind her. "noah thompson¡­" she repeated, almost as if testing the name on her lips. "a name we''re unlikely to forget."


    from the newsroom, the presenter spoke with excitement. "ladies and gentlemen, we are witnessing something extraordinary today. noah thompson has achieved a feat unmatched in the history of this institution. perfect scores in every subject! truly remarkable."


    the camera panned briefly to the crowd of students, who were not focused on their results but on noah''s after hearing olivia.


    "is this guy even human?" one muttered.


    "i heard he owns a hotel. did you see that car he drove in?" another whispered.


    "no way. a genius billionaire, who is also overbearing. he is the man of my dreams, i can''t believe i haven''t noticed him before." one girl gasped, her eyes sparkling.


    meanwhile, emily tugged at noah''s sleeve, her excitement bubbling over. "you''re famous now, big brother! everyone''s talking about you!" she giggled, her small frame bouncing with energy.


    noah smiled softly and ruffled her hair. "don''t get too excited. it''s just some scores."


    olivia froze, her expression shifting rapidly between curiosity, shock, and disbelief. the murmurs from the students about a hotel, a luxury car, and noah''s apparent wealth played on her mind as she stared at him.


    "we heard rumours that you own a hotel," olivia began, her voice steadying as she asked the question. "is that true?"


    noah, ever composed, nodded. "yes, it''s true. i am the largest shareholder of crown veridian hotel."


    "i see¡ª" olivia began to reply, only for her voice to falter as the name of the hotel registered in her mind. her eyes widened as she practically stammered, "wait, what? crown veridian hotel? the five-star hotel?"


    noah gave a small, matter-of-fact nod. "that''s right."


    the murmurs among the students exploded into full-blown chatter.


    "no way, the crown veridian hotel?! that place is so famous and luxurious!" a girl whispered excitedly.

 Chapter 227 Results Day (3)

    "no way, the crown veridian hotel?! that place is famous!" a girl whispered excitedly."i''ve heard their suites cost more per night than most people make in a month!" another added, her eyes darting to noah.


    "forget the car, this guy owns that hotel?!" someone in the back exclaimed.


    olivia blinked rapidly, trying to compose herself. she cleared her throat, the professional demeanor she''d cultivated momentarily slipping as she pressed further. "noah, forgive me, but that''s a bit¡­unexpected. you''re still so young, and yet you''re the largest shareholder of one of the most prestigious hotels in the city?"


    noah''s lips twitched into a faint smirk, his eyes gleaming with quiet confidence. "age doesn''t determine capability. the opportunity was there, so i took it."


    the students who overheard this seemed torn between awe and intimidation.


    "i can''t believe it. i''m sitting here stressing over exams, and this guy owns a five-star hotel," a boy muttered, shaking his head.


    "i need to figure out what this guy eats for breakfast because clearly, i''ve been doing life wrong," a girl added with a laugh.


    olivia, meanwhile, latched onto his words, her curiosity fully piqued. "that''s¡­incredible. could you tell us a bit about how you came to acquire such a significant share in the hotel?"


    noah gave a small shrug, his tone measured. "i won''t bore you with the details, but let''s just say i made the right investments at the right time. it wasn''t an easy process, but it was worth it."


    olivia''s mind raced as she tried to reconcile the calm, composed young man in front of her with the image of a high school student. "and your car¡ªthe lykan hypersport outside¡ªis that yours as well?"


    "it is," noah replied casually. "i bought it a few months ago."


    the camera operator''s jaw dropped audibly, and even olivia couldn''t contain her amazement. "the lykan hypersport is one of the rarest supercars in the world! it''s worth millions!"


    noah raised an eyebrow, his tone teasing. "and yet, it still gets me from point a to point b."


    a ripple of laughter broke out among the students at his understated humour, but the awe in the crowd only grew.


    olivia gathered herself quickly, realizing the magnitude of the moment. "noah thompson, perfect scores in every subject, owner of a five-star hotel, and driver of one of the rarest supercars on the planet. you''ve achieved so much already. do you have any advice for those watching at home?"


    noah tilted his head thoughtfully before answering, his voice steady. "stay focused, work hard, and don''t let distractions hold you back. everyone has potential; it''s what you do with it that counts."


    the crowd grew quiet, hanging onto his words, as olivia gave him an admiring nod. "thank you, noah. i think it''s safe to say you''ve inspired a lot of people today."


    "i aspire to inspire," noah said, his smile calm yet infectious, leaving an impression on everyone around him. his words carried weight, resonating with the students and the reporters alike. the journalist, olivia, paused to process his statement, her admiration evident as she took a step back, giving noah the space to rejoin his peers.


    noah turned his gaze toward lily, who stood a few feet away, clutching her results envelope with both hands. her knuckles were pale from gripping it so tightly, and her expression was a mix of nervous anticipation and determination.


    "lily," noah called out, his tone soft yet encouraging. "you''re up next. you''ve got this."


    lily glanced up at him, her eyes wide. "you think so?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.


    "absolutely," noah replied, his calm demeanor unwavering. "you''ve worked hard. trust yourself."


    encouraged by his words, lily nodded and took a deep breath. emily, standing beside her, gave a small cheer. "you''ve got this, lily! open it already!"


    the small crowd that had gathered around noah now shifted their attention to lily, their curiosity piqued. some of the students who knew her began murmuring.


    "she''s one of the top students, right? i bet she did well."


    "i heard she studied with noah sometimes. so that''s a bonus, she will definitely get top scores too."


    lily fumbled slightly as she broke the seal on the envelope, her hands trembling. noah stepped closer, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "deep breath," he said with a small smile.


    lily nodded, inhaling deeply before pulling out the results sheet. her eyes darted over the paper, scanning for her grades.


    slowly, lily''s face lit up, a brilliant smile replacing her earlier nervousness as she clutched her results paper tightly. "i got a perfect score in mathematics!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with joy. "and¡­oh wow, i only missed two or three marks in the other subjects!"


    the crowd around her erupted in cheers, with emily jumping up and down beside her. "you''re so amazing, lily!" emily exclaimed, her face glowing with admiration.


    even olivia, the reporter, couldn''t hide her astonishment. her jaw dropped as she processed what lily had just said. "perfect scores in math and near-perfect scores in everything else?" she said aloud, her voice tinged with disbelief. she turned to the cameraman. "how are these students doing this? is it suddenly easy to get these kinds of scores?"


    the cameraman shrugged his own expression a mixture of surprise and curiosity. "no idea. maybe the test paper was easy for this year."


    in the broadcasting headquarters, the presenter watching the live feed couldn''t hold back her incredulity. "olivia, this is incredible! but let''s get some variety. try speaking to a few more students to see how they''re feeling about their results."


    olivia nodded on-screen. "will do," she replied, glancing around the crowd for her next subject. ironically, her gaze landed on layla, who stood a few feet away, staring at lily and noah with a green-eyed jealousy that practically radiated off her.


    "excuse me," olivia said, approaching layla with a polite smile. "would it be alright if we took a look at your results and got your thoughts on the exams?"


    layla''s face froze for a brief moment before she quickly masked her unease. she glanced at olivia but then turned her attention to a nearby friend, pretending not to have heard the question. she muttered something to the friend and walked off briskly, her head held high as if the question was never asked.


    olivia hesitated, her microphone still in the air as she watched layla retreat. the awkward tension hung for a moment before the cameraman whispered, "move on."


    olivia nodded, lowering the microphone. "well, it seems that some students prefer to keep their results private, which is perfectly fine," she said with a professional smile, covering the moment smoothly. she turned back to the crowd, scanning for another student who might be willing to talk.


    meanwhile, olivia approached another student who was more than happy to share their results, lightening the mood of the segment as the camera panned to other cheerful faces in the crowd.


    layla, however, remained on the periphery, her envy simmering as the celebrations continued without her.


    noah made his way through the crowd, stopping beside aiden, who was sitting on a bench near the results area. the envelope containing aiden''s test scores rested unopened on his lap, and he was clearly stalling, his eyes darting between the other students opening their results. find your next read at empire


    "yo," noah greeted casually, hands in his pockets.


    aiden looked up, startled out of his thoughts. "yo," he replied hesitantly, his tone laced with unease. though their friendship had survived layla''s drama, the lingering tension was still evident.


    noah raised an eyebrow, nodding toward the envelope. "so, are you gonna open that, or are you just trying to avoid your dad whooping your ass if the results aren''t good?"


    aiden scoffed, crossing his arms defensively. "please. my dad''s chill. he said as long as i keep grinding on youtube and eventually start my own business, he''s not too worried about grades. he''s got that ''steve jobs didn''t finish college'' energy, you know?"


    noah smirked, leaning against the back of the bench. "so, let me get this straight. your master plan is to turn your dad''s garage into the next big tech empire? very forward-thinking."


    "hey, don''t knock it," aiden shot back with a grin. "genius often looks like madness at first."


    "right. and you think genius involves you sitting here staring at an unopened envelope?" noah tilted his head, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "what''s the real reason, aiden? afraid it''s bad news?"


    aiden hesitated for a moment, then huffed dramatically. "fine, since you''re so invested in my academic destiny, i''ll open it. but you''re reading it first. spare me the anxiety." he shoved the envelope toward noah.


    "coward," noah teased, but he took the envelope anyway, ripping it open with precision. he scanned the paper inside, and his smirk widened slightly. sear?h the novel(f~)ire.net website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "well?" aiden asked, his knee bouncing with nervous energy. "am i a certified idiot or not?"


    noah handed the paper back to him with a nonchalant shrug. "not an idiot. actually, you did pretty well. high enough to qualify for advanced courses if you wanted."


    aiden''s eyes widened as he read the results himself. "wait, what? no way." he squinted at the paper, his voice rising. "i passed math with an a-grade? a?! i didn''t even finish the last question!"


    noah chuckled, clearly amused. "you''re welcome, by the way. all that tutoring you ignored must''ve sunk in through osmosis."


    "okay, first of all, i never ignored your tutoring. i just¡­needed time to absorb it," aiden said defensively, though the grin on his face betrayed his excitement. "man, i can''t believe i actually did this."


    "well, believe it. your dad''s not gonna have to sell the garage for you to open a bookstore after all."

 Chapter 228 Taking A Vacation, London!

    After leaving the school grounds with Emily, Noah''s demeanour remained calm and composed, a stark contrast to the whirlwind his name was causing throughout the country.The media frenzy that had started with the live broadcast of his perfect exam scores had now taken on a life of its own. Journalists, social media influencers, and news anchors were all abuzz with discussions about his achievements, painting him as a prodigy, a young man destined for greatness.


    On every news channel and online platform, headlines screamed his name:


    "Noah Thompson: The Boy Wonder with Perfect Scores!"


    "Teen Prodigy Breaks Records ¨C Meet Noah Thompson, the Young Entrepreneur!"


    "From Academic Genius to Hotel Owner ¨C Is Noah Thompson the Future of Business?"


    Clips of the live broadcast circulated endlessly, with Olivia''s stunned reaction to Noah''s scores becoming a viral sensation. The sight of him standing confidently, delivering his lines with calm poise, only added to his allure.


    Speculations about his wealth, his businesses, and his personal life dominated dinner table conversations and social media feeds alike.


    On platforms like Bird, hashtags like #NoahThompson, #TeenProdigy, and #BoyWonder trended for hours. Some users praised his brilliance:


    "Noah Thompson is an inspiration. Perfect scores, a business empire¡ªwhat can''t this guy do?"


    "Move over celebrities. Noah Thompson is the real star we should all be looking up to!"


    "Is Noah Thompson even real? Or is he just an AI that the government made to show off?"


    "This guy probably invented the cure for procrastination too."


    Memes popped up, with one particularly popular image captioned. "Noah Thompson opening his results while the rest of us pray for a passing grade."


    Unaware of the growing spotlight, Noah strolled down the sidewalk with Emily, her laughter filling the air as they shared a carefree moment.


    ...


    After driving back to their apartment, Noah parked the car and took the elevator to his parent''s floor. Emily clung to his side, her excitement barely contained as they reached the door.


    A few seconds after knocking, the door swung open to reveal Caroline. Her expression immediately shifted to concern. "Noah? How was it? Did you do well? Tell me, son!"


    "Calm down, Mom," Noah said, holding up his hands. "One question at a time, please."


    Emily, standing beside him, practically vibrated with excitement. "Didn''t you see him on tel¡ª"


    Before she could finish, Noah clamped a hand over her mouth. "Not a word, Em," he said, giving her a pointed look.


    Caroline tilted her head, looking at them suspiciously. "Huh? Saw him where? What''s going on? Are you hiding something from me?"


    Emily, her words muffled by Noah''s hand, shook her head vigorously, her eyes darting toward Caroline.


    "Noah," Caroline said, her tone growing worried. "You''re scaring me now. Did you¡­ not do well?"


    David appeared from the living room, a mug of tea in his hand. "What''s all the commotion about? Let them come inside first, Caroline. They''re standing in the hallway like delivery people."


    Caroline sighed, stepping aside to let them in. "Fine, but I want answers!"


    As soon as the door closed, Emily wriggled free from Noah''s grip. "Mom, he got perfect scores! In everything! And it was on TV!"


    Caroline froze mid-step, turning slowly toward Noah. "What did she just say? Perfect scores? On TV?"


    David paused, his mug halfway to his lips. "TV? What''s this about, Noah?"


    Noah sighed, scratching the back of his neck. "Yes, Mom, I got perfect scores. And yes, there were reporters there. But really, it''s not a big deal¡ª"


    "Not a big deal?!" Caroline''s voice rose an octave. "My son gets perfect scores, becomes a national sensation, and you think that''s not a big deal?!"


    David chuckled, shaking his head. "Leave it to Noah to downplay something like that."


    Emily beamed. "Mom, the reporters couldn''t believe it. They were asking him all kinds of questions. And guess what? He even said, ''I aspire to inspire.'' Isn''t that cool?"


    Caroline''s eyes began to melt over as she pulled Noah into a tight hug. "Oh, my boy! I''m so proud of you."


    "Mom¡­ oxygen¡­" Noah choked out, patting her back awkwardly.


    Caroline released him, stepping back with her hands on her hips. "You should''ve told me! I''d have been there to cheer you on!"


    "I didn''t know there''d be reporters, Mom," Noah said, exasperated.


    David clapped his hands together, his face lighting up. "Alright, everyone, listen up! This calls for a celebration!"


    Caroline tilted her head, curious. "Oh? What do you have in mind, David?"


    David raised a finger dramatically, as though announcing a royal decree. "Pack your bags, everyone. We''re going on a holiday to¡­ LONDON!"


    The room froze for a split second before Emily erupted in excitement. "London?! Big Ben? The London Eye? The double-decker buses? Really? Really?!"


    David nodded with a grin. "Really, kiddo! I''ve already been thinking about it for a while, but Noah''s results are the perfect excuse. What better way to celebrate than a family trip?"


    Emily jumped up and down, her energy infectious. "Yes! Yes! Yes! This is going to be amazing! I want to ride the big wheel, see the tower bridge, and¡ªand eat those giant pretzels from the street carts!"


    Caroline''s excitement began to show as well. "David, are you serious? London? You''ve been holding out on us!"


    David chuckled, shrugging. "I like to keep a few surprises up my sleeve. Plus, it''s long overdue. We haven''t had a proper family vacation in ages."


    Caroline nodded in agreement, already mentally making a checklist. "You''re absolutely right. Oh, I need to make sure we pack enough warm clothes. London can get chilly."


    Emily turned to Noah, her eyes shining with joy. "Noah, you''re coming, right? Right? You have to come!"


    Noah smirked, shaking his head at her enthusiasm. "Do I even have a choice? Sounds like I''m being dragged along whether I want to or not."


    "Dragged along?!" Emily gasped dramatically, clutching her chest. "How can you say that about LONDON?!"


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    Noah chuckled. "Alright, calm down. I''m coming. Someone has to keep you out of trouble."


    Emily grinned ear to ear. "Yes! You''re the best, big brother!"


    David clapped his hands again. "Alright, troops! Let''s get moving. We leave tomorrow morning! Pack your bags tonight. Emily, no bringing your entire toy collection."


    "Hey!" Emily protested, pouting. "I only bring the essentials!"


    Caroline laughed, patting her husband''s arm. "And you, Mr. Planner, make sure you''ve booked the flights and hotel."


    David gave her a mock salute. "Already done, General."


    Caroline shook her head fondly, then turned to Noah. "You''ve had a big day, so don''t overdo it. Pack what you need, and let me know if there''s anything you''re missing."


    Noah nodded. "Don''t worry, Mom. I''ve got it under control."


    Emily, at her room''s door shouted, her voice echoing through the house. "I''m packing everything pink! London, here we come!"


    His mom went on her phone, scrolling through social media to find Noah''s interview. It didn''t take long¡ªhis name was trending everywhere. She clicked on a live clip and began watching, her smile fading slightly as the mention of the hotel and Lykan Hypersport came up.


    "Noah?" Caroline called, her tone sharp with concern. "Do you really own the hotel? And that car¡ªwhy did you lie about these things? What if the owner comes after you?"


    Noah sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Mom, I''m not lying. I do own it¡ªor at least part of it. I''m the largest shareholder of Crown Veridian Hotel."


    Caroline''s eyebrows shot up in disbelief. "How? Where did you even get the money to buy shares in a five-star hotel?"


    "I sold one of my inventions," Noah replied calmly. "It gave me enough capital to acquire the shares."


    "Inventions? What kind of invention makes that much money?" Caroline pressed, still sceptical.


    Noah smirked knowingly and turned to his dad. "Ask Dad about the phone I gave him."


    Caroline glanced at David, who was already pulling out the sleek, futuristic device Noah had given him. "I''m assuming you''re talking about this?" David said, holding up the phone with the advanced AI assistant.


    Caroline leaned in to get a better look. "It''s just a phone. How could a phone be worth millions? It looks fancy, sure, but it''s still a phone, right?"


    "Not just a phone," Noah said, leaning back with a confident grin. "Dad, why don''t you show her what it can do? Let her ask the AI something."


    David tapped the screen, and the holographic AI assistant appeared above the device. Caroline gasped, stepping back slightly. "What on earth¡­ is that a hologram?"


    The AI smiled warmly. "Hello, Caroline. How may I assist you today?"


    Caroline blinked in disbelief. "Wait, it knows my name?"


    David chuckled. "It remembers people it interacts with. Go ahead, ask it anything."


    Still hesitant, Caroline asked, "Alright, uh¡­ AI, can you tell me the weather forecast for London this weekend?"


    The hologram responded almost instantly. "This weekend, London will have mild temperatures with occasional light rain. I recommend bringing an umbrella but expect mostly pleasant weather."


    Caroline''s mouth fell open. "Okay, that''s impressive. But there are other devices that can do that. What makes this so special?"


    "Ask it something harder," Noah prompted, his smirk widening.


    Caroline thought for a moment, then said, "AI, plan a one-week trip to London for a family of four, including accommodations, dining, sightseeing, and transportation, all within a $5,000 budget."


    The hologram''s serene smile remained as it replied, "One moment, please." After a few seconds, it began to list a detailed itinerary:


    "Day one: Arrival and check-in at a family-friendly hotel in central London. An evening stroll along the Thames with dinner at a casual riverside restaurant."


    The hologram kept going on, until the last day.


    "Total estimated cost: $4,850, including accommodations, meals, and travel."


    S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 229 Rewarded 51% Shares of RayAir

    Total estimated cost: $4,850, including accommodations, meals, and travel."Caroline stared, completely dumbfounded. "It planned all that in seconds?"


    David smirked. "I told you it''s more than just a phone."


    Noah crossed his arms. "Now imagine what it can do for businesses¡ªanalyzing markets, predicting trends, managing finances. This AI is light-years ahead of anything currently available."


    Caroline slumped into a chair, shaking her head. "Noah¡­ this is unbelievable. You really did this?"


    "From scratch," Noah said proudly. "That''s how I made enough money to buy shares in the hotel. And trust me, this is just the beginning."


    Emily, who had been listening from the hallway, ran in with excitement. "Can I play with the hologram lady?" Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The AI turned to Emily and waved. "Hello, Emily. It''s nice to see you again."


    Caroline laughed finally relaxing, after Noah explained everything.


    ...


    As his family packed up, the system notification rang.


    [Ultimate Choice System has been activated!]


    Noah''s eyes sharpened as he read the choices presented to him.


    [Option 1: Travel with your family and enjoy the small vacation.]


    [Reward: RayAir 51% Shares]


    [Option 2: Decline the offer]


    [Reward: I Am Boring Shirt]


    Noah let out a soft chuckle. "As if there''s even a choice," he muttered, selecting Option 1 without hesitation.


    Moments later, another notification appeared:


    [Congratulations! You now own 51% of RayAir. Estimated market value: $12.5 billion.]


    Noah''s calm demeanour didn''t change much.


    RayAir was one of the largest airlines in the world. Owning a controlling stake opened up an entirely new industry for him to explore.


    As his family bustled around their apartment, Noah casually packed a small bag with a few items of clothing he''d left at his parents'' house. It wasn''t much¡ªa couple of T-shirts, a hoodie, some pants, and a suit.


    Caroline walked past him with a raised brow. "Is that all you''re bringing, Noah?"


    Noah shrugged. "It''s enough. If I need anything else, I''ll just buy it in London."


    Caroline sighed. "You and your nonchalant attitude. Fine, but don''t go spending too much money on unnecessary things."


    David strolled into the room, holding up his phone. "Alright, I booked us tickets with RayAir. The flight leaves in three hours, so we should head out soon."


    Hearing the name of the airline, Noah''s lips quirked into an amused smile.


    "What''s so funny?" David asked, noticing the expression.


    "Nothing, just remembering something," Noah replied smoothly.


    Emily appeared with her little pink suitcase, looking as excited as ever. "RayAir? Are they the ones with the cute little airplane mascots on their safety videos?"


    David chuckled. "Yeah, that''s them."


    "Then it''s the best airline ever!" Emily declared confidently, skipping toward the door.


    The family arrived at the bustling airport, rolling their luggage behind them.


    While Caroline and David sorted out the check-in process, Noah leaned against a pillar near the terminal, his attention fixed on his phone.


    The device displayed the contact details of RayAir''s highest-ranking executives¡ªa perk of his newly acquired majority ownership. Without hesitation, he dialed the number of Sebastian, the executive director.


    The phone rang only once before a voice answered, polite and formal. "Hello?"


    "Hello, this is Noah Thompson," Noah said smoothly. "The new acquirer of the 51% shares of RayAir."


    There was a beat of silence on the other end, followed by a sudden shift in tone. "Mr. Thompson! It''s an honor to hear from you, sir. Congratulations on your acquisition!"


    The voice was now tinged with a mix of respect and nervous energy. "How can I assist you today? I will call a directors'' meeting immediately if you require it!"


    "No need for a meeting," Noah replied, his tone calm but firm. "I need a small favour."


    "Of course, sir. Whatever you need, just let me know!"


    Noah''s lips curved into a faint smile. "I want four tickets adjusted. They''re under the names Caroline Thompson, David Thompson, Emily Thompson, and Noah Thompson. Change them from commercial to business class, and make sure the seats are close to each other. I want the best ones available."


    "Consider it done, sir," Sebastian replied without hesitation. "I will notify the relevant departments right away."


    "One more thing," Noah added, his voice steady. "Label the change as a giveaway or something along those lines. I don''t want any unnecessary questions raised."


    "Understood, Mr. Thompson. The adjustments will be made within the next few minutes," Sebastian assured, his tone unwavering. He knew that Noah wasn''t asking for a favour, despite the polite phrasing¡ªit was an order.


    "Good," Noah said simply, ending the call.


    On the other side of the line, Sebastian sat frozen in his high-backed chair, the phone still pressed to his ear. His mind reeled as he tried to process the sheer audacity of what had just happened.


    The purchase of the RayAir shares had only been finalized mere hours ago, and the method of acquisition had already sent shockwaves through the industry. It wasn''t just the fact that someone had acquired 51% of RayAir¡ªa stake worth $13 billion¡ªit was the way it had been done. The shares had been snapped up all at once, in a single synchronized transaction, paid entirely in liquid assets.


    Thirteen billion dollars, transferred in full within seconds.


    Sebastian swallowed hard. The number was staggering. Even among the wealthiest elite, having that kind of cash readily available was nearly unheard of. He had spent his career rubbing shoulders with billionaires, but this? This was on another level.


    "Who is this guy?" Sebastian muttered under his breath, his eyes darting to the company profile of Noah Thompson on his screen.


    At just 19 years old, he had the power to single-handedly shape one of the world''s most profitable airlines.


    Then there was the request itself¡ªso mundane, so casual, and yet it carried a weight that made Sebastian''s heart race.


    "The first order he gives me is to upgrade a few tickets from commercial to business class?" He shook his head in disbelief. "Is this some kind of joke?"


    But the tone Noah had used...no, this was no joke. It wasn''t even a request¡ªit was a command, lightly wrapped in politeness. There was no doubt in Sebastian''s mind that failing to carry it out wasn''t an option.


    He sprang into action, snapping orders to his assistant and the operations team. "Contact passenger services immediately! Change those tickets to business class¡ªtop-tier seats. And make sure they''re flagged as a special giveaway. I want this handled now!"


    In the RayAir offices, a flurry of activity erupted as teams scrambled to fulfill the directive. Emails were sent, phone calls were made, and within moments, the department heads were on high alert.


    "Why are we rushing for four tickets?" one confused team member asked.


    "Because," Sebastian said, his voice cutting through the air like a whip, "the man who owns more than half of this airline wants it done. That''s why."


    Meanwhile, Noah strolled back to where his family stood at the airport terminal. Caroline turned, her expression shifting from mild annoyance to curiosity as she noticed his relaxed demeanour.


    "There you are," she said. "Come on, Noah, we need to queue up."


    Noah nodded, a small grin tugging at the corner of his lips. It was subtle, almost imperceptible, but Emily noticed immediately. Her small, cute eyes narrowed, and she tugged on his hand as they walked.


    "Brother," she whispered, her voice laced with suspicion. "You''re plotting something, aren''t you?"

 Chapter 230 Rewarded 51% Shares of RayAir (2)

    Noah tilted his head, feigning innocence. "Plotting? Whatever do you mean?"Emily wasn''t buying it. She raised an eyebrow, her expression a mirror of their mother''s when she was skeptical. "Don''t play dumb. I know that grin. You always look like that when you''re about to do something sneaky."


    He glanced down at her, the smile growing just a fraction wider. "Don''t think too much, Em. Just go with the flow."


    Emily huffed but didn''t press further.


    She clung to his hand. "Fine," she muttered. "But if this involves me, I better get extra snacks on the plane."


    Noah chuckled, ruffling her hair. "Deal."


    As they approached the gate, Caroline glanced back at them. "Are you two whispering secrets over there?" she asked playfully, her eyes darting between them.


    "No secrets," Emily said quickly, clearly not wanting to get on Noah''s bad side. Otherwise, he won''t buy her snacks anymore, and that was like a death sentence in her opinion.


    ''I can''t tell her my suspicions, otherwise, brother won''t give me snacks!''


    When they reached the counter, Caroline started rummaging in her bag for their tickets. "Let me get these ready¡ªThere they are."


    When they reached the counter, Caroline began rummaging through her bag to retrieve the tickets. "Let me get these ready¡ªah, here they are," she said, handing them over to the attendant with a smile.


    The attendant took the tickets and began entering the details into the system. As she reviewed the screen, her expression shifted, her brows knitting in confusion. After a brief pause, she turned toward a nearby supervisor and motioned for them to come over.


    Caroline''s smile faded as she glanced at David. "Did you book the right tickets? Why does she look so confused?"


    David frowned slightly, leaning closer to whisper. "Of course I did. Everything was fine when I booked them. Maybe she''s new or something."


    Caroline nodded hesitantly but kept her gaze on the attendant, who was now conferring with the supervisor. After a minute, the supervisor stepped forward and addressed the family. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Congratulations," the supervisor said warmly. "Your ticket has been upgraded to business class. It''s part of our community appreciation initiative."


    Caroline''s jaw dropped. "Business class? Really?"


    The supervisor nodded with a smile. "Yes, madam. It''s a special program we occasionally run to show appreciation to our valued passengers. Enjoy the upgrade."


    Caroline''s initial excitement was quickly replaced with concern. "Wait a minute," she said, holding up her hand. "Does this mean we''ll be sitting separately? I don''t want to be apart from my family."


    The supervisor hesitated, her smile faltering slightly. "That''s correct, madam. Business class seating is separate from the regular cabin, so your family would be seated in different areas."


    Caroline shook her head firmly. "Oh, no. That won''t work for us. I''d rather we stay together in our original seats."


    The supervisor blinked, clearly not expecting this response. "Of course, madam. You can simply sit on the original seat if you wish."


    The supervisor didn''t have any thoughts of the whole family winning the giveaway, as it was simply almost impossible. The chance of winning a lottery was even higher than the family of four winning business class.


    Behind them, a man waiting in line sighed loudly, muttering under his breath. "Some people get all the luck. I''d kill for a business-class upgrade, especially on this long flight."


    Emily tugged on Noah''s sleeve, looking up at him with wide eyes. "Brother, is business class really amazing? What''s it like?"


    Noah chuckled softly, patting her on the head. "You''ll see one day, Em. Don''t worry."


    The attendant at the counter suddenly gasped, her hand flying to her mouth as she checked the other tickets. Her wide eyes darted between the tickets on her screen and the physical ones in her hand.


    Caroline noticed her reaction and frowned, her curiosity growing. What now? she thought, though she chose to remain silent to avoid seeming rude.


    The attendant quickly excused herself and motioned for the supervisor, who had just walked off. "Could you come here for a moment?" she called, her voice tinged with urgency.


    The attendant was clearly new to the job and it showed, it was as if she had to babysit her through the job.


    The supervisor sighed as she approached, her expression one of mild exasperation. "What is it now?" she asked, looking between the flustered staff member and the family.


    The younger attendant simply pointed at the tickets. "It''s¡­ well, you need to see for yourself," she stammered, handing them over.


    The supervisor raised an eyebrow, taking the tickets and glancing at the information on her screen. Her brows furrowed as she reviewed the details, and then her eyes widened slightly in realization.


    She straightened up and turned to Caroline with a wry smile.


    "Ms. Caroline, your family is very lucky indeed," the supervisor began, her tone polite but tinged with disbelief. "Congratulations! It seems your entire family has won the business class giveaway. Not only that, all of you are seated together."


    The announcement landed like a small bombshell. Emily''s jaw dropped, her face lighting up with excitement. "We''re all in business class? Together?" she squealed, practically bouncing on her feet.


    Caroline blinked, struggling to process the information. "Wait¡­ the whole family? Together? Are you sure?" she asked, her voice tinged with suspicion.


    The supervisor nodded with a knowing smile. "Yes, ma''am. It''s an incredibly rare occurrence. In fact, this is the first time this has occurred. The airline goes above and beyond for its customers. Consider it a special treat."


    The man standing behind them in line froze mid-step as the supervisor''s words hit him like a freight train. His jaw slackened, and his eyes darted toward the Thompson family, then back at the counter, then to his own ticket clutched tightly in his hand.


    "Whole family? Business class? Together?" he muttered to himself, disbelief dripping from every word. He glanced down at his crumpled economy ticket as if it had personally betrayed him. His lips pressed into a tight line, and a vein on his temple throbbed faintly.


    He straightened, craning his neck to watch the family as if trying to figure out where the lucky came from.


    His brow furrowed deeper with every cheerful smile and calm nod from the family. "How is this happening?" he muttered, running a hand through his already messy hair. "I''ve flown thirty-six times this year and not once did I see any giveaway. And they win it together? Is that even legal?"


    His inner monologue spiralled further as he began calculating the impossibility of the situation. "What are the odds of four tickets all being upgraded? At once? What is this, a lottery ad? Do I look like a walking bad luck charm, or what?" He checked his reflection in his phone''s screen for any sign of an ominous aura that might explain his perpetual bad luck.


    David let out a low whistle. "Wow. That''s¡­ quite the upgrade," he said, his voice tinged with both admiration and confusion.


    Caroline looked at Noah, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Did you have anything to do with this?"


    Noah shrugged, his expression calm and nonchalant. "How am I supposed to do anything, i was with you guys the whole time."


    The supervisor handed back the tickets, her smile warm. "Enjoy your flight, Ms. Caroline. I''m sure your family will love the experience."


    As Caroline and the others gathered their upgraded tickets, he sighed heavily and stared at his economy ticket again. His fingers tightened around it like it might escape if he didn''t keep a firm grip. "Great. While they''re stretching out on a cozy seat, I''ll be wedged between someone''s crying baby and a guy who thinks ''personal space'' is a myth."


    With a final, exasperated sigh, he muttered under his breath, "Unbelievable. Some people just live on a different planet." He shuffled forward in line, already imagining his misery in row 27, seat B, while the Thompson family reclined in luxury.

 Chapter 231 Business Class Experience

    As the Thompson family boarded the plane, they were guided to the business class section. Caroline''s eyes widened as she took in the luxurious surroundings. Plush seats arranged in spacious pods, soft ambient lighting, and an unmistakable air of exclusivity surrounded them. Each seat had a large entertainment screen, an adjustable footrest, and a small privacy divider. It was a stark contrast to the cramped rows of economy they were used to.Emily gasped audibly as she skipped ahead of her family. "Mom! Dad! Noah! Look at this!" she squealed, running her hands over the buttery leather of the nearest seat. "The seats have buttons! What do they do? Can I press them?"


    "Emily," Caroline said in a mix of awe and maternal authority, "let''s find our seats first, then you can press all the buttons you want."


    Noah smirked at his little sister''s excitement, trailing behind with his hands in his pockets. His demeanor was calm, but his sharp eyes swept over the space, cataloging the details. Not bad, he thought. This is worth it.


    When they reached their assigned seats, Emily immediately clambered into hers and started exploring. "Oh my gosh, look! There''s a TV! And a remote! And¡ªwait, is this a table?!" She popped open the foldable tray, then retracted it with glee. "This is so cool!"


    David chuckled as he settled into his seat and leaned back. He pushed one of the buttons, and his chair reclined almost flat. "Now this is what I call traveling in style," he said, his voice tinged with wonder. "I could get used to this."


    Caroline sank into her own seat with a sigh of delight. "The seats are so comfortable¡­ It''s like sitting on a cloud." She ran her hands over the armrests and looked around, still in disbelief. "I can''t believe we''re actually here. This is so fancy."


    Emily giggled as she fiddled with the control panel on her armrest. "Look, my seat is moving!" She reclined back, then brought herself upright, repeating the motion just to see it work. "It''s like a transformer chair! Noah, look!"


    Noah glanced over at her, his lips curling into a smile. "Don''t break it, Em. The seat''s not a toy."


    "I''m not breaking it! I''m just testing it," Emily shot back with a mock pout. She pulled out the provided noise-canceling headphones and slipped them over her head. "These are so soft! I feel like a princess!"


    A flight attendant approached with a welcoming smile. "Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, and young miss," she said, turning to Emily, who beamed. "Welcome aboard. Would you like a welcome drink? We have champagne, orange juice, and sparkling water."


    Caroline and David exchanged a look, a little taken aback by the choices. "Uh, orange juice for us, please," Caroline said, while David nodded.


    The attendant turned to Emily, who sat up straighter in her seat. "What about you, little miss?"


    Emily''s eyes sparkled. "Do you have apple juice?"


    "Of course," the attendant said with a warm smile.


    Emily clapped her hands together. "Apple juice it is! In a fancy glass, please!"


    Noah chuckled softly, watching the interaction. When the flight attendant turned to him, he shook his head. "Just water for now, thanks."


    As the drinks arrived, Emily inspected her glass of apple juice as if it were a rare artifact. "Wow," she whispered. "This glass is so shiny. It''s like¡­ rich people shiny."


    Caroline laughed. "Emily, it''s just a glass."


    "But it''s not just a glass, Mom," Emily said, taking a delicate sip and holding her pinky finger out. "It''s a fancy glass."


    David leaned back, raising his orange juice. "Here''s to our first family trip in luxury," he said, clinking his glass against Caroline''s.


    Emily quickly joined in. "Cheers to business class!" she said, giggling as her glass met theirs.


    Noah, however, remained silent, simply raising his water glass with a subtle smile. His thoughts were elsewhere, analyzing the value of RayAir''s service and making mental notes about potential improvements.


    A short while later, the flight attendant returned with menus. "Here are the meal options," she said, handing them out.


    Caroline''s eyes widened as she flipped through the luxurious menu, her hands trembling slightly with surprise. "There''s a whole selection of courses here¡ªappetizers, mains, and even an array of desserts? And¡­ is that caviar?"


    David leaned over to glance at her menu, his eyebrows shooting up. "Caviar on a plane? We''re not in Kansas anymore."


    Emily, on the other hand, was practically bouncing in her seat. Her small hands clutched the menu tightly as her eyes darted over the options. "Mom! Look at this! There''s steak, lobster, pasta, chicken, and¡ªwait, is this real? Ice cream and cake for dessert?"


    David chuckled at his daughter''s enthusiasm. "Don''t forget the caviar, kiddo. Fancy, huh?"


    Emily gasped dramatically, clutching her heart. "I can eat fish eggs if I want? This is officially the fanciest meal of my life."


    Noah smirked, scanning his menu with a calm demeanor. "You should try it, Em. Expand your palate."


    Emily squinted suspiciously at him. "Is that one of those tricks where you tell me to eat something weird and then laugh when I don''t like it?"


    "No tricks," Noah said, his smirk widening.


    When the flight attendants came by to take their orders, each course was carefully plated and delivered like a work of art. The appetizers arrived first¡ªa delicate combination of smoked salmon, cheese platters, and a warm bread basket. Emily nibbled on a piece of bread before gasping at the tiny dish of caviar beside it.


    "This is it!" she whispered loudly, scooping a small portion onto a cracker and popping it into her mouth. Her face froze for a second before she nodded thoughtfully. "Not bad¡­ but I think I''ll stick to the bread."


    Caroline laughed softly. "At least you gave it a try, sweetheart." Find exclusive stories on empire


    Noah''s choice of seared scallops had him nodding in quiet approval. "This is good."


    When the main courses arrived, Emily''s steak¡ªjuicy and perfectly cooked¡ªstole the show. She sliced into it with a grin. "This is steak, on a plane. I''ve peaked in life."


    David, who opted for the lobster tail, chuckled. "Enjoy it while you can, Em. Meals like this don''t come around often."


    When dessert was served¡ªeverything from decadent chocolate mousse to creamy tiramisu and fruit tarts¡ªEmily looked as though she might faint from excitement. "It''s too pretty to eat," she said dramatically, snapping pictures with her phone before diving in. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Her spoon clinked against the mousse as she took her first bite. Her eyes widened as she froze mid-chew. "Oh my gosh. This is what happiness tastes like."


    Caroline giggled while Noah leaned back, sipping his espresso. "Don''t eat too much, Em. You''ll regret it."


    "Never!" Emily declared, grabbing another spoonful. "I''m living my best life."


    After the meal, the family explored the plane''s entertainment options. Emily''s seat transformed into a mini theater as she scrolled through the wide array of movies, games, and shows. "Noah! They have everything! What do I watch first? There''s cartoons, action movies, and¡­ wait, they have that new superhero movie I missed!"


    "Start with the superhero one," Noah advised, adjusting his seat to recline. "You''ll love it."


    Emily settled in with a fluffy blanket, her small figure almost disappearing in the oversized seat. "This is officially the best day of my life," she said, muffled by the blanket.


    Caroline and David shared a soft laugh, their hands clasped together as they reclined in their seats. Caroline sighed contentedly. "This is exactly what we needed."


    David nodded, his voice low. "It''s been a long time since we had something like this. Seeing the kids so happy makes it all worth it."


    Noah glanced at his family out of the corner of his eye, a faint smile playing on his lips. He leaned back into his seat, closing his eyes briefly.


    As the cabin lights dimmed and the hum of the engines became a soothing backdrop, Emily''s soft snores filled the air. Caroline glanced over, watching her youngest curled up in peaceful slumber. David reached over to tuck the blanket around her, his expression tender.


    Noah opened one eye, taking in the sight, before he closed them again.


    ...


    Noah kept his eyes closed, but his rest was interrupted as his heightened senses sharpened as a muffled conversation grew clearer. The voices were coming from a few rows behind him, a man and a flight attendant engaged in a tense exchange.


    "Excuse me, sir," the flight attendant''s voice was low, yet firm. "I''ve already told you¡ªI don''t engage in such activities. Please respect my position."


    The man, clearly undeterred, leaned closer, his tone sly and dripping with entitlement. "Come on, don''t be so uptight. It''s not like anyone''s going to find out. Just a quick... arrangement. I''ll make it worth your while."


    There was a pause before he added, almost smugly, "$1,000. That''s, what, half of your monthly income? You''d be foolish not to take it."


    The flight attendant took a step back, her voice rising just slightly. "I don''t think you understand, sir. I am not for sale. This conversation is over."


    The man chuckled darkly. "Oh, come on, sweetheart. We could head to the toilets right now. They''re spacious enough, and no one will notice. It''s a win-win."


    Noah''s frown deepened, his patience thinning with every vile word that escaped the man''s mouth.


    He turned his head slightly, catching a glimpse of the interaction. The man, dressed in an expensive-looking suit, leaned casually in his seat, his body language reeking of arrogance. The flight attendant, though maintaining her professionalism, looked visibly uncomfortable as she held the tray in her hands tightly.

 Chapter 232 Harassment, Arriving in London!

    Noah exhaled slowly, forcing himself to remain seated for a moment. He was calculating, deciding how to handle the situation without creating an unnecessary scene with his family beside him.Caroline and David were quietly chatting, oblivious to the drama, but Noah''s senses were honed, every word of the man''s vile proposition echoing in his ears.


    Noah rose from his seat, after unbuckling the plane belt.


    Out of the corner of her eye, Caroline noticed and asked, "Where are you going, sweetheart?"


    "To the toilet, Mum," he said with a calm smile. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Caroline nodded, resuming her conversation with David. Noah straightened his suit jacket as he walked, his pace unhurried. His expression was unreadable¡ªcalm and composed, but his gaze carried intensity.


    When he reached the row, he caught the man mid-sentence, leaning closer to the attendant with an audacious grin on his face.


    "Come on, sweetheart. It''s easy money¡ªjust say yes."


    Noah''s voice cut through the air, low but sharp enough to freeze the man mid-grin. "She already said no."


    The man flinched, his grin faltering as he turned to face Noah. His eyes scanned Noah''s calm yet commanding expression, clearly trying to size him up. The attendant''s eyes widened in surprise, a flicker of relief washing over her face.


    "Excuse me?" the man said, his tone defensive but lacking the earlier confidence.


    Noah''s lips curled into a faint, controlled smile. "You heard me. She already said no. That means you''re harassing an employee who''s just doing her job." His voice remained steady, almost unnervingly composed. "Here''s what you''re going to do¡ªyou''re going to apologize, sit back in your seat, and enjoy the rest of the flight in silence."


    The man''s bravado flickered. He glanced around, noticing a few passengers looking in their direction. Embarrassment crept into his expression as he realized the situation was slipping out of his control.


    "And what if I don''t?" he challenged, though his voice lacked conviction.


    Noah took a step closer, his gaze unwavering. He leaned down slightly, keeping his voice low so that only the man could hear. "Then I''ll make sure the staff knows exactly how to handle someone who can''t respect boundaries. And trust me, the next time you fly, it won''t be on this airline¡ªor any airline."


    The man''s face reddened, and he glanced around nervously at the growing audience. The calm authority in Noah''s voice was disarming, and the man realized he had no leverage here.


    After a moment of hesitation, he muttered, "I''m sorry," his tone reluctant but audible enough for the attendant to hear.


    The attendant nodded, stepping back slightly, her relief evident.


    "Good," Noah said simply, his voice as calm as ever. "Now, sit down and keep it that way."


    The man complied, shrinking back into his seat, his earlier bravado completely dissolved. Noah straightened, adjusted his jacket, and turned back to the attendant.


    "You okay?" he asked quietly, his tone now gentle.


    She nodded, offering a small, grateful smile. "Thank you."


    Noah gave her a slight nod and walked back to his seat as if nothing had happened. He settled back in, his expression calm as ever.


    As he returned to his seat, Caroline looked at him, concerned. "Everything alright, honey?"


    Noah smiled faintly and nodded. "Yeah."


    Behind him, the man sunk into his seat, avoiding eye contact with anyone for the rest of the flight. Meanwhile, the attendant silently thanked Noah with a small nod when she passed his row again.


    ...


    The plane came to a gentle stop at Heathrow Airport, and the soft chime of the seatbelt sign turning off signaled the end of the journey. Passengers began gathering their belongings, the hum of movement filling the cabin.


    Noah leaned over to his younger sister, who was slumped against the window, her tiny snores drowned out by the commotion around them. He gently shook her shoulder. "Emily, wake up."


    Emily swatted his hand lazily in her sleep, mumbling, "Yeah, Mr. Biscuit¡­ just wait. Let me eat my snacks first¡­" Her lips smacked faintly, and a tiny bit of drool glistened on her chin.


    Noah''s eyebrow twitched as he stifled a laugh. He glanced over at Caroline and David, who were already watching the scene with amused expressions.


    "Your sister is in snack heaven," David whispered to Caroline, earning a chuckle from her.


    Noah leaned closer to Emily''s ear, putting on a playful, urgent tone. "Oh no! Emily, the snacks are running away. Quick, we need to catch them!"


    Emily''s eyes snapped open, wide as saucers, as she bolted upright in her seat. "Where?! Where are they going?! I haven''t eaten them yet!" She frantically looked around, her hands gripping the seatbelt like it was a weapon against the imaginary fleeing snacks.


    Caroline and David burst into laughter, trying and failing to muffle their amusement. Other passengers nearby, curious about the sudden commotion, started smiling and chuckling too.


    Realizing she had been duped, Emily turned to Noah with a betrayed pout. "That''s mean, Noah! You lied to me!"


    Noah grinned mischievously. "Hey, it worked. You''re awake now, aren''t you?"


    Emily crossed her arms, puffing out her cheeks in an exaggerated sulk. "Hmph. I''m never trusting you again."


    Caroline, wiping a tear of laughter from her eye, leaned over and kissed Emily''s forehead. "Come on, sweetheart. We''ve landed in London. Let''s go explore before those snacks really do run away."


    "I''m serious, Mom," Emily said, glaring at Noah, though the effect was ruined by the faint smile tugging at her lips. "I''m going to eat all the snacks myself now. None for you! I can''t believe I thought about sharing some with YOU!"


    "Oh no, the horror," Noah said, feigning distress. "What will I do without airplane pretzels?"


    Emily stuck out her tongue at him before clambering down from her seat, clutching her pink backpack tightly. As they walked down the aisle toward the exit, Emily continued to grumble loud enough for the whole family to hear.


    "First, he tricks me. Then he makes fun of me in front of everyone. And now I don''t even know where the snacks are! This is the worst trip ever!"


    Caroline patted her on the shoulder. "Well, I packed some biscuits in the suitcase. I''m sure we''ll find them soon."


    Emily gasped dramatically. "Mom, you''re the best!" She shot Noah a triumphant look. "See? I don''t need you and your fake snack emergencies."


    Noah held up his hands in surrender, smirking. "Alright, alright. I''m sorry."


    As they stepped out into the bustling airport terminal, Emily''s excitement returned full force. Her eyes lit up as she took in the sights, the people rushing about, and the giant screens displaying flight information.


    "Wow, this place is huge!" she exclaimed. "Does Big Ben live here too?"


    David chuckled. "Big Ben doesn''t live here, Emily. It''s a clock."


    "I was joking Dad! I know it''s a clock, I''m not seven!" Read new adventures at empire


    Noah gave her a raised brow and muttered. "You are... eight..."


    "Hey! I heard that!" She cast a quick glance at Noah.


    As they made their way through customs, Emily''s chatter continued nonstop, her earlier sulking completely forgotten. Noah exchanged a grin with David, who whispered, "She''s like a walking comedy show."


    Noah nodded. "That''s what makes her fun."


    By the time they retrieved their luggage and headed for the exit, Emily had already started listing everything she wanted to see in London.


    As they exited the terminal, Noah scanned the crowd of people holding signs. Amidst them, one stood out¡ªa man in a sharp black suit, holding a neat sign that read:


    "Thompson Family - Birmingham"


    The man noticed them walking towards him, he stepped forward with a warm, professional smile.


    "Good afternoon! Mr. Thompson?" he asked, his accent crisp and polished.


    David nodded, shaking the man''s hand. "Yes, that''s us. You must be Sebastien."


    "Indeed, sir. It''s a pleasure to meet you. I''ll be your driver during your stay in London," Sebastien said, giving a polite nod to Caroline and Emily before glancing at Noah, whose calm demeanour carried an air of authority. Sebastien''s smile faltered for a brief moment, but he quickly recovered.


    Emily, still groggy from the flight, tugged at David''s sleeve. "Dad, does he have snacks?" she whispered loud enough for everyone to hear.


    Caroline chuckled. "Emily, not everything is about snacks."


    Sebastien grinned. "If you''re hungry, young lady, I can assure you the hotel has excellent room service. And there''s a welcome basket waiting for you."


    Emily''s eyes sparkled. "Snacks and a basket? I like this guy already."


    Noah smirked, ruffling her hair. "Let''s go, Em. You''ll have plenty of time to raid the basket."


    Sebastien drove them through the bustling streets of London, weaving through the iconic red buses and black cabs. Emily pressed her face against the window, marveling at the sights¡ªthe London Eye spinning in the distance, Big Ben standing tall, and the Thames sparkling under the afternoon sun.


    When they arrived, the hotel was nothing short of spectacular. A grand, five-star establishment with a sweeping driveway, a valet service, and a lobby that gleamed with marble floors and gold accents.


    As they stepped out of the car, a doorman greeted them with a deep bow. "Welcome to The Royal Crown Hotel, esteemed guests."


    David looked around, impressed. "Well, Five-star hotels really deserve their reputation, don''t they?"


    Caroline took in the grand chandelier hanging in the lobby and the plush seating areas. "David, you didn''t have to go all out like this."


    "Of course I did," David replied with a grin. "This is a family trip. We are celebrating our son''s achievement. We deserve the best."


    Emily clutched Noah''s hand, staring up at the massive revolving door. "Can we spin through that? Just once?"


    Caroline interjected. "Emily, that''s not a toy!"


    But Noah leaned down to Emily''s level with a sly smile. "Race you to the other side?"


    Before Caroline could protest, Noah and Emily dashed through the revolving door, making it spin faster. The doorman''s eyes widened in mild alarm, but he quickly composed himself. Caroline sighed heavily, but she couldn''t hide her smile.

 Chapter 233 Pickpocketer

    Inside the hotel lobby, Emily giggled triumphantly as she emerged first from the revolving door. "I won!" she announced, her voice echoing in the grand space.Noah stepped out a second later, smirking. "Fine, you''re faster. But only because I let you win."


    Emily stuck her tongue out at him. "Excuses, excuses!"


    Caroline caught up with them, shaking her head but smiling nonetheless. "You two are unbelievable. We''ve been here for less than a minute, and you''re already making a scene."


    David chuckled, carrying their luggage. "They''re just excited. Let them have their fun."


    A hotel staff member in a sleek black suit approached them with a warm smile. "Welcome to The Royal Crown Hotel, Mr. Thompson and family. Everything has been prepared for your stay. May I assist you with your luggage?"


    David handed over the bags while Emily turned her attention to the massive chandelier hanging above them. "Wow¡­ It''s like a million stars all stuck together!"


    Noah patted her on the shoulder. "You''ll see more surprises soon. Let''s check in first."


    The concierge escorted them to the reception desk, where another staff member greeted them. "Welcome to our hotel. We''ve upgraded your suite to the Imperial Suite for the duration of your stay, courtesy of RayAir''s partnership with our establishment."


    David raised an eyebrow, pleasantly surprised. "The Imperial Suite? That sounds¡­ grand."


    The receptionist''s smile didn''t waver. "It''s one of our finest accommodations, ma''am. It offers unparalleled luxury, panoramic city views, and exclusive amenities. Please rest assured, this is entirely complimentary as part of your recent upgrade."


    Emily tugged on Noah''s sleeve, her eyes sparkling. "What''s the Imperial Suite, big brother? Is it like... a castle?"


    Noah grinned, playing along. "It''s like a castle in the sky,"


    "You''ll find a personalized welcome basket in the room, and our butler service is at your disposal at all times." The receptionist continued.


    Emily''s eyes sparkled. "Butler service? Does that mean someone can bring me snacks whenever I want?"


    Caroline placed a hand on her daughter''s shoulder. "Emily, behave."


    "But snacks make everything better," Emily muttered under her breath.


    The staff led them to the elevator, which was lined with mirrors and gold detailing. Emily pressed her face to the glass, watching the numbers rise. "This is the fanciest elevator I''ve ever been in!"


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    When they reached the top floor, the doors opened to reveal the Imperial Suite.


    ...


    Noah stepped into the Imperial Suite, his hands in his pockets, watching Emily dart from one corner to another like a puppy in a park. "Don''t go too far, Em. I don''t want to find you tangled in the curtains," he teased.


    Emily spun around dramatically, draping herself over one of the velvet sofas. "These aren''t curtains, Noah! They''re royal drapes!" She wiggled her fingers in the air. "I''m a princess now!"


    Caroline stifled a laugh as she stepped in behind Noah, her eyes widening at the grandeur of the room. "This is¡­ unbelievable. David, have you seen the view?" She walked over to the windows, her hands resting on the glass. "You can see Big Ben, the London Eye¡­ everything!"


    David followed her, nodding in approval. "They really went all out, didn''t they? This must cost a fortune per night."


    Noah shrugged casually. "Perks of knowing the right people, Dad."


    Emily was already inspecting the fruit basket, poking at a pineapple with intense curiosity. "Why does this pineapple have a crown? Is it like, the king of fruits?"


    Noah smirked, leaning against the doorway. "Exactly. And just like any king, it demands respect. Don''t start a fight with it."


    Emily rolled her eyes. "Very funny, big brother."


    The butler knocked lightly on the open door and stepped in with a respectful bow. "Good afternoon, Mr. Thompson, Mrs. Thompson, and family. I''m James, your butler for the duration of your stay. Should you require anything at all¡ªbe it dining, tours, or specific arrangements¡ªplease don''t hesitate to call me." S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Emily''s eyes lit up. "Anything? Like, could you bring me snacks at midnight?"


    James smiled politely. "Of course, miss. Your wish is my command."


    Emily gasped and turned to her mom. "Mom! Did you hear that? A snack genie!"


    Caroline raised an eyebrow, giving Noah a playful side glance.


    Noah chuckled. "Don''t look at me, She''s a Thompson."


    The suite had more surprises. Caroline opened one door and gasped. "There''s a private theater room in here! David, come look at this!"


    David peeked in and whistled. "We''ll never want to leave."


    Emily squealed from another corner of the suite. "A jacuzzi! Mom, Dad, there''s a jacuzzi! It''s bigger than our bathtub at home!"


    Noah, still leaning casually by the entrance, called out. "Don''t get any ideas, Em. You''re not diving in until after dinner."


    Emily huffed but quickly moved on to another room. She opened another door and gasped. "This bed is huge! I could do gymnastics on it!" She leapt onto the bed, bouncing slightly before sprawling out. "Yep, definitely fit for a princess."


    Caroline sighed. "Emily, don''t ruin the sheets the second we get here."


    Noah walked over, gently pulling Emily up by the arm. "Come on, Em. Save some energy. We''ve got an entire city to explore."


    ...


    The family''s first evening in London was a mix of excitement and wonder. As they wandered through the bustling streets, neon lights reflected off the rain-slicked pavement, and the aroma of street food wafted through the air.


    Caroline and Emily were marveling at a nearby window display when Noah''s eyes caught sight of something out of place.


    A wiry man with an air of nonchalance was inching closer to Caroline''s bag, his fingers already twitching in anticipation.


    A pickpocket.


    Noah''s lips curled into a subtle smirk. "Let''s see how good you really are," he muttered to himself.


    The man deftly unzipped the outer pocket of Caroline''s bag and slipped out a small wallet. Noah made no move to stop him, his expression calm.


    ''If you think you''re the predator, think again.''


    The pickpocket turned, casually blending into the crowd as though nothing had happened. Noah gestured for his family to keep moving, keeping the man in his peripheral vision.


    As the thief maneuvered through the throng of people, Noah took his chance. He moved swiftly and quietly, navigating the crowd like a shadow.


    Noah caught up to the man just as he slowed near a food stall to check his haul. In one fluid motion, Noah brushed past him, his fingers expertly slipping into the man''s pocket. Without breaking stride, Noah extracted the wallet the thief had stolen, along with the man''s own pouch of belongings.


    The pickpocket barely noticed the contact, muttering a half-hearted, "Hey, watch it!" as he clicked his tongue in irritation.


    He didn''t even look up, already preoccupied with scanning for his next target.


    Noah chuckled under his breath, shaking his head.


    A few moments later, the pickpocket stopped near an alley to inspect his spoils. As he reached into his pocket, confusion turned to alarm. His wallet, keys, and even the newly stolen wallet were missing. Frantically, he searched through his jacket, his expression growing more desperate by the second.


    "Where the hell is it?" he hissed, looking around wildly.


    He immediately ran back to the area he bumped into Noah his eyes darted through the crowd, but Noah had already melted into the sea of pedestrians.


    Caroline, David, and Emily were none the wiser as Noah casually rejoined them, holding up the stolen wallet.


    "Mom," he said, handing it back to Caroline, "you dropped this earlier."


    Caroline blinked in surprise. "Oh! Thank you, Noah. I didn''t even notice."


    Emily tilted her head, suspicious. "Wait a minute. When did she drop it? We''ve been walking this whole time."


    Noah ruffled her hair with a smirk. "Must''ve been when we stopped at the last shop, Sherlock."


    ...


    after spending the evening with his parents, Noah sat in his room.


    Noah sat on the edge of his hotel room bed, the soft glow of the bedside lamp illuminating the small pouch he had taken from the thief. Carefully, he tipped its contents onto the desk, spreading out a few crumpled bills, a fake-looking watch, random trinkets, and an identity card.


    Picking up the card, he examined it under the light.


    Name: Sam Richard


    Age: 25


    ID Number: GB51525XXXX


    Address: 224 Birchwood Lane, Flat 3A, Westwick District.


    Noah raised an eyebrow, tapping the card thoughtfully against the desk. "This guy wasn''t even good at being a thief. Carrying your real ID while trying to rob someone? Amateur."


    He pocketed the ID card and some cash, leaving the junk behind. He grabbed his jacket and quietly left the room, ensuring not to wake his family. Stepping into the cool London night, he flagged down a black cab idling by the curb.


    "Where to, mate?" the cabbie asked, his Cockney accent thick.


    "Westwick District," Noah said, leaning back into the seat.


    The driver glanced at Noah through the rearview mirror, hesitating for a moment. "That''s not the nicest part of London, you sure about that?"


    Noah smirked. "Positive. Just get me close. I can walk the rest of the way."


    The cabbie shrugged and pulled away from the curb.


    The taxi stopped a block away from the address, as Noah had requested. The area was dimly lit, the streetlights flickering in intervals. The buildings were old, with peeling paint and graffiti marking their once-pristine walls.


    "This is as close as you want, yeah?" the cabbie asked, clearly uneasy.


    Noah handed over the fare with a polite nod. "Thanks."


    Stepping out, he tucked his hands into his jacket pockets and strolled down the street. His sharp eyes scanned every detail of the surroundings.

 Chapter 234 Pickpocketer(2)

    Noah pulled his hood lower, the fabric casting a shadow over his sharp, focused gaze. The damp streets glistened under weak, flickering streetlights, and the stale scent of old beer and piss lingered in the air. Groups of men loitered near alleyways and outside dingy shops, their voices low, their eyes sharp, following him like predators sizing up prey.One group, huddled near a broken lamppost, stopped mid-conversation as Noah passed. Their laughter faded, replaced by a cold silence.


    "Hey, you!" one of them barked, his voice cutting through the muffled hum of the street.


    Noah didn''t flinch, didn''t even glance back. His steps were steady, his pace unbroken. The casual indifference in his stride only added fuel to the fire.


    The men exchanged looks, smirking. One of them, a wiry man with an angular face and a leather jacket that had seen better days, spat onto the cracked pavement. "Yo, Sebastian! He''s ignoring you, mate."


    Sebastian, a stocky guy with a shaved head and scars crisscrossing his knuckles, straightened up from where he was leaning. "Big mistake," he muttered, cracking his neck.


    He started after Noah, his boots scuffing the ground. "Oi! I''m talkin'' to you!"


    Noah didn''t pause.


    The group chuckled, jeering as Sebastian picked up his pace. "Get him, Seb! Don''t let some punk walk off like that!"


    Sebastian closed the distance, his hand shooting out to grab Noah''s shoulder.


    It never landed.


    In a flash, Noah''s arm moved, his hand locking around Sebastian''s wrist like a vice. Without so much as turning his head, Noah yanked him forward and twisted his body, sending Sebastian flipping through the air.


    The crack of bone echoed as Sebastian slammed onto the concrete, hard enough to send a shudder through the ground. He let out a strangled gasp, clutching his shoulder as he writhed on the pavement.


    The group froze, their jeers cutting off mid-laugh.


    "Holy shit, did you see that?" one of them whispered, his voice trembling.


    Sebastian groaned, trying and failing to prop himself up on his good arm. His face twisted in pain as he spat out a curse.


    Noah finally stopped walking, his stance relaxed, like he had all the time in the world. He turned his head slightly, just enough for them to catch a glimpse of his face beneath the hood. His eyes, cold and unyielding, locked onto the group.


    "Anyone else?" he asked, his tone low, casual, as if he were asking for directions instead of daring them to take a step closer.


    The group exchanged uneasy glances, their earlier bravado evaporating into the night air.


    "Nah, man," one of them muttered, backing up a step. "We''re good."


    Noah gave a small nod, almost imperceptible, before turning back toward his destination. His steps were as calm as ever, unhurried as if nothing had happened.


    Behind him, Sebastian let out a strangled cough, still writhing on the ground. The group hesitated, caught between helping him and pretending they didn''t know him.


    As Noah disappeared into the shadows, one of the men finally broke the silence.


    "Who the fuck was this guy. Did you see that look in his eyes?"


    The others nodded, gulping.


    The address wasn''t hard to find¡ª224 Birchwood Lane stood out like a sore thumb in a neighbourhood that looked like it had given up on itself a decade ago. The building was an old, crumbling complex, its walls streaked with grime and graffiti, with windows so filthy they barely reflected the dim glow of the streetlights. A rusted mailbox hung crookedly by the entrance, its contents spilling onto the cracked concrete below.


    Noah approached the door to Flat 3A with the same unhurried stride that had carried him through the district. The wood was chipped and swollen from years of damp, the paint peeling in long, curling strips. A faint odor of mildew and fried food lingered in the air.


    He raised his hand and knocked¡ªsoftly, almost lazily. The hollow sound echoed through the narrow hallway.


    Nothing.


    Noah waited a moment, tilting his head slightly, listening for movement. The silence was louder than any sound. He knocked again, this time with the same lack of urgency.


    Still nothing.


    His gaze shifted to the window just beside the door. In the dim light, he caught it¡ªa flicker of movement. A small, darting shadow, quick but unmistakable.


    Sam Richard was home.


    Noah''s lips quirked into a faint smirk. He could practically feel the guy''s panic bleeding through the walls. This was the kind of place where you didn''t answer the door unless you were expecting someone¡ªor packing heat. And someone knocking in a hood? Yeah, that screamed bad news.


    But Noah wasn''t in the mood to wait.


    He shifted his weight slightly, lifting one foot off the ground. There wasn''t any flourish to it, no dramatic windup¡ªjust a quick, precise motion as his boot slammed into the center of the door.


    BOOM! CRACK!


    The frame shattered, wood splintering with an ear-splitting crunch as the door swung inward, slamming against the wall with enough force to shake the cheap plaster.


    Noah stepped inside, the air thick with the musty scent of stale sweat and cigarette smoke. He didn''t rush. His footsteps echoed through the space, measured and deliberate, as he turned down the narrow hall.


    He stopped at the first door on the right, the one with the cheap curtain half-drawn over its window. Pushing it open, he stepped into a room that looked as pathetic as the rest of the flat.


    Sam Richard stood frozen in the corner, his thin, wiry frame shaking like a leaf in a storm. His wide eyes darted to the door, to Noah, and back again, his brain clearly struggling to catch up with the situation.


    The room itself was a mess¡ªclothes piled on the floor, half-empty bottles of cheap liquor lining the windowsill, and a battered sofa that looked like it had been salvaged from a dumpster. The single bulb overhead flickered weakly, casting jittery shadows across the walls.


    Noah''s gaze locked onto Sam, calm and unyielding. He didn''t need to say a word¡ªhis presence alone filled the room like a heavy fog, suffocating and impossible to ignore.


    Sam swallowed hard, his Adam''s apple bobbing like it might leap out of his throat. "W-who the hell are you?" he stammered, his voice cracking.


    Noah didn''t answer right away. Instead, he took a slow step forward, the floor creaking under his weight. The casual way he moved¡ªcontrolled, unhurried¡ªonly made him more terrifying.


    Sam''s back hit the wall with a dull thud, his breath hitching as Noah kept advancing. The air in the room felt heavier with every step Noah took, the kind of oppressive weight that made you reconsider every bad decision that led to this moment.


    "Listen, man," Sam stammered, his voice shaky but loud, like he was trying to convince both Noah and himself. "I don''t have any issues with anyone, okay? Just¡ªjust tell me what you want. I''ll do whatever you want!"


    Noah didn''t respond. His footsteps were slow and deliberate, each one a quiet, precise click on the grimy floorboards. His eyes, cold and unblinking, locked onto Sam like a predator sizing up its prey.


    Panic flared in Sam''s eyes as Noah closed the distance without a word. His chest heaved, and his gaze darted to the cluttered table beside him. His fingers snatched up an empty liquor bottle, the label peeling off from years of neglect. Desperation flared in his mind¡ªfight or flight, and fight won out first.


    With a sharp grunt, Sam hurled the bottle at Noah.


    For a moment, it looked like the throw might land. It wasn''t amateur, not completely¡ªyears of chucking things in bar fights and alley scraps had given him a decent arm. The bottle spun through the air, aiming right for Noah''s head.


    But Noah didn''t flinch. His body barely shifted, only a slight tilt of his head breaking his stride. The bottle whipped past him, shattering against the wall behind with a sharp crash, shards scattering across the floor.


    Sam froze, his eyes widening as if realizing he''d just pissed off a bear.


    "Stop¡ªstop right there!" he barked, his voice cracking under the strain. But Noah didn''t stop. He didn''t speed up, didn''t slow down. He just kept coming, calm and unbothered, like a force of nature that didn''t care if you begged or fought.


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    Sam''s hand scrambled for another bottle¡ªa slightly fuller one this time, the cheap whiskey sloshing inside. He threw it harder, desperation adding to the velocity.


    The bottle flew just as true, but Noah''s reaction was faster than before. His hand came up lazily, deflecting the projectile to the side with the back of his wrist. It spun off course, hitting the ground with a dull thunk before rolling into a pile of laundry.


    Sam''s breath hitched. He was out of tricks.


    His eyes flicked between Noah and the window to his left, the filthy pane barely letting the outside streetlight through. It wasn''t a plan, but it was a way out.


    Without another word, Sam yanked his t-shirt up over his head to shield his face. He lunged toward the window, his momentum carrying him forward in a frantic sprint.


    CRASH!


    The glass exploded outward as Sam barreled through, shards scattering like jagged confetti. He hit the pavement below with a grunt of pain, his legs buckling under the awkward landing.


    A few onlookers peeked their heads from their windows and stared at Sam as he sprawled on the concrete with glass glinting in his hair and a smear of blood on his arm. Sam groaned, shaking his head to clear the haze.

 Chapter 235 Pickpocketer (3)

    Sam groaned, shaking his head to clear the haze. His legs wobbled as he pushed himself upright, his eyes darting back to the shattered window. He half-expected Noah to come leaping out after him like something out of a horror movie.Instead, Noah stepped calmly to the edge of the window, the shards crunching under his boots. He leaned slightly forward, peering down at Sam with an almost bored expression.


    Sam''s chest heaved as he stared up at him, a mix of fear and defiance flickering in his gaze. "Stay back!" he shouted, stumbling a step backward. "I''ll¡ªI''ll call the cops, man! Don''t think I won''t!"


    Noah''s lips quirked into a faint smirk. "Sure. You do that."


    Sam froze, his threat deflating before it even left his mouth. He didn''t wait to see what Noah might do next. Spinning on his heel, he took off into the alley, limping slightly but moving as fast as his adrenaline-fueled legs would carry him.


    Noah''s smirk faded as the last echoes of shattered glass settled into silence. His gaze lingered on the broken window for a moment, his expression unreadable, before he turned on his heel and walked out the way he came. His boots crunched against the scattered debris, the sound steady and unhurried.


    By the time he stepped back onto the street, it was like he''d never been there at all. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...


    In a dimly lit alley three blocks away, Sam Richard stumbled to a stop, his chest heaving as he gulped in shallow breaths. The stink of rotting garbage and wet asphalt surrounded him, but it barely registered past the hammering in his chest. He whipped his head around, his bloodshot eyes scanning the shadows.


    Nothing.


    No footsteps. No heavy breathing. No hooded spectre calmly stalking him.


    He bent forward, resting his hands on his knees as he gasped for air. A nervous chuckle escaped his lips, sharp and shaky. "Who the hell was that lunatic?" he muttered, spitting onto the ground.


    Sam straightened, running a trembling hand through his dishevelled hair. His mind raced, replaying the last few minutes in vivid detail¡ªthe door exploding inward, the unrelenting way that guy walked toward him, those cold eyes that didn''t flinch at a flying bottle.


    His laugh grew louder, more unhinged. "Jesus Christ, what was that guy even made of? Steel? Freakin'' Terminator?"


    He took another glance over his shoulder, just to be sure, but the alley remained empty. Relief trickled in, though it did little to calm his frayed nerves.


    "Thank god he didn''t follow me," he muttered, slumping against a damp brick wall. His head tilted back, and he closed his eyes for a second, letting the rain start to drizzle over him.


    But relief didn''t last. The reality of his situation hit him like a sucker punch. "Tsk." His tongue clicked against his teeth, frustration replacing fear. "Where the hell am I supposed to stay now?"


    He glanced down at his scraped-up arm, the faint sting barely noticeable compared to the sharp ache in his legs. "I can''t go back there. He probably thinks I''m stupid enough to try. Hell, he''s probably waiting by the door already, just hoping I show up again."


    The thought sent a shiver crawling down his spine.


    Sam dug into his pockets, fishing out a crumpled pack of cigarettes and a lighter. He pulled one out with his teeth, flicking the lighter with shaky hands until the flame caught. The first drag hit his lungs like a bitter slap, but it steadied him.


    Smoke curled from his lips as he stared blankly at the ground, his mind spiraling. "Should I call the cops?" he asked aloud, the words sounding ridiculous even to himself.


    He scoffed, shaking his head. "Yeah, right. Like that''s gonna do anything. They''ll maybe throw him in lockup for a night or two, but guys like that?" He took another drag, the ember glowing bright in the dark. "He''ll come after me the second they let him out. And this time, he won''t just be knocking down my door."


    The rain started coming down harder, but Sam barely noticed. He flicked ash onto the ground, his gaze unfocused. "So what the hell am I supposed to do? Lay low? Move to the other side of the city? Change my name?"


    The thought made him laugh again, bitter and hollow. "Yeah, because I can afford to disappear. Sure thing, buddy. Just let me grab my private jet and head to paradise."


    The cigarette burned closer to his fingers, but Sam didn''t seem to notice until the heat kissed his skin. He hissed, flicking it into a puddle, watching the ember sizzle out with a faint hiss.


    The cigarette burned dangerously close to Sam''s fingers, but the sting didn''t register until the ember finally bit into his skin. He yelped, flicking it away with a curse. The glowing stub landed in a puddle nearby, extinguishing with a faint hiss.


    "Shit," he muttered, shaking his hand and sucking on the burned finger. His nerves were still frayed, his thoughts spiraling, but he couldn''t stay here. He shoved his hands into his pockets, ready to slink off into the night.


    Lifting his gaze from the rain-slicked ground, Sam froze mid-step.


    Noah stood there.


    Silent, unmoving, and as unrelenting as a statue carved from shadow. The hood obscured most of his face, but Sam didn''t need to see his eyes to feel the weight of his stare. It pressed down on him, suffocating, rooting him in place like a deer caught in headlights.


    "Y-y¡ª" Sam stammered, his voice strangled and weak. But before he could finish, Noah moved.


    With a sudden, fluid motion, Noah drove his knee straight into Sam''s gut. The impact was brutal, a crushing blow that knocked the wind out of him with a sickening whoof. Sam doubled over, gasping for air that refused to come, his legs buckling under him.


    Noah didn''t give him time to recover. Grabbing Sam''s arm with a grip like iron, he pivoted and threw him over his shoulder with a perfectly executed overhand toss.


    Sam''s body hit the concrete with a bone-rattling thud, the back of his head smacking the ground hard enough to blur his vision. Pain exploded through his spine, radiating outward in fiery waves.


    "Arghhh!" he groaned, his voice raw and cracking, as he writhed on the ground.


    Noah didn''t hesitate. He crouched down, still holding Sam''s arm in his grip, and raised one boot over Sam''s trembling hand.


    "Wait¡ªno, no, no!" Sam rasped, panic surging through his veins.


    Noah''s boot came down hard, the stomp accompanied by a sickening crunch.


    Sam''s scream echoed through the narrow alley, high-pitched and guttural, a sound born from pure agony. His body jerked involuntarily, his good hand clawing at the ground as the broken one hung limp, fingers twisted unnaturally.


    Noah''s expression didn''t change. Calm, detached, and utterly devoid of pity. He adjusted his stance, shifted his weight, and moved to the other hand.


    "Please, don''t¡ª"


    The second stomp came down with the same unflinching force. Another crack tore through the air, followed by Sam''s ragged, choked sobs.


    Both hands now lay shattered, mangled beyond recognition. Blood seeped from the broken skin, pooling on the wet concrete beneath him.


    Sam''s cries had lost their volume, reduced to whimpers and gasping breaths. His body trembled as he lay sprawled on the ground, utterly defeated.


    Noah stood over him for a moment, the rain washing over his hood and shoulders. He looked down at Sam without a hint of emotion, his face as unreadable as ever.


    Then, without a word, he turned and walked away.


    Sam''s vision blurred with tears, his mind unable to process the sheer finality of what had just happened. His body was wrecked, his hands utterly destroyed, and the man responsible for it had disappeared into the shadows like he was nothing more than a fleeting nightmare.


    For a brief moment, Sam thought about screaming for help, but he knew no one would come. Not here. Not in a place like this.


    As the pain consumed him, one thought echoed in his mind, louder than the rain, louder than the agony.


    I should''ve ran further.


    Noah walked down the dimly lit alley, his boots splashing softly in shallow puddles, and emerged onto the main street without a backward glance. The hum of distant traffic and the faint glow of neon signs painted the slick pavement in fractured colors. Raising his hand, he flagged down a taxi, the vehicle pulling up with a screech that echoed through the quiet night.


    Sliding into the backseat, Noah gave the driver the hotel''s name in a calm, low voice. The driver glanced at him in the rearview mirror, his tired eyes lingering on Noah''s hood and rain-dappled face for a moment too long.


    "Late night?" the driver asked, his tone half curious, half indifferent.


    Noah didn''t answer, his gaze fixed on the blurred city lights outside the window.


    The ride was silent except for the occasional rumble of the engine and the rhythmic swipe of the windshield wipers. When they arrived, Noah handed over the fare and stepped out.


    ...


    Back in his suite, he shrugged off his damp jacket, letting it fall onto a chair. The silence of the room wrapped around him, heavy and comforting. Heading to the bathroom, he turned the shower handle until steam filled the air, the sound of water cascading onto the marble tiles.


    Noah stepped under the spray, the heat soaking into his muscles, washing away the grit of the night. He stood there for a long moment, letting the water stream over his face, his thoughts quiet. No anger. No triumph. Just a blank, focused calm.


    After drying off, he dropped onto the bed, his head sinking into the pillow. The world outside the windows hummed with life, but Noah shut his eyes and drifted into a dreamless sleep.


    The soft knock on his door came in the morning, rousing him from his rest.


    "Noah, honey, come on out. Breakfast is ready," Caroline''s voice called from the other side, her tone warm but with a familiar thread of insistence.


    Noah opened his eyes, blinking at the sunlight filtering through the curtains. For a moment, he lay still, his mind quickly snapping into focus, scanning the room out of habit.


    "Alright, Mum," he replied, his voice still low and rough from sleep. "I''ll be there in a few minutes."


    He swung his legs over the side of the bed, his bare feet meeting the plush rug. Rising, he headed to the bathroom. The cold water from the sink jolted him fully awake as he splashed it over his face. He rubbed a towel over his skin, staring into the mirror briefly.


    Enjoy new stories from My Virtual Library Empire


    His reflection stared back, with a soft warm smile.

 Chapter 236 Regent Street Gallery

    The Thompson family sat around the large dining table in the suite''s open-plan living area, the morning sunlight streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The view of London''s skyline stretched out beyond the glass, but most of the family''s attention was on the spread of food laid out before them. Room service had outdone itself¡ªfluffy pancakes, golden pastries, fresh fruit, eggs cooked to perfection, and a variety of juices and hot drinks.Emily was in her element, already halfway through a plate piled high with pancakes and a chocolate croissant on the side. "Mom, these pancakes are amazing! They''re so fluffy, they''re like clouds!" she declared, her voice muffled by a mouthful of syrupy goodness.


    Caroline, sitting across from her, smiled indulgently. "Emily, slow down. You''ll make yourself sick before we even leave the suite."


    Emily waved her fork in the air dismissively. "Totally worth it," she said with a grin, diving back into her plate.


    David sipped his coffee, chuckling softly. "She''s got a one-track mind, doesn''t she? Food first, everything else later."


    "You''d think she hadn''t eaten in days," Noah remarked dryly, cutting into his toast with precise movements.


    Emily shot him a playful glare. "Hey! I''m just enjoying life, big brother. Not all of us eat like robots."


    Noah raised an eyebrow but didn''t reply, his focus returning to his plate.


    Caroline set her teacup down and glanced at the kids. "Alright, you two. Once you''re done eating, go get dressed. We''re heading out for some sightseeing today¡ªBig Ben, Buckingham Palace, maybe even the London Eye."


    Emily''s eyes lit up as she nearly dropped her fork. "Yes! Big Ben! I want to see the big clock! And can we go on one of those red buses? The ones with the open top? Please, Mom!"


    Caroline laughed softly. "We''ll see, sweetheart. Let''s start with the basics first."


    As Emily buzzed with excitement, Noah finished the last bite of his toast. The familiar shimmer of a holographic panel appeared in the corner of his vision, unnoticed by anyone else.


    [Ultimate Choice System has been activated!]


    [Option 1: Explore the city with your family and hang out.]


    [Reward: Ownership of the Regent Street Gallery¡ªa world-renowned art gallery in London worth $250 million, with a priceless private collection.]


    [Option 2: Reject the offer and stay in the suite.]


    [Reward: Effective sleeping pill.]


    Noah''s gaze remained calm, his expression unchanging as he selected the first option without hesitation.


    [Ding! You have been rewarded Ownership of the Regent Street Gallery, valued at $250 million, featuring a private collection of rare and priceless art pieces.]


    The panel vanished as quickly as it had appeared. Noah stood up, his demeanour as composed as ever.


    "Alright, Mom," he said calmly. "I''ll get ready."


    Emily turned to him with wide eyes. "YAY! I''m so excited!"


    Caroline stood up, wanting to get ready too. "Alright, finish up and get dressed, both of you. Let''s make the most of the day."


    The suite buzzed with activity as Emily darted between rooms, pulling out random outfits from her suitcase and holding them up for Caroline''s approval. "Mom, is this okay? Or should I wear this one? Oh! What if it rains? Do I need an umbrella?"


    Caroline, standing in front of a mirror while adjusting her scarf, replied patiently. "Wear something comfortable, Emily. We''ll be walking a lot today."


    Noah emerged from his room, already dressed in some casual but luxurious outfit.


    "See? Noah doesn''t even try! He just puts it on and it works perfectly on him, that''s not fair!" She pouted.


    "Works for me," Noah replied, grabbing his phone from the table. "And I don''t have to spend half an hour deciding."


    "Not fair," Emily muttered, stomping off to find her shoes.


    Caroline laughed softly, looking over at Noah. "Ready?"


    He nodded. "Whenever you are." Your journey continues at My Virtual Library Empire


    David clapped his hands together, a grin spreading across his face. "Alright, team, let''s head out!" He strode toward the door, pulling it open with the easy enthusiasm of a man ready to conquer the day.


    "Daddy, wait for me!" Emily called, scrambling to catch up, her small backpack bouncing against her shoulders.


    David glanced back and held the door open for her, smiling as she darted through. "Hurry up, kiddo. Big Ben''s not going to wait all day."


    Caroline adjusted her scarf, following with an amused shake of her head. "You''d think we were going on an expedition."


    Noah trailed after them, his footsteps steady and unhurried as they stepped into the sleek lobby of the hotel.


    "Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Thompson," one of the front-of-house staff said with a warm smile, inclining his head slightly. "Out to explore the city today?"


    "Yes, we are. Thank you," Caroline replied, returning the smile as they passed.


    Another staff member near the door greeted them with a polite, "Have a wonderful day!" as he opened the entrance for them.


    Caroline glanced around as they stepped outside into the crisp morning air, the sky a bright, cloudless blue that seemed almost too perfect. The streets of London were already alive with energy¡ªcars hummed by, buses rumbled along, and the occasional whistle of a street performer''s tune drifted through the bustle.


    "The staff here are so friendly," Caroline murmured as she adjusted her bag, her gaze lingering on the smiling doorman.


    "They''re trained to be," Noah remarked casually, slipping his hands into his jacket pockets.


    Caroline gave him a look. "That doesn''t make it any less nice."


    Emily skipped ahead, pointing at a red double-decker bus rumbling down the street. "Look, look! The big buses! Do you think we''ll ride one, Mom?"


    "Maybe later," Caroline replied, her tone indulgent. "We''re walking for now. Everything''s so close¡ªyour dad did an amazing job picking the hotel, it is in the heart of the city."


    Indeed, the bustling center of London was only a short stroll from their hotel.


    Emily darted from one storefront to another, her eyes lighting up at everything she saw. "Mom! Look at this! A whole shop for tea! Can we go in? Ooh, and that one has hats! Noah, can you wear a fancy hat?"


    Noah raised an eyebrow. "Do I look like a fancy hat person to you?"


    Emily grinned. "No, but it''d be funny!"


    David chuckled as he gestured for Emily to stay close. "Stick with us, Em. We''ll have time to browse later. First stop, Big Ben in the morning!"


    Caroline sighed contentedly, her arm brushing against David''s as they walked. "It''s been so long since we''ve had a proper family outing like this."


    David nodded, his gaze softening as he looked at his wife. "Yeah. It''s good to see everyone together like this. Especially the kids."


    Caroline followed his gaze, glancing back at Noah, who walked a step behind, his hands in his pockets.


    Both she and David knew this moment wouldn''t have been possible without Noah. The thought stirred something deep and overwhelming in her chest¡ªa mix of pride, gratitude, and awe.


    Noah wasn''t just their son; he was the anchor that had pulled their family out of the storm. It wasn''t long ago that they had been struggling, scraping by, caught in a cycle that seemed impossible to break. Back then, Caroline had buried her dreams to take care of her family.


    David had endured grueling hours in a physically demanding job, his back bearing the brunt of years of hard labor.


    Noah had changed all of that.


    He hadn''t just provided for them; he had seen them¡ªtheir struggles, their sacrifices¡ªand had quietly, steadily, set about lifting them from the ashes. He''d encouraged Caroline to nurture the passion for cooking she''d once thought frivolous, giving her the time, space and resources to explore it and become better.


    Now, she cooks not just for her house but for joy, and her dishes bring life and warmth to An''s gourmet.


    David was slightly harder to convince, but Noah was able to help him transition to continue his love for tea in a teahouse.


    And through it all, Noah had been¡­ Noah. Steady. Caring. Respectful. He was thoughtful in a way that didn''t ask for praise, a way that simply was.


    To them, he was the perfect son.


    Caroline reached for David''s hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. She didn''t say anything, but the look they shared spoke volumes¡ªmutual gratitude for the boy who had become their pillar.


    Ahead, Emily''s voice rang out, breaking the quiet moment. "Come on, you two! Big Ben''s waiting!"


    Caroline smiled, shaking her head fondly. "Let''s catch up," she said, her voice soft.


    David nodded, casting one last glance at Noah before they walked on. "Yeah," he murmured. "We''re lucky, aren''t we?" S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "More than lucky," Caroline replied, her voice almost a whisper. "We are blessed."


    Caroline glanced at Noah, her heart swelling with quiet affection. Without a word, she reached over and grabbed his hand, her fingers interlocking with his in a gentle but firm grip. She then slid her other hand into David''s, pulling the three of them into a small chain, with her in the middle, connected to both her son and her husband.


    The warmth of the gesture felt grounding, as though in that small, simple act, she was keeping her family tethered together amidst the hum of the busy London street.


    Noah raised an eyebrow and smiled. His hand remained in hers, his expression softened by the smile at the corner of his lips.


    David chuckled, giving Caroline''s hand a small squeeze. "What''s this now? Are we forming a human chain?"


    Caroline smiled, her tone light. "Maybe I just wanted to hold onto my two favorite men."


    Before Noah could respond, a loud, dramatic exclamation broke through the moment.


    "ME TOO!"


    All three of them looked up to see Emily spinning around to face them, her hands planted firmly on her hips, her backpack bouncing with the motion. "That''s not fair! You can''t leave me out!"


    Caroline laughed, her eyes crinkling with amusement. "Well, come here then, sweetheart."


    Emily didn''t need to be told twice. She darted back toward them, her steps quick and her grin wide.

 Chapter 237 The Gallary.

    The days in London had been a whirlwind of laughter, sightseeing, and delicious meals. From the towering Big Ben to the glittering lights of the London Eye, the Thompson family soaked in the city''s vibrant energy. Noah had spent every moment with them, keeping a low profile as he quietly enjoyed their joy and excitement.But now, with their trip nearing its end¡ªjust one day left before they returned home¡ªNoah knew it was time to handle something he''d been putting off. The gallery.


    Sitting in the quiet of his hotel room, he leaned back against the plush chair, his sharp mind already mapping out the visit. As if cued by his thoughts, the familiar shimmer of a notification appeared before him, clean and crisp, visible only to him.


    [Ding! Ultimate Choice system has been activated!]


    [Option 1: Visit your gallery, and enjoy the artistic meaning behind popular paintings.] Enjoy new tales from My Virtual Library Empire


    [Reward: Advanced Art Skills.]


    [Option 2: Visit your gallery, but do not look at the paintings.]


    [Reward: Basic Art Skills, $1,000,000.]


    [Option 3: Do not visit the gallery.]


    [Reward: $2,000,000.]


    Noah''s expression didn''t change as he scanned the options, his mind already weighing the reward for Option 1.


    Advanced Art Skills.


    He didn''t hesitate. With a mental flick, he selected the first option.


    The other choices¡ª$1,000,000 or even $2,000,000¡ªdidn''t tempt him in the slightest. Money was a tool, and he already had enough to build whatever he wanted. Skills, however? Skills could reshape the world.


    And an advanced skill granted by the system wasn''t just ordinary mastery¡ªit was something far beyond what even the most gifted artists in history could achieve. With these skills, he wouldn''t just understand art; he would redefine it, setting new standards no one could match.


    As the notification vanished, a faint hum of awareness buzzed in the back of his mind, as if his brain had unlocked an entirely new way of perceiving the world. Shapes, colors, and textures felt sharper, richer, as if they carried hidden depths he could now instinctively grasp.


    Noah stood, slipping on his jacket, his movements fluid. He stepped into the suite''s living area, where Caroline and David were sitting on the sofa, poring over a guidebook, and Emily was sprawled out on the carpet, doodling on a notepad.


    "Heading out for a bit," Noah said casually.


    Caroline glanced up, slightly surprised. "Oh? Where are you off to?"


    "Just going out for some fresh air," Noah replied smoothly. "I won''t be long."


    "Don''t forget we''re having dinner together later!" Emily called without looking up, her pencil furiously scribbling.


    "Wouldn''t miss it," Noah said, ruffling her hair as he walked past.


    The Regent Street Gallery was a stunning piece of architecture, its grand fa?ade blending classical elegance with modern flair. Intricate stone carvings framed the massive arched windows, and the name of the gallery was displayed in polished gold letters above the entrance. The revolving doors gleamed, reflecting the overcast London sky.


    Noah stepped inside, the subtle scent of aged wood and fresh paint greeting him. The interior was expansive yet inviting, with high ceilings that allowed the natural light to spill in, illuminating the pristine walls adorned with masterful paintings.


    The gallery''s staff, dressed in crisp uniforms, greeted every visitor with polite, professional smiles, their practiced warmth matching the elegance of the space. Noah didn''t pause to acknowledge them; he simply walked through the tall, glass-paneled doors as if he belonged¡ªwhich he did. There was no need to announce himself or explain that he was the owner. Entry to the gallery was free, open to anyone seeking a moment of quiet beauty or inspiration. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Inside, the air felt different. Still, almost reverent, carrying the faintest hint of polished wood and aged paint. The soft shuffle of footsteps on marble floors and the quiet murmur of voices drifted through the wide halls, blending into an almost meditative hum. Noah let it wash over him as he stepped deeper into the space, his sharp eyes scanning the rows of paintings displayed with careful precision.


    The first piece he stopped at was a landscape¡ªvast, untamed, alive. The canvas stretched wide, capturing a dense forest on the verge of a storm. Rays of sunlight pierced through thick clouds, their golden warmth battling against the steel-gray sky.


    Noah stood still, his hands in his pockets, studying the scene. To the casual observer, it was a snapshot of nature''s grandeur, but to Noah, it pulsed with something deeper. He could see the intent behind every stroke, the way the artist''s brush had moved with purpose. The heavy, layered greens of the trees weren''t just paint¡ªthey carried the weight of time, resilience, survival. The storm in the sky wasn''t just a natural phenomenon; it was a metaphor for conflict, internal and external.


    This isn''t just a forest, he thought, his eyes narrowing slightly as he traced the path of a lightning bolt streaking in the distance. It''s a battleground.


    He moved on, the echo of his steps barely audible.


    The next painting was smaller, quieter¡ªa portrait. It depicted an elderly woman seated by a window, her profile turned slightly toward the light streaming in from the glass. The details were extraordinary: every crease on her face was etched with precision, her lined hands folded neatly in her lap. The faded gray of her hair seemed to shimmer faintly under the window''s glow, but it was her eyes that held Noah''s attention.


    They were sharp and piercing, brimming with a quiet defiance that seemed at odds with the weariness in her posture. There was pride in those eyes, a refusal to be diminished, even as the years had taken their toll.


    Noah tilted his head, stepping closer. He could see the subtle smudges in the shadows beneath her eyes, the faint traces of blue along her jawline that hinted at veins beneath paper-thin skin. The artist hadn''t just captured her image¡ªthey''d captured her soul. The room she sat in, barely visible through the painting''s muted colors, told a story of simplicity. A single vase on a shelf. A half-drawn curtain. It wasn''t wealth or grandeur; it was a life lived.


    He let out a soft breath, moving on, feeling the pull of the next piece like a thread tugging at his chest.


    This one was abstract¡ªa swirl of bold reds, blacks, and whites, layered in chaotic, almost violent motion. To some, it might have looked like randomness, but to Noah, it screamed of rage, desperation, and raw emotion. The lines didn''t just converge; they clashed, fought for dominance, creating a visual cacophony that refused to be ignored.


    ...


    As Noah stood in front of a portrait, quietly taking in the intricate brushstrokes and the layers of emotion woven into the canvas, he sensed movement to his right. A few figures had arrived beside him, their presence subtle but unmistakable.


    He didn''t glance at them. There was no need.


    For several moments, none of them spoke, the silence stretching out as if they were all equally captivated by the piece before them.


    Finally, a soft sigh broke the stillness.


    "This piece¡­" a feminine voice said, its tone refined yet gentle. "It can''t ever be replicated. It''s truly a masterpiece, not just of its era but in all of history."


    The voice carried an air of quiet authority, and though Noah didn''t turn his head, he could tell the speaker was young and of some status.


    Another voice followed, this one older, measured, and laced with deference. "That''s true, your hi¡ª" The man caught himself mid-word, clearing his throat awkwardly. "My lady. I couldn''t agree more. This piece is¡­ extraordinary. Look at the balance of light and shadow, the way the artist captures the duality of the subject. It''s haunting yet undeniably beautiful. The precision alone¡­ well, it speaks to unparalleled genius."


    The older man continued, his voice rising slightly as he delved into the nuances of the portrait¡ªthe technique, the subtle play of contrast, the meticulous attention to detail that elevated the piece beyond mere artistry.


    When he finally paused, seemingly out of breath, Noah''s voice cut through the air, calm and unhurried.


    "It''s a good piece," he said, still not looking at them. "But calling it the best in history? That''s overexaggerating don''t you think?"


    The air shifted slightly. He could feel their attention turn fully to him, the silence thick with surprise at his interruption.


    "And," Noah continued, his tone steady but firm, "the true essence behind the portrait isn''t what you said. What you described misses the mark."


    The woman''s voice was curious now, a mix of intrigue and challenge. "Oh? And what, may I ask, is the true essence?"


    Noah finally turned his head slightly, not enough to meet their gazes but just enough to show he wasn''t dismissing them entirely. He gestured subtly toward the portrait.


    "The brilliance of this piece isn''t in its balance of light and shadow or even in its precision," he began. "It''s in its imperfections. Look at the uneven texture of the paint here"¡ªhe pointed to a faint smudge near the subject''s collar¡ª"or the way the lines of the background subtly blur as they move toward the edges. The artist didn''t create this to be flawless. They created it to feel human."


    He took a step closer, his eyes scanning the canvas. "The subject''s eyes¡ªmost people would say they''re soulful, maybe even melancholic. But if you really look, you''ll see something deeper. Regret. Not the kind that weighs you down, but the kind that sharpens you, pushes you forward."


    Noah''s voice softened slightly, almost as if he were speaking to himself. "This portrait isn''t about duality. It''s about acceptance. The acceptance of who we are, flaws and all, and the strength that comes with that understanding."

 Chapter 238 Diana.

    For a moment, there was silence. Then the woman spoke again, her voice quieter now, as though she were treading carefully."That''s¡­ an interesting perspective," she said. "Not one I''ve heard before."


    "It''s not about perspective," Noah replied, his tone unbothered. "It''s just what''s there. Whether you see it or not depends on how closely you''re willing to look."


    The older man''s voice broke the brief silence, his tone a blend of polite dismissal and faint irritation. "Young man, what you''re saying¡­ it''s certainly a first. I can''t deny it''s a unique take." He straightened slightly, folding his hands behind his back as if preparing to deliver a lecture. "But what I said earlier isn''t just my opinion¡ªit''s the interpretation of the top scholars of art. The best of the best. And who, pray tell, would know art better than them?"


    Noah stood unmoving, his hands still in his jacket pockets. His gaze didn''t waver from the portrait, as though the conversation itself was of secondary importance.


    The older man continued, his tone growing more certain. "Your perspective is interesting, I''ll give you that, but it''s not convincing. I simply don''t see it."


    Without turning, Noah spoke, his voice calm and steady, devoid of malice or condescension. "You won''t see it. You don''t have enough skill."


    The words landed like a hammer, simple and sharp, cutting through the air with precision.


    The old man''s mouth opened slightly in shock, but before he could respond, Noah continued, his tone as matter-of-fact as if he were discussing the weather. "I''m not insulting you, so don''t take it personally. I''m simply stating the truth. Recognizing the deeper meaning of this piece requires a level of understanding most people don''t have."


    Beside the older man, the young woman with golden locks stood quietly, her soft smile betraying no emotion other than faint curiosity. She hadn''t expected that response¡ªdirect, almost clinical, yet strangely devoid of arrogance. It intrigued her.


    The older man, however, wasn''t as amused. His frown deepened, his cheeks reddening slightly as he adjusted his posture. "I''m sorry, but your opinion simply doesn''t matter," he said, his voice tightening. "My works and my reputation speak for themselves."


    He gestured vaguely, as if the weight of his achievements were hanging in the air around him. "You are a young man, after all. I can understand why you would say this¡ªyouth often brings confidence that isn''t necessarily earned."


    Noah finally turned his head, just enough to glance at the old man out of the corner of his eye. His expression was calm, unreadable, as if he were more amused than annoyed by the man''s words.


    "Ever heard the phrase ''age is just a number?'' " Noah replied evenly. "You don''t have to take me seriously. But I don''t need you to agree for me to know I''m right."


    The old man stiffened, clearly thrown off by Noah''s composure. He opened his mouth to retort but paused, faltering as Noah turned his gaze back to the portrait, effectively dismissing him.


    The young woman stepped forward slightly, her voice light but pointed. "You speak with a lot of certainty," she said, her golden hair catching the light as she tilted her head slightly. "Are you saying your interpretation is the only correct one?"


    Noah''s lips quirked into a faint smirk, though his eyes stayed on the painting. "No. But I am saying that if you understood the piece as deeply as I do, you''d come to the same conclusion."


    Her smile widened, her tone playful but sharp. "That sounds suspiciously like arrogance."


    "Not arrogance," Noah said calmly. "Just clarity."


    The old man let out a scoff, crossing his arms. "Clarity, he says. As if years of study and expertise are nothing compared to the whim of some young man who happens to have an opinion."


    Noah didn''t respond immediately, letting the weight of the silence stretch between them. Then, finally, he turned, his gaze locking onto the old man''s with a calm intensity that made the latter falter.


    "Years of study don''t matter if you''re looking in the wrong place," Noah said simply.


    The young woman''s laughter broke the tension, soft and melodic, surprising both men. "Well," she said, her eyes sparkling with interest as she looked at Noah, "whether I agree with you or not, I can''t deny you make things¡­ interesting."


    Noah gave her a brief glance, his expression neutral. "Art isn''t about agreeing. It''s about seeing."


    The older man bristled but said nothing further, his pride clearly too bruised to continue the debate. The young woman, however, watched Noah with an unreadable expression, her faint smile lingering as if she''d just stumbled upon something far more intriguing than the painting itself.


    "What''s your name, sir?" the woman asked, her soft voice laced with curiosity, a faint smile playing on her lips.


    "Noah. Noah Thompson."


    "Nice to meet you, Mr. Thompson," she said, her smile widening ever so slightly. "My name is Diana."


    Noah nodded in acknowledgment, his sharp eyes taking in her appearance without lingering too long. The woman''s face wasn''t fully visible, obscured by oversized sunglasses and the shadow of a classic wide-brimmed hat. A light scarf wrapped loosely around her neck completed the look, the kind of ensemble designed to blend in but that, ironically, drew attention in its effort to conceal.


    It reminded Noah of the first time he saw Amelia, walking down the street in a similar attempt at anonymity. Diana''s outfit wasn''t just fashionable¡ªit was deliberate, purposeful, almost theatrical in its attempt to avoid recognition. She wasn''t trying to hide completely¡ªjust enough to keep casual onlookers from guessing her identity.


    But Noah wasn''t a casual onlooker.


    Her body language, the old man''s earlier slip of "your high¡ª," and the way she avoided offering her surname told him enough. He didn''t need to ask. He could guess exactly who she was, but there was no point in revealing that.


    If she wanted to keep up the act, he''d let her.


    "I would like you to accompany me in this gallery," Diana said suddenly, pulling his attention back. She adjusted the scarf around her neck with one gloved hand, her tone polite but direct. "I want to hear your thoughts on some of the art. Is that fine with you?"


    For a moment, Noah said nothing. He studied her, his expression calm and unreadable, weighing the request. She clearly wasn''t asking just out of curiosity¡ªthere was intent behind her words, a desire to see more of what had prompted him to challenge the established opinions of art scholars.


    Finally, he nodded. "Sure."


    Her smile deepened, and there was something in it¡ªa flicker of satisfaction, perhaps¡ªas she gestured toward another wing of the gallery. "Shall we?"


    The old man looked less enthused. He shifted uncomfortably beside her, shooting Noah a faintly suspicious glance but saying nothing.


    Noah followed as Diana led the way, her heels clicking softly against the polished floor. The old man trailed a step behind them, his expression still marked by irritation, though he seemed unwilling to challenge her decision.


    As they walked through the gallery, Diana spoke with casual elegance, her voice warm yet precise. "The Regent Street Gallery is one of my favorite places in London. It''s small compared to the larger museums, but it has a certain charm, don''t you think?"


    Noah glanced around, his sharp eyes scanning the space. The high ceilings, pristine white walls, and carefully curated collection gave the gallery a quiet dignity. "It''s well-organized," he said simply. "They put thought into the layout." sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Diana nodded lightly.


    They stopped in front of a bold abstract piece¡ªa chaotic swirl of colors that seemed to pulse with energy. Reds and blacks clashed violently against streaks of yellow, creating a visual tension that refused to be ignored.


    Diana tilted her head, studying it. "What do you see when you look at this?" she asked, her tone genuinely curious.


    Noah stared at the painting for a long moment, his expression calm, his mind already dissecting the layers of intention beneath the surface. "Conflict," he said finally. "Not just external¡ªthis isn''t about war or violence. It''s internal. The kind of struggle you feel when you''re trying to hold onto something but know you''re losing it anyway."


    The old man scoffed softly behind them,


    Noah stared at the painting for a long moment, his expression calm, his mind already dissecting the layers of intention beneath the surface. "Conflict," he said finally. "Not just external¡ªthis isn''t about war or violence. It''s internal. The kind of struggle you feel when you''re trying to hold onto something but know you''re losing it anyway."


    Behind him, the old man let out a scoff, clearly unable to keep quiet any longer. He stepped forward slightly, his hands clasped behind his back. "Conflict? No, young man, that''s not it at all. In fact, this piece is widely understood to represent liberation. The bold reds and blacks signify the breaking of chains, the destruction of oppression. The yellow¡ªwhat you call ''hope''¡ªis actually symbolic of triumph, of victory. It''s not faint or fragile, as you say. It cuts through deliberately, showing that light will always overcome darkness."


    The old man''s tone was firm, confident, as if he were reading directly from a textbook. His explanation carried the weight of authority, and he straightened slightly, his eyes narrowing at Noah. "This interpretation has been widely accepted by scholars for years. It''s the consensus of the most respected voices in the field. To suggest otherwise is¡­ well, let''s call it bold."


    The woman beside him said nothing, her head tilting slightly as her gaze flicked to Noah. She seemed genuinely curious about what he would say next, her faint smile betraying a hint of amusement.


    Noah, for his part, didn''t react to the old man''s dismissal. His expression remained calm, his gaze steady on the painting. "Liberation?" he repeated, his tone even. "That''s what they think this is about?"


    The old man''s lips pressed into a thin line. "That''s not what we think, young man. That''s what it is."


    Noah finally turned his head, just enough to glance at the old man, his tone still quiet but cutting. "No. That''s what it looks like to someone who''s only scratching the surface."


    The old man stiffened, clearly taken aback. "Excuse me?"


    Noah gestured toward the painting, his eyes narrowing slightly. "You''re reading it like it''s a victory march. A nice, clean story of struggle and triumph. But art isn''t clean. This isn''t clean. Look at the red and black¡ªthey don''t just collide. They dominate the canvas, swallowing most of the space. There''s no ''breaking free'' here. The colors are suffocating, consuming, overwhelming."


    He pointed to the thin streak of yellow cutting through the chaos. "And that yellow? It''s not triumph. It''s survival. It''s faint because it''s fragile. It''s not a victory¡ªit''s holding on by the thinnest thread."

 Chapter 239 Drawing a portrait.

    Noah stepped back slightly, crossing his arms. "If this were about liberation, the yellow wouldn''t just be a streak. It would expand, it would push back against the red and black. But it doesn''t. It''s almost lost in the chaos. That''s not freedom. That''s barely surviving.""You''re looking at this piece and seeing what you want to see. An easy narrative that fits neatly into the scholarly framework you''ve spent years building. But that''s the problem¡ªyou''re not seeing this piece. You''re seeing what you''ve been told to see."


    Diana remained silent, her expression thoughtful. Her eyes flicked between the painting and Noah, her faint smile still lingering as though she''d just witnessed something far more interesting than an art lecture.


    Noah stood calmly, his faint smile unwavering, as the old man''s words dripped with thinly veiled condescension.


    "It seems like you know so much about art," the older man said, his voice polite but with a clear edge of challenge. "I''m sure you''re quite a good artist yourself, aren''t you? I wonder if you have any works you could show me. I''d love to be enlightened."


    His words hung in the air, baiting, his faint smirk betraying his intent. He was clearly trying to corner Noah, to make him stumble, to strip him of credibility now that his earlier arguments had fallen flat.


    Noah didn''t flinch. His sharp gaze flicked to the man briefly before returning to the painting. "I don''t have any works I can present to you," he said simply. Experience exclusive tales on My Virtual Library Empire


    The old man''s smirk widened. "Hmph, I knew y¡ª"


    "But," Noah cut him off, turning to face him fully now, his faint smile never wavering, "I can draw one right now and show you."


    The old man froze mid-sentence, his confident facade cracking for just a moment as confusion clouded his features. "Huh?"


    Diana''s eyes lit up with interest, her head tilting slightly as she studied Noah. Her faint smile grew, soft but curious, as though this entire interaction was an unexpected gift of entertainment.


    "How are you going to do that?" she asked, her tone gentle but intrigued. "I don''t see you carrying any canvas¡ªor tools, for that matter."


    "That''s not a problem," Noah replied smoothly, pulling his phone from his pocket. "We''re in a gallery, after all. I''m sure the resources are closer than you''d think."


    He tapped a few buttons on his phone and lifted it to his ear, speaking in a calm, measured tone.


    "Yes, it''s me. I need a few things¡­ A canvas, some brushes, paint¡­ Yes, the basics. Bring it to the main exhibition hall of the Regent Street Gallery¡­ Mhm. Thank you."


    He ended the call, slipping his phone back into his pocket without ceremony. As he spoke, Diana''s gaze didn''t leave him, her curiosity clearly piqued. She didn''t interrupt or press him further, but the questions were visible in her expression. Who did he call? What is he planning?


    The older man, however, frowned deeply. His earlier smugness was starting to waver, replaced by an edge of uncertainty. "You''re serious? You''re just going to draw something right here, right now?"


    Noah shrugged slightly, his tone as calm as ever. "Why not?"


    The minutes that followed were quiet but tense, a palpable anticipation building in the air. Diana remained composed, though the subtle glimmer in her eyes betrayed her growing excitement. The old man shifted on his feet, his confidence visibly faltering as he realized Noah wasn''t bluffing.


    It wasn''t long before the sound of hurried footsteps broke the silence. A small group of people appeared, led by a man in a tailored suit.


    He was tall and composed, his presence exuding quiet authority as he moved purposefully toward Noah. Behind him, two assistants carried several items¡ªa large blank canvas, an easel, and an assortment of paints and brushes neatly packed in a case.


    The old man beside Diana squinted, his brow furrowing as he took a closer look at the man leading the group. Then his eyes widened in recognition.


    "James Arthur?" he said, his voice rising slightly with surprise. "Long time no see! How are you doing?"


    James turned his head, his composed expression shifting into a polite smile. "William Johnson," he replied, nodding briefly. "It''s been a while. I''m doing quite well, thank you."


    William¡ªnow visibly flustered¡ªsmiled back, but his curiosity was piqued. "How are you managing the gallery? is everything going well?"


    James''s polite smile remained, but he held up a hand briefly. "If you''ll excuse me, I need to attend to my boss first."


    William blinked, his confusion evident as he nodded. "Of course¡­"


    But before he could process the interaction further, his jaw nearly dropped as James turned and approached Noah with a respectful bow.


    "Mr. Thompson," James said, his tone warm but professional. "Everything you requested has been brought. Where would you like us to set up?"


    Noah glanced at the items James''s assistants were carrying, then gestured toward a clear space near the center of the gallery. "Over there will do."


    James nodded, directing the assistants to move swiftly. Within moments, the canvas was propped up on the easel, the paints and brushes arranged neatly on a small portable table beside it. The efficiency was seamless, the setup professional¡ªlike something you''d see in a high-profile artist''s studio.


    William''s mouth opened and closed a few times as he stared, his earlier confidence completely shattered. "Wait¡ªhe''s your boss?" he stammered, looking between James and Noah as though he''d missed a critical piece of information.


    James raised an eyebrow, his expression calm but faintly amused. "Yes," he said simply, as though it were the most natural thing in the world.


    William looked like he''d swallowed a lemon. His gaze darted to Diana, but she didn''t seem fazed at all. In fact, her smile had deepened, her eyes sparkling with curiosity as she looked at Noah.


    Noah, meanwhile, stepped forward, his movements calm and deliberate. He picked up a brush, inspecting its bristles briefly before dipping it into the paint. Without hesitation, he began to work.


    The gallery grew quiet, the soft scrape of the brush against the canvas the only sound in the room.


    Noah stood calm and composed as the brush moved across the canvas, his focus sharp and unshaken. Around him, the gallery''s natural hum of quiet footsteps and murmured voices began to shift as people noticed the unusual scene unfolding.


    A few visitors slowed as they passed, their expressions curious and slightly confused. One man leaned toward his partner, whispering, "What''s he doing? Is he actually painting in the middle of the gallery?"


    Another visitor, an older woman clutching a guidebook, frowned in mild disapproval. "Is this even allowed? Who just sets up an easel in the middle of an exhibition?"


    Diana stood silently to the side, her usual composed demeanor slipping slightly as she watched Noah work. Her head tilted ever so slightly, her eyes narrowed, not with doubt, but with intense curiosity. The way he held the brush¡ªhis movements precise, controlled, and fluid at the same time¡ªit wasn''t just skill. It was mastery. It was as though each stroke of the brush had already been decided in his mind before it even touched the canvas.


    William, however, crossed his arms tightly, his earlier smugness giving way to a mix of skepticism and unease. "Anyone can splash some paint on a canvas," he muttered under his breath, though his tone lacked the confidence it carried before. "Let''s see if this ''master'' actually delivers anything meaningful."


    Noah didn''t respond. He didn''t even glance in William''s direction. His focus remained entirely on the canvas, the colors on his palette blending seamlessly as he worked.


    As the minutes ticked by, a small crowd began to gather, their whispers growing louder.


    "Who is he?" someone murmured, standing on tiptoes for a better view. "Is he one of the artists featured here?"


    "I don''t think so," another person replied. "But look at him¡ªhe knows what he''s doing. That''s not just a hobbyist." S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "What''s he painting?" a younger man asked, craning his neck.


    "Looks like a portrait," came the answer from someone closer. "But it''s still taking shape¡­"


    The gallery staff exchanged more nervous looks. One of them started to approach, only to pause as realised James was there. He shot them a look that stopped them in their tracks.


    His calm authority seemed to reassure them that whatever was happening was under control, even if they had no idea why.


    As the strokes of Noah''s brush grew more deliberate, the murmurs of doubt and confusion started to fade. Shapes began to form on the canvas, bold yet refined. The colors, layered with remarkable depth, started to create something unmistakable¡ªa face.


    A collective hush fell over the crowd as the portrait came to life.


    "It''s her," someone whispered, pointing discreetly at Diana.


    The realization spread through the onlookers like ripples in a pond. The woman in the painting wasn''t just a subject¡ªit was Diana herself, captured with stunning accuracy. Her golden hair seemed to glow on the canvas, her expression serene yet commanding, her gaze piercing as if it could see through to your very soul.


    Diana''s breath hitched slightly, her usual composure faltering as she stepped closer to the painting. She didn''t speak, her blue eyes tracing every detail, every brushstroke. It wasn''t just a likeness¡ªit was her essence, the layers of herself she rarely showed but that Noah had somehow captured effortlessly.


    "Who is this guy?" someone whispered from the back of the crowd.


    "This is insane," another murmured. "He did all that in five minutes?"


    Even William, who had stood stiff and skeptical throughout, took an unconscious step forward. His arms fell to his sides, his mouth slightly agape as he stared at the painting. The earlier smugness in his expression was gone, replaced by something closer to disbelief.


    "This¡­ this was done in minutes," William finally stammered, his voice quieter now. "How is that even possible?"

 Chapter 240 The Diana lisa

    Noah stepped back from the easel, setting the brush down with deliberate care. He picked up a cloth and wiped his hands, his expression calm and unbothered, as though what he had just done was nothing out of the ordinary."It''s done," he said simply.


    Diana approached the painting slowly, her footsteps soft against the polished floor. Her golden locks caught the gallery''s light as she stood in front of the canvas, her lips parting slightly as she took in every detail.


    "It''s¡­" she started, her voice barely above a whisper. She paused, searching for the right words. "It''s incredible."


    Noah shrugged faintly, his tone as casual as if they were discussing the weather. "It''s just a painting."


    "No," Diana said firmly, her gaze still locked on the portrait. "It''s more than that. You''ve¡­ captured something."


    William, still reeling, cleared his throat. "This¡­ this was done in minutes. How¡ª?"


    Noah finally turned to him, his expression neutral but his tone razor-sharp. "You wanted to see if I could back up what I said. Now you have your answer."


    William opened his mouth as if to argue, but the words never came. He glanced back at the painting, then at Noah, his earlier confidence completely shattered.


    Diana finally turned away from the canvas, her faint smile returning, but now it carried a warmth and intrigue that hadn''t been there before. "You''re full of surprises, Mr. Thompson," she said softly.


    Noah didn''t respond, the faintest hint of a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.


    Behind them, the murmurs continued to spread through the crowd. "Who is he?" someone asked again, their tone hushed but urgent.


    "Whoever he is," another replied, "he''s not just some random guy. This is¡­ next level."


    The murmurs of the crowd hadn''t yet settled as James Arthur, calm and composed, stepped forward with his team. His eyes flicked from the portrait to Noah, his expression filled with something that went beyond mere admiration¡ªit was respect.


    "Mr. Thompson," James said, his voice steady but tinged with awe, "you have created a masterpiece. This will forever be etched into the history of Regent''s Gallery. I will make sure this portrait is kept safe here, displayed with the reverence it deserves."


    He turned toward the painting, his gaze lingering on it as if committing every detail to memory. "It will become one of the main pieces of the gallery," he continued, his tone firm, as though it was not merely a decision but an inevitability.


    This statement alone sent a ripple of shock through the onlookers. Regent''s Gallery was no ordinary venue. It was known for its exclusivity, a place where only the works of the most celebrated artists¡ªthe legends of their craft¡ªwere displayed. For James Arthur, not only the manager of the gallery but also a renowned artist in his own right, to declare this piece worthy of such a status? It was monumental.


    Even James himself seemed to be grappling with the magnitude of the moment. His practiced demeanor wavered slightly as he studied the painting again, his trained eye tracing the brushstrokes, the interplay of light and shadow, the way the colors seemed to breathe life into the canvas.


    "I must admit," James said softly, almost to himself, "even I feel as though I can only grasp the surface of what this piece truly means. Yet even that surface is¡­ extraordinary. It transcends anything I''ve seen in years."


    The gravity of his words wasn''t lost on the crowd. James Arthur wasn''t one to hand out compliments lightly, let alone words of such weight.


    Noah, however, remained unfazed. He stood quietly, hands in his pockets, his faint smile betraying neither pride nor surprise. To him, this was merely a task completed, nothing more.


    The onlookers, on the other hand, were anything but calm.


    "Wait, did he just say this is going to be one of the gallery''s main pieces?" a woman whispered, her voice tinged with disbelief.


    "That can''t be right," a man muttered, shaking his head. "You don''t just walk into Regent''s Gallery, paint something in five minutes, and have it declared a masterpiece."


    "But it happened," another chimed in, their tone hushed but incredulous. "And look at that painting¡ªit''s¡­ it''s unreal."


    A younger man near the back of the crowd frowned, his eyes narrowing as he stared at Noah. "I feel like I''ve seen him somewhere before¡­ but I can''t place it."


    "Me too," said the woman beside him, her brow furrowing in thought. Then her eyes widened suddenly, and she grabbed his arm. "Wait a minute¡ªisn''t that Noah Thompson?" Read new chapters at My Virtual Library Empire


    The man blinked, confused. "Who?"


    "Noah Thompson!" she said urgently. "The prodigy student! The one who got full marks in all his exams? He went viral a while back¡ªremember?"


    Realization dawned on his face, followed quickly by disbelief. "You''re kidding. That''s him?"


    "I''m sure of it!" she insisted, glancing back at Noah with a mixture of awe and unease. "I mean, he''s already a genius at academics, he''s ridiculously wealthy, and now he''s¡­ this? Isn''t that too much?"


    Someone else nearby overheard and joined in, their tone almost conspiratorial. "If it really is him¡­ that''s terrifying. How can one person be so good at everything?"


    "It''s not fair," another muttered, though there was more wonder than bitterness in their voice. "He''s too powerful."


    As the whispers spread, Diana stepped closer to the painting, her eyes still fixed on the canvas. Her calm expression hadn''t changed much, but there was a new intensity in her gaze, a quiet determination beneath her serene demeanor.


    Finally, she turned to Noah, her voice steady but laced with unmistakable sincerity. "Mr. Thompson," she said, her tone softer than before, "I would truly be grateful if I could take this portrait."


    Her words cut through the murmurs, drawing the crowd''s attention. Even James, who had been preparing to oversee the careful packing and storage of the painting, paused mid-step, his brow furrowing as he turned toward her.


    He seemed hesitant for the first time, his eyes narrowing slightly as they flicked to Diana. It was rare for someone to make such a bold request, especially in a setting like this. His hesitation deepened when his gaze shifted to William, who stood beside Diana, his expression tense but restrained.


    James''s eyes silently asked the question: Who is she?


    William returned the look, a subtle yet firm nod that seemed to say, High up. Don''t question it.


    The silent exchange lasted only a second, but it was enough. James immediately straightened, his professionalism returning as he stepped back slightly, choosing not to intervene. Whatever Diana''s request, he would leave it to Noah to decide.


    Noah turned to Diana, his calm expression unchanging as he studied her for a moment. Then, with a faint smile, he said, "Sure."


    Diana''s eyes lit up, her composure softening slightly as a genuine smile spread across her face. "Thank you," she said warmly.


    Noah tilted his head slightly, his tone light. "Do you want me to ask James to help you transport it?"


    Diana glanced at James, who immediately stepped forward with a polite nod. "Of course," he said smoothly. "It would be my pleasure to arrange the safe transport of the piece, my lady."


    William visibly relaxed at James''s respectful tone, though he said nothing, choosing instead to remain in the background.


    "Please do," Diana said, her smile lingering as she turned back to Noah. "I appreciate it."


    The crowd continued to murmur as James and his team began the careful process of packing the painting, their movements precise and deliberate.


    The significance of the moment wasn''t lost on anyone¡ªNoah Thompson, a figure already shrouded in mystique, had just created a masterpiece in mere minutes, and now it was being claimed by someone who clearly carried influence of her own.


    As the painting was carefully lifted and secured, the whispers swirled around Noah like a storm.


    Diana stepped closer to Noah. Her movements were deliberate, the soft click of her heels muted against the polished gallery floor. Her golden hair caught the light as she tilted her head, lowering her voice so that their conversation remained private.


    "Mr. Thompson," she began, her tone warm yet measured, "this is a favor I will not forget. You have truly shown not only your excellent skills but also your generosity."


    Noah turned slightly toward her, his hands resting casually in his jacket pockets, his expression calm and unreadable. He didn''t interrupt, letting her continue.


    "But I want to ask," Diana said, her voice softening even further, "why would you give me the piece without knowing who I am? This is the first time we''ve met." She paused, studying him carefully through the dark lenses of her sunglasses. "A piece like this¡­ it would easily go for millions. And honestly," she added with a small chuckle, "I think even that might be an understatement."


    Her words hung in the air, not accusatory but genuinely curious. She wasn''t questioning his decision out of doubt but out of intrigue, as though trying to piece together the puzzle that was Noah Thompson.


    Noah met her gaze¡ªor at least the area where her eyes would be behind the shades. His demeanor remained composed, unaffected by the weight of her statement. After a brief pause, he simply said, "I just felt like it." S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Diana blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the simplicity of his answer. "You just¡­ felt like it?" she echoed, her tone carrying a hint of disbelief.


    Noah gave a faint nod. "Yeah. Since I drew you, it''s only natural that you should take it."


    There was no pretense in his voice, no trace of arrogance or self-importance. To him, the matter was as straightforward as he''d made it sound. He''d created the piece for a moment, for a purpose, and now that purpose was fulfilled. The value others attached to it¡ªwhether monetary or sentimental¡ªwas irrelevant to him.


    Diana''s lips curved into a bright smile, though much of her face remained obscured by her scarf, sunglasses, and hat. Even so, there was no mistaking the warmth in her expression, the way her posture softened slightly as she looked at him. For someone as composed as Diana, who carried herself with an almost regal air, this was a rare moment of unguarded gratitude.


    "I see," she said simply, her voice tinged with a mix of admiration and curiosity.


    For a moment, she said nothing more, her gaze lingering on him as though trying to read deeper into his character.


    Then, after a brief pause, she continued, her tone more serious now. "Well, in that case, I would like to ask for one more favour. I know I have asked for too much already, but i hope you don''t reject me."


    Noah raised an eyebrow slightly, a faint flicker of curiosity passing through his otherwise calm expression. "What is it?"

 Chapter 241 Exchanging numbers...

    "Can we exchange numbers?" Diana asked, her voice steady but carrying a hint of something lighter, almost playful. "I''d like to stay in touch."Noah didn''t react with surprise or hesitation. His gaze remained steady, his tone as neutral as ever when he replied, "Okay."


    Diana''s smile widened behind her scarf, her posture straightening slightly as though she were pleased with his answer. She reached into her bag, retrieving a sleek, gold-edged phone. Her movements were unhurried, deliberate, as if savoring the moment.


    Noah pulled out his own phone¡ªa device far more advanced than hers, sleek and futuristic in design, the kind of technology that hinted at its owner''s unique resources. With a single tap, he brought up his contact information and handed her the screen.


    Diana took it gracefully, entering her number with a quiet focus. When she handed it back to him, she tilted her head slightly, her golden locks catching the light again. "I appreciate this," she said softly.


    Her gaze lingered on the phone in Noah''s hand as he slipped it back into his pocket. She hesitated for a moment before speaking again, her curiosity clearly piqued. "Your phone," she said, her tone casual but inquisitive, "it looks¡­ very futuristic. Unique, even. Where did you get it?"


    Noah glanced at her briefly, his expression as calm as ever. "I made it," he said simply, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.


    Diana blinked, tilting her head in genuine surprise. "Huh?" she said, a note of disbelief slipping into her voice. "You made it?"


    He nodded, his tone unbothered. "Yeah. I made it."


    For a moment, Diana stood there, processing what he had just said. Her sunglasses concealed her widened eyes, but the slight parting of her lips betrayed her astonishment. She wasn''t someone easily caught off guard, but this¡­ this wasn''t what she had expected.


    "I see," she said finally, her voice measured but tinged with intrigue.


    The exchange could have ended there, but something about his nonchalant tone and the sheer absurdity of his claim kept her curiosity alive. She wasn''t someone who was easily impressed¡ªshe''d met countless brilliant minds, seen groundbreaking technology, and walked among the world''s elite. Yet here was a man, no older than his late teens, casually claiming to have built a device that looked as advanced as anything she''d seen from the top tech firms.


    She crossed her arms loosely, tilting her head slightly. "Does it¡­ have any additional features compared to the phones on the market?"


    Noah shrugged, his demeanor entirely unbothered. "It has a few features," he replied, his tone casual, almost dismissive. "AI assistant, extreme damage prevention, and some other stuff. It''s nothing extraordinary."


    Diana''s lips twitched into a faint smile. "Nothing extraordinary?" she repeated, her voice carrying a hint of amusement. "AI assistant and extreme damage prevention sound like more than just ''nothing extraordinary.''"


    Her mind raced as she considered his words. Those features, particularly the AI assistant, were cutting-edge developments that had only recently been integrated into the latest models from the most advanced tech companies. And even then, the technology was still being refined, with many devices plagued by bugs and inefficiencies.


    For him to speak about it so casually, as though it were no more impressive than an ordinary phone, spoke volumes about his capabilities. Even if his version wasn''t at the exact level of commercial devices, the fact that he could achieve such a feat at all was¡­ remarkable.


    Behind her sunglasses, her eyes widened slightly as the realization settled in. "That''s¡­ impressive," she said, her tone soft but genuine.


    Noah didn''t respond immediately, his gaze steady and unreadable. To him, it wasn''t something worth making a fuss over. It was just another project, another tool he had created to suit his needs. But Diana''s reaction¡ªsubtle yet telling¡ªdidn''t go unnoticed.


    For a moment, she debated asking him more. The thought of owning a phone like his was tempting, not just because of its capabilities but because it was his creation. Yet, as she glanced at him, his composed demeanor and lack of interest in boasting about his skills gave her pause.


    If this isn''t something he''s offering to the public, she thought, then asking for one might come across as¡­ too much. I might give him a very terrible first impression, since I already asked him for the portrait.


    Diana wasn''t the type to overstep boundaries, especially with someone as intriguing as Noah. Instead, she decided to let the matter rest.


    She gave him a small, appreciative nod.


    The conversation settled into a comfortable silence, though the air between them felt charged with unspoken thoughts. Diana''s mind was a whirl of questions¡ªWho exactly was this man? How did someone so young possess such an extraordinary range of talents? But she didn''t voice them.


    There was always another time to ask these questions, and right now wasn''t particularly a good time.


    Instead, she offered him a warm smile, the kind that carried both gratitude and intrigue. "Thank you, Mr. Thompson," she said, her voice soft but sincere. "For your generosity, your time¡­ and for surprising me."


    Noah raised an eyebrow slightly, his smirk deepening. "It seems like I surprise you a lot."


    "You do," Diana admitted, her tone light but honest. "And I have a feeling you''ll continue to."


    She took a small step back, signaling the end of their conversation. As she turned to leave, her golden hair catching the light once more, she paused briefly and glanced over her shoulder. "By the way," she said, her tone playful, "I hope you don''t mind if I call you sometime. I''d like to see what other surprises you''re hiding."


    Noah gave her a small nod, his smirk never fading. "Go ahead. I''ll pick up."


    Diana smiled faintly, though most of her expression was obscured by her scarf and sunglasses. The warmth in her voice, however, was unmistakable. She turned slightly, her golden hair brushing against her shoulders as she shifted her attention to William, who stood a step behind her, visibly stunned.


    William''s face was a mixture of disbelief and lingering confusion, his usually composed demeanor cracked by the whirlwind of events. His gaze darted between Diana, Noah''s retreating figure, and the painting being carefully handled by James''s team. For a man accustomed to navigating the upper echelons of society, it was clear that the events of the past hour had completely thrown him off balance.


    "Mr. William," Diana said gently, her voice cutting through his daze.


    William blinked, startled out of his thoughts. "Y-Yes, my lady?" he stammered, straightening his posture instinctively.


    Diana''s tone was calm but carried a subtle authority as she gestured toward James, who was overseeing the careful packing of the portrait. "Could you handle the transportation procedure with Mr. James? Ensure that everything is done properly and that the painting arrives safely."


    For a moment, William hesitated, still visibly processing everything that had transpired. His lips parted slightly as if to protest or question her request, but the look in Diana''s eyes stopped him.


    It wasn''t a harsh look¡ªDiana rarely needed to resort to overt displays of power¡ªbut it was firm, a silent reminder of her position and her trust in him.


    "Of course," William said quickly, nodding. His voice was steadier now, though there was still an edge of bewilderment in his tone. "I''ll make sure everything is handled perfectly."


    "Good," Diana said with a small, approving nod. Her calm gaze lingered on him for a moment longer before she turned her attention back to James.


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    James, who had been quietly observing the exchange, offered a polite bow of acknowledgment. "I''ll coordinate with Mr. William to ensure the painting is transported with the utmost care," he said smoothly, his professionalism unwavering.


    Diana smiled faintly, her voice soft but carrying a subtle weight. "Thank you, Mr. James. I know I can rely on you."


    James inclined his head, his tone warm but respectful. "It is my pleasure, my lady. The piece will be treated with the respect it deserves."


    As James and William moved to finalize the logistics, Diana took a step back, her gaze briefly flicking toward Noah, who was nearing the gallery''s exit. Her expression softened slightly, though it remained hidden behind her scarf and sunglasses.


    "Noah Thompson," she murmured under her breath, the words meant only for herself, "A prodigy, huh?"


    With that, she turned on her heel, her steps graceful and deliberate as she walked away, leaving William and James to manage the rest.


    Behind her, William muttered under his breath as he followed James toward the painting. "Who is this Noah Thompson? How does someone like him even exist?"


    James shook his head slightly, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Don''t ask me," he said, his voice low but carrying a note of disbelief. "All I know is that someone bought this gallery¡ªcash, in one single go¡ªand that someone was¡­ him."


    William froze mid-step, his head snapping toward James. "Wait," he said, his tone sharp with shock. "You''re telling me Noah Thompson owns this gallery?"


    James nodded, his expression calm but thoughtful as his eyes briefly flicked to the portrait being carefully packed. "That''s right," he said. "He bought it outright. No negotiations, no payment plans. Just one clean transaction, all in cash."


    William''s jaw dropped slightly, his earlier composure unraveling once again. "That''s absurd," he muttered, almost to himself. "Do you have any idea how much this place is worth?"


    "Of course, I do," James replied with a wry smile. "And so does he. But apparently, for him, it wasn''t a big deal."


    William ran a hand through his hair, his mind struggling to process the information. The idea of someone so young not only having the resources to purchase a gallery of this caliber but doing so without batting an eye was¡­ staggering.


    James continued, his voice dropping slightly as though sharing a personal confession. "To be honest, when he called me earlier asking for the portrait setup, I didn''t know what to expect. I didn''t even know he was this talented in art. In fact," he added with a faint chuckle, "I was a little worried. I thought he might embarrass himself."


    William raised an eyebrow, his curiosity momentarily overriding his shock. "You were worried?"


    James nodded, glancing at William with a rueful smile. "Wouldn''t you be? I''ve worked at this gallery for years¡ªdedicated my life to it, really. When he told me he needed canvas and paints to draw something here, in the middle of the gallery, I was¡­ skeptical, to say the least."


    William frowned slightly, understanding James''s position. "You thought he might make a mess of things?"


    "Exactly," James said with a sigh. "I mean, think about it. A gallery owner decides to paint something on the spot, with no warning, and no one knows whether he''s even any good at it. If he''d drawn something terrible, it wouldn''t just reflect badly on him¡ªit would''ve reflected badly on the gallery. And me."


    He paused, a faint chuckle escaping him. "But what could I do? He''s the boss. If I''d shown even the slightest hint of rejection or hesitation, I''d be risking the job I''ve been at for so many years. So I complied. Quietly."


    William''s gaze drifted to the carefully packed portrait, the memory of the masterpiece still fresh in his mind. "And then¡­ he created that," he said, his voice almost a whisper.


    James nodded, his expression turning thoughtful. "Exactly. Five minutes. That''s all it took for him to silence every doubt I had. It wasn''t just good¡ªit was extraordinary. I''ve seen the work of legends in this field, William, and I''m telling you¡­ what he did today was on that level. Maybe even beyond it."


    The two men stood in silence for a moment, the weight of everything they had witnessed settling over them. Then, with a faint shake of his head, James turned back to the task at hand.


    "Come on," he said, motioning toward the painting. "Let''s finish this up."


    As they began organizing the final steps of the transportation procedure, James glanced at William, his curiosity finally getting the better of him. "By the way," he asked casually, though his tone betrayed his interest, "who was that lady?" S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    William paused for a brief second, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He leaned slightly closer to James, lowering his voice to a whisper as though sharing a state secret. "That was¡­ Princess Diana."


    The words landed like a thunderclap.


    James froze mid-motion, the clipboard in his hand nearly slipping from his grasp. His eyes widened, his pupils shrinking to pinpricks, and his jaw dropped slightly, leaving his mouth gaping open like a fish gasping for air. "I''m sorry¡ªwhat?" he whispered hoarsely, his voice barely audible.


    "Princess Diana," William repeated, his faint smile deepening as he watched James''s stunned reaction. "Yes, that Diana. One of the most influential royals in Europe. You know, the woman whose every move gets reported on like it''s an international event?"

 Chapter 242 Returning to Birmingham

    Noah leaned back into the taxi''s worn leather seat, his sharp eyes watching the city of London blur past through the rain-speckled window. The steady hum of the car engine and the faint patter of raindrops against the glass created a rhythm that gave him space to think.Princess Diana¡­


    The name echoed in his thoughts, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. He hadn''t expected the day to unfold like this.


    It had all worked out in his favor, and he couldn''t help but think of the possibilities this connection could bring. Royalty, especially in the United Kingdom, sat firmly at the top of the food chain.


    Their influence extended far beyond their ceremonial roles, weaving into politics, business, and the social fabric of the nation. Having a direct line to someone like Diana wasn''t just an advantage¡ªit was a rare and powerful asset.


    Noah''s mind turned to the future, his thoughts calculating and deliberate. With the royal family''s connections, coupled with my military and business background, I''ll be able to expand my reach even further.


    He tapped his fingers lightly against his knee, his expression calm but his mind working like a well-oiled machine. There were plans in motion¡ªcarefully laid strategies that required both precision and influence to execute. This unexpected connection might just provide the leverage he needed to bring those plans to fruition even faster than before.


    The taxi came to a smooth stop in front of the hotel, its facade gleaming under the soft glow of streetlights. Noah paid the driver without a word, stepping out of the car.


    The doorman greeted him with a polite nod as he entered the building.


    He rode the elevator up to their suite, the faint chime of each passing floor marking the seconds.


    "Ding!


    The doors slid open, and he stepped into the quiet luxury of the hallway and made his way to the suite''s door. Sliding his key card through the lock, he pushed the door open and walked in.


    Noah pushed the door open, stepping into the warmth of the suite. His parents sat at the dining table, relaxed and mid-conversation, while Emily was perched on her chair, legs swinging, thumbs hammering her phone like it owed her money.


    The moment she noticed him, Emily''s head shot up. "Brother!" she snapped, jabbing a finger in his direction. "That must''ve been the freshest air in London. You''ve been gone forever!"


    Her voice had bite, but her exaggerated pout betrayed the act.


    Caroline glanced over, her laugh soft, amused. "She was worried. She was about to send you thirteen reasons why, Noah. Completely convinced you''d miss dinner."


    Emily whipped around. "Mom! I wasn''t worried," she insisted, puffing her cheeks indignantly. "He promised. Promises are serious business!"


    Noah shrugged off his jacket, tossed it over the back of a chair. "I''m here, aren''t I?" His voice was calm, even.


    "Barely," Emily huffed, crossing her arms. "You were cutting it close."


    David chuckled, sipping water. "She''s been clock-watching like a hawk. Counting the seconds until you showed up."


    "Daaad!" Emily groaned, her face turning a little pink. "Stop making me sound desperate!" S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Then stop acting like it," David teased, grinning behind his glass.


    Caroline waved Noah over, her smile warm. "Come on, sweetheart. Sit down before your sister starts interrogating you for real."


    Noah walked to the table, pulling out a chair.


    "You''ve been busy," Caroline said, passing him a plate. Her tone was gentle, but her eyes searched his face. "Everything okay?"


    "Fine," Noah replied, short and steady. He didn''t elaborate. He never did.


    Caroline nodded, satisfied. Emily wasn''t.


    She leaned forward, chin propped in her hands, her eyes locked on him like a detective closing in on a suspect. "What were you doing out there anyway?" she asked, suspicious. "You weren''t¡­ fighting bad guys or something, were you?"


    Noah raised an eyebrow, biting back a smirk. "What do you think I''ve been doing, Em? Running around in a cape, saving the city?"


    "Maybe," she said flatly, her tone defiant. "You''re always so secretive. How am I supposed to know?"


    "Maybe I''ll tell you when you''re older," Noah said, reaching for a piece of bread.


    Emily let out an exaggerated groan, slumping in her seat. "You always say that. At this rate, I''ll be ninety before I know anything!"


    "Then you''ll have something to look forward to," Noah quipped, taking a bite.


    Caroline laughed, patting Emily''s head. "Alright, let your brother eat in peace, sweetheart."


    Emily huffed but sat back, still pouting. She stabbed at her plate halfheartedly, mumbling something under her breath about "keeping secrets."


    As the meal wound down, Emily pushed her empty plate away and leaned forward conspiratorially. "Brother," she said, her voice hushed like she was about to reveal a state secret. "I''ve decided what I want to do tomorrow."


    Noah raised an eyebrow, his fork pausing mid-air. "Let me guess," he said dryly. "It involves candy."


    Emily''s grin was instant. "You''re psychic," she said, feigning awe. "Can we go back to that big candy store? The one with the fudge? And the jelly beans?"


    "You already bought enough to open your own store," Noah pointed out, leaning back in his chair.


    "That was snack candy," Emily explained, her tone patient like she was talking to a child. "This is souvenir candy."


    Caroline laughed softly. "I think she just wants more candy, Noah."


    "Exactly!" Emily chirped, unbothered by the accusation.


    Noah smirked faintly. "We''ll see," he said, his tone noncommittal.


    Emily pouted but didn''t argue, clearly banking on her charm working when the time came.


    After dinner, the family rested for a while while drinking some of Noah''s tea. Noah''s tea had become part of their routine. His tea wasn''t just good; it was different. Smooth, invigorating, unnaturally so.


    Caroline took a slow sip, her shoulders relaxing. "I still don''t know how you made this tea, Noah," she said, her voice light, "but I don''t think I can go a day without it anymore."


    David nodded, swirling his cup. "I work in the teahouse, and I get the same reaction from the same customers every single time. Well done, son."


    Emily, cradling her own cup, slurped loudly. "It tastes like magic," she declared, licking her lips for the last drop.


    Noah simply smiled, he didn''t need to say anything. The tea spoke for itself.


    After a few minutes, Caroline stood, her chair scraping softly against the polished floor. She clapped her hands lightly. "Alright, everyone," she announced, her tone brisk. "We''ve got work to do. Tomorrow''s our flight, so we''re packing up tonight."


    Emily groaned, slumping forward dramatically. "But Mooom¡ª"


    "No ''but Mom,''" Caroline interrupted, her voice firm but amused. "Emily, pack your snacks and whatever important things you have. Leave your clothes. I''ll handle those."


    Emily perked up instantly at the mention of snacks. "Okay!" she chirped, practically bouncing out of her chair.


    Noah raised an eyebrow as he watched her dart toward her room. "You sure that''s a good idea?" he asked dryly, looking at Caroline.


    "She''s eight," Caroline said with a small smile, gathering plates from the table. "Snacks are her expertise."


    From the other room, Emily''s excited voice rang out. "I''m bringing all the jelly beans! And the fudge! And the¡ªoh! The chocolate bars too!"


    Caroline glanced at him as he passed. "You''re packed already, aren''t you?"


    Noah nodded. "Always am."


    "That doesn''t surprise me," she said, shaking her head with a faint smile. "You''d pack for a trip before you even booked it."


    Meanwhile, the sound of Emily tearing through her collection of snacks grew louder. A rustling of bags, followed by the sharp pop of a lid. "This one¡­ oh, and this one! Definitely need this one¡ª"


    "Emily," Caroline called from the living room. "Don''t open anything!"


    "I''m not!" Emily yelled back, though her tone was less convincing when paired with the distinct sound of a wrapper being crinkled.


    David exchanged a glance with Noah, his grin growing. "Think we need to check on her?"


    "She''s fine," Noah said, sitting back down with his phone in hand. "Let her tire herself out."


    A loud thud echoed from Emily''s room. "I''m okay!" she shouted immediately.


    Caroline sighed, rubbing her temple. "That child¡­"


    "She''s a hurricane," Noah said, scrolling through his phone. "But she''s your hurricane."


    Caroline gave him a mock glare. "And she''s your sister. Go make sure she hasn''t packed herself into a suitcase." Your journey continues with My Virtual Library Empire


    Noah stood, setting his phone down. "Fine," he said, though there was no real irritation in his tone.


    He walked toward Emily''s room, the noise growing louder with each step. When he opened the door, the scene was exactly what he expected¡ªbags of snacks scattered everywhere, half-packed boxes of fudge, and Emily sitting cross-legged in the middle of the chaos, her hands full of candy bars.


    She looked up at him with wide, innocent eyes. "I''m almost done!"


    Noah scanned the mess, one eyebrow arching. "You call this ''almost done''?"


    Emily pouted, holding up a pack of gummy bears. "I just need to decide if I want to bring these or the licorice."


    "Both won''t fit?" Noah asked dryly, leaning against the doorframe.


    Emily gasped, looking at the gummy bears like they had betrayed her. "Oh no," she muttered, her voice filled with genuine distress. "You''re right."


    Noah smirked faintly, shaking his head. "You''ve got five minutes to figure it out, Em. After that, I''m closing the suitcase for you."


    Emily groaned dramatically but didn''t argue. She dove back into her pile, muttering under her breath as she weighed her options.


    Noah turned and walked back to the living room, where Caroline was folding clothes into neat stacks. David was gathering his own belongings, whistling softly.


    "She hasn''t packed herself yet," Noah reported as he sat back down. "But it''s only a matter of time."


    ...


    The next day arrived, and the Thompson family got on the plane.

 Chapter 243 CamBridge, Protection Mission.

    The black car pulled smoothly up to the curb outside the Birmingham apartment complex, the soft hum of the engine fading as the chauffeur stepped out to open the doors. The air was cooler here, carrying the familiar scent of home, far removed from the bustling glamour of London.


    Noah climbed out first, his sharp eyes scanning the quiet street. Behind him, Caroline and David stepped out, stretching slightly after the long drive. In the back seat, Emily was fast asleep, her small figure curled up like a cat, her head resting against the window.


    Noah walked around to her side and carefully scooped her up in his arms. She stirred slightly, mumbling incoherently before burying her face in his shoulder, completely knocked out.


    "She''s out like a light," Caroline whispered, smiling softly as she grabbed Emily''s small backpack. Explore more at My Virtual Library Empire


    "She''s had a long week," Noah replied evenly, his voice low as they headed toward the building.


    The family entered their apartment, the familiar creak of the front door and the faint scent of Caroline''s homemade candles instantly grounding them.


    Noah carried Emily straight to her room, her light breaths warm against his neck. Pushing the door open with his foot, he stepped inside and gently laid her down on her bed, tucking the blankets around her small frame.


    Emily stirred for a moment, her lips parting to mumble something but she didn''t wake up.


    Noah stood there for a moment, watching her sleep, before turning and quietly shutting the door behind him.


    By the time he returned to the living room, Caroline and David were already unpacking. Suitcases were unzipped, and clothes were being sorted into neat piles. Noah didn''t hesitate to join them, pulling out his own things and helping them get organized.


    "Leave it for tomorrow, sweetheart," Caroline said softly when she saw him unpacking her bag.


    "It''s fine," Noah replied, his tone even as he folded one of David''s shirts.


    The task didn''t take long with the three of them working together. By the time they finished, it was close to midnight, the quiet hum of the TV in the background filling the apartment. Despite the late hour, none of them were particularly tired.


    David sat on the sofa, leaning back with a satisfied sigh. Caroline joined him, tucking her feet under her as she grabbed the remote and lowered the volume.


    The news flickered on the screen, recapping the week''s headlines, but no one was paying much attention.


    David glanced at Noah, his expression thoughtful. "Son," he began, his tone casual but laced with curiosity, "have you decided on the university?"


    Noah nodded once, his gaze steady.


    Caroline straightened in her seat, her excitement bubbling over. "Which one is it?" she asked, her voice filled with anticipation.


    Noah leaned back slightly, his voice calm as ever. "Cam and Bridge University."


    Caroline''s eyes widened, a delighted smile spreading across her face. "That''s amazing!" she exclaimed, her hands clasping together. "They''d already accepted you because of your predicted grades, and now that you''ve actually got them, you''re in for sure!"


    David grinned, pride shining in his eyes. "Cam and Bridge," he repeated, feeling slightly emotional.


    Noah nodded wryly, brushing off the praise with his usual understated demeanor. "It''s just the next step," he said simply.


    But to his parents, it was much more than that. Caroline''s voice softened as she looked at him, her eyes glistening slightly. "You''ve worked so hard for this, Noah. You''ve made all of us so proud."


    David nodded in agreement. "You''ve set the bar so high, son. You''ve given us more than we could''ve ever dreamed of."


    Noah''s lips curled into a faint, almost imperceptible smile. He didn''t reply, but his silence was an acknowledgment of their words.


    For a moment, the room fell into a comfortable quiet. The faint sound of the news played in the background, but no one was paying it much attention. Caroline and David exchanged a glance, their hearts full as they looked at their son.


    "Cam and Bridge," Caroline murmured again, almost to herself, as if trying to let the reality sink in.


    ...


    Noah stepped into his room, rolling his shoulders as the day''s events settled in his mind. Spending time with his parents had been refreshing, and grounding. But now, as the quiet of his bedroom wrapped around him, his usual sharp focus returned.


    He stripped off his shirt, tossing it onto the clothes basket, and headed straight for the shower. The water ran hot as he stood under the spray, steam curling around him. His muscles relaxed.


    After drying off, he pulled on a fresh pair of pants and was about to sink into bed when¡ª


    "Ring-Ring!"


    His phone buzzed aggressively on the nightstand, the vibration sharp against the wood. Noah''s eyes flicked to the screen, and the number alone told him this wasn''t a casual call.


    Noah grabbed it, answering without hesitation. "Hello?"


    A familiar voice came through the line, sharp and urgent. "Hello."


    It was Lieutenant Adam.


    Noah''s expression darkened slightly. Adam never called unless it was important.


    "Lieutenant," Noah responded, his tone calm but attentive.


    "Noah. No¡ªCaptain Noah. We need your help." Adam''s voice was tense, rushed. "We''ve received intel. A high-profile target is being marked for assassination. It''s an infamous clan¡ªprofessional, precise, and ruthless. We don''t have much time."


    Noah frowned slightly before he replied.


    "Where?"


    "The details are classified for now, but a chopper is ready to take you and the team to the site. ETA is under an hour."


    Noah exhaled through his nose.


    "I''ll be at the base in twenty minutes."


    There was no hesitation, no need for further discussion. He ended the call, slipping his phone into his pocket.


    No unnecessary preparation. No wasted movements. This wasn''t a mission where he needed elaborate gear. It was a protection opeartion¡ªspeed and decisiveness mattered more than anything.


    Noah grabbed his keys and stepped out, moving through the quiet apartment like a ghost. He didn''t bother waking his parents¡ªthere was no need.


    The building''s hallways were dimly lit, the soft hum of night settling over the complex. As he reached the front entrance, his eyes locked onto the black G-Wagon still parked where he had left it weeks ago.


    Without breaking stride, he slid into the driver''s seat, the engine roaring to life beneath his fingertips. The deep, guttural growl echoed through the parking lot, vibrating through the steering wheel.


    Noah shifted into gear. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Then he hit the gas.


    The tires screeched against the asphalt as he rocketed onto the main road, the G-Wagon lunging forward like a beast unleashed. The speedometer climbed rapidly¡ª80 km/h, 120 km/h, 160 km/h¡­


    He didn''t ease up.


    Buildings blurred past him, neon signs streaking like shooting stars in his peripheral vision. The city lights flickered in rapid succession, each streetlight illuminating his path for a split second before vanishing behind him.


    At 200 km/h, the streets weren''t roads anymore. They were obstacles¡ªcars, intersections, pedestrians, everything was a potential hazard. But Noah didn''t falter. His Advanced Driving Skills turned the chaos into something almost predictable. Every lane shift, every hard turn, every slight touch of the brake or accelerator¡ªit was calculated, precise.


    However, not everyone appreciated his finesse.


    A man crossing the street turned just in time to see the monstrous G-Wagon slicing through the lane at breakneck speed. His eyes widened, the phone in his hand dropping on the concrete floor, cracking.


    "What the hell¡ª?!" he shouted, stumbling back onto the sidewalk just as Noah''s car whipped past. The gust of wind from the sheer force sent napkins and receipts flying into the air.


    Further down, a taxi driver nearly choked on his cigarette as the SUV roared past him on the wrong side of the road.


    "Oi! You crazy¡ª!"


    His words were swallowed by the screeching of tires.


    A woman in a small sedan gripped her steering wheel in terror, her hands white-knuckled. "Oh my God! Is he running from the police?"


    A traffic officer stationed near a red light barely had time to turn his head before Noah sped past, blowing through the light like it didn''t exist. The officer''s whistle dropped from his lips.


    "The hell did I just see?!"


    One driver, sitting at an intersection, simply stared as the black SUV blurred past, his face frozen in an expression of sheer disbelief.


    A man on a motorcycle, helmet barely fastened, watched in horror as Noah veered into his lane for a split second before expertly dodging him at the last moment. The sheer proximity sent the rider wobbling.


    "ARE YOU INSANE?!" he screamed, voice cracking.


    Noah didn''t slow.


    Didn''t react.


    Didn''t flinch.


    Everything in his periphery was just noise¡ªstatic. The only thing that mattered was reaching the base ASAP.


    The G-Wagon tore through the streets, weaving between cars with almost unnatural precision. Noah''s grip on the wheel was steady, his focus absolute. At speeds like this, even the slightest miscalculation meant catastrophe.


    But Noah didn''t miscalculate.


    The roundabout loomed ahead, with a few cars.


    Their Brake lights flared in the dark night. Any sane driver would slow down, ease their way through.


    Noah floored it.


    He downshifted, yanked the wheel, and sent the G-Wagon into a brutal drift. The tires screamed against the asphalt, carving a perfect arc around the roundabout. Streetlights flickered across the glossy black hood as smoke billowed behind him, thick and curling in the cool night air.


    A few pedestrians at a nearby bus stop turned, eyes wide. Someone fumbled for their phone.


    "Yo, did you see that?!"


    "That ain''t normal¡ªwhat kind of psycho drives like that?"


    "Bro, this dude''s playing GTA in real life. No way he''s walking away without a prison sentence."

 Chapter 244 Protection Mission (2)

    Noah didn''t hear them. Didn''t care. The moment the roundabout was behind him, he hit the gas, the guttural roar of the engine tearing through the quiet of the sleeping city.


    220 km/h.


    Buildings blurred, neon signs streaking like comets in his peripheral vision. The streets were his. Empty, endless, bending to his will.


    Ahead, the final stretch. A narrowing underpass, concrete walls pressing in. Most drivers would hesitate.


    Noah didn''t.


    He threaded the needle.


    A pair of headlights flared in his side mirror¡ªa car in the next lane, too close, too slow. Noah cut between it and another vehicle with inches to spare. The turbulence rocked them both, their side mirrors rattling from the force.


    The sedan''s driver let out a strangled yell. "Are you INSANE?!"


    A motorcyclist, barely missing the chaos, wobbled violently, cursing into the night.


    Horn blasts. Shouts. Chaos in his wake.


    Noah? He barely registered it.


    ... S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The base was in sight.


    He veered onto the final road, high-security gates rising ahead. The floodlights illuminated the military checkpoint, bright against the inky darkness. Guards snapped to attention, their hands twitching toward their holsters¡ªuntil they saw the vehicle.


    The gates groaned open without question.


    Noah had already informed Adam about the car''s details, and Adam in turn, informed the soldiers who were ready for such a scene.


    Noah finally eased off the accelerator, the engine growling like a beast denied its prey. The G-Wagon rolled to a stop in the designated zone, steam curling from the hood.


    He stepped out, adjusting his sleeves, completely unbothered. As if he hadn''t just shattered every traffic law in existence.


    Lieutenant Adam was already waiting.


    Waiting for him near the helipad stood Lieutenant Adam, arms crossed, expression unreadable. Beside him, fully geared and ready, were Anderson, Natasha, Nathan, and Theo¡ªhis unit. Special Forces. The best of the best.


    Unlike Noah, they actually looked like they were about to deploy into a high-risk mission. Dressed in full tactical gear, weapons secured, boots laced tight. Meanwhile, their captain had just rolled up looking like he''d come back from a casual night drive.


    Anderson blinked. "Sir¡­ you''re seriously showing up in that?"


    Nathan let out a low whistle. "Not even a vest. No gear. Just vibes."


    Theo, always the quiet observer, shook his head slightly.


    Natasha exhaled sharply, unimpressed but not surprised. This captain¡­


    Adam, however, didn''t waste time with remarks. "Your gear is ready. Get changed," he said.


    Noah gave a small nod. No hesitation. No unnecessary words. He simply grabbed the duffel bag beside Adam''s feet, unzipped it, and¡ªwithout a second thought¡ªpulled off his shirt right then and there.


    The team stared.


    Changing in the open wasn''t exactly standard, but there was no time to run to a changing room. Besides, Noah wasn''t the type to care about formalities.


    And yet¡ª


    Natasha quickly turned her head, only to immediately steal a glance again. Damn it, why did I look?


    The floodlights cast sharp shadows over him, highlighting every defined line of his body¡ªlean, powerful, built like a soldier forged through war. There wasn''t an ounce of excess. Every movement, every muscle, was honed for a purpose.


    She swallowed, looking away. Then¡ªanother quick glance. By accident, of course.


    What am I thinking? she scolded herself, shaking her head slightly. Get a grip, Natasha.


    Noah changed efficiently. Tactical pants. Vest. Boots. Holster. Every strap tightened, every piece of gear secured in under thirty seconds.


    Natasha caught herself thinking, That was too fast¡­ I wish he took a bit lon¡ª


    She shut the thought down immediately. No. Absolutely not.


    Adam didn''t acknowledge any of it, keeping his focus where it mattered. He turned to the team, his voice cutting through the moment like a blade.


    "This is a high-status protection op. An assassination attempt is in play. Our focus is solely on securing the VIP, and clearing the area. Neutralizing the threat is our second priority. There is no room for mistakes, any mistake could be catastrophic."


    Adam turned to Noah.


    "The team will fill you up with the details on the way, it will take about five minutes to arrive at the location."


    Noah nodded once, sharp and precise. Adam motioned toward the helicopter, its blades spinning faster, kicking up dust and loose gravel from the tarmac.


    "Get in," Adam ordered, his voice firm over the deafening roar of the rotors.


    Noah turned to his team, his voice cutting through the noise. "Let''s move."


    Without hesitation, they boarded the chopper, each of them moving with the discipline and efficiency of seasoned soldiers. Noah took his seat near the edge, securing himself with the harness as the aircraft lifted off the ground. The vibrations of the powerful engines thrummed through his chest, the city lights below shrinking into a sea of glowing orange and white.


    Anderson, seated across from him, leaned forward slightly, speaking over the noise. "Boss, here''s what we''re dealing with."


    Noah locked eyes with him, listening intently.


    "We''re protecting a scientist. A very important one." Anderson''s expression was grim. "He''s been working on a breakthrough in quantum AI warfare. If he succeeds, it could change the entire intelligence and military landscape for any country that gets their hands on it."


    Natasha, seated beside Anderson, continued. "We received intel from a reliable source¡ªone of our spies embedded in an underground network. The scientist is marked for assassination, and the hit could happen any moment now."


    Noah''s eyes narrowed slightly. "Who''s behind it?"


    Nathan, double-checking his weapon, spoke up. "We don''t know for sure. But the method is unmistakable¡ªit''s an elite clan. Silent, efficient, untraceable. If they''ve been contracted, it means someone very powerful wants this guy dead."


    Theo, as always, got straight to the point. "He has security¡ªhis own private team plus law enforcement we dispatched earlier. But they won''t be enough." His tone was flat, matter-of-fact. "The enemy will tear through them like paper if we''re not there."


    Anderson nodded. "Which is why we were sent in. Our mission is to secure the scientist, extract him safely, and then¡ªif the opportunity presents itself¡ªneutralize or capture the assassin."


    Noah processed the information swiftly. Every word mattered, every piece of intel shaping the plan forming in his mind. He leaned back slightly, staring at the floor for a brief moment before lifting his gaze.


    "How many entrances to the scientist''s location?"


    "Three main ones," Natasha answered immediately. "Two ground-level, one rooftop. The enemy will most likely breach from an unexpected angle"


    Noah''s jaw tensed slightly. "Current security detail?"


    Nathan responded. "Ten officers, six private bodyguards."


    Noah exhaled slowly. "Sixteen bodies between him and death. And they still won''t be enough."


    "Not against these guys," Anderson muttered.


    A short silence settled between them, broken only by the rhythmic thumping of the rotors.


    Then Noah spoke, his tone measured, controlled. "Weapons?" Experience more tales on My Virtual Library Empire


    Anderson gestured toward the supply case in the back of the chopper. "We''ve got the usual loadout¡ªassault rifles, suppressed pistols, smoke grenades, EMP charges, and night-vision goggles in case the power gets cut. Standard breaching tools as well."


    Noah reached over, unzipped the case, and pulled out a sleek black rifle, checking its weight before attaching a suppressor.


    The helicopter hovered steadily above the estate, its rotors cutting through the night air with a low, rhythmic thrum. Below them, the dense jungle-like surroundings concealed the modern villa nestled within. The scientist, for whatever reason, had chosen to live in isolation, surrounded by thick trees, winding paths, and nature swallowing the edges of human civilization.


    Inside the chopper, tension crackled like electricity.


    Noah, his expression unreadable, zipped open the weapon case and retrieved a sleek, black rifle. He ran a quick check¡ªweight distribution, magazine, suppressor¡ªbefore locking in the final adjustments. It was second nature.


    Then, without looking up, he spoke. His voice was steady, cold.


    "Alright. Here''s what we''re going to do."


    His team instantly focused, their gazes locked onto him, waiting.


    "When we arrive, you will follow my orders completely. No hesitation, no questioning."


    Anderson furrowed his brow slightly. Natasha exchanged a glance with Nathan. Noah had always been strict, but this? This was different.


    "Even if my orders seem wrong," Noah continued, tone unwavering, "even if they contradict the mission, you follow them. No second-guessing, no ''what ifs.'' Is that understood?"


    There was a brief silence before the team nodded in unison. They weren''t worried¡ªyet. They trusted Noah''s judgment, his ability. They knew he was calculated, and methodical. If he made a call, it was for a reason.


    Still¡­ going against the mission''s core objective? That sat strangely in the back of their minds.


    The helicopter pilot''s voice crackled over the comms. "Approaching drop point. Thirty seconds out."


    The estate came into full view below¡ªlarge, sprawling, partially obscured by dense tree cover. The only clearings were small garden patches and a winding driveway leading to a heavily secured gate. The security team stationed outside looked alert but unaware of the real threat lurking in the shadows.


    Natasha stepped forward, reaching for the rope to begin their descent.


    Noah''s hand shot out. "Wait."


    She froze, her brows furrowing.


    Noah wasn''t looking at her¡ªhe was looking down, through the open chopper door, his eyes scanning the estate with unsettling focus.


    Then, his pupils dilated slightly.


    The world shifted.


    Noah''s Advanced Clairvoyance Skill kicked in.


    Instantly, the layers of darkness peeled away in his vision, revealing what no normal eye could see.


    Twenty figures.


    All moving with lethal precision.


    Two stationed in the trees, rifles aimed directly at them, waiting for their descent. The remaining eighteen closing in on the estate¡ªsilent, efficient, blending seamlessly with the shadows.


    Noah''s eyes locked onto the first sniper, perched high in a tree, scope glinting faintly under the moonlight.


    The assassin frowned, sensing something.


    "Why is he looking directly at me?"


    There was no way.


    No thermal vision, no infrared. Just¡­ raw instinct?

 Chapter 245 Protection Mission (3)

    A sliver of unease crawled up the assassin''s spine. He had been in this game for years, had killed countless targets undetected. And yet¡ªsomething about the way this man in the helicopter locked onto him felt wrong.


    It couldn''t be a coincidence.


    His fingers tensed on the trigger.


    And then¡ª


    PFFT.


    The suppressed shot cracked through the night, slicing through the air like a ghost.


    A split second later, a hole the size of a bullet bloomed in the assassin''s skull. His body went rigid, then slack¡ªslipping from the tree branch, his lifeless form disappearing into the foliage below.


    Noah didn''t blink.


    His rifle immediately shifted, barrel tilting just slightly¡ªadjusting for wind, for distance.


    Fifty meters away, the second sniper¡ªhidden among dense leaves, blending seamlessly with the trees¡ªfelt something cold coil in his chest.


    He saw his partner drop.


    And then, he saw the rifle aiming at him.


    "Impossible."


    The last thought that passed through his mind before¡ª


    PFFT.


    A precise, merciless shot.


    Blood misted the leaves. The second sniper collapsed instantly.


    Noah exhaled slowly, his grip steady.


    The world snapped back into focus.


    His vision returned to normal. The weight of reality settled again.


    Silence.


    Only the chopper''s blades filled the space.


    The team¡ªNatasha, Anderson, Nathan, Theo¡ªwatched him, their expressions unreadable.


    Two shots.


    No targets in sight.


    But they knew Noah.


    And Noah never missed.


    Natasha narrowed her eyes slightly, remembering his earlier words. Even if my orders seem wrong, follow them.


    Anderson was the first to break the silence. "¡­Snipers?"


    Noah gave a single nod. "Two dead."


    No hesitation, no doubt.


    The moment the Ultimate Choice System activated, Noah''s entire body tensed.


    The glowing holographic screen hovered before him, unseen by anyone else, yet its impact was immediate.


    The choices flashed in front of his eyes, crisp and absolute:


    [Option 1: Eliminate all targets, leave none alive.]


    [Reward: Your Information Will Be Leaked & Death of a Family Member]


    [Option 2: Leave a few alive.]


    [Reward: Intermediate Tracking Device & Increased Influence in the Military]


    Noah''s fingers curled tighter around his rifle. His breath remained steady, his face unreadable¡ªbut inside, a slow, simmering heat built in his chest.


    A death of a family member.


    It was the first time the system had presented such a consequence.


    It wasn''t a bluff. The system never bluffed.


    Noah wasn''t na?ve enough to think it would directly kill one of his family members¡ªno, that wasn''t how it operated. But the leak of his information? That would inevitably set off a chain reaction leading to something catastrophic.


    A family''s death.


    His mind raced.


    If he eliminated everyone, who would even be left to leak his information?


    Not his team.


    He had personally confirmed their loyalty, using Advanced Memory Glance to scan through every memory they had related to him. There was no deception, no betrayal hiding beneath the surface.


    Which meant¡­


    The traitor was outside this battlefield.


    Someone else¡ªwatching, waiting.


    But who?


    The realization shifted everything.


    This wasn''t just a protection mission.


    It was a trap.


    Noah''s plan changed immediately.


    His jaw tightened as he dismissed the screen by choosing option 2. Then, he turned to his team, his voice cool and commanding.


    "Listen up."


    His soldiers straightened instinctively.


    "We drop down. You will all secure the scientist." His gaze swept across each of them, unwavering. "I will handle direct confrontation and¡ª" his voice sharpened slightly, "¡ªgather intelligence."


    Anderson''s brows furrowed. "Boss, splitting up in a high-risk situation is¡ª"


    "No discussion." Noah''s voice was steel.


    Read exclusive adventures at My Virtual Library Empire


    Natasha clenched her jaw. "Captain, we can''t just¡ª"


    Noah turned to her sharply. His next words were ice.


    "What did I say earlier?"


    A chill ran through her.


    She had never seen him this serious before.


    The memory of his exact words came rushing back:


    ''Even if my orders seem wrong, or against the true purpose of our mission, you will follow them without issue.''


    She swallowed.


    No arguments.


    "Understood," she said quietly.


    The rest of the team gave short nods, though their concern was evident.


    Noah didn''t care.


    His mind was already three steps ahead.


    He had to let some of them live.


    Not because of the reward. The reward meant nothing right now.


    He needed at least one alive¡ªto track, to interrogate, to confirm where the real threat was coming from.


    And if it led him to the traitor?


    He would rip them apart.


    The helicopter pilot''s voice crackled over comms. "ETA¡ªthirty seconds."


    Noah pulled his rifle close, adjusting his stance. "Get ready."


    Natasha unhooked the rope, letting it drop. Anderson and Nathan secured their weapons. Theo exhaled through his nose, steady and focused.


    The moment they hit the ground, everything would move fast.


    The hunt was on.


    The helicopter hovered just above the treetops, wind whipping violently through the leaves. Below, the dense jungle terrain stretched out, concealing the approaching assassins closing in on the estate.


    Noah didn''t hesitate.


    He jumped first.


    His boots hit the dirt soundlessly, knees bending slightly to absorb the impact. In a fluid motion, he raised his rifle, scanning the area.


    His team landed behind him in quick succession.


    "Move," Noah ordered.


    Like shadows, the team split¡ªAnderson, Natasha, Nathan, and Theo darting toward the main building where the scientist was being held. Their movements were swift, lethal, efficient.


    Noah, however, didn''t follow.


    He turned the opposite direction.


    Straight into enemy territory.


    He disappeared into the trees, his body blending seamlessly with the darkness.


    Silence.


    Only the distant rustling of leaves, the quiet crunch of boots on dirt.


    Noah''s breathing remained even. He activated Advanced Clairvoyance once more.


    Immediately¡ª


    Four enemies, closing in from the north.


    Another three approaching from the west.


    He adjusted his grip on his rifle, eyes sharp.


    Time to get to work.


    One of the assassins moved cautiously, scanning the area through his scope. His team was positioned strategically, closing in with trained efficiency.


    Something''s wrong.


    They were supposed to have the upper hand.


    The snipers had been taken out. Their movements had been detected before they reached the estate.


    Who were they dealing with?


    A single rustle in the trees made him freeze.


    Then¡ª


    PFFT.


    A silenced round tore through the air.


    His vision blurred. His body dropped before his brain even registered he''d been shot.


    Panic spread through the remaining three.


    "Contact! Contact!" one of them hissed, raising his weapon. "Unknown shooter¡ª"


    Another bullet.


    This time, directly between his eyes.


    The remaining two assassins broke formation, diving for cover. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Flank him!" one whispered sharply.


    They moved in practiced coordination, cutting through the jungle''s dense brush, attempting to outmaneuver their unseen enemy.


    But Noah¡­


    Noah had already moved.


    CLOSING IN


    The assassin on the left thought he had the angle.


    He was wrong.


    A shadow appeared behind him¡ªsilent, merciless.


    Noah''s arm wrapped around his throat, pulling him into a tight, unrelenting chokehold. His rifle clattered to the ground.


    The man clawed at Noah''s arm, gasping, eyes wide in pure terror.


    "Shhh," Noah murmured against his ear.


    Then¡ªCRACK.


    His body went limp in Noah''s grip before he lowered him to the ground without a sound.


    The jungle was a battlefield of shadows. Darkness clung to the trees, thick and suffocating, but Noah thrived in it.


    Seven down.


    Twelve left.


    Five had already breached the estate. Seven remained outside¡ªsplit into two groups, four covering the eastern perimeter and three patrolling the back.


    Noah crouched behind a thick tree trunk, his rifle steady, breath slow and controlled. His Advanced Clairvoyance pulsed at the back of his mind, feeding him information. Every movement, every shift of their footsteps, was laid bare before him.


    They had no idea he was there.


    The group of four moved first, sweeping the area, rifles up. Their leader, a man with a jagged scar down his cheek, gestured forward.


    "Clear the north side. We''re missing too many bodies."


    They moved in formation¡ªtight, professional. These weren''t amateurs.


    Noah exhaled.


    Didn''t matter.


    He raised his rifle, finger steady on the trigger.


    PFFT.


    The first man''s head snapped forward, a neat hole appearing at the base of his skull. He crumpled before he could make a sound.


    The other three barely had time to react.


    "Shit! Contac¡ª"


    PFFT.


    Another one down.


    The remaining two spun, eyes wild, scanning for a target.


    Too late.


    Noah was already on the move.


    He emerged from the shadows like a wraith, pistol raised. The third assassin barely saw him before¡ª


    CRACK.


    A single bullet punched through his throat, cutting off his scream.


    The last one turned, bringing his rifle up.


    Noah closed the distance in an instant.


    He twisted the man''s weapon away, grabbing his wrist and snapping it backward with brutal efficiency. A wet, sickening POP echoed as bone cracked.


    The assassin screamed.


    Noah silenced him with a knife to the heart.


    His body slumped forward, blood soaking into the jungle floor.


    Four down, only three left outside.


    Noah turned his head, eyes sharp. The group of three behind the estate had heard the muffled sounds of struggle. They were closing in fast.


    He moved.

 Chapter 246 Executioner

    The jungle was eerily silent, save for the distant hum of the helicopter above and the rustling of leaves in the night breeze.


    Three assassins moved cautiously through the undergrowth, their steps silent but tense. They were professionals¡ªhardened, trained killers who had survived missions that lesser men wouldn''t even attempt. And yet¡­ something felt off.


    The air smelled of damp earth, gunpowder, and something else¡ªblood.


    The man at the front, known as Raze, raised a fist, signalling the others to halt. His sharp, predatory eyes scanned the darkness. His gut twisted.


    Something was wrong.


    Behind him, Corvus, a lean, sharp-featured man with piercing grey eyes, frowned. "What is it?" he whispered.


    Raze didn''t answer immediately. His hand instinctively gripped the rifle tighter.


    The third assassin, Milo, the youngest of the group, crouched lower, his fingers brushing the hilt of his combat knife. He wasn''t as experienced as the other two, but even he could sense it.


    Something was off.


    Raze exhaled slowly. He wasn''t the type to spook easily. But right now? His instincts screamed at him.


    "Something''s not right," he murmured, scanning the area.


    Then¡ªhis eyes landed on the first body.


    A fellow assassin lay sprawled against a tree, his throat sliced cleanly. Blood had soaked into the earth beneath him, dark and glistening under the faint moonlight. His gun was still strapped to his chest¡ªhe hadn''t even fired a single shot.


    Milo inhaled sharply, barely catching himself from making a noise. "Shit¡­"


    Raze''s jaw clenched. His mind raced. "We lost contact with the other squads a few minutes ago." His voice was barely above a whisper. "At first, we thought it was interference. But this¡­?"


    He turned his gaze toward Corvus. "This is something else."


    Corvus remained calm, but his grip on his weapon tightened. His mind was already calculating. "Could be local forces."


    Raze shook his head. "Not like this. Not this clean."


    He crouched next to the corpse, inspecting the wound. His trained eyes picked up on something that made his stomach turn.


    A single, perfect cut. No hesitation. No struggle.


    The assassin hadn''t even had the chance to fight back.


    "This wasn''t a gunfight," Raze murmured. "This was an execution."


    Milo swallowed. "Who the hell are we up against?"


    A snap of a twig.


    The three men whipped around, guns raised¡ªbut there was nothing.


    Just jungle. Just trees. Just shadows.


    Milo''s breathing turned shallow. His heart pounded.


    Raze growled under his breath. "We need to move. Now."


    Then¡ª


    Corvus took a step forward.


    And his boot touched something solid.


    A second body.


    Face down, motionless, a bullet hole clean through the forehead.


    A chill crept up Corvus''s spine.


    Then¡ªhe saw the third.


    Another fallen assassin. Slumped against a rock, his face frozen in shock, his throat crushed. His gun lay useless beside him.


    Three bodies.


    No sign of struggle.


    No sign of a firefight.


    No warning.


    Milo let out a shaky breath. "They didn''t even have time to scream¡­"


    Raze''s mind was racing. He was one of the best in the business, had worked with the deadliest mercenaries on the planet. He knew how professionals killed.


    This wasn''t just professional.


    This was predatory.


    "We''re being hunted." Corvus''s voice was grim.


    Milo, despite his training, looked spooked. "By who?"


    Silence.


    Then¡ª


    A voice cut through the darkness.


    "By me."


    Before they could react, Noah dropped from the trees.


    His boots slammed onto Milo''s back, sending the younger assassin crashing to the ground. Before he could even scream, Noah''s arms wrapped around his throat¡ª


    CRACK.


    A brutal, clean snap.


    Milo went limp instantly.


    Raze and Corvus moved fast, spinning toward the sound, rifles aimed¡ª


    Noah was already in motion.


    Raze fired first. A burst of silenced gunfire tore through the night¡ªbut Noah was gone.


    He moved like a ghost, weaving through the trees.


    Corvus''s instincts screamed at him. He''s too fast.


    Then¡ª


    Noah was there.


    Up close. Too close.


    His hand caught Raze''s rifle, forcing the barrel up just as another round fired harmlessly into the sky.


    In the same motion, Noah''s knee drove into Raze''s ribs¡ªhard.


    CRACK.


    Raze''s breath ripped from his lungs as his ribs fractured. He staggered back, eyes wide in pure shock.


    Corvus moved to fire¡ª


    Noah spun, grabbing Raze''s own knife from his belt¡ª


    SLASH.


    A clean cut across Raze''s throat.


    Blood sprayed as Raze dropped, gasping silently, eyes filled with disbelief.


    Two down.


    One left.


    Corvus knew he was dead.


    But he wouldn''t go down without a fight.


    He lunged, a combat knife flashing in his grip¡ª


    Noah sidestepped effortlessly.


    PFFT.


    A silenced bullet punched through Corvus''s hand, making him scream as the knife tumbled from his grip.


    He staggered back, clutching his ruined hand.


    BANG.


    A shot to his left thigh.


    Corvus hit the ground, writhing.


    Noah approached, slow and deliberate. His boots crushed leaves underfoot, each step measured, methodical.


    The assassin tried to crawl away, panting, his body trembling.


    Noah knelt beside him, gripping his chin, forcing him to look at him.


    "Who sent you?" Noah''s voice was calm. Almost gentle.


    Corvus clenched his jaw. Discover more stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    Noah exhaled through his nose.


    Fine.


    Advanced Memory Glance¡ªActivated.


    A sharp pulse ran through Noah''s mind. Images. Memories. Thoughts.


    And then¡ª


    He saw it.


    A man.


    Tall. Built like a warrior.


    Noah already knew that he was inside, he just needed to know which one it was. And, he did.


    Noah''s eyes sharpened. ''So¡­ that''s the leader.''


    Corvus''s vision blurred, pain consuming his senses. His body screamed from the bullet wounds, his breath coming in short, ragged gasps. His mind raced, desperately clinging to thoughts of survival. He had to think. He had to act.


    But then¡ªhe saw it.


    That shift in Noah''s expression.


    It wasn''t shock. It wasn''t confusion.


    It was like a revelation.


    Corvus felt his stomach drop.


    Noah hadn''t just guessed something.


    He knew.


    His eyes had sharpened, not with suspicion, but with certainty. Like he had seen the answer laid out in front of him.


    What the hell¡ª?


    A sharp pulse of fear shot through Corvus''s veins, stronger than any pain he was feeling.


    He tried to rationalize it. Maybe Noah had seen something in his reaction. Maybe it was just a lucky guess.


    But no.


    This wasn''t luck.


    This wasn''t instinct.


    This was something else entirely.


    Corvus had been in the assassination game for over a decade. He had seen things that most men wouldn''t believe. He had heard whispers of prodigies, of unnatural killers, of monsters who weren''t bound by human limits.


    But he had never felt it firsthand.


    Not until now.


    Not until he looked into Noah''s eyes and realized he was looking at something inhuman.


    How?


    How had he figured it out in an instant?


    There was no way. No signs. No communication. Nothing.


    And yet¡ªNoah''s body had already shifted, already preparing to move toward the estate.


    Because he knew.


    Corvus''s blood ran ice cold.


    His heartbeat pounded in his ears as terror wrapped around his spine like a vice.


    His lips trembled, his breath shuddering out as his mind screamed at him¡ª


    He isn''t normal.


    No, that wasn''t right.


    He isn''t human.


    Corvus had killed men, had watched the life drain from their eyes, had stared into the abyss enough times to know what real killers looked like.


    And yet, even in his worst nightmares, even in his darkest fears, he had never encountered something like this.


    Noah wasn''t just an assassin.


    He wasn''t just a soldier.


    He was something beyond that.


    Something unnatural.


    Something unstoppable.


    Corvus''s fingers twitched, his body fighting against the inevitable, his brain still clawing for some way out, some answer¡ª


    Noah exhaled through his nose, his grip tightening slightly.


    And then, he whispered the final words Corvus would ever hear.


    "You were dead the moment you came here."


    A choked noise escaped Corvus''s throat.


    A realization too vast, too horrifying settled in his mind in his final seconds.


    He hadn''t been a hunter tonight.


    He had been prey.


    BANG.


    A clean shot. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His body jerked once.


    Then¡ªnothing.


    The last thing Corvus saw was the cold, unshaken gaze of the man who had just rewritten his definition of fear.


    And then¡ªdarkness.


    Noah''s Advanced Clairvoyance pulsed at the back of his mind, feeding him information in crisp, undeniable clarity.


    Five hostiles inside.


    Each one moving separately, sweeping through the estate in a one-man search formation¡ªfast, methodical. They were trying to clear the area quickly, their movements sharp, calculated.


    They knew something had gone wrong outside.


    They didn''t know how badly.


    Noah''s expression remained unreadable as he moved in.


    His team had already reached the scientist.


    Good.


    That meant his only focus now was eliminating four targets before they could get too close.


    No mistakes.


    No delays.


    The first assassin was moving through a dimly lit hallway, his silenced pistol raised, eyes scanning every inch of the space. His gloved fingers twitched on the trigger, his breath steady.


    Clear the left wing. Secure the exits.


    That was the last order he had received.


    His boots barely made a sound on the polished floor, his back brushing against the wooden walls as he advanced.


    He didn''t know death was already behind him.


    Noah moved like a ghost, his steps utterly silent. His eyes locked onto his target''s every movement, calculating the exact moment to strike.


    Three steps.


    Two.


    One.


    Noah lunged, his arm wrapping around the assassin''s throat in a vicious chokehold.


    The man reacted instantly, his instincts honed, his elbow jerking backward in a desperate attempt to break free¡ª


    But Noah was stronger. Faster.


    His other hand clamped over the assassin''s mouth, muffling the struggle.


    A sharp twist¡ª


    CRACK.


    The body slumped.


    Noah lowered him without a sound.


    One down.


    Four left.

 Chapter 247 Executioner (2)

    Up ahead, another assassin had stationed himself at the top of the grand staircase, a suppressed rifle aimed downward. His role was obvious¡ªoverwatch.


    If anyone tried to escape, he''d take them out before they even hit the front door.


    Noah exhaled softly.


    Not happening.


    He crouched low, moving up the staircase without touching a single step. His body stayed pressed against the banister, his balance inhumanly perfect.


    The assassin didn''t notice.


    His focus was straight ahead, unaware that death was approaching from below.


    Noah reached the final step.


    In one fluid motion, he grabbed the man''s ankle and yanked.


    The assassin stumbled backwards in shock, his rifle swinging wildly¡ª


    Before he could even regain balance, Noah was already on top of him.


    A single, brutal strike to the throat.


    The man gasped, his windpipe collapsing.


    Noah grabbed the back of his head and slammed it down against the wooden railing.


    A sickening CRACK.


    Blood splattered.


    Two down.


    Three left.


    The third assassin was rifling through a desk, clearly looking for intel.


    His focus was so locked on his task that he didn''t notice the slight shift in air pressure behind him.


    Noah was already inside the room.


    He didn''t hesitate.


    A single suppressed PFFT.


    The bullet entered the base of the man''s skull.


    He never knew what hit him.


    Three down.


    Two left.


    This one was different.


    He was nervous.


    He whispered into his comm, his voice strained.


    "Status check."


    Silence.


    His pulse spiked.


    "No.1 Over." One voice responded slightly late, but no one else did.


    He turned a corner¡ª


    Noah was right there.


    The assassin jerked back in shock, raising his rifle¡ª


    Too slow.


    Noah''s knife sliced across his throat.


    A choked gurgle left his lips, his rifle slipping from his grip. His body hit the floor, spasming for a few seconds before going still. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Four down.


    One left.


    "The leader is left..." Noah muttered with a serious expression on his face.


    ...


    The moment he lost contact with his team, he knew.


    The mission was over.


    And not in the way most operations failed¡ªno, this was something else. This wasn''t a retreat because of unexpected resistance or a failed breach.


    This was a massacre.


    His men were wiped out too quickly. Too efficiently. They were good¡ªhigh-level operatives, trained in assassinations and stealth warfare. But the way they had gone silent¡ªno gunfire, no comms, nothing¡ªmeant one thing.


    They hadn''t been outgunned.


    They''d been hunted.


    And now, he was the last one left.


    His instincts screamed at him. Run.


    Live today, kill tomorrow.


    The mission had failed, but there was always another opportunity. Always a way to come back stronger, better prepared. Another target. Another contract.


    If he lived.


    He moved fast, but not recklessly.


    Not yet.


    The assassins had a contingency plan. If something went wrong, if extraction became impossible, they were to fall back to a designated rendezvous point deep in the jungle¡ªnorth of the estate.


    There, a secondary escape team waited, ready to extract anyone left standing. Your journey continues on My Virtual Library Empire


    That''s my only chance.


    He slipped through the corridors, his steps silent, his body moving like a shadow. He avoided the open spaces, used the dark corners, listened for any signs of movement.


    Nothing.


    No sound.


    No pursuit.


    And that terrified him even more.


    No way I just lost a whole team, and the enemy isn''t even looking for me.


    That meant one of two things.


    Either they thought he was already dead¡­


    Or¡ª


    They already knew where he was.


    The thought sent a chill through his bones.


    He clenched his jaw and kept moving.


    One step at a time. No mistakes.


    The assassin didn''t rush into the open.


    He wasn''t stupid.


    He approached the estate exit carefully, pausing at the last doorway. His eyes scanned the tree line ahead, his ears straining for any sound that didn''t belong.


    Nothing.


    He took another moment, steadying his breath, before he slipped into the night.


    Darkness wrapped around him. The dense jungle swallowed all sound except for the rustling of leaves and the occasional distant hoot of an owl.


    His boots pressed lightly against the soil as he moved, his training ensuring his steps made almost no sound. Each step calculated. Each movement purposeful.


    Still, his instincts wouldn''t calm.


    Something was wrong.


    But he couldn''t place what.


    He was alone. He should have felt safe.


    He didn''t.


    And then¡ª


    CRACK.


    A gunshot whizzed past him, slicing through the air with a deafening whip.


    A hot, searing pain exploded through the side of his head¡ªhis ear.


    He staggered, his vision lurching as his equilibrium snapped.


    He hit the ground hard, rolling into the dirt before his instincts kicked in.


    He scrambled behind a jagged rock, heart pounding, breath heavy.


    His fingers shot up to the side of his head, touching wet warmth.


    Blood.


    His ear was gone.


    His hands trembled slightly as he clutched the wound, but he forced his breathing to slow. Forced himself to think.


    The shot came from behind.


    How?


    He had checked. He had been careful.


    How had someone gotten the drop on him?


    He peered over the rock, scanning the trees, looking for his attacker.


    Nothing.


    No movement.


    No sign of an enemy.


    But he knew someone was there.


    Someone who had been following him.


    Like a shadow.


    A chill crawled up his spine.


    This wasn''t normal.


    Who the hell am I up against?


    His teeth clenched.


    He had faced killers before. He had fought special ops before.


    But this wasn''t a soldier hunting him.


    This wasn''t a man.


    It was something else.


    He wiped the blood from his face, his jaw tight.


    The jungle was silent again.


    No footsteps. No sounds.


    But he knew.


    He''s here.


    And the only thing worse than hearing your hunter¡­


    Was not hearing him at all.


    Riner clenched his teeth, forcing his hand to stay steady as he dug into his tactical pouch, pulling out a small first-aid kit.


    His ear was gone. Blood still trickled down his neck, soaking into the fabric of his gear. His balance was shot, his depth perception thrown into chaos. But he wasn''t dead yet.


    He wasn''t going to die here.


    With quick, practiced movements, he grabbed a coagulant patch, slamming it onto the raw wound, hissing as the burn kicked in. His fingers moved automatically, wrapping a bandage around his head to slow the bleeding, stuffing a small piece of fabric near his ruined ear to help with his equilibrium.


    His breath was shallow, but controlled. He had been in bad spots before. This was just another job.


    Except¡­


    This wasn''t just another opponent.


    I don''t know what the hell I''m up against¡­ but I need to move. Now.


    Riner didn''t hesitate. Fighting was a death sentence.


    He needed to escape.


    His fingers yanked a smoke grenade from his belt, pulled the pin with his teeth, and tossed it at his feet.


    PFFT!


    A thick, choking cloud of gray smoke erupted around him, swallowing him in a dense fog. The jungle trees blurred into shapeless shadows, the cool night air replaced by the chemical sting of the smoke.


    He didn''t wait to see if it worked.


    His legs exploded into motion.


    He sprinted, pushing through the pain, his body screaming at him with every step. He had to reach the rendezvous point.


    The escape squad would be waiting at the north side, just a few hundred meters away.

 Chapter 248 Escape Successful.

    He tapped into his radio, his free hand switching frequencies. He had to cut through the dead signals, shifting through static before landing on the right channel.


    "Escape team, prepare immediately! I am the only one alive. I am being hunted! I need backup!"


    The line crackled. A voice, distorted but sharp, finally responded.


    "Riner? What the hell happened? Where''s the squad?!"


    "Dead! All of them!" Riner barked, his breathing laboured as he pushed forward through the jungle. His feet crunched against damp leaves, his vision flickering as his balance fought against him.


    "Shit¡ªhang tight! We''re on standby. ETA¡ª"


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    A bullet ripped through his calf.


    AGHHH!


    Riner collapsed mid-stride, his leg folding under him as he crashed into the jungle floor. His fingers clawed into the dirt, his breath a strangled gasp.


    Pain¡ªblazing, white-hot pain¡ªshot up his leg like wildfire.


    He bit his lip so hard it bled.


    "Riner? RINER?! What''s going on?!"


    Riner trembled, sweat dripping down his brow as he whipped his head back toward the smoke cloud.


    "How?! How the hell can he see me?!"


    The smoke he used, was a special type of smoke. It should have disrupted everything¡ªthermal, night vision, infrared scopes.


    No normal human should be able to see through it.


    But his attacker had.


    Riner''s hands shook as he reached for his gun.


    He gripped his Desert Eagle, yanking it up, aiming blindly into the darkness.


    His breath came in ragged gasps. He couldn''t run anymore. His leg was shattered.


    There was only one thing left to do.


    Fight.


    Riner pressed his back against a fallen tree trunk, his fingers steadying his aim.


    He didn''t move.


    Didn''t breathe too hard.


    He just waited.


    If his attacker was truly unstoppable, if this was really the end¡ª


    Then he wasn''t going to go down without a fight.


    His finger hovered over the trigger, waiting for the slightest movement, the faintest hint of sound.


    He listened.


    Nothing.


    Just the wind rustling through the jungle leaves.


    The silence was too perfect.


    His heartbeat pounded in his ears. His vision blurred at the edges. His leg screamed in agony.


    He tightened his grip on his gun.


    "Come on, you bastard¡­"


    Riner''s whisper barely left his lips before his world exploded in pain.


    A shadow lunged from the darkness, moving faster than his brain could process.


    Before he could even see who or what was coming, a brutal kick slammed against his hand, sending his Desert Eagle flying into the jungle.


    CRACK.


    His fingers snapped like twigs.


    "ARGHHH!"


    A raw, guttural scream tore from his throat as he clutched his mangled hand, agony spreading like wildfire. His nerves lit up, his vision blackening at the edges from the sheer shock.


    Before he could even breathe, before his brain could register what was happening¡ª


    A hand clamped around his collar.


    Effortlessly, like lifting a ragdoll, he was hauled off the ground.


    His feet dangled.


    And then¡ª


    SLAP.


    A thunderous impact shattered the side of his face.


    His teeth flew out.


    Several.


    They scattered in the dirt like discarded pebbles.


    His head snapped to the side, his vision swimming, his brain struggling to stay conscious. The taste of blood filled his mouth, warm and metallic, thick enough to choke on.


    And then he saw it.


    The black mask.


    It was as if a demon, void of emotion, looming over him like an executioner.


    The devil itself had come for him.


    For the first time in his entire career, Riner felt something he never had before.


    Terror.


    "Save me¡ª" he blurted, his voice barely coherent.


    And then¡ª


    Gunfire.


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    A hailstorm of bullets ripped through the jungle, cracking against tree trunks, kicking up dirt and leaves.


    The masked figure released him immediately, vanishing into the darkness with an unnatural grace.


    The backup had arrived.


    "Get Riner! I''ll cover you!" a sharp voice commanded through the chaos.


    Another shadow emerged, sprinting toward him. One of his own.


    A firm grip yanked him up, dragging him away from the battlefield. His salvation.


    "Move! Move!"


    The gunfire intensified, the jungle coming alive with the roar of suppressed rounds.


    The masked figure returned fire, but the bullets missed, grazing past them, striking only the trees.


    Riner''s heart pounded against his ribs.


    Was he actually missing?


    It didn''t make sense. His entire team had been butchered in moments¡ªno hesitation, no wasted shots¡ªyet now, this demon couldn''t land a single bullet?


    Something was wrong.


    But the pain in his skull was overriding his thoughts.


    The world blurred. The shadows of his comrades faded in and out.


    His breath came in sharp, ragged gasps as he tried to focus.


    He was escaping.


    He was alive.


    They retreated, their footsteps fading deeper into the jungle, moving toward the extraction point.


    Riner didn''t feel it.


    The small, near-invisible tracking chip had clung to his skin the moment Noah had grabbed him by the collar.


    It was microscopic, nearly weightless. It had dissolved into his neck, leaving no trace.


    And now, it was inside him.


    The moment the chip melted into his bloodstream, tiny nanofibers latched onto his nervous system, seamlessly integrating with his body.


    Undetectable. Untraceable.


    He could strip down, check every inch of his skin, even scan for foreign objects¡ªhe would find nothing.


    And yet, Noah would know exactly where he was.


    Every step he took.


    Every breath.


    Every move.


    From behind cover, Noah watched through the dense foliage, his amber eyes razor-sharp behind his mask.


    The remaining assassins were retreating.


    They might think that they were escaping, but they weren''t.


    They were leading him straight to the person that Noah wanted.


    Noah slowly lowered his weapon, a faint smirk playing at the edges of his lips.


    He had already won.


    The fight was never about Riner.


    It was about who was waiting for him.


    Who was pulling the strings?


    And soon, very soon¡ª


    Noah would find out. So he didn''t chase. Didn''t fire another shot.


    He wasn''t worried. Not even remotely.


    All he had to do now¡­ Was wait.

 Chapter 249 Breakthrough

    Noah turned, leaving the jungle behind as he headed toward his team.


    Through Advanced Clairvoyance, he could already see them stationed at the helipad¡ªa short distance away, perched on elevated ground, where the extraction chopper had landed.


    They were on full alert, weapons aimed outward, their stances tight and defensive.


    They were expecting an ambush.


    Even as Noah approached, their fingers remained on their triggers, their eyes sweeping the surrounding terrain.


    Then, a voice crackled through his earpiece, sharp and professional.


    "Captain? We are ready to take off. Over."


    Noah pressed the communicator.


    "I will arrive shortly. Over."


    He kept moving, his pace calm, as the cool night air wrapped around him.


    The jungle was silent now.


    The chaos of battle had passed, leaving behind only the scattered corpses of the men who had dared to step foot on this mission.


    By the time he arrived at the helipad, his team still had their weapons raised, covering every angle, their expressions grim and dead serious.


    Even when they spotted him, they didn''t lower their guard.


    They weren''t worried about him.


    They were worried about who might be following.


    Noah smirked. They wouldn''t need to be.


    "Boss, come over quickly," Anderson called, his rifle still aimed toward the trees. "I got your flank."


    Noah walked past him, his hands loose at his sides. "Easy. Relax."


    Anderson frowned. "We still don''t know if¡ª"


    "They''re all dead."


    A beat of silence.


    Theo narrowed his eyes, his rifle shifting slightly. "All dead?"


    "Yes," Noah said, matter-of-factly. "I killed them when they tried to enter. There were about nineteen of them"


    The four soldiers exchanged glances, disbelief flickering across their faces.


    The team didn''t respond immediately.


    Because what could they even say?


    While they had been focusing on securing the scientist, while they had been protecting their target with their lives, Noah had been¡­


    Annihilating the entire enemy force.


    Solo.


    Natasha exhaled slowly, lowering her rifle for the first time as she let out a disbelieving chuckle.


    "You''re messing with us, right?" she asked, though there was no humor in her tone. Although, she clearly believed him, she still couldn''t believe it at the same time.


    Noah simply looked at her. Unblinking. Unbothered. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And that was the moment she realized¡ª


    He wasn''t lying.


    She glanced at Anderson, then at Nathan and Theo. The same thought ran through all of their heads.


    He actually did it.


    Anderson huffed, shaking his head as he slung his rifle over his shoulder. "Tch. Should''ve expected it. Our Captain''s a damn monster."


    Nathan crossed his arms, still struggling to believe what he was hearing. "I thought we were rushing to extract because we were in danger. Turns out, Noah already handled everything before we even knew what was happening."


    Theo whistled low, running a hand over his buzzed hair. "This is why I never bet against you, Boss."


    Natasha wasn''t smiling.


    She was staring at Noah¡ªreally staring.


    "You killed nineteen people," she repeated, voice lower now. "And you''re standing here like you just took a casual walk."


    Noah met her gaze, his tone steady. "Because for me, that''s exactly what it was."


    Another beat of silence.


    Then Anderson let out a dry laugh. "See? Monster."


    The scientist, who had been quiet this whole time, finally spoke up from inside the chopper. His face was pale, his hands slightly shaking. He had already been terrified of the assassins. But now, after hearing what Noah had just said¡ª


    He was even more terrified of their protector.


    And he wasn''t alone.


    The helicopter pilot, who had overheard the entire conversation through the radio system, gulped audibly.


    "Uh¡­ So, uh¡­ Are we leaving now?" the pilot asked, hesitantly.


    "Yes." Noah climbed into the chopper, gesturing for the others. "Load up."


    No one questioned him.


    They moved immediately, their boots thudding against the metal as they boarded.


    The helicopter rumbled as it lifted off the ground, the rhythmic whomp-whomp-whomp of the rotor blades filling the night sky. The city lights twinkled in the distance, but inside the chopper, the atmosphere was thick with exhaustion and unspoken thoughts.


    Natasha''s sharp eyes flicked to Noah, who sat calmly beside the scientist¡ªcompletely at ease, as if he hadn''t just wiped out an entire assassination unit on his own.


    Across from them, the scientist was hunched over his laptop, furiously typing, his brows furrowed in frustration.


    His mind was elsewhere. Not on the mission, not on the assassins who had nearly killed him¡ªbut on his work.


    His fingers tapped erratically against the keyboard, his lips moving in barely audible murmurs. He barely acknowledged the presence of the heavily armed soldiers around him.


    "Damn it¡­ why am I stuck at this?" he muttered under his breath, his eyes darting across lines of code, diagrams flashing on his screen.


    The tension in his shoulders was visible. His pupils moved rapidly, scanning his formulas, his algorithms¡ªeverything should work. The theory made sense.


    But something was missing.


    "What the hell is the missing link?!" he gritted out, rubbing his temple in frustration.


    Noah, seated beside him, casually side-glanced at the screen.


    At a single glance, he understood exactly what the problem was.


    And he almost chuckled.


    For someone so brilliant, the scientist was overcomplicating things.


    Noah leaned back slightly and said, his voice unbothered, "Maybe you should integrate a recursive self-learning subroutine instead of using a static behavioral model. That way, your AI won''t just process data¡ªit''ll create new analytical pathways on its own, adapting organically rather than following preset patterns."


    Silence.


    The scientist''s fingers froze over the keyboard.


    Slowly¡ªvery slowly¡ªhe turned his head toward Noah, his eyes wide with shock.


    "¡­What did you just say?" His voice was barely a whisper.


    Noah didn''t look at him. He was already gazing out the window, his expression unreadable.


    The scientist''s breath hitched. Discover stories with My Virtual Library Empire


    "Are you¡­ are you also a scientist?!"


    Noah tilted his head slightly, as if considering the question.


    "Sort of."


    Natasha, watching the exchange, felt a rare flicker of disbelief.


    Her Captain¡ªa military specialist, a ghost on the battlefield, someone who single-handedly wiped out a squad of elite assassins¡ªwas now casually solving advanced AI computational problems?


    Her mind struggled to process the absurdity of it.


    The scientist, on the other hand, wasn''t struggling at all.


    His fingers flew across the keyboard, inputting Noah''s suggestion at lightning speed. Lines of code shifted, adapted, reconfigured.


    The screen flashed green.


    No errors.


    Then¡ª


    The program executed perfectly.


    A soft beep rang through the chopper''s interior as his AI system finally compiled without fault.


    His mouth fell open.


    "It worked¡­ It worked!" he gasped, his voice trembling with awe. His eyes snapped back to Noah. "You¡ªYou''re a genius!"


    Noah didn''t respond.


    Didn''t even look at him.


    He just stared out the window, completely unaffected.


    The scientist was still processing what had happened, his brain caught between disbelief and admiration.


    How had this soldier¡ªthis young soldier, who had no reason to understand this level of science¡ªjust casually solved a problem that had stumped him for months?


    And why did it feel like it was nothing to him?


    Natasha studied Noah''s profile, her Captain knew how to kill with inhuman precision.


    Now, she was beginning to think that maybe¡ªjust maybe¡ªhe knew how to do everything.

 Chapter 250 Arriving at the base.

    The helicopter''s rotors slowed, the vibrations settling as they touched down at the military base.


    Noah stepped out first, his boots hitting the ground with a firm thud. His expression was unreadable, his gaze distant.


    But his mind?


    His mind was elsewhere.


    As his team disembarked behind him, he was already listening¡ªhis earpiece filtering through the signal coming from the tracking chip inside Riner''s body.


    Crackling radio static. Then¡ªvoices.


    "Riner. What happened? You guys were meant to eliminate the target. You had already cleared all the guards that were on the property."


    A pause. Then, Riner''s voice¡ªweaker than before, strained, yet steady.


    "I''m not sure. But it was definitely the doing of that demon."


    Noah''s lips curled slightly.


    Demon, huh?


    A deep voice scoffed through the radio.


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    "Demon? You mean the person who was with you before we started shooting?"


    "Yes. It''s him."


    Noah could hear Riner breathing heavily, as if recalling something truly terrifying.


    "He isn''t normal."


    "What do you mean?" another voice asked. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "We were entering the estate as the helicopter arrived," Riner began, his tone dark. "I placed two snipers to deal with them as they descended, but they failed miserably. And most of the team was stationed outside to handle the reinforcements.


    "But shortly after we entered, the teams were non-responsive."


    A long silence followed.


    Then, the man beside him spoke again.


    "This is a problem. If what you''re saying is true, then why did he leave you alive?"


    "..."


    "Hurry up! Check my body for any equipment!" Riner''s voice rose suddenly, frantic. "We might be targeted! They might have a tracker on us!"


    Noah leaned back slightly against the military jeep he had walked to, arms crossed as he listened.


    This was the moment of truth.


    On the other side, there was rustling¡ªthe sound of a bag unzipping, equipment being pulled out.


    "Hold still."


    A faint hum filled the speakers as a scanner swept over Riner''s body, tracing his arms, his torso, his legs.


    Then¡ª


    A sigh of relief.


    "You''re clear."


    The chip was undetectable.


    The man with Riner shook his head, leaning back in his seat.


    "You might be overthinking it. I don''t think this ''demon'' is as strong as you''re making him out to be. He missed all his shots as we dragged you away."


    Noah could almost hear Riner''s teeth grinding over the radio.


    "Impossible." Riner''s voice was firm. Unshaken.


    "He shot me in the calf while I was in the smoke. Do you know how impossible that is? It wasn''t luck."


    His breathing grew heavier.


    "Even his movement¡­ it''s not normal. He moves like he sees everything before it happens." Riner continued.


    "It might''ve been a lucky shot. But there is indeed a problem¡ªsince the whole team died. It seems like the military had a hidden card." The man said.


    Silence.


    Then, the man let out a slow exhale.


    "Either way, we''ll find out soon enough. Through him..."


    Riner sat quietly in the car, something was wrong.


    He could feel it in his gut.


    Why had he been left alive?


    He had seen how Noah fought. The sheer brutality. The precision.


    There was no logical reason to keep him breathing.


    "Was I really overthinking it?"


    The car rumbled along the dirt road, but Riner''s mind was spinning, racing with one single thought.


    "No. He let me live for a reason."


    And that meant¡ª


    Noah wasn''t done with him yet.


    ...


    The helicopter touched down, its rotor blades slowing to a deep, rhythmic thrum as the dust kicked up around the landing zone. The metallic groan of the aircraft settling was drowned out by the heavy boots hitting the tarmac as Noah and his team descended onto the base.


    Lieutenant Adam stood waiting at the bottom, his arms crossed, his expression unreadable.


    He had already been briefed¡ªreports had flooded in from the field, confirming the details of the successful extraction.


    But what he was most interested in was the impossible number attached to the mission report.


    Nineteen confirmed kills.


    By a single man.


    Adam''s eyes flicked toward Noah, but before he could say anything, a blur of movement shot past him.


    Dr. Elliot Graves rushed forward, his hands clutching his laptop bag like a lifeline, his body practically vibrating with frantic energy.


    "Lieutenant Adam!" he blurted out, barely stopping himself from crashing into him.


    Adam, slightly taken aback by the sheer desperation in the scientist''s voice, raised an eyebrow. "Doctor?"


    "I made a breakthrough!" Graves exclaimed, his breathing uneven. "I need a lab immediately. I need to check it out as soon as possible!"


    Adam blinked. "A breakthrough?"


    "Yes!" The scientist''s eyes were wild, darting between Adam and Noah, who simply watched him in mild amusement. "I need a secured facility, a fully equipped lab. I¡ªI don''t care about anything else right now!"


    Adam frowned, glancing at Noah for context.


    Noah, still standing a few feet away, gave a nonchalant shrug. "He made a breakthrough with his technology, on the way here," he said simply.


    "Captain is trying to say that, the doctor was stuck on a part, and he helped him with it slightly," Natasha butted in.


    "Small details," Noah rebuked.


    Graves whipped his head toward him. "Small detail?!" he nearly shouted. "You don''t understand! That detail just cracked the entire framework! Do you even realize how¡ª"


    He stopped himself, inhaling sharply before muttering under his breath, "Unbelievable¡­"


    Adam exhaled slowly, rubbing the bridge of his nose before nodding. "Alright, I''ll arrange a lab for you. But first, you should rest. We''ll need time to secure the right facility for your research."


    Graves hesitated, clearly not wanting to waste time¡ªbut the exhaustion weighed on him now. The adrenaline that had been pushing him forward was fading fast.


    Finally, he gave a small nod. "...Fine."


    Adam turned to one of the soldiers nearby. "Lead Dr. Graves to his rest area."


    "Yes, sir!"


    With a reluctant sigh, the scientist followed the soldier out of the area, his grip still tight on his laptop bag.

 Chapter 251 Bonus

    ''Many Thanks to aaaninja for the gift.''


    Adam watched him go, then turned back to the Special Forces team, his gaze sweeping across each of them.


    He straightened his posture, his voice firm yet approving.


    "Well done, everyone." His tone carried weight, a rare compliment coming from someone who expected only the best. "You did not disappoint. You''ve completed the mission perfectly."


    The team stood at attention, silent and disciplined.


    Then Adam added, "The local police confirmed that there were nineteen bodies found on-site. The identities are being processed now."


    Nathan and Theo exchanged quick glances.


    Natasha let out a slow breath. Hearing it out loud made it even more unreal.


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    Anderson stepped forward, his voice steady but filled with respect.


    "Thank you, Lieutenant. But it was all our Captain." He nodded toward Noah. "He did everything. We just escorted the scientist out."


    Noah shook his head immediately.


    "Don''t say that." His voice was calm but firm. "You followed orders correctly, and I''m pleased to say that you did well." His sharp eyes scanned the team. "You were vigilant throughout the mission, and you deserve praise nonetheless."


    Adam nodded, his gaze flicking between the Captain and his team. "Captain Noah is correct."


    There was a moment of acknowledgment.


    This wasn''t empty praise¡ªNoah wasn''t the type to give out meaningless compliments.


    The team had performed exactly as needed, without hesitation, without mistakes.


    And that, in itself, was worthy of respect.


    Adam exhaled, stepping back slightly. "You all should go rest."


    The team saluted, their exhaustion finally settling in, their bodies aching from the tension of the mission.


    They began to move toward the barracks¡ªall except Noah.


    "Lieutenant," Noah said, voice smooth yet unreadable. "I need to talk to you."


    Adam paused mid-step, his brow furrowing slightly.


    Then, after a brief glance at the others, he gave a curt nod.


    "Alright. Walk with me."


    As the team disappeared toward their quarters, Noah fell into step beside Adam, their boots hitting the ground in sync.


    The base was quiet, save for the distant hum of generators and the occasional murmur of soldiers on night duty.


    Adam''s tone was more relaxed now. "What''s on your mind?"


    Noah''s expression didn''t change.


    "The assassins," he said simply.


    Adam''s jaw tightened slightly. "...What about them?"


    Noah''s gaze stayed ahead, his posture unreadable.


    "There was someone higher up pulling the strings. Someone still out there."


    Adam''s silence was enough of an answer.


    Noah continued, his voice unshaken.


    "I let one escape."


    Adam''s head snapped toward him, eyes narrowing. "What?"


    Noah didn''t slow down.


    "Not out of mercy," he clarified. "Out of strategy."


    Adam stared at him for a long moment, reading between the lines.


    Then, his expression darkened.


    "...You placed a tracker."


    Noah finally smirked. "Yes, Lieutenant."


    Adam let out a slow exhale, rubbing the back of his neck.


    Adam exhaled slowly, rubbing the back of his neck. His instincts screamed that this conversation was about to take a very serious turn.


    "So," he started carefully, his gaze locked onto Noah, "I''m assuming you mean that the person higher up is close to us?"


    Noah gave a slight nod, his expression darkening.


    "That''s right." His voice was flat, devoid of hesitation. "There''s a mole."


    Adam''s entire body tensed.


    Noah''s words carried weight¡ªa claim like that, especially coming from him, was not to be taken lightly.


    "That''s why I let the man escape," Noah continued. "He''ll lead me straight to the source."


    Adam''s fingers twitched against his thigh, his mind racing.


    A mole. Within their own ranks.


    If anyone else had said it, he would have dismissed it as paranoia. But Noah?


    Noah didn''t speak without reason.


    Adam''s expression hardened, his tone lowering. "Noah, this is a serious claim." His voice carried a weight of its own. "Saying that there''s a spy or traitor within our own ranks¡ªit''s not something you throw around lightly."


    Noah''s gaze didn''t waver.


    "I know, Lieutenant." His voice was calm. Cold. "But I''m informing you now because I want our mission to be kept a secret."


    Adam''s brows furrowed.


    "What do you mean?"


    Noah''s arms crossed over his chest.


    "Don''t disclose who completed the mission."


    Silence.


    A heavy, unspoken tension hung between them.


    Noah continued, "Just give me a day or two at most and by then i will get you, what you want."


    Adam studied him for a long moment.


    Then, he sighed deeply.


    "You''re asking for a lot, Captain."


    Noah tilted his head slightly, his smirk faint.


    "I always do."


    Adam ran a hand through his hair.


    Keeping a mission like this classified¡ªkeeping the names of those involved completely off the record¡ªwasn''t easy.


    But if Noah was right¡­


    If a traitor was embedded within their own ranks¡­


    Then revealing the truth too soon could mean losing their chance to catch them, or so he thought.


    After a long pause, Adam nodded. "Alright. You''ve got two days, max."


    Noah gave a small nod.


    Adam''s jaw tightened, his voice serious. "Do you need backup?"


    Noah''s smirk faded.


    His voice dropped low.


    "No, it''s fine."


    Adam exhaled sharply, watching Noah with a mix of unease and trust.


    Whatever Noah was planning¡­


    He would see it through.


    Alone.


    Adam watched Noah for a moment before reaching into his jacket pocket, pulling out a small, ID card.


    "I almost forgot," Adam said, handing it over. "Here. Take this."


    Noah glanced down, taking the card between his fingers. It was a military-issued identification badge, officially recognizing him as part of the Special Forces unit. His name, rank, and clearance level were displayed neatly alongside the military emblem.


    Adam gave him a pointed look. "This shows that you''re part of the military forces¡ªjust in case some cop stops you for speeding."


    Noah tilted his head slightly, his lips quirking upward. "You say that like it''s a possibility, not a guarantee."


    Adam shot him a dry look. "Don''t give me that, Thompson. You broke every traffic law in existence on your way here. You didn''t just speed¡ªyou treated the city like your personal racetrack."


    Noah slipped the ID card into his pocket without reaction. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I had to arrive as fast as possible. So I got a few tickets" His voice was smooth, casual¡ªcompletely unbothered.


    Adam let out a short, humorless chuckle.


    Adam''s expression flattened. "A few? More like you didn''t leave a single ticket unearned."


    Noah smirked.


    "A minor inconvenience."


    Adam shook his head, rubbing his temples as if warding off a headache.


    "Well, don''t worry. I dismissed them for the emergency. But next time, at least pretend to follow the law."

 Chapter 252 Tracker

    Noah settled into the driver''s seat, pulling out his sleek, custom-built phone.


    A single command.


    "Focus on Tracker 1."


    The AI assistant responded instantly, its voice smooth and emotionless. "Tracking active. Displaying route now."


    A digital map flickered to life on the car''s central screen, a glowing red dot pulsing in real-time¡ªhis target''s exact location.


    Noah''s eyes scanned the data. The car carrying the assassins had stopped moving.


    The last recorded conversation had gone silent.


    His lips pressed into a thin line. They know something''s wrong.


    "ETA: 1 hour, 45 minutes."


    Noah''s fingers tightened on the wheel. Too long.


    His body was a machine, built for endurance. Fatigue didn''t exist. There was no need for rest, no need to delay. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The faster he got there, the less time his targets had to scatter.


    Noah''s foot slammed onto the gas.


    The G-Wagon''s engine roared to life, tyres screeching as the car launched forward.


    Streetlights blurred into streaks of gold as he tore through the city.


    His speed soared past legal limits, the engine snarling as he wove through the sparse late-night traffic with surgical precision.


    140 mp/h. 150. 160.


    A flash of white¡ªa speed camera.


    The bright flicker of a camera flash illuminated the night, snapping a photo of his license plate.


    Noah didn''t even blink.


    Let them send me a ticket.


    He had a military-grade ID in his pocket.


    Besides, by the time they processed the violation, he''d already be long gone.


    A distant pair of blue and red lights flickered in his peripheral vision¡ªa police patrol car parked on the side of the road.


    For a brief second, Noah expected them to pull out. Chase him. Try to stop him.


    They didn''t.


    Noah''s G-Wagon ripped past them, the air displacement rocking the stationary police vehicle.


    One of the officers inside nearly spilled his coffee, his hands flying to the dashboard.


    "What the hell was that?!"


    His partner barely managed a response. "Do we¡­ do we even try to stop him?"


    They watched the taillights vanish into the distance like a phantom.


    The cop with the coffee sighed heavily, shaking his head. "Nope. Not our problem. Let''s just finish eating these doughnuts. If this guy wants to kill himself, let him."


    The glow of city lights faded in his rearview mirror as he left Birmingham behind, the landscape shifting into endless fields


    The tracker led him off the main roads, guiding him toward an isolated rural area.


    Sparse farmhouses dotted the landscape, their lights dim and distant.


    Noah eased off the accelerator as he neared his destination, shifting gears to a silent crawl.


    The glowing red dot on the screen stopped moving.


    They were here.


    Waiting? Resting? Preparing?


    Didn''t matter.


    They weren''t leaving alive.


    Noah pulled off the road, parking the G-Wagon a full kilometre away from the target location.


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    No headlights. No sound.


    He stepped out, closing the door without a single noise.


    The night was dead silent.


    Noah exhaled slowly, rolling his shoulders. His body was already in motion before his mind even finished planning.


    ...


    Noah moved like a phantom, his steps light against the damp earth. Not too fast, not too slow. Just the right speed to remain unnoticed.


    His clairvoyance was fully activated, eyes scanning the area for any unexpected surprises.


    Nothing.


    No guards. No scouts. No snipers.


    It felt¡­ off.


    They''re either overconfident¡­ or they have something else.


    As he neared the location, the answer became clear.


    A small infrared glint flickered against his vision¡ªmotion sensors.


    A low hum vibrated in the air¡ªfrequency scanners.


    The perimeter was lined with detection systems.


    They didn''t need guards because they had technology watching for them instead.


    "Clever."


    Noah crouched behind a thick tree, taking a moment to assess.


    If he stepped any closer, the sensors would pick him up instantly. And if they were linked to an alarm system¡ªwhich they definitely were¡ªit would trigger a lockdown or an immediate counterattack.


    He wasn''t about to let that happen.


    His fingers glided over his phone, pulling up the AI assistant he had personally programmed.


    A simple command.


    "Interrupt all signals of nearby sensors within a half-kilometer radius. No errors. No alerts. Make it look like nothing happened."


    The AI responded instantly.


    "Hacking in progress¡­ Done. All detection systems are offline. No anomalies detected by enemy software."


    Noah smirked.


    Perfect.


    The entire security network had just been blinded.


    But to them? Everything still looked functional.


    Noah rose from his crouch, adjusting the strap on his rifle.


    Now, he could walk straight in.


    Noah advanced, moving past where the motion sensors once stood.


    If they were still active, this would''ve been the moment they pinged his location.


    Instead?


    Silence.


    Nothing.


    He was a ghost.


    Through the trees, the structure came into view¡ªan old warehouse nestled deep in the rural landscape.


    The place was barely maintained, its walls rusted from years of exposure. But Noah wasn''t fooled.


    The outside didn''t matter.


    It was the inside that held all the secrets.


    His eyes flickered toward the rooftop, scanning for snipers or overwatch guards.


    Still nothing.


    His enemies had placed all their trust in their security system.


    That was their first¡ªand final¡ªmistake.


    Time to finish this.


    Noah stood motionless, concealed by the darkness, his body blending seamlessly into the night. His clairvoyance pulsed, allowing him to scan the warehouse interior without stepping inside.


    Five targets.


    They were gathered in a loose formation, stationed around the dimly lit space. Weapons within reach, but their posture was relaxed¡ªclearly unaware of what was lurking just outside.


    Then, one of them spoke.


    Riner.


    "He''s on his way. We''ll find out what happened then."


    Noah''s eyes sharpened.


    The mastermind behind all of this¡­ is coming.


    His fingers immediately moved, pulling out his phone.


    He typed a quick message to Adam:


    "Location secured. Need backup. Arrive in two hours. Do NOT come sooner."


    He hit send.


    Almost instantly, his screen buzzed with an incoming text¡ªAdam."


    "Can you call?"


    Noah exhaled before calling him.


    "You want me to wait two hours?" Adam''s voice was low and tense. "That''s insane, Noah. You need to wait for backup before engaging¡ª"


    "No." Noah''s tone left no room for discussion.


    Silence.

 Chapter 253 Arrival of the Mole

    Then, a frustrated sigh.


    "Damn it, Noah."


    Noah could hear Adam pacing on the other end of the line.


    "You''re outnumbered. You don''t even know who this guy is yet. You expect me to sit on my ass while you go in there alone?"


    "That''s exactly what I expect." Noah''s voice was calm. Cold. Unwavering.


    "Listen, Lieutenant. If you come early, they scatter. If they scatter, we lose our chance to eliminate the root of this problem. Two hours gives me time to confirm the leader''s identity and end this properly."


    Adam was silent.


    Noah let it hang in the air.


    He knew what Adam would do. The Lieutenant was a professional, but he also trusted Noah''s instincts.


    Finally, Adam exhaled sharply.


    "Fine. Two hours. But if you don''t check in, I''m sending the team in regardless."


    "Understood."


    Noah ended the call before Adam could argue further.


    Sliding his phone back into his pocket, he turned his full focus back onto the warehouse.


    Time to prepare.


    His target was coming.


    And Noah would be waiting.


    ...


    Time passed quickly. Inside the warehouse, the assassins spoke more and more, their voices calm.


    Riner, still bandaged from his encounter earlier, straightened up. His tone was clipped, authoritative.


    "He''s on his way. Shut down all the sensors."


    A nearby operative nodded, fingers flying across a small tablet.


    "Done."


    None of them realized that the sensors had already been disabled¡ªby Noah.


    Outside, hidden in the shadows, Noah''s eyes narrowed.


    Finally.


    His patience had paid off. The person behind all of this¡ªthe real mastermind¡ªwas about to reveal himself.


    Noah crouched behind the thick underbrush, his clairvoyance locked onto the road ahead.


    Minutes passed.


    Then, headlights cut through the darkness.


    A black SUV rumbled down the dirt path, its engine a low, predatory growl.


    The vehicle rolled to a smooth stop just outside the warehouse entrance.


    Noah remained still, watching as the doors opened.


    Four men stepped out.


    One was older, in his mid-40s, with a commanding air about him.


    The other three were younger, likely in their late 20s or early 30s, moving with the silent confidence of trained operatives.


    Noah''s eyes flicked between them, his mind processing every detail.


    None of them look familiar.


    That didn''t mean much. Noah didn''t personally know everyone in the military or intelligence circles. But once this was over, Adam would.


    And that was all that mattered.


    The four men approached.


    From the warehouse, one of the assassins stepped outside to greet them.


    "Welcome, come in." He gestured toward the door.


    The older man gave a slight nod, about to step forward¡ª


    Then, in an instant, his entire team collapsed.


    The four men hit the ground almost simultaneously, bodies limp.


    The middle-aged man barely had time to process what had happened.


    What¡ª?!


    His eyes darted downward towards the bodies.


    A single bullet wound in each head.


    Four bodies. Four headshots.


    Noah stepped out of the shadows, his rifle aimed at the lone survivor.


    His voice was calm. Unbothered. Absolute.


    "Shhh."


    The middle-aged man''s breath hitched.


    His hand twitched toward his Glock¡ª


    "One move..." Noah''s smirk was lethal, his voice taunting. "And you''re dead."


    The man hesitated, glancing at the corpses next to him.


    To take out four trained operatives in seconds¡ª


    That meant Noah wasn''t alone.


    He was being watched from multiple angles.


    Or at least, that''s what he thought.


    He slowly raised his hands, choosing survival over a reckless fight.


    Noah took a step closer, keeping his rifle level.


    Then, without warning, he reached out and gripped the man''s shoulder making it creak.


    A faint pulse surged beneath his fingertips.


    Advanced Memory Glance: Activated.


    And then¡ª


    A flood of images filled Noah''s mind.


    Conversations. Hidden meetings. Betrayal.


    The man before him wasn''t just any officer.


    He was embedded deep in the British military, a trusted official with access to classified intelligence.


    A mole.


    For years, he had been feeding information to Country R, slipping military strategies, defense layouts, and classified covert operations right under the noses of those who trusted him.


    A snake in the heart of the military.


    And tonight?


    Tonight was meant to be two birds with one stone.


    He had orchestrated this. The assassination order on the scientist? That had been his doing.


    He had planted the intel that there would be an assassination attempt, deliberately leaking it to ensure that a special forces team would be deployed.


    That way, when the assassins executed their mission, it wouldn''t just be the scientist who died¡ªbut an elite unit as well.


    A double win.


    The scientist?


    A minor inconvenience.


    His breakthrough had caught the wrong kind of attention from his handlers in Country R. The order to remove him had been passed down without hesitation.


    But the real target had been the special forces team.


    Their existence threatened too much. Find adventures at My Virtual Library Empire


    They had been too effective on previous missions. Too unpredictable.


    If they were eliminated in an operation designed to look like a routine protection mission gone wrong, then it would further solidify his position as a trusted informant.


    He would be seen as the one who provided the tip, as the one who did his part. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It was a flawless setup.


    The assassins had been given the drop late on purpose¡ªto make sure that Noah and his team walked into an ambush.


    They would be outnumbered, surrounded before they even knew what hit them.


    And then¡ª


    Near total wipeout.


    But now?


    Now he was staring at the corpses of his men.


    A mission that should have gone perfectly had turned into a one-sided slaughter.


    His breath hitched as he realized the impossible.


    The special forces team wasn''t dead.


    The scientist was still alive.


    And the only ones wiped out¡­ were his assassins.


    His own men.


    Noah smiled as he processed the information he had received.


    ''So it''s indeed this guy,'' Noah thought.


    He was slightly worried that the real person did not come, but a decoy to check whether it was safe. But it seems like he gave him too much credit.

 Chapter 254 Arrival of Adam.

    The middle-aged man stared at Noah, his jaw tight, his eyes sharp with a grimace.


    Pain pulsed in his shoulder, the bone still aching from Noah''s grip. He could feel the dull creak of strained ligaments and the warning signs of a fracture.


    But Noah had let go before it broke.


    A message.


    A clear warning.


    Noah had control¡ªnot just over the situation, but over every ounce of damage he inflicted.


    The man wasn''t sure if that made things better or far worse.


    Noah could have crushed his shoulder completely, yet he chose not to.


    Not out of mercy.


    But because he didn''t need to.


    And that was more terrifying than any injury he could''ve suffered.


    "Alright." Noah''s voice cut through the silence, calm and unwavering.


    "You''re going to enter this warehouse with me."


    The middle-aged man swallowed. Hard.


    There was no hesitation in Noah''s voice, no room for negotiation.


    "I''ll follow you," Noah continued, stepping forward.


    "And if you make even the slightest movement to alert them¡ªif you give even a hint that I''m not your ally¡ª"


    Noah''s voice didn''t change, didn''t deepen, didn''t turn cruel.


    But somehow, that made it worse.


    "I''ll put a bullet in your head."


    Inside, four men sat around a table.


    One of them¡ªRiner¡ªwas lying on a makeshift cot, his leg bandaged poorly, a pained scowl etched onto his face.


    The others were waiting¡ªcasual, at ease, unaware of what had happened outside.


    One of them glanced up as the door opened.


    "Back already?" he asked, arching an eyebrow.


    "Took your damn time¡ªwhere''s the others?"


    The middle-aged man didn''t respond.


    His throat felt like sandpaper.


    The assassins noticed his hesitation.


    One of them stood, his brow furrowing in suspicion¡ª


    But it was already too late.


    Noah moved.


    A flick of his wrist, a subtle shift of his weight¡ª


    BANG. BANG. BANG.


    Three bodies hit the floor before anyone even processed what had happened.


    Three headshots.


    Executed with terrifying precision.


    Blood splattered across the table. The sound of bodies slumping against the concrete was the only thing that followed the gunfire.


    The scent of gunpowder and death filled the air.


    Riner¡ªwho had just turned his head at the sound¡ªfroze.


    His breath caught in his throat, his muscles locking in place as his wide, disbelieving eyes scanned the fresh corpses of his teammates.


    He knew that kind of shot placement.


    There was only one person capable of something like that.


    His head snapped toward Noah.


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    And in that moment¡ª


    He understood.


    "I-It was you..."


    The tremble in his voice betrayed the last shred of fearless assassin persona he had left.


    Noah simply smiled.


    Not mocking.


    Not cruel.


    Just knowing.


    Like he had expected this outcome from the beginning.


    Like it was never even a question.


    The middle-aged man, still standing beside Riner, exhaled sharply, his hands clenching into fists.


    He had walked straight into a slaughterhouse.


    The man nodded slowly, his lips pressing into a thin line.


    There was no choice.


    He turned toward the warehouse entrance, his steps measured, careful not to appear hesitant¡ªbut not too confident either.


    The metal door creaked open, revealing the dimly lit interior.


    Noah gestured lazily.


    "Sit."


    The middle-aged man hesitated¡ªbut only for a fraction of a second.


    He lowered himself into the floor next to Riner, his pulse pounding against his skull.


    He had no weapon now.


    No cards to play.


    Just his mind¡ªand the sheer, suffocating weight of his own failure.


    He had never lost like this before.


    Not just outmaneuvered¡ªbut completely dominated.


    And the worst part?


    Noah hadn''t even been trying.


    As Noah stood in front of them, casually holstering his weapon, he gave a mental command.


    "Text Adam."


    His AI assistant responded immediately, intercepting his thoughts via neural link technology.


    [Message Sent.]


    Reinforcements would arrive soon.


    Not that Noah needed them.


    Noah leaned against a nearby crate, completely at ease.


    Because at this point¡ª


    There was nothing left to rush.


    The middle-aged traitor sat stiffly beside Riner, his mind running through a thousand different escape scenarios.


    His eyes flicked to the corpses before quickly shifting back to Noah.


    This was all wrong.


    A special forces unit should have been predictable. They had protocols, tactics¡ªthings an experienced mole could counter and manipulate.


    But this¡­


    This wasn''t normal.


    The man before him wasn''t following any standard procedure. He wasn''t working within the boundaries of military discipline.


    He wasn''t even looking at them anymore, and yet¡ª


    The middle-aged man''s instincts screamed at him not to move.


    But his body didn''t listen.


    Slowly, ever so carefully, his fingers inched toward the Glock on his hip.


    Just one move.


    One quick motion¡ª


    "If I were you, I wouldn''t do that."


    Noah''s voice cut through the air, calm but merciless.


    The middle-aged man froze.


    Noah still wasn''t looking at him.


    But somehow, he knew.


    "So far, I wanted you to stay functional." Noah''s tone was casual, like they were discussing the weather rather than matters of life and death.


    "Otherwise, I would have dealt with you differently."


    The weight of his words pressed down like a boulder.


    "Try that again¡­ and your hand will be missing."


    Riner stared at the scene unfolding beside him.


    The traitor¡ªa man who had years of experience in deception, tactics, and survival¡ªhad just been broken in seconds.


    Not by violence.


    Not by brute force.


    But by something worse.


    By the sheer weight of Noah''s presence.


    This wasn''t a soldier.


    This wasn''t even a man.


    "What... are you?"


    Riner didn''t even realize he had spoken out loud.


    Noah finally turned to him, and for the first time, Riner saw something worse than rage or malice in his eyes.


    Indifference.


    "Does it matter?" Noah asked simply.


    Riner''s stomach twisted.


    The roar of engines cut through the night. Headlights sliced through the darkness, beams illuminating the warehouse''s rusted exterior.


    Then¡ªsilence.


    Doors slammed open, boots hit the ground in unison, the rhythm of trained soldiers moving with lethal efficiency. Shadows spilled into the warehouse, rifles raised, scanning every inch.


    Noah remained still, watching from his position, completely unbothered.


    Because at this moment¡ªhe wasn''t the hunted.


    He was the executioner.


    Then, through the sea of armored men, one figure stepped forward. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Lieutenant Adam.


    His presence alone was enough to shift the energy in the room¡ªsharp, commanding, unwavering.


    But the moment his eyes landed on the man sitting beside Riner, something in him froze.


    His breath hitched.


    His entire stance shifted, no longer that of a leader overseeing an operation¡ª


    But a man staring at a ghost.


    "¡­Donald?"


    The single name left his lips like a curse.

 Chapter 255 Donald Smith

    The middle-aged man¡ªDonald¡ªslowly lifted his head.


    His expression?


    Blank.


    No denial. No excuse.


    Just the quiet acceptance of a man caught at the end of his rope.


    Adam took a slow step forward, his face contorting between disbelief and fury.


    "You¡ª" His voice came out strained, barely above a whisper, like the words fought against his throat.


    "You were my comrade."


    A statement. A fact.


    And yet, at this moment, it sounded like an accusation.


    Donald''s lips twitched, but whether it was an attempt at a smirk or a grimace¡ªit was unclear.


    "Things change," he muttered.


    His voice¡ªonce trusted¡ªwas now engulfed with something foreign.


    Something dead.


    Adam took another step forward. His hands clenched at his sides.


    "All these years¡­"


    His voice dropped lower, darker.


    "You were one of us."


    Donald chuckled bitterly. "Was I?"


    Adam stopped.


    Noah watched carefully, arms crossed, reading every micro-expression in Donald''s face.


    This wasn''t just about normal betrayal. It was deeper than that.


    Much deeper.


    It was the betrayal of someone you trusted with your life, a comrade that you would catch a bullet for.


    This was deeply personal."I was never one of you," he said. "I just played the part."Adam''s hands curled into fists. His jaw clenched so tightly it felt like his teeth might shatter. His entire body radiated rage¡ªpure, unfiltered fury.


    "Donald."


    His voice was low, dangerous. A single word carrying the weight of years of camaraderie, trust¡ªall of it shattered.


    "I will make sure you spill every single word."


    Donald didn''t flinch. He smirked instead, his lips curling into something bitter. "You think I''d let you do that?"


    The moment the words left his mouth¡ªhe moved.


    Fast.


    Too fast.


    His hand shot down to his hip, fingers curling around cold steel. The glint of metal flashed under the dim lighting. A heartbeat later¡ª


    He aimed straight at Adam.


    The room snapped into chaos.


    Soldiers tensed, hands rushing as they aimed at Donald¡ªbut they were a fraction too slow. They hadn''t expected it. No one had.


    A single gunshot rang out.


    Not Donald''s.


    Noah''s.


    The crack of the bullet split through the warehouse like a whip of thunder.


    Donald screamed.


    His entire body jerked violently as his hand exploded in pain. Blood splattered across the floor, his fingers twitching uncontrollably as his gun clattered to the ground.


    A gaping, ragged hole was now torn clean through his palm, the bullet ripping flesh and bone apart with surgical precision. He had never even pulled the trigger.


    Donald staggered, gasping for breath, his knees buckling.


    "Arghhh!" His scream was guttural, raw. His mind reeled from the pain, from the sheer speed of what had just happened.


    "Subdue him!" Adam''s voice boomed across the warehouse, his heartbeat still racing from how close he had been to death.


    The soldiers lunged.


    Within seconds, Donald was forced to the ground, biting dirt, his injured arm twisted behind his back. Two men pinned him down, another securing his legs. There was no escape now.


    Adam exhaled sharply, trying to calm the storm inside him. His gaze flickered toward Noah.


    Noah stood there, completely unfazed. His grip on his weapon was still firm, his breathing steady. As if nothing had happened. As if he hadn''t just saved Adam''s life with a single bullet.


    Adam''s lips parted, words failing him for a second before he found his voice. "Why the hell does he still have his gun?"


    Noah''s eyes flickered with something sharp. Something cold.


    "I wanted him to think he had a chance."


    Silence.


    Adam''s brows furrowed, his anger briefly giving way to confusion. "What?"


    Noah''s lips curled into a faint smirk. "It''ll help with breaking him in the interrogation room, later."


    Donald groaned from the floor, his breathing ragged, beads of sweat forming on his forehead as shock settled in. His face contorted in pain, but his mind was reeling for a different reason.


    He had thought¡ªno, he had believed¡ªthat he had a chance.


    That was the trap.


    That was Noah''s game.


    And he had walked straight into it.


    Adam exhaled sharply, shaking his head as he processed Noah''s words. His gaze settled back on Donald, watching him struggle, his confidence shattered.


    And he had walked straight into it.


    Adam almost pitied the bastard.


    Almost.


    His eyes flicked back to Noah. "And if he doesn''t talk?"


    Noah''s smirk didn''t fade. His voice was quiet, lethal.


    "Then you let me handle it."


    A beat of silence stretched between them.


    Adam studied him carefully, the way he stood, the way he carried himself¡ªunshaken, untouched by hesitation. There was no doubt in his mind that Noah meant every word he said.


    Adam had seen a lot of things in his years of service. He had fought wars, and faced death head-on.


    But there was something about Noah Thompson that sent a shiver down his spine. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And for the nth time,1 Adam truly wondered¡ª


    Just what kind of monster had Amelia stumbled into?


    ...


    Adam watched as Donald and Riner were hauled into the waiting vehicle, their wrists tightly bound. The car doors slammed shut. He let out a slow breath before turning to face Noah, who stood with his hands in his pockets, his expression unreadable.


    For a long moment, Adam just studied him.


    The young man had just eliminated twenty assassins, protected a high-value scientist, and exposed a traitor in their ranks. And yet, he stood there as none of it had affected him.


    Adam finally spoke, his voice steady but tinged with respect.


    "Noah... you''ve done a great service. You went above and beyond expectations." He took a step closer, his gaze unwavering.


    "I will make sure your achievements are not overlooked in the slightest. You will receive the recognition you deserve. Not only did you take out twenty assassins and save the scientist, but you also rooted out a traitor who was dangerously close to us."


    Noah tilted his head slightly, his expression calm. "You''re overpraising me, Lieutenant."


    Adam scoffed. "Don''t be modest."


    Noah''s smirk was faint, almost imperceptible. "I wouldn''t have done it without your support."


    Adam rolled his eyes. "Cut the crap, Noah. You didn''t just ''do your job.'' You owned this mission. You saw things before they happened. You played the enemy like a damn game of chess."


    Noah gave a nonchalant shrug. "If you say so."


    Adam sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. He wanted to push further, to get a reaction out of the man who had just pulled off a near-impossible operation. But Noah remained as unreadable as ever.


    Adam let out a tired chuckle. "Now get out of here and get some rest, before I start thinking you''re some kind of war machine instead of a human being."


    Noah returned to his parents'' house at around 6 a.m., the faintest hint of dawn barely creeping over the horizon.


    Inside, Caroline and David were already awake, preparing for work. The soft hum of the coffee machine filled the kitchen, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the crisp morning air.


    When they heard the front door click open, both of them exchanged a glance before turning toward the entrance. Seeing Noah step inside, they thought he was asleep in his room.


    "Noah?" Caroline called out, her voice laced with curiosity and mild concern. "Where were you at this time? The sun isn''t even out yet."


    Noah paused for a beat, then offered a small, easy smile. "Just went outside for a breather."


    His tone was light, casual, betraying nothing.


    Caroline and David studied him for a moment as if searching for something unsaid. Then, as if coming to a silent agreement, they nodded.


    "Alright," David said, taking a sip of his tea.


    Noah gave a faint nod before making his way to his room. The moment the door shut behind him, Caroline let out a sigh, glancing at David.


    "He''s probably stressed about starting university," she murmured, absently stirring her tea.


    David exhaled, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Yeah¡­ It''s a big step. He''s never been the type to show nerves, but maybe it''s getting to him." Continue your journey on My Virtual Library Empire


    means you can''t count it. He had done it too many times.

 Chapter 256 Period Pain Reliever, Competition.

    Noah stirred awake, the soft chime of his phone vibrating on the table beside him, pulling him from sleep. His eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the daylight filtering through the curtains. The screen of his phone lit up repeatedly with a string of notifications.


    [Ding! $249,999 has been credited to your bank account ending in xx04.]


    [Ding! $1,256,250 has been credited to your bank account ending in xx04.]


    [Ding! $695,256 has been credited to your bank account ending in xx04.]


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    The notifications flooded in one after another, a continuous stream from his banking app. Noah rubbed his eyes, sitting up as he scrolled through the deposits. It was that time of the month¡ªdividends day.


    All his investments were paying off. His ownership of Walls4Us. His ownership of An''s Gourmet, the high-end restaurant chain that had become a favourite of food critics.


    Crown Veridian, the prestigious five-star hotel he partially owned. And, of course, the numerous real estates he had given to Arthur, Lily''s father, to sell and rent.


    Noah let out a quiet breath, setting his phone down. This life he had built, piece by piece, was starting to solidify. Each investment, each calculated risk, now flowed back to him like clockwork.


    Swinging his legs over the bed, he stretched before heading to the bathroom. The cold splash of water on his face jolted him fully awake. He glanced at the clock on the wall¡ª12:00 p.m.


    "Six hours of sleep," he muttered.


    The house was quiet, almost too quiet. His parents were already at work. His sister, Emily, was nowhere to be seen either. Noah figured David had probably dropped her off at a friend''s house for the day.


    As he made his way to the kitchen, his eyes landed on a folded piece of paper placed neatly on the table.


    Curious, he picked it up and read the familiar handwriting.


    "The food is in the oven, honey. All you need to do is turn it on, and it''ll be ready in about 10 minutes. Love, Mom."


    A soft smile tugged at Noah''s lips.


    Even with his independence, his wealth, and his capabilities, Caroline still fussed over him like he was the same little boy she used to pack lunchboxes for. She knew he could order food from anywhere, or cook for himself with ease. But still, she wanted to make sure he was taken care of.


    Noah placed the note down gently, feeling a warmth spread through him. Explore more adventures at My Virtual Library Empire


    He turned on the oven as instructed, leaning against the counter as he waited. The faint hum of the appliance filled the otherwise silent kitchen. His mind, however, wasn''t silent.


    Dividends are looking good this quarter, he thought. "But I need to keep an eye on Crown Veridian''s upcoming renovation project. And Arthur mentioned that we should start opening pharmaceutical branches since our period pain reliever has been grounded in the market, just like I planned."


    The timer beeped. Noah opened the oven, the warmth wafting out as he retrieved the neatly prepared meal.


    He sat down at the table, taking a bite.


    ...


    After finishing his food and washing the dish, Noah leaned against the kitchen counter, pulling out his phone. He scrolled through his contacts and tapped Arthur''s name.


    The phone barely rang twice before Arthur''s voice came through, upbeat as ever. "Noah! How are you doing, mate?"


    "I''m good," Noah replied, his tone calm but focused. "How about you?"


    "I''m doing great!" Arthur chuckled. "As expected, the period pain reliever has been a total game-changer. We''ve completely crushed the competition. Their products are just gathering dust on the shelves while ours is flying off."


    Noah nodded to himself, satisfied. "Any specific reports?"


    "Oh, I''ve looked into the sales reports, social media buzz, and even industry analyses. Hundreds of thousands are demanding we increase supply. It''s wild," Arthur said, a mix of pride and disbelief in his voice.


    "We''ll increase production," Noah said decisively. "But there''s something else we need to do first."


    "What''s that?" Arthur asked, intrigued.


    "We need to end our contracts with other distributors after the current cycle."


    Arthur hesitated. "Why? Expanding with them could boost our sales even more."


    Noah''s voice was steady. "This is about control. We need to tighten our grip now so they know we''re not dependent on them. It''s a scare tactic. When they realize we''re serious, they''ll come crawling back with better terms."


    Arthur exhaled, processing the bold move. "I get it. It''s a power play. Alright, I''ll have the legal team draft the notices."


    "Good," Noah said. "But that''s not all. I assume there''s more trouble brewing?"


    Arthur sighed. "Yeah, other companies are already trying to defame us."


    Noah smirked faintly. "Of course they are. Do you know which ones?"


    "There are several, but I''ve only confirmed one so far."


    "Leave it to me," Noah said. "I''ll handle it."


    "Want to meet up to discuss this in detail?" Arthur offered.


    "Not today," Noah replied. "I''ve got a lot on my plate. Soon, though."


    "Alright, I''ll leave you to it," Arthur said.


    ...


    Speaking to his AI assistant, Noah requested the following.


    "I want you to check all the accounts defaming our company, then trace for any sign of them linked to any of the current pharmaceutical companies." He paused, then added, "You can hack, trace, and do whatever you can to these accounts."


    The AI''s response came immediately, its synthesized voice carrying a note of efficiency. "Alright, noted. The request requires a large set of data, so it will take me around 5 minutes to get through. Is that alright?"


    "Sure," he replied.


    Exactly five minutes later, AI''s voice returned, this time with a hint of satisfaction. "The request has been completed. I have listed all the pharmaceuticals that are involved in defaming Thompson''s Pharmaceuticals with the evidence of their association."


    Noah glanced at the list of pharmaceutical companies that his AI assistant had listed with interest. They were all the top dogs of the period pain reliever pills, and they had tried to contact Arthur about selling the company, Arthur had told Noah, and Noah obviously refused.

 Chapter 257 Chaos, Data breach.

    Noah smiled as his eyes scanned through the list of pharmaceutical companies on his phone screen. Each name represented a potential target, a competitor who had tried to tarnish his company''s reputation.


    "I want you to hack all the companies you have listed," he spoke to his AI assistant, his voice carrying the casual tone of someone ordering coffee. "Search for anything that could defame them and ruin their reputation."


    The blue-tinted interface pulsed softly as the AI processed his request. "Initiating comprehensive data breach. Estimated time: 10 minutes for complete infiltration and data extraction."


    "After finding the evidences that cannot be denied, send all of it to all major newspapers." His lips curved into a smile. "And I need an estimate on how long it will take for the news to spread."


    "Based on current media response patterns and the severity of potential findings, news circulation would likely reach peak coverage within 24-36 hours of release," the AI responded. "Would you like me to begin compiling a list of strategic media contacts?"


    "Yes," Noah replied, then added, "And prepare to execute stock transactions. We''ll be doing some short selling when the news breaks." He pulled up his investment portfolio on his phone. The plan was elegantly simple ¨C buy their stocks now, then sell them short when the scandals hit the headlines. He would profit from their downfall twice over.


    "Calculating optimal trading patterns based on projected market reactions," the AI confirmed. "Would you like me to initiate automated trading protocols once the news begins to circulate?"


    Noah''s eyes glinted with satisfaction at the chaos he was about to unleash.


    "Yes," he said simply. "Let''s bring them down."


    At Meridian Pharmaceuticals:


    "Sir! Our firewalls are being breached!" Sarah Chen, the head of IT security, burst into the conference room where the board meeting was in session. Her usually composed demeanor had cracked, beads of sweat visible on her forehead.


    CEO Richard Maxwell slowly put down his coffee. "What do you mean, ''breached''? We just upgraded our security last month."


    "It''s... it''s like nothing I''ve ever seen," Sarah''s fingers flew across her tablet. "The intrusion is bypassing every countermeasure we have. It''s not just accessing our systems ¨C it''s learning from them."


    "Shut it down," Maxwell ordered, rising from his chair. "Shut everything down!"


    "We can''t," Sarah''s voice cracked. "The system isn''t responding to commands. Whatever this is, it''s already in our mainframe."


    Across the city at Helix Biotech.


    "All our research data is being copied!" Dr. James Morrison shouted into his phone. "Years of clinical trials, proprietary formulas ¨C everything!"


    "Have you tried the emergency protocols?" His superior, Dr. Elena Rodriguez, demanded while speed-walking to the security center. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "They''re not working! The system is... it''s almost like it''s alive. It''s anticipating our every move!"


    At Phoenix Pharmaceuticals.


    The security team huddled around multiple screens, their faces illuminated by the rapid cascade of code flooding their monitors.


    "How is this possible?" Head of Security Mark Thompson muttered, watching helplessly as their defenses crumbled. "Our quantum encryption..."


    "It''s being decoded in real-time," his junior analyst whispered in disbelief. "The processing power needed for this... it''s beyond anything we''ve ever encountered."


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    Back at Meridian.


    "Get me the NSA on the line!" Maxwell roared, pacing his office. His secretary''s voice crackled through the intercom.


    "Sir, we can''t make any external calls. Our communication systems are compromised."


    "What about our backup servers in Singapore?"


    "Also breached, sir. We''re... we''re completely exposed."


    Helix Biotech''s Emergency Response Center:


    "Pull the plugs! Physically disconnect everything!" Dr. Rodriguez ordered, watching as staff members frantically yanked cables and powered down machines.


    A young IT specialist looked up from his laptop, face pale. "It''s not helping. Whatever''s in our system, it''s already created multiple redundancies. It''s... it''s like it predicted we''d try this."


    At GlobalCare Pharmaceuticals.


    CEO Victoria Chang stared at the message that had appeared on every screen in their headquarters:


    "SECURITY COMPROMISED. DATA EXTRACTION IN PROGRESS. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO INTERFERE."


    "How many systems are affected?" she asked, her voice eerily calm.


    Her CTO wiped his brow. "All of them. Every single one. Even the air-gapped networks somehow got breached. This isn''t just a hack, Ms. Chang. This is... this is something else entirely."


    Meridian''s Data Center.


    Sarah Chen watched in horror as files began disappearing from their servers. "They''re not just copying the data ¨C they''re erasing our backups!"


    "What are they taking?" Maxwell demanded.


    "Everything. Internal memos, emails, research data..." Sarah''s eyes widened. "Oh god. They''re accessing the restricted servers."


    "The ones with the..."


    "Yes. The ones with all our dirty laundry."


    At Helix Biotech.


    Dr. Rodriguez stared at her screen as folders of confidential documents began opening themselves, their contents scanning past faster than human eyes could follow.


    "They''re finding things," she whispered. "Things we buried years ago."


    "The clinical trials from 2019?" Dr. Morrison asked, his face ashen.


    "All of them. Every cover-up, every altered result, every suppressed report..."


    GlobalCare''s Crisis Center.


    "Multiple news organizations are receiving anonymous tips," the PR director announced, her phone buzzing continuously. "Heavily documented tips."


    Victoria Chang closed her eyes. "About what?"


    "Everything. The price fixing schemes, the suppressed side effect reports, the lobbying payoffs..."


    Phoenix Pharmaceuticals'' Executive Suite.


    "Our stock is starting to drop," the CFO reported, staring at the trading terminals. "Someone''s spreading rumors..."


    "Rumors?" Harrison laughed bitterly. "You mean the truth. They''re spreading the truth we''ve worked so hard to hide."


    Across all companies, the realization was setting in. This wasn''t just a data breach. This was exposure. This was judgment.


    In every building, on every floor, phones began to ring. Journalists. Regulators. Lawyers. The dam was breaking.


    Helix Biotech''s Executive Floor.


    "How long?" Dr. Rodriguez asked her team.


    "Until what?"


    "Until everything we''ve hidden comes to light."


    The young IT specialist checked his tablet. "At the rate they are working... 20 minutes. Maybe less."


    GlobalCare''s Board Room.


    Victoria Chang watched as years of carefully constructed corporate facades began to crumble. "Can anyone stop this?"


    Her CTO shook his head. "This thing... it''s not just breaking in. It''s like it was designed specifically to expose us. Like someone knew exactly where to look and what to find."


    As the chaos unfolded, each company realized the same thing: they were witnessing something unprecedented. Not just a security breach, but a systematic dismantling of their carefully guarded secrets.


    And somewhere, on a phone screen, an AI assistant continued its work, executing Noah''s plan with ruthless efficiency.


    The stock prices hadn''t even begun to fall yet. That would come later, when the headlines hit. When the evidence was irrefutable. When the truth could no longer be buried under layers of corporate bureaucracy and legal maneuvering.


    The pharmaceutical giants, who had spent years building their empires on foundations of secrets and suppressed truths, were about to learn a harsh lesson.


    In front of Noah''s advanced AI, no secret stays buried forever.


    And as the panic spread through their corridors of power, none of them realized that this was just the beginning. The real chaos would start when the markets opened tomorrow, and Noah''s carefully planned stock manipulations began to take effect.


    The age of unaccountable corporate power was ending, not with a bang, but with the quiet hum of an AI executing its instructions with perfect precision.

 Chapter 258 Gold Shop

    After causing chaos in the pharmaceutical industry, Noah simply got up and left the house. Noah approached his matte black G-Wagon, the vehicle''s imposing silhouette matching his confidence.


    Inside the trunk was a heavy-duty duffel bag containing thirty gold bars, he had stopped supplying Leo and others every week and decided to do it every month.


    The weight of the gold ¨C fifteen kilograms in total, but Noah handled it with ease. Explore more stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    The drive to Lionel''s Gold Shop took him through the city''s district.


    The drive to Lionel''s Gold Shop took him through the city''s district. The shop had undergone significant changes in recent weeks, with Lionel expanding the storefront to include a new luxury jewelry section.


    The renovations weren''t just for show ¨C the legitimate side of the business had been generating impressive returns, providing an even better cover for their real operations.


    Noah pulled his G-Wagon beside the newly installed tinted windows. Two men in suits, disguised as regular security gave him subtle nods as he approached the entrance.


    Inside, the shop had transformed from its previously modest appearance. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over glass cases displaying exquisite jewelry pieces, each one carefully selected to attract wealthy clientele. The renovation had been expensive, but it served its purpose ¨C drawing in legitimate high-net-worth customers who wouldn''t blink at large transactions.


    Leo looked up from where he was assisting a customer, his eyes immediately recognizing Noah. He quickly finished the sale, his weathered hands deftly wrapping a diamond necklace in premium packaging.


    "Boss!" Leo called out once the customer had left, genuine warmth in his voice.


    "I haven''t seen you in a long time." His suit was tailored now, another subtle change that came with the shop''s upscale transformation.


    Noah nodded, scanning the new layout. Even with the luxurious upgrade, he could spot the tactical thinking behind every change ¨C the bulletproof glass cleverly disguised as decorative panels, the strategic placement of counters providing clear sightlines to all entrances.


    The changed in the shop were mostly done due to following the AI assistant that Noah had given them. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "How is everything?" Noah asked, though his eyes had already assessed much of the operation. "I came here to check up."


    "Everything is good, boss. Let''s talk inside." Leo moved to the front door, engaging not just the visible locks but also the new electromagnetic security system. The ''CLOSED'' sign flipped automatically, and the windows subtly darkened with electrochromic glass.


    They walked past the main showroom into the back, where the contrast between old and new was even more striking. The legitimate storage room now housed a state-of-the-art inventory system, but it was just a prelude to their real office.


    Noah placed his heavy bag on the Italian marble desk that had replaced the old oak one. "This is this month''s gold bars supply," he stated simply. "Like usual, you guys take half, and Jackson and his guys take half."


    "Of course, boss," Leo replied.


    ...


    "The new upgrades are working well, boss," Leo began, moving to a sleek touchscreen panel mounted on the wall. With a few taps, he pulled up their latest financial reports. "Last month''s legitimate sales crossed $2.4 million. The jewelry side alone brought in $900,000."


    Noah settled into one of the Italian leather chairs, his eyes scanning the numbers displayed before them. The legitimate business wasn''t just a front anymore ¨C it had become a profitable venture in its own right.


    "Remember when you suggested we start crafting our own pieces?" Leo continued, pride evident in his voice. "That decision changed everything." He walked to a nearby safe, entering a complex combination before retrieving a velvet tray. On it lay several exquisite pieces ¨C necklaces, rings, and bracelets, each one crafted from their own gold supply.


    Leo picked up a particularly intricate necklace, the gold catching the light. "It''s extraordinary. We''re getting orders from collectors now, people willing to pay premium prices for custom pieces."


    Noah examined the necklace. The craftsmanship was indeed exceptional.


    "The processing facility in the basement," Leo continued, returning the jewelry to the safe, "it''s running at full capacity. We''re melting down around sixty percent of our supply for jewelry now, just as you suggested. The profit margins..." He shook his head in amazement. "They''re triple what we got from direct gold sales."


    Moving back to the touchscreen, Leo pulled up another set of figures. "We''ve established relationships with five high-end boutiques across the city. They''re taking our pieces on consignment. It''s perfect for moving the merchandise."


    Noah nodded, remembering the careful planning that had gone into selecting those particular boutiques. Each one had been vetted thoroughly, their owners chosen for both their business acumen and their understanding of discretion.


    "The workshop''s running twenty-four hours now," Leo added, pride evident in his voice. "We''ve got three shifts of craftsmen, all properly vetted. The quality control..." He paused, pulling out another piece from a drawer ¨C a bracelet with intricate filigree work. "Every piece is perfect. No shortcuts."


    The transformation had been remarkable. What started as a simple gold shop had evolved into a sophisticated operation that could rival many jewellery brands in the city. The legitimate business was so successful that it almost overshadowed their other activities.


    "Our reputation in the market is growing," Leo continued, settling into his own chair. "The right kind of reputation. High-end clients, collectors, investment buyers ¨C they''re all coming to us first now. It''s exactly what you said would happen, boss. The legitimate business is actually making more than our... other ventures."


    He pulled out a leather-bound ledger ¨C some things were still better kept on paper. "The processing facility is handling other clients'' gold too now. All legitimate, all properly documented. The fees we charge for custom work..." He smiled. "It''s another revenue stream we never had before."


    Noah listened as Leo detailed their expansion plans. The shop had become more than just a front ¨C it was a case study in money laundering through legitimate business growth. Every decision had been calculated to build a sustainable, profitable enterprise that could explain their wealth.

 Chapter 259 Sarah, The Tea House.

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    Noah strode through the glass doors of Walls4Us, his presence immediately commanding attention despite his casual demeanour. The receptionist, Emma, practically jumped from her seat mid-conversation with a client.


    "Sorry, give me a moment," Emma said to the customer, already moving toward Noah with efficiency.


    "Sure," the customer replied, not looking up.


    "Good morning, boss." Emma''s greeting was crisp, professional.


    Noah gave his characteristic nod. "Good morning."


    The simple exchange triggered something in the customer. That voice ¨C deep, authoritative, unmistakable. Sarah''s heart stopped for a moment as her mind raced through years of ''coincidences.''


    The lost contracts that mysteriously renewed. The clients who suddenly changed their minds. The promotional opportunities that seemed to fall into her lap.


    Sarah turned slowly, her suspicions confirmed as she faced Noah.


    The man she''d known as her daughter''s ex-boyfriend stood there, radiating quiet power. The boss. The owner.


    The invisible hand that had been supporting her all along.


    Memories crashed through her mind like dominoes falling.


    The time her biggest client threatened to pull out ¨C suddenly reversed their decision. The contracts she''d gotten when finances were tight.


    Her legs felt weak as the reality hit her.


    After everything that had happened between Noah and her daughter Layla, after all the pain and drama, he''d been silently watching over them. Supporting them. Never once letting on that he owned the company that had become Sarah''s sanctuary.


    The weight of this revelation made her grip the counter for support. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Noah hadn''t just given her a job. He''d given her dignity. Let her believe in herself. Never once used his position to make her feel indebted.


    And Layla... Layla had no idea that the man she''d treated so badly was the reason they''d managed to stay afloat all these years.


    Sarah''s throat tightened as she watched Noah walk past, his attention already on business matters with Emma.


    He didn''t even glance her way ¨C no smugness, no silent request for gratitude.


    Just the same strength she''d always sensed in him, now magnified a hundredfold.


    Noah stepped into the elevator, leaving Sarah frozen in the lobby as years of realizations crashed through her mind.


    "Lady Sarah?" Emma''s voice snapped her back to reality. "The CEO John will attend to you shortly. He''s handling something important right now. Please, have a seat."


    Sarah nodded mechanically, her thoughts still a whirlwind.


    "Would you like some coffee? Tea?"


    "Tea," Sarah mumbled, barely registering her own response.


    Emma returned moments later with a steaming cup. The aroma hit Sarah''s senses even before she took her first sip. As the warm liquid touched her lips, something extraordinary happened. The chaos in her mind began to settle. The overwhelming anxiety that had been crushing her chest eased away, replaced by an unusual clarity.


    She took another sip, then another. Each one seemed to wash away the mental fog that had been clouding her thoughts.


    "Excuse me," Sarah called out to Emma, suddenly alert.


    "Yes, Lady Sarah?"


    "This tea..." Sarah stared at the cup in wonder. "Where did you get it from? It''s magical."


    Emma smiled as if she''d heard this reaction many times before. "The tea? It''s from our owner, Noah Thompson. He has a teahouse nearby. We always get a few boxes when our inventory runs out."


    Sarah''s fingers tightened around the cup. Of course. Even this small comfort, this moment of peace ¨C it was Noah again.


    Sarah took another sip of the tea, a bitter laugh caught in her throat.


    ''Funny how the only thing that makes me feel better, after you... is from you.'' The thought hit harder than she expected.


    Every time she looked at Noah, she saw what could have been. The way he handled everything with such effortless grace. But there was an invisible wall between them, built with bricks labelled "Layla" and mortared with societal expectations.


    She couldn''t be with her daughter''s ex. Simple as that. It didn''t matter that her heart raced whenever he was near, or that she found herself searching for his face in every crowd. Some lines couldn''t be crossed.


    The tea warmed her hands as another thought crept in, more dangerous than the rest.


    ''Would Noah want to?''


    The question hung in her mind, unwelcome but persistent.


    ''Stop it,'' she scolded herself, taking another sip of the impossibly soothing tea. ''You''re acting like a lovesick teenager.''


    But the thought remained, burning quietly like an ember that refused to die.


    ...


    The meeting Noah had with John was about ten minutes long.


    "Ding."


    Sarah who was sipping on the tea, moved her eyes towards the elevator.


    She saw John the CEO, following Noah with a flattery smile on his face.


    After Noah had left the company, John walked towards Sarah.


    Sarah''s thoughts were interrupted as John, finally appeared in front of her.


    "Lady Sarah, sorry for the wait. Let''s discuss your proposal."


    Her mind snapped back to business mode, but the tea''s warmth lingered, along with thoughts of its provider.


    ...


    An hour later, she left Walls4Us with a signed contract. The victory felt hollow now that she knew the truth.


    Stepping onto the street, she made her way to her next destination.


    Her eyes caught sight of the large shop she had been looking for. ''Thompson''s Tea House'' read the elegant sign. Before she could stop herself, her feet were moving.


    The shop''s interior was a study of understated luxury. Dark wood, soft lighting, and the most incredible array of tea aromas she''d ever encountered.


    "Welcome to Thompson''s," David greeted her. "First time?"


    Sarah nodded, still taking in the atmosphere. "I want to buy your tea leaves."


    "Sure, what size would you like?"


    "Small."


    As David reached for one of the signature boxes, Sarah''s attention caught on an elegant plaque beside the display.


    "Thompson''s Exclusive Collection."


    David''s voice pulled her attention back. "This is our signature Clarity Blend. The recipe is a closely guarded secret ¨C Mr. Thompson personally oversees its production."


    Sarah''s fingers traced the embossed logo on the box. Another piece of Noah''s world, another reminder of how much thought he put into everything he touched.

 Chapter 260 Business Empire

    After wrapping up his rounds at Walls4Us, Noah moved through his empire with efficiency. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    An''s Gourmet was thriving, Everything was handled smoothly. The hotel''s occupancy rates were hitting record highs.


    Time to focus on the next play.


    A quick call to Arthur set their meeting. The location: their future pharmaceutical venture''s site.


    Another piece in Noah''s expanding chess game.


    Noah spotted Arthur''s distinguished figure as he pulled up in his G-Wagon. The older man stood by the curb, his silver hair and tailored suit marking him as old money, old power.


    But the sharp gleam in his eyes showed why he''d survived decades in the business world.


    "Mr. Thompson," Arthur greeted with a firm handshake, his tone carrying that unique mix of respect and mentorship he''d perfected when dealing with Noah.


    He''d long since learned not to underestimate the nineteen-year-old who moved tens of millions like chess pieces.


    "Arthur," Noah returned the greeting, his youth contrasting sharply with the authority in his voice. "How''s Lily''s college applications going?"


    Arthur''s weathered face broke into a genuine smile.


    This was why he enjoyed working with Noah ¨C the kid remembered details, and understood the importance of personal touches.


    "She''s got her heart set on Cambridge. Speaking of which, thank you for that recommendation letter."


    "Least I could do," Noah replied, turning to survey the empty lot before them. "Now, about our new venture..."


    The age gap between them disappeared when business took centre stage. Just two players in the game, each bringing their own strengths to the table.


    After checking out the site, Noah nodded, his eyes already calculating possibilities. "This is indeed a good place. You''ve chosen a good spot Arthur."


    "Of course." Arthur''s response carried years of experience, but there was a hint of pride at the young mogul''s approval.


    His eyes crinkled at the corners as he pulled out his tablet. "The demographic data shows we''ll capture both the downtown crowd and the suburban market. Plus..."


    He swiped through several screens. "The city''s planning to develop this entire block within the next two years. We''ll be ahead of the curve."


    Perfect timing, perfect location. Their pharmaceutical operation would have roots deep in the ground before the area boomed.


    "Hospital''s ten minutes away," Noah observed, already seeing the future foot traffic. "And the morning sun won''t hit the entrance directly."


    Arthur raised an eyebrow, impressed yet again by how Noah caught details most would miss. At nineteen, the kid thought of things that took him decades to learn.


    "The permits?" Noah asked, straight to business.


    "Already in motion. My contact at City Hall says we''ll have preliminary approval by next week." Arthur paused, then added with a slight smirk, "Especially after that generous ''community development'' donation you arranged."


    Noah''s lips curved into a ghost of a smile. Money opened doors, but timing and finesse kept them open.


    "Good. Start the construction this month. I want this running before winter hits."


    After wrapping up with Arthur, Noah checked his phone ¨C 6:45 PM. Mom and Dad would be exhausted from their shifts. Time for big brother duty.


    The drive to Emily''s friend''s house was quick. He''d barely knocked for a few seconds, before Mr. Chen opened the door, greeting him with a warm smile.


    "Ah, Noah! Right on time."


    "NOAHHH!" Emily''s voice echoed from inside, followed by the thunder of small feet racing down the hallway.


    She appeared behind Mr. Chen, her backpack clutched in one hand and a half-eaten cookie in the other.


    "Ready to go?" Noah asked, fighting back a smile as she tried to put on her shoes while still holding both items.


    "Wait, wait!" She hopped on one foot, struggling with her sneakers. "Did you see what I made today? Show him, Mr. Chen!"


    Mr. Chen chuckled, reaching for a colourful paper creation on the side table. "Emily made this in art class."


    "It''s a dragon!" Emily announced proudly, finally getting both shoes on. "Look, it breathes real fire!" She pointed to the red and orange tissue paper flames.


    Noah took the artwork, examining it with exaggerated seriousness. "Premium work. Definitely fridge-worthy."


    Emily beamed, bouncing on her toes. "Can we get ice cream on the way home?"


    "Of course." Noah held out his hand, and Emily grabbed it immediately, her small fingers wrapping around his.


    "Bye, Mr. Chen! Bye, Lisa!" Emily waved with her free hand as Noah led her to the car.


    "Seatbelt," Noah reminded her as she climbed in, carefully placing her dragon artwork on the seat beside her. Your adventure continues at My Virtual Library Empire


    "Can I have chocolate AND vanilla?"


    "Any flavour you want." Noah nodded with a smile.


    Emily giggled, already planning her ice cream strategy. "You''re the best big brother ever."


    "Hey Noah?"


    "Yeah?"


    "Can you help me make another dragon tomorrow? I want to make one that breathes blue fire!"


    "Sure. One day i will make you ride one too."


    Emily''s eyes went wide as saucers. "Really? A real dragon?"


    "Mm-hmm." Noah kept his eyes on the road, but his lips curved into a small smile. "A big one. Blue scales. Golden eyes."


    "Like in my books?" Emily bounced in her seat, the dragon artwork fluttering beside her.


    "Better than the books."


    Emily fell silent for a moment, her young mind working through something. "But... dragons aren''t real, right? Lisa says they''re not real."


    Noah caught her eyes in the rearview mirror. "Who says? Maybe they''re just hiding."


    "Hiding where?"


    "In places only special people can find them."


    Emily''s face scrunched up in thought. "Am I special?"


    "The most special."


    "Then..." Her eyes lit up with possibility. "Then I can find them!"


    "One day," Noah promised, pulling into the ice cream shop''s parking lot. "But first..."


    "Ice cream!" Emily was already unbuckling her seatbelt, previous thoughts of dragons temporarily forgotten in favor of more immediate treasures.


    "Noah! They have blue ice cream!" Emily called from the doorway. "Can dragons eat ice cream?"


    "Of course dragons can eat ice cream," Noah said, following her inside. "Why do you think they breathe fire? To keep their ice cream from melting."


    Emily''s delighted laughter filled the small shop. "That''s silly!"

 Chapter 261 Cambridge opening day.

    The teenage server smiled at their interaction. "What can I get for you two?"


    "Vanilla and chocolate!" Emily pressed her face against the display glass, then spun to look at Noah. "In a cone!"


    "Same for me," Noah said, watching his sister''s eyes light up.


    "You got the same as me!" Emily bounced excitedly. "We match!"


    The server started scooping their ice cream, and Emily tugged at Noah''s sleeve. "Is it because dragon riders have to match?"


    "Exactly." Noah''s phone buzzed ¨C more chaos in the pharmaceutical world. He ignored it.


    "Two vanilla and chocolate cones," the server announced, handing them over.


    They grabbed a table by the window, Emily immediately diving into her ice cream with the enthusiasm only an eight-year-old could muster.


    "Noah! Look!" She pointed at their identical cones. "We''re like twins!"


    "Except one of us is way shorter."


    "I''m growing!" Emily protested, ice cream already around her mouth. "Mom said I grew two whole inches this year!"


    Noah''s phone buzzed again. Stock markets crashing. Headlines spreading.


    But right now, watching Emily try to eat her ice cream before it melted, none of that mattered.


    "When I get my dragon," she declared between bites, "can we get ice cream together? All three of us?"


    "Sure."


    ...


    Noah pulled up to his parents'' home. Emily bounded out of the car, her dragon artwork clutched carefully in one hand.


    "Mom! Dad! Look what I made!"


    His parents were in the living room, his dad had already picked up his mom from An''s Gourmet after closing the teahouse.


    "Another masterpiece?" His dad grinned, examining the dragon.


    "Noah''s going to help me make a blue one tomorrow!" Emily announced.


    His mom caught his eye. "Staying for dinner?"


    Noah shook his head. "Got open week, at Cambridge tomorrow. Heading to the house tonight. It''s closer there."


    "Nooo!" Emily latched onto his leg. "Stay!"


    He ruffled her hair. "Can''t, Em. But I''ll be back for dragon-making duty soon."


    After quick goodbyes and his mom''s usual "Drive safe," Noah was back in his G-Wagon, heading toward his mansion near Cambridge. The city lights blurred past as his mind shifted gears.


    University tomorrow. Another piece of his carefully constructed life falling into place. By day, he''d be just another 19-year-old freshman. By night, he''d continue orchestrating the downfall of pharmaceutical giants from his home office.


    His phone lit up. More updates about the chaos he''d created. The mansion''s gates opened automatically as he approached.


    Noah stepped into the gleaming foyer, the motion sensors automatically bringing the lights up to a soft glow. Alfred''s touch was everywhere - from the perfectly arranged shoes to the fresh flowers in the crystal vase.


    His phone buzzed.


    "Welcome home, sir," his AI assistant''s voice came through his earpiece. "The pharmaceutical stocks have dropped 47% since market close. Shall I prepare the trading algorithms for tomorrow''s opening bell?"


    "Do it." Noah loosened his tie, heading straight for his home office. The massive screens on the wall lit up at his approach, displaying real-time data from global markets.


    ...


    The sun''s rays crept through the smart-tinted windows, hitting Noah''s face at exactly 5:00 AM.


    One fluid motion and he was up, splashing cold water on his face.


    His next stop was the gym.


    An hour of weights flew by, the wall-length mirrors reflected a physique that didn''t match his business empire, too young and too fit.


    6:00 AM.


    What followed the strength training was thirty minutes of cardio.


    6:30 AM.


    After he was done, Noah headed to the shower. Stay connected via My Virtual Library Empire


    At 6:45 AM, Noah was getting ready to head out.


    His outfit was a cream-colored cashmere sweater from Brunello Cucinelli, dark tailored jeans, and white Alexander McQueen sneakers. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A Patek Philippe watch completed the look.


    Noah strode into the breakfast room, sunlight streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows.


    "Good morning, Mr. Noah," Selena beamed, setting down a steaming plate of eggs benedict with smoked salmon, the hollandaise sauce perfectly drizzled.


    A bowl of steel-cut oatmeal with fresh berries and honey sat beside it, along with freshly squeezed orange juice and a cappuccino made from his imported Italian beans.


    His phone lit up. Markets open in an hour. The pharmaceutical stocks were already in pre-market freefall.


    "The G-Wagon is ready, sir," Alfred appeared at the doorway. "I have already heated the seats, and made sure that the interior was clean."


    Noah cut into the eggs, the yolk running golden across the plate.


    7:15 AM.


    Time to head out.


    The G-Wagon hummed to life as he slid into the driver''s seat. His phone buzzed - chaos spreading, headlines multiplying, corporations crumbling.


    Noah''s phone lit up, his AI assistant''s voice crisp.


    "Operation successful, sir. Market manipulation executed flawlessly. Total profits currently at $10,347,892 and rising."


    The numbers flashed across his car''s heads-up display.


    "Break it down," Noah commanded, smoothly navigating the Bentley through traffic.


    "Phase One complete: Leaked data caused immediate 47% drop in target companies'' stock values. Our short positions generated $4.2 million in the first hour."


    The display updated in real-time. $10,456,721.


    "Phase Two exceeded expectations: Mass media coverage triggered panic selling. Secondary markets affected. Our algorithm caught every dip. Current profit from market swing trades: $6.1 million."


    $10,589,344.


    "Additional revenue streams activating now. Our dummy corporations are buying distressed assets at 31% of market value."


    $10,742,893.


    "Sir, would you like me to initiate Phase Three? Our analysis shows potential for another 20% market drop if we release the second wave of data."


    Noah''s lips curved into a slight smile. "Hold Phase Three. Let''s see how orientation goes first."


    $11,023,567 and climbing.


    His phone displayed one final update: $11,256,789.


    Noah stepped out of the G-wagon. Other students milled around, some trying not to stare at his car, others openly gawking.


    His AI assistant sent another notification to his phone''s screen. "$11,478,923."


    A group of students walked past, chattering excitedly about the open day.


    "Over there!" A student ambassador waved, directing freshmen toward the grand hall. "Orientation this way!"


    Noah''s phone buzzed again. "$11,567,890."


    He silenced the updates with a subtle tap on his phone.

 Chapter 262 - 262: Two Degrees

    "Hey!" A friendly voice broke through his thoughts.


    A guy about his age jogged up, wearing a bright orientation team shirt and a smile. "I''m Mark. I am part of the freshman helping team. What department are you in?"


    "I''m in a few departments. I''m in the computer science department and the medicine department."


    He''d chosen these two degrees carefully.


    The combination would prove useful for his long-term plans.


    Mark''s jaw literally dropped, his clipboard lowering. "Are you joking?" Continue reading at My Virtual Library Empire


    Noah fixed him with a level stare, expression neutral. "Why would I joke with you when I just met you?"


    The question hung in the air, neither accusatory nor defensive, just matter-of-fact. This was the approach that unsettled people most¡ªthe complete absence of the need to impress.


    Mark scratched the back of his head, suddenly self-conscious. "You''re right. My bad. It''s just that these are one of the two hardest degrees and you''re doing both of them simultaneously, it''s very impressive."


    Noah nodded once. "It''s alright."


    No explanation offered, no humble brag about his intelligence or work ethic.


    The less he said, the more people filled in the blanks themselves.


    Mark seemed to recover his demeanor, pointing across the quad.


    "Alright, you see those two groups over there. The first one is for computer science students, the second is for Medicine. Approach them and take the leaflet, it should tell you everything you should know about your course and it also has a map."


    "Thanks." Noah moved past, heading toward the computer science group first.


    His earpiece buzzed again¡ªnot his AI this time, but a call. Noah checked the display on his watch.


    Leo from the gold shop. Probably about the latest gold shipment. That would have to wait.


    The computer science group was exactly what he''d expected¡ªa mix of stereotypical coding prodigies who''d been building apps since middle school, wealthy international students with perfect test scores, and a few older students changing careers.


    The group leader, a woman in her thirties with a PhD student badge, was explaining course requirements.


    Noah collected his materials, mentally cataloging the professors'' names.


    As he turned toward the medicine group, a notification flashed across his phone. Another million added to his morning''s work. The algorithm was performing perfectly.


    The medicine group had a different energy¡ªmore intense, more competitive. These were future doctors, after all. The stakes were higher, and it showed in their faces. Noah slipped into the back of the crowd, observing.


    A tall, distinguished professor was addressing them, speaking about the rigors of medical training. "¡ªcommitment unlike any other field. If you''re here for prestige or because your parents expect it, I suggest you reconsider now. Medicine demands everything. It will take 90% of your time."


    "You will be in your room with cramming work, whilst your friends are going out and having fun. Do not think that you could pass by luck or by last minute revision, because you won''t."


    Noah suppressed a smile.


    "Thompson? Noah Thompson?" A


    Noah turned to see another orientation guide checking a list of names.


    "Yes?"


    The guide looked down at the picture next to the name, then ticked it.


    "Professor Whitaker wants to see you. Computer Science department head." The guide looked impressed despite himself. "Says it''s about your application."


    Around them, other students whispered. Pre-orientation meetings with department heads were rare, usually reserved for exceptional cases¡ªscholarship recipients or, occasionally, those who needed to be talked out of a program they weren''t qualified for.


    Given Noah''s credentials, it was clearly the former.


    "Where?" Noah asked simply.


    "Maxwell Building, third floor, room 312. I can show you¡ª"


    "I''ll find it." Noah headed off, leaving the guide blinking in surprise.


    His phone buzzed again. Leo was persistent today.


    "Yes?" Noah answered quietly, keeping his pace steady.


    "Boss, we''ve got a situation at the shop. Someone''s asking questions about our inventory sources. Says he''s from regulatory compliance."


    Noah''s mind shifted gears smoothly. "Standard procedure. Show him the legitimate invoices only."


    "Got it, boss."


    The call ended as Noah reached Maxwell Building. Built in the 1800s but recently renovated, it housed the Computer Science department''s administrative offices. Room 312 was at the end of a long hallway lined with research posters and achievement plaques.


    He knocked once.


    "Enter," came a clipped voice.


    Professor Katherine Whitaker sat behind a desk covered in organized stacks of papers. Despite being in her fifties, she had the intense energy of someone half her age. Her eyes fixed on Noah immediately. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Mr. Thompson. Dual enrollment in Computer Science and Medicine. Perfect test scores. And a rather interesting project submission with your application." She gestured to the chair across from her desk. "Please, sit."


    Noah took the seat, maintaining eye contact. "Professor."


    "I''ve been teaching at Cambridge for twenty-three years, Mr. Thompson. In that time, I''ve seen exceptional students come and go." She leaned forward slightly. "But I''ve never seen an AI algorithm like the one you submitted with your application. It''s at least five years ahead of current commercial technology."


    Noah offered a modest shrug. "I''ve always been interested in machine learning."


    "This goes beyond interest." She held up a tablet displaying his submission. "This is graduate-level work. None of the PhD students I have seen could design something this elegant."


    Noah did not give the algorithm he had been using, he had given one that was slightly more advanced than what was currently available. Furthermore, he did not give the complete algorithm and left it as a ''project to complete''.


    "Thank you," Noah said simply.


    Professor Whitaker studied him for a moment longer. "I''ve arranged for you to have access to our advanced computing lab. Normally reserved for third-year students and above. Your algorithm has... potential applications we''d like to explore."


    "I appreciate that."


    "There''s also the matter of your dual enrollment." Her tone shifted slightly. "It''s highly unusual. Most students find either Computer Science or Medicine challenging enough on their own."


    Noah met her gaze steadily. "I work well under pressure."


    A slight smile touched her lips. "Evidently. Well, Mr. Thompson, I look forward to seeing what you accomplish here." She handed him a key card. "This will give you access to the advanced lab. Don''t make me regret this exception."


    "I won''t."

 Chapter 263 - 263: First Lecture

    As Noah left the office, his phone buzzed with another update. $13 million now. All before his first class had even begun.


    The day stretched ahead¡ªorientation schedules, campus tours, introductory lectures. All the trappings of normal university life.


    His phone vibrated one last time.


    "Sir," his AI assistant''s voice came through, "Phase Two complete. Would you like to proceed to Phase Three?"


    Noah checked his orientation schedule. First lecture: Introduction to Algorithms.


    "Start Phase Three," he murmured. "Whilst I check out the orientation first."


    Noah checked his watch and quickened his pace. "I have ten minutes before the lecture starts. The main building isn''t too far as well. I should be able to make it," he muttered, weaving between groups of chattering students.


    The Computer Science Department occupied a striking blend of old and new¡ªa historic stone building with modern glass extensions housing cutting-edge technology.


    Digital displays lined the hallways, showcasing student projects and research achievements. There were a few coffee vending machines for those who wanted some caffeine in their systems.


    Noah pushed through the heavy wooden doors of Lecture Hall B. Students were already filling the seats.


    Some wore Cambridge hoodies, others were casual. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He scanned the room, choosing a seat near the back row. Strategic positioning.


    ''I have a good view of everyone.''


    A group of students nearby were arguing about how hard the year would be, and if they would be able to balance their time.


    The door at the front opened, and the hall immediately quieted. Professor Jensen, renowned for both his brilliant research and zero tolerance for latecomers, strode in.


    Noah settled back.


    The lecture hall fell silent as Professor Jensen took center stage, his presence commanding attention without effort.


    He wore a simple blazer over a t-shirt that read "I''d rather be coding".


    He was the type of nerd that you had to respect and couldn''t make fun of.


    A genius.


    "Welcome to Introduction to Advanced Computer Science. I''m Professor Jensen." He surveyed the room, his eyes briefly scanning each face. "Before we dive into algorithms that will melt your brains, let me tell you what you''re really here for."


    He tapped his tablet, and the massive screen behind him lit up with images of a lab.


    "My team and I are working on the Phoenix Project - an AI system designed to revolutionize how businesses operate. We''re talking predictive supply chain optimization, customer behavior modeling, and resource allocation that makes current systems look prehistoric."


    Noah''s interest sharpened. This was unexpected.


    "Here''s something not in your orientation packets," Jensen continued with a slight smile. "I''ll be selecting three students from this year to join my research team. You''ll get access to tech most of you won''t see for a decade, your names on published research, and connections that will set your careers on fire."


    The room erupted.


    "Is he serious?" a guy with thick glasses whispered loudly.


    "That''s why I chose Cambridge!" a girl in the front row exclaimed.


    A student two rows ahead of Noah turned to his friend. "Dude, do you know what this means? The Phoenix Project is like, every tech company''s dream right now."


    "No way we have a shot," his friend replied. "There''s got to be at least 200 students here."


    "My sister works at Microsoft and says they''re already planning to build entire divisions around this tech," another student chimed in. "Whoever gets picked is basically set for life."


    Professor Jensen raised his hand. The room quieted instantly.


    "Don''t get too excited. I''m not looking for good programmers. I''m looking for exceptional thinkers. People who see solutions where others see walls."


    A girl with bright blue hair raised her hand. "Professor, what''s the selection process?"


    "Impress me," Jensen replied simply. "Now, let''s start with why most of you think you understand algorithms, but actually don''t."


    The lecture began in earnest, but the whispers continued around Noah.


    "I''m pulling all-nighters all semester if that''s what it takes."


    "My parents will freak if I get selected."


    "I heard last year he only chose one student instead of three because the others weren''t good enough."


    Professor Jensen paced at the front of the lecture hall, his fingers flying across the touchscreen as complex code appeared on the massive display behind him.


    "Algorithms are the backbone of everything you''ll build," he said, eyes scanning the crowd. "But most of you think an algorithm is just a fancy word for code. It''s not."


    A series of diagrams flashed on screen, each more complex than the last.


    "Let''s test your understanding. You¡ª" Jensen pointed directly at a startled student in the middle row, a skinny guy with oversized headphones around his neck. "What''s the time complexity difference between a naive string-matching algorithm and the Knuth-Morris-Pratt algorithm when dealing with repeating pattern texts?"


    The student froze, mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. "I, uh... O(n2) versus... O(n)?"


    Jensen''s expression darkened. "Not even close. Anyone else?"


    Silence fell over the lecture hall. Students avoided eye contact, suddenly fascinated by their notes.


    Noah watched the scene unfold, mentally formulating the correct answer but staying silent.


    "Really? No one?" Jensen sighed dramatically. "The naive algorithm can degrade to O(m¡Án) when facing pathological inputs with repeating patterns, while KMP maintains O(m+n) regardless because it eliminates redundant comparisons through its partial match table. This is first-year stuff, people."


    The skinny student sank lower in his seat, face burning red.


    "If you want one of those three spots on my team, you need to understand these fundamentals in your sleep." Jensen tapped his screen again. "Let''s try something more basic..."


    Noah felt his phone vibrate. Another million added. The algorithm he''d designed was light-years beyond what Jensen was discussing.


    Professor Jensen''s eyes narrowed as he scanned the lecture hall. "Let''s try another. What optimization problems can we effectively solve using dynamic programming versus greedy algorithms, and when would the greedy approach fail?"


    A hand shot up from the back. It belonged to someone in a dark blue hoodie, face partially obscured.


    Noah raised his eyebrow. Jensen had called this "more basic," but it wasn''t. This question was more suitable for exceptional third-year students, not first-years. Jensen was fishing for talent.


    "Dynamic programming works when we have overlapping subproblems and optimal substructure," Hoodie Guy answered, voice clear and confident. "Greedy algorithms work only when the locally optimal choice leads to a globally optimal solution. They fail on problems like the Knapsack Problem because making the locally ''best'' choice doesn''t guarantee the best overall result."


    Jensen''s eyebrows shot up. "Correct. And an example?"


    "Coin change problem with standard US currency versus non-standard denominations," Hoodie Guy replied without hesitation.


    A murmur rippled through the lecture hall. This wasn''t first-year knowledge.


    Jensen nodded, almost smiling. "Good. At least someone did their reading."


    Noah''s eyes narrowed, his special ability activating with barely a thought.


    [Talent Finder: Analyzing...]


    Information flooded his mind as he studied Hoodie Guy from behind.


    Noah''s eyebrow raised. Interesting. Most people at Cambridge were smart, but this one had real potential. A possible rival for Jensen''s project¡ªor a potential asset for Noah''s own plans.


    ''He''ll be useful. I will recruit him.'' Noah though with a soft smile on his face, that no one noticed.

 Chapter 264 - 264: A Grade Talent

    [Ding!]


    Name: Lucas Heart


    Age: 19


    Talent Grade: A


    Talent: Programmer


    Description: With immense potential yet to be unlocked, Lucas can become a world-renowned figure in the field of programming and computers if given the right resources, and training.


    Noah''s eyes narrowed as the talent assessment flickered across his vision. So that''s who was hiding under the hoodie.


    Lucas Heart.


    Grade A.


    Someone with genuine potential.


    Professor Jensen''s voice cut through his thoughts. "Let''s up the difficulty. What''s the optimal solution for handling concurrency in distributed systems when network partitioning is unavoidable?"


    Time to make himself known. Noah straightened slightly.


    "It depends on whether you prioritize consistency or availability," Noah said, his voice carrying easily across the lecture hall. All heads turned toward him. "Imagine you''re running a banking app. When the network hiccups, you have two choices: either make sure everyone sees the exact same account balance but risk the app becoming temporarily unavailable, or keep the app running but risk people seeing different balances for a while."


    Jensen''s eyebrows shot up. "Continue."


    "For banking, you''d choose consistency¡ªbetter to temporarily shut down than show wrong balances. But for something like Instagram, you''d pick availability¡ªit''s not the end of the world if your friend''s new post takes a few extra seconds to appear on your feed."


    The room fell silent. Jensen studied Noah with newfound interest.


    "And how would you implement that in practice?" Jensen challenged.


    "I''d use tools that let different computers talk to each other even when they disagree, kind of like how a group chat keeps working even when someone loses signal¡ªthey just catch up later. For the critical stuff, I''d use a system where computers vote on decisions, like friends deciding where to eat dinner¡ªmajority rules."


    A slight smile played at Jensen''s lips. "Your name?"


    "Noah Thompson."


    "Interesting approach, Mr. Thompson. Though I''d argue your method isn''t suitable for all situations."


    Noah nodded. "True. For more complex relationships, it''s like adding dietary restrictions to that dinner decision¡ªyou need extra rules to make everyone happy."


    The exchange had the desired effect. Students were whispering, eyes darting between Noah and Jensen like spectators at a tennis match.


    Even Lucas had turned slightly to get a better look.


    "One last question before we break," Jensen announced. "What''s the fundamental limitation of current AI when it comes to understanding cause and effect versus mere coincidence?"


    Another student raised her hand, a girl with braided hair and curious eyes.


    "Current AI is like a child who notices it rains when people carry umbrellas, but doesn''t understand people carry umbrellas because it''s raining," she answered. "They see patterns but can''t tell what''s causing what¡ªlike noticing ice cream sales and drowning rates both increase in summer without realizing they''re both caused by hot weather, not each other."


    [Ding!]


    Name: Jasmine Sheath


    Age: 19


    Talent Grade: B


    Talent: Programmer


    Description: A natural problem-solver with exceptional analytical abilities. While not quite at the cutting edge of innovation, her unique approach and attention to detail make her invaluable for complex systems implementation.


    Jensen nodded appreciatively. "And how might we address this limitation?"


    "By teaching AI to think more like scientists¡ªcreating experiments that specifically test cause and effect rather than just observing patterns," Jasmine replied.


    "Good. Though incomplete," Jensen said. "Anyone else want to add to that?"


    Noah seized the opportunity. "We could also use mathematical models that specifically map out cause-and-effect relationships. It''s like giving the AI a cheat sheet that says ''umbrellas don''t cause rain'' instead of letting it figure it out through observation alone."


    Lucas''s hand shot up. "Another approach is teaching AI to imagine ''what if'' scenarios. Like asking ''what if people didn''t carry umbrellas when it rained?'' to help it understand the causal relationship."


    Jensen looked between the three of them, not bothering to hide his interest now. "Well, well. Maybe this year''s cohort has some promise after all."


    The class continued for another thirty minutes, but the pattern was clear. Whenever Jensen posed a particularly challenging question, it was Noah, Lucas, or Jasmine who answered. The rest of the students grew increasingly quiet, the gap in knowledge becoming painfully apparent.


    When the lecture finally ended, the room emptied quickly. Many students looked shell-shocked, others frantically taking notes even as they packed up.


    Noah remained seated, watching as Lucas zipped up his backpack. Jasmine was doing the same a few rows away.


    As students filed out, Noah activated his Talent Finder once more, this time focusing on the remaining students. Most registered as C grade or below. Not worth his time.


    Time to make contact. Noah stood, casually making his way toward Lucas, who was still packing up. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "That was an impressive answer about teaching AI to imagine alternatives," Noah said, his voice carefully calibrated to sound casually interested rather than calculating.


    Lucas looked up, pushing his hoodie back slightly. Brown eyes, sharp features, perpetual dark circles that spoke of late nights coding. "Thanks. Your explanation of complex systems wasn''t bad either."


    "Noah Thompson." He extended his hand.


    "Lucas Heart." They shook briefly.


    "Have you worked with AI learning systems before?" Noah asked.


    Lucas shrugged. "Built a few projects. Nothing major."


    A lie. Noah could tell from the slight hesitation. Lucas had worked on something significant but didn''t want to share.


    Jasmine approached them, confidence in her stride. "That was brutal. I''m Jasmine, by the way."


    "Noah." "Lucas."


    "I think we just survived the academic equivalent of a gladiator match," she said with a wry smile. "Did anyone else feel like that was more of an audition than a first lecture?"


    "Definitely by design," Noah replied. "Jensen''s separating the stars from the extras early."


    Lucas nodded. "Three spots, hundreds of students. He''s not wasting time."


    Noah studied them both carefully. Lucas: raw talent, almost intuitive understanding of complex systems, but a loner by nature. Jasmine: methodical, thorough, excellent communicator. Both would be valuable.


    "We should form a study group," Noah suggested, the plan forming in his mind. "The three of us clearly have complementary strengths."


    "Why?" Lucas asked bluntly. "We''re competing for the same spots."


    Jasmine frowned. "Not necessarily. He''s taking three students."


    "And there are three of us," Noah added with a slight smile. "Unless you''d rather compete against us than with us?"


    Lucas considered this, eyes narrowing slightly. "What''s in it for you?"


    Smart. Already sensing that Noah had an angle.


    "Efficiency," Noah replied smoothly. "I''m also enrolled in the Medicine program. My time is limited. Working together means we all benefit."


    "I''m in," Jasmine decided. "Lucas?"


    Lucas hesitated, then nodded reluctantly. "Fine. But we share everything. No holding back."


    "Agreed," Noah said, though he had no intention of sharing everything. These two were talented, yes, but they were still just pieces on his board.


    "Exchange numbers?"


    As they pulled out their phones, Noah noticed Professor Jensen watching them from across the room, a satisfied expression on his face.

 Chapter 265 - 265: Reward

    After exchanging numbers with Lucas and Jasmine, Noah headed toward the exit, mind already plotting how to leverage their talents. His phone buzzed with a new message as he pushed through the double doors into the afternoon sun.


    Lieutenant Adam: Higher-ups want to meet. Reward for the scientist extraction mission. How soon can you get here?


    Noah''s pace didn''t falter.


    Noah typed back: ETA 40 minutes.


    "Sir, the pharmaceutical chaos has generated $17.2 million in profits. Would you like me to begin reinvestment protocols?" his AI assistant asked as he slid into the Bentley.


    "Start them. Standard pattern."


    "Processing now."


    ...


    Noah pulled into the security checkpoint.


    The guard''s eyes widened slightly. "ID sir?"


    Noah handed over his card. The guard scanned it, then straightened his posture.


    "Right this way, sir."


    The elevator required another scan and a retinal check. As the doors closed, Noah felt the familiar drop in his stomach as they descended twelve floors below the building''s official schematics.


    Lieutenant Adam waited at the bottom, his weathered face as unreadable as ever.


    "They''re ready for you," Adam said, falling into step beside Noah.


    The debriefing room went quiet as Noah entered. Five stars and suits, all with expressions that mixed respect and calculation.


    "The rescue operation was a complete success," General Hayes began, cutting straight to the point. "The scientist is safe, his research secured, and a high-level mole exposed. Exceptional work, Captain Thompson."


    Colonel Winters nodded, grudging admiration in his eyes. "Taking down nineteen hostiles while protecting the VIP exceeded all operational parameters. The Joint Chiefs are impressed."


    Noah accepted the praise with a slight nod. No need to elaborate on what they already knew.


    "This operation has accelerated our timeline," Hayes continued, sliding a folder across the table. "Effective immediately, you''re promoted to Major and granted Obsidian clearance."


    Noah''s eyebrow raised slightly. Obsidian clearance meant access to the military''s most classified projects. Few people below the rank of colonel ever received it.


    "Thank you," Noah said simply.


    "Don''t thank us yet," Hayes replied with a thin smile. "Your next assignment has already been selected." He tapped the folder. "Alexander Volkov. Russian tech billionaire with concerning connections."


    Noah opened the file, scanning the key points.


    "Project Lazarus. Unknown parameters, but intelligence suggests it could shift the global power balance. Volkov will be at Cambridge in a few days. Guest lecture on innovation."


    Perfect timing. Noah closed the file. "I''ll handle it."


    "We have no doubt," Hayes said, standing to signal the meeting''s end. "Congratulations, Major Thompson. Use your new resources wisely."


    As the others filed out, Lieutenant Adam stayed behind.


    "Not bad for someone who should be worrying about freshman parties instead of national security," he said with a hint of a smile.


    Noah checked his phone. A message from Jasmine about tomorrow''s study session.


    Noah was already thinking about Volkov, about the pharmaceutical markets, about Lucas and Jasmine''s potential.


    Major Thompson. Obsidian clearance. With more pieces on his board, more moves are available.


    The drive back to his mansion flew by, Noah''s mind racing through scenarios. His AI assistant''s voice broke his thoughts. "Stock manipulation complete. $18.7 million secured. Where should I allocate funds?"


    "Leave them in the account for now,"


    "Understood." The AI responded.


    ...


    The lecture hall buzzed with anticipation. Alexander Volkov¡ªtech billionaire, rumoured genius, and a possible threat to national security, was Cambridge''s guest of honour today.


    A few days had already passed by since Noah had been promoted.


    Noah slipped into the room fifteen minutes early. Lucas was already there, hunched over his laptop in the third row.


    Noah slid in beside him. "Didn''t expect to see you here. Not exactly a programming lecture."


    Lucas''s fingers paused over his keyboard. "Volkov''s quantum computing research is legendary. Even if half the rumors are true..."


    "Which rumors?"


    "That he''s developed a quantum system that can break any encryption in seconds."


    Noah''s interest sharpened. Project Lazarus. This might be it.


    "You follow his work closely?"


    Lucas shrugged. "Hard not to when you''re into cutting-edge tech." Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Students poured in, filling seats quickly.


    The doors at the front opened. A security team entered first, scanning the room. Then Volkov himself walked in.


    He wasn''t what most people expected. No flashy suit, no entourage of assistants. Just a trim man in his fifties with sharp eyes and casual clothes that probably cost more than most cars.


    "Is that him? I''ve never seen a picture of him online," Lucas whispered. "Doesn''t look like a tech demon."


    "They never do," Noah replied.


    Professor Jensen stepped forward to introduce their guest, but Volkov waved him off with a smile.


    "Let''s skip the formalities," Volkov said, his Russian accent barely detectable. "You''re not here to listen to your professor praise me."


    A laugh rippled through the audience.


    "I''m here to talk about the future. Not the one you''ll see in ten years. The one you''ll see in six months."


    Volkov tapped a button on the podium. The lights dimmed as a screen descended from the ceiling.


    "Project Aurora," Volkov announced.


    Noah''s eyes narrowed. Not Lazarus? A cover name?


    "My team has developed a quantum computing architecture that accelerates machine learning by a factor of ten." Volkov clicked to the next slide showing comparison charts. "Who here understands what that means for the industry?"


    A few hands went up. Lucas''s among them.


    "You." Volkov pointed at Lucas. "Explain it to your classmates."


    Lucas straightened, caught off guard. "It means AI training that currently takes weeks could be done in days. Models could be more complex without the current computational limitations."


    Volkov nodded. "Good start. But I''m interested in practical applications." His eyes moved to Noah. "What about you? What''s the true implication?"


    Noah met his gaze coolly. "Faster drug development. More efficient financial models. Better predictive systems for everything from weather to market trends."


    "And military applications," Volkov added with a slight smile. "Let''s not pretend that isn''t where the real funding comes from."


    The room tensed slightly. Noah kept his expression neutral as Volkov''s eyes lingered on him a moment too long.